ML20055D332

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (Leu), Mit Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of That Paragraph

ML20055D332
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	02/18/2020
From:	Foster J, Hu L Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML20055D332 (1)

Text

MIT NUCLEAR REACTOR LABORATORY AN MIT INTERDEPARTMENTAL CENTER John P. Foster Mail Stop: NW12-110 Phone: 617 253-4211 Director of Reactor Operations 138 Albany Street Fax: 617 324-0042 Cambridge, MA 02139 Email: jpfostermit.edu February 18, 2020 Attn: Document Control Desk Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

Subject:

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), MIT Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

Dear Sir or Madam:

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64 "Limitation of the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Domestic Non-Power Reactors," the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory submits herewith the information required by subsection (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

The high-density low enriched uranium fuel (U-lOMo) will not be available during Fiscal Year 2021. Furthermore, specific to 10 CFR 50.64(c)(2)(ii), Federal Government funding for conversion to LEU will not be available. However, we continue to receive funding for conversion planning and engage in fuel qualification and fabrication activities. A new MITR LEU fuel element design was developed and the LEU core has been analyzed and demonstrated to meet nuclear safety and performance criteria. A Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for the LEU conversion was submitted and docketed in October 2018 for NRC review. The PSAR contains the LEU fuel design as well as steady-state and transient analyses relevant to the proposed LEU core.

We will continue the conversion planning and work with NRC staff on the PSAR review to prepare for the conversion when the new LEU fuel completes qualification tests.

Sincerely, Lin-wen Hu, Ph.D.

~ John P. Foster Director, Research and Services Director of Reactor Operations Cc: USNRC - Senior Project Manager Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation USNRC - Senior Reactor Inspector Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation