ML20198H450

Application for Amend to License R-38,changing TS 5.2.5 to Read as Listed

ML20198H450
Person / Time
Site:	General Atomics
Issue date:	09/15/1997
From:	Asmussen K GENERAL ATOMICS (FORMERLY GA TECHNOLOGIES, INC./GENER
To:	Alexander Adams NRC (Affiliation Not Assigned), NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
References
38-2806, NUDOCS 9709180071
Download: ML20198H450 (3)

Text

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< September 15,1997 38 2806 Document Control Desk ATTN: Alexander Adams, Jr., Senior Project Manager Non Power Reactors, Decommissioning and Environmental Project Directorate Division of Advanced Reactors & Special Projects Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Subject:

Facility License R-38; Docket 50-89: Urgent Request for Amendment to Technical Specification 5.2.5

Reference:

TAC NO M97502

Dear Mr. Adams:

As you are aware, General Atomics (GA) has requested that the license for its TRIGA Mark I reactor, i.e., License Number R-38. ba amended so as to withdraw U.S.

Nuclear Regulatery Commission (NRC) authorization to operate the subject reactor. In support of that request, GA committed to rendering the reactor incapable of operating.

Following up on that commitment, GA has removed all fuel elements from the Mark I reactor core structure and placed them into the storage canal of the Mark F reactor.

The above mentioned removal of all fuel from the Mark I reactor core presents a situation wherein GA will be unable to comply with Technical Specification 5.2.5, which requires calibration of the reactor power measuring channels on a quarterly basis. In GA's request for a possession only license amendment (POLA), GA has requested the deletion of this Technical Specification (TS). However, while the requested POLA is expected to be issued soon, it will not be issued prior to the next required quarterly calibration of the power meaeuring channels. Therefore, GA hereby makes an urgent request that its TS 5.2.5 be amended immediately to read as follows:

"5.2.5 If the reactor is capable of achieving criti::ality, the reactor power measuring channels shall be calibrated at least quarterly by comparing with heat balance."

Inasmuch as the reactor contains no fuel, it is not possible for it to achieve criticality.

With the reactor being incapable of achieving criticality, there is no need for use of the power measuring channels. Thus, there is no need to perform the calibration of the reactor power measuring channels. Finally, in view of the preceding statements, there clearly is no safety implications associated with the requested revision to TS 5.2.5.

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3550 0ENERAL ATOMICS COURT. SAN Dif GO. CA 921211194 P 0. DOx 86608, SAN DitGO. CA 92186 9 784 461m 455-3000

,. 'e GA Letter No. 34 280s ie septemter 1s,issy Page 2 4

GA appreciates your assistance in considering this request and is hopeful of, and in need of, an expeditious approval. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (619) 455 2823, or Dr. Junald Razvi at (619) 457-8850.

1 Very truly yours, b [. d'-

Dr. Keith E. Asmussen, Director Licensing, Safety and Nuclear Compliance -

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