ML20217G209

Application for Amend to License R-37,permitting Operation of Subcritical Fission Converter Facility to Provide Superior Epithermal Neutron Beam for Program on Neutron Capture Therapy.Also Includes SER & Proposed TS

ML20217G209
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	10/03/1997
From:	Hu L, Lau E, Newton T NUCLEAR REACTOR LABORATORY
To:	NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM)
Shared Package
ML20217G214	List: ML20217G209 ML20217G218 ML20217G225
References
NUDOCS 9710090256
Download: ML20217G209 (2)

Text

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h NUCLEAR REACTOR LABORATORY Q AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL CENTER OF s MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY JOHN A DLRNARD 130 Atiany street, Cambr<tle, MA 02139 4296 Activat.on Analysis Diredor Telefan No (617)253 7300 Coolant Chemistry Derector of Heactor Operations Tot No (6i7) 253 4202 Nelear Medicine Pnncipat Aenearch Engineet ih vint Lfo ncenng i

October 3,1997 l U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission l Washington, D.C. 20555 Attn.: Document Control Desk

Subject:

Request for Amendment of Facility Operating License No R 37 for the Massachusetts institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR); Docket No. 50-20 Gentlemen:

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology hereby requests that Facility Operating License No. R 37 be amended to permit the operation of a suberitical fission convever facility. At present, it is intended that this facility will be utilized to provide a superior epithernu.1 neutron beam for our program on neutron capture therapy. As you know, this program is currently in human trials and a reduced subject irradiation time has been identified as a major priority. This facility will provide that capability. In addition, the fission converter beam offers advantages in terms of neutron energy, lower background dose (higher therapeutic ratio), and improved ease of subject positioning.

Enclosed is a copy of the safety evaluation report for the fission converter facility and the proposed wording of MITR Technical Specification No. 6.6 which would pertain to the design and operation of the fission converter. Use of the new beam for human subjects would be in accordance with existing practice (MITR T.S. No. 6.5) and hence is not addressed here. Also

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enclosed are minor changes to a number of existing MITR Technical Specifications. These would be necessitated by the adoption of Technical Specification No. 6.6. These are:

lll Technical Specification #1.1 Technical Specification #3.8(4)

Technical Specification #3.10(3)

Technical Specification #6.5(16c) 9710090256 971003 goa ^o " " 88il lLEEllJty135 a e32

, . r U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 l

l Your earliest attention to this request would be most appreciated. He enclosed material has l been reviewed and approved by the MIT Committee on Reactor Safeguards. Correspondence

concerning this request should be directed to Dr. Bernard.

Sincerely, QVI% C%lch Thomas 11. Newton Edward S. Lau Assistant Superintendent for Engineering Assistant Superintendent for Operations MIT Nuclear Reactor l# oratory MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory

{h.Au bkl~ r( k Lin Wen llu, PhD ohn A. Bernard, Ph.D.

Relicensing Engineer Director MIT Nuclear Reactor Laioratory MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory JABERM Enclosure cc: USNRC Senior Project Manager, NRR/ONDD USNRC - Region 1 Project Scientist.

Effluents Radiation Piotection Section (ERPS)

FRSSB/DRSS MITRSC 0, liarling, MIT Principal Investigator BNCT .Noject P. Busse, BIDMC Clinical Principal Investigator R. Zamenhof, BIDMC Project Coordinator and Principallnvestigator s

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