ML20127J562

Discusses Use of Plant Simulators in Operator Training & in Administering Operator Licensing Program

ML20127J562
Person / Time
Site:	Monticello
Issue date:	10/03/1974
From:	Collins P US ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (AEC)
To:	Larson C NORTHERN STATES POWER CO.
References
NUDOCS 9211190370
Download: ML20127J562 (2)

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OG S T4 Docket No 30- 263 Northern States Power Company ATTN: ltr. C. E. Larson, Plant Manager Monticelle bclear Generating Plant 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Gentlemen:

Nuclear power plant simulators were introduced into operator training programs in 1969. In the time since their introduction the Operator Licensing Branch has carefully evaluated their role in the training prograrn s.

Based on this evaluation the Operator Licensing Branch has approved increased use of appropriate simulators in the admin-istration of the operator licensing program.

First, the applicants seeking licenses prior to criticality at a facility were given appropriate credit for participating in training programs that utilized acceptable simulators. Then, training programs were approved that utilized simulators for facilities after which the simu-ulators.s ere modeled. Further, the use of appropriate simulators v.as permitted in meeting certain requirements of the operator requalifi-i cation programs.

We have now determined that it is acceptable to use nuclear power plant simulators in determining the qualifications of individuals who apply for licenses after initial criticality.

Presently, applicants for licenses, after the facility has achieved criticality must participate in training programs that include, at least, two reactor startups at the facility for which he seeks a license to meet the eligibility requirement.: to sit for an examination. In addition, applicants must perform a startup of the reactor as part of the operating test.

The Operator Licensing Branch will consider training programs that utilize appropriate nuclear power plant simulators for star:up ex-perience for meetin;; the startup eligibility requirements to sit for examination. L1 addition, a reactor startup will not be required as part of the operating test, providing that appropriate certification regarding an iidividual's ability to manipulate the controls is contained in his cc," c a ticr.

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,' OCT 3 1974 following requirements must be met.in order for the applicant t rograni, the 1

The applicant has manipulated the controls of his reactor facility during five significant reactivity changes, v.hich may or may not, include reactor startups.

2 The applicant has participated in an AEC-approved training program that includes training at a nuclear power plant simulator, and 3.

The application contains a certification from the simulator training center attesting to the applicant's:

ability to manipulate the controls and keep the reactor a.

i, under control during a reactor startup, b.

ability to predict instrument response and use the instrumentation during a reactor startup, ability to follow the facility startup procedure and c.

d. ability to explain alarms and annunciators that may occur during this operation.

The simulators used in the programs must meet the present requi ments for simulators enumerated in Paragraph 3. e., Appendix A of 10 re-CFR Part 55, namely, that the simulator reproduce the general o ting characteristics of the facility involved, and the arrange pera-instrumentation and controls of the simulator is similar to ment of facility involved.

e those facilities who do not desire to use the alternate e

or cribed above.

ure des-I hope this information will be of use to you.

please contact me.

If you have any questions, Sincerely, c

i Paul F. Co' llins, Chief Operator Licensing Branch Directorate of Licensing

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