NRC Generic Letter 1979-66: Difference between revisions

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| issue date = 11/27/1979
| issue date = 11/27/1979
| title = NRC Generic Letter 1979-066: Information Regarding New Fuel Cladding Strain and Fuel Assembly Blockage Models and Compliance with 10 CFR 50.46
| title = NRC Generic Letter 1979-066: Information Regarding New Fuel Cladding Strain and Fuel Assembly Blockage Models and Compliance with 10 CFR 50.46
| author name = Eisenhut D G
| author name = Eisenhut D
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR
| addressee name =  
| addressee name =  
Line 15: Line 15:
| page count = 32
| page count = 32
}}
}}
{{#Wiki_filter:.V _. I- ---L-?UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY  
{{#Wiki_filter:. V _.I- --
COMMISSION
                                                                                      '    - L-?
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 November 27, 1979 GI-- (LETTER TO ALL OPERATING  
                                                UNITED STATES
LIGHT WATER REACTORS)Gentlemen:
                                    NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
Letters, dated November 9, 1979, were sent to all the licensees requesting information concerning the new fuel cladding strain and fuel assembly blockage models and compliance with 10 CFR 50.46. Subsequently further information was provided by the NSSS vendors and fuel suppliers regarding the impact of cladding heating-rate dependent burst temperature effects on rupture time and rupture strain/blockage and consequently on calculated peak cladding temperatures.
                                              WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 November 27, 1979                 GI-- 77_66 (LETTER TO ALL OPERATING LIGHT WATER REACTORS)
            Gentlemen:
            Letters, dated November 9, 1979, were sent to all the licensees requesting information concerning the new fuel cladding strain and fuel assembly blockage models and compliance with 10 CFR 50.46. Subsequently further information was provided by the NSSS vendors and fuel suppliers regarding the impact of cladding heating-rate dependent burst temperature effects on rupture time and rupture strain/blockage and consequently on calculated peak cladding temperatures. The vendors and fuel suppliers supplied additional information by letters to the staff.


The vendors and fuel suppliers supplied additional information by letters to the staff.Copies of these additional letters are enclosed.
Copies of these additional letters are enclosed. This new information should be used in preparing your response to the November 9, 1979 request.


This new information should be used in preparing your response to the November 9, 1979 request.incerely, Darrell G. senhu ting Director Division o perating Reactors Enclosures:
incerely, Darrell G.       senhu     ting Director Division o     perating Reactors Enclosures:
1. Letter from 2. Letter from 3. Letter from 4. Letter from 5. Letter from 6. Letter from Babcock & Wilcox, dated November 20, 1979 Combustion Engineering, dated November 16, 1979 Exxon Nuclear Co., dated November 16, 1979 General Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979 Westinghouse Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979 Yankee Atomic Electric Co., dated November 20, 1979 C?)e) -6-1-7 Baboock& icox v -24 PO. Rox3260. 4=?:*s, Va 24505 Terephioxe:
            1. Letter   from Babcock & Wilcox, dated November 20, 1979
MU 384-51 13 November 20, 1979 Hr. Darrell G. Eisenbut Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reacter Regulati" U.S. NucleUr Regulatory Commission Vashington, D.C. 20555 SubJect: ClAdding Svefling and Rupture Models fcr LOCA Analysis Dear Mr. Eisenbutt On Wovebear 14, 1979, Kr. R F. Denise of the Division of Systeas Safety contact I&W with regard to the Burst Temperature Curve approved for nze by BE&W in LOCL analyses.
            2. Letter  from Combustion Engineering, dated November 16, 1979
            3. Letter  from Exxon Nuclear Co., dated November 16, 1979
            4. Letter  from General Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979
            5. Letter  from Westinghouse Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979
            6. Letter  from Yankee Atomic Electric Co., dated November 20, 1979 C?)e) -6-1-7


li. Denitse re-quested BW to considcr the effect of ruloying the Staff's ramp rate correzltion.
Baboock& icox                v                                                                  -24 PO. Rox3260. 4=?:*s, Va 24505 Terephioxe: MU 384-51 13 November 20, 1979 Hr. Darrell G. Eisenbut Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reacter Regulati"
    U.S. NucleUr Regulatory Commission Vashington, D.C. 20555 SubJect:    ClAdding Svefling and Rupture Models fcr LOCA Analysis Dear Mr. Eisenbutt On Wovebear 14, 1979, Kr. R F. Denise of the Division of Systeas Safety contact I&W with regard to the Burst Temperature Curve approved for nze by BE&W in LOCL analyses. li. Denitse re- quested BW to considcr the effect of ruloying the Staff's ramp rate correzltion. a contained in Draft KMMO 0630 to deteridne the Burst Temperature Curve for use in WC& analyses.


a contained in Draft KMMO 0630 to deteridne the Burst Temperature Curve for use in WC& analyses.B&' has exained the ramp heat up rates calculated prior to rupture for B&W WSS syste= which have either OLs or CFs granted under 10 CW 50.46. (Documented in EA1-10102, Rev. 2, EW-10103AI, Rev. 3, ind EA-1010S, Rev. 1.) Ilterpolating from the Staff's r heat up rate versus imp stress and failre temperature referenced above, BSW has found that the Staffis correlation predicts the fuel cladding to rupture at the same or higher tamperatures for al1. cases, except the 4-foot coe elevation for the £77-Fuel AssSemby raised-loop pnt (SAW-10105, Rev. 1). The razp rate prior to rupture fI this case is approxinately  
B&' has exained the ramp heat up rates calculated prior to rupture for B&W WSS syste= which have either OLs or CFs granted under 10 CW 50.46. (Documented in EA1-10102, Rev. 2, EW-10103AI, Rev. 3, ind EA-1010S, Rev. 1.) Ilterpolating from the Staff's r       heat up rate versus imp stress and failre temperature referenced above, BSW has found that the Staffis correlation predicts the fuel cladding to rupture at the same or higher tamperatures for al1. cases, except the 4-foot coe elevation for the £77-Fuel AssSemby raised-loop pnt                 (SAW-
12 C/s, whle the ertrapolation of the NkEC curves to the EW Burst Temperature Curve at tbat &ae stress Indicates  
      10105, Rev.   1).   The razp   rate prior to rupture     fI   this   case is approxinately 12 C/s, whle the ertrapolation of the NkEC
& 22 Ca hte t up rate. SW has estimted tbat the effect would be an earlier rupture, and, thetere, additional oxidation due to metal-water reaction, rulting in an increase of appr"imtel  
      curves to the EW Burst Temperature Curve at tbat &ae stress Indicates & 22 Ca hte t up rate. SW has estimted tbat the effect would be an earlier rupture, and, thetere, additional oxidation due to metal-water reaction, rulting in an increase of appr"imtel 6O1 In the peak cladding tupeerature (PCT).
6O1 In the peak cladding tupeerature (PCT).The original analysis showed a peak cladding temwrature of 2073F. The addition of 80? wod result iu w peak of 2153'F and not violate tie requirements of 10 CFR 530.4. Since the issuance of -1l0105, Rev. 1, B his idntified further con-servatisms which wmount to a reduction in peak cladding tempera-ture of approximately  
      The original analysis showed a peak cladding temwrature of
3W .Therefore, if the evaluation vere The 9Obcok&VWikt Coz-V8V I W4tstt~f 1867 t Rabcock & Wfl=o Mr. Darrell Eisenhut November 20, l979 to Include these further conzervatims, and tie MC ramp rate correla-tions employed, we wioud expect a peak cladbiuS temperature intreate of about 50)F (2123V7 peak) with no difficulty in demonstrating om-pliance to 10 CFR 50.46.In suzaary, BW bAs examined the effect of the use of the Staff's ramp rate correlation as requested and found the calculated PCT to be either unebanged at lowered as a result except for the one case noted above. If there are any questions concerning this response, please call me or Resry Bailey (Ext. 2678) of my staff.Very truly your,.3anes R. Tylor Manager, Lkensing JT/lc zz t Nd Oa 'AQN 6 ,wv e'.A~oV I ..
      2073F. The addition of 80? wod result iu w peak of 2153'F
ComhLEDfl nrinrr;sn3.
      and not violate tie requirements of 10 CFR 530.4.             Since the issuance of     -1l0105, Rev. 1, B his idntified further con- servatisms which   wmount to a reduction in peak cladding tempera- ture of approximately   3W . Therefore, if the evaluation vere The 9Obcok&VWikt Coz-V8V I W4tstt~f   1867


o TI.cl~e 9 229 1W0 PIO5PeCl Hiii RoOi Windsm, connemicul:
t Rabcock &Wfl=o Mr. Darrell Eisenhut November 20, l979 to Include these further conzervatims, and tie MC ramp rate correla- tions employed, we wioud expect a peak cladbiuS temperature intreate of about 50)F (2123V7 peak) with no difficulty in demonstrating om- pliance to 10 CFR 50.46.
W095 POWER SYSTEMS Roveber I6. 1979 LD-79-067 Mr. Darrell C. Elsenhut -Assistant Director for Systvs and Projects Division of Operating Reactors U- S. luclear RegulatorY
cu'issidO Wshingtnn, D.. L 20555 Subject: Fuel Cladding Shelling and Rupture Nodels Reference:
Letter LD-79-064, A. E. Scherer to 0. G. Eisenhut.ste November 2. 1979 Dear Kr. Eisenhut: The rferenced letter prmi4ded Conbustion Enginfeerig's (C-E) response to seyeral NRC concerns regatrdino rupture strain ard flow boage.. Su-sequent to receipt of the letter, additional questilons armse concerning the impact of heating rate dependent burst tonperatre effects on rupture time and rupture strainfblotkage arnd ultimately an peak cladding tem-per-ature (PCiT) in the analysis of a large break LO£A. The following evalua-tion of the potential impact of heating rate dependent burst taterature on C-E'S licensing calculations is provided in support of our oparating plant custineri.


The C-E rupture temperature model does not have heating rate dependence.
In suzaary, BW bAs examined the effect of the use of the Staff's ramp rate correlation as requested and found the calculated PCT to be either unebanged at lowered as a result except for the one case noted above. If there are any questions concerning this response, please call me or Resry Bailey (Ext. 2678) of my staff.


For the heating rate range of C-E operating plants, 2-10yCfter znd using the ORL mrodel reccmended by the Staff. heating rate effects would lower predicted rupture temperatures by 25-750C. The resulting lower rupture tMrperatures due to low heat rate effects produce earlier rupture times, (2-20 se-wnds earlier).If rupture occurs after the tine of <1 Wnsec ref loIW. degraded heat tran&-fe on the rupture Woe ard above (as required by Appendid K) is invoked at the time of rupture. Earlier rupture times could lead to higher re-flood PC in this case because of the earlier i silipirentatAor.
Very truly your,.
                                            3anes R. Tylor Manager, Lkensing JT/lc zz  t Nd Oa 'AQN 6,wv e'.
                                A~oV          I  ..


of degraded heat transfer.
ComhLEDfl nrinrr;sn3. o        TI.cl~e 9 229
1W0 PIO5PeCl Hiii RoOi Windsm, connemicul: W095 POWER
SYSTEMS
                                                          Roveber I6. 1979 LD-79-067 Mr. Darrell C. Elsenhut                          -
Assistant Director for Systvs and Projects Division of Operating Reactors U- S. luclear RegulatorY cu'issidO
Wshingtnn, D.. L          20555 Subject: Fuel Cladding Shelling and Rupture Nodels G. Eisenhut.


However, all C-E operating plants experInze c3ad rupture prior to the time of el in/sWm reflWd and therefore the initiation of degraded heat transfer would not be affected by lower rupture topiatures.
Reference: Letter LD-79-064, A. E. Scherer to 0.


Earlier rupture times during the blawdown or refill periods mnay alter local beat transfer *ncmentarily, thrTouh wp conductance or radiaticn enclosure effects. Bowever, if the PCT occurs during late reflood its imPact on PIT woUld not be significant.
ste November 2. 1979 Dear Kr. Eisenhut:
                                                                    (C-E) response The rferenced letter prmi4ded Conbustion Enginfeerig's to seyeral NRC concerns regatrdino rupture strain        ard flow boage.. Su- questilons armse concerning sequent to receipt of the letter, additionaltonperatre          effects on rupture the impact of heating rate dependent burst            an peak cladding tem-per- time and rupture strainfblotkage arnd ultimately    LO&#xa3;A. The following evalua- ature (PCiT) in the analysis of a large break                    burst taterature tion of the potential impact of heating rate independent support of our oparating on C-E'S licensing calculations is provided plant custineri.
 
heating rate dependence.
 
The C-E rupture temperature model does not have              2-10yCfter znd using For the heating rate range of C-E operating plants, the ORL mrodel reccmended by the        Staff. heating rate effects would lower predicted rupture temperatures by 25-750C. produce The resulting lower rupture earlier rupture times, tMrperatures due to low heat rate effects
  (2-20 se-wnds earlier).
                                                                  degraded heat tran&-
  If rupture occurs after the tine of <1 Wnsec ref loIW.by Appendid K) is        invoked fe on the rupture Woe ard above (as required could lead to higher re- at the time of rupture. Earlier rupture times i          silipirentatAor. of degraded flood PC in this case because of the earlier              experInze c3ad rupture heat transfer. However, all C-E operating plants              the initiation of prior to the time of el in/sWm reflWd and thereforeby lower rupture topiatures.
 
degraded heat transfer would not be affected  or refill periods mnay alter local Earlier rupture times during the blawdown                or radiaticn enclosure beat transfer *ncmentarily, thrTouh wp conductancereflood its imPact on PIT
  effects. Bowever, if the PCT occurs during late woUld not be significant.


r Dc Orrell G. Ekernhut-Z
r Dc Orrell G. Ekernhut-Z
Lower rupture temperatures due t low I e3t rate effects may produce higher rvpture strains and blockages.
  Lower rupture temperatures due t   I
                                      low e3t rate effects may produce higher rvpture strains and blockages.  The effect of increased rupture strain and blockage was addressed in the referenced letter tg The results of the previously discussed System 80 sensitivity the Steff.
 
studies show that PCT calculated witb the revised flow blockage/heat model is slightly lower than PT calculated with the present transfer heat tran5fer model. In addition,, the results of a study showflowblockaagef creasing the                                                      that in- degree of flow blockage from 6DO to 8DX only PCT by 400 F. &ised on these results, we conqlude that all Increases C-E
                                                                          the operating plants continue to coinply with the ZZOCOF peak cladding teperature criterion, Including the effects of increased rupture strain/blo-kage.
 
The above discussions indicate that the reported PCT for all C4 opeating plants would not be siganficantly affected by a haating- rate rupture                                                        dependent temperature model.  The magnitude of the effect on PC
no greater than effects observed in the System 80 sensitivity would be using the C-E alternate rodels. In facts it is expected that studies vised flow blockagefheat transfer models with or without a        uting- rL-
                                                              heating -ate dependent burst tm aperature model for the analysis of C-E operating plants h-Duld produce lower PCT than presently reported values. C-E
therefore believes that our Evaluation %Idelanalysis with thf revised flow  blockage/heat transfer miodl meets Appendix K requirements and the ZZaODF peak cladding tepperature criterion.
 
If I can be of any further assistance on this rmitter, pfiase contact uze or Mls. 3. H. Cicerchia of uy staff at (20)3S1-1911. ExtenSon slo      5.
 
Very truly )ours, CtiBWST1It  BEIE~ThERINr INC.
 
Licensing tBanager AES:d-ag
 
lk*CtJ      UCLt&Ahb                  :IYIne:.1m                  tC),ll            L0  lute flt    Horn hopids AD.,d
0. V>. &&x fjO, P~h0"ffJ~trl. li'st~t~fo g3t72 PAiinr f5019 94.Y  R1.0        rale 32ti3 Novotnbpe 1t,        1q79 Mr. barrell G. tisenhut. Acting tirector bivision of Operating Peaictors Office of Nuclear Rpart.ror Regulation U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Conmnmission Washington, D. C; 2O!55 keferenrce ti:              MNt letter frnmi G. r. Owtlpy to h. A.. tist.albut dated Nnvft*p&tt 4, 19I/9.
 
betit Har. Eisenhut:
        A!s iaquested by your staff on November 13, 1979, tMt hp! cnmpleted Ah additional review of the licensing imapct of thr: rsriujed                          NRC rupture/
        blockage model with pattLuler                emphasis    on the  impact      of  the    NRC tempera- ture-ramp-dependent rupture              temperature      curves.    Tthi  .  Peview      SupportS
        the conclusion            of  ENC's  earlier  anal yte    (Aeferehrt!    1)  that    there    is ho adverse impact on licensing lintts for plants AnhAled by ENt                                modelt  ttfo ute of the NRC rupture/blockage model.
 
the DC Cook analyses reported in tPftPvPnhr. (1) UP'ed the to:mrole.tr: Lt'ruLso'stl              tuptuiC
          NRC rupture/blorkage model including the temperature-tImp-dependent the temperaturv,            rupture  strain  And  flow  blockage  cbrrelatinF..            Thin.,
          temperature ramp rate effects had been included. The teqserature rtip rate dependence in the NRC model is such that the difference                              between the predicted rupture temperature of                  the  HRC  and    MNC    tmdels    Is  gredlest for the 6lowest ramp rate. Resultt                  of  this  additional      review      are  summarited below:
 
* All PiR plants licensed with tBC models have temperature set.onds                      ramp rates in the Slow range (clOGC/sec for & period                    of  more    than    10
          prior to rupture.)
 
* For the category of plants where t.he POI oiturs dowtritreim of the ruptured nr,^d (it, st'am cooling) the DC Cook. plant is the mostttmpel-At'WF'              sensitive to the NRC rupture/blockage model beculue it hat                    the    tlnwp.t ramp rate prior to rupture.
 
Application of the NRC rupture/blockage model to the plant ti.withuntberattiVt              the 0iowest tamp tate (DC Cook) Shows that the turrent FNC PttM'                      MnndI
          &s discussed in Reference (1). thusr, it.i!, euutlutJvd tt;tconservative.            the currtht tNC
          tCCS 6nalyses for plants            which  tall  in  this  cate gory    are                          Thest plants are Palisades,            Kewaunee  and  Prairie    Isllnd    1  And    2.
 
T i rrl  .  Nknu
 
* Par one WH Ah~tyt+/-d 0thltt (At dIihhA) thl P4I bc~ti A~ hlth uipturad node Ind early in the 1-fil pod petiod ThA Mf~a              h*n I~
  ruturf/blockage model tb ft Ginna hat bmm 1akutetdo          the tdtrot qodbi&sect;
PC? than 6e"at found to be ltes tha" a 206r IthcIs wit Pv? still more than 20U6F below the f200tU Ilimtit.
 
uth
                                                                          1h
      & T'he remainingp tiC anhltyild P6" lap.nt. Oh ftabinstrh) db~5 h8t NAVI
  &Steam tonling period nor dues thts Fit occur at thP 1-U turod nodi.fo      Ir this Plant the' ruIpture Straifl calculdtO~by the NRC tuptiturs htrkift iftoda (considering the tamp rate ueIfpct oh tuptura. ternperhtuefi) I getrthatn the- tupture Itrain calculated by th          Ml E    Thuj,Sto CUptutcq/
blockage model would yield is low~er P'CT Siir the "biautf hlq ier Ma~d strain on the hotn-ruptured PC? ttudej Would Impruov& Lid tool in.
 
In guutmary. it is concluded that Application at~the ftRt 1uptut&blotkA06 Model in the ENC tCCS model would hot Affect liet~h~itq limits Oil ENC
Plants because:-
          OCT's would be reduced by Using the MrC rtipture/blockagis hodel in all olants in which PCT does not occur an the 1tUPtUred hafde I in thp nite P ant Where Ptl` dofig Occur at' thp 1ruptut~d flod (tp tt the impact of the ftRC rupture/blockwjt' tunndl On OvC isleA than favl with imtre than A 9006F margin to tha 22Q0tF! limit r?-hn&intg.
 
Utiton kutil#&r ttnim0hy
 
GENERAL* ELECTRIC                                                NUCLEAR        POWER
                                                                              SYSTEMS DIVISION
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, 176 CURTNER AVE., SAN JOSE, CALW*FRNA 95125        MyN  278-79 MC 682, (408) 925-5722 November 16, 1979 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Washington. D.C.      20555 Attention:      Darrell G. Eisenhut, Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Gentlemen:
              SUBJECT:        GE CLADDING HOOP STRESS AT PERFORATION
              Reference:      (1) Letter, R. H. Buchholz to D. G. Elsenhut (NRC),
                                    ORNL Cladding Swell and Rupture Data - BWR
                                    Evaluation, November 2, 1979.
 
(2) Draft Report, R. 0. Meyer and D. A. Powers, Cladding Swelling and Rupture Models for LOCA
                                    Analysis, October 31, 1979.
 
(3) General Electric Company Analytical Model for Loss-of-Coolant Analysis in Accordance with 1OCFR5O
                                    Appendix K, NEBO 20566, January 1976.
 
(4) Letter, A. J. Levine to D. F. Ross (NRC), GE Loss-of- Coolant Accident Model Revisions - Core Heatup Code CHASTE05, January 27, 1977.
 
During a telephone conversation between GE and R. Denise of transmittedthe NRC
              Staff on November 14, 1979,    additional  information    to  that in Reference 1 was requested. Reference 1 outlined the            reasons the data contained in Reference 2 did not affect the GE        LOCA cladding swell- ing and rupture models (References 3 and 4). It        is  GE's    understanding that the NRC Staff is concerned with the method affects cladding the used  to  calculate hoop ramp rate (clad heatup rate) during a LOCA as it                of  this letter  is stress versus temperature at perforation.        The purpose to address these concerns.
 
Section I.B of GE Appendix K Topical Report NEDO-20566 discusses fuel        based swelling and clad rupture thermal parameters. this analysis was studies on our previously applied CHASTE04 model. Extensive          sensitivity
 
GENERAL1 ELCICt'iC
  U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 were carried out by GE to prepare for NRC review of the currently approved CHASTE05 swelling and rupture model. These studies aro of direct relevance to the current NRC concerns. The sensitivity studies (results of which are included for completeness in Supplement A) indi- cated only a small sensitivity of PCT to variations in cladding strain and hoop stress at perforation. In particular, Figure 4 of Supplement A
  depicts the variatton of the hoop stress at perforation with temperature.
 
The lower bound of the investigation has been re-plotted on Figure 54 of Reference 2 (attached). This figure shows that the lower bound of the CHASTE05 sensitivity analysis produces a more conservative relationship of hoop stress to perforation than the 0C/sec curve for temperatures above approximately 740'C (i.e., perforations are not expected in GE
BWRs below 925 0C). The change in PCT for this lower curve compared to the base case was -50F.
 
We understand that the Staff is also concerned about the statistical significance of the range of values over which ramp rates are deter- mined. The calculated cladding heatup rate for GE BWRs is between 1&deg;
and 71F/sec. This range of heatup rates is based on an average value over the ballooning portion of the ramp.
 
The foregoing discussion, together with Supplement A, clearly indicates that the ORNL data for hoop stress at perforation for several heatup rates does not impact the conclusions of References 3 and 4 over the BWR
ranges of application.
 
I sincerely hope that this resolves any questions you may have regarding this matter as it pertains to the BWR.
 
Yours truly, R. H. Buchholz, Manager BWR Systoms Licensing Safety and Licensing Operation RHB:cas/4J
Attachments cc:  G. G. Sherwood R. Mattson (NRC)
      R. Denise (NRC)
      L. S. Gifford (GE-Beth)
 
Supplement A
                    CHASTE05 SWELLING AND RUPTURE MODEL
Sensitivity Studies To evaluate the effects of the change in the            calculation of the grey body factors (GBF) in the CHASTEO5 code,          a number of sensitivity studies wore done. The studies show that the more            realistic calculation of the cladding temperature GBF's results in a smaller sensitivity of the peak          and  rupture model.
 
(PCT) to various parameters of the rod swelling The studies were performed for a plant with hence      7x7 fuel at high exposures, any sensitivity of the to maximize the number of perforations and          relatively long reflooding calculated PCT. The plant selected had athen              results in a longer period time and a shorter blowdown period which perforated              and hence a greater over which the rods are calculated to beand rupture model. The results sensitivity to change; in the swelling                      of those expected for presented here can be considered representative calculated      to occur.
 
BWRs with fuel where perforations        are in detail below:
The following studies were performed and are discussed
        1.    Variation    of  cladding strain at perforation
        2.    Variation    of  swelling initiation criteria
        3.    Variation    of  thermal expansion coefficients
        4.    Variation    of  perforation stress versus temperature curve
        5.    Variation    of  plenum volume
        6.    Vpriation    of  the GBF calculation time The base case for all the calculations was models    calculated using the strains, described in NEDW-20566, perforation curve, strain rates and other and 23%as on inner rods for i.e., nominal strains of 16% on outer rods temperature transients for perforation hoop stresses <1500 psi. in      The several  rods  for  this  case  are shown    Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the relative positions at the different rods.
 
results in a smaller In general, the use of CHASTEDS instead of CHASTE04        The  two  major reasons for sensitivity to changes in various parameters.      the            in  the parameters the smaller sensitivity of the results to                changes are:
              A more accurate calculation of radiation heatheat          transfer in a)                                                                  transfer CHASTE05 has reduced the impact of radiation degradation when rods are calculated to perforate.
 
b) Better nodalization of the cladding            in CHASTE05 (it has two cladding nodes instead of one      in  CHASTE04)    and better control of the time step has reduced      the    sensitivity      of the temperature response to inside metal      water  reaction    as  a  result of perforations, takes a i.e., when a rod is calculated to perforate, the code small time step.


The effect of increased rupture strain and blockage was addressed in the referenced letter tg the Steff.The results of the previously discussed System 80 sensitivity studies show that PCT calculated witb the revised flow blockage/heat transfer model is slightly lower than PT calculated with the present flowblockaagef heat tran5fer model. In addition,, the results of a study show that in-creasing the degree of flow blockage from 6DO to 8DX only Increases the PCT by 40 0 F. &ised on these results, we conqlude that all C-E operating plants continue to coinply with the ZZOCOF peak cladding teperature criterion, Including the effects of increased rupture strain/blo-kage.
NS: cas: at/4T                          1


The above discussions indicate that the reported PCT for all C4 opeating plants would not be siganficantly affected by a haating- rate dependent rupture temperature model. The magnitude of the effect on PC would be no greater than effects observed in the System 80 sensitivity studies using the C-E alternate rodels. In facts it is expected that uting- rL-vised flow blockagefheat transfer models with or without a heating -ate dependent burst tm aperature model for the analysis of C-E operating plants h-Duld produce lower PCT than presently reported values. C-E therefore believes that our Evaluation
1.0 Variation of Cladding Strain at Perforation The values of strain after perforation used in the based on the FLECHT Zr2 tests described in Section calculation I.B.2.4 ar NEDO-20566. It 15 assumed that for rods with hoop stress        of rods next to the channel will have a maximum strain after (1500 psi, of 16% of nominal radius and for the reinianng rods, the perforation strain Is assumed to be 23% of nominal radius. The purpose  maximum study was to determine the change in the temperature responseof this individual rods and the peak cladding temperature of the            of a result of changing the various assumptions regarding      bundle      as perforation strain. The base case for this study was the assumed done using the nominal strains (i.e., 23% an Inner and 16% on outer rods).
%Idel analysis with thf revised flow blockage/heat transfer miodl meets Appendix K requirements and the ZZaODF peak cladding tepperature criterion.
        The study shows that there is a very small (*5F) sensitivity PCT to changes in the perforation strain. This Is because, of the though individual rod temperatures are affected (by as            even just after a rod perforates during the transient), the  such    as 200F
      of all the rods in-the bundle tend to equalize as a resulttemperature of redistribution of energy by radiation heat transfer, consequently the overall effect on PCT is small. The studies show strain is increased on an individual rod its temperature that as the because for larger strains there is a larger area for      decreases, heat and, hence, lower temperatures. For smaller strains the transfer are higher as the area for heat transfer Is smaller.        temperatures The results for the different cases are presented below;
                    1.The strain on the first rod to perforate (Group was changed to 40%. The calculation showed no change          12)
                                                                      in PCT but did show a slight decrease (c20F) in the temperature  the transient for the first rod to perforate shortly after perforated.                                              the rod Case 2. The strain on the second rod to perforate was changed to 40%. In this case, the PCT decreased(Group 10)
                                                                    by SF
            compared to the base case. The change was larger compared Case 1 because of the closer proximity of the final PCT         to the second rod to perforate; but despite the change,        rod  to be noted that the change Is small.                    it    should Case 3. The perforation strain on all rods was set at represents the maximum strain that adjacent rods can      30% (30%
            without touching). The PCT decreased by only 3F even    expand    to the variation in individual rod temperatures during      though were lower by as muchas 25F during the transient,    the transient just    after the rod perforated.


If I can be of any further assistance on this rmitter, pfiase contact uze or Mls. 3. H. Cicerchia of uy staff at (20)3S1-1911.
Case 4. The perforation strain on all rods was reduced
            1aTtfie nominal value and the PCT decreased by 3F.          to case also, the individual rod temperature transients  In    this by a larger value (up to 15F at certain times in the  changed compared to the PCT.                                   transient)
1S: cas/4T                            2


ExtenSon slo 5.Very truly )ours, CtiBWST1It BEIE~ThERINr INC.Licensing tBanager AES:d-ag lk*CtJ UCLt&Ahb :IYIne:.1m tC),ll L0 lute flt Horn hopids AD.,d 0. V>. &&x fjO, P~h0"ffJ~trl.
The above studies were supplemented by studies using the strains    strains measured in the FLECHT Zr2    test, instead    of  the  nominal used in the above studies.


li'st~t~fo g3t72 PAiinr f5019 94.Y R1.0 rale 32ti3 Novotnbpe
Case S
1t, 1q79 Mr. barrell G. tisenhut.
          Strains measured in the Zr2 test (shown in Figure 2, p              1-175, NEDO-20566) were input into the CHASTE        code,  instead  of  the nominal strains of 16% and 25%      on  outer    and  inner  rods,  respectively.


Acting tirector bivision of Operating Peaictors Office of Nuclear Rpart.ror Regulation U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Conmnmission Washington, D. C; 2O!55 keferenrce ti: MNt letter frnmi G. r. Owtlpy to h. A.. tist.albut dated Nnvft*p&tt
Figure 3 shows the effect    on  the  first    rod to  perforate    (Group 12)
4, 19I/9.betit Har. Eisenhut: A!s iaquested by your staff on November 13, 1979, tMt hp! cnmpleted Ah additional review of the licensing imapct of thr: rsriujed NRC rupture/blockage model with pattLuler emphasis on the impact of the NRC tempera-ture-ramp-dependent rupture temperature curves. Tthi .Peview SupportS the conclusion of ENC's earlier anal yte (Aeferehrt!
          of using the nominal  versus  measured    perforation    strains  for all  the rods. The difference    in  the  temperature    transient    for individual rods in the two cases is small, and the            differences in the calculated PCTs is zero. As discussed earlier,             the of reason for the small PCT sensitivity is the redistribution the temperature due to radiation heat        transfer    and  the  fact that the PCT rod at the end of the transient is a nonperforated rod.   Early in the transient, the PCT rod is often a rod that perforates (as shown In Figure 3).
1) that there is ho adverse impact on licensing lint ts for plants AnhAled by ENt modelt ttfo ute of the NRC rupture/blockage model.the DC Cook analyses reported in tPftPvPnhr.
          Case 6 This case was similar to Cases 1 and 2. In this case, the to strain on the first rod group to perforate was set equal
          16%, 30%, and 40%. For all    other    rod  groups,    the Zr2  measured strains were used. The calculated temperature transient for the first rod to perforate is platted in Figure 3. The results show that for higher strains, the cladding temperature is lower shortly after perforation because of a larger heat transfer area, but there is much smaller sensitivity to strain than was calculated in CHASTE04.      The reason for this is that CHASTEOS has finer nodalization of the cladding and hence a more accurate calculation of the surface temperature and the metal water reaction rate. Also, CHASTE05 has better time step control which results in smaller time steps after a calculated perforation.    Because of these two reasons, the of cladding temperature does not increase rapidly as a result inside metal reaction as was observed in         CHASTEN4.


(1) UP'ed the to:mrole.tr:
The calculation for the 40% strain appears to show a larger sensitivity because of a slight delay in the perforation time.
Lt'ruLso'stl NRC rupture/blorkage model including the temperature-tImp-dependent tuptuiC temperaturv, rupture strain And flow blockage cbrrelatinF..
Thin., the temperature ramp rate effects had been included.


The teqserature rtip rate dependence in the NRC model is such that the difference between the predicted rupture temperature of the HRC and MNC tmdels Is gredlest for the 6lowest ramp rate. Resultt of this additional review are summarited below:* All PiR plants licensed with tBC models have temperature ramp rates in the Slow range (clOGC/sec for & period of more than 10 set.onds prior to rupture.)* For the category of plants where t.he POI oiturs dowtritreim of the ruptured nr,^d (it, st'am cooling) the DC Cook. plant is the most sensitive to the NRC rupture/blockage model beculue it hat the tlnwp.t ttmpel-At'WF'
But after a few seconds, the temperatures using the various strains all are about the same. The slight difference in the time of perforation for the various cases is a result of the slight differences in the strain rates before the rod perforated.
ramp rate prior to rupture.Application of the NRC rupture/blockage model to the plant with the 0iowest tamp tate (DC Cook) Shows that the turrent FNC PttM' MnndI ti. untberattiVt
&s discussed in Reference
(1). thusr, it. i!, euutlutJvd tt;t the currtht tNC tCCS 6nalyses for plants which tall in this cate gory are conservative.


Thest plants are Palisades, Kewaunee and Prairie Isllnd 1 And 2.
(The strains and strain rates before perforation are a function of the final perforation strain.)
            The conclusion from this study is that the cladding temperature of perforated rods is relatively insensitive (<lOF, 15 seconds after perforation) and the PCT is almost completely insensitive to the perforation strains and, hence, use of the nominal values is appropriate.


T i rrl .Nknu* Par one WH Ah~tyt+/-d 0thltt (At dIihhA) thl P4 I bc~ti A~ hlth uipturad node Ind early in the 1-fil pod p etiod ThA Mf~a I~ h*n ruturf/blockage model tb ft Ginna hat bmm 1akutetdo the tdtrot qodbi&sect;PC? than 6e "at found to be ltes tha" a 206r IthcIs wit 1h uth Pv? still more than 20U6F below the f200tU Ilimtit.& T'he remainingp tiC anhltyild P6" lap.nt. Oh ftabinstrh)
NS: cas/4T                            3
db~5 h8t NAVI&Steam tonling period nor dues thts Fit occur at thP 1-U turod nodi.fo Ir this Plant the' ruIpture Straifl calculdtO~
by the NRC tuptiturs htrkift iftoda (considering the tamp rate ueIfpct oh tuptura. ternperhtuefi)
I getrthatn the- tupture Itrain calculated by th E Ml Thuj, Sto CUptutcq/blockage model would yield is low~er P'CT Siir the "biautf hlq ier Ma~d strain on the hotn-ruptured PC? ttudej Would Impruov& Lid tool in.In guutmary.


it is concluded that Application at~ the ftRt 1uptut&blotkA06 Model in the ENC tCCS model would hot Affect liet~h~itq limits Oil ENC Plants because:-O CT's would be reduced by Using the MrC rtipture/blockagis hodel in all olants in which PCT does not occur an the 1tUPtUred hafde I in thp nite P ant Where Ptl` dofig Occur at' thp 1ruptut~d flod (tp tt the impact of the ftRC rupture/blockwjt'
2.0 Variation of      elling Initiation Criteria CHASTE calculates plastic swelling on rods for all temperatures above a certain temperature. This temperature is nominally set at 200F below the perforation temperature. Calculations were done assuming that plastic swelling starts OF, 20OF and 400F below the perforation temperature. The results show that for the case of OF, the PCT decreased by 3F, and for the 400F case the PCT was unchanged relative to the 200F nominal case. The effect on PCT was small (<SF), and the effect on Individual rod temperatures was also small (c20F), and hence it can be concluded that the use of 200F is still appropriate.
tunndl On OvC is leA than favl with imtre than A 9006F margin to tha 22Q0tF! limit r?-hn&intg.


Utiton kutil#&r ttnim0hy GENERAL* ELECTRIC GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, 176 CURTNER AVE., SAN JOSE, CALW*FRNA
3.0  Variation of Thermal Expansion Coefficients This study was done to determine the sensitivity of PCT to uncertainty in the thermal expansion coefficients of the fuel and cladding material. The changes in the PCT are caused by changes in the gap conductance resulting from changes in the pellet-cladding gap size for different thermal expansion coefficients. For larger thermal expansion coefficients, the gap size is larger early in the transient resulting in lower removal of stored energy during the blowdown phase of the transient and hence higher PCT. Conversely for smaller thermal expansion coefficients, the PCT is lower than the case using the nominal thermal expansion coefficients. But in all cases, the sensitivity is relatively small and is documented below for two extreme cases, I.e..' no thermal expansion or contraction and twice the nominal thermal expansion coefficients. For zero thermal expansion coefficients for both fuel and cladding, the PCT
95125 MC 682, (408) 925-5722 NUCLEAR POWER SYSTEMS DIVISION MyN 278-79 November 16, 1979 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Washington.
      decreased by about 25F; and for twice the nominal expansion coeffi- cients, the PCT increased by about 15F. The small sensitivity thermal expansion, even for the extreme cases, justifies the useto of nominal thermal expansion coefficients.


D.C. 20555 Attention:
4.0  Variation of Perforation Stress Versus Temperature Curve The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changing the perforation stress versus temperature curve from the standard curve used. Two cases were studied, one for which the curve was below all the data, and another for which the curve was above majority of the data points (see Figure 4). The change in the a calculated PCT compared to the base case was S6F for the lower curve, and +2F for the higher curve. For the lower curve, the perforations occurred earlier and at lower temperatures; hence, the effect of inside metal water reaction was minimized and there was larger surface area for heat transfer on some rods for a longer      a period of time. For the higher curve, even though perforations occurred later, they occurred at higher temperatures where inside metal water reaction is higher and hence a higher PCT. The important conclusion from this study is that the sensitivity to time and temperature of perforation has been reduced considerably with the Improved GBF calculation.
Darrell G. Eisenhut, Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Gentlemen:
SUBJECT: Reference:
GE CLADDING HOOP STRESS AT PERFORATION
(1) Letter, R. H. Buchholz to D. G. Elsenhut (NRC), ORNL Cladding Swell and Rupture Data -BWR Evaluation, November 2, 1979.(2) Draft Report, R. 0. Meyer and D. A. Powers, Cladding Swelling and Rupture Models for LOCA Analysis, October 31, 1979.(3) General Electric Company Analytical Model for Loss-of-Coolant Analysis in Accordance with 1OCFR5O Appendix K, NEBO 20566, January 1976.(4) Letter, A. J. Levine to D. F. Ross (NRC), GE Loss-of-Coolant Accident Model Revisions
-Core Heatup Code CHASTE05, January 27, 1977.During a telephone conversation between GE and R. Denise of the NRC Staff on November 14, 1979, additional information to that transmitted in Reference
1 was requested.


Reference
NS:cas:at/4T                      4
1 outlined the reasons the data contained in Reference
2 did not affect the GE LOCA cladding swell-ing and rupture models (References
3 and 4). It is GE's understanding that the NRC Staff is concerned with the method used to calculate the ramp rate (clad heatup rate) during a LOCA as it affects cladding hoop stress versus temperature at perforation.


The purpose of this letter is to address these concerns.Section I.B of GE Appendix K Topical Report NEDO-20566 discusses fuel swelling and clad rupture thermal parameters.
5.0 Variation of Plenum Volume and temperature of The previous study determined the effect of tim the effect of the initial perforation on PCT. This study determines the      effect of the initial plenum pressure on the PCT. To determine was varied from the plenum pressure, the Initial plenum volume pressure, the calculated nominal value by +/-40%. For the increased pressure, it decreased PCT increased by 5F; and for the decreased internal pressures have by IF. This study shows that the fuel rod PCT. This is primarily an insignificant effect on the calculated                is also small, because the effect on the number of perforations did not change i.e., the number of rods calculated to perforatepressure) but when the volume was decreased (i.e., to increased decreased by only  two rods  compared    the base case when the In this study also, volume was increased (i.e., lower pressures).
                                                  different    conditions but the time of perforation changed for  the the sensitivity was small.


this analysis was based on our previously applied CHASTE04 model. Extensive sensitivity studies GENERAL1 ELCICt'iC U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 were carried out by GE to prepare for NRC review of the currently approved CHASTE05 swelling and rupture model. These studies aro of direct relevance to the current NRC concerns.
Time
6.0 Variation of Grey Body Factor Calculation at different times Different rods are calculated to perforate  the  rod swelling occurs a during the heatup transient. As  most  of perforate, it is appro- few seconds before the rod is calculated to                of each rod. A
        priate to calculate GBFs at the time of perforation PCT to two bounding study was done to show the sensitivity of theIn one case, for the assumptions about the calculation of G6Bs. that the perforated rods radiation calculation only, It was assumed assumed that at the did not swell. In the second case, it was to 23% strain in the first perforation all the rods had swollenthe procedure that is used calculation of GBFs.* The second case is              was assumed, the in CHASTE04. For the case in which no swelling              case where GBFs PCT was lower by about 20F compared to thethestandard second case where GBFs are calculated at each perforation. For              calculated PCT was were calculated assuming all rods swollen, the            Figure 4 shows about 11OF higher compared to the standard case. study shows that the variation of PCT for the three cases. This      extremely conserva- the PCT using the old (CHASTE04) procedure was  transfer    is not very heat tive, and the degradation in radiation a few rods, which is the large as a result of the perforation  of calculations.


The sensitivity studies (results of which are included for completeness in Supplement A) indi-cated only a small sensitivity of PCT to variations in cladding strain and hoop stress at perforation.
typical case in BWR loss-of-coolant accident KS: cas/4T                            6


In particular, Figure 4 of Supplement A depicts the variatton of the hoop stress at perforation with temperature.
. 2500                                                                      a500
                                                                              vD T A~IAe PEWM~tAT~ot4
  2000                                                                              GROUP 15 GFOUFPIP.


The lower bound of the investigation has been re-plotted on Figure 54 of Reference
(
2 (attached).
  5?0
This figure shows that the lower bound of the CHASTE05 sensitivity analysis produces a more conservative relationship of hoop stress to perforation than the 0C/sec curve for temperatures above approximately
                                                            -GPZU?19
740'C (i.e., perforations are not expected in GE BWRs below 925 0 C). The change in PCT for this lower curve compared to the base case was -50F.We understand that the Staff is also concerned about the statistical significance of the range of values over which ramp rates are deter-mined. The calculated cladding heatup rate for GE BWRs is between 1&deg;and 71F/sec. This range of heatup rates is based on an average value over the ballooning portion of the ramp.The foregoing discussion, together with Supplement A, clearly indicates that the ORNL data for hoop stress at perforation for several heatup rates does not impact the conclusions of References
  50o OIUNG 1RAN4ITON                    N/4N    Oe.eff      p-~
3 and 4 over the BWR ranges of application.
                                                                                              (
            PA i//C Af A*Ot'e Di1. E , . e
      0
        2 4    6                                    40  60              ieCO 300
                                7-A."t
                                00.001,.     ow 5e, FIGURE 1 CALCULATED ROD ThNPERATUES
                          USING K014INAL STRAIN VALUES
                                                                                                I


I sincerely hope that this resolves any questions you may have regarding this matter as it pertains to the BWR.Yours truly, R. H. Buchholz, Manager BWR Systoms Licensing Safety and Licensing Operation RHB:cas/4J
,ea.i    A'vs94gA'
Attachments cc: G. G. Sherwood R. Mattson (NRC)R. Denise (NRC)L. S. Gifford (GE-Beth)
                      AAN~owj"                  eoLoo  00VAW60A
Supplement A CHASTE05 SWELLING AND RUPTURE MODEL Sensitivity Studies To evaluate the effects of the change in the calculation of the grey body factors (GBF) in the CHASTEO5 code, a number of sensitivity studies wore done. The studies show that the more realistic calculation of the GBF's results in a smaller sensitivity of the peak cladding temperature (PCT) to various parameters of the rod swelling and rupture model.The studies were performed for a plant with 7x7 fuel at high exposures, to maximize the number of perforations and hence any sensitivity of the calculated PCT. The plant selected had a relatively long reflooding time and a shorter blowdown period which then results in a longer period over which the rods are calculated to be perforated and hence a greater sensitivity to change; in the swelling and rupture model. The results presented here can be considered representative of those expected for BWRs with fuel where perforations are calculated to occur.The following studies were performed and are discussed in detail below: 1. Variation of cladding strain at perforation
                                                                          -,I
2. Variation of swelling initiation criteria 3. Variation of thermal expansion coefficients
          Z#**/o
4. Variation of perforation stress versus temperature curve 5. Variation of plenum volume 6. Vpriation of the GBF calculation time The base case for all the calculations was calculated using the strains, perforation curve, strain rates and other models as described in NEDW-20566, i.e., nominal strains of 16% on outer rods and 23% on inner rods for perforation hoop stresses <1500 psi. The temperature transients for several rods for this case are shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the relative positions at the different rods.In general, the use of CHASTEDS instead of CHASTE04 results in a smaller sensitivity to changes in various parameters.
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The two major reasons for the smaller sensitivity of the results to the changes in the parameters are: a) A more accurate calculation of radiation heat transfer in CHASTE05 has reduced the impact of radiation heat transfer degradation when rods are calculated to perforate.
I,            .            -.                                                _        ..                  -.                                      .9....          ..                                      .-                                                      .              -  , .............-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            *'''<
                                                b                            &sect;@                *
                                                                                                                                                                                          b                ;*                        ;;;4.  --  *.    4- d                                                                                                                                                          I
                                                                                                                                                                                        .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              . ,              ;.                        .      ,
                                            n--                                            ;              ...                              ..                                                                                                              ..
I4                  -
                                ..
                                    *-
                                          - ,,- ,.
                                          ..
                                                .
                                                    ,
                                                      .          .
                                                                            -
                                                                                        .            .  .
                                                                                                                s
                                                                                                                  ,                .
                                                                                                                                      -0I
                                                                                                                                        .        .
                                                                                                                                                    ..
                                                                                                                                                                        .        .
                                                                                                                                                                                    A/,
                                                                                                                                                                                          9 ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                    -
                                                                                                                                                                                                    /,.3s3-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      /        .-..
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      :;.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4                    ..
    s    -    ~~*                -          .9        ;*o- le      s}r*  t-w-@i;;
    2 .    -    7tS              g9              -                  4              /                    ..            -:
                                                                                                                  .. /.. _..,,    ',_ . _.


b) Better nodalization of the cladding in CHASTE05 (it has two cladding nodes instead of one in CHASTE04)
.                                .        .              4                  6_.z            .        9      ;
and better control of the time step has reduced the sensitivity of the temperature response to inside metal water reaction as a result of perforations, i.e., when a rod is calculated to perforate, the code takes a small time step.NS: cas: at/4T 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ,*
1.0 Variation of Cladding Strain at Perforation The values of strain after perforation used in the calculation ar based on the FLECHT Zr2 tests described in Section I.B.2.4 of NEDO-20566.
                                              .*        ..    ..
                                                                                                                                                                          .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3 I      -                        -4~                      S                                                                                                . .5-          1-:;                                                          ---
                                            ~~~~.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        -
        t    1%O          *  s        -                            /z  .          ;. .**-        *  * **-- ;.      ...............-
                                                                                                                                : .-.    _2
                .                        **                    CX        z                                              .                   S*''*'                                                                    ',*        -              ,         .,-,:..
                                          *      .
                                                  gl                        4      5~iO          .                              ,                            e                                                                            .      C  Sj....            ;.-
                      .-                                                        *            .AAC            '.               -*                          '                                                ,F1UR
                                                                                          -62
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4               .
                                                                                                                                                                                      5.                          9&sect;M..


It 15 assumed that for rods with hoop stress (1500 psi, rods next to the channel will have a maximum strain after perforation of 16% of nominal radius and for the reinianng rods, the maximum strain Is assumed to be 23% of nominal radius. The purpose of this study was to determine the change in the temperature response of individual rods and the peak cladding temperature of the bundle as a result of changing the various assumptions regarding the assumed perforation strain. The base case for this study was done using the nominal strains (i.e., 23% an Inner and 16% on outer rods).The study shows that there is a very small (*5F) sensitivity of the PCT to changes in the perforation strain. This Is because, even though individual rod temperatures are affected (by as such as 20 0 F just after a rod perforates during the transient), the temperature of all the rods in-the bundle tend to equalize as a result of redistribution of energy by radiation heat transfer, consequently the overall effect on PCT is small. The studies show that as the strain is increased on an individual rod its temperature decreases, because for larger strains there is a larger area for heat transfer and, hence, lower temperatures.
NEDO21426 bOat UPPER
                          BOUND
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                                      DESIGN CURVE
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              l        I                    I        I  I
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      1*20                     13o0        100      2200  Wm 2500
                            CLAVOING TtMPERATURE 16PI
                Figure 4    Cladding Perforation Stress
                                    9-11


For smaller strains the temperatures are higher as the area for heat transfer Is smaller.The results for the different cases are presented below;1.The strain on the first rod to perforate (Group 12)was changed to 40%. The calculation showed no change in the PCT but did show a slight decrease (c20F) in the temperature transient for the first rod to perforate shortly after the rod perforated.
2500                                                              emoeplew1^01--el aA 046'* AL
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        TR*41T1014G  UNCOVERY)1                SPWRAY START
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    0
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      P.           4  to FIGURE 5 EFFECT OF CHANGING GBF
                        CAL CULATION PROCEDURE
                                                                                                      z


Case 2. The strain on the second rod to perforate (Group 10)was changed to 40%. In this case, the PCT decreased by SF compared to the base case. The change was larger compared to Case 1 because of the closer proximity of the final PCT rod to the second rod to perforate;
I
but despite the change, it should be noted that the change Is small.Case 3. The perforation strain on all rods was set at 30% (30%represents the maximum strain that adjacent rods can expand to without touching).
                                                f I
The PCT decreased by only 3F even though the variation in individual rod temperatures during the transient were lower by as muchas 25F during the transient, just after the rod perforated.
  GE & BURST TEMVIPERATURE CURVES
I
                                              :
    5        la            15          20
    ENGINEERING HOOP STRESS (KPSI)
                  FIGURE 54 OF REFERVNCF 2


Case 4. The perforation strain on all rods was reduced to 1aTtfie nominal value and the PCT decreased by 3F. In this case also, the individual rod temperature transients changed by a larger value (up to 15F at certain times in the transient)
NLM3r TechrKcay M.vit'.n Westinghouse            Water Reactor Divisions                                        Box 355 Electric Corporation                                                      PitTsurgh Penrnii-Wama  U
compared to the PCT.1S: cas/4T 2 The above studies were supplemented by studies using the strains measured in the FLECHT Zr2 test, instead of the nominal strains used in the above studies.Case S Strains measured in the Zr2 test (shown in Figure 2, p 1-175, NEDO-20566)
                                                                          November 16, 1979 NS-TMA-21 63 Mr. Darrell G. Eisenhut Director, Division of Operating Reactors Nuclear Regulatory Commission
were input into the CHASTE code, instead of the nominal strains of 16% and 25% on outer and inner rods, respectively.
  7920 Norfolk Avenue Bethesda, Maryland        20014 Dear Mr. Eisenhut:
  Letter NS-TMA-2147, dated November 2, 1979, responded to LOCAIECCS    NRC concerns related to the fuel rod models used          in the Westinghouse of evaluation model and potential non-compliance with the requirements        on fuel    rod lOCFRPart 50. Table 1 of that letter included information            on  our initial heatup rate prior to burst.          That information    was  based evaluation of the results of        current  LOCA  analyses  for  Westinghouse plants with operating licenses. Subsequent to completion                and transmittal of that letter,.Westinghouse continued investigation              of  heatly      rote Westinghouse        then calculations. As a result of that investigation,                        to    burst.    That prior developed a procedure to determine clad heatup rate the LOCA transient to procedure keys on the calculated clad strain during                      rate-calculation.


Figure 3 shows the effect on the first rod to perforate (Group 12)of using the nominal versus measured perforation strains for all the rods. The difference in the temperature transient for individual rods in the two cases is small, and the differences in the calculated PCTs is zero. As discussed earlier, the reason for the small PCT sensitivity is the redistribution of the temperature due to radiation heat transfer and the fact that the PCT rod at the end of the transient is a nonperforated rod. Early in the transient, the PCT rod is often a rod that perforates (as shown In Figure 3).Case 6 This case was similar to Cases 1 and 2. In this case, the strain on the first rod group to perforate was set equal to 16%, 30%, and 40%. For all other rod groups, the Zr2 measured strains were used. The calculated temperature transient for the first rod to perforate is platted in Figure 3. The results show that for higher strains, the cladding temperature is lower shortly after perforation because of a larger heat transfer area, but there is much smaller sensitivity to strain than was calculated in CHASTE04.
establish a starting point, in time, to use in the heatup            meeting      on November That procedure was presented to NRC personnel            during  a interim  basis,     as   adequate
  13, 1979, in Bethesda, and was accepted on an                          the     revision      to the with respect to Appendix K LOCA analyses. Table              A shows heatup rates previously given in Table 1 of Letter            NS-TMA-2147.


The reason for this is that CHASTEOS has finer nodalization of the cladding and hence a more accurate calculation of the surface temperature and the metal water reaction rate. Also, CHASTE05 has better time step control which results in smaller time steps after a calculated perforation.
than Inspection of Table A shows heatup rates, in some cases, less
  250F/sec.


Because of these two reasons, the cladding temperature does not increase rapidly as a result of inside metal reaction as was observed in CHASTEN4.The calculation for the 40% strain appears to show a larger sensitivity because of a slight delay in the perforation time.But after a few seconds, the temperatures using the various strains all are about the same. The slight difference in the time of perforation for the various cases is a result of the slight differences in the strain rates before the rod perforated.(The strains and strain rates before perforation are a function of the final perforation strain.)The conclusion from this study is that the cladding temperature of perforated rods is relatively insensitive
In the current WECCS Evaluation Model (Feb, '78)            used for the above analyses, a fuel0 rod burst curve which represents Table A, since someforcases burst  conditions            heatup rates of 25 F/sec and larger was        used.   From                                      have heatup rates less than 250F/sec and burst conditions change                  for lower that some  of those  analyses      could be heatup rates, Westinghouse recognized non-conservative with respect to the time of rod burst.
(<lOF, 15 seconds after perforation)
and the PCT is almost completely insensitive to the perforation strains and, hence, use of the nominal values is appropriate.


NS: cas/4T 3
Therefore, W performed an evaluation of all operating heatup      plants licensed with the WECCS Evaluation Model with respect to use of a                         rate dependent bursT model.      The heatup rate dependent burst model currently used in the W
2.0 Variation of elling Initiation Criteria CHASTE calculates plastic swelling on rods for all temperatures above a certain temperature.
  Small Break Evaluation Model (documented in WCAP-8970-P-A                "Westinghouse System  Small  Break,  October  1975  Model"      and approved Emergency Core Cooling by the NRC) was used in this evaluation.


This temperature is nominally set at 200F below the perforation temperature.
-
NS-TMA-21f3 November 16, 1979 Page Two The results of that evaluation, the status of each plant evaluated and justification of conclusions reached are as follows:
PLANT (1)      MODEL      FEB. '78 FQ        2.31 PCT        2172 A new analysis was performed using the appropriate heatup rate burst curve and water residing in the accumulator lines (not previously accounted for) was considered. The resulting PCT was 21350 F at an FQ of 2.31.


Calculations were done assuming that plastic swelling starts OF, 20OF and 400F below the perforation temperature.
Therefore, lOCFRSO criteria are satisfied.


The results show that for the case of OF, the PCT decreased by 3F, and for the 400F case the PCT was unchanged relative to the 200F nominal case. The effect on PCT was small (<SF), and the effect on Individual rod temperatures was also small (c20F), and hence it can be concluded that the use of 200F is still appropriate.
PLANT (2)      MODEL      OCT. '75 FQ        2.17 PCT        2199 A LOCTA run was made using the Oct. 75 evaluation model with appropriate heatup rate burst curves for FQ 2.16. PCT - 2127 Use of Feb. '78 evaluation model, in particular the new accumulator discharge model, will compensate for the AFQ, shown above, to maintain 22009F. (This is a burst node limited plant)
PLANTS (3) (4) (5) (6)
Since the heatup rate for the hot rod is greater than 250 F/second and the PCT does not occur during the steam cooling period, the current analysis for these plants remains valid.


3.0 Variation of Thermal Expansion Coefficients This study was done to determine the sensitivity of PCT to uncertainty in the thermal expansion coefficients of the fuel and cladding material.
PLANT (8)      MODEL      OCT. '75 F          2.10
              PA        2188 F
An Oct. '75 model LOCTA run was made using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. Results were: FQ - 2.10, PCT - 2227.


The changes in the PCT are caused by changes in the gap conductance resulting from changes in the pellet-cladding gap size for different thermal expansion coefficients.
Application of the "Dynamic Steam Cooling" modification of the Feb. '78
                                      0
evaluation model will result in a 60 F reduction in PCT and the Feb. '78 accumulator discharge model will result in at least a 200 F reduction in PCT. Results of a Feb. '78 model analysis are expected to result in a PCT of approximately 2147 0 F at an FQ of 2.10.


For larger thermal expansion coefficients, the gap size is larger early in the transient resulting in lower removal of stored energy during the blowdown phase of the transient and hence higher PCT. Conversely for smaller thermal expansion coefficients, the PCT is lower than the case using the nominal thermal expansion coefficients.
Therefore, lOCFR5O criteria will be satisfied and there is no safety concern.


But in all cases, the sensitivity is relatively small and is documented below for two extreme cases, I.e..' no thermal expansion or contraction and twice the nominal thermal expansion coefficients.
PLANT (9)      MODEL      OCT. '7'
              FQ        2.25 PCT        2142


For zero thermal expansion coefficients for both fuel and cladding, the PCT decreased by about 25F; and for twice the nominal expansion coeffi-cients, the PCT increased by about 15F. The small sensitivity to thermal expansion, even for the extreme cases, justifies the use of nominal thermal expansion coefficients.
Novemni1er 12, 1979 Page Three Based on the results of a calculation for plant 1(14). the use of approximate heatup rate burst curves would result in a maximum PCT
increase nf 680F. Thus, the estimated (maximum) PCT = 2142 + 68 = 22100 F
at an Fq - 2.25.


4.0 Variation of Perforation Stress Versus Temperature Curve The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changing the perforation stress versus temperature curve from the standard curve used. Two cases were studied, one for which the curve was below all the data, and another for which the curve was above a majority of the data points (see Figure 4). The change in the calculated PCT compared to the base case was S6F for the lower curve, and +2F for the higher curve. For the lower curve, the perforations occurred earlier and at lower temperatures;
The benefits associated with the Feb. 78 accumulator discharge model and accounting for paint on containment heat sinks will result in a PCT reduction well in excess of lOF.
hence, the effect of inside metal water reaction was minimized and there was a larger surface area for heat transfer on some rods for a longer period of time. For the higher curve, even though perforations occurred later, they occurred at higher temperatures where inside metal water reaction is higher and hence a higher PCT. The important conclusion from this study is that the sensitivity to time and temperature of perforation has been reduced considerably with the Improved GBF calculation.


NS:cas:at/4T
Therefore, no safety problem exists.
4
5.0 Variation of Plenum Volume The previous study determined the effect of tim and temperature of perforation on PCT. This study determines the effect of the initial plenum pressure on the PCT. To determine the effect of the initial plenum pressure, the Initial plenum volume was varied from the nominal value by +/-40%. For the increased pressure, the calculated PCT increased by 5F; and for the decreased pressure, it decreased by IF. This study shows that the fuel rod internal pressures have an insignificant effect on the calculated PCT. This is primarily because the effect on the number of perforations is also small, i.e., the number of rods calculated to perforate did not change when the volume was decreased (i.e., increased pressure)
but decreased by only two rods compared to the base case when the volume was increased (i.e., lower pressures).
In this study also, the time of perforation changed for the different conditions but the sensitivity was small.6.0 Variation of Grey Body Factor Calculation Time Different rods are calculated to perforate at different times during the heatup transient.


As most of the rod swelling occurs a few seconds before the rod is calculated to perforate, it is appro-priate to calculate GBFs at the time of perforation of each rod. A study was done to show the sensitivity of the PCT to two bounding assumptions about the calculation of G6Bs. In one case, for the radiation calculation only, It was assumed that the perforated rods did not swell. In the second case, it was assumed that at the first perforation all the rods had swollen to 23% strain in the calculation of GBFs.* The second case is the procedure that is used in CHASTE04.
PLANT (11)      MODEL    FEB. '78 F    1.90
                POT      2124 A LOCTA calculation was performed using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. An F of 1.89 resulted in a PCT of 21610F.


For the case in which no swelling was assumed, the PCT was lower by about 20F compared to the standard case where GBFs are calculated at each perforation.
Therefore, a peaking factor reduction of less than 0.01 is required for this plant to remain in compliance with lOCFRSO.


For the second case where GBFs were calculated assuming all rods swollen, the calculated PCT was about 11OF higher compared to the standard case. Figure 4 shows the variation of PCT for the three cases. This study shows that the PCT using the old (CHASTE04)  
PLANT (12)      MODEL    OCT. '75 Fn        2.21 P1,T      2198 Based on analyses performed for plant f(15), a 15F/second reduction in clad heatup rate impacts hot rod burst to effect PCT by +42&deg;F. Extrapolating, a 170F/second reduction in heatuD rate results in a 480F PCT increase. Use of the dynamic steam cooling calculation on the accumulator discharge model in the Feb. '78 ECCS evaluation model results in an estimated (600F + 200 F)
procedure was extremely conserva-tive, and the degradation in radiation heat transfer is not very large as a result of the perforation of a few rods, which is the typical case in BWR loss-of-coolant accident calculations.
80OF reduction in PCT.


KS: cas/4T 6
Therefore, a Feb. '78 model analysis would result in a PCT of 2198+48-8O=2166 F
.2500 a500 vD T A~IAe PEWM~tAT~ot4
at F of 2.21 and no safety problem exists.
2000 5?0 GROUP 15 GFOUFPI P.-GPZU?19 ((50o OIUNG 1RAN4ITON PA i//C Af A*Ot'e D i1 .E , .e N/4N Oe.eff p-~0 2 4 6 00.001,. ow 7-A."t 40 60 5e, ieCO 300 FIGURE 1 CALCULATED
ROD ThNPERATUES
USING K014INAL STRAIN VALUES I
,ea.i A'vs94gA'AA N~owj" eoLoo 00VAW60A Z#**/o-,I 2 00 00 00 00 v_00000 3 34 00000 0000t?O ot Oa' i-A J%- -------- -- --------A 4,VOE 2.-,Ru4.t,#wgf Iv ,4's?7e-A
*A VAAr.1 v 1 eob 4.~p I, .-._ .. -. .9.... .. .- .-, .............-
*'''<* b &sect;@ b ;* ;;;4. 4 -- *. -d .I., .; ., n-- .. ... ..;I4 -0I -:;.-,. ,,- ..4*- -.., -s .. A/, / .-.. .... ....., ....9 .../,.3s3-.* ... ..3-* .AAC s -~~* -le s}r* .9 ;*o- t-w-@i;;2 .-7tS g9 -4 / .. ../.. ',_ _. -: _..,, ....4 6_.z .9 ,* ;S I --4~ .1-:; .5- --- -t 1%O
* s -~~~~. /z .;. .**- * * **-- ...............-
: ;. .-. _2** .CX z .S*''*' ',* -, .,-,:..* gl .4 5~iO ., e .C Sj.... ;.-.-* .' ' ,F1UR-62 4 .9&sect;M .. 5.


NEDO21426 bOat UPPER BOUND 5~I I V wwo-DESIGN CURVE LOWER BOUND looc0-'oFQ l I I I I aC I-1*20 13o0 100 CLAVOING TtMPERATURE
PLANT (13)      MODEL    FEB. '78 Fn        2.05 P12T      2172 A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were:
16PI 2200 Wm 2500 Figure 4 Cladding Perforation Stress 9-11
            F - 2.05, PCT  2191F
2500 qtax eooo/5o00'400*500 TR*41T1014G
            Q
UNCOVERY)1
Therefore, no safety problem exists.
0 P. 4 to FIGURE 5 EFFECT OF CHANGING GBF CAL CULATION PROCEDURE emoeplew1^01--el aA 046'* AL ,&OyAwhom
-,,O r^ls -ro" esrhfcv,4.


s. -SPWRAY START IRST P MOProI~rON
PLANT (14)     MODEL    FEB. '78 Fn        2.32 PET      2124
OCCURS 0 100 aojof'%2oW
z I GE &BURST TEMVIPERATURE
CURVES f I I: 5 la 15 ENGINEERING
HOOP STRESS 20 (KPSI)FIGURE 54 OF REFERVNCF
2 Westinghouse Water Reactor NLM3r TechrKcay M.vit'.n Electric Corporation Divisions Box 355 PitTsurgh Penrnii- Wama U November 16, 1979 NS-TMA-21
63 Mr. Darrell G. Eisenhut Director, Division of Operating Reactors Nuclear Regulatory Commission
7920 Norfolk Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Dear Mr. Eisenhut: Letter NS-TMA-2147, dated November 2, 1979, responded to NRC concerns related to the fuel rod models used in the Westinghouse LOCAIECCS evaluation model and potential non-compliance with the requirements of lOCFRPart
50. Table 1 of that letter included information on fuel rod heatup rate prior to burst. That information was based on our initial evaluation of the results of current LOCA analyses for Westinghouse plants with operating licenses.


Subsequent to completion and transmittal of that letter,.Westinghouse continued investigation of heatly rote calculations.
NS-1MA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Four A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were:
          F - 2.32, PCT - 2192OF
            Q
Therefore, no safety problem exists.


As a result of that investigation, Westinghouse then developed a procedure to determine clad heatup rate prior to burst. That procedure keys on the calculated clad strain during the LOCA transient to establish a starting point, in time, to use in the heatup rate-calculation.
PLANT (15)    MODEL      FEB. '78 FT        2.32 PET        2158 A LOCTA analysis was done using.appropriate heatuo rate burst curves and the results were:
          FQ - 2.32, PCT = 2200OF
Therefore, no safety problem exists.


That procedure was presented to NRC personnel during a meeting on November 13, 1979, in Bethesda, and was accepted on an interim basis, as adequate with respect to Appendix K LOCA analyses.
PLANTS (16) and (17)
The latest licensing analyses have been verified to use appropriate heatup rate burst curves and therefore remain valid.


Table A shows the revision to the heatup rates previously given in Table 1 of Letter NS-TMA-2147.
PLANTS (18) and (19)
New LOCTA analyses. were performed using aoDrOpriate heatup race burst curves.


Inspection of Table A shows heatup rates, in some cases, less than 250F/sec.In the current W ECCS Evaluation Model (Feb, '78) used for the above analyses, a fuel rod burst curve which represents burst conditions for heatup rates of 25 0 F/sec and larger was used. From Table A, since some cases have heatup rates less than 250F/sec and burst conditions change for lower heatup rates, Westinghouse recognized that some of those analyses could be non-conservative with respect to the time of rod burst.Therefore, W performed an evaluation of all operating plants licensed with the W ECCS Evaluation Model with respect to use of a heatup rate dependent bursT model. The heatup rate dependent burst model currently used in the W Small Break Evaluation Model (documented in WCAP-8970-P-A "Westinghouse Emergency Core Cooling System Small Break, October 1975 Model" and approved by the NRC) was used in this evaluation.
The PCT was virtually unchanged. Therefore, no safety problem exists.


-NS-TMA-21f3 November 16, 1979 Page Two The results of that evaluation, the status of each plant evaluated and justification of conclusions reached are as follows: PLANT (1) MODEL FEB. '78 FQ 2.31 PCT 2172 A new analysis was performed using the appropriate heatup rate burst curve and water residing in the accumulator lines (not previously accounted for) was considered.
Based on the detailed information provided above, the Westinghouse Safety Review Committee concluded that two plants were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in allowable core peaking factor to maintain a PCT of 22000F. Four other plants have current analyses to the October, 1975 version of the Westinghouse model and may require a peaking factor reduction. However, we.


The resulting PCT was 2135 0 F at an FQ of 2.31.Therefore, lOCFRSO criteria are satisfied.
believe that reanalyses with the most current Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS
evaluation model (February, 1978) would show that no changes are necessary.


PLANT (2) MODEL OCT. '75 FQ 2.17 PCT 2199 A LOCTA run was made using the Oct. 75 evaluation model with appropriate heatup rate burst curves for FQ 2.16. PCT -2127 Use of Feb. '78 evaluation model, in particular the new accumulator discharge model, will compensate for the AFQ, shown above, to maintain 22009F. (This is a burst node limited plant)PLANTS (3) (4) (5) (6)Since the heatup rate for the hot rod is greater than 25 0 F/second and the PCT does not occur during the steam cooling period, the current analysis for these plants remains valid.PLANT (8) MODEL OCT. '75 F 2.10 PA 2188 F An Oct. '75 model LOCTA run was made using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. Results were: FQ -2.10, PCT -2227.Application of the "Dynamic Steam Cooling" modification of the Feb. '78 evaluation model will result in a 60 0 F reduction in PCT and the Feb. '78 accumulator discharge model will result in at least a 20 0 F reduction in PCT. Results of a Feb. '78 model analysis are expected to result in a PCT of approximately
That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve. A copy of the NRC notification letter (NS-TMA-2158) retarding this iss;;o is attdcheu.
2147 0 F at an FQ of 2.10.Therefore, lOCFR5O criteria will be satisfied and there is no safety concern.PLANT (9) MODEL OCT. '7'FQ 2.25 PCT 2142 Novemni1er
12, 1 979 Page Three Based on the results of a calculation for plant 1(14). the use of approximate heatup rate burst curves would result in a maximum PCT increase nf 680F. Thus, the estimated (maximum)
PCT = 2142 + 68 = 2210 0 F at an Fq -2.25.The benefits associated with the Feb. 78 accumulator discharge model and accounting for paint on containment heat sinks will result in a PCT reduction well in excess of lOF.Therefore, no safety problem exists.PLANT (11) MODEL FEB. '78 F 1.90 POT 2124 A LOCTA calculation was performed using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. An F of 1.89 resulted in a PCT of 21610F.Therefore, a peaking factor reduction of less than 0.01 is required for this plant to remain in compliance with lOCFRSO.PLANT (12) MODEL OCT. '75 Fn 2.21 P1,T 2198 Based on analyses performed for plant f(15), a 15F/second reduction in clad heatup rate impacts hot rod burst to effect PCT by +42&deg;F. Extrapolating, a 170F/second reduction in heatuD rate results in a 480F PCT increase.


Use of the dynamic steam cooling calculation on the accumulator discharge model in the Feb. '78 ECCS evaluation model results in an estimated
The above information was also presented to the NRC Staff at the November 13,
(60 0 F + 20 0 F)80OF reduction in PCT.Therefore, a Feb. '78 model analysis would result in a PCT of 2198+48-8O=2166 F at F of 2.21 and no safety problem exists.PLANT (13) MODEL FEB. '78 Fn 2.05 P12T 2172 A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were: F -2.05, PCT 2191F Q Therefore, no safety problem exists.PLANT (14) MODEL FEB. '78 Fn 2.32 PET 2124 NS-1MA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Four A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were: F -2.32, PCT -2192OF Q Therefore, no safety problem exists.PLANT (15)MODEL FT PET FEB. '78 2.32 2158 A LOCTA analysis was done using.appropriate heatuo rate burst curves and the results were: FQ -2.32, PCT = 2200OF Therefore, no safety problem exists.PLANTS (16) and (17)The latest licensing analyses have been verified to use appropriate heatup rate burst curves and therefore remain valid.PLANTS (18) and (19)New LOCTA analyses.
1979 meeting.


were performed The PCT was virtually unchanged.
Following the November 1, 1979 meeting, Westinghouse has again reviewed the, ORUL data quoted as a basis for NRC concern regarding adequacy of the WAppendix K blockage model. Comparison of individual rod burst strains from ORNr data to the corresponding Westinghouse data which has used as a basis for our blockage model indicates the ORUL data is in excellent agreement with the W data. Since the axial distribution of the burst strains in the ORNL multi rod '3urst test has


using aoDrOpriate heatup race burst curves.Therefore, no safety problem exists.Based on the detailed information provided above, the Westinghouse Safety Review Committee concluded that two plants were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in allowable core peaking factor to maintain a PCT of 22000F. Four other plants have current analyses to the October, 1975 version of the Westinghouse model and may require a peaking factor reduction.
I-
  NS-TMA-2163 November 16. 1979 Page Five been shown by ORNL to conform to local temperature distributions in the specific heating rods used in the tests, conclusion as to the applicability of the axial distribution of bursts (which is the Darameter that relates individual burst strain to flow blockage) cannot validly be made. Never- theless, the blockages measured from the ORAL tests are similar to those calculated by the Westinghouse model, which has been approved by NRC, when due consideration is made in translating blockages measured in 4X4 bundles to blockages applicable to 15X15 or 17X17 rod fuel assemblies using accented statistical techniques. Thus, we believe no immediate action is aoDropriatp.


However, we.believe that reanalyses with the most current Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS evaluation model (February, 1978) would show that no changes are necessary.
with respect to reanalysis of Diants using the proposed NRC blockage model pending detailed review of the proposed model.


That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve. A copy of the NRC notification letter (NS-TMA-2158)
As a result of further investigation and evaluation, the following can be concluded:
retarding this iss;;o is attdcheu.The above information was also presented to the NRC Staff at the November 13, 1979 meeting.Following the November 1, 1979 meeting, Westinghouse has again reviewed the, ORUL data quoted as a basis for NRC concern regarding adequacy of the W Appendix K blockage model. Comparison of individual rod burst strains from ORNr data to the corresponding Westinghouse data which has used as a basis for our blockage model indicates the ORUL data is in excellent agreement with the W data. Since the axial distribution of the burst strains in the ORNL multi rod '3urst test has I-NS-TMA-2163 November 16. 1979 Page Five been shown by ORNL to conform to local temperature distributions in the specific heating rods used in the tests, conclusion as to the applicability of the axial distribution of bursts (which is the Darameter that relates individual burst strain to flow blockage)
  1) A modification to the W model to account for the heatup rate dependence is necessary for compliance to Appendix K.
cannot validly be made. Never-theless, the blockages measured from the ORAL tests are similar to those calculated by the Westinghouse model, which has been approved by NRC, when due consideration is made in translating blockages measured in 4X4 bundles to blockages applicable to 15X15 or 17X17 rod fuel assemblies using accented statistical techniques.


Thus, we believe no immediate action is aoDropriatp.
2)  The impact of this modification is relatively small, effecting only two ooerating plants in terms of requiring peaking factor adjustments to meet the criteria of lOCFR50.46. The affected utilities ana the NkC ndve been czdeiqadLly inifurr-ied.


with respect to reanalysis of Diants using the proposed NRC blockage model pending detailed review of the proposed model.As a result of further investigation and evaluation, the following can be concluded:
3)  Comparison of the Westinghouse data and ORNL data shows excellent agree- ment and the current Westinghouse model, in the range of interest, is still appropriate.
1) A modification to the W model to account for the heatup rate dependence is necessary for compliance to Appendix K.2) The impact of this modification is relatively small, effecting only two ooerating plants in terms of requiring peaking factor adjustments to meet the criteria of lOCFR50.46.


The affected utilities ana the NkC ndve been czdeiqadLly inifurr-ied.
It is therefore concluded that no safety problem for Westinghouse plants has been identified and all plants are in conformance with NRC regulations since the burst temperature modifications (1 and 2 above) are accounted for.


3) Comparison of the Westinghouse data and ORNL data shows excellent agree-ment and the current Westinghouse model, in the range of interest, is still appropriate.
Very truly yuurs, T. 14. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department


It is therefore concluded that no safety problem for Westinghouse plants has been identified and all plants are in conformance with NRC regulations since the burst temperature modifications
NS-TMA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Six TABLE A
(1 and 2 above) are accounted for.Very truly yuurs, T. 14. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department NS-TMA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Six TABLE A REVISION TO HEATUP RATES TRANSMITTED
                  REVISION TO HEATUP RATES TRANSMITTED
IN lETTER NS-TMA-2147 CASE HIEATUP RATE (0 F/SEC)HOT ROD AUG OR AW ROD 1) 8.5 10.9 2) 20.3 13.1 3) 25.6 18.0 4) 25.0 15.4 5) 31.5 19.4 6) 27.4 23.8 7) (Not Westinghouse Fuel)8) 19.1 7.4 9) 12.3 12.0 10) (Not Westinghouse Fuel)11) 6.2 11.3 12) 8.0 11.4 13) 18.3 16.1 14) 9.3 14.3 15) 8.2 13.8 16) 39.6 23.7 17) 43.2 26.7 18) 22.7 17.6 19) 26.5 16.7 Westinghouse Waler Reaclor PBtothPxI) ,AL Electric Corporation DiviSionS November 16, 1979 NS-TMA- 2158 Mr. Victor Stello Director, Office of Inspection and Enforcement U.S. Nuclear Regulzatory Coornnission East West Towers Building 4350 East West Highway Bethesda, MtD 20014 Dear Mr. Stello: Subject: ECCS Evaluation Model This is to confirm our telephone conversation with Mr. Frank Nolan on Friday afternoon, Noverrmer
                          IN lETTER NS-TMA-2147 CASE                         HIEATUP RATE ( 0 F/SEC)
2, 1979. In that Conversation we reported a non-conserva- tive feature in Westinghouse large break ECCS'evaluation models.The Nuclear Regulatcry Com-mmission staff met November 1, 19iW, with representa- tives of reactor vendors and nuclear fuel suppliers
                                    HOT ROD     AUG OR AW ROD
-- Combustion Engineering Inc., Exxon Corporation, General Electric Company, Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Babcock and Wilcox Company. Utilities which operate nuclear power plants were informed by NRC.The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the staff's ongoing evaluation of the results of tests on electrically-heated fuel assemblies conducted at the Oak Ridge (Tennessee)
          1)                         8.5               10.9
National Laboratory, .JRC indicated that emergency core cooling system analytical codes currently used to evaluate the effects of postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA) might not be in compliance witn NRC regulations.
          2)                         20.3               13.1
          3)                         25.6               18.0
          4)                         25.0               15.4
          5)                         31.5               19.4
          6)                         27.4               23.8
          7)                         (Not Westinghouse Fuel)
          8)                         19.1                 7.4
          9)                         12.3               12.0
        10)                         (Not Westinghouse Fuel)
        11)                         6.2               11.3
        12)                         8.0               11.4
        13)                         18.3               16.1
        14)                         9.3               14.3
        15)                         8.2               13.8
        16)                         39.6               23.7
        17)                         43.2               26.7
        18)                         22.7               17.6
        19)                         26.5               16.7


The portion of the codes in question deal with the effects of fuel clad swelling and rupture and blockage of cooling water.Subsequent to the meeting, Westinghouse performed a detailed evaluation of the most recent analyses for operating plants and on November 2, 1979, Westinghouse confirmed, in writing, that the impact of the information pre-sented by the NRC has negligible impact on the LOCA analysis results of tne plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCAIECCS
Westinghouse          Waler Reaclor                          PBtothPxI),AL
evaluation model. The %RC staff has concurred with this conclusion.
Electric Corporation    DiviSionS
                                                            November 16, 1979 NS-TMA- 2158 Mr. Victor Stello Director, Office of Inspection and Enforcement U.S. Nuclear Regulzatory Coornnission East West Towers Building
  4350 East West Highway Bethesda, MtD 20014 Dear Mr. Stello:
  Subject:      ECCS Evaluation Model This is to confirm our telephone conversation with Mr. Frank Nolan on Friday afternoon, Noverrmer 2, 1979. In that Conversation we reported a non-conserva- tive feature in Westinghouse large break ECCS'evaluation models.


<-Mr. Victor Stello -2-. NS-TMA-2158 However, as a result of that detailed evaluation, Westinghouse has now recog-nized that .non-conservative feature could exist In-the Appendix K LOCA analysis with respect to the portion ot the calculation reltited to tue' rod burst. The potential non-conservative feature of Westinghouse larget break ECCS evaluation inodels is as follows. The models use a curve which represents fuel clad burst conditions tor clad heatup rates of 25F/second and yreater The evaluation discussed revealed thdt heatup rates could he less than 25*F/second.
The Nuclear Regulatcry Com-mmission staff met November 1, 19iW, with representa- tives of reactor vendors and nuclear fuel suppliers -- Combustion Engineering Inc., Exxon Corporation, General Electric Company, Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Babcock and Wilcox Company. Utilities which operate nuclear power plants were informed by NRC.


During the LOCA tra~nsient, thle tuel cldd burst curve dstablishes the time of clad burst 3nd (since :le clad temperature ana the pressure dit-ferential across the clad 3re.changing throughout the LOCA trenslert) "ne post-burst conditions of the clad. The fuel clad burst curve is deoendeft on the clad heatup rate prior to burst and a reduction in heat.Ap rate ca.stes earlier clad burst. A shift in clad burst time can affect the peak clac tem-perature (PCT) calculated for the LOCA transient.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the staff's ongoing evaluation of the results of tests on electrically-heated fuel assemblies conducted at the Oak Ridge (Tennessee) National Laboratory, .JRC indicated that emergency core cooling system analytical codes currently used to evaluate the effects of postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA) might not be in compliance witn NRC regulations. The portion of the codes in question deal with the effects of fuel clad swelling and rupture and blockage of cooling water.


Therefore, in order to more fully evaluate'this effect, the clad heatup rate prior to burst was determined from the most recent LOCA analyses for ti'osd plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS
Subsequent to the meeting, Westinghouse performed a detailed evaluation of the most recent analyses for operating plants and on November 2, 1979, Westinghouse confirmed, in writing, that the impact of the information pre- sented by the NRC has negligible impact on the LOCA analysis results of tne plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCAIECCS evaluation model. The %RC
evtluation model. Plants having heatUp rates less than 25 /seccnd were reanalysed to ascertain tne effect on peak clad temperature.
  staff has concurred with this conclusion.


Two plants (Turkey Point 'Jnits 3 and d) were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in Fg to maintain a peak Clao Tem-pera-ture (PCT) of 2200 F. A third plant, Indian Point Uni' ac. 2, was nct expected to reculir any FQ recuction, considering -he prsoit PC7. Ind avaii-able sensitivity studies. Analyses, underway at the time of cur telephone conversation, have now been completed and confirm this.Four other plants, currently not operating (Trojan, forth Annd Unit 1, Indian Point Unit 3 -and D. C. Cook Unit 2) have current analyses Lo the October 3975 Westinghouse rrodel and on that basis might require a reduction in Fn. How-ever, we believe that reanalyses dtth the most recently aporoved Westinqho;se LOCA/ICCS
<-
evaluation model (February
Mr.  Victor Stello                      -2-.                      NS-TMA-2158 However, as a result of that detailed evaluation, Westinghouse has now recog- nized that . non-conservative feature could exist In-the Appendix K LOCA
1973) would show that no changes are necessary.
analysis with respect to the portion ot the calculation reltited to tue' rod burst. The potential non-conservative feature of Westinghouse larget break ECCS evaluation inodels is as follows. The models use a curve which represents fuel clad burst conditions tor clad heatup rates of 25F/second and yreater The evaluation discussed revealed thdt heatup rates could he less than
25*F/second. During the LOCA tra~nsient, thle tuel cldd burst curve dstablishes the time of clad burst 3nd (since :le clad temperature ana the pressure dit- ferential across the clad 3re.changing throughout the LOCA trenslert) "ne post-burst conditions of the clad. The fuel clad burst curve is deoendeft on the clad heatup rate prior to burst and a reduction in heat.Ap rate ca.stes earlier clad burst. A shift in clad burst time can affect the peak clac tem- perature (PCT) calculated for the LOCA transient.


That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve.We have advised the affected utilities of this unreviewed safety question.
Therefore, in order to more fully evaluate'this effect, the clad heatup rate prior to burst was determined from the most recent LOCA analyses for ti'osd plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS evtluation model. Plants having heatUp rates less than 25 /seccnd were reanalysed to ascertain tne effect on peak clad temperature. Two plants (Turkey Point 'Jnits 3 and d) were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in Fg to maintain a peak Clao Tem-pera- ture (PCT) of 2200 F. A third plant, Indian Point Uni'      ac. 2, was nct expected to reculir any FQ recuction, considering -he prsoit PC7. Ind avaii- able sensitivity studies. Analyses, underway at the time of cur telephone conversation, have now been completed and confirm this.


As part of this overall evaluation, we are examining plants under construction and will report as dppropriate.
Four other plants, currently not operating (Trojan, forth Annd Unit 1, Indian Point Unit 3 -and D. C. Cook Unit 2) have current analyses Lo the October 3975 Westinghouse rrodel and on that basis might require a reduction in Fn. How- ever, we believe that reanalyses dtth the most recently aporoved Westinqho;se LOCA/ICCS evaluation model (February 1973) would show that no changes are necessary. That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve.


Please teel free to contact Dr. Vincent Esposito (412-373-4059)  
We have advised the affected utilities of this unreviewed safety question. As part of this overall evaluation, we are examining plants under construction and will report as dppropriate. Please teel free to contact Dr. Vincent Esposito (412-373-4059) if yuu should have any questions.
if yuu should have any questions.


Very truly yours, T. M. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department
Very truly yours, T. M. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department
/wpc I. 0; ^T:Vwnr: .IttieS4 -4C PAE -I 3 YANTEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY fiG mSr-3*Q,-07fl niteS Stas Ese- kgitory nsss taSX e >, 9 e Attntiat t~efer-Of f f le tor Xteulatitm I-f. Darell tizezstkt ketin'r-Iraw
/wpc
(1) Lit N. P71-3 (Docket No. .1C-i (2) Ietter ta lEfl Mt "Tvalmti tf Ce dn sl ai4'4 Ewtv~n Nodels, t dated Nontber 2, IS79.(DUIf NaG. 0630 dAted 111S179, entitfle, "Claddin trilling cn- tuptrs Pa-Ilc foar L= Anilywit.(4) fif~4, 'Lnn Nule~r o~cy~-kuu aGenric tM ra ti Nd Upt Etv--11, ily 1976a De=r Sir:-Snh-jfl -Snstia of CleAdin, Swlling -w el This letter is -aAdakn4 to : Fsulitted- toyn an trmlcr 2, l97l, Lterrnne t. U is ftrrizc in reponse to DitiWAf &#xa3;Vweicmu raises VI your staff cocrnng te haling of cl*ding bc-irp rate depentnCe iu T's li C- dels fw clin 1 afliug mae-rp.. The Ifoi am hopefully respauive to YOE qwstitx&#xa2; &#xa3;t tk sltle t te rt cktr orretia lt irri& taperutc regim n 000e ( 10C or grectorY Tfhis Is X t the reltively  
 
1w f11 pa rpmwure is ]thI Take twA IU. IC thisr-t taseratn range, rn'ttr tesw ttwv is oxtresely sauitiuw to o -CflcumtJrap twera ftr E taui- Zf jt Writ a 1w,, a a t 543. C/5OCsa.o At rresat, Tain nes strz Ccrrwitic, Wcdified for Yats RCm 4wintry, -of Wrst taperature vs.. I Taint's Wrst strain n-ttrufl- aru9titi6Ci averpredicts th- Stais capred t ~ hs cwrrulstzca n%- ct rap~-rat&  
I.0; ^
e &#xa3;sjtret. With regard to rlnt  
    T:Vwnr: . IttieS4                 -4C
'.04 -KY -1. 5. Thtlnr Zepl stw Cciac Uo!g 70 19 tnperature, we currently perceive tbe corretctin of burnt ttr-xturw-v*, %tres to 'be ap1inb1. to afl ,rmp ntn ic high teprattre ruptnre. With regard to bar-it atroiu, tek &rrelations that envelope the slcwrnp ani fast-rasp fLC draft ur-&#xa3;retatha of bunt train vs. turmr4t tay -o y not be cors tin eit n#wtlwr cmt tAlcutste clad ruptua.This pvscptIcm of rp rate imsensitivity at high tflptrtztms way be modifitd as -Mr Ut-s in th& lrNt ttatup rY TS, hi_% biWrw tmIqxprtttfl ngicn is assessed.
                                                                                                                fiG
                                                                                                              mSr-3*Q,-07fl PAE                       -I           3 YANTEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY
                        taSX    e >, e                                                    9 niteS Stas           Ese-           kgitory               nsss Attntiat           Of f           f               le   tor     Xteulatitm I-f.     Darell tizezstkt ketin'r-Iraw t~efer-          (1) Lit                 N. P71-3 (Docket No.                     .     1C-i
                    (2)           Ietter         ta lEfl         Mt "Tvalmtitf              Ce dn         sl ai4'4 Ewtv~n Nodels, t               dated Nontber 2, IS79.
 
(DUIf NaG. 0630 dAted 111S179, entitfle, "Claddin trilling cn- tuptrs Pa-Ilc foar L= Anilywit.
 
(4)'Lnnfif~4, Nule~r o~cy~-kuu                       aGenric tM ra ti     Nd Upt Etv--11,                       ily 1976a De=r Sir:-
  Snh-jfl         -Snstia               of CleAdin,           Swlling -               w       el This letter is               -   aAdakn4       to : Fsulitted- toyn an trmlcr 2, l97l, Lterrnne t.               U is ftrrizc             in reponse to DitiWAf &#xa3;Vweicmu raises VI your staff cocrnng te haling of cl*ding bc-irp rate depentnCe iu T's li             C-         dels fw clin               1 afliug         mae-rp..         The Ifoi am hopefully respauive to YOE                           qwstitx
  &#xa2;     &#xa3;t                           tk     sltle               t     te     rt   cktr       orretia           lt irri&                 taperutc regim             n ( 10C   000e      or grectorY     Tfhis Is X       t the reltively 1w f11 pa rpmwure is ]thITake twA IU.                                                 IC thisr
            -t     taseratn                 range, rn'ttr tesw ttwv is oxtresely sauitiuw to oCflcumtJrap twera
              -                                             ftr E   taui-       Zf jt     Writ   a 1w,,
          a     a       t       543.       C/5OCsa.
 
o       At rresat, Tain nes strz                               Ccrrwitic, Wcdified for Yats                 RCm
        4wintry, -of Wrst taperature vs..                                   I     Taint's Wrst strain n
        -ttrufl- aru9titi6Ci averpredicts th- Stais capred t                                       ~         hs cwrrulstzca n%- ct rap~-rat&e&#xa3;sjtret.                                     With regard to       rlnt
 
KY                                                             -
1. 5. Thtlnr Zeplstw Cciac                                                               Uo!g         70   19
                                                                                                              '.04 -
    tnperature, we currently perceive tbe corretctin of burnt ttr-xturw
    -v*, %tres to 'be ap1inb1. to afl ,rmp ntn ic high teprattre ruptnre. With regard to bar-it atroiu,                             tek &rrelations that envelope the slcwrnp ani fast-rasp fLC draft ur-&#xa3;retatha of bunt train vs. turmr4t                 tay o -   y not be cors tin                   eit           n
    #wtlwr cmt tAlcutste               clad ruptua.
 
This pvscptIcm of rp                 rate imsensitivity at high tflptrtztms                 way be modifitd as           -Mr Ut-s in th& lrNt ttatup rY             TS, hi_% biWrw           tmIqxprtttfl ngicn is assessed. There apears to be a ratstepcmec AA2octiAted with Icktr tetperatce burst.                              no clear Jstifieation existe            s f extrspolati          of.w      rarw            teperate          rzqtnre data to hit tee(veratutrt rtpture eictiticns.,              On czia handzlple                rod brtdata frIn nxeriats dons ina tnwA                        r to be limted to high (2t 0 Chia.)
    tww"rltre r=pS in this high te                      ertur ngi.              0. the other            ,
    limted dnta frcu sh&Is rod tests in wems, for ezaple, indicate tazt ra      dspen4uuve at bigb t*tperatnra coul1 be possible.
 
tan'" has Ammd tM i pct of atilizit tbe fC draft turns
    .s"dasted with sio rp                  rate effects (dfetrca              3) by per ca nw-2            cal~cluticn vrwerk&#xa3; tin exposure Jistributica for th reainder ofb te prn"vt cycle. Than calcialatians ban teen pqrtormeA
    in the fcflcmTo            amr:
    CD) Mi- S= 0%C/se-cuen for burnt tepr                                    In.  *trus was mified to reflect T                ' rgtu of                        by iterrati ba3yJse.
 
latwn= thu OtCnc. ad -te 2VC/aa.                      rrelatitn touaed in refi
    0)          e ai-ras p burst ain-                      (7igure & of reference 3) was used in tW~-2 satbouj* n data points grs *usbsin the- hi
    (3)      thw sir-rnm iocal fiw biocka" c-                      ofvnftc          e 3 was med
              .a;g    with the I'-WXfl-j (refereoce 4) 11w tt umdttplin tunes associted with 20% rdrteicu La fleot aresX, oeistat with the prutdidn of the time-rap local blockap                            *cc-.
        sed an this aysis, Tn*                        c        ed tt                    r    prt.
 
the pleat for tes raaindut of tb* pryet cle                              Is zinuffecced by the Irluzsia of the attn r                  rate draft corralatis in the TIO liSed
              1.d      Armeuti in i              sd Titr                r      w    d          cated mnmy.          Speufil            fAr frIh    tsl    a  i.  present expo                  l      r bea-titw        Of 9.60?      wIlft meets Appendix 4 critais              with the 7CV-Z
    ucxifieatita mted shov.; 9.550 kw/ft is                              t          l pner oPeration.. This fuel is CUrrently licese St1d                              tm7/ft At tm present
                * ~Vezm T the MiO pr              etposA fuel, Pf              bufit            Apendix I
      nd 9.4          r/ft it neefk for full wr                            b                ft
  - CrrZeatly limied.              Etd of cycle      oO                  eaft      Irm    thee i      l          id          the Cmis          .-.                  l    to etasize that
 
jcu:      K.-          r*      4.
 
V. S.    tla        ,ttr~terv            ot;*f ic                                              Lw-r    e      20  1979 d nr we            -CZsZ1scy          euppprt tim nlidty          Of the c        tin rsfccre S cA that !                              p1      it    od    sky          krateEt.        ke    --      s opraE      n      the bc4nain          of  Cj1          s~taO!      1nfp          hxbe avaafl      to Q& tse          anlyes If    there it      little beutuprqate dee                    e ot rupture t                  t        for hig ttmpta-tv.i-        failure,        tesenldgl4 q6=f tt=-= posil                inpaCt of low te-ea--tare rate tube ruptar fl                              ee tYak M- cppiia-eaittcas by              t all              'tx trh Orto/nc.                " IwXIT
                                          jz    f-        s lbs      0C s      data fr ntuTre terrratnx fl10C.                      A quadrmtic fit thrt@- this &t* Fet yialdz tOE
      foli-win Vorelaticn:    t          T' F a "7.75 - IMQ p.                    o.ooz e42          (2i DAI; ?I in &6grn, AT inzi)
      Substitntf!            this c1prrtla1tio          i ntt 7VQf-,          Iz      ith    the c        'c strain corz-elsth;              of n        n      3 c      fta    tbht th_ peat ct.!
      teaperatudre for fresh fiel at &#xa3;,O PMr= (the most                                          t ti          it Lim exposw-c rcgic caawidred abowF) is JJT0 le                                  thE    Ycket'r airreomt lfeiee          luedstel predicts.
 
c    idtratita        it"se Yu            tet            the fol
      (1)        Knp depenent c-                  sr asratlited with ca-dng swelling ski rupture        nAela shnold  ld      t affet      plat e        tit      for t
      (2)      j-aze    4          rn=        rwruaticu of tht dat of reference 3, (and in prart    c te    paucity of data appropriate to cleddin-4 swellng Amd rutr        rrfw at Toalx Rwr) w.e cwwwitvt tbat IUm                                  's          arnt
      ( )      CoottAilo        arqttCiritim ad evAlna-ticn of                  i LUs, pitulty                      i th $-c raW ratc1 Lit lPeraturC Ingiotii requirred. During IP,                till    k* ewroacbing t flZ with a. rcz4 kntupm odal to re-place* U          -2As pest of ou Uenr EC-                        ca"S. This m.odel, wiln MdTe ni ATable data.
 
(4)        ParricuIla attenle              stould be placed c' the strain a btzrst data.
 
amd ft      nalaricnbh        to rwrtrt ivt cla ;resure zan&#xa3;-d If yo 1              Ay quenties resadixn this letter, please fuel Ie                                    to concz Dr. LAss!f mac or Dr. Stephen?. tehpitt of rItle                                              tnu iUnri rizg
,R r--tQfw            vCvwf-z Sire    i7.Mmy Twm        &ImC izceIC Wwr U.  j4&m tA.                  4a
&#xa3;Cflna
 
w.
 
Mr. William J. Cahill, Jr.
 
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
 
cc:  White Plains Public Library          Ms. Ellyn Weiss
        100 Martine Avenue                    Sheldon, Harmon and Weiss White Plains, New York 10601          1725 I Street, N.W.
 
Suite 506 Joseph D. Block, Esquire              Washington, D. C. 20006 Executive Vice President Admi nistrative Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
 
4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Joyce P. Davis, Esquire Law Department Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
 
4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Richard Remshaw Nuclear Licensing Engineer Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
 
4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Anthony Z. Roisman Natural Resources Defense Council
        917 15th Street, N.W.


There apears to be a ratstepcmec AA2octiAted with Icktr tetperatce burst. no clear Jstifieation existe s f extrspolati of.w rarw teperate rzqtnre data to hit tee(veratutrt rtpture eictiticns., On czia handzlple rod brtdata frIn nxeriats dons ina tn wA r to be limted to high (2t 0 Chia.)tww"rltre r=pS in this high te ertur ngi. 0. the other , limted dnta frcu sh&Is rod tests in wems, for ezaple, indicate tazt ra dspen4uuve at bigb t*tperatnra coul1 be possible.tan'" has Ammd tM i pct of atilizit tbe fC draft turns.s"dasted with sio rp rate effects (dfetrca 3) by per ca nw-2 cal~cluticn vrwerk&#xa3; tin exposure Jistributica for th reainder ofb te prn"vt cycle. Than calcialatians ban teen pqrtormeA in the fcflcmTo amr: CD) Mi- S= 0%C/se-cuen for burnt tepr In. *trus was mified to reflect T ' rgtu of ba3yJse. by iterrati latwn= thu OtCnc. ad -te 2VC/aa. rrelatitn touaed in refi 0) e ai-ras p burst ain- (7igure & of reference
Washington, D. C. 20005 Dr. Lawrence R. Quarles Apartment 51 Kendal at Longwood Kennett Square, Pennsylvania  19348 Theodore A. Rebelowski U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission P. 0. Box 38 Buchanan, New York 10511 John D. O'Toole Assistant Vice President Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
3) was used in tW~-2 satbouj* n data points grs *usbsin the- hi (3) thw sir-rnm iocal fiw biocka" c- ofvnftc e 3 was med.a;g with the I'-WXfl-j (refereoce
4) 11w tt umdttplin tunes associted with 20% rdrteicu La fleot aresX, oeistat with the prutdidn of the time-rap local blockap *cc-.sed an this aysis, Tn* c ed tt r prt.the pleat for tes raaindut of tb* pryet cle Is zinuffecced by the Irluzsia of the attn r rate draft corralatis in the TIO liSed 1.d A rmeuti in i sd Titr r w d cated mnmy. Spe ufil fAr frIh tsl a i. present expo l r bea-titw Of 9.60? wIlft meets Appendix 4 critais with the 7CV-Z ucxifieatita mted shov.; 9.550 kw/ft is t l pner oPeration..
This fuel is CUrrently licese St1d tm7/ft At tm present~Vezm
* T the MiO pr etposA fuel, Pf bufit Apendix I nd 9.4 r/ft it neefk for full wr ft b-CrrZeatly limied. Etd of cycle oO eaft Irm thee i l id the Cmis .-. l to etasize that jcu: K. -r* 4.V. S. tla ,ttr~terv ot;*f ic Lw-r e 20 1979 we d nr -CZsZ1scy euppprt tim nlidty Of the c tin rsfccre S cA that ! p1 it Et. od sky krate ke -- s opraE n the bc4nain of Cj1 s~taO! 1 nfp hxbe avaafl to Q& tse anlyes If there it little beutuprqate dee e ot rupture t t for hig ttmpta-tv.i- failure, tes enld gl4 q6=f t t=-= posil inpaCt of low te-ea--tare rate tube ruptar fl tYak -ee M cppiia-eaittcas by t all trh Orto/nc. 'tx jz wXIT " I s lbs f-0 C s data fr ntuTre terrratnx fl10C. A quadrmtic fit thrt@- this &t* Fet yialdz tOE foli-win Vorelaticn:
t T' F a "7.75 -IMQ p. o.ooz e42 (2i DAI; ?I in &6grn , AT inzi)Substitntf!
this c1prrtla1tio i ntt 7VQf-, Iz ith the c 'c strain corz-elsth;
of n n 3 c fta tbht th_ peat ct.!teaperatudre for fresh fiel at &#xa3;,O PMr= (the most t ti it Lim exposw-c rcgic caawidred abowF) is JJT0 le thE Ycket'r airreomt lfeiee luedstel predicts.it"se c idtratita Yu tet the fol (1) Knp depenent c- sr asratlited with ca-dng swelling ski rupture nAela shnold ld t affet plat e tit for t (2) j-aze 4 rn= r wruaticu of tht dat of reference
3, (and in prart c te paucity of data appropriate to cleddin-4 swellng Amd rutr rrfw at Toalx Rwr) w.e cwwwitvt tbat IUm 's arnt ( ) CoottAilo arqttCiritim ad evAlna-ticn of i LUs, pitulty i th $-c raW ratc 1 Lit lPeraturC
Ingiotii requirred.


During IP, till k* ewroacbing t flZ with a. rcz4 kntupm odal to re-place*
4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003}}
U -2As pest of ou Uenr EC- ca"S. This m.odel, wiln MdTe ni ATable data.(4) ParricuIla attenle stould be placed c' the strain a btzrst data.amd ft nalaricnbh to rwrtrt ivt cla ;resure zan &#xa3;-d If yo 1 Ay quenties resadixn this letter, please fuel Ie to concz Dr. LAss!f mac or Dr. Stephen?.
tehpitt of rItle tnu iUnri rizg ,R r--tQfw vCvwf-z Sire i7.Mmy Twm &ImC izceIC Wwr U. j4&m tA. 4a&#xa3;Cflna w.Mr. William J. Cahill, Jr.Consolidated Edison Company of New cc: White Plains Public Library 100 Martine Avenue White Plains, New York 10601 Joseph D. Block, Esquire Executive Vice President Admi nistrative Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 York, Inc.Ms. Ellyn Weiss Sheldon, Harmon and Weiss 1725 I Street, N.W.Suite 506 Washington, D. C. 20006 Joyce P. Davis, Esquire Law Department Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Richard Remshaw Nuclear Licensing Engineer Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Anthony Z. Roisman Natural Resources Defense Council 917 15th Street, N.W.Washington, D. C. 20005 Dr. Lawrence R. Quarles Apartment
51 Kendal at Longwood Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Latest revision as of 01:54, 24 November 2019

NRC Generic Letter 1979-066: Information Regarding New Fuel Cladding Strain and Fuel Assembly Blockage Models and Compliance with 10 CFR 50.46
ML031320434
Person / Time
Site: Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Indian Point, Kewaunee, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Cooper, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Prairie Island, Brunswick, Surry, North Anna, Turkey Point, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, San Onofre, Cook, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, Trojan  Entergy icon.png
Issue date: 11/27/1979
From: Eisenhut D
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
NUREG-0630 GL-79-066, NUDOCS 8001070276
Download: ML031320434 (32)


. V _.I- --

' - L-?

UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 November 27, 1979 GI-- 77_66 (LETTER TO ALL OPERATING LIGHT WATER REACTORS)

Gentlemen:

Letters, dated November 9, 1979, were sent to all the licensees requesting information concerning the new fuel cladding strain and fuel assembly blockage models and compliance with 10 CFR 50.46. Subsequently further information was provided by the NSSS vendors and fuel suppliers regarding the impact of cladding heating-rate dependent burst temperature effects on rupture time and rupture strain/blockage and consequently on calculated peak cladding temperatures. The vendors and fuel suppliers supplied additional information by letters to the staff.

Copies of these additional letters are enclosed. This new information should be used in preparing your response to the November 9, 1979 request.

incerely, Darrell G. senhu ting Director Division o perating Reactors Enclosures:

1. Letter from Babcock & Wilcox, dated November 20, 1979

2. Letter from Combustion Engineering, dated November 16, 1979

3. Letter from Exxon Nuclear Co., dated November 16, 1979

4. Letter from General Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979

5. Letter from Westinghouse Electric Co., dated November 16, 1979

6. Letter from Yankee Atomic Electric Co., dated November 20, 1979 C?)e) -6-1-7

Baboock& icox v -24 PO. Rox3260. 4=?:*s, Va 24505 Terephioxe: MU 384-51 13 November 20, 1979 Hr. Darrell G. Eisenbut Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reacter Regulati"

U.S. NucleUr Regulatory Commission Vashington, D.C. 20555 SubJect: ClAdding Svefling and Rupture Models fcr LOCA Analysis Dear Mr. Eisenbutt On Wovebear 14, 1979, Kr. R F. Denise of the Division of Systeas Safety contact I&W with regard to the Burst Temperature Curve approved for nze by BE&W in LOCL analyses. li. Denitse re- quested BW to considcr the effect of ruloying the Staff's ramp rate correzltion. a contained in Draft KMMO 0630 to deteridne the Burst Temperature Curve for use in WC& analyses.

B&' has exained the ramp heat up rates calculated prior to rupture for B&W WSS syste= which have either OLs or CFs granted under 10 CW 50.46. (Documented in EA1-10102, Rev. 2, EW-10103AI, Rev. 3, ind EA-1010S, Rev. 1.) Ilterpolating from the Staff's r heat up rate versus imp stress and failre temperature referenced above, BSW has found that the Staffis correlation predicts the fuel cladding to rupture at the same or higher tamperatures for al1. cases, except the 4-foot coe elevation for the £77-Fuel AssSemby raised-loop pnt (SAW-

10105, Rev. 1). The razp rate prior to rupture fI this case is approxinately 12 C/s, whle the ertrapolation of the NkEC

curves to the EW Burst Temperature Curve at tbat &ae stress Indicates & 22 Ca hte t up rate. SW has estimted tbat the effect would be an earlier rupture, and, thetere, additional oxidation due to metal-water reaction, rulting in an increase of appr"imtel 6O1 In the peak cladding tupeerature (PCT).

The original analysis showed a peak cladding temwrature of

2073F. The addition of 80? wod result iu w peak of 2153'F

and not violate tie requirements of 10 CFR 530.4. Since the issuance of -1l0105, Rev. 1, B his idntified further con- servatisms which wmount to a reduction in peak cladding tempera- ture of approximately 3W . Therefore, if the evaluation vere The 9Obcok&VWikt Coz-V8V I W4tstt~f 1867

t Rabcock &Wfl=o Mr. Darrell Eisenhut November 20, l979 to Include these further conzervatims, and tie MC ramp rate correla- tions employed, we wioud expect a peak cladbiuS temperature intreate of about 50)F (2123V7 peak) with no difficulty in demonstrating om- pliance to 10 CFR 50.46.

In suzaary, BW bAs examined the effect of the use of the Staff's ramp rate correlation as requested and found the calculated PCT to be either unebanged at lowered as a result except for the one case noted above. If there are any questions concerning this response, please call me or Resry Bailey (Ext. 2678) of my staff.

Very truly your,.

3anes R. Tylor Manager, Lkensing JT/lc zz t Nd Oa 'AQN 6,wv e'.

A~oV I ..

ComhLEDfl nrinrr;sn3. o TI.cl~e 9 229

1W0 PIO5PeCl Hiii RoOi Windsm, connemicul: W095 POWER

SYSTEMS

Roveber I6. 1979 LD-79-067 Mr. Darrell C. Elsenhut -

Assistant Director for Systvs and Projects Division of Operating Reactors U- S. luclear RegulatorY cu'issidO

Wshingtnn, D.. L 20555 Subject: Fuel Cladding Shelling and Rupture Nodels G. Eisenhut.

Reference: Letter LD-79-064, A. E. Scherer to 0.

ste November 2. 1979 Dear Kr. Eisenhut:

(C-E) response The rferenced letter prmi4ded Conbustion Enginfeerig's to seyeral NRC concerns regatrdino rupture strain ard flow boage.. Su- questilons armse concerning sequent to receipt of the letter, additionaltonperatre effects on rupture the impact of heating rate dependent burst an peak cladding tem-per- time and rupture strainfblotkage arnd ultimately LO£A. The following evalua- ature (PCiT) in the analysis of a large break burst taterature tion of the potential impact of heating rate independent support of our oparating on C-E'S licensing calculations is provided plant custineri.

heating rate dependence.

The C-E rupture temperature model does not have 2-10yCfter znd using For the heating rate range of C-E operating plants, the ORL mrodel reccmended by the Staff. heating rate effects would lower predicted rupture temperatures by 25-750C. produce The resulting lower rupture earlier rupture times, tMrperatures due to low heat rate effects

(2-20 se-wnds earlier).

degraded heat tran&-

If rupture occurs after the tine of <1 Wnsec ref loIW.by Appendid K) is invoked fe on the rupture Woe ard above (as required could lead to higher re- at the time of rupture. Earlier rupture times i silipirentatAor. of degraded flood PC in this case because of the earlier experInze c3ad rupture heat transfer. However, all C-E operating plants the initiation of prior to the time of el in/sWm reflWd and thereforeby lower rupture topiatures.

degraded heat transfer would not be affected or refill periods mnay alter local Earlier rupture times during the blawdown or radiaticn enclosure beat transfer *ncmentarily, thrTouh wp conductancereflood its imPact on PIT

effects. Bowever, if the PCT occurs during late woUld not be significant.

r Dc Orrell G. Ekernhut-Z

Lower rupture temperatures due t I

low e3t rate effects may produce higher rvpture strains and blockages. The effect of increased rupture strain and blockage was addressed in the referenced letter tg The results of the previously discussed System 80 sensitivity the Steff.

studies show that PCT calculated witb the revised flow blockage/heat model is slightly lower than PT calculated with the present transfer heat tran5fer model. In addition,, the results of a study showflowblockaagef creasing the that in- degree of flow blockage from 6DO to 8DX only PCT by 400 F. &ised on these results, we conqlude that all Increases C-E

the operating plants continue to coinply with the ZZOCOF peak cladding teperature criterion, Including the effects of increased rupture strain/blo-kage.

The above discussions indicate that the reported PCT for all C4 opeating plants would not be siganficantly affected by a haating- rate rupture dependent temperature model. The magnitude of the effect on PC

no greater than effects observed in the System 80 sensitivity would be using the C-E alternate rodels. In facts it is expected that studies vised flow blockagefheat transfer models with or without a uting- rL-

heating -ate dependent burst tm aperature model for the analysis of C-E operating plants h-Duld produce lower PCT than presently reported values. C-E

therefore believes that our Evaluation %Idelanalysis with thf revised flow blockage/heat transfer miodl meets Appendix K requirements and the ZZaODF peak cladding tepperature criterion.

If I can be of any further assistance on this rmitter, pfiase contact uze or Mls. 3. H. Cicerchia of uy staff at (20)3S1-1911. ExtenSon slo 5.

Very truly )ours, CtiBWST1It BEIE~ThERINr INC.

Licensing tBanager AES:d-ag

lk*CtJ UCLt&Ahb :IYIne:.1m tC),ll L0 lute flt Horn hopids AD.,d

0. V>. &&x fjO, P~h0"ffJ~trl. li'st~t~fo g3t72 PAiinr f5019 94.Y R1.0 rale 32ti3 Novotnbpe 1t, 1q79 Mr. barrell G. tisenhut. Acting tirector bivision of Operating Peaictors Office of Nuclear Rpart.ror Regulation U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Conmnmission Washington, D. C; 2O!55 keferenrce ti: MNt letter frnmi G. r. Owtlpy to h. A.. tist.albut dated Nnvft*p&tt 4, 19I/9.

betit Har. Eisenhut:

A!s iaquested by your staff on November 13, 1979, tMt hp! cnmpleted Ah additional review of the licensing imapct of thr: rsriujed NRC rupture/

blockage model with pattLuler emphasis on the impact of the NRC tempera- ture-ramp-dependent rupture temperature curves. Tthi . Peview SupportS

the conclusion of ENC's earlier anal yte (Aeferehrt! 1) that there is ho adverse impact on licensing lintts for plants AnhAled by ENt modelt ttfo ute of the NRC rupture/blockage model.

the DC Cook analyses reported in tPftPvPnhr. (1) UP'ed the to:mrole.tr: Lt'ruLso'stl tuptuiC

NRC rupture/blorkage model including the temperature-tImp-dependent the temperaturv, rupture strain And flow blockage cbrrelatinF.. Thin.,

temperature ramp rate effects had been included. The teqserature rtip rate dependence in the NRC model is such that the difference between the predicted rupture temperature of the HRC and MNC tmdels Is gredlest for the 6lowest ramp rate. Resultt of this additional review are summarited below:

  • All PiR plants licensed with tBC models have temperature set.onds ramp rates in the Slow range (clOGC/sec for & period of more than 10

prior to rupture.)

  • For the category of plants where t.he POI oiturs dowtritreim of the ruptured nr,^d (it, st'am cooling) the DC Cook. plant is the mostttmpel-At'WF' sensitive to the NRC rupture/blockage model beculue it hat the tlnwp.t ramp rate prior to rupture.

Application of the NRC rupture/blockage model to the plant ti.withuntberattiVt the 0iowest tamp tate (DC Cook) Shows that the turrent FNC PttM' MnndI

&s discussed in Reference (1). thusr, it.i!, euutlutJvd tt;tconservative. the currtht tNC

tCCS 6nalyses for plants which tall in this cate gory are Thest plants are Palisades, Kewaunee and Prairie Isllnd 1 And 2.

T i rrl . Nknu

  • Par one WH Ah~tyt+/-d 0thltt (At dIihhA) thl P4I bc~ti A~ hlth uipturad node Ind early in the 1-fil pod petiod ThA Mf~a h*n I~

ruturf/blockage model tb ft Ginna hat bmm 1akutetdo the tdtrot qodbi§

PC? than 6e"at found to be ltes tha" a 206r IthcIs wit Pv? still more than 20U6F below the f200tU Ilimtit.

uth

1h

& T'he remainingp tiC anhltyild P6" lap.nt. Oh ftabinstrh) db~5 h8t NAVI

&Steam tonling period nor dues thts Fit occur at thP 1-U turod nodi.fo Ir this Plant the' ruIpture Straifl calculdtO~by the NRC tuptiturs htrkift iftoda (considering the tamp rate ueIfpct oh tuptura. ternperhtuefi) I getrthatn the- tupture Itrain calculated by th Ml E Thuj,Sto CUptutcq/

blockage model would yield is low~er P'CT Siir the "biautf hlq ier Ma~d strain on the hotn-ruptured PC? ttudej Would Impruov& Lid tool in.

In guutmary. it is concluded that Application at~the ftRt 1uptut&blotkA06 Model in the ENC tCCS model would hot Affect liet~h~itq limits Oil ENC

Plants because:-

OCT's would be reduced by Using the MrC rtipture/blockagis hodel in all olants in which PCT does not occur an the 1tUPtUred hafde I in thp nite P ant Where Ptl` dofig Occur at' thp 1ruptut~d flod (tp tt the impact of the ftRC rupture/blockwjt' tunndl On OvC isleA than favl with imtre than A 9006F margin to tha 22Q0tF! limit r?-hn&intg.

Utiton kutil#&r ttnim0hy

GENERAL* ELECTRIC NUCLEAR POWER

SYSTEMS DIVISION

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, 176 CURTNER AVE., SAN JOSE, CALW*FRNA 95125 MyN 278-79 MC 682, (408) 925-5722 November 16, 1979 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Division of Operating Reactors Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Washington. D.C. 20555 Attention: Darrell G. Eisenhut, Acting Director Division of Operating Reactors Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: GE CLADDING HOOP STRESS AT PERFORATION

Reference: (1) Letter, R. H. Buchholz to D. G. Elsenhut (NRC),

ORNL Cladding Swell and Rupture Data - BWR

Evaluation, November 2, 1979.

(2) Draft Report, R. 0. Meyer and D. A. Powers, Cladding Swelling and Rupture Models for LOCA

Analysis, October 31, 1979.

(3) General Electric Company Analytical Model for Loss-of-Coolant Analysis in Accordance with 1OCFR5O

Appendix K, NEBO 20566, January 1976.

(4) Letter, A. J. Levine to D. F. Ross (NRC), GE Loss-of- Coolant Accident Model Revisions - Core Heatup Code CHASTE05, January 27, 1977.

During a telephone conversation between GE and R. Denise of transmittedthe NRC

Staff on November 14, 1979, additional information to that in Reference 1 was requested. Reference 1 outlined the reasons the data contained in Reference 2 did not affect the GE LOCA cladding swell- ing and rupture models (References 3 and 4). It is GE's understanding that the NRC Staff is concerned with the method affects cladding the used to calculate hoop ramp rate (clad heatup rate) during a LOCA as it of this letter is stress versus temperature at perforation. The purpose to address these concerns.

Section I.B of GE Appendix K Topical Report NEDO-20566 discusses fuel based swelling and clad rupture thermal parameters. this analysis was studies on our previously applied CHASTE04 model. Extensive sensitivity

GENERAL1 ELCICt'iC

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 were carried out by GE to prepare for NRC review of the currently approved CHASTE05 swelling and rupture model. These studies aro of direct relevance to the current NRC concerns. The sensitivity studies (results of which are included for completeness in Supplement A) indi- cated only a small sensitivity of PCT to variations in cladding strain and hoop stress at perforation. In particular, Figure 4 of Supplement A

depicts the variatton of the hoop stress at perforation with temperature.

The lower bound of the investigation has been re-plotted on Figure 54 of Reference 2 (attached). This figure shows that the lower bound of the CHASTE05 sensitivity analysis produces a more conservative relationship of hoop stress to perforation than the 0C/sec curve for temperatures above approximately 740'C (i.e., perforations are not expected in GE

BWRs below 925 0C). The change in PCT for this lower curve compared to the base case was -50F.

We understand that the Staff is also concerned about the statistical significance of the range of values over which ramp rates are deter- mined. The calculated cladding heatup rate for GE BWRs is between 1°

and 71F/sec. This range of heatup rates is based on an average value over the ballooning portion of the ramp.

The foregoing discussion, together with Supplement A, clearly indicates that the ORNL data for hoop stress at perforation for several heatup rates does not impact the conclusions of References 3 and 4 over the BWR

ranges of application.

I sincerely hope that this resolves any questions you may have regarding this matter as it pertains to the BWR.

Yours truly, R. H. Buchholz, Manager BWR Systoms Licensing Safety and Licensing Operation RHB:cas/4J

Attachments cc: G. G. Sherwood R. Mattson (NRC)

R. Denise (NRC)

L. S. Gifford (GE-Beth)

Supplement A

CHASTE05 SWELLING AND RUPTURE MODEL

Sensitivity Studies To evaluate the effects of the change in the calculation of the grey body factors (GBF) in the CHASTEO5 code, a number of sensitivity studies wore done. The studies show that the more realistic calculation of the cladding temperature GBF's results in a smaller sensitivity of the peak and rupture model.

(PCT) to various parameters of the rod swelling The studies were performed for a plant with hence 7x7 fuel at high exposures, any sensitivity of the to maximize the number of perforations and relatively long reflooding calculated PCT. The plant selected had athen results in a longer period time and a shorter blowdown period which perforated and hence a greater over which the rods are calculated to beand rupture model. The results sensitivity to change; in the swelling of those expected for presented here can be considered representative calculated to occur.

BWRs with fuel where perforations are in detail below:

The following studies were performed and are discussed

1. Variation of cladding strain at perforation

2. Variation of swelling initiation criteria

3. Variation of thermal expansion coefficients

4. Variation of perforation stress versus temperature curve

5. Variation of plenum volume

6. Vpriation of the GBF calculation time The base case for all the calculations was models calculated using the strains, described in NEDW-20566, perforation curve, strain rates and other and 23%as on inner rods for i.e., nominal strains of 16% on outer rods temperature transients for perforation hoop stresses <1500 psi. in The several rods for this case are shown Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the relative positions at the different rods.

results in a smaller In general, the use of CHASTEDS instead of CHASTE04 The two major reasons for sensitivity to changes in various parameters. the in the parameters the smaller sensitivity of the results to changes are:

A more accurate calculation of radiation heatheat transfer in a) transfer CHASTE05 has reduced the impact of radiation degradation when rods are calculated to perforate.

b) Better nodalization of the cladding in CHASTE05 (it has two cladding nodes instead of one in CHASTE04) and better control of the time step has reduced the sensitivity of the temperature response to inside metal water reaction as a result of perforations, takes a i.e., when a rod is calculated to perforate, the code small time step.

NS: cas: at/4T 1

1.0 Variation of Cladding Strain at Perforation The values of strain after perforation used in the based on the FLECHT Zr2 tests described in Section calculation I.B.2.4 ar NEDO-20566. It 15 assumed that for rods with hoop stress of rods next to the channel will have a maximum strain after (1500 psi, of 16% of nominal radius and for the reinianng rods, the perforation strain Is assumed to be 23% of nominal radius. The purpose maximum study was to determine the change in the temperature responseof this individual rods and the peak cladding temperature of the of a result of changing the various assumptions regarding bundle as perforation strain. The base case for this study was the assumed done using the nominal strains (i.e., 23% an Inner and 16% on outer rods).

The study shows that there is a very small (*5F) sensitivity PCT to changes in the perforation strain. This Is because, of the though individual rod temperatures are affected (by as even just after a rod perforates during the transient), the such as 200F

of all the rods in-the bundle tend to equalize as a resulttemperature of redistribution of energy by radiation heat transfer, consequently the overall effect on PCT is small. The studies show strain is increased on an individual rod its temperature that as the because for larger strains there is a larger area for decreases, heat and, hence, lower temperatures. For smaller strains the transfer are higher as the area for heat transfer Is smaller. temperatures The results for the different cases are presented below;

1.The strain on the first rod to perforate (Group was changed to 40%. The calculation showed no change 12)

in PCT but did show a slight decrease (c20F) in the temperature the transient for the first rod to perforate shortly after perforated. the rod Case 2. The strain on the second rod to perforate was changed to 40%. In this case, the PCT decreased(Group 10)

by SF

compared to the base case. The change was larger compared Case 1 because of the closer proximity of the final PCT to the second rod to perforate; but despite the change, rod to be noted that the change Is small. it should Case 3. The perforation strain on all rods was set at represents the maximum strain that adjacent rods can 30% (30%

without touching). The PCT decreased by only 3F even expand to the variation in individual rod temperatures during though were lower by as muchas 25F during the transient, the transient just after the rod perforated.

Case 4. The perforation strain on all rods was reduced

1aTtfie nominal value and the PCT decreased by 3F. to case also, the individual rod temperature transients In this by a larger value (up to 15F at certain times in the changed compared to the PCT. transient)

1S: cas/4T 2

The above studies were supplemented by studies using the strains strains measured in the FLECHT Zr2 test, instead of the nominal used in the above studies.

Case S

Strains measured in the Zr2 test (shown in Figure 2, p 1-175, NEDO-20566) were input into the CHASTE code, instead of the nominal strains of 16% and 25% on outer and inner rods, respectively.

Figure 3 shows the effect on the first rod to perforate (Group 12)

of using the nominal versus measured perforation strains for all the rods. The difference in the temperature transient for individual rods in the two cases is small, and the differences in the calculated PCTs is zero. As discussed earlier, the of reason for the small PCT sensitivity is the redistribution the temperature due to radiation heat transfer and the fact that the PCT rod at the end of the transient is a nonperforated rod. Early in the transient, the PCT rod is often a rod that perforates (as shown In Figure 3).

Case 6 This case was similar to Cases 1 and 2. In this case, the to strain on the first rod group to perforate was set equal

16%, 30%, and 40%. For all other rod groups, the Zr2 measured strains were used. The calculated temperature transient for the first rod to perforate is platted in Figure 3. The results show that for higher strains, the cladding temperature is lower shortly after perforation because of a larger heat transfer area, but there is much smaller sensitivity to strain than was calculated in CHASTE04. The reason for this is that CHASTEOS has finer nodalization of the cladding and hence a more accurate calculation of the surface temperature and the metal water reaction rate. Also, CHASTE05 has better time step control which results in smaller time steps after a calculated perforation. Because of these two reasons, the of cladding temperature does not increase rapidly as a result inside metal reaction as was observed in CHASTEN4.

The calculation for the 40% strain appears to show a larger sensitivity because of a slight delay in the perforation time.

But after a few seconds, the temperatures using the various strains all are about the same. The slight difference in the time of perforation for the various cases is a result of the slight differences in the strain rates before the rod perforated.

(The strains and strain rates before perforation are a function of the final perforation strain.)

The conclusion from this study is that the cladding temperature of perforated rods is relatively insensitive (<lOF, 15 seconds after perforation) and the PCT is almost completely insensitive to the perforation strains and, hence, use of the nominal values is appropriate.

NS: cas/4T 3

2.0 Variation of elling Initiation Criteria CHASTE calculates plastic swelling on rods for all temperatures above a certain temperature. This temperature is nominally set at 200F below the perforation temperature. Calculations were done assuming that plastic swelling starts OF, 20OF and 400F below the perforation temperature. The results show that for the case of OF, the PCT decreased by 3F, and for the 400F case the PCT was unchanged relative to the 200F nominal case. The effect on PCT was small (<SF), and the effect on Individual rod temperatures was also small (c20F), and hence it can be concluded that the use of 200F is still appropriate.

3.0 Variation of Thermal Expansion Coefficients This study was done to determine the sensitivity of PCT to uncertainty in the thermal expansion coefficients of the fuel and cladding material. The changes in the PCT are caused by changes in the gap conductance resulting from changes in the pellet-cladding gap size for different thermal expansion coefficients. For larger thermal expansion coefficients, the gap size is larger early in the transient resulting in lower removal of stored energy during the blowdown phase of the transient and hence higher PCT. Conversely for smaller thermal expansion coefficients, the PCT is lower than the case using the nominal thermal expansion coefficients. But in all cases, the sensitivity is relatively small and is documented below for two extreme cases, I.e..' no thermal expansion or contraction and twice the nominal thermal expansion coefficients. For zero thermal expansion coefficients for both fuel and cladding, the PCT

decreased by about 25F; and for twice the nominal expansion coeffi- cients, the PCT increased by about 15F. The small sensitivity thermal expansion, even for the extreme cases, justifies the useto of nominal thermal expansion coefficients.

4.0 Variation of Perforation Stress Versus Temperature Curve The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changing the perforation stress versus temperature curve from the standard curve used. Two cases were studied, one for which the curve was below all the data, and another for which the curve was above majority of the data points (see Figure 4). The change in the a calculated PCT compared to the base case was S6F for the lower curve, and +2F for the higher curve. For the lower curve, the perforations occurred earlier and at lower temperatures; hence, the effect of inside metal water reaction was minimized and there was larger surface area for heat transfer on some rods for a longer a period of time. For the higher curve, even though perforations occurred later, they occurred at higher temperatures where inside metal water reaction is higher and hence a higher PCT. The important conclusion from this study is that the sensitivity to time and temperature of perforation has been reduced considerably with the Improved GBF calculation.

NS:cas:at/4T 4

5.0 Variation of Plenum Volume and temperature of The previous study determined the effect of tim the effect of the initial perforation on PCT. This study determines the effect of the initial plenum pressure on the PCT. To determine was varied from the plenum pressure, the Initial plenum volume pressure, the calculated nominal value by +/-40%. For the increased pressure, it decreased PCT increased by 5F; and for the decreased internal pressures have by IF. This study shows that the fuel rod PCT. This is primarily an insignificant effect on the calculated is also small, because the effect on the number of perforations did not change i.e., the number of rods calculated to perforatepressure) but when the volume was decreased (i.e., to increased decreased by only two rods compared the base case when the In this study also, volume was increased (i.e., lower pressures).

different conditions but the time of perforation changed for the the sensitivity was small.

Time

6.0 Variation of Grey Body Factor Calculation at different times Different rods are calculated to perforate the rod swelling occurs a during the heatup transient. As most of perforate, it is appro- few seconds before the rod is calculated to of each rod. A

priate to calculate GBFs at the time of perforation PCT to two bounding study was done to show the sensitivity of theIn one case, for the assumptions about the calculation of G6Bs. that the perforated rods radiation calculation only, It was assumed assumed that at the did not swell. In the second case, it was to 23% strain in the first perforation all the rods had swollenthe procedure that is used calculation of GBFs.* The second case is was assumed, the in CHASTE04. For the case in which no swelling case where GBFs PCT was lower by about 20F compared to thethestandard second case where GBFs are calculated at each perforation. For calculated PCT was were calculated assuming all rods swollen, the Figure 4 shows about 11OF higher compared to the standard case. study shows that the variation of PCT for the three cases. This extremely conserva- the PCT using the old (CHASTE04) procedure was transfer is not very heat tive, and the degradation in radiation a few rods, which is the large as a result of the perforation of calculations.

typical case in BWR loss-of-coolant accident KS: cas/4T 6

. 2500 a500

vD T A~IAe PEWM~tAT~ot4

2000 GROUP 15 GFOUFPIP.

(

5?0

-GPZU?19

50o OIUNG 1RAN4ITON N/4N Oe.eff p-~

(

PA i//C Af A*Ot'e Di1. E , . e

0

2 4 6 40 60 ieCO 300

7-A."t

00.001,. ow 5e, FIGURE 1 CALCULATED ROD ThNPERATUES

USING K014INAL STRAIN VALUES

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CLAVOING TtMPERATURE 16PI

Figure 4 Cladding Perforation Stress

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CAL CULATION PROCEDURE

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ENGINEERING HOOP STRESS (KPSI)

FIGURE 54 OF REFERVNCF 2

NLM3r TechrKcay M.vit'.n Westinghouse Water Reactor Divisions Box 355 Electric Corporation PitTsurgh Penrnii-Wama U

November 16, 1979 NS-TMA-21 63 Mr. Darrell G. Eisenhut Director, Division of Operating Reactors Nuclear Regulatory Commission

7920 Norfolk Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20014 Dear Mr. Eisenhut:

Letter NS-TMA-2147, dated November 2, 1979, responded to LOCAIECCS NRC concerns related to the fuel rod models used in the Westinghouse of evaluation model and potential non-compliance with the requirements on fuel rod lOCFRPart 50. Table 1 of that letter included information on our initial heatup rate prior to burst. That information was based evaluation of the results of current LOCA analyses for Westinghouse plants with operating licenses. Subsequent to completion and transmittal of that letter,.Westinghouse continued investigation of heatly rote Westinghouse then calculations. As a result of that investigation, to burst. That prior developed a procedure to determine clad heatup rate the LOCA transient to procedure keys on the calculated clad strain during rate-calculation.

establish a starting point, in time, to use in the heatup meeting on November That procedure was presented to NRC personnel during a interim basis, as adequate

13, 1979, in Bethesda, and was accepted on an the revision to the with respect to Appendix K LOCA analyses. Table A shows heatup rates previously given in Table 1 of Letter NS-TMA-2147.

than Inspection of Table A shows heatup rates, in some cases, less

250F/sec.

In the current WECCS Evaluation Model (Feb, '78) used for the above analyses, a fuel0 rod burst curve which represents Table A, since someforcases burst conditions heatup rates of 25 F/sec and larger was used. From have heatup rates less than 250F/sec and burst conditions change for lower that some of those analyses could be heatup rates, Westinghouse recognized non-conservative with respect to the time of rod burst.

Therefore, W performed an evaluation of all operating heatup plants licensed with the WECCS Evaluation Model with respect to use of a rate dependent bursT model. The heatup rate dependent burst model currently used in the W

Small Break Evaluation Model (documented in WCAP-8970-P-A "Westinghouse System Small Break, October 1975 Model" and approved Emergency Core Cooling by the NRC) was used in this evaluation.

-

NS-TMA-21f3 November 16, 1979 Page Two The results of that evaluation, the status of each plant evaluated and justification of conclusions reached are as follows:

PLANT (1) MODEL FEB. '78 FQ 2.31 PCT 2172 A new analysis was performed using the appropriate heatup rate burst curve and water residing in the accumulator lines (not previously accounted for) was considered. The resulting PCT was 21350 F at an FQ of 2.31.

Therefore, lOCFRSO criteria are satisfied.

PLANT (2) MODEL OCT. '75 FQ 2.17 PCT 2199 A LOCTA run was made using the Oct. 75 evaluation model with appropriate heatup rate burst curves for FQ 2.16. PCT - 2127 Use of Feb. '78 evaluation model, in particular the new accumulator discharge model, will compensate for the AFQ, shown above, to maintain 22009F. (This is a burst node limited plant)

PLANTS (3) (4) (5) (6)

Since the heatup rate for the hot rod is greater than 250 F/second and the PCT does not occur during the steam cooling period, the current analysis for these plants remains valid.

PLANT (8) MODEL OCT. '75 F 2.10

PA 2188 F

An Oct. '75 model LOCTA run was made using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. Results were: FQ - 2.10, PCT - 2227.

Application of the "Dynamic Steam Cooling" modification of the Feb. '78

0

evaluation model will result in a 60 F reduction in PCT and the Feb. '78 accumulator discharge model will result in at least a 200 F reduction in PCT. Results of a Feb. '78 model analysis are expected to result in a PCT of approximately 2147 0 F at an FQ of 2.10.

Therefore, lOCFR5O criteria will be satisfied and there is no safety concern.

PLANT (9) MODEL OCT. '7'

FQ 2.25 PCT 2142

Novemni1er 12, 1979 Page Three Based on the results of a calculation for plant 1(14). the use of approximate heatup rate burst curves would result in a maximum PCT

increase nf 680F. Thus, the estimated (maximum) PCT = 2142 + 68 = 22100 F

at an Fq - 2.25.

The benefits associated with the Feb. 78 accumulator discharge model and accounting for paint on containment heat sinks will result in a PCT reduction well in excess of lOF.

Therefore, no safety problem exists.

PLANT (11) MODEL FEB. '78 F 1.90

POT 2124 A LOCTA calculation was performed using appropriate heatup rate burst curves. An F of 1.89 resulted in a PCT of 21610F.

Therefore, a peaking factor reduction of less than 0.01 is required for this plant to remain in compliance with lOCFRSO.

PLANT (12) MODEL OCT. '75 Fn 2.21 P1,T 2198 Based on analyses performed for plant f(15), a 15F/second reduction in clad heatup rate impacts hot rod burst to effect PCT by +42°F. Extrapolating, a 170F/second reduction in heatuD rate results in a 480F PCT increase. Use of the dynamic steam cooling calculation on the accumulator discharge model in the Feb. '78 ECCS evaluation model results in an estimated (600F + 200 F)

80OF reduction in PCT.

Therefore, a Feb. '78 model analysis would result in a PCT of 2198+48-8O=2166 F

at F of 2.21 and no safety problem exists.

PLANT (13) MODEL FEB. '78 Fn 2.05 P12T 2172 A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were:

F - 2.05, PCT 2191F

Q

Therefore, no safety problem exists.

PLANT (14) MODEL FEB. '78 Fn 2.32 PET 2124

NS-1MA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Four A LOCTA calculation was done using appropriate heatup rate burst curves and the results were:

F - 2.32, PCT - 2192OF

Q

Therefore, no safety problem exists.

PLANT (15) MODEL FEB. '78 FT 2.32 PET 2158 A LOCTA analysis was done using.appropriate heatuo rate burst curves and the results were:

FQ - 2.32, PCT = 2200OF

Therefore, no safety problem exists.

PLANTS (16) and (17)

The latest licensing analyses have been verified to use appropriate heatup rate burst curves and therefore remain valid.

PLANTS (18) and (19)

New LOCTA analyses. were performed using aoDrOpriate heatup race burst curves.

The PCT was virtually unchanged. Therefore, no safety problem exists.

Based on the detailed information provided above, the Westinghouse Safety Review Committee concluded that two plants were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in allowable core peaking factor to maintain a PCT of 22000F. Four other plants have current analyses to the October, 1975 version of the Westinghouse model and may require a peaking factor reduction. However, we.

believe that reanalyses with the most current Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS

evaluation model (February, 1978) would show that no changes are necessary.

That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve. A copy of the NRC notification letter (NS-TMA-2158) retarding this iss;;o is attdcheu.

The above information was also presented to the NRC Staff at the November 13,

1979 meeting.

Following the November 1, 1979 meeting, Westinghouse has again reviewed the, ORUL data quoted as a basis for NRC concern regarding adequacy of the WAppendix K blockage model. Comparison of individual rod burst strains from ORNr data to the corresponding Westinghouse data which has used as a basis for our blockage model indicates the ORUL data is in excellent agreement with the W data. Since the axial distribution of the burst strains in the ORNL multi rod '3urst test has

I-

NS-TMA-2163 November 16. 1979 Page Five been shown by ORNL to conform to local temperature distributions in the specific heating rods used in the tests, conclusion as to the applicability of the axial distribution of bursts (which is the Darameter that relates individual burst strain to flow blockage) cannot validly be made. Never- theless, the blockages measured from the ORAL tests are similar to those calculated by the Westinghouse model, which has been approved by NRC, when due consideration is made in translating blockages measured in 4X4 bundles to blockages applicable to 15X15 or 17X17 rod fuel assemblies using accented statistical techniques. Thus, we believe no immediate action is aoDropriatp.

with respect to reanalysis of Diants using the proposed NRC blockage model pending detailed review of the proposed model.

As a result of further investigation and evaluation, the following can be concluded:

1) A modification to the W model to account for the heatup rate dependence is necessary for compliance to Appendix K.

2) The impact of this modification is relatively small, effecting only two ooerating plants in terms of requiring peaking factor adjustments to meet the criteria of lOCFR50.46. The affected utilities ana the NkC ndve been czdeiqadLly inifurr-ied.

3) Comparison of the Westinghouse data and ORNL data shows excellent agree- ment and the current Westinghouse model, in the range of interest, is still appropriate.

It is therefore concluded that no safety problem for Westinghouse plants has been identified and all plants are in conformance with NRC regulations since the burst temperature modifications (1 and 2 above) are accounted for.

Very truly yuurs, T. 14. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department

NS-TMA-2163 November 16, 1979 Page Six TABLE A

REVISION TO HEATUP RATES TRANSMITTED

IN lETTER NS-TMA-2147 CASE HIEATUP RATE ( 0 F/SEC)

HOT ROD AUG OR AW ROD

1) 8.5 10.9

2) 20.3 13.1

3) 25.6 18.0

4) 25.0 15.4

5) 31.5 19.4

6) 27.4 23.8

7) (Not Westinghouse Fuel)

8) 19.1 7.4

9) 12.3 12.0

10) (Not Westinghouse Fuel)

11) 6.2 11.3

12) 8.0 11.4

13) 18.3 16.1

14) 9.3 14.3

15) 8.2 13.8

16) 39.6 23.7

17) 43.2 26.7

18) 22.7 17.6

19) 26.5 16.7

Westinghouse Waler Reaclor PBtothPxI),AL

Electric Corporation DiviSionS

November 16, 1979 NS-TMA- 2158 Mr. Victor Stello Director, Office of Inspection and Enforcement U.S. Nuclear Regulzatory Coornnission East West Towers Building

4350 East West Highway Bethesda, MtD 20014 Dear Mr. Stello:

Subject: ECCS Evaluation Model This is to confirm our telephone conversation with Mr. Frank Nolan on Friday afternoon, Noverrmer 2, 1979. In that Conversation we reported a non-conserva- tive feature in Westinghouse large break ECCS'evaluation models.

The Nuclear Regulatcry Com-mmission staff met November 1, 19iW, with representa- tives of reactor vendors and nuclear fuel suppliers -- Combustion Engineering Inc., Exxon Corporation, General Electric Company, Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Babcock and Wilcox Company. Utilities which operate nuclear power plants were informed by NRC.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the staff's ongoing evaluation of the results of tests on electrically-heated fuel assemblies conducted at the Oak Ridge (Tennessee) National Laboratory, .JRC indicated that emergency core cooling system analytical codes currently used to evaluate the effects of postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA) might not be in compliance witn NRC regulations. The portion of the codes in question deal with the effects of fuel clad swelling and rupture and blockage of cooling water.

Subsequent to the meeting, Westinghouse performed a detailed evaluation of the most recent analyses for operating plants and on November 2, 1979, Westinghouse confirmed, in writing, that the impact of the information pre- sented by the NRC has negligible impact on the LOCA analysis results of tne plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCAIECCS evaluation model. The %RC

staff has concurred with this conclusion.

<-

Mr. Victor Stello -2-. NS-TMA-2158 However, as a result of that detailed evaluation, Westinghouse has now recog- nized that . non-conservative feature could exist In-the Appendix K LOCA

analysis with respect to the portion ot the calculation reltited to tue' rod burst. The potential non-conservative feature of Westinghouse larget break ECCS evaluation inodels is as follows. The models use a curve which represents fuel clad burst conditions tor clad heatup rates of 25F/second and yreater The evaluation discussed revealed thdt heatup rates could he less than

25*F/second. During the LOCA tra~nsient, thle tuel cldd burst curve dstablishes the time of clad burst 3nd (since :le clad temperature ana the pressure dit- ferential across the clad 3re.changing throughout the LOCA trenslert) "ne post-burst conditions of the clad. The fuel clad burst curve is deoendeft on the clad heatup rate prior to burst and a reduction in heat.Ap rate ca.stes earlier clad burst. A shift in clad burst time can affect the peak clac tem- perature (PCT) calculated for the LOCA transient.

Therefore, in order to more fully evaluate'this effect, the clad heatup rate prior to burst was determined from the most recent LOCA analyses for ti'osd plants licensed with the Westinghouse LOCA/ECCS evtluation model. Plants having heatUp rates less than 25 /seccnd were reanalysed to ascertain tne effect on peak clad temperature. Two plants (Turkey Point 'Jnits 3 and d) were found to require a reduction of 0.01 in Fg to maintain a peak Clao Tem-pera- ture (PCT) of 2200 F. A third plant, Indian Point Uni' ac. 2, was nct expected to reculir any FQ recuction, considering -he prsoit PC7. Ind avaii- able sensitivity studies. Analyses, underway at the time of cur telephone conversation, have now been completed and confirm this.

Four other plants, currently not operating (Trojan, forth Annd Unit 1, Indian Point Unit 3 -and D. C. Cook Unit 2) have current analyses Lo the October 3975 Westinghouse rrodel and on that basis might require a reduction in Fn. How- ever, we believe that reanalyses dtth the most recently aporoved Westinqho;se LOCA/ICCS evaluation model (February 1973) would show that no changes are necessary. That is, we believe margins available in this model will more than offset any effect associated with the change in the fuel clad burst curve.

We have advised the affected utilities of this unreviewed safety question. As part of this overall evaluation, we are examining plants under construction and will report as dppropriate. Please teel free to contact Dr. Vincent Esposito (412-373-4059) if yuu should have any questions.

Very truly yours, T. M. Anderson, Manager Nuclear Safety Department

/wpc

I.0; ^

T:Vwnr: . IttieS4 -4C

fiG

mSr-3*Q,-07fl PAE -I 3 YANTEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY

taSX e >, e 9 niteS Stas Ese- kgitory nsss Attntiat Of f f le tor Xteulatitm I-f. Darell tizezstkt ketin'r-Iraw t~efer- (1) Lit N. P71-3 (Docket No. . 1C-i

(2) Ietter ta lEfl Mt "Tvalmtitf Ce dn sl ai4'4 Ewtv~n Nodels, t dated Nontber 2, IS79.

(DUIf NaG. 0630 dAted 111S179, entitfle, "Claddin trilling cn- tuptrs Pa-Ilc foar L= Anilywit.

(4)'Lnnfif~4, Nule~r o~cy~-kuu aGenric tM ra ti Nd Upt Etv--11, ily 1976a De=r Sir:-

Snh-jfl -Snstia of CleAdin, Swlling - w el This letter is - aAdakn4 to : Fsulitted- toyn an trmlcr 2, l97l, Lterrnne t. U is ftrrizc in reponse to DitiWAf £Vweicmu raises VI your staff cocrnng te haling of cl*ding bc-irp rate depentnCe iu T's li C- dels fw clin 1 afliug mae-rp.. The Ifoi am hopefully respauive to YOE qwstitx

¢ £t tk sltle t te rt cktr orretia lt irri& taperutc regim n ( 10C 000e or grectorY Tfhis Is X t the reltively 1w f11 pa rpmwure is ]thITake twA IU. IC thisr

-t taseratn range, rn'ttr tesw ttwv is oxtresely sauitiuw to oCflcumtJrap twera

- ftr E taui- Zf jt Writ a 1w,,

a a t 543. C/5OCsa.

o At rresat, Tain nes strz Ccrrwitic, Wcdified for Yats RCm

4wintry, -of Wrst taperature vs.. I Taint's Wrst strain n

-ttrufl- aru9titi6Ci averpredicts th- Stais capred t ~ hs cwrrulstzca n%- ct rap~-rat&e£sjtret. With regard to rlnt

KY -

1. 5. Thtlnr Zeplstw Cciac Uo!g 70 19

'.04 -

tnperature, we currently perceive tbe corretctin of burnt ttr-xturw

-v*, %tres to 'be ap1inb1. to afl ,rmp ntn ic high teprattre ruptnre. With regard to bar-it atroiu, tek &rrelations that envelope the slcwrnp ani fast-rasp fLC draft ur-£retatha of bunt train vs. turmr4t tay o - y not be cors tin eit n

  1. wtlwr cmt tAlcutste clad ruptua.

This pvscptIcm of rp rate imsensitivity at high tflptrtztms way be modifitd as -Mr Ut-s in th& lrNt ttatup rY TS, hi_% biWrw tmIqxprtttfl ngicn is assessed. There apears to be a ratstepcmec AA2octiAted with Icktr tetperatce burst. no clear Jstifieation existe s f extrspolati of.w rarw teperate rzqtnre data to hit tee(veratutrt rtpture eictiticns., On czia handzlple rod brtdata frIn nxeriats dons ina tnwA r to be limted to high (2t 0 Chia.)

tww"rltre r=pS in this high te ertur ngi. 0. the other ,

limted dnta frcu sh&Is rod tests in wems, for ezaple, indicate tazt ra dspen4uuve at bigb t*tperatnra coul1 be possible.

tan'" has Ammd tM i pct of atilizit tbe fC draft turns

.s"dasted with sio rp rate effects (dfetrca 3) by per ca nw-2 cal~cluticn vrwerk£ tin exposure Jistributica for th reainder ofb te prn"vt cycle. Than calcialatians ban teen pqrtormeA

in the fcflcmTo amr:

CD) Mi- S= 0%C/se-cuen for burnt tepr In. *trus was mified to reflect T ' rgtu of by iterrati ba3yJse.

latwn= thu OtCnc. ad -te 2VC/aa. rrelatitn touaed in refi

0) e ai-ras p burst ain- (7igure & of reference 3) was used in tW~-2 satbouj* n data points grs *usbsin the- hi

(3) thw sir-rnm iocal fiw biocka" c- ofvnftc e 3 was med

.a;g with the I'-WXfl-j (refereoce 4) 11w tt umdttplin tunes associted with 20% rdrteicu La fleot aresX, oeistat with the prutdidn of the time-rap local blockap *cc-.

sed an this aysis, Tn* c ed tt r prt.

the pleat for tes raaindut of tb* pryet cle Is zinuffecced by the Irluzsia of the attn r rate draft corralatis in the TIO liSed

1.d Armeuti in i sd Titr r w d cated mnmy. Speufil fAr frIh tsl a i. present expo l r bea-titw Of 9.60? wIlft meets Appendix 4 critais with the 7CV-Z

ucxifieatita mted shov.; 9.550 kw/ft is t l pner oPeration.. This fuel is CUrrently licese St1d tm7/ft At tm present

  • ~Vezm T the MiO pr etposA fuel, Pf bufit Apendix I

nd 9.4 r/ft it neefk for full wr b ft

- CrrZeatly limied. Etd of cycle oO eaft Irm thee i l id the Cmis .-. l to etasize that

jcu: K.- r* 4.

V. S. tla ,ttr~terv ot;*f ic Lw-r e 20 1979 d nr we -CZsZ1scy euppprt tim nlidty Of the c tin rsfccre S cA that ! p1 it od sky krateEt. ke -- s opraE n the bc4nain of Cj1 s~taO! 1nfp hxbe avaafl to Q& tse anlyes If there it little beutuprqate dee e ot rupture t t for hig ttmpta-tv.i- failure, tesenldgl4 q6=f tt=-= posil inpaCt of low te-ea--tare rate tube ruptar fl ee tYak M- cppiia-eaittcas by t all 'tx trh Orto/nc. " IwXIT

jz f- s lbs 0C s data fr ntuTre terrratnx fl10C. A quadrmtic fit thrt@- this &t* Fet yialdz tOE

foli-win Vorelaticn: t T' F a "7.75 - IMQ p. o.ooz e42 (2i DAI; ?I in &6grn, AT inzi)

Substitntf! this c1prrtla1tio i ntt 7VQf-, Iz ith the c 'c strain corz-elsth; of n n 3 c fta tbht th_ peat ct.!

teaperatudre for fresh fiel at £,O PMr= (the most t ti it Lim exposw-c rcgic caawidred abowF) is JJT0 le thE Ycket'r airreomt lfeiee luedstel predicts.

c idtratita it"se Yu tet the fol

(1) Knp depenent c- sr asratlited with ca-dng swelling ski rupture nAela shnold ld t affet plat e tit for t

(2) j-aze 4 rn= rwruaticu of tht dat of reference 3, (and in prart c te paucity of data appropriate to cleddin-4 swellng Amd rutr rrfw at Toalx Rwr) w.e cwwwitvt tbat IUm 's arnt

( ) CoottAilo arqttCiritim ad evAlna-ticn of i LUs, pitulty i th $-c raW ratc1 Lit lPeraturC Ingiotii requirred. During IP, till k* ewroacbing t flZ with a. rcz4 kntupm odal to re-place* U -2As pest of ou Uenr EC- ca"S. This m.odel, wiln MdTe ni ATable data.

(4) ParricuIla attenle stould be placed c' the strain a btzrst data.

amd ft nalaricnbh to rwrtrt ivt cla ;resure zan£-d If yo 1 Ay quenties resadixn this letter, please fuel Ie to concz Dr. LAss!f mac or Dr. Stephen?. tehpitt of rItle tnu iUnri rizg

,R r--tQfw vCvwf-z Sire i7.Mmy Twm &ImC izceIC Wwr U. j4&m tA. 4a

£Cflna

w.

Mr. William J. Cahill, Jr.

Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

cc: White Plains Public Library Ms. Ellyn Weiss

100 Martine Avenue Sheldon, Harmon and Weiss White Plains, New York 10601 1725 I Street, N.W.

Suite 506 Joseph D. Block, Esquire Washington, D. C. 20006 Executive Vice President Admi nistrative Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Joyce P. Davis, Esquire Law Department Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Richard Remshaw Nuclear Licensing Engineer Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003 Anthony Z. Roisman Natural Resources Defense Council

917 15th Street, N.W.

Washington, D. C. 20005 Dr. Lawrence R. Quarles Apartment 51 Kendal at Longwood Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348 Theodore A. Rebelowski U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission P. 0. Box 38 Buchanan, New York 10511 John D. O'Toole Assistant Vice President Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.

4 Irving Place New York, New York 10003

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