ENS 55914
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
17:15 May 24, 2022 | |
| Title | Degradation to a Fuel Element Cladding |
| Event Description | The following information was provided by the University Of Utah Training Reactor (UUTR) via email:
This is a written report to NRC regarding minor damage to a fuel element identified during routine fuel inspection operations, filed per UUTR Technical Specification para 6.7.2, 'Special Reports' noting degradation in a reactor fuel element cladding. On Tuesday, May 24 2022, at 1115 [MDT], during a routine UUTR bi-annual fuel inspection, one stainless steel U-235 TRIGA fuel element removed from core position D-14, element number 4138E, was noted to have low-level surface pitting and severe discoloration at several locations along the element length. When this fuel element was moved toward the inspection apparatus, at one of the pitted locations on the surface of the fuel element, a small stream of clear bubbles began to evolve. This was captured on high resolution video; the bubbles were presumed to be fission gas. Reinspection of this same fuel element one hour later with high resolution video showed no evolution of gas bubbles, and the element remained intact. Radiation levels throughout the facility remained constant and consistent with background levels. Response to this Event: After initial observation of the pitting and bubble evolution, the fuel element number 4138E was placed in a fuel element storage rack; local radiation levels remained at measured background levels at all times from multiple instruments. On the facility continuous air monitor, no noted deviations from background levels were observed over the entire period of concern. Radiation readings throughout the duration of this observation remained at background levels, and no significant issues or safety concerns were noted; the reactor and facility remain secure, and fuel inspection operations will continue over the next week. Follow-up Actions: UUTR reactor personnel will permanently remove fuel element number 4138E from service, and continue to monitor for any instance of elevated radiation levels from the reactor pool. All levels remain stable at background levels. The following additional information was obtained from the licensee in accordance with Headquarters Operations Officers Report Guidance: The Non-Power Reactor Project Manager will be notified and the Utah State Radiation Safety Officer was notified. The estimated time for restart is one week. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Univ Of Utah (Utat) Salt Lake City, Utah (NRC Region 0) | |
| License number: | R-126 |
| Reporting | |
| Non | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+0.75 h0.0313 days <br />0.00446 weeks <br />0.00103 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Glenn E. Sjoden 18:00 May 24, 2022 |
| NRC Officer: | Karen Cotton-Gross |
| Last Updated: | May 24, 2022 |
| 55914 - NRC Website | |
University of Utah with Non | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 562672022-12-06T17:30:0006 December 2022 17:30:00
[Table view]Non Technical Specification Violation ENS 559142022-05-24T17:15:00024 May 2022 17:15:00 Non Degradation to a Fuel Element Cladding 2022-05-24T17:15:00 | |