ML23310A045
| ML23310A045 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 99902041 |
| Issue date: | 11/20/2023 |
| From: | Ngola Otto Licensing Processes Branch |
| To: | Gerond George Licensing Processes Branch |
| Shared Package | |
| ML23310A061 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML23310A045 (1) | |
Text
November 20, 2023 MEMORANDUM TO:
Gerond George, Chief Licensing Projects Branch Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation FROM:
Ngola A. Otto, Project Manager /RA/
Licensing Projects Branch Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY
OF OCTOBER 4-5, 2023, CLOSED HYBRID FRAMATOME INC. FUEL PERFORMANCE UPDATE MEETING On October 4-5, 2023, a closed hybrid meeting was held between the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff and representatives of Framatome Inc. (Framatome) to discuss proprietary information regarding Framatome fuel performance and plans. Framatome provided the NRC staff with an update on both the pressurized water reactor (PWR) and boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel performances.
Framatome representatives presented on its fuel activities, facilities, products, operating experience, advanced fuel management (AFM), and advanced codes and methods development. At the beginning of the meeting, the NRC staff participated in tours of both the manufacturing and test facilities, at the Richland, Washington site. Throughout the discussions, Framatome representatives addressed the NRC staff questions and provided valuable information.
On the presentation for the AFM project, Framatome representatives provided the NRC staff with information on the program goals, targets for burnup and enrichment, progress schedule, and PWR and BWR fuel cycle. An update on PWR and BWR 24-month application cycle results was also provided. In addition, planned updates for the Richland fuel fabrication facility to support the AFM project Framatome was also provided. The updates included information on the overall facility modifications and site project assumptions and approaches. Specific facility modifications including dry conversion, ceramics, rod and bundle, shipping and receiving, scrap recovery, waste processing and storage, milestones, and progress to date were also discussed.
CONTACT: Ngola A. Otto, NRR/DORL 301-415-6695
Regarding PWR fuel designs, performance, and operating experience, Framatome representatives provided 1) a summary of key aspects of current PWR fuel product features,
- 2) status update of the overall performance of Framatomes PWR designs, 3) an updated status of GAIA program, 4) Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel (EATF) PROtect summary, and
- 5) overview of fuel examinations and surveillance campaigns. For the status of PWR fuel failures and investigations, information, and discussions focused on the cause of failures based on examinations.
In addition, Framatome representatives provided information on CNL the EATF fuel rods. For poolside surveillance results and plans, the discussions focused on recent and planned PWR poolside surveillance campaigns and Framatome representatives addressed the NRC staff questions. For the PWR fuel performance summary, Framatome concluded that:
HTP and GAIA continue to demonstrate improved performance over predecessor designs.
All US PWR customers have transitioned to advanced cladding (M5Framatome) with low oxidation, growth, and hydrogen pickup.
Framatome is successfully implementing next-generation PWR products (via Lead Fuel Assembly programs) incorporating proven and effective design features.
Framatome is committed to resolving conditions adverse to fuel reliability.
Framatomes active Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) program continues to validate the successful performance of Framatome PWR fuel products.
Regarding BWR fuel designs, operating experience, and fuel performance Framatome representatives provided a summary of Framatomes BWR operating experience in the US, BWR fuel performance and review of recent cause of fuel failure campaigns, benefits of the ATRIUM 11 design, plan for PIEs and design improvements, and hot cell update. For operating experience, information and discussions focused on domestic and global ATRIUM product supply and ATRIUM irradiation experience. For fuel performance, discussions focused on a status of fuel reliability, leaker updates, fuel inspection improvements, BWR fuel product line designs, and PIEs. In the BWR fuel performance summary Framatome representatives concluded that:
Framatome is moving towards the ATRIUM 11 design because of better performance, specifically with respect to debris mitigation.
PIEs are planned to help with improvements, and additive manufacturing will help achieve updated design not manufacturable with convention machining processes.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Hot Cell H testing is complete.
Framatome representatives also provided an update on the BWR advanced codes and methods and how they support the AFM program. The discussion focused on the BWR approved methods, current methodologies, those under review, and future planned submittals.
An update on Framatomes longer term accident tolerant fuel concepts was also provided. This concept utilizes silicon-carbide based cladding for fuel. At the end of the meeting, the Framatome representatives provided an update on planned topical report submittals and associated license amendment requests.
A list of the attendees is enclosed. The Framatome presentation materials and meeting summary can be found in ADAMS at Package Accession No. ML23310A061.
Docket No. 99902041
Enclosure:
As stated.
Enclosure List of Attendees Closed Hybrid Fuel Performance Update Meeting with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Framatome Inc.
October 4-5, 2023 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Pacific Time NAME ORGANIZATION George Borum Framatome Inc (Framatome)
Buck Barner Framatome Marty Bickford Framatome Morris Byram Framatome Paul Clifford Framatome Steve Cole Framatome Kelly Duggan Framatome Gayle Elliott Framatome Steven Fink Framatome Norm Garner Framatome Ernie Hockens Framatome Gannon Johnson Framatome Brian Lockanum Framatome Stephen Mazurkiewicz Framatome Jason Medina Framatome Alan Meginnis Framatome Kevin Mon Framatome Jeff Reed Framatome Lance Stephens Framatome John Budzyniski Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) - remote NAME ORGANIZATION Alex Collier NRC Vic Cusumano NRC Joseph Donoghue NRC - remote Richard Fu NRC - remote Gerond George NRC - remote Kevin Heller NRC Andrea Kock NRC - remote Scott Krepel NRC Zhang Li NRC Joseph Messina NRC - remote Ngola Otto NRC Adam Rau NRC Mary-Jane Ross-Lee NRC - remote Ashley Smith NRC - remote Chris VanWert NRC - remote Kent Wood NRC Sandra McClure Interpreter Jennifer Wagner Interpreter
ML23310A061 (Package)
ML23310A045 (Summary)
ML23276A630 (Presentation - Proprietary)
ML23277A083 (Presentation - Non-Proprietary)
- via email OFFICE NRR/DORL/LLPB/PM*
NRR/DORL/LLPB/LA*
NRR/DORL/LLPB/BC*
NRR/DORL/LLPB/PM*
NAME NOtto DHarrison GGeorge NOtto DATE 11/8/2023 11/15/2023 11/17/2023 11/20/2023