ML20149M362
| ML20149M362 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 05000139 |
| Issue date: | 02/24/1988 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20149M359 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8802250512 | |
| Download: ML20149M362 (2) | |
Text
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- 'o g UNITED STATES l o NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
$ ~$ WASHlf!GTON, D. C, 20655
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SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION SUPPORTING AMENDHENT NO. 13 TO FACILITY LICENSE NO. 73
, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINCTON DOCKET NO. 50-139
1.0 INTRODUCTION
By letter dated February 4, 1988, the University of Washington (licensee) requested an amendment to their Technical Specifications (TS) that would increase the drop time of shim rod No. 3 from one to three seconds and would increase the rod drop t v.e frequency tests for the three shim rod and one regulating rod. The reason these changes have been requested is that the licensee has been experiencing a rod drop time for shim rod No. 3 greater than one second (present TS limitation) under certain conditions. The licensee's interpretation of the rod drop time delay is that during any extended period without operation, the grease lubricating the bearing hardens somewhat. During the prestarting checkout, it was obscrad that after some rod drops, the drop time decreased significantly.
2.0 FVALUATION The licensee's safety analysis in support of an increased drop time fron one to three seconds shows that with shim rod No. 3 and one more shin rod stuck out, the minimum shutdown margin would not be changed and is
, the shutdown margin presently specified in section IV.C. of the TS, _.
which is -0.75% delta k/k. The licensee in a telecon of February 16, 1988, (T. Michaels to W.P. Miller) also agreed to change the core excess reactivity limit from 2.3% to 1.9% delta k/k, which wculd assare that
. minimum shutdown margin would be attained. Additionally, thi licensee has changed tnc testing frequency for all reds. The annual fre wency ha: been chanced to monthly for shim rods 1 and 2 and the regulating rcJ and to "before each each reactor operation as part of the checkout procedure" for shim rod 3.
- The staff finds that these changes assure that the minimum shutdown margin will always be attained not only with one rod out, which is the normal analysis, but with two rods out. The increased test 1: 9 frequency will also assure thit the reo drop titt of all rods will be under closer surveillance and that shim rod 3 will bs operated b c re each reactor operation.
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3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
This amendment involve.s changes in the installation or use of facility components located within the restricted area as defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and changes in inspection and surveillance requirements. The staff has determined that the amenc'nent involves no significant increase in the amounts,'and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and there is no significant increase in individual or cumulative occupational radiation exposure. Accordingly.
. this amendment meets the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9). Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of this amendment.
4.0 CONCLUSION
The staff has concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that: (1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by the operation in the proposed manner, and (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations and the issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or the health and safety of the public.
Principal Contributor: Theodore S. Michaels Dated:
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