IR 05000188/2010201
| ML102160528 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Kansas State University |
| Issue date: | 08/05/2010 |
| From: | Johnny Eads Research and Test Reactors Branch B |
| To: | Geuther J Kansas State University |
| Morlang, G M, NRR/DPR, 415-4092 | |
| References | |
| IR-10-201 | |
| Download: ML102160528 (14) | |
Text
August 5, 2010
SUBJECT:
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - NRC ROUTINE, ANNOUNCED INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-188/2010-201
Dear Dr. Geuther:
On July 19-22, 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, the Commission)
conducted an inspection at the Kansas State University Nuclear Reactor Facility (Inspection Report No. 50-188/2010-201). The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report presents the results of that inspection.
This inspection was an examination of activities conducted under your license as they relate to safety and compliance with the Commissions rules and regulations and with the conditions of your license. Within these areas, the inspection consisted of selective examinations of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations of activities in progress. Based on the results of this inspection, no safety concern or noncompliance with NRC requirements was identified. No response to this letter is required.
In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 2.390, Public inspections, exemptions, requests for withholding, a copy of this letter and its enclosure will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC=s document system (Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at (the Public Electronic Reading Room) http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.
Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, please contact Gary Morlang at 301-415-4092 or by electronic mail at Gary.Morlang@nrc.gov.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Johnny H. Eads, Jr., Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No. 50-188 License No. R-88
Enclosure: As stated
cc w/encl: See next page
Kansas State University Docket No. 50-188
cc:
Office of the Governor Suite 2415 300 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612
Thomas A. Conley, RRPJ, CHP, Section Chief Radiation and Asbestos Control KS Dept of Health & Environment 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320 Topeka, KS 66612-1366
Mayor of Manhattan 1101 Poyntz Ave.
Manhattan, KS 66502
Test, Research, and Training Reactor Newsletter Purdue University Office EE B81 400 Central Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907
ML102160528 NRC-002 OFFICE PROB:RI PRPB:LA PROB:BC NAME GMorlang GLappert JEads DATE 8/5/2010 8/5/2010 8/5/2010
U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No:
50-188
License No:
R-88
Report No:
50-188/2010-201
Licensee:
Kansas State University
Facility:
TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor
Location:
Manhattan, Kansas
Dates:
July 19-22, 2010
Inspector:
Gary (Mike) Morlang
Approved by:
Johnny Eads, Jr., Chief
Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch
Division of Policy and Rulemaking
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Kansas State University TRIGA Mark II Research Reactor Facility NRC Inspection Report No. 50-188/2010-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Kansas State University (the licensees) Class II research reactor facility safety programs including: organization and staffing; operations logs and records; procedures; requalification training: surveillance and limiting conditions for operation; emergency planning; maintenance logs and records; and fuel handling logs and records. The licensee=s programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety, and were in compliance with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.
Organization and Staffing
- The organization and staffing was consistent with Technical Specifications (TS)
requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
- Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.
Procedures
- Procedure administrative review, revision, adherence to, and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
Requalification Training
- The records reviewed by the inspector indicated that the licensee was in compliance with Title 10 of Code of Federal Regulations Part 55 and the licensees Requalification Plan.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
- The inspector found that the surveillance program and supporting procedures were in compliance with TS.
- Operations were found to be in compliance with the limiting conditions for operation and surveillances requirements as stated in the TS.
Emergency Planning
- The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan.
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Maintenance Logs and Records
- Maintenance was performed and logs and records maintained consistent with TS and licensee procedure requirements.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
- Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as required by Technical specifications and facility procedures.
Follow-up on Previously Identified Issues
- Unresolved Item 50-188/2007-202-01 was discussed and was left open for further investigation.
- Inspector Follow Up Item 50-188-2009-201-01 was discussed and was left open for further review.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The Kansas State Universitys (KSU, the licensees) 1250 kilowatt reactor continued to be operated in support of the Universitys academic program in nuclear engineering laboratory instruction and research. Since the inspection was performed during the summer recess, laboratory experiments were not scheduled and the reactor was operated only for short sample irradiations. During the performance based aspect of the inspection, the reactor was operated to support this area.
1.
Organization and Staffing
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the organization and staffing requirements in Technical Specification (TS) Section 6.1:
- K-State Reactor organizational structure and staffing
Technical Specifications for Kansas State University TRIGA Reactor dated October 8, 2008
Reactor console logbooks covering operations from May 1, 2009 to present
b.
Observations and Findings
Since the last inspection (NRC Inspection Report No. 50-188/2009-201, Agency -wide Document Access Management System Accession No.
ML091820712) the organizational structure and the responsibilities of the reactor management and staff had not changed. The Reactor Manager (RM) was hired in January 2010 and became a licensed Senior Reactor Operator in April 2010.
Review of records verified that management responsibilities were administered as required by TS and applicable procedures. The inspector observed reactor operations on two occasions and noted the shift staffing of the licensee satisfies the requirements for TS.
c.
Conclusion
The organization and staffing was consistent with TS requirements.
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2.
Operations Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed selected aspects of the following to ensure that the operations program was being implemented as required in TS Section 6:
- Reactor console Log Books, dated from May 1, 2009 to present
KSU Operator Licenses (current), various dates
KSU TRIGA Mark II Daily Checklist (Rev March 2008), dated from
June 24, 2009 to July 20, 2010
KSU Annual Report to the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, January 2009 to December 2009, dated April 2, 2010
b.
Observations and Findings
Reactor operations were carried out following written procedures and TS requirements. The inspector observed the performance of the required checklist for operation of the reactor. Additionally, a reactor start-up to power was observed. The inspector noted that the licensed operator on duty was knowledgeable and competent. The inspector verified that reactor operating characteristics, and other TS and procedure required entries, were recorded on the appropriate forms and logs. A review of the forms and logs indicated that TS operational limits had not been exceeded. The inspector determined that reactor operations were carried out in accordance with written procedures and TS requirements.
Inspector Follow-up Item (IFI) 50-188/2009-201-01 addressed inadvertent trips (including those occurring during the Nuclear Engineering 250 course) which were attributed to operator error with respect to maintaining the NMP-1000, multi-range power monitor, locked manually into a specific range while power increased to the trip level. The previous inspection noted 13 trips, the number of trips during the current inspection period had decreased to 8. This item was discussed with the RM and remains open for further review.
c.
Conclusion
Operational activities were consistent with applicable TS and procedural requirements.
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3.
Procedures
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.03)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.3, Operating Procedures, were being met concerning written procedures:
KSU TRIGA Mark II Operation, Test, and Maintenance Procedures, OP-15 Reactor Startup, dated March 14, 2008
KSU TRIGA Mark II Operation, Test, and Maintenance Procedures, OP-16 Reactor Shutdown, dated March 14, 2008
b.
Observations and Findings
Oversight and review of procedure implementation was provided by licensee management and the Reactor Safeguards Committee. All procedures are current. During a reactor startup, procedure implementation was conducted satisfactorily, and was adhered to properly.
c.
Conclusion
Procedure administrative review, revision, adherence to, and implementation satisfied TS requirements.
4.
Requalification Training
a.
Inspection Scope (IP [IP] 69001-02.04)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify that the requirements of Title 10 of Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 55, Operators Licenses, were being met:
- Requalification Program. Kansas State University, dated
September 11, 2002
Reactor Operations Report for the Months of July through December of 2009, Form Rev. April 2009
Personal Reactor Operator/Senior Reactor Operator (RO/SRO) files
b.
Observations and Findings
A section of the licensees monthly data sheets for the reactor operations report contained operator requalification data such as each operators manipulations, operating hours, and last date of operating. This data was collected from the console log books which provided detailed entries for each operator.
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The inspector reviewed the training records for the required lectures of the requalification plan. Each operator had assigned lectures to present. Training was being conducted on a weekly basis.
c.
Conclusion
The records reviewed by the inspector indicated that the licensee was in compliance with Title 10 CFR Part 55 and the licensees Requalification Plan.
5.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operations
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.05)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with TS Section 3.0, Limiting Conditions for Operations (LCO), and to determine if the periodic surveillance tests on safety systems were performed as stipulated in TS Section 4.0, Surveillances:
- Maintenance and Surveillance Reports for the Months of July 2009 to present
KSU TRIGA Mark II Operating, Test and Maintenance Procedures Manual,
dated March 14, 2008
b.
Observations and Findings
The licensee used a monthly form listing periodic tests, those required by TS plus others not required by TS, to be performed. This tool aided the licensee in assuring that surveillances were completed on a timely basis. The inspector verified that surveillances had all been completed on schedule, in accordance with licensee procedures, and in compliance, with the TS.
c.
Conclusion
Operations were found to be in compliance with the LCO and surveillances requirements as stated in the TS.
6.
Emergency Planning
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.10)
The inspector reviewed documentation verifying implementation of selected portions of the emergency preparedness program including:
- Emergency telephone contact list
Emergency Plan KSU TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor Facility,
August 2006
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March 2007
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector observed the annual emergency drill. The scenario included a fire in the reactor bay with a contaminated injured person. The outside agencies that responded included the Manhattan Fire Department, Manhattan Emergency Medical Services, KSU Police, and Riley County Emergency Management Agency.
Agreement letters with outside support groups were on file, dated from 2002 to 2008. The emergency plan requires that the agreement letters be reviewed and updated every 2 years.
The inspector verified that current emergency call lists were available and personnel knew where to find the current list.
c.
Conclusion
The emergency preparedness program was conducted in accordance with the Emergency Plan.
7.
Maintenance Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
To verify that the licensee was complying with the applicable regulations, the inspector reviewed selected aspects of:
- Reactor Logbooks for the period May 1, 2009 to present
Test and Maintenance Procedure 13, Portable Radiation Meter Calibration, dated March 14, 2008
Test and Maintenance Procedure 20, Liquid Scintillation Assay Methods dated March 14, 2008
Test and Maintenance Procedure 8, Calibration of Continuous Air Monitor, dated March 14, 2008
Test and Maintenance Procedure 6, Semi-Annual Pulse Rod Drive Cylinder and Air Supply Inspection, dated March 14, 2008
Test and Maintenance Procedure 3, Annual Remote Area Monitor Calibration, dated March 14, 2008
Maintenance and Surveillance Monthly Reports from July 2009 to present
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the maintenance records related to scheduled and unscheduled preventive and corrective maintenance activities that had occurred during the inspection period. Routine and preventive maintenance was
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controlled and well documented in the appropriate logs. The inspector verified that all maintenance reviewed was conducted in accordance with the requirements of TS Section 4.0.
c.
Conclusion
Maintenance logs, records, and performance satisfied TS and procedure requirements.
8.
Fuel Handling Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001-02.12)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with requirements of
TS Sections 5.2 and 6.3.a.2:
- Reactor Console Logbook, March 3, 2010 to June 11, 2010
Reactor Console Logbook, June 11, 2010 to present
Procedure No. 26, Fuel Handling Procedure, dated March 14, 2008
Procedure No. 27, Removal of Fuel from the Reactor Tank,
dated March 14, 2008
KSU TRIGA Mark II, Special Nuclear Material (SNM) Notebook
Fuel location status map (control room)
b.
Observations and Findings
The licensee performed fuel inspection during the period of May 17-19, 2010. All
fuel movements were documented in the console log and the SNM Notebook.
The inspector noted one fuel element number was incorrect in the console
logbook and this was corrected by the licensee.
Procedures for refueling, fuel movement, and TS-required fuel inspections and
surveillances had been reviewed and approved as required and were available to
control operations. Fuel movement and data recording were being done per
procedures.
c.
Conclusion
Fuel handling and inspection activities were completed and documented as
required by TS and facility procedures.
9.
Follow-up on Previously Identified Issue
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 92701)
The inspector reviewed progress on an unresolved item (URI) from a previous
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inspection, 50-188/2007-202-01, Storage of reactor waste at campus decay-in-storage facility. Additionally, the inspector reviewed progress on an inspector follow-up (IFI) from a previous inspection, 50-188/2009-01-01, Corrective action to address reactor trips associated with operator error.
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector interviewed the RM and Radiation Safety Officer with regards to the URI. It was determined that reactor licensed waste was being stored at an off-site waste storage building, due to limited space available within the reactor facility, within the purview of the reactor license. The licensee was in the process of sorting the material and returning it to the reactor facility. Therefore this item will be left open pending completion of the transfer.
The inspector reviewed the console logs and noted 8 operator error trips since the last inspection. This is down from 13 trips noted during the previous inspection. This item was discussed with the RM and will remain open pending further corrective action.
c.
Conclusion
URI 50-188/2007-202-01 and IFI 50-188/2009-201-01 were discussed and were left open for further investigation.
10.
Exit Interview
The inspector presented the inspection results to licensee management at the
conclusion of the inspection on July 22, 2010. The inspector described the areas
inspected and discussed in detail the inspection observations. No dissenting comments
were received from the licensee. The licensee acknowledged the observations
presented and did not identify as proprietary, any of the material provided to or reviewed
by the inspector during the inspection.
PARTIAL LIST OF PERSONS CONTACTED
Licensee
R. Bridges
Head of Radiation Safety Office, Environmental Health and Safety Division and Campus Radiation Safety Officer M. Jones
Reactor Support Staff (SRO)
J. Smith
Reactor Support Staff (SRO) Reactor Manager M. Marietta
Reactor Support Staff (RO)
P. Collins
Riley County Emergency Management
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors IP 92701 Follow-up
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
OPENED
None
CLOSED
None
DISCUSSED
50-188/2007-202-01 URI Storage of reactor waste at campus decay-in-storage facility
50-188/2009-201-01 IFI Corrective action to address reactor trips associated with operator
error
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
10 CFR Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations ADAMS Agency-wide Document Access Management System ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable IFI
Inspector Follow-up Item IP
Inspection Procedure KSU
Kansas State University LCO
Limiting conditions for operation NRC
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Rev.
Revision RO
Reactor Operator RSC
Reactor Safety Committee SRO
Senior Reactor Operator TS
Technical Specifications URI
Unresolved Item