ML22062B042

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (Leu), Mit Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of That Paragraph

ML22062B042
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	02/10/2022
From:	Foster J, Hu L Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML22062B042 (2)

Text

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~ MIT NUCLEAR REACTOR LABORATORY

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. - --* ~, *" AN MIT INTERDEPARTMENTAL CENTER John P. Foster Mail Stop: NW12-116A Phone: 617 253-4211 Director of Reactor Operations 138 Albany Street Fax: 617 324-0042 Cambridge, MA 02139 Email: jpfoster@mit.edu February 10, 2022 Attn: Document Control Desk Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

Subject:

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), MIT Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

Dear Sir or Madam:

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64 "Limitation of the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Domestic Non-Power Reactors," the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory submits herewith the information required by subsection (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

The high-density low enriched uranium fuel (U-lOMo) will not be available during Fiscal Year 2023. Furthermore, specific to 10 CFR 50.64(c)(2)(ii), Federal Government funding for conversion to LEU will not be available. However, we continue to receive funding for conversion planning and engage in fuel qualification and fabrication activities. A new MITR LEU fuel element design was developed and the LEU core has been analyzed and demonstrated to meet nuclear safety and performance criteria. A Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for the LEU conversion was submitted and docketed in October 2018 for NRC review. The PSAR contains the LEU fuel design as well as steady-state and transient analyses relevant to the proposed LEU fuel conversion.

We will continue the conversion planning and work with NRC staff on the PSAR review to prepare for the conversion when the new LEU fuel completes qualification tests.

Sincerely, Lin-wen Hu, Ph.D. John P. Foster Technical Lead, MITR LEU Conversion Program Director of Reactor Operations Senior Research Scientist Page 1 of2

Cc: USNRC - Senior Project Manager Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation USNRC - Senior Reactor Inspector Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Page 2 of2