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May 7, 1979 hUCLEAR ENGIhTIRING REACTOR LABORERY TRIGA %\RK III Facility University of California Berkeley, California
May 7, 1979 hUCLEAR ENGIhTIRING REACTOR LABORERY TRIGA %\RK III Facility University of California Berkeley, California BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR ANNIAL REPORT OF OPERATIONS January 1, 1978 through December 31, 1978 Dr. Tek H. Lim Reactor Supervisor 2284 264
                                  .
BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR ANNIAL REPORT OF OPERATIONS January 1, 1978 through December 31, 1978 Dr. Tek H. Lim Reactor Supervisor 2284 264
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1 BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATIONS, 1978 Reactor Use The Berkeley Research Reactor (BRR) is a TRIGA Mark III facility capable of producing 1 MW steady state and of pulsing to 1200 MW peak power. The 3RR is a research and educational tool of the University of California, is located on the Berkeley Campus and is operated by the D.epartment of Nuclear Engineering.
1 BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATIONS, 1978 Reactor Use The Berkeley Research Reactor (BRR) is a TRIGA Mark III facility capable of producing 1 MW steady state and of pulsing to 1200 MW peak power. The 3RR is a research and educational tool of the University of California, is located on the Berkeley Campus and is operated by the D.epartment of Nuclear Engineering.
Besides being used by the Department of Nuclear Engineering it is used by other departments and campuses of the University, by the Lawr2nce Berkeley Laboratory and is available to Universities and Colleges in the area. The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is operated by the University of California under contract from the Department of Energy.
Besides being used by the Department of Nuclear Engineering it is used by other departments and campuses of the University, by the Lawr2nce Berkeley Laboratory and is available to Universities and Colleges in the area. The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is operated by the University of California under contract from the Department of Energy.
In addition the BRR is used as an irradiation source for service to industry contracts and provides a stimulant to touring and interested high school and college students.
In addition the BRR is used as an irradiation source for service to industry contracts and provides a stimulant to touring and interested high school and college students.
Experiments Performed Table I lists the experiments which were performed in the BRR during the year 1978. A total of 26 different experiments were performed. Two new experiments were approved between January 1 and December 31, 1978. The last column in Table I illustrates the number of times each experiment was performed.
Experiments Performed Table I lists the experiments which were performed in the BRR during the year 1978. A total of 26 different experiments were performed. Two new experiments were approved between January 1 and December 31, 1978. The last column in Table I illustrates the number of times each experiment was performed.
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                                                                                                          .
                                                                                                          .
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment        > Title                                  Principal Investi-  Dept. or  No. of
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment        > Title                                  Principal Investi-  Dept. or  No. of
       #  Class      Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter Company
       #  Class      Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter Company
* Runs 13    A      Staf f operating of reactor,    any, all    Staff                NE          13 calibrations, demonstrations, etc.                                            .
* Runs 13    A      Staf f operating of reactor,    any, all    Staff                NE          13 calibrations, demonstrations, etc.                                            .
188    B      Determination of fission yield    Lazy      Prussin              NE          2 Susan 196    A      A short term activation analysis study on arch.          Central    Asaro                LBL      140 artifacts                        Thimble 221    A      Determination of nickel          Central    Prussin, Cann        NE          4 impurity in Fe2 0 3              Thimble 242    A      Determination of soil trace      Lazy      Inman, Lin          S R I'      3 elements and irradiation          Susan
188    B      Determination of fission yield    Lazy      Prussin              NE          2 Susan 196    A      A short term activation analysis study on arch.          Central    Asaro                LBL      140 artifacts                        Thimble 221    A      Determination of nickel          Central    Prussin, Cann        NE          4 impurity in Fe2 0 3              Thimble 242    A      Determination of soil trace      Lazy      Inman, Lin          S R I'      3 elements and irradiation          Susan of iridium i
,
of iridium i
272    A      Activation of inorganic          Rabbit    Prussin              NE          84 iodide 273    A      Origin o f pot t er-              Cent ral  Asaro, McCracken    LBL        20 Thimble 274    A      Irradiation of Ethylene          Lazy      Somorjai, Angeles    Chem.        9 Dibromide                        Susan N
272    A      Activation of inorganic          Rabbit    Prussin              NE          84 iodide 273    A      Origin o f pot t er-              Cent ral  Asaro, McCracken    LBL        20 Thimble 274    A      Irradiation of Ethylene          Lazy      Somorjai, Angeles    Chem.        9 Dibromide                        Susan N
N 275    B      Electronic components test        Exposure  Perry, et al O                                                                                  LMSC        85 b                                                  Room g 280    A      Production of Co-60m              Lazy      Prussin, Markowitz  NE          1
N 275    B      Electronic components test        Exposure  Perry, et al O                                                                                  LMSC        85 b                                                  Room g 280    A      Production of Co-60m              Lazy      Prussin, Markowitz  NE          1
     &                                                  Susan                                          ,
     &                                                  Susan                                          ,
    @
N.
N.
                                                                                                .
6
6


                                                                                                          ;
                                                                                                         =
                                                                                                         =
                                                                                                        .
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment      Title                                    Principal Investi-  Dept. or      No. of 8  Class    Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter Company
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment      Title                                    Principal Investi-  Dept. or      No. of 8  Class    Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter Company
* Runs 281    A    Production of Au-198              Lazy      Prussin, blarkowitz  NE              1 Susan 282    A    Production of P-32                Lazy      Prussin, Flarkowitz  NE              1 Susan 283    A    Irradiation of household          Lazy      Prussin, Cann        NE            10 Al foil                          Susan 293    A    Production of S+ source          Lazy      Kaplan, Ruby, Lim    NE              8 Susan and Central Thimbic 303    A    hiagnitude and Shape of Central  Central  Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Thimble Flux                      Thimble 306    11    Graphite Prism and Thermal        Thermal  Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Column Experiment                Column 312    A    Production of Na-24              Lazy      Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Susan 326    A    Boron autoradiography in Film    Thermal  Thomas, Lim          hia t e rial    4 Column                        Science N
* Runs 281    A    Production of Au-198              Lazy      Prussin, blarkowitz  NE              1 Susan 282    A    Production of P-32                Lazy      Prussin, Flarkowitz  NE              1 Susan 283    A    Irradiation of household          Lazy      Prussin, Cann        NE            10 Al foil                          Susan 293    A    Production of S+ source          Lazy      Kaplan, Ruby, Lim    NE              8 Susan and Central Thimbic 303    A    hiagnitude and Shape of Central  Central  Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Thimble Flux                      Thimble 306    11    Graphite Prism and Thermal        Thermal  Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Column Experiment                Column 312    A    Production of Na-24              Lazy      Ruby, Lim            NE              1 Susan 326    A    Boron autoradiography in Film    Thermal  Thomas, Lim          hia t e rial    4 Column                        Science N
N 327      A    Determination of Calcium Con-    Flex-    Prussin, Lim, Cann  NE/ NASA      185 00              centration in Biological          Rabbit A                materials N          A    Irradiation of Soils and Rocks    Flex      Prussin, Lim        NE              8
N 327      A    Determination of Calcium Con-    Flex-    Prussin, Lim, Cann  NE/ NASA      185 00              centration in Biological          Rabbit A                materials N          A    Irradiation of Soils and Rocks    Flex      Prussin, Lim        NE              8
( 336                                              Rabbit                                             *
( 336                                              Rabbit
                                                                                                      .
* 337    A    1rradiation of Oily Water        Lazy      Asaro                LBL          ~3 Susan
337    A    1rradiation of Oily Water        Lazy      Asaro                LBL          ~3 Susan


                                                                                                                 ^
                                                                                                                 ^
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978
Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment              Title                                    Principal Investi-    Dept. or  No. of
                                                                                                                .
Experiment              Title                                    Principal Investi-    Dept. or  No. of
         #    Class        Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter    Company
         #    Class        Objective                      Facility    gator, Experimenter    Company
* Runs 338        B      n-y fluence measurement of a      Exposure  Ruby, Lim              NE          6 pulse in the Exposure Room        Room 340        B      Cryogenic Irradiation in the      Exposure  Ruby, Lim              NE/LBL      8 Exposure Room                      Room 342        A      Irradiation of UO2 in the          Lazy      Olander, Lim            NE          3 Lazy Susan                        Susan 343        B      IIc- 3 Net ron Spectromet ry      Thermal    Prussin                NE        10 Column 344        A      Irradiation of Freon Gas          1.azy      Lim, Crawford          Physics    1 Susan
* Runs 338        B      n-y fluence measurement of a      Exposure  Ruby, Lim              NE          6 pulse in the Exposure Room        Room 340        B      Cryogenic Irradiation in the      Exposure  Ruby, Lim              NE/LBL      8 Exposure Room                      Room 342        A      Irradiation of UO2 in the          Lazy      Olander, Lim            NE          3 Lazy Susan                        Susan 343        B      IIc- 3 Net ron Spectromet ry      Thermal    Prussin                NE        10 Column 344        A      Irradiation of Freon Gas          1.azy      Lim, Crawford          Physics    1 Susan
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Physics. Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley NASA:    NASA /Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California NE:    Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley SRI:      SRI International, Ken Park, California j      Material Science:        Department of blaterial Science, University of California Berkeley N
Physics. Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley NASA:    NASA /Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California NE:    Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley SRI:      SRI International, Ken Park, California j      Material Science:        Department of blaterial Science, University of California Berkeley N
N CD b
N CD b
                                                                                                              .
u N                                                                                                          '
u N                                                                                                          '
CP CD
CP CD
  '    ,


  . .
Reactor Maintenance Other than routine maintenance, no other work was performed at the BRR facility during 1978.
Reactor Maintenance Other than routine maintenance, no other work was performed at the BRR facility during 1978.
10 CFR 50.59 Changes The following 10 CFR 50.59 changes were performed in 1978:
10 CFR 50.59 Changes The following 10 CFR 50.59 changes were performed in 1978:
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The Constant Air Monitor was calibrated during the month of January 1978.
The Constant Air Monitor was calibrated during the month of January 1978.
The Reactor Pool Water Radiation Monitor and the Area Radiation Monitors were calibrated in August, 1978 while the Stack Gas Argon-41 Monitor was calibrated in September 1978.
The Reactor Pool Water Radiation Monitor and the Area Radiation Monitors were calibrated in August, 1978 while the Stack Gas Argon-41 Monitor was calibrated in September 1978.
Gaseous Effluent Gaseous effluent from the Reactor Laboratory is considered to
Gaseous Effluent Gaseous effluent from the Reactor Laboratory is considered to be principally Argon-41 which is released via the facility's general and emergency exhaust ventilation system. The release 2284 269
      ,
be principally Argon-41 which is released via the facility's general and emergency exhaust ventilation system. The release 2284 269
                                                             ---        ~.
                                                             ---        ~.


    .
6-of gaseous effluent in curies of Argon-41 is calculated from the measured stack gas concentration in pCi/cc assuming the ventilation system continuously operates at its rated capacity of 60,000 CFM.
6-
  .
of gaseous effluent in curies of Argon-41 is calculated from the measured stack gas concentration in pCi/cc assuming the ventilation system continuously operates at its rated capacity of 60,000 CFM.
During 1978 the total amount of Argon-41 released was calculated to be approximately 2900 mil 11 curies. This is approximately 0.10% of the allowable Ar-41 release for the BRR facility.
During 1978 the total amount of Argon-41 released was calculated to be approximately 2900 mil 11 curies. This is approximately 0.10% of the allowable Ar-41 release for the BRR facility.
The maximum amount released during a one month period in 1978 was 400 millicuries in March and the minimum was 146 millicurie; in June.
The maximum amount released during a one month period in 1978 was 400 millicuries in March and the minimum was 146 millicurie; in June.
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E--rgy Production and Fuel Burn-up The BRR produced 206,625 kW-hours of energy during 1978.      As there were 214 operating days in 1978 this corresponds to an average daily energy production of 966 kW-hours per operating day.
E--rgy Production and Fuel Burn-up The BRR produced 206,625 kW-hours of energy during 1978.      As there were 214 operating days in 1978 this corresponds to an average daily energy production of 966 kW-hours per operating day.
The BRR *as critical approximately 317.0 hours and was operated at full power (1 MW) for approximately 159.0 hours. The total burnup in 1978 was 9.0 grams elemental and 10.0 grams of the isotope U-235.
The BRR *as critical approximately 317.0 hours and was operated at full power (1 MW) for approximately 159.0 hours. The total burnup in 1978 was 9.0 grams elemental and 10.0 grams of the isotope U-235.
      -
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                                                              -
_-                            -_                                          -
_


  .  .
'
NRC Insnection In February and biarch of 1978 inspections of the BRR operations and safety were performed by the NRC Walnut Creek Office.            No items of non-compliance to the technical specifications and NRC regulations were found.
NRC Insnection In February and biarch of 1978 inspections of the BRR operations and safety were performed by the NRC Walnut Creek Office.            No items of non-compliance to the technical specifications and NRC regulations were found.
    .
                                                                            '
Operators Training In February and May of 1978, two reactor operators passed the NRC Reactor Operator's examination.
Operators Training In February and May of 1978, two reactor operators passed the NRC Reactor Operator's examination.
Requalification Training Program In accordance with regulations a successful requalification written examination was given to licensed operators and senior operators in October 1978.
Requalification Training Program In accordance with regulations a successful requalification written examination was given to licensed operators and senior operators in October 1978.
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Each time the goup was accompanied by the Campus Fire Marshal.
Each time the goup was accompanied by the Campus Fire Marshal.
Formal University Courses Using the Reactor
Formal University Courses Using the Reactor
           , The facilities of the Berkeley Research Reactor are used for five regular laboratory courses listed in the University Gen-
           , The facilities of the Berkeley Research Reactor are used for five regular laboratory courses listed in the University Gen-eral Catalog:
        '
eral Catalog:
NE 102        - Radiation Detection and Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (23 students)
NE 102        - Radiation Detection and Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (23 students)
NE 103        - Experimental Neutronics Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (6 students)
NE 103        - Experimental Neutronics Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (6 students)
IDS 124      - Chemical Methods in Nuclear Technology (Interdepartmental Study / Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering) (13 students)
IDS 124      - Chemical Methods in Nuclear Technology (Interdepartmental Study / Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering) (13 students)
Chem. 111B    - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (Chemistry) (Approx. 120 students)
Chem. 111B    - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (Chemistry) (Approx. 120 students)
Bio-Env. 153 - Instrumentation and Tracer Analysis (Public Health) (8 students)
Bio-Env. 153 - Instrumentation and Tracer Analysis (Public Health) (8 students) 2284 271
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                          - . .            ..    ._ .    ..                ..    -


        .  .
Graduate Students Using the Reactor for Thesis Work Fourteen graduate students from the University of California at Berkeley were engaged in thesis research which required use of the BRR during 1978. Eleven students using the reactor were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, and one student each with the Department of Material Science, Soil Nutrition and Nutritional Science of the University of California Berkeley.
      .                                                                            .
Graduate Students Using the Reactor for Thesis Work
          .
Fourteen graduate students from the University of California at Berkeley were engaged in thesis research which required use of the BRR during 1978. Eleven students using the reactor were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, and one student each with the Department of Material Science, Soil Nutrition and Nutritional Science of the University of California Berkeley.
The following theses were completed in 1978 . x1 were based on research which was all or partly performed at the BRR.
The following theses were completed in 1978 . x1 were based on research which was all or partly performed at the BRR.
Master of Science GUENTHER, Charles:  " Pulse Risetime Distribution in a He-3 Neutron Spectrometer".
Master of Science GUENTHER, Charles:  " Pulse Risetime Distribution in a He-3 Neutron Spectrometer".
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YU, Kim Pao:        "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrainment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident".
YU, Kim Pao:        "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrainment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident".
(Nuclear Engineering)
(Nuclear Engineering)
Faculty Members, Post-Doctoral Appointees and Other Research Associates Using the Reactor The Berkeley Research Reactor receives substantial usage from University faculty and post-doctoral appointees as well as other research associates throughout the Bay Area. As might
Faculty Members, Post-Doctoral Appointees and Other Research Associates Using the Reactor The Berkeley Research Reactor receives substantial usage from University faculty and post-doctoral appointees as well as other research associates throughout the Bay Area. As might 2284 272
              .
2284 272
. . .
                                                                                  . .


  . .
.
be expected the department affiliation of facul..y m' embers using the reactor closely compares with the department affili-ation of graduate students. Of the faculty, post-doctoral and other research associates using the reactor, eighteen were with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, seven were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, three were with the Depart-ment of Material Science, two of each were with the Depart-ment of Public Health and the Department of Nutritional Science and one of each with the Department of Physics and the Depart-ment of Soil Nutrition, University of California Berkeley.
be expected the department affiliation of facul..y m' embers using the reactor closely compares with the department affili-ation of graduate students. Of the faculty, post-doctoral and other research associates using the reactor, eighteen were with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, seven were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, three were with the Depart-ment of Material Science, two of each were with the Depart-ment of Public Health and the Department of Nutritional Science and one of each with the Department of Physics and the Depart-ment of Soil Nutrition, University of California Berkeley.
The reactor was also used by three research associates of the University of California, San Francisco.
The reactor was also used by three research associates of the University of California, San Francisco.
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(a) Lockheed Missile and Space Company Sunnyvale, California (b)  SRI International Ken Park, California (c)  NASA /Ames Research Center Moffett Field, California Tours Tours of the reactor laboratory are held on the afternoon of alternate Fridays for students and the general public.              In addition, tours are held as requested for classes from the University and nearby high schools and colleges.
(a) Lockheed Missile and Space Company Sunnyvale, California (b)  SRI International Ken Park, California (c)  NASA /Ames Research Center Moffett Field, California Tours Tours of the reactor laboratory are held on the afternoon of alternate Fridays for students and the general public.              In addition, tours are held as requested for classes from the University and nearby high schools and colleges.
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               ==                            m.-. .e .e w      . - .m.-e-.-      - -4 m
               ==                            m.-. .e .e w      . - .m.-e-.-      - -4 m


. .
Partial Publications During 1978 Which Resulted From Research Performed at the BRR Ruby, L., Froloff, W. B., and Lim, T. H., " Predicted Effect Using 12 w/o Fuel in the B Ring of the Berkeley Research Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Cor-vallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 4-20.
Partial Publications During 1978 Which Resulted From Research Performed at the BRR Ruby, L., Froloff, W. B., and Lim, T. H., " Predicted Effect Using 12 w/o Fuel in the B Ring of the Berkeley Research Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Cor-vallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 4-20.
Ruby, L., and Lim, T. H., "Use of the TRIGA Mark III as a Simu-lator for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Corvallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 6-10.
Ruby, L., and Lim, T. H., "Use of the TRIGA Mark III as a Simu-lator for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Corvallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 6-10.
Line 170: Line 117:
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.
Yu, K. P.,    "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrain-ment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident".      Ph.D. Thesis.      Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.
Yu, K. P.,    "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrain-ment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident".      Ph.D. Thesis.      Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.
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   =                -                  - . . .      . - . . _ _ .  - .-      _.      - - - - em
   =                -                  - . . .      . - . . _ _ .  - .-      _.      - - - - em


          .  -
            .
    .
                                                                                  .
Lung, T-P., " Reactor Noise Analysis: Subcritical Reactivity from Two Detectors Correlation Measurement". Ph.D. Thesis.
Lung, T-P., " Reactor Noise Analysis: Subcritical Reactivity from Two Detectors Correlation Measurement". Ph.D. Thesis.
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley.
Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley.
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Asaro, F., Michel, H. V. and Meyers,.C. N., "A Statistical Evaluation of some Columbia River' Basalt Chemical -Analysis."
Asaro, F., Michel, H. V. and Meyers,.C. N., "A Statistical Evaluation of some Columbia River' Basalt Chemical -Analysis."
Rockwell International Report RHO-BWI-ST-3. May 1978.        ,
Rockwell International Report RHO-BWI-ST-3. May 1978.        ,
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.                                                                                  Ascio, F., Michel, H. V., Sidrys, R. and Stross, F., "High Pre-cision Chemical Characterization of Major Obsidian Sources in Guatemala". American Antiquity M , 436-433 (1978).
.                                                                                  Ascio, F., Michel, H. V., Sidrys, R. and Stross, F., "High Pre-cision Chemical Characterization of Major Obsidian Sources in Guatemala". American Antiquity M , 436-433 (1978).
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Latest revision as of 08:01, 22 February 2020

Annual Operating Rept 1978
ML19259C103
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Site: Berkeley Research Reactor
Issue date: 05/07/1979
From: Lim T
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May 7, 1979 hUCLEAR ENGIhTIRING REACTOR LABORERY TRIGA %\RK III Facility University of California Berkeley, California BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR ANNIAL REPORT OF OPERATIONS January 1, 1978 through December 31, 1978 Dr. Tek H. Lim Reactor Supervisor 2284 264

1 BERKELEY RESEARCH REACTOR OPERATIONS, 1978 Reactor Use The Berkeley Research Reactor (BRR) is a TRIGA Mark III facility capable of producing 1 MW steady state and of pulsing to 1200 MW peak power. The 3RR is a research and educational tool of the University of California, is located on the Berkeley Campus and is operated by the D.epartment of Nuclear Engineering.

Besides being used by the Department of Nuclear Engineering it is used by other departments and campuses of the University, by the Lawr2nce Berkeley Laboratory and is available to Universities and Colleges in the area. The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory is operated by the University of California under contract from the Department of Energy.

In addition the BRR is used as an irradiation source for service to industry contracts and provides a stimulant to touring and interested high school and college students.

Experiments Performed Table I lists the experiments which were performed in the BRR during the year 1978. A total of 26 different experiments were performed. Two new experiments were approved between January 1 and December 31, 1978. The last column in Table I illustrates the number of times each experiment was performed.

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Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment > Title Principal Investi- Dept. or No. of

  1. Class Objective Facility gator, Experimenter Company
  • Runs 13 A Staf f operating of reactor, any, all Staff NE 13 calibrations, demonstrations, etc. .

188 B Determination of fission yield Lazy Prussin NE 2 Susan 196 A A short term activation analysis study on arch. Central Asaro LBL 140 artifacts Thimble 221 A Determination of nickel Central Prussin, Cann NE 4 impurity in Fe2 0 3 Thimble 242 A Determination of soil trace Lazy Inman, Lin S R I' 3 elements and irradiation Susan of iridium i

272 A Activation of inorganic Rabbit Prussin NE 84 iodide 273 A Origin o f pot t er- Cent ral Asaro, McCracken LBL 20 Thimble 274 A Irradiation of Ethylene Lazy Somorjai, Angeles Chem. 9 Dibromide Susan N

N 275 B Electronic components test Exposure Perry, et al O LMSC 85 b Room g 280 A Production of Co-60m Lazy Prussin, Markowitz NE 1

& Susan ,

N.

6

=

Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment Title Principal Investi- Dept. or No. of 8 Class Objective Facility gator, Experimenter Company

  • Runs 281 A Production of Au-198 Lazy Prussin, blarkowitz NE 1 Susan 282 A Production of P-32 Lazy Prussin, Flarkowitz NE 1 Susan 283 A Irradiation of household Lazy Prussin, Cann NE 10 Al foil Susan 293 A Production of S+ source Lazy Kaplan, Ruby, Lim NE 8 Susan and Central Thimbic 303 A hiagnitude and Shape of Central Central Ruby, Lim NE 1 Thimble Flux Thimble 306 11 Graphite Prism and Thermal Thermal Ruby, Lim NE 1 Column Experiment Column 312 A Production of Na-24 Lazy Ruby, Lim NE 1 Susan 326 A Boron autoradiography in Film Thermal Thomas, Lim hia t e rial 4 Column Science N

N 327 A Determination of Calcium Con- Flex- Prussin, Lim, Cann NE/ NASA 185 00 centration in Biological Rabbit A materials N A Irradiation of Soils and Rocks Flex Prussin, Lim NE 8

( 336 Rabbit

  • 337 A 1rradiation of Oily Water Lazy Asaro LBL ~3 Susan

^

Table I. Experiments Performed at the BRR in 1978 Experiment Title Principal Investi- Dept. or No. of

  1. Class Objective Facility gator, Experimenter Company
  • Runs 338 B n-y fluence measurement of a Exposure Ruby, Lim NE 6 pulse in the Exposure Room Room 340 B Cryogenic Irradiation in the Exposure Ruby, Lim NE/LBL 8 Exposure Room Room 342 A Irradiation of UO2 in the Lazy Olander, Lim NE 3 Lazy Susan Susan 343 B IIc- 3 Net ron Spectromet ry Thermal Prussin NE 10 Column 344 A Irradiation of Freon Gas 1.azy Lim, Crawford Physics 1 Susan
  • Chem.: Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley LBL: 1.aw rence Berkeley Laboratory thlSC : Lockheed blissile 4 Space Co.

Physics. Department of Physics, University of California Berkeley NASA: NASA /Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California NE: Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley SRI: SRI International, Ken Park, California j Material Science: Department of blaterial Science, University of California Berkeley N

N CD b

u N '

CP CD

Reactor Maintenance Other than routine maintenance, no other work was performed at the BRR facility during 1978.

10 CFR 50.59 Changes The following 10 CFR 50.59 changes were performed in 1978:

Replace linear channel detector Reuter-Stokes RSN 234A-!!3 with similar Reuter-Stokes RSN-Cl-1210-135#6 (new factory number). The R.S. chamber is a compensated ion chamber (1-1/2" and 15" long) which is clamped in an aluminum tube fitted in core position G-13, 1/2" above the top grid plate. This tube extends to the surface of the water where it is bolted to the core support structure. The detector is securely positioned in the tube by a 1/4-20 machined aluminum screw.

Position G-13 is symmetrical to position G-25 of the old linear chamber, about the long axis of the pool.

Routine Tests and Calibrations The limit of transverse bend and longitudinal elongation of each reactor fuel element was measured during June, 1978 and was found to be within limits specified by the operating license. Thermal power calibrations were performed in July

. and December 1978.

The Constant Air Monitor was calibrated during the month of January 1978.

The Reactor Pool Water Radiation Monitor and the Area Radiation Monitors were calibrated in August, 1978 while the Stack Gas Argon-41 Monitor was calibrated in September 1978.

Gaseous Effluent Gaseous effluent from the Reactor Laboratory is considered to be principally Argon-41 which is released via the facility's general and emergency exhaust ventilation system. The release 2284 269

--- ~.

6-of gaseous effluent in curies of Argon-41 is calculated from the measured stack gas concentration in pCi/cc assuming the ventilation system continuously operates at its rated capacity of 60,000 CFM.

During 1978 the total amount of Argon-41 released was calculated to be approximately 2900 mil 11 curies. This is approximately 0.10% of the allowable Ar-41 release for the BRR facility.

The maximum amount released during a one month period in 1978 was 400 millicuries in March and the minimum was 146 millicurie; in June.

Operating Schedule The BRR normally operates on a single 8 hour9.259259e-5 days <br />0.00222 hours <br />1.322751e-5 weeks <br />3.044e-6 months <br /> shift between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. One day every.two weeks is set aside for routine monthly checks and maintenance. Ex-tended reactor runs and overtime operation are allowed if required by the experimental program.

Fuel Addition In August 1978, three used instrumented fuel elements were added to the reactor core G-ring. Also 9 standard fuel elements from the reactor core C-ring were interchanged with 9 from the G-ring. A total gain of excess reactivity of 64 cents was noted. _

E--rgy Production and Fuel Burn-up The BRR produced 206,625 kW-hours of energy during 1978. As there were 214 operating days in 1978 this corresponds to an average daily energy production of 966 kW-hours per operating day.

The BRR *as critical approximately 317.0 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br /> and was operated at full power (1 MW) for approximately 159.0 hours0 days <br />0 hours <br />0 weeks <br />0 months <br />. The total burnup in 1978 was 9.0 grams elemental and 10.0 grams of the isotope U-235.

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NRC Insnection In February and biarch of 1978 inspections of the BRR operations and safety were performed by the NRC Walnut Creek Office. No items of non-compliance to the technical specifications and NRC regulations were found.

Operators Training In February and May of 1978, two reactor operators passed the NRC Reactor Operator's examination.

Requalification Training Program In accordance with regulations a successful requalification written examination was given to licensed operators and senior operators in October 1978.

Exercise Security and emergency evacuation exercises were performed during the month of June and December 1978. Both the reactor staff and campus police participated in the drills. Also, three groups of a total of twenty-seven firemen from the Berke-Icy Fire Department visited the reactor for a training tour.

Each time the goup was accompanied by the Campus Fire Marshal.

Formal University Courses Using the Reactor

, The facilities of the Berkeley Research Reactor are used for five regular laboratory courses listed in the University Gen-eral Catalog:

NE 102 - Radiation Detection and Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (23 students)

NE 103 - Experimental Neutronics Laboratory (Nuclear Engineering) (6 students)

IDS 124 - Chemical Methods in Nuclear Technology (Interdepartmental Study / Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering) (13 students)

Chem. 111B - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (Chemistry) (Approx. 120 students)

Bio-Env. 153 - Instrumentation and Tracer Analysis (Public Health) (8 students) 2284 271

Graduate Students Using the Reactor for Thesis Work Fourteen graduate students from the University of California at Berkeley were engaged in thesis research which required use of the BRR during 1978. Eleven students using the reactor were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, and one student each with the Department of Material Science, Soil Nutrition and Nutritional Science of the University of California Berkeley.

The following theses were completed in 1978 . x1 were based on research which was all or partly performed at the BRR.

Master of Science GUENTHER, Charles: " Pulse Risetime Distribution in a He-3 Neutron Spectrometer".

(Nuclear Engineering)

STERBENT , James: " Reaction Cross-Sections for the Production of Bery11ium-7 from (6gi, 3 He) and ( Li, He)".

(Nuclear Engineering)

Doctor of Philosonhv LUNG, Tai-Ping: " Reactor Noise Analysis: Subcriti-cal Reactivity from Two Detectors Correlation Measurement".

(Nuclear Engineering)

YU, Kim Pao: "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrainment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident".

(Nuclear Engineering)

Faculty Members, Post-Doctoral Appointees and Other Research Associates Using the Reactor The Berkeley Research Reactor receives substantial usage from University faculty and post-doctoral appointees as well as other research associates throughout the Bay Area. As might 2284 272

be expected the department affiliation of facul..y m' embers using the reactor closely compares with the department affili-ation of graduate students. Of the faculty, post-doctoral and other research associates using the reactor, eighteen were with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, seven were with the Department of Nuclear Engineering, three were with the Depart-ment of Material Science, two of each were with the Depart-ment of Public Health and the Department of Nutritional Science and one of each with the Department of Physics and the Depart-ment of Soil Nutrition, University of California Berkeley.

The reactor was also used by three research associates of the University of California, San Francisco.

Service to Industry Irradiations Irradiations are performed as a service to industry at the BRR facility if:

(a) such work is for non profit government supported research (b) suitable irradiation facilities are not available elsewhere (c) any cost savings are passed on to the non-profit or government sponsor.

On this basis, in 1978, service irradiations were performed for:

(a) Lockheed Missile and Space Company Sunnyvale, California (b) SRI International Ken Park, California (c) NASA /Ames Research Center Moffett Field, California Tours Tours of the reactor laboratory are held on the afternoon of alternate Fridays for students and the general public. In addition, tours are held as requested for classes from the University and nearby high schools and colleges.

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== m.-. .e .e w . - .m.-e-.- - -4 m

Partial Publications During 1978 Which Resulted From Research Performed at the BRR Ruby, L., Froloff, W. B., and Lim, T. H., " Predicted Effect Using 12 w/o Fuel in the B Ring of the Berkeley Research Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Cor-vallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 4-20.

Ruby, L., and Lim, T. H., "Use of the TRIGA Mark III as a Simu-lator for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor", Sixth TRIGA Reactor Owner's Conference, Corvallis, Oregon, February 27-March 1, 1978, General Atomic Co., Publisher, p. 6-10.

Graham, W. G., Lim, T. H., and Ruby, L., " Explosion Potential of Neutral-Beam-Source Cryopumps for TFTR", Transactions of the Third Topical Meeting on the Technology of Con-trolled Nuclear Fusion, Santa Fe, New Mexico, May 9-11, 1978, Electric Power Research Institute Publisher.

Graham, W. G. and Ruby, L., " Radiation-Induced Degassing of C ryopumps", Trans . Am. Nucl. Soc. 30, 3' (1978).

Pyle, R. V., Ruby, L., and Sterbent:, J. W., " Measurement of 6 7 the g1(3He,d)7Be and Li(3He,t)7Be Cross Sections",

Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc. 30, 623 (1978).

Guenther, C., " Pulse Risetime Distribution in a He-3 Neutron Spectrometer". MS Thesis. Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.

Sterbent:, J., " Reaction Cross-Sections for the Production of Bery11ium-7 from (6gi, 3 He) and (7Li, 3He). MS Thesis.

Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.

Yu, K. P., "An Experimental Study of Carryover and Liquid Entrain-ment during the Reflooding Phase of the Loss of Coolant-Accident". Ph.D. Thesis. Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, 1978.

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= - - . . . . - . . _ _ . - .- _. - - - - em

Lung, T-P., " Reactor Noise Analysis: Subcritical Reactivity from Two Detectors Correlation Measurement". Ph.D. Thesis.

Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley.

Lim, T. H., " Kinetic Model Building Using Advanced Nuclear Medicine Techniques--The Kinetics of Chromium (III) in the Human Body". International Congress on Nuclear Medicine and Biology, Washington, D.C., September 17-21, 1978.

Director, B., Kaplan, S., and Pere:-Mendez, V., "A Pressurized Multiwire Proportional Chamber for Neutron Imaging".

IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Vol. NS-25, No.1, February 1978.

Cann, C., Nagel, D., and Young, D. R., " Regulation of Calcium Metabolism in Hypodynamic Monkeys". NASA Contract Report NCA2-0R745-804, December 1978.

King, J. C., Reynolds, W. R., Margen, S., "Absorbtion of Stable Isotope of Iron, Copper and "inc During Oral Contraceptive Used". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 31, pp. 1198-1203, July, 1978.

Michel, H. V., Asaro, F., and Norberg, A.L., " Chemical Charac-teristics of Medieval Brasses". LBL Annual Report 1978.

Bard, J. C., Asaro, F., and Heizer, R. F., " Perspectives on the Dating of Prehistoric Great Basin Petroglyphs by Neutron Activation Analysis". Archaeometry 20, 85 (1978).

Yellin, J., Perlman, I., Asaro, F., Michel, H., and Mosier, D.F.,

" Comparison of Neutron Activation Analysis from the Hebrew University and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory". Archaeome-try 20, 95 (1978).

Stross, F.H., Bowman, H. R., Michel, H. V., Asaro, F., and Hammond, N., " Mayan Obsidian: source correlation for southern Beli:e artifacts". Arachaeometry 20, 89 (1978).

Asaro, F., Michel, H. V. and Meyers,.C. N., "A Statistical Evaluation of some Columbia River' Basalt Chemical -Analysis."

Rockwell International Report RHO-BWI-ST-3. May 1978. ,

2284 275

. Ascio, F., Michel, H. V., Sidrys, R. and Stross, F., "High Pre-cision Chemical Characterization of Major Obsidian Sources in Guatemala". American Antiquity M , 436-433 (1978).

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