ML20083N225

Forwards Experimental Pulse Test Program for Full Flip Triga Core for Review & Approval.Program Involves Measurement of Pulse Core Parameters Necessary to Establish Operational Pulsing Core.Fuel Insp Program Included in Program

ML20083N225
Person / Time
Site:	05000128
Issue date:	01/21/1983
From:	Feltz D TEXAS A&M UNIV., COLLEGE STATION, TX
To:	Thomas C Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML20083N230	List: ML20083N225 ML20083N274
References
NUDOCS 8302010592
Download: ML20083N225 (3)

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TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

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COLLEGE $TATION. TEXAS 77843 F

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anua n H83 NUCLEAR SCIENCE CENTER 713/845-7551 Mr. Cecil 0. Thomas, Chief Standardization and Special Projects Branch Division of Licensing U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Reference:

Docket No. 50-128, R-83 ,

Dear Mr. Thomas:

A post damage pulse test program has been developed for the resumption of pulsing of the NSCR. Prior to the resumption of pulsing we have established a require-ment that the pulse test program be reviewed and approved by the Reactor Safety Board (RSB). In addition to this initial review the RSB will be required to review the results of each phase of the program and authorize continuance. The RSB will review and approve all reports prior to submittal to the USNRC. The purpose of the reports is to provide information to the NRC for monitoring the results and progress of the program. Gordon West of G.A. Technologies, San Diego, California will also receive information and reports. We hope this passing of information to interested parties will lead to constructive comments. In this program the following limits for pulsing will be adhered to:

" Pulsing parameters shall be limited to those in the current technical specifications or.to maximum core fuel tenperature of 8300C, which-ever is the more stringent" This restriction will remain in force at the conclusion of the pulse test program.

The pulse test program involves the measurement of pulse core parameters necessary to establish an operational pulsing core. The test program will be applied to a full FLIP core loading as shown in Figure 1. A fuel inspection program is included to provide surveillance against postible fuel damage resulting from pulsing of the FLIP core. Fuel inspection frequency has been selected to detect at its onset any fuel damage should it occur. This is important to operation of the NSCR as the required removal of damaged fuel from the core and its replacement by fuel from our limited reserve present a problem of fuel economics.

8302010592 830121 PDR ADOCK 05000128 i' 07O P PDR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANKIND

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Mr. Cecil 0. Thomas Page 2 The experimental pulse test program for a full FLIP TRIGA core is attached. We feel this program has the provisions necessary to reestablish in a safe manner pulsing of the NSCR.

Sincerely,

/ wfff Donald E. Feltz Acting Director DEF/ym

Attachment:

NSCR Experimental Pulse Test Program for a FLIP TRIGA Core Figure 1, Core VIII Configuration cc: Dr. Carl A. Erdman, Head Department of Nuclear Engineering

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SHIM SAFETY ROD WITH FUELED FOL60WER FLIP FUEL REGULATING ROD WITH H 2O FOLLOWER GRAPHITE REFLECTOR h INSTRUMENTED FUEL h PNEUMATIC TUBE Sb-Be NEUTRON SOURCE  ;

EXPERIMENTER NOTCH Figure 1. CORE Vill 90 FLIP ELEMENTS ep- y ,, --- -mmr--= v - e-rr--