ML19207A393

Submits Annual Operating Rept for 780630-790630

ML19207A393
Person / Time
Site:	University of Maryland
Issue date:	07/23/1979
From:	Belcher R MARYLAND, UNIV. OF, COLLEGE PARK, MD
To:	Goller K NRC OFFICE OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
References
NUDOCS 7908170395
Download: ML19207A393 (4)

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a Uninrsity of Maryland Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND 20742 July 23, 1979 Dr. Karl R. Galler Assistant Director for Reactor Operations Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Docket No. 55-2962 Facility License: No. R-70

Dear Dr. Goller:

In accordance with the requirements set forth in our Technical Sp.'cifications for the Maryland University TRIGA reactor, this ann'tal report is submitted This report covers the period frc, June 30, 1978 thru June 30,.1979.

A. Summary c Operating Experience During this period the Maryland University training reactor (MUTR) has continued to provide service to the University and the ctate in such areas as reactor technology, operator training, neutron activation and education in power conversion.

A no credit program in reactor operation was initiated at the request of the nuclear engineering students. The group meets each Saturday morning, on a voluntary basis, and conducts a seminar type meeting that includes reactor theory and operation under the supervision of the reactor director. As a result of this program, two students have received Operator's Licenses and four students have received Senior Operator's Licenses. Participation is not limited to Nuclear Engineering students; several electrical and mechanical students attend.

It is gratifying to observe an increase of student interest in experimental programs as opposed so computer oriented research. Special problems in neutron flux mapping and neutron radiography have been performed during the last year. Other students are using activation analysis to determine trace quantities of elements in gasoline, paper and plant leaves.

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Dr. Goller July 23, 1979 page 2 Several changes were made to the reactor console to facilitate reactor operation, none of these involved the safety channels. They are: 1) Indicator lights to reveal pool water level, 2) Indicator lights to show if beam and thru tube shielding plugs are in place, 3) Conductivity meter for instant read out of pool water purity, 4) A kilowatt-hour meter.

B. Reactor Operations During the period 30 June 1978 thru 30 June 1979 the reactor was operated 341 times and produced a total of 15 megawatt hours of energy. This reflects a greater than 100 percent increase in operation over the previous reporting period.

C. Equipment Surveillance and Tests Fuel rod inspection was performed on 27 October, 1978.

Eight four rod fuel clusters ware removed from the assembly rack and visually inspected. No signs of corrosion or unusual surface defects were observed.

Control rod drop time was measured. The results are given below:

Rod Identi#.qycion Drop Time Sec.

Shim I 0.55 Shim II 0.54 Reg. Rod 0.56 The worth of each rod was determined by the as"mtotic period method. The results are shown below:

Rod Identification Rod Worth, S Shim I 2.38 Sr.im II 2.38 Reg. Rod 2.30

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Dr. Goller July 23, 1979 Page 3 All area monitors are calibrated on a monthly basis or when operations indicate the need they were performed satisfactorily.

D. Emergency Shut-downs and Scrams No emergency shut-down or scram occurred during this operating period.

E. Major Maintenance Items No reportable maintenance was required for this period; however, several improvements were made to the equipment.

They are:

a) A pool water height level indicator was installed with readouts on the console and in the Department of fice.

b) Indicator lights were installed in the console to show if the thru tube and beam port plugs were in or out or being by passed.

c) The conductivity of the pool water can now be measured by the operator at the console without going to the water room.

d Rod drop time measurements can now be made at the console where previously portable equipment was used on the reactor bridge.

F. A summary of the nature and amount of radioactive effluents released or discharged to the environment and of radioactive waste shipped off site for disposal.

G. Radiation Exposure In the time period of June 30, 1978 thru Tune 30, 1979, over 600 people visited the reactor facility. They repre-sented alnost all the high schools from the Washington, Virginia and Maryland area.

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Dr. Goller July 23, 1979 Page 4 In all cases the amount of radiation received was negligible. In fact, the facility has maintained a perfect radiological safety record. Floor and area wipes have been routinely carried out with the results that any contamination was far below the maximum permissible level.

H. Changes to the Facility on Procedures, Tests, and Experiments.

No changes were made during thie period of this report.

Sincerely, r <tb ' '

Ralp L. Belcher Nuclear Reactor Director RLB: der

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