ML13268A448

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Transmittal of Annual Report and Minor Amendment (#8) to the Technical Specifications for NRC Reactor License R-110
ML13268A448
Person / Time
Site: Idaho State University
Issue date: 09/19/2013
From: Grimes H
Idaho State University
To:
Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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Download: ML13268A448 (23)
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Idaho UNIVERSITY State Office for Research and Economic Development 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8130 0 Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8130 September 19, 2013 NRC Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission One White Flint North, MS OWEN-1 E13 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852-2738

SUBJECT:

Transmittal of Annual Report and Minor Amendment (#8) to the Technical Specifications for NRC Reactor License R-110 The two copies of each enclosure are:

1. The Annual Report for calendar year 2012 for the AGN-201 Reactor, NRC License R- 110.

Docket #50-284.

2. Amendment #8 for the Technical Specifications for the same reactor. This amendment is a minor change to the organization chart for the university. The name of the college where the reactor is located and administered has been changed from "College of Engineering" to "College of Science and Engineering". Also, the reporting line for the Reactor Safety Committee is now shown specifically as being to the Reactor Administrator.

Please transmit one copy of each of these documents to the license program manager.

Mr, Duane A. Hardesty Research and Test Reactors Mail Stop: 0-12 D03 Phone: (301)415-3724 Sincerely, Howard Grimes Vice President for Research and Economic Development Encl: (4) ec: Dr. Jay Kunze, Reactor Administrator Phone: (208) 282-3134

  • Fax: (208) 282-4487 0 www.isu.edu/research ISU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Officer and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering may be the same individual (2)The Reactor Administrator could be the Dean of Science and Engineering, or the Chair or a faculty member of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics. However, regarding NRC licenses, the Reactor Administrator reports to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering and not necessarily through the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics, which is a department in the College of Science and Engineering.

(3) The Reactor Supervisor reports td the Reactor Administrator, and may not necessarily report through the Chair of the Nuclear Engineering and Health Phys8ics Department.

(4) Requires a NRC Senior Reactor Operators (SRO) License

  • Requires a NRC Reactor Operators License (or an SRO license), except per 10 CFR 55.13 Figure 1. Administrative Organization of the ISU AGN-201 Reactor Facility, NRC License R- I10, chain of corrnmand in regard to nuclear operation and safety. Dotted lines represent communication channels.

Persons holding positions on the Administrative organization shall meet or exceed the qualification requirements of ANSI/ANS-15.4-1988, "Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors."

6.1.5 Reactor Operators Reactor Operators shall be responsible for the manipulation of the reactor controls, monitoring of instrumentation, operation of the reactor-related equipment, and maintenance of the complete and current records during operation of the facility. Reactor Operators shall hold a valid Reactor Operator's license issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

AGN-20 I - Technical Specifications, Amendment 48 Transmitted to NRC September 20, 2013: Page 21 of 31

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor Facility License R-1 10, Docket No. 50-284 Annual Operating Report for 2012 Calendar Year

1. Narrative Summary A. Changes in Facility Design, Performance Characteristics, and Operating Procedures:

There were no changes in facility design, performance characteristics, and operating procedures relating to reactor safety or operations during the reporting period.

B. Results of Major Surveillance Tests and Inspections:

(1) Channel tests perfon'ned on all safety channels and scram interlocks were found to be satisfactory and within specifications. Channels 1, 2, & 3 were tested 8/10/2012, 5/2/2012, & 8/20/2012 respectively.

(2) Power level (4/2/2012) and period check (3/22/2012) experiments were performed with satisfactory results.

(3) The shield water tank was inspected (6/11/2012) and no leaks or excessive corrosion were observed. The water level interlock tested satisfactorily (6/11/2012).

(4) The seismic displacement & temperature interlocks were tested and found satisfactory (7/26/2012).

(5) (a) Control element capsules (cladding) were inspected (6/28/12) and found to be in good condition with no evidence of deterioration since the previous inspection.

(b) The control rod drive mechanisms were inspected (6/28/12) and tested with satisfactory results.

(c) Ejection times were measured for all SCRAM-able rods and found to be less than I seconds (d) The reactivity worth of all safety and control rods were measured, as well as the time required to drive each rod to its fully inserted position. Reactivity insertion rates were determined to be less than 0.042%A1kk s-' ($0.058 s-') for all rods.

(e) The shutdown margin was determined to be greater than 2.2%Ak/k ($3.0) with both the most reactive SCRAM-able rod and the fine control rod fully inserted.

8/15/12.

(f) All surveillances were within the appropriate Technical Specification requirements.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 2 of 10

? Operating History and Energy Output.

The reactor was operated at power levels up to 4.9 watts for a total of 148 watt-hours of thermal energy during this reporting period. A summary of monthly operations for 2012 is given in Table I.

Table 1. Summary of Monthly Reactor Operations (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Month Energy (W-hr)

January 0.0 February 9.9 March 11.9 April 17.9 May 8.6 June 8.3 June 6,2 August 14.6 September 31.3 October 15.8 November 17.1 December 6.5 Total 148.0 The 0.148 kWh consumed 7.5 micrograms of U-235. During the calendar year, a number of students went through reactor operator training. During the calendar year, four students took NRC licensing exams. Two were awarded Reactor-Operator (RO) licenses and one was awarded a Senior Reactor-Operator (SRO) license. Two operator-licenses were terminated during the year because students left the university.

3. A. Unscheduled Shutdowns and Corrective Actions Taken.

None.

B. Inadvertent Scrams and Action Taken.

There were 159 inadvertent scrams during this reporting period. Table I1 summarizes the inadvertent scrams, known or suspected cause, and action taken.

Idaho State University AGN-201 M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 3 of 10 Table II. Summary of Inadvertent Scrarns (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Date 2/1/12 FTime 15:43 Scram Type Channel I Low Operator Error Cause Action Restart 16:21 Channel I Low Operator Error Shutdown 2/2/12 14:13 Channel 1 High Range Change Error Restart 14:43 Not Indicated Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 2/8/12 16:09 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 16:19 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart 16:22 Period Operator Error Restart 2/9/12 13:51 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 14:17 Period Operator Error Restart 15:03 Period Insertion of Source Restart 15:13 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart 2/13/12 23:36 Channel I Low Low Power Operation Restart 0:02 Channel 1 High Low Powver Operation Restart 2/16/12 13:35 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 14:07 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart Magnet Over-2/22/12 13:50 Current Magnet Current SCRAM Set Too Low Restart 2/27/12 17:14 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 18:04 Not Indicated Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 3/21/12 15:56 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Shutdown 4/2/12 16:52 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 4/4/12 11:11 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart Magnet Over-4/9/12 16:38 Current Magnet Current SCRAM Set Too Low Restart 5/9/12 16:48 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 17:06 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 5/15/12 16:40 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity & Range Change Error Restart 19:43 Channel 3 High Over Estimation of Oscillator Reactivity Restart 5/18/12 11:37 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 14:36 Not Indicated Range Change Error Restart Magnet Over-5/23/12 16:47 Current Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart Magnet Over- Suspected Signal Interference & Detector is 17:18 Current Insulated Restart Magnet Over-5/24/12 11:14 Current Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 6/5/12 16:27 Period Chanel #1 Raise Interference Restart 6/6/12 16:37 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 4 of 10 T T r 7/13/12 15:42 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 15:50 Channel 3 High Operator En-or (Training) Restart 16:10 Channel 3 Low Signal u Teegularity Restart 8/7/12. 16:47 Channel 3 Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 8/8/12 16:18 Channel 1 Low Removing the Start Up Source Restart 16:30 Channel I Low Signal Irregularity Restart 8/10/12 13:10 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart Investigate 13:29 Channel I Low Detector Stuck When Raise Pressed & Restart 14:28 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 8/30/12 13:34 Channel I Supervisor Re-Set Time Constant During Operation Shutdown 8/31/12 10:39 Channel I Low Signal Irregularity Shutdown 14:59 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 15:08 Channel I High Suspected Signal Irregularity Shutdown 9/5/12 20:24 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 21:33 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 9/6/12 11:26 Channel I Low Range Change Error Restart 11:35 Channel I Low Range Change Error Restart 9/6/12 17:35 Channel 3 High Occurred During Range Change Restart 17:41 Raise Button Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 9/7/12 12:38 Channel 1 Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 12:58 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 9/12/12 14:52 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 9/13/12 9:11 Channel 3 High Operator Error Restart 9:33 Channel 3 High Erratic Response Changing to 3x10^(-9) Range Restart 10:10 Channel 3 High Erratic Signal Restart 10:23 Channel 3 High Operator Error Restart 14:00 Not Indicated Occurred During Raising Ch #I Restart 14:38 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 9/14/12 12:59 Not Indicated Occurred During Raising Ch #1 Restart 14:07 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Shutdown 9/15/12 11:28 Channel 3 High Range Change ErTor Restart 15:07 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 9/18/12 9:58 Channel 3 Low Accidently Hitting the Console Restart 9/19/12 19:40 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 19:55 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart Adjust Cable 9/24/12 14:37 Period scram Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise & Restart 20:01 Channel I Low Operator Error Restart Investigate 9/25/12 12:59 Channel 1 Low Suspected Electrical Transient* & Restart

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 201 1 Annual Report Page 5 of 10 14:09 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 9/27/12 11:42 Channel I Low Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 14:39 Raise Button Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 101112 20:29 Channel 3 High Signal Detegularity During Range Change Restart 10/5/12 10:34 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 10/9/12 16:32 Channel 1 Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 10/10/12 13:08 Channel 3 High Noise in Range 3x10A(-8) & 10x10A(-9) Restart 18:06 Channel 3 High Signal Inregularity Restart 10/11/12 10:41 Channel 1 High Range Change Error Restart 10:48 Period Removing the Start Up Source Restart 12:38 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart 13:50 ChI low Loss of Signal Restart 14:29 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 10/16/12 13:28 Loss of Power Building Loss Power Briefly Restart 10/17/12 12:06 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 19:40 Period Bumping of the Console Restart 10/18/12 14:27 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart Channel 3 Low Range Change Error Restart 10/19/12 13:25 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 16:35 Bumped Console Bumped Chair into Console Restart 10/23/12 9:53 Period Power Transient Restart 12:14 Period Signal Irregularity Restart 13:23 Channel 2 Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 15:37 Period Electrical Transient* (Period within Range) Restart 17:58 Period Electrical Transient* (Period within Range) Restart 10/24/12 15:44 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 10/29/12 19:50 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 20:34 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 20:36 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 10/30/12 9:28 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 10/31/12 9:43 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 11/1/12 13:27 Not Indicated Activating Channel I Solenoid Restart 11/5/12 9:59 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 10:03 Period Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 2.1:30 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 21:49 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 11/7/12 19:48 Channel I Low Loss of Siunal Restart 11/8/12 10:15 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 11:14 Channel 3 Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 11/9/12 13:19 Channel 1 Low Under Estimation of Oscillator Reactivity Restart 16:46 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown

Idaho State University AGN-201 M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 6 of 10 11/13/12 12:58 1 Loss of Power Loss of Power to Circuit IShutdown 11/15/12 13:37 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 11/21/12 14:28 Channel 3. High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 12/13/12 13:43 Channel 3 Low Range Change Error Restart 13:52 Period Inserted Poly Rod Too Quickly Restart 14:12 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 15:52 Channel 3 Low Signal Irregularity Restart 16:00 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 12/14/12 11:53 Channel 1 Low Operator Error Restart 12/20/12 12:59 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 12/21/12 12:43 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 13:01 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 15:00 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 12/27/12 14:06 Channel 1 Low Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 12/2S/12 16:15 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 12/31/12 10:47 Channel 1 Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 11:06 Channel 1 High Non-Reproducible Rate Meter Issue Restart

  • Electrical transients are signal & power irregularities associated with using older vacuum tube based analogue circuitry.
4. Safety-Related Corrective Maintenance:

1/31/2012: Channel 3 detector changed its response output and was replaced with a comparable BF3 tube. In addition the SHV connector was replaced with one designed for RG-59 cable and recalibrated.

3/6/2012: The down indicator switch on the FCR had been knocked out of place, causing the drive to continue to drive out despite being in the bottom position and the interlock OK light bulb failed. The switch was repositioned for proper operation and the light bulb replaced.

3/14/2013: A bad cable connection causing a short, preventing the magnet to energize, was located.

A bypass cable fixed the problem and the main cable connection fixed to return normal functionality.

3/21/2012: The Channel 3 detector lost signal, a connection problem was the likely cause. The detector chamber was removed and all connecting cables were replaced with new connections, returning functionality to the system.

5/25/2012:The rod drop box was rebuilt with new wiring after a significant amount of troubleshooting.

5/30/2012: A power outage cause damage to Channel 2. Vacuum tubes V-12, V-14 & V-17, power line fuse, and the 1.5-volt battery were replaced.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 7 of 10 6/5/2012: Magnet current was found to be high (0.9 mA) and after replacing the V-7 vacuum tube the current returned to a normal 0.6 mA.

8/30/2012: Channel I was having signal problems due to improper cabling and connectors. The system was rebuilt in a way so that the detector's position does not stress the signal cable and removes the need to raise the detector.

10/4/12: The analogue position display primary gear broke so that the tens digit wouldn't turn.

The unit was replaced with a comparable spare.

12/3/12: Channel 2 failed pre-start checks. The F-I (250V 3A) fuse, V-13 6Y6GA vacuum tube, V-12 6BW4 vacuum tube, and the V-I 6BW4 vacuum tube was replaced in Channel 2 to return functionality.

12/12/12: During operation the Safety Rod I dropped out properly, however the chassis jammed in position. It was found that the twin drive screws were uneven; they were greased and reset into position. In addition there was a problem with the "Lp" microswitch; the microswitch and the wiring were replaced.

5. Modifications.

A. Changes in Facility Design.

None.

B. Changes to Procedures.

None.

C. Experiments.

Experimental procedure 12 Oscillator Experiment was revised to have descriptions for both linear and rotary oscillators and guidelines for operating them simultaneously.

D. Reactor Safety Committee.

As of the end of the reporting period, membership of the Reactor Safety Committee (RSC) consisted of the following individuals:

Frank H. Just - Chair (retired fromn FIN.)

Jay F. Kunze - Reactor Administrator Adam L. Mallicoat - Reactor Supervisor Richard R. Brey - Department Chair Peter Farina - Radiation Safety Officer Robert Boston. PE, CHP (DOE-ID)

Kermit Bunde (DOE-ID)

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 8 of 10 Richard E. McCracken (retired from INL)

6. Summary of Changes Reportable under 10 CFR 50.59.

The paper chart recorder set up for the detector channels 2 & 3 were changed to utilize a digital chart recorder. The new recorder is capable recording data and displaying the response over time and cannot impact reactor operation as installed. The data is stored on a removable flash drive for easy analysis and storage.

7. Radioactive Effluents.

A. Liquid Waste - Total Activity Released: None.

B. Gaseous Waste - Total Estimated Activity Released: 14.4 ýtCi ofAr-41.

The AGN-201 Reactor was operated for 148 watt-hours at power levels up to approximately 4.9 watts. At this power level Ar-41 production is negligible and substantially below the effluent concentration limit given in 10 CFR 20 Appendix B, Table

2. The total activity of Ar-41 released to the environment was conservatively estimated at 14.4 i.Ci. This activity corresponds to the total activity of all gaseous radioactive effluent from the facility. A monthly summary of calculated gaseous releases is given in Table IV.

Table IV. Summary of Monthly Gaseous Radioactive Effluent Releases (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Ar-41 Month (VCi)

January 0.0 February 1.0 March 1.2 April 1.7 May 0.8 June 0.8 June 0.6 August 1.4 September 3.0 October 1.5 November 1.7 December 0.6 Total 14.4 C. Solid Waste - Total Activity: None.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2012 Amiual Report Page 9 of 10 8, The latest environmental radiation surveys, performed at the facility boundary while the reactor was operating at 60% of full licensed power (3.0 watt), measured a maximum combined neutron and gamma dose equivalent rate of less than 2.0 mrem hr' at the outside walls of the building proximal to the reactor. The total equivalent dose rate at 100% power at these locations was less than 4 mrem hr".

9, Radiation Exposures.

The Radiation Safety Officer reviews personnel radiation exposures quarterly. Annual reports of ionizing radiation doses are provided by the Radiation Safety Officer to all monitored personnel as required under the provisions of 10 CFR 19.

Personnel with duties in the reactor laboratory on either a regular or occasional basis have been issued radiation dosimeters by the Idaho State University Technical Safety Office.

The duty category and whole body exposure for the 2012 monitoring period of personnel are summarized in Table V:

Table V. Personnel Radiation Monitored for 1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Name Exposure by Type (mrem)

Deep Lens Shallow Aryal, Harishchandra 2 2 2 Baker, Ben 50 49 46 Baral, Madhav 2 2 1 Bishart, Bishara 1 1 1 Bundy, Deric 3 4 10 Burrows, Ian J 7 6 6 Gorham, Mackenzie <1 <1 <1 Horkley, Matt 2 2 1 Imel, George <1 <1 <1 Jash, Soumadipta <1 <1 <1 Kamerman, David <1 <1 <1 Krieger, Michael 11 12 12 Kunze, Jay <1 <1 <1 Langbehn, Adam 7 6 6 Loveland, Ryan 14 13 12 Lum, Edward 1 1 1 Mallicoat, Adam 2 2 1 Misner, Jesse 3 3 2 Nelson, Alan 2 2 2 Nelson, Marcus <1 <1 <1 Nimmagadda, Jyothier Klumar <1 <1 <1 Riley, Tony 3 2 2 Steele, Dallin <1 <1 <1

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2012 Annual Report Page 10ofl0 Stewart, Trevor 3 3 2 Tam, Austin 1 1 <1 Tormohlen, Derick <1 <1. <1 Wachs, Katelyn 2 3 3 Chaczko, Malwina <1 <1 <1 isaacs, Daniel <1 <1 <1 McBeath, Scott <1 <1 <1 Nelson, Katherine 3 2 2 Hart, Paul <1 <1 4 The 10 CFR 20.1201 occupational dose limits to adults are: total 5 rem, lens of eye 15 reni, shallow 50 rem, and deep 50 remn. The doses received for all reactor laboratory personnel during 2012 are well below the dose limits of 10 CFR 20.1201, and well below ISU ALARA limits (1 REM per year, 0.3 REM per quarter).

Anytime a member of the public visits the reactor pin dosimeters are issued for the extent of the tour. A minimum of I dosimeter to every 5 people is issued for a representative group dose. During the 2012 calendar year there were 476 recorded visitors to the facility.

A summary of the public dose exposure is presented in Table VI.

Table VI. Summary Whole-Body Exposures to the Public (I January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Estimated whole-body Number of individuals exposure range (mrem): in each range:

No Observable Dose 433 1.0 mrem* 30 Greater than 1.0 but below 5.0 mrem 12 Greater than 5.0 but below 10.0 mrem 1 Total number of individuals reported 476

  • Below 1.0 mrem is considered un-measureable None of the 476 visitors to the facility during 2012 received a measurable dose that would exceed the annual 0.5 remn dose limit of 10 CFR 20.1301. Note there was only one reading that was above 5 mrem, this is likely due to the shock of dropping the dosimeter.

Therefore, the average and maximum doses received by personnel and the public are well within NRC guidelines.

Report prepared by: Adam Mallicoat, Reactor Manager-/Supervisor Augutst 30th, 2012

Dean, College of Science and Engineeringo",2

. University Officer and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering may be the same individual (21The Reactor Administrator could be the Dean of Science and Engineering, or the Chair or a faculty member of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics. However.

regarding NRC licenses, the Reactor Administrator reports to the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering and not necessarily through the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics, which is a department in the College of Science and Engineering.

  • The Reactor Supervisor reports to the Reactor Administrator, and may not necessarily report through the Chair of the Nuclear Engineering and Health PhysSics Department.

" Requires a NRC Senior Reactor Operators (SRO) License

'*t Requires a NRC Reactor Operators License (or an SRO license), except per 10 CFR 55.13 Figure 1. Administrative Organization of the ISU AGN-201 Reactor Facility, NRC License R- I10, chain of command in regard to nuclear operation and safety. Dotted lines represent communication channels.

Persons holding positions on the Administrative organization shall meet or- exceed the qualification requirements of ANSI/ANS- 15.4-1988, "Selection and Training of Personnel for Research Reactors."

6.1.5 Reactor Operators Reactor Operators shall be responsible for the manipulation of the reactor controls, monitoring of instrumentation, operation of the reactor-related equipment, and maintenance of the complete and current records during operation of the facility. Reactor Operators shall hold a valid Reactor Operator's license issuIed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

AGN-20 I - Technical Specifications, Amendment #8 Transmitted to NRC September 20, 2013: Page 21 of 31

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor Facility License R-110, Docket No. 50-284 Annual Operating Report for 2012 Calendar Year

1. Nan-ative Summary A. Changes in Facility Design, Performance Characteristics, and Operating Procedures:

There were no changes in facility design, performance characteristics, and operating procedures relating to reactor safety or operations during the reporting period.

B. Results of Major Surveillance Tests and Inspections:

(1) Channel tests performed on all safety channels and scram interlocks were found to be satisfactory and within specifications. Channels 1, 2, & 3 were tested 8/10/2012, 5/2/2012, & 8/20/2012 respectively.

(2) Power level (4/2/2012) and period check (3/22/2012) experiments were performed with satisfactory results.

(3) The shield water tank was inspected (6/11/2012) and no leaks or excessive corrosion were observed. The water level interlock tested satisfactorily (6/11/2012).

(4) The seismic displacement & temperature interlocks were tested and found satisfactory (7/26/2012).

(5) (a) Control element capsules (cladding) were inspected (6/28/12) and found to be in good condition with no evidence of deterioration since the previous inspection.

(b) The control rod drive mechanisms were inspected (6/28/12) and tested with satisfactory results.

(c) Ejection times were measured for all SCRAM-able rods and found to be less than I seconds (d) The reactivity worth of all safety and control rods were measured, as well as the time required to drive each rod to its fully inserted position. Reactivity insertion rates were determined to be less than 0.042%Ak/k s-' ($0.058 s ') for all rods.

(e) The shutdown margin was determined to be greater than 2.2%Ak/k ($3.0) with both the most reactive SCRAM-able rod and the fine control rod fully inserted.

8/15/12.

(f) All surveillances were within the appropriate Technical Specification requirements.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 2 of 10 Operating History and Energy Output.

The reactor was operated.at power levels up to 4.9 watts for a total of 148 watt-hours of thermal energy during this reporting period. A summary of monthly operations for 2012 is given in Table I.

Table I. Summary of Monthly Reactor Operations (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Month Energy (W-hr)

January 0.0 February 9.9 March 11.9 April 17.9 May 8.6 June 8.3 June 6.2 August 14.6 September 31.3 October 15.8 November 17.1 December 6.5 Total 148.0 The 0.148 kWh consumed 7.5 micrograms of U-235. During the calendar year, a number of students went through reactor operator training. During the calendar year, four students took NRC licensing exams. Two were awarded Reactor-Operator (RO) licenses and one was awarded a Senior Reactor-Operator (SRO) license. Two operator-licenses were terminated during the year because students left the university.

3. A. Unscheduled Shutdowns and Con-ective Actions Taken.

None.

B. Inadvertent Scrams and Action Taken.

There were 159 inadvertent scrams during this reporting period. Table II summarizes the inadvertent scramns, known or suspected cause, and action taken.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 3 of 10 Table 11. Summary of Inadvertent Scrams (1 January 2012 through 31 December 20. 2)

Date Time [ Scram Type Cause Action 2/1/12 15:43 Channel i Low Operator Error Restart 16:21 Channel I Low Operator Error Shutdown 2/2/12 14:13 Channel 1 High Range Change Error Restart 14:43 Not Indicated Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 2/8/12 16:09 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 16:19 Channel 1 High Range Change Error Restart 16:22 Period Operator Error Restart 2/9/12 13:51 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 14:17 Period Operator Error Restart 15:03 Period Insertion of Source Restart 15:13 Channel 1 High Range Change Error Restart 2/13/12 23:36 Channel I Low Low Power Operation Restart 0:02 Channel I High Low Power Operation Restart 2/16/12 13:35 Channel 1 Low Loss of Signal Restart 14:07 Channel 1 Low Loss of Signal Restart Magnet Over-2/22/12 13:50 CmTent Magnet Current SCRAM Set Too Low Restart 2/27/12 17:14 Channel 3 High Range Change Enror Restart 18:04 Not Indicated Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 3/21/12 15:56 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Shutdown 4/2/12 16:52 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 4/4/12 11:11 Channel 1 Low Loss of Signal Restart Magnet Over-4/9/12 16:38 Current Magnet Current SCRAM Set Too Low Restart 5/9/12 16:48 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 17:06 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 5/15/12 16:40 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity & Range Change Enror Restart 19:43 Channel 3 High Over Estimation of Oscillator Reactivity Restart 5/18/12 11:37 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 14:36 Not Indicated Range Change Enror Restart Magnet Over-5/23/12 16:47 Current Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart Magnet Over- Suspected Signal Interference & Detector is 17:18 Current Insulated Restart Magnet Over-5/24/12 11:14 Current Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 6/5/12 16:27 Period Chanel #1 Raise Interference Restart 6/6/12 16:37 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart

Idaho State University AGN-201 M Reactor 201 1 Annual Report Page 4 of 10 7/13/12 15:42 Channel 3 Hi-gh Operator Error (Training) Restart 15:50 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 16:10 Channel 3 Low Signal Irregularity Restart 8/7/12 16:47 Channel I Low *SuspectedElectrical Transient* Restart 8/8/12 16:18 Channel I Low Removing the Start Up Source Restart 16:30 Channel I Low Signal Irregularity Restart 8/10/12 13:10 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart Investigate 13:29 Channel I Low Detector Stuck When Raise Pressed & Restart 14:28 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 8/30/12 13:34 Channel I Supervisor Re-Set Time Constant During Operation Shutdown 8/31/12 10:39 Channel I Low Signal Irregularity Shutdown 14:59 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 15:08 Channel I High Suspected Signal Irregularity Shutdown 9/5/12 20:24 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 21:33 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 9/6/12 11:26 Channel I Low Range Change Error Restart 11:35 Channel I Low Range Change Error Restart 9/6/12 17:35 Channel 3 High Occurred During Range Change Restart 17:41 Raise Button Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 9/7/12 12:38 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 12:58 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 9/12/12 14:52 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 9/13/12 9:11 Channel 3 High Operator Error Restart 9:33 Channel 3 High Erratic Response Changing to 3x10"(-9) Range Restart 10:10 Channel 3 High Erratic Signal Restart 10:23 Channel 3 High Operator Error Restart 14:00 Not Indicated Occurred During Raising Ch #1 Restart 14:38 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 9/14/12 12:59 Not Indicated Occurred During Raising Ch #1 Restart 14:07 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Shutdown 9/15/12 11:28 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 15:07 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 9/18/12 9:58 Channel 3 Low Accidently Hitting the Console Restart 9/19/12 19:40 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 19:55 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart Adjust Cable 9/24/12 14:37 Period scram Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise & Restart 20:01 Channel I Low Operator Error Restart Investigate 9/25/12 12:59 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* & Restart

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 5 of 10 14:09 Channel 1 Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 9/27/12 11:42 Channel I Low Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 14:39 Raise Button Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 10/1/12 20:29 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 10/5/12 10:34 Channel 3 High Range Change ErTor Restart 10/9/12 16:32 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 10/10/12 13:08 Channel 3 High Noise in Range 3x10^(-S) & 10xl0"(-9) Restart 18:06 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity Restart 10/11/12 10:41 Channel I High Range Change ErTor Restart 10:48 Period Removing the Start Up Source Restart 12:38 Channel I High Range Change Error Restart 13:50 Chl low Loss of Signal Restart 14:29 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 10/16/12 13:28 Loss of Power Building Loss Power Briefly Restart 10/17/12 12:06 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 19:40 Period Bumping of the Console Restart 10/18/12 14:27 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart Channel 3 Low Range Change Error Restart 10/19/12 13:25 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 16:35 Bumped Console Bumped Chair into Console Restart 10/23/12 9:53 Period Power Transient Restart 12:14 Period Signal Irregularity Restart 13:23 Channel 2 Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart 15:37 Period Electrical Transient* (Period within Range) Restart 17:58 Period Electrical Transient* (Period within Range) Restart 10/24/12 15:44 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 10/29/12 19:50 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 20:34 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 20:36 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 10/30/12 9:28 Channel 1 Low Loss of Signal Restart 10/31/12 9:43 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 11/1/12 13:27 Not Indicated Activating Channel I Solenoid Restart 11/5/12 9:59 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 10:03 Period Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 21:30 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 21:49 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 11/7/12 19:48 Channel I Low Loss of Signal Restart 11/8/12 10:15 Channel 3 High Operator Error (Training) Restart 11:14 Channel 3 Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown 11/9/12 13:19 Channel I Low Under Estimation ofOscillator Reactivity Restart 16:46 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Shutdown

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 6 of 10 1 1/13/12 12:58 Loss of Power Loss of Power to Circuit Shutdown 11/15/12 13:37 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 11/21/12 14:28 Channel 3 High Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 12/13/12 13:43 Channel 3 Low RangeChange Error Restart 13:52 Period Inserted Poly Rod Too Quickly Restart 14:12 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 15:52 Channel 3 Low Signal Irregularity Restart 16:00 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 12/14/12 11:53 Channel 1 Low Operator Error Restart 12/20/12 12:59 Period Raising Detector Caused Additional Signal Noise Restart 12/21/12 12:43 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 13:01 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 15:00 Channel 3 High Range Change Error Restart 12/27/12- 14:06 Channel I Low Signal Irregularity During Range Change Restart 12/28/12 16:15 Channel I Low Suspected Electrical Transient* Restart 12/31/12 10:47 Channel I Low Suspected Signal Irregularity Restart

. 11:06 Channel I High Non-Reproducible Rate Meter Issue Restart

  • Electrical transients are signal & power irregularities associated with using older vacuum robe based analogue circuitry.
4. Safety-Related Corrective Maintenance:

1/31/2012: Channel 3 detector changed its response output and was replaced with a comparable BF3 tube. In addition the SHV connector was replaced with one designed for RG-59 cable and recalibrated.

3/6/2012: The down indicator switch on the FCR had been knocked out of place, causing the drive to continue to drive out despite being in the bottom position and the interlock OK light bulb failed. The switch was repositioned for proper operation and the light bulb replaced.

3/14/2013: A bad cable connection causing a short, preventing the magnet to energize, was located.

A bypass cable fixed the problem and the main cable connection fixed to return normal functionality.

3/21/2012: The Channel 3 detector lost signal, a connection problem was the likely cause. The detector chamber was removed and all connecting cables were replaced with new connections, returning functionality to the system.

5/25/2012:The rod drop box was rebuilt with new wiring after a significant amount of troubleshooting.

5/30/2012: A power outage cause damage to Channel 2. Vacuum tubes V-12, V-14 & V-17. power line fuse, and the 1.5-volt battery were replaced.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 7 of 10 6/5/2012: Magnet current was found to be high (0.9 mA) and after replacing the V-7 vacuum tube the current returned to a normal 0.6 mA.

8/30/2012: Channel I was having signal problems due to improper cabling and connectors. The system was rebuilt in a way so that the detector's position does not stress the signal cable and removes the need to raise the detector.

10/4/12: The analogue position display primary gear broke so that the tens digit wouldn't turn.

The unit was replaced with a comparable spare.

12/3/12: Channel 2 failed pre-start checks. The F-I (250V 3A) fuse, V-13 6Y6GA vacuum tube, V-12 6BW4 vacuum tube, and the V-I 6BW4 vacuum tube was replaced in Channel 2 to return functionality.

12/12/12: During operation the Safety Rod I dropped out properly, however the chassis jammed in position. It was found that the twin drive screws were uneven; they were greased and reset into position. In addition there was a problem with the "up" microswitch; the microswitch and the wiring were replaced.

5. Modifications.

A. Changes in Facility Design.

None.

B. Changes to Procedures.

None.

C. Experiments.

Experimental procedure 12 Oscillator Experiment was revised to have descriptions for both linear and rotary oscillators and guidelines for operating them simultaneously.

D. Reactor Safety Committee.

As of the end of the reporting period, membership of the Reactor Safety Committee (RSC) consisted of the following individuals:

Frank Fl. Just - Chair (retired from INL)

Jay F. Kunze - Reactor Administrator Adam L. Mallicoat - Reactor Supervisor Richard R. Brey - Department Chair Peter Farina - Radiation Safety Officer Robert Boston, PE, CHP (DOE-ID)

Kermit Bunde (DOE-ID)

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2011 Annual Report Page 8 of 10 Richard E. McCracken (retired from INL)

6. Summary of Changes Reportable under 10 CFR 50.59.

The paper chart recorder set up for the detector channels 2 & 3 were changed to utilize a digital chart recorder. The new recorder is capable recording data and displaying the response over time and cannot impact reactor operation as installed. The data is stored on a removable flash drive for easy analysis and storage.

7. Radioactive Effluents.

A. Liquid Waste - Total Activity Released: None.

B. Gaseous Waste -Total Estimated Activity Released: 14.4 1.tCi of Ar-41.

The AGN-201 Reactor was operated for 148 watt-hours at power levels up to approximately 4.9 watts. At this power level Ar-41 production is negligible and substantially below the effluent concentration limit given in 10 CFR 20 Appendix B, Table

2. The total activity of Ar-41 released to the environment was conservatively estimated at 14.4 [tCi. This activity corresponds to the total activity of all gaseous radioactive effluent from the facility. A monthly summary of calculated gaseous releases is given in Table IV.

Table IV. Summary of Monthly Gaseous Radioactive Effluent Releases (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Ar-41 Month (vCi)

January 0.0 February 1.0 March 1.2 April 1.7 May 0.8 June 0.8 June 0.6 August 1.4 September 3.0 October 1.5 November 1.7 December 0.6 Total 14.4 C. Solid Waste - Total Activity: None.

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2012 Annual Report Page 9 of 10

8. The latest environmental radiation surveys, performed at the facility boundary while the reactor was operating at 60% of full licensed power (3.0 watt), measured a maximum combined neutron and gamma dose equivalent rate of less than 2.0 mrem hr-' at the outside walls of the building proximal to the reactor. The total equivalent dose rate at 100% power at these locations was less than 4 mrrem hr 1 .
9. Radiation Exposures.

The Radiation Safety Officer reviews personnel radiation exposures quarterly. Annual reports of ionizing radiation doses are provided by the Radiation Safety Officer to all monitored personnel as required under the provisions of 10 CFR 19.

Personnel with duties in the reactor laboratory on either a regular or occasional basis have been issued radiation dosimeters by the Idaho State University Technical Safety Office.

The duty category and whole body exposure for the 2012 monitoring period of personnel are summarized in Table V:

. Table V. Personnel Radiation Monitored for 1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Name Exposure by Type (mrem)

Deep Lens Shallow Aryal, Harishchandra 2 2 2 Baker, Ben so 49 46 Baral, Madhav 2 2 1 Bishart, Bishara 1 1 1 Bundy, Deric 3 4 10 Burrows, Ian J 7 6 6 Gorham, Mackenzie <1 <1 <1 Horkley, Matt 2 2 1 Imel, George <1 <1 <1 Jash, Soumadipta <1 <1 <1 Kamerman, David <1 <1 <1 Krieger, Michael 11 12 12 Kunze, Jay <1 <1 <1 Langbehn, Adam 7 6 6 Loveland, Ryan 14 13 12 Lum, Edward 1 1 1 Mallicoat, Adam 2 2 1 Misner, Jesse 3 3 2 Nelson, Alan 2 2 2 Nelson, Marcus <1 <1 <1 Nimmagadda, Jyothier Kumar <1 <1 <1 Riley, Tony 3 2 2 Steele, Dallin <1 <1 <1

Idaho State University AGN-201M Reactor 2012 Almual Report Page 10 of 10 Stewart, Trevor 3 3 2 Tam, Austin 1 1 <1 Tormohlen, Derick. <1 <1 <1 Wachs, Katelyn 2 3 3 Chaczko, Malwina <1 <1 <1 Isaacs, Daniel <1 <1 <1 McBeath, Scott <1 <1 <1 Nelson, Katherine 3 2 2 Hart, Paul <1 <1 4 The 10 CFR 20.1201 occupational dose limits to adults are: total 5 rem, lens of eye 15 rem, shallow 50 rem, and deep 50 rem. The doses received for all reactor laboratory personnel during 2012 are well below the dose limits of 10 CFR 20.1201, and well below ISU ALARA limits (I REM per year, 0.3 REM per quarter).

Anytime a member of the public visits the reactor pin dosimeters are issued for the extent of the tour. A minimum of I dosimeter to every 5 people is issued for a representative group dose. During the 2012 calendar year there were 476 recorded visitors to the facility.

A summary of the public dose exposure is presented in Table VI.

Table VI. Summary Whole-Body Exposures to the Public (1 January 2012 through 31 December 2012)

Estimated whole-body Number of individuals exposure range (mrem): in each range:

No Observable Dose 433 1.0 mrem* 30 Greater than 1.0 but below 5.0 mrem 12 Greater than 5.0 but below 10.0 mrem 1 Total number of individuals reported 476

  • Below 1.0 mrem is considered un-measureable None of the 476 visitors to the facility during 2012 received a measurable dose that would exceed the annual 0.5 rem dose limit of 10 CFR 20.1301. Note there was only one reading that was above 5 n-rem, this is likely due to the shock of dropping the dosimeter.

Therefore, the average and maximum doses received by personnel and the public are well within NRC guidelines.

Report prepared by: AdamnIMallicoat, Reactor Manager/Supervisor August 30th, 2012

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