ML20214R990
| ML20214R990 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Issue date: | 12/01/1986 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20214R936 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8612080159 | |
| Download: ML20214R990 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES O $ NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION h ,j WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 s
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SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION SUPPORTING AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO FACILITY LICENSE NO. CX-22 RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE DOCKET N0. 50-225
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) submitted an application, pursuant to 10 CFR 50.90, for an amendment to the operating license for their 100W critical facility on October 17, 1986.
The amendment request asked for permission to receive and possess 600 SPERT (F-1) fuel pins containing 21.12 kilograms of contained U-235.
The fuel would be stored in the fuel storage vault with no more than 15 fuel pins per storage tube. This fuel will be utilized in the reactor after the reactor's conversion to the use of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel.
2.0 EVALUATION The RPI fuel storage vault contains 81 cells composed of stainless steel tubes, with a five inch inner diameter, surrounded by 0.015 inch of cadmium metal. These tubes are bolted to a unistrut frame in parallel rows. Each cell was designed to accommodate up to one kilogram of U-235. The infinite multiplication factor has been calculated to be less than 0.90 even if the fuel storage vault were to be entirely flooded with water. The fuel storage vault design was approved by the NRC on December 2, 1983 in conjunction with RPI's license renewal.
The SPERT (F-1) fuel pins to be received and stored each contain 35.2 gm of U-235. Fifteen fuel pins in a cell would amount to 0.52 kg of U-235; an amount less than that already approved for each cell.
Forty storage tubes / cells will be used to store the SPERT (F-1) fuel pins. If RPI needs to store the fuel from its current core, there will be a sufficient number of storage tubes (25 are needed) to safely accommodate these fuel plates.
There will be no significant increase in individual or cumulative l occupational radiation exposure to the operating staff as a result of receiving and storing the unirradiated SPERT (F-1) fuel pins. {
Radiation exposure to the public will be insignificant.
8612090159 861201 PDR ADOCK 05000225 P PDR~
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3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
This amendment involves 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 amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (as discussed below), there is no significant change in the types or significant increase in the amounts 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(cj(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) because the amendment does not involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of accidents previously evaluated, or create the possibility of a new or different kind of accident from any accident previously evaluated, and does not involve a significant reduction in a margin of safety, the amendment does not involve a significant hazards consideration, (2) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by the proposed activities, and (3) 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 the health and safety of the public.
Principal Contributor: John Dosa Dated: December 1, 1986 l
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