ML073270007

Initial Examination Report No. 50-128/OL-08-01, Texas A&M University

ML073270007
Person / Time
Site:	05000128
Issue date:	11/27/2007
From:	Johnny Eads NRC/NRR/ADRO/DPR/RTRBB
To:	Maldonado T Texas A&M Univ
Isaac P, NRC/NRR/DPR/PRTB, 301-415-1019
Shared Package
ML072760161	List: ML073270007 ML073270366
References
50-128/08-001, NUREG-1478
Download: ML073270007 (42)

Text

November 27, 2007 Dr. Theresa A. Maldonado, Deputy Director Texas Engineering Experiment Station Texas A&M University 1095 Nuclear Science Center College Station, TX 77843-3575

SUBJECT:

INITIAL EXAMINATION REPORT NO. 50-128/OL-08-01, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Dear Dr. Maldonado:

During the week of November 5, 2007, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) administered an initial operator licensing examination at your Texas A&M University TRIGA reactor. The examination was conducted according to NUREG-1478, "Operator Licensing Examiner Standards for Research and Test Reactors," Revision 2, published in June 2007.

Examination questions and preliminary findings were discussed at the conclusion of the examination with those members of your staff identified in the enclosed report.

In accordance with Title 10, Section 2.390 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a copy of this letter and the enclosures will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). The NRC is forwarding the individual grades to you in a separate letter which will not be released publicly. If you have any questions concerning this examination, please contact Patrick Isaac at 301-415-1019 or via email at pxi@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Johnny Eads, Chief Research and Test Reactors Branch B Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-128

Enclosures:

1. Examination Report No. 50-128/OL-08-01

2. Facility Comments with NRC Resolution

3. Written Examination cc w/encls:

Please see next page

November 27, 2007 Dr. Theresa A. Maldonado, Deputy Director Texas Engineering Experiment Station Texas A&M University 1095 Nuclear Science Center College Station, TX 77843-3575

SUBJECT:

INITIAL EXAMINATION REPORT NO. 50-128/OL-08-01, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Dear Dr. Maldonado:

During the week of November 5, 2007, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) administered an initial operator licensing examination at your Texas A&M University TRIGA reactor. The examination was conducted according to NUREG-1478, "Operator Licensing Examiner Standards for Research and Test Reactors," Revision 2, published in June 2007.

Examination questions and preliminary findings were discussed at the conclusion of the examination with those members of your staff identified in the enclosed report.

In accordance with Title 10, Section 2.390 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a copy of this letter and the enclosures will be available electronically for public inspection in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records (PARS) component of NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS). ADAMS is accessible from the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html (the Public Electronic Reading Room). The NRC is forwarding the individual grades to you in a separate letter which will not be released publicly. If you have any questions concerning this examination, please contact Patrick Isaac at 301-415-1019 or via email at pxi@nrc.gov.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Johnny Eads, Chief Research and Test Reactors Branch B Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No. 50-128

Enclosures:

1. Examination Report No. 50-128/OL-08-01

2. Facility Comments with NRC Resolution

3. Written Examination cc w/encls:

Please see next page DISTRIBUTION w/ encls.:

PUBLIC PRTB r/f JEads Facility File CHart (O12-D19)

ADAMS ACCESSION #: ML073270007 OFFICE PRTB:CE IOLB:LA PRTB:BC NAME PIsaac pi CHart cah JEads jhe DATE 11/26/07 11/27/07 11/27/07 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY Docket No. 50-128 cc:

Mayor, City of College Station P.O. Box Drawer 9960 College Station, TX 77840-3575 Governors Budget and Planning Office P.O. Box 13561 Austin, TX 78711 Texas A&M University System ATTN: Dr. Warren D. Reece, Director Nuclear Science Center Texas Engineering Experiment Station F. E. Box 89, M/S 3575 College Station, Texas 77843 Texas A&M University System ATTN: Jim Remlinger, Associate Director Nuclear Science Center Texas Engineering Experiment Station F. E. Box 89, M/S 3575 College Station, Texas 77843 Radiation Program Officer Bureau of Radiation Control Dept. Of State Health Services Division for Regulatory Services 1100 West 49th Street, MC 2828 Austin, TX 78756-3189 Susan M. Jablonski Technical Advisor Office of Permitting, Remediation & Registration Texas Commission on Environmental Quality P.O. Box 13087, MS 122 Austin, TX 78711-3087 Test, Research and Training Reactor Newsletter 202 Nuclear Sciences Center University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611

EXAMINATION REPORT NO: 50-128/OL-08-01 FACILITY: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY FACILITY DOCKET NO.: 50-128 FACILITY LICENSE NO.: R-83 SUBMITTED BY: __________/RA/_____________________ 11/26/07 Patrick J. Isaac, Chief Examiner Date

SUMMARY

During the week of November 5, 2007, the NRC administered examinations to one Senior Reactor Operator Upgrade (SRO-U) and one Reactor Operator (RO) candidate. Both candidates passed their respective portions of the examinations.

REPORT DETAILS

1. Examiner: Patrick J. Isaac, Chief Examiner

2. Results:

RO PASS/FAIL SRO PASS/FAIL TOTAL PASS/FAIL Written 1/0 N/A 1/0 Operating Tests 1/0 1/0 2/0 Overall 1/0 1/0 2/0 ENCLOSURE 1

Facility Comments with NRC Resolution Question (A.15)

Which one of the following physical characteristics of the TRIGA fuel accounts for the majority of the negative temperature feedback?

a. Thermal expansion of the fuel matrix.

b. Geometric buckling.

c. Doppler broadening.

d. Hardening of the neutron spectrum caused by heating the U-ZrH fuel.

Answer: d Facility Comment:

Although the correct answer to the question is not provided. However, there is a best answer for the fuel currently in use.

Section III-C-2 p 49 in the NSC SAR (June 1979) states that for a TRIGA FLIP core, almost the entire coefficient comes from the temperature dependent changes in f within the core and the temperature hardened spectrum is used to decrease reactivity Section III-C-2 p 49 p 36 in the NSC SAR (June 1979) states that More than 50% of the temperature coefficient for standard TRIGA cores comes from the cell effect or dependent disadvantage factor, and ~20% each from Doppler broadening of the 238U resonance and temperature dependent leakage from the core.

Section 4.5.5 p 33-34 of the Chapter 18 SAR for the LEU 30/20 conversion suggests that the current fuel in the NSC core behave similarly to standard fuel with respect to negative temperature feedback.

Therefore, for the current fuel in use, the correct answer should be the cell effect which was not a choice provided. The next best answer would be Doppler broadening.

NRC Resolution:

Comment accepted. The answer key for A.15 will be modified to accept c as correct.

ENCLOSURE 2

Question (A.19)

The reactor is to be pulsed. The projected pulse will add TWICE as much reactivity as the last pulse performed. In relation to the last pulse, for the projected pulse:

a. peak power will be four times larger and the energy released will be four times larger.

b. peak power will be two times larger and the energy released will be four times larger.

c. peak power will be four times larger and the energy released will be two times larger.

d. peak power will be two times larger and the energy released will be two times larger.

Answer: c Facility Comment:

There is insufficient information to provide an answer. The question is phrased regarding a change in reactivity. However, the calculation requires not a change in reactivity but a change in prompt reactivity insertion (Reactivity - $1.00). So if reactivity doubled from $1.50 to $3.00 (prompt reactivity insertion is multiplied by a factor of 4), the resulting effect would be different than if reactivity was doubled from $2.00 to $4.00 (prompt reactivity insertion is multiplied by a factor of 3).

Section 4.5.10 p 44 of the Chapter 18 SAR for the LEU 30/20 conversion provides the needed equations.

NRC Resolution:

Comment accepted. Question A.19 will be deleted from the examination.

Question (C.12)

Which one of the following provides a reactor scram in any mode of operation?

a. High fuel temperature.

b. Low pool level.

c. High power level.

d. Loss of supply voltage to high power level detector Answer: a Facility Comment:

Although answer (a) is the only automatic scram listed in the Minimum reactor Safety Channels during Pulse Mode operations, the Supply voltage to the High Power Level Detectors (also referred to as Safety Power Channels) will also provide a scram since magnet current is

provided by the same supply voltage. All scram signals including a temperature scram are routed through the Safety Power Channels. Therefore (d) is also a correct answer.

Section VIII-B-1 p 87 in the NSC SAR (June 1979) provides this detail.

NRC Resolution:

Comment accepted. The answer key for C.12 will be modified to accept a and d as correct.

Question (C.13)

A mechanical stop prevents the withdrawal of the Transient Rod at reactivities greater than:

a. $2.00

b. $2.10

c. $2.95

d. $3.21 Answer: c Facility Comment:

Although the reference listed does state that the pulse stop shall limit a pulse to $2.95, the currently used pulse stop is more restrictive limiting pulses to $2.00. Therefore (c) is the minimum requirement, (a) is correct due to local administrative limits.

NRC Resolution:

Comment accepted. The answer key for C.13 will be modified to accept a as correct.

Question (C.18)

In the TAMU reactor, an instrumented fuel element (IFE) is located in:

a. the hottest fuel element.

b. grid position 5E4

c. adjacent to the Transient Rod

d. grid position 5D3 Answer: b

Facility Comment:

Although the answer is absolutely correct, it is not the practice of the NSC to require operators to memorize reactor grid position. In the last year alone, the IFE has changed location twice during which time we operated with 2 IFEs for a short period. Also, the 1979 SAR in use currently refers to grid positions as NE, NW, SE and SW, while the Chapter 18 SAR for the conversion refers to the positions as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Although I would not expect the operator to be able to give an alpha numeric position, I do expect operator to be able to point out the location of the IFE provided a drawing of the reactor grid. Due to the confusion which may arise due to change in nomenclature and movement of the IFE, I would recommend against the use of this question in future exams as it is stated.

NRC Resolution:

Comment accepted. No change to the answer key is required.

U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION NON-POWER REACTOR INITIAL LICENSE EXAMINATION FACILITY: TEXAS A&M REACTOR TYPE: TRIGA DATE ADMINISTERED: 11/07/2008 CANDIDATE:

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:

Answers are to be written on the answer sheet provided. Attach the answer sheets to the examination. Points for each question are indicated in parentheses for each question. A 70% overall is required to pass the examination. Examinations will be picked up three (3) hours after the examination starts.

% OF CATEGORY  % OF CANDIDATE'S CATEGORY VALUE TOTAL SCORE VALUE CATEGORY 19.00 33.3 A. REACTOR THEORY, THERMODYNAMICS AND FACILITY OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS 20.00 33.3 B. NORMAL AND EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES AND RADIOLOGICAL CONTROLS 20.00 33.3 C. PLANT AND RADIATION MONITORING SYSTEMS FINAL GRADE

% TOTALS ALL THE WORK DONE ON THIS EXAMINATION IS MY OWN. I HAVE NEITHER GIVEN NOR RECEIVED AID.

CANDIDATE'S SIGNATURE ENCLOSURE 3

Section A: Theory, Thermodynamics & Facility Operating Characteristics Page 2 ANSWER SHEET Multiple Choice (Circle or X your choice)

If you change your answer, write your selection in the blank.

MULTIPLE CHOICE 001 a b c d 002 a b c d 003 a b c d 004 a b c d 005 a b c d 006 a b c d 007 a b c d 008 a b c d 009 a b c d 010 a b c d 011 a b c d 012 a b c d 013 a b c d 014 a b c d 015 a b c d 016 a b c d 017 a b c d 018 a b c d 019 a b c d 020 a b c d

(***** END OF CATEGORY A *****)

Section B Normal, Emergency and Radiological Control Procedures Page 3 ANSWER SHEET Multiple Choice (Circle or X your choice)

If you change your answer, write your selection in the blank.

MULTIPLE CHOICE 001 a b c d 002 a ____ b ____ c ____ d ____

003 a ____ b ____ c ____ d ____

004 a b c d 005 a b c d 006 a b c d 007 a b c d 008 a ____ b ____ c ____

009 a b c d 010 a b c d 011 a b c d 012 a b c d 013 a b c d 014 a b c d 015 a b c d 016 a b c d 017 a b c d 018 a b c d

(***** END OF CATEGORY B *****)

Section C Facility and Radiation Monitoring Systems Page 4 ANSWER SHEET Multiple Choice (Circle or X your choice)

If you change your answer, write your selection in the blank.

MULTIPLE CHOICE 001 a b c d 002 a b c d 003 a b c d 004 a b c d 005 a b c d 006 a b c d 007 a b c d 008 a b c d 009 a b c d 010 a b c d 011 a b c d 012 a b c d 013 a b c d 014 a b c d 015 a b c d 016 a b c d 017 a b c d 018 a b c d 019 a b c d 020 a b c d

(********** END OF EXAMINATION **********)

NRC RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR LICENSE EXAMINATIONS During the administration of this examination the following rules apply:

1. Cheating on the examination means an automatic denial of your application and could result in more severe penalties.

2. After the examination has been completed, you must sign the statement on the cover sheet indicating that the work is your own and you have not received or given assistance in completing the examination. This must be done after you complete the examination.

3. Restroom trips are to be limited and only one candidate at a time may leave. You must avoid all contacts with anyone outside the examination room to avoid even the appearance or possibility of cheating.

4. Use black ink or dark pencil only to facilitate legible reproductions.

5. Print your name in the blank provided in the upper right-hand corner of the examination cover sheet.

6. Fill in the date on the cover sheet of the examination (if necessary).

7. Print your name in the upper right-hand corner of the first page of each section of your answer sheets.

8. The point value for each question is indicated in parentheses after the question.

9. Partial credit will NOT be given.

10. If the intent of a question is unclear, ask questions of the examiner only.

11. When you are done and have turned in your examination, leave the examination area as defined by the examiner.

EQUATION SHEET Q = m cp T = Q = m h Q = UA T SCR = S/(1-Keff)

CR1 (1-Keff)1 = CR2 (1-Keff)2 26.06 (eff) 1-Keff)0 SUR = M =

( - ) -Keff)1 SUR = 26.06/ M = 1/(1-Keff) = CR1/CR0 P = P0 10SUR(t) SDM = (1-Keff)/Keff P = P0 e(t/) Pwr = W f m (1-)

P = Po * = 1 x 10-5 seconds

= (*/) + [(-)/eff] = */(-)

= (Keff-1)/Keff eff = 0.1 seconds-1

Keff/Keff 0.693 T1/2

DR1D12 = DR2D22 DR = DRoe-t 6CiE(n)

DR =

R2 1 Curie = 3.7x1010 dps 1 kg = 2.21 lbm 1 hp = 2.54x103 BTU/hr 1 Mw = 3.41x106 BTU/hr 1 BTU = 778 ft-lbf F = 9/5 C + 32

1 gal H2O 8 lbm C = 5/9 ( F - 32)

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 17 Question A.1 [1.0 point]

A reactor scram has resulted in the instantaneous insertion of .006K/K of negative reactivity. Which one of the following is the stable negative reactor period resulting from the scram?

a. 45 seconds

b. 56 seconds

c. 80 seconds

d. 112 seconds Question A.2 [1.0 point]

The count rate is 50 cps. An experimenter inserts an experiment into the core, and the count rate decreases to 25 cps. Given the initial Keff of the reactor was 0.8, what is the worth of the experiment?

a. = - 0.42

b. = + 0.42

c. = - 0.21

d. = + 0.21 Question A.3 [1.0 point]

Given the lowest of the high power scrams is 110%, and the scram delay time is 0.5 sec. If the reactor is operating at 100% power prior to the scram, approximately how high will reactor power get with a positive 20 second period?

a. 113%

b. 116%

c. 124%

d. 225%

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 18 Question A.4 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is the dominant factor in determining differential rod worth?

a. Axial and Radial Flux.

b. Total Reactor Power

c. Rod speed

d. Delayed neutron fraction Question A.5 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is the MAJOR source of energy recovered from the fission process?

a. Kinetic energy of the fission neutrons

b. Kinetic energy of the fission fragments

c. Decay of the fission fragments

d. Prompt gamma rays Question A.6 [1.0 point]

Which statement illustrates a characteristic of Subcritical Multiplication?

a. As Keff approaches unity (1), for the same increase in Keff, a greater increase in neutron population occurs.

b. The number of neutrons gained per generation gets larger for each succeeding generation.

c. The number of fission neutrons remains constant for each generation.

d. The number of source neutrons decreases for each generation.

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 19 Question A.7 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following could result from an attempt to start up the reactor with NO installed neutron source?

a. The reactor could not be started up because there would be no source of neutrons to start the chain reaction.

b. It is possible that reactor power would not be indicated on the nuclear instrumentation until an incident fission reaction resulted in a very short period.

c. Subcritical multiplication would result in a stable count rate on the nuclear instrumentation even though power was increasing.

d. Startup of the reactor would require increasing the voltage on the source range detectors to establish a count rate from photoneutrons.

Question A.8 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following statements describes Count Rate characteristics after a control rod withdrawal with the reactor subcritical? (Assume the Rx remains subcritical.)

a. Count Rate will rapidly increase (prompt jump) then gradually increase to a stable value.

b. Count Rate will rapidly increase (prompt jump) then gradually decrease to the previous value.

c. Count Rate will rapidly increase (prompt jump) to a stable value.

d. There will be no change in Count Rate until criticality is achieved.

Question A.9 [1.0 point]

Most nuclear text books list U-235 delayed neutron fraction (i) as being 0.0065. Most research reactors however have an effective delayed neutron fraction (effective) of 0.0070 . Which one of the following is the reason for this difference?

a. Delayed neutrons are born at higher energies than prompt neutrons resulting in a greater worth for the neutrons.

b. Delayed neutrons are born at lower energies than prompt neutrons resulting in a greater worth for the neutrons.

c. The fuel includes U238 which has a relatively large for fast fission.

d. The fuel includes U238 which via neutron absorption becomes Pu239 which has a larger for fission.

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 20 Question A.10 [1.0 point]

Select the condition NOT assumed when calculating shutdown margin.

a. The highest worth, unsecured experiment is in its most reactive state.

b. The regulating rod fully withdrawn.

c. The reactor is in the cold condition without Xe.

d. The reactor has been shutdown for greater than 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br />.

Question A.11 [1.0 point]

You perform two initial startups a week apart. Each of the startups has the same starting conditions, (core burnup, pool and fuel temperature, and count rate are the same). The only difference between the two startups is that during the SECOND one you stop for 10 minutes to answer the phone. For the second startup compare the critical rod height and count rate to the first startup.

Rod Height Count Rate

a. Higher Same

b. Lower Same

c. Same Lower

d. Same Higher Question A.12 [1.0 point]

An element decays at a rate of 20% per day. Determine its half-life.

a. 3 hr.

b. 75 hr.

c. 108 hr.

d. 158 hr.

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 21 Question A.13 [1.0 point]

The TRIGA reactor is required to pulse from low power levels. Which one of the following is the reason for this limitation on power level prior to the pulse?

a. To prevent exceeding the maximum power level limit

b. To prevent exceeding the fuel element temperature limit

c. To prevent exceeding the pool temperature limit

d. To prevent exceeding the reactivity insertion limits Question A.14 [1.0 point]

Which One of the following is the time period in which the maximum amount of XE135 will be present in the core?

a. 8 to 10 hours1.157407e-4 days <br />0.00278 hours <br />1.653439e-5 weeks <br />3.805e-6 months <br /> after a startup to 100% power.

b. 4 to 6 hours6.944444e-5 days <br />0.00167 hours <br />9.920635e-6 weeks <br />2.283e-6 months <br /> after a power increase from 50% to 100%.

c. 4 to 6 hours6.944444e-5 days <br />0.00167 hours <br />9.920635e-6 weeks <br />2.283e-6 months <br /> after a power decrease from 100% to 50%.

d. 8 to 10 hours1.157407e-4 days <br />0.00278 hours <br />1.653439e-5 weeks <br />3.805e-6 months <br /> after a scram from 100%.

Question A.15 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following physical characteristics of the TRIGA fuel accounts for the majority of the negative temperature feedback?

a. Thermal expansion of the fuel matrix.

b. Geometric buckling.

c. Doppler broadening.

d. Hardening of the neutron spectrum caused by heating the U-ZrH fuel.

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 22 Question A.16 [1.0 point]

Experimenters are attempting to determine the critical mass of a new fuel material. As more fuel was added the following fuel to count rate data was taken:

Fuel Counts/Sec 1.00 kg 500 1.50 kg 800 2.00 kg 1142 2.25 kg 1330 2.50 kg 4000 2.75 kg 15875 Which one of the following is the amount of fuel needed for a critical mass?

a. 2.60 kg

b. 2.75 kg

c. 2.80 kg

d. 2.95 kg Question A.17 [1.0 point]

Assume that the NSCR pool contains 106, 000 gallons at 90 degrees F and it heats up to 93 degrees F in two hours at indicated 400Kw. Assume no heat is removed from the pool. Based on your calculations you should recommend to the SRO:

a. Make adjustment to correct the linear power channel indication.

b. No adjustment to indicated reactor power required.

c. Lower the reactor power to the steady state power calculated.

d. Raise the reactor power to the steady state power calculated.

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 23 Question A.18 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is NOT a reason for or benefit of operating with a flat neutron flux profile?

a. A higher average power density is possible.

b. More even burn up of fuel results.

c. Moderator temperature is equalized throughout the core.

d. Control rod worth is made more uniform.

Question A.19 [1.0 point] DELETED The reactor is to be pulsed. The projected pulse will add TWICE as much reactivity as the last pulse performed. In relation to the last pulse, for the projected pulse:

a. peak power will be four times larger and the energy released will be four times larger.

b. peak power will be two times larger and the energy released will be four times larger.

c. peak power will be four times larger and the energy released will be two times larger.

d. peak power will be two times larger and the energy released will be two times larger.

Question A.20 [1.0 point]

The term "reactivity" is described as:

a. a measure of the core's fuel depletion.

b. negative when Keff is greater than 1.0.

c. a measure of the core's deviation from criticality.

d. being equal to $0.66 when the reactor is prompt critical.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 24 QUESTION B.1 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following statements defines the Technical Specifications term "Channel Test?"

a. The adjustment of a channel such that its output corresponds with acceptable accuracy to known values of the parameter which the channel measures

a. The qualitative verification of acceptable performance by observation of channel behavior

c. The introduction of a signal into a channel for verification of the operability of the channel

d. The combination of sensors, electronic circuits and output devices connected to measure and display the value of a parameter QUESTION B.2 [2.0 points, 0.5 each]

Match the type of radiation in column A with its associated Quality Factor (10CFR20) from column B.

Column A Column B

a. alpha 1

b. beta 2

c. gamma 5

d. neutron (unknown energy) 10 20 QUESTION B.3 [2.0 points, 0.5 each]

Match the radiation reading from column A with its corresponding radiation area classification (per 10 CFR 20) listed in column B.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

a. 10 mRem/hr 1. Unrestricted Area

b. 150 mRem/hr 2. Radiation Area

c. 10 Rem/hr 3. High Radiation Area

d. 550 Rem/hr 4. Very High Radiation Area

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 25 QUESTION B.4 [1.0 point]

10CFR50.54(x) states: A licensee may take reasonable action that departs from a license condition or a technical specification (contained in a license issued under this part) in an emergency when this action is immediately needed to protect the public health and safety and no action consistent with license conditions and technical specifications that can provide adequate or equivalent protection is immediately apparent. 10CFR50.54(y) states that the minimum level of management which may authorize this action is ....

a. any Reactor Operator licensed at the facility

b. any Senior Reactor Operator licensed at the facility

c. Facility Manager (or equivalent at the facility).

d. NRC Project Manager QUESTION B.5 [1.0 point]

A small radioactive source is to be stored in the reactor bay with no shielding. The source reads 2 R/hr at 1 foot. A Radiation Area barrier would have to be erected approximately ___ from the source.

a. 400 feet

b. 40 feet

c. 20 feet

d. 10 feet QUESTION B.6 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is the 10 CFR 20 definition of TOTAL EFFECTIVE DOSE EQUIVALENT (TEDE)?

a. The sum of the deep dose equivalent and the committed effective dose equivalent.

b. The dose that your whole body receives from sources outside the body.

c. The sum of the external deep dose and the organ dose.

d. The dose to a specific organ or tissue resulting from an intake of radioactive material.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 26 QUESTION B.7 [1.0 point]

Two inches of shielding reduce the gamma exposure in a beam of radiation from 400 mr/hr to 200 mr/hr. If you add an additional four inches of shielding what will be the new radiation level? (Assume all reading are the same distance from the source.)

a. 25 mr/hr

b. 50 mr/hr

c. 75 mr/hr

d. 100 mr/hr QUESTION B.8 [1.0 point]

Match the requirements (10 CFR 55) for maintaining an active operator license in column A with the correct time period from column B.

Column A Column B

1. Renewal of license a. 4 months

2. Medical examination b. 1 year

3. Console manipulation evaluation c. 2 years

d. 6 years QUESTION B.9 [1.0 point]

When recovery from an emergency is being planned and executed:

a. A special 10 CFR 20 limit on exposure is authorized for rescuers.

b. Volunteers of older age will be solicited before delegating younger workers.

c. The Emergency Director will authorize reentry and will verify that all areas to be reopened to personnel are safe.

d. The Health Physicist will authorize reentry into previously evacuated areas.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 27 QUESTION B.10 [1.0 point]

Startups following unscheduled shutdowns:

a. need to be approved by the NRC if a safety limit was exceeded.

b. caused by power failures require complete pre-startup checks.

c. when not reportable can be initiated with SRO review in progress.

d. need to be preceded by a scram check of all rods from 10%.

QUESTION B.11 [1.0 point]

An experiment with a reactivity worth of $0.25 is to be removed from the core. Prior to performing this operation:

a. reactor power must be less than 600 kW.

b. the reactor must be subcritical.

c. the reactor must be subcritical by at least $0.25.

d. the reactor must be shutdown.

QUESTION B.12 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is a duty of the Reactor Operator (RO) during an emergency which requires a facility evacuation?

a. Verify that rope barriers are in place in the reception room.

b. Verify all persons are accounted for.

c. Shutdown building air handling and exhaust systems.

d. Verify all doors to the reactor building are closed.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 28 QUESTION B.13 [1.0 point]

The Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) for the NSC is established at the ...

a. Site boundary

b. Reactor building

c. Reception room

d. NSC Radiation Protection Office QUESTION B.14 [1.0 point]

During a pre-startup checkout in preparation for pulsing operations, the operator sets the Log Power Monitor Module to 600 W and attempts to fire the transient rod. He hears the transient rod pneumatic system fire. Which one of the following statements describes the status of the pre-startup check?

a. The pre-startup checkouts requirements are satisfied. Audible indication of the pneumatic system operation is sufficient to verify operability of the system since actual rod motion is not yet permitted.

b. The pre-startup checkouts requirements are satisfied if the transient rod position indication confirms that the rod did, in fact, withdraw. Both audible indication and position feedback indicating withdrawal are required to satisfy the checkouts requirements.

c. The pre-startup checkouts requirements are NOT satisfied. The power level should be set higher than the interlock level. A procedural error has been made.

d. The pre-startup checkouts requirements are NOT satisfied. The pneumatic system should not have fired. A system malfunction has occurred.

QUESTION B.15 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following conditions is permissible when the reactor is operating, or about to be operated?

a. A fuel element is known to be damaged, but has been moved to the periphery of the core assembly.

b. A non-secured experiment worth $1.50.

c. An experiment is inserted in a vacant core lattice position on the periphery of the core assembly.

d. The Continuous Air Monitor and the Exhaust Gas Radiation Monitor are inoperable due to maintenance and have been replaced with gamma sensitive instruments with alarms.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 29 QUESTION B.16 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following does NOT require NRC approval for changes?

a. Facility License

b. Requalification plan

c. Emergency Implementation Procedures

d. Emergency Plan QUESTION B.17 [1.0 point]

The reactor power level shall not exceed 1.3 megawatts under any condition of operation.

This is an example of a:

a. safety limit.

b. limiting safety system setting.

c. limiting condition for operation.

d. surveillance requirement.

QUESTION B.18 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is a requirement for all fuel movements involving the core?

a. At least one fuel element temperature measuring channel must be operable.

b. A Health Physics technician must be on call.

c. All controls rods must be installed in the core.

d. The neutron source must be installed

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 30 QUESTION C.1 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following describes the yellow light associated with the beam port water shutters?

a. An illuminated yellow light indicates that the shutter tube is evacuated and the beam is active.

b. An illuminated yellow light indicates that a shutter flood permissive has been selected by the reactor operator.

c. The yellow light tells the experimenter that the beam has been cut off.

d. The yellow light warns the experimenter of the commencement of a reactor startup.

QUESTION C.2 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following statements concerning Beam Port #4 is False?

a. To clear the interlock for evacuation of the water shutter, the movable shield block shall be in the closed position.

b. A 2 inch diameter pipe connects the beam port to the central exhaust system.

c. Positioning of samples for real-time radiography requires that the neutron beam be shut off.

d. With the reactor positioned within the east rail stop, a C-2" device causes a reactor scram when the Sample Preparation Room door is opened.

QUESTION C.3 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following statements describes the moderating properties of Zirconium Hydride?

a. The probability that a neutron will return to the fuel element before being captured elsewhere is a function of the temperature of the hydride.

b. The ratio of hydrogen atoms to zirconium atoms affects the moderating effectiveness for slow neutrons.

c. The hydride mixture is very effective in slowing down neutrons with energies below 0.025 eV.

d. Elevation of the hydride temperature increases the probability that a thermal neutron will escape the fuel-moderator element before being captured.

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 31 QUESTION C.4 [1.0 point]

Erbium is used in the TRIGA fuel because it:

a. acts as a moderator due to a high scattering cross section.

b. allows greater fuel loading and extends core life.

c. reduces the prompt negative temperature coefficient.

d. increases the total fission cross section of the fuel.

QUESTION C.5 [1.0 point]

In the event of a building ventilation isolation, the emergency exhaust system can be operated in a manual mode from:

a. the Emergency Operating Panel in the central mechanical chase.

b. the Air Handling Control Panel in the reception room.

c. the Radiation Release Monitoring Panel in the Health Physicist's Office.

d. the Supervisor's Console in the control room.

QUESTION C.6 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following Facility Air Monitoring System channels initiates a shutdown of the air handling system and building isolation on receipt of an alarm?

a. building gaseous monitor

b. building particulate monitor

c. stack gaseous monitor

d. stack particulate monitor

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 32 QUESTION C.7 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following areas is NOT directly monitored by a channel of the Area Radiation Monitoring System?

a. Reception area

b. Material handling area

c. Demineralizer room

d. Research Lab No. 1 QUESTION C.8 [1.0 point]

Which of the following is NOT an option provided by the Radioactive Liquid Waste Disposal System?

a. draining liquid waste to the creek

b. storing liquid waste for radioactive decay

c. evaporation and solidification of liquid waste

d. diluting liquid waste to comply with 10CRF20 limits QUESTION C.9 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is the primary purpose of the safety plate assembly?

a. Provide additional support to the reactor grid plate for the use of the TRIGA fuel elements.

b. Ensure proper alignment of the shim-safety, regulating and transient rods.

c. Retain a shim-safety rod fuel follower if it becomes detached from its mounting.

d. Retain any debris resulting from an accident which has directly involved the fuel elements.

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 33 QUESTION C.10 [1.0 point]

During reactor operation, a leak develops in the primary to secondary heat exchanger. Which one of the following conditions correctly describes how the system will react?

a. Pool level will increase due to leakage from the secondary, the automatic level control will maintain level in the secondary.

b. Cooling tower basin level will decrease due to leakage from the secondary, pool level will increase.

c. Cooling tower level will increase due to leakage from the primary, automatic level control will maintain level in the primary.

d. Cooling tower basin level will increase due to leakage from the primary, pool level will decrease.

QUESTION C.11 [1.0 point]

The reactor is at 50 watts in "SERVO" control when gamma compensating voltage for the Linear Power measuring NI channel is lost. What effect would this have on regulating rod position, and why?

a. Rod will drive in slightly, because indicated power will increase with demand remaining the same.

b. Rod will drive out slightly, because indicated power will decrease with demand remaining the same.

c. Rod will remain as is, because input to the control circuit is from the log power amplifier.

d. Rod will scram, due to a large increase in indicated power.

QUESTION C.12 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following provides a reactor scram in any mode of operation?

a. High fuel temperature.

b. Low pool level.

c. High power level.

d. Loss of supply voltage to high power level detector

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 34 QUESTION C.13 [1.0 point]

A mechanical stop prevents the withdrawal of the Transient Rod at reactivities greater than:

a. $2.00

b. $2.10

c. $2.95

d. $3.21 QUESTION C.14 [1.0 point]

More than 95% of the facility's Ar-41 is produced:

a. in the beam ports.

b. in the pneumatic system.

c. in the reactor building atmosphere.

d. in the reactor pool.

QUESTION C.15 [1.0 point]

The TAMU TRIGA fuel elements:

a. are about 20% enriched uranium with stainless steel clad and no burnable poison.

b. are about 70% enriched uranium with stainless steel clad and erbium burnable poison.

c. are about 20% enriched uranium with stainless steel clad and erbium burnable poison.

d. are about 70% enriched uranium with aluminum clad and no burnable poison.

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 35 QUESTION C.16 [1.0 point]

A 1-3/4 inch diameter hole through the grid plate is located at the southwest corner of the four rod fuel assemblies. The purpose of these holes is to:

a. accommodate a fuel followed control rod.

b. provide a mounting location for in-core experiments.

c. accommodate a zirconium rod after hydriding in the fuel elements is completed.

d. provide a coolant flow path through the grid plate.

QUESTION C.17 [1.0 point]

Which one of the following is the purpose of the graphite slugs located at the top and bottom of each fuel rod?

a. To absorb neutrons, thereby reducing neutron embrittlement of the upper and lower guide plates.

b. To absorb neutrons, thereby reducing neutron leakage from the core.

c. To reflect neutrons, thereby reducing neutron leakage from the core.

d. To couple neutrons from the core to the nuclear instrumentation, thereby decreasing neutron shadowing effects.

QUESTION C.18 [1.0 point]

In the TAMU reactor, an instrumented fuel element (IFE) is located in:

a. the hottest fuel element.

b. grid position 5E4

c. adjacent to the Transient Rod

d. grid position 5D3

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 36 QUESTION C.19 [1.0 point]

The pneumatic sample system has several design features including:

a. An override so the control room can return a sample from the reactor to its origin.

b. The use of dry compressed CO2 to minimize moisture in the system.

c. Control room permissive for each remote sample station.

d. Automatic return override if the samples get more exposure than expected.

QUESTION C.20 [1.0 point]

The NSCR confinement building ventilation flow was designed to supply three unique zones:

a. based on human occupancy frequency and duration.

b. that are provided with independent systems for purposes.

c. which are based on the likelihood of airborne contamination.

d. which flow from the least to the most likely areas of contamination.

• • • • • END OF EXAMINATION*****

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 37 A.1 c REF: Burn, R., Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operations, © 1982, § 4.6, p. 4-16.

A.2 a REF:

CR1 / CR2 = (1 - Keff2) / (1 - Keff1) 50 / 25 = (1 - Keff2) / (1 - 0.8)

Therefore Keff2 = 0.6

= Keff2 - Keff1 / Keff2

• Keff1 = (0.6 - 0.8) / (0.6

• 0.8) = - 0.41667 A.3 a REF: P = P0 et/ Po = 110% = 20 sec. t = 0.5 P = 110 e 0.5/20 = 112.78%

A.4 a REF: Standard NRC Theory Question A.5 b REF: Standard NRC Reactor Theory Question A.6 a REF: Standard NRC Reactor Theory Question A.7 b REF: Glasstone, S. and Sesonske, A, Nuclear Reactor Engineering, Kreiger Publishing, Malabar, Florida, 1991, §§ 2.70 2.74, pp. 65 -- 66.

Burn, R., Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operations, © 1982, § 5.2, p. 5-2.

A.8 a REF: Burn, R., Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operations, © 1982, § 5.7, pp. 5-28 5-38 A.9 b REF: Standard NRC Reactor Theory Question A.10 d REF: NSC Tech Spec 3.1.3 A.11 d REF: Burn, R. Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operations, 1982, Sect. 5.7 A.12 b REF: A = Ao e-t = .693 / T2 Ln A/Ao = - .693 t / T2 T2 = - .693

• 24hr / ln 0.8 = 75 hr A.13 b REF: Technical Specification 3.2.2 Basis A.14 d REF: Burn, R., Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operations, © 1988

Section A: Theory, Thermo & Fac. Operating Characteristics Page 38 A.15 c REF: Characteristics of U-ZrH1.6 A.16 c REF: Glasstone, S. and Sesonske, A, Nuclear Reactor Engineering, Kreiger Publishing, Malabar, Florida, 1991, §§ 3.161 3.163, pp. 190 & 191.

A.17 a REF: [Q = mc(Tfin-Tini) where: m = 106,000 gal. x 8lbm/gal = 848,000 lbm; c = 1 BTU/ºF-lbm; Tfin = 93 and Tin = 90. Q = 848,000 lbm x 1BTU/ºF-lbm x 1.5ºF = 1.0272E6 BTU/hr x 2.93E-4 = 373Kw ]

A.18 c REF: MIT Reactor Physics Notes; Reactivity Feedback A.19 c DELETED REF: UT-TRIGA Training Manual, Vol. IV, Pulsed Reactors.

A.20 c REF: Lamarsh, J.R., Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, Addison-Wesley Publishing, Reading, Massachusetts, 1983. § , p. 282.

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 39 B.1 c REF: Technical Specifications Section 1.0, Page 1 B.2 a, 20; b, 1; c, 1; d, 10 REF: 10CFR20.100x B.3 a, 2; b, 3; c, 3; d, 4 REF: 10 CFR 20.1003, Definitions B.4 b REF: 10CFR50.54y B.5 c REF:

DR1 = DR 2 2 = DR1 2 2 2 X2 X1 2000 X2 X1 DR 2 2 X 2=

2 x 12 = 400 ft X 2 = 20ft 5

B.6 a REF: 10 CFR 20.1003 Definitions B.7 b REF: Nuclear Power Plant Health Physics and Radiation Protection B.8 1 d 2 c 3 b REF: 10CFR55 B.9 c REF: Emerg. Plan, Sect. 3.4 B.10 a REF: SOP II, REACTOR OPERATIONS, C.6, and 10 CFR 50.36 B.11 a REF: SOP II-D.6 B.12 c REF: SOP IX-B B.13 b REF: Emergency Plan B.14 c REF: SOP II-C.2.b; NSC form 532, Sect. D B.15 c REF: T.S. Sections 3.1.4, 3.5.1, 3.6.1

Section B: Normal/Emerg. Procedures & Rad Con Page 40 B.16 c REF: 10 CFR 50.54 q; 10 CFR 50.59; 10 CFR 55.59 B.17 c REF: T.S. 3.1.1 B.18 a REF: SOP-II-I Reactor Core Manipulation

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 41 C.1 a REF SOP IV-D.3.b.10 C.2 d REF SOP IV-F C.3 d REF GA - 3886 (Rev. A) TRIGA Mark III Reactor Hazards Analysis, Feb. 1965.

C.4 b REF SAR III.C.2 C.5 b REF SAR V.B.3, VIII-A; Modification Authorization M-14 C.6 d REF SAR IX-F C.7 a REF SAR IX-G, Fig. 9.3 C.8 c REF: SAR IX-B.2 C.9 c REF SAR III-B.3 C.10 d REF SAR IV-B.2 and figure 4-6.

C.11 a REF SAR VII figure 7-2.

C.12 a, d REF: SAR, Table V pg. 100 C.13 a REF: SAR for License Amendment No. 16, Sect. 4.5.11 & 13.5 C.14 d REF: SAR IX-D C.15 c REF: SAR for License Amendment No. 16 C.16 a REF SAR III-B.3 C.17 c REF: SAR III-B.4

Section C: Plant and Rad Monitoring Systems Page 42 C.18 b REF: SAR for License Amendment No. 16 C.19 c REF: SOP IV-C C.20 c REF: SAR § 9.1.2