ML20204F699

Application for Amend to License DPR-3,changing Tech Specs 3.3.3.2,4.2.1.2,4.2.2.1,4.2.2.2 & 4.2.3.2 Re Operation of in-core Instrumentation Sys.Fee Paid

ML20204F699
Person / Time
Site:	Yankee Rowe
Issue date:	07/31/1986
From:	Heider L YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC CO.
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML20204F703	List: ML20204F699 ML20204F719
References
DCC-86-107, FYR-86-071, FYR-86-71, NUDOCS 8608040283
Download: ML20204F699 (3)

Text

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Telephone (617) 872-8100 TWX 710-380 7619 YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY

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N 1671 Worcester Road, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 DCC 66-107

.YAN KEE, 2.C15.1

" * ' PC #200 July 31, 1986 FYR 86-071 United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 Attention: Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

References:

(a) License No. DPR-3 (Docket No. 50-29)

(b) YAEC Letter to USNRC, dated February 25, 1982 (FYR 82-21)

(c) USNRC Letter to YAEC, dated March 8, 1982 (NYR 82-54)

Subject:

Technical Specification Coverning Operation of the Incore Instrumentation System

Dear Sle:

Pursuant to Section 50.59 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations, the Yankee Atomic Electric Company (YAEC) hereby requests the authorization to make the following changes:

Proposed Change Reference is made to the Technical Specifications of License No. DPR-3 of the Yankee Nuclear Power Station. We propose to modify the license as follows:

1. Modify Specification 3.3.3.2 to allow for a change in the number of operable incore neutron detector thimbios required for operability for the remainder of Cycle 18 operation.

2. Modify Specifications 4.2.1.2, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, and 4.2.3.2 to allow for increased uncertainty when less than 12 of the incore neutron detector thimbles are operable.

3. Modify Page B3/4 2-2 to reflect the change in uncertainty to be applied to the measured kw/ft values where less than 12 of the neutron detector thimbios are operable.

Reason and Basis for Change This change would allow an increase in plant operating flexibility while maintaining sufficient data collection capability to ensure that the operation of the core is within licensed limits. This Technical Specification

. modification would be utilized only if further failures of the incore neutron

! detector thimbles occur. A similar proposal (Reference (b)) was submitted and approved by the Conunission in Core XV (Reference (c)) under comparable circumstances.

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f United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission July 31, 1986 Attention: Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Page 2 FYR 86-071 Description of Change The current Technical Specification governing operability of the incore instrumentation system requires that a minimum of 12 neutron detector thimbles be operable with at least two per core quadrant whenever the system is used for core power distribution measurements.

The revised specification would allow for core power distribution measurements tu be made with less than 12 operable thimbles, if necessary, for the remainder of Cycle 18 operation. Burnup on Cycle 18 is currently at about 6,000 mwd /Mtu. At this point in the cycle operation, the core characteristics have been well established and, specifically, core power distribution is well defined.

Safety Consideration This change is requested in order to provide flexibility in plant operation with sufficient data gathering capability to ensure operation within licensed limits. As such, this proposed change would not:

1. Involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of an accident previously evaluated. This change merely increases the measurement uncertainty for a reduced complement of operable incore neutron detector thimbles. Therefore, the change cannot increase the probability or consequences of an accident, as the core will continue to be adequately monitored.

2. Create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any previously analyzed. This modification only increases the measurement uncertainty for a reduced complement of operable incore neutron detector thimbles. Therefore, it does not create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident sinco it does not modify plant operation or components.

3. Involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety. This modification of increasing the measurement uncertainty for a reduced complement of operable incore noutron detector thimbles will add sufficient additional margin to the power distribution measurements such that this change does not impact the safety margins which currently exist. Thus, this chango doon not involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety.

Based on the consideration contained horein, it is concluded that there is reasonable assurance that operation of the Yankee plant, consistent with the proposed Technical Specifications, will not endanger the health and safety of the public. This proposed chango has boon reviewed by the Nuclear Safety Audit and Review Committee.

Foo An appilcation fee of $150.00 is enclosed in accordance with 10CFH110.21.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Conunission July 31, 1986 Attention: Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Page 3 FYR 86-071 Schedule of channe These changes to the Yankee Technical Specifications will be implemented upon Connaission approval. A timely review and approval of this submittal would be appreciated.

We trust that you will find this submittal satisfactory; however, should you desire additional information, please contact us.

Very truly yours.

YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY ll <

L. H. Helder Vice President / Manager of Operations LHH/dps Attachments Colel0NWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS)

)ss MIDDLESEX COUNTY )

Then personally appeared before me L. H. Helder, who, being duly sworn, did state that he is Vice President of Yankee Atomic Electric Company, that he is duly authorized to execute and f11e the foregoing document in the name and on the behalf of Yankee Atomic Electric Company and that the statements therein are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.

Mb Robert H. Croce Notary Public

, My Consalssion Expires August 29, 1991 I

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