ML19052A052

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (Leu), Mit Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of That Paragraph

ML19052A052
Person / Time
Site:	MIT Nuclear Research Reactor
Issue date:	02/11/2019
From:	Foster J, Hu L MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
Download: ML19052A052 (1)

Text

MIT NUCLEAR REA_CTOR LABO,RATORY AN MIT INTERDEPARTMENTAL CENTER John P. Foster Mail Stop: NW12-110 Phone: 617 253-4211 Director of Reactor Operations - 138 Albany Street Fax: 617 324-0042 Cambridge, MA 02139 Emaii: jpfostermit.edu February 11, 2019 Attn: Document Control Desk Director, Office ofNuclear Reactor Regulation

{J. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

Subject:

Proposal for Conversion to Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), MIT Research Reactor, Docket No. 50-20, 10 CFR 50.64 (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

Dear Sir or Madam:

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64 "Limitation of the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in- Domestic Non-Power Reactors," the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory submits herewith the information required by subsection (c)(2)(ii) of that paragraph.

The high-density low enriched uranium fuel (U-lOMo) will not be available during Fiscal Year 2020. Furthermore, specific to 10-CFR 50.64(c)(2)(ii), Federal Governm_ent funding for conversion to LEU will not be available. However, we wish to note that we continue to receive funding for studies that will enable us to perform the conversion and planning once the proposed fuel completes qualification tests. In particular, a new LEU fuel element design was developed. LEU cote designs for the MITR have been analyzed and demonstrated to meet nuclear safety and performance criteria. In December of 2017, a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) for the LEU conversion was submitted to the NRC. The PSAR contains the LEU fuel design, steady-state, and transient analyses relevant to the proposed LEU core.

Sincerely, Lin-wen Hu, Ph.D. ~ o h n P . Foster Director, Research and Services Director of Reactor Operations Cc: USNRC - Senior Project Manager Research and Test Reactors Licensing Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking

• Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation USNRC - Senior Reactor Inspector Research and Test Reactors Oversight Branch Division of Policy and Rulemaking Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation