ML20141A565

Informs That Current SEFOR Experimental Program Nearing Completion & Plans Have Been Proceeding for Addl Safety Test Program within Facility

ML20141A565
Person / Time
Site:	05000231
Issue date:	12/29/1971
From:	Wolfe B GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.
To:	Morris P US ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (AEC)
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References
FOIA-97-34 NUDOCS 9705140361
Download: ML20141A565 (2)

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,3 R:gulatory File Cy, N M EAR ENEROY

GENERAL ELECTRIC .

DIVISION t BREEBER REACT 8R BEPARTMENT CENERAL , ELECTRIC COMPANY . . . . . . 310 DEGUlGNE DRIVE SUNNYVALE. cat.lFORNIA 94086. Phone (408) 297-3000 '

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l December 29, 1971 6 DOCMETED \  %

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Dr. Peter A. Morris, Director 8-

- JAN 3 1972

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t Division of Reactor Licensing ECUUlTomr - g hEI J ~

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission L i

7920 Norfolk Avenue W# '/

Bethesda, Maryland 20014  % P ,

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Re: License No. DR-15 Docket No. 50-231 - '

Dear Dr. Morris:

The current SEFOR experimental program is nearing completion and plans have been proceeding for additional safety test programs within the facility. The pro-grams being planntd and negotiated with the Commission will extend beyond March 4, 1972, the expitation date of the current provisional operating license.

l Thert. fore, application is hereby made to extend the SEFOR provisional operating license for another eighteen months.

The programs being planned and negotiated utilize the unique transient capabil-ity of SEFOR. Although changes in Technical Specifications will be required to c/

cover operating modes not currently used at SEFOR (including installation of test capsules containing fuel rods, which are under development for the Commis-sion's LMFBR Program, modification of the transient control system and changes in temperature limits to permit conducting the new programs) such changes are within the design and demonstrated capability of the reactor operating charac-teristics, including operation in the transient mode with maximum steady-state power of 20 MWt. Reactor operations with SEFOR have demonstrated that the characteristics of the reactor are well within the limits defined in the FDSAR and Technical Specifications for operation up to 20 MWt, and radioactive waste release has been very small because of the low power level and high fuel integ-rity. The justification, therefore, for such an extension is based on the f act that SEFOR, because of the foregoing and its small size and heat rejection to the atmosphere has not had, and it is expected will not have, a significant j 1 effect on the environment. The facility has been licensed as a power reactor, l l

but the 20 MWt maximum power and the fact that it is not located on any navig- 1 l able waterway, also make its continued operation of little consequence to the j environment. Nevertheless, General Electric is prepared to make application f.r conversion of the provisional operating license to a full license and in connection therewith submit an Environmental Report in accordance with Appendix D of 10 CFR 50. This application and report require substantial effort on the l

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Page 2 December 29, 1971 part of' General Electric for.their preparation and on the part of DRL staff for their review. Extension of the current license would provide the time needed for such preparation and review, and would in view of the limited consequence to the environment, permit in a timely manner continued operation and applica-tion of the reactor to safety testing important to the Commission's LMFBR Pro-gram and the development and licensing of a LMFBR Demonstration Power Plant, thus avoiding unnecessary costs and expenses which would be incurred if the new programs were delayed. In addition, actual operating experience with respect to new components introduced into the reactor will be gained prior to the appli-cation for and issuance of a full operating license. Provided the new test programs go forward, General Electric will submit the application for a full license and the Environmental Report within calendar year 1972.

Prompt attention to this request would be appreciated in order that the test programs being planned and negotiated will not be delayed due to uncertainties associated with status of the facility license.

Ve truly yours, p' p' t B. Wolfe General Man'ger BW:ms Sworn to before me this)4E/. day of December, 1971.

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