IR 05000182/2017201
| ML17194B764 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Purdue University |
| Issue date: | 07/27/2017 |
| From: | Anthony Mendiola Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch |
| To: | Bean R Purdue University Research Reactor |
| Morlang G | |
| References | |
| 50-182/2017-201, IR 2017201 | |
| Download: ML17194B764 (13) | |
Text
July 27, 2017
SUBJECT:
PURDUE UNIVERSITY - U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
ROUTINE INSPECTION REPORT NO. 50-182/2017-201
Dear Dr. Bean:
From June 26-29, 2017, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, or Commission)
conducted an inspection at your Purdue University Research Reactor. The inspection included a review of activities authorized for your facility. The enclosed report documents the inspection results which were discussed on June 29, 2017, with members of your staff.
The inspection examined 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.
The inspector reviewed selected procedures and records, observed activities, and interviewed personnel. Based on the results of this inspection, no findings of noncompliance were 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, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of NRCs document system (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS)). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). 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/
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Docket No. 50-182 License No. R-87
Enclosure:
As stated
cc w/ enclosure: See next page
ML17194B764; *concurrence via e-mail
NRC-002 OFFICE NRR/DPR/PROB*
NRR/DPR/PROB*
NRR/DPR/PROB NAME GMorlang NParker AMendiola DATE 7/25/17 7/25/17 7/27/17
Purdue University
Docket No. 50-182
cc:
Leah Jamieson, Dean of Engineering Purdue University School of Nuclear Engineering 400 Central Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907
Mayor City of West Lafayette 609 W. Navajo West Lafayette, IN 47906
John H. Ruyack, Manager Epidemiology Res Center/Indoor & Radiological Health Indiana Department of Health 2525 N. Shadeland Avenue, SuiteE3 Indianapolis, IN 46219
Howard W. Cundiff, P.E., Director Consumer Protection Indiana State Department of Health 2 North Meridian Street, 5D Indianapolis, IN 46204
Clive Townsend, Reactor Supervisor Purdue University School of Nuclear Engineering 400 Central Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907
Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter P.O. Box 118300 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611
Enclosure U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
Docket No.
50-182
License No.
R-87
Report No.
50-182/2017-201
Licensee:
Purdue University
Facility:
Purdue University Research Reactor
Location:
West Lafayette, IN
Dates:
June 26 - 29, 2017
Inspector:
Gary Morlang
Approved by:
Anthony J. Mendiola, Chief Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purdue University Purdue University Reactor NRC Inspection Report No. 50-182/2017-201
The primary focus of this routine, announced inspection was the onsite review of selected aspects of the Purdue Universitys (the licensees) Class II research reactor facility safety programs including: (1) operations logs and records; (2) procedures; (3) surveillance and limiting conditions for operation; (4) health physics; (5) effluents and environmental monitoring; (6) committees, audits, and reviews; and (7) transportation since the last U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inspection of these areas. The licensees programs were acceptably directed toward the protection of public health and safety and were in compliance with NRC requirements.
Operations Logs and Records
- Within the scope of this review, the licensees operations record keeping program conformed to technical specification (TS) requirements.
Procedures
- The inspector found that appropriate procedures were in effect and new procedures were being prepared as needed.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
- Surveillance testing was observed to be performed in accordance with requirements as stated in the TS.
Health Physics
- The inspector verified that the licensees health physics program was effective in minimizing radiation doses to individuals through training, notices to workers, radiation monitoring and surveys, and calibrated equipment.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring
- Effluent monitoring satisfied license and regulatory requirements and releases were within the specified regulatory limits.
Committees, Audits, and Reviews
- The Committee on Reactor Operations provided the oversight required by the TS.
Transportation
- The licensee had not shipped any radioactive material since the last inspection.
REPORT DETAILS
Summary of Facility Status
The Purdue Universitys (the licensees) one kilowatt research reactor was not operated during the inspection because of a major building renovation that was in progress. This included major electrical and service air system upgrades.
1.
Operations Logs and Records
a.
Inspection Scope (Inspection Procedure [IP] 69001)
The inspector reviewed selected parts of the following reactor operations records to verify that the requirements of technical specification (TS) Section 6.1, Organization, were being met:
- Purdue University Reactor (PUR) Procedures Manual
PUR Procedure Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)-2, Reactor Startup, Operation and Shutdown, dated August 27, 2015
Reactor Logbook No. 59, April 29, 2016 to June 16, 2017
Reactor Logbook No. 58, September 29, 2015 to April 29, 2016
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2015, dated March 2016
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2016, dated March 2017
File of completed pre-start checklists, including those for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017
b.
Observations and Findings
The PUR procedures specified a records system that was commensurate with TS requirements. Procedures called for operational data to be recorded in the reactor logbooks, startup checklists, and shutdown checklists. Data recorded indicated that the reactor was operated within reactor license and TS parameters. Good correlation was noted between reactor operations requests, startup checklists and console log books. Important items such as control rod and fuel inspection were well documented.
c.
Conclusion
The licensees operations record keeping program conformed to TS requirements.
- 2 -
2.
Procedures
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to ensure that the requirements of TS Section 6.4, Procedures, were being met:
- PUR Procedures Manual
PUR SOP - 1, Prestart Checklist, dated August 27, 2015
PUR SOP - 2, Reactor Startup, Operation and Shutdown, dated August 27, 2015
PUR 07-01, Partial or complete disassembly and reassembly of the PUR core, dated September 7, 2007
PUR-03-01-EP, Emergency Procedure, dated March 25, 2003
PUR-05-01, Sample Irradiation, dated June 14, 2005
PUR 07-05, Procedure for core loading, dated September 1, 2007
PUR SMP - 3, Procedure for Checking Meter Contact Switches, dated November 11, 2015
PUR M-2, Procedure for checking the Source Missing Interlock, dated June 8, 1995
PUR SMP - 5, Procedure for determining magnet current settings and checking the fast scrams, dated November 11, 2015
PUR SMP - 6, Procedure for measuring Rod Drop Times, dated November 11, 2015
PUR M-6, Determining Excess Reactivity, dated July 27, 1995
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed the licensees written procedures and revisions to procedures. The procedures reviewed were thorough and of the appropriate level of detail. The Procedures Manual included lists of Approved Procedures, Maintenance Procedures, and Emergency Procedures, all of which were reviewed and approved by the Committee on Reactor Operations (CORO). All of the maintenance procedures had been rewritten and approved by the CORO within the last 18 months.
c.
Conclusion
The inspector found that appropriate procedures were in effect and new maintenance and operating procedures had been issued.
- 3 -
3.
Surveillance and Limiting Conditions for Operation
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001 and IP 92701)
The inspector reviewed the following to determine if the periodic surveillance tests on safety systems were performed as stipulated in TS Section 4, Surveillance Requirements:
- PUR-1 Maintenance Log
File of completed pre-start checklists including those for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017
Procedure SOP - 2, Reactor Startup, Operations and Shutdown, dated August 27, 2015
Procedure 95-7-RR, Calibration of Regulating Rod, dated July 25, 1995
Procedure 95-7-SS, Calibration of Shim Safety Rod, dated July 28, 1995
PUR 07-01, Partial or complete disassembly and reassembly of the
PUR core, dated September 7, 2007
PUR 07-05, Procedure for core loading, dated September 1, 2007
Reactor Logbook No. 59, April 29, 2016 to June 16, 2017
Reactor Logbook No. 58, September 29, 2015 to April 29, 2016
b.
Observations and Findings
The surveillance check lists were updated in October 2016 to reflect the new TS issued on October 31, 2016. Surveillance requirements were primarily done as part of the pre-start checkout; surveillance such as control rod drop time tests and water chemistry tests were documented with individual procedures or in the Console Log Books. Checks and calibrations were completed as required by TS.
The licensee had developed a new tracking system to ensure the required annual, semiannual, quarterly, monthly and weekly administrative and TS items were completed in a timely manner. TS requirements were annotated in red.
c.
Conclusion
Surveillance test were observed to be performed in accordance with requirements as stated in the TS.
- 4 -
4.
Health Physics
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 20 requirements:
- Radiation Safety Manual
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2015, dated March 2016
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2016, dated March 2017
Personnel dosimetry records
Radiation Monitor Calibration Logbook, March 2015 to present
2015 and 2016 Audit of Radiation Safety Program Content and Implementation
Reactor Air and Water Reports for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017
b.
Observations and Findings
The inspector reviewed records of radiation surveys performed by a Radiological and Emergency Management (REM) health physics specialist, and found activity levels to be generally consistent with background radiation. A copy of the current NRC Form 3 notice to radiation workers required by 10 CFR Part 19 was posted at the entrance to the reactor bay.
Dosimetry results were reviewed by the inspector and PUR-1 facilities associated exposures were in conformance with 10 CFR Part 20 and administrative limits.
The calibration records of selected devices were reviewed. Calibration tags on devices found throughout the facility were verified to be current and in accordance with the calibration records that were reviewed. REM calibrated the PUR-1 facility portable radiological monitoring equipment onsite.
The inspector reviewed Radiation Safety Training records given every 2 years to permanent reactor staff and found them to be up-to-date.
c.
Conclusion
The inspector verified that the licensees health physics program was effective in minimizing radiation doses to individuals through training, notices to workers, radiation monitoring and surveys, and calibrated equipment.
- 5 -
5.
Effluent and Environmental Monitoring
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 20:
- Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2015, dated March 2016
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2016, dated March 2017
Reactor Air and Water Annual Report for 2015 and 2016
Reactor Continuous Air Monitor Filter Data Worksheets for 2015 and 2016
Reactor Water Data Worksheets for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017
b.
Observation and Findings
The inspector reviewed air and water data collected by REM staff that would indicate if fuel integrity had been compromised or breached. There were no indications of nuclear fuel or its byproducts having been detected in the water or air samples. Licensee air samples showed that all samples were below minimum detectable activity.
The licensee also reported the results of several thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) placed around the PUR-1 facility as environmental radiation monitors, including the Electrical Engineering classroom above the reactor bay. In all cases the TLDs indicated no significant difference from background radiation levels.
c.
Conclusion
Effluent monitoring satisfied license and regulatory requirements and releases were within the specified regulatory limits.
6.
Committees, Audits, and Reviews
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 69001 and IP 92701)
The inspector reviewed the following to verify compliance with the requirements of TS Section 6.2, Review and Audit:
- Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2015, dated March 2016
Annual Report for January 1 to December 31, 2016, dated March 2017
Quarterly CORO Meeting Minutes from April 1, 2015 to May 9, 2017
2015 and 2016 Audit of Radiation Safety Program Content and Implementation
- 6 -
b.
Observations and Findings
A quorum as defined in TS Section 6.2.b was present at each of the meeting minutes reviewed. Meetings were held at the required frequency as specified in TS Section 6.2.b.
Through review of CORO meeting minutes from the recent past, the inspector verified that the committee was performing the review responsibilities defined in TS Section 6.2.d.
c.
Conclusion
The CORO provided the oversight required by the TS.
7.
Transportation
a.
Inspection Scope (IP 86740)
The inspector interviewed personnel to verify compliance with regulatory and procedural requirements for transferring licensed material.
b.
Observations and Findings
None.
c.
Conclusion
The licensee had not shipped any radioactive material under the reactor license since the last inspection.
8.
Exit Meeting Summary
The inspector reviewed the inspection results with members of the licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on June 29, 2017. The licensee acknowledged the findings 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 Director of Radiation Laboratories C. Townsend Reactor Supervisor J. F.Schweitzer Director REM/Radiation Safety Officer M. Tang
Health Physics Staff J. Young
Health Physics Staff
INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED
IP 69001 Class II Research and Test Reactors
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened
None
Closed
None
Discussed
None
PARTIAL LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations CORO Committee on Reactor Operations IP
Inspection Procedure NRC
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission PUR
Purdue University Research Reactor REM Radiological and Emergency Management SOP
Standard Operating Procedure TS
Technical Specification