ML20213G698

Application for Amend to License R-67,revising Tech Spec Section 10.2.6 to Permit Simultaneous Irradiation of Up to Four Thermionic Devices.Fee Paid

ML20213G698
Person / Time
Site:	General Atomics
Issue date:	11/14/1986
From:	Asmussen K GENERAL ATOMICS (FORMERLY GA TECHNOLOGIES, INC./GENER
To:	NRC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (ADM), Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
67-9083, NUDOCS 8611180271
Download: ML20213G698 (3)

Text

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[y' G A Technologies Inc.

PO. Box 85608 SAN DIEGo. CAUFoRNIA 92138 (619: 455-3000 November 14, 1986 67-9083 Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Attention: Document Control Desk

Subject:

Docket 50-163; R-67 Request for Technical Specifications Change

Dear Sir:

GA Technologies Inc. (GA) has need to amend its subject reactor Techni-cal Specifications to allow it to continue a government research program en thermionic devices now in progress.

Section 10. 2. 6 ( a) of the subject Technical Specifications, including Amendment 33, govern the number of thermionic devices that may be irradiated simultaneously. Currently, the simultaneous irradiation of four (4) devices is permitted. The success of the program now in progress, and the planned continuation of this government funded program for the next several years, requires the simultaneous irradiation of up to seven (7) thermionic devices, each satisfying the individual specifi-cations set forth in Section 10. 2. 6 (b)-(d) . As before, the proposed tests will probably result in reactivity worths for single devices of up to $1.50. Therefore, we hereby request that Section 10.2.6 (a) of our subject Technical Specifications be amended to read:

Section 10.2.6 (a). The number of devices which may be irradiated simultaneously shall not exceed seven.

The justification for amending the subject Technical Specifications to increase the number of devices that can be irradiated from four to seven is the following:

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.- s 1 Each thermionic device to be tested shall meet all the specifica-tions set forth in Sections 10.2.6 (b)-(d). Further, all of the reactor and facility specifications set forth in Section 10.2.6 (e)-(h) shall be met. The only change is in the total number of cells to be tested.

2. As before in the sa fety analyses of operation with several thermionic devices, each device is treated as a separate experiment; is securely located in its place in the core; and is independent of all other devices. All modes of failure are very unlikely as att,csted by the GA experience in the successful operation of dozens of similar devices for tens of thousands of hours. Esch cell will be monitored as set forth in the Technical Specifications.

3. The failure of any component of a single device with the unlikely release of fission products into the secondary containment of the device is independent of the behavior of the other devices under test. Past experience and practice clearly provides the basis to assure that the addition of up to seven thermionic devices will not increase the likelihood of an accidental release nor increase the magnitude in the unlikely event of a release.

4 To further corroborate the reasonableness of the present applica-tion, it may.be noted that GA 's Mark III TRIGA Reactor (R-100 license; decommissioned circa 1974) wa., operated for many years in the GA facility to test thermionic devices. The number of therm-ionic devices which was allowed to be irradiated simultaneously was fifteen. (License Change No. 15, R-100, dated 2/11/72). The basis for this larger number is the same as presented above; namely, the <

independence of any device from all others being tested simultaneously.

GA concludes that there is no increase in the likelihood or consequence of hazards involved with the requested Technical Specification amendment.

Enclosed is a check for $150 to cover the administrative fee.

We look forward to your assistance in issuing the requested license amendment at your earliest convenience. Our experimental program will have need to utilize the requested change on or about April 15, 1987.

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e If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact either Dr. William L. Whittemore at (619) 455-3277 or me at (619) 455-2823.

Very truly yours, Keith E. Asmussen, Manager Licensing, Safety and Nuclear Compliance KEA/mk

Enclosure:

Check for $150 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

) ss COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )

On this the // day of November 1986, before me, dom t b/eA:- ,

the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared K. E. 'Asmussen, Manager, Licensing, Safety and Nuclear Compliance, proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he executed it. WITNESS my hand and official seal.

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