NUREG-1537, Part 2 - NRC

HEU TO LEU CoNVERSION
this section, the licensee should emphasize safety considerations for the overall
core configurations proposed for the LEU-fueled reactor, including the initial LEU
core, the equilibrium cores, and any interim cores used to transition between the
initial and equilibrium cores.
Technical specifications and their bases in Section 14 of the SAR for all reactor
core characteristics and components forthe LEU-fueled reactor should be
reviewed to compare them with the HEU-fueled reactors and the results of the
safety analyses.
4.2.1 Fuel Elements
The areas of review for the fuel elements should include a detailed comparison of
the EU and LEU elements. All changes in enrichment should be discussed,
including the effect on reactor'operating characteristics and safety. The reviewer
should compare the fuel plate and fuel element design bases, mechanical designs,
construction materials, fuel element,'including cladding, dimensions, metallurgical
features, volume ratios of fuel to moderator and fuel to coolant, thermal
capabilities, and capabilities of the fu'el meat to sustain uranium burnup and to
retain fission products. Both standard and special fuel element design, such as
control-rod elements, should be reviewed, as applicable
The reviewer should be familiar with the fuel evaluations previously completed by
NRC (NUREG-1281, -1282, and -1313) as well as with other studies and tests of
non-power reactor fuel performance referenced by the license'e oriavailable in the
general literature on non-power reactor fuel. The reviewer should evaluate the
applicability of the reports to the proposed plans for conversion.
All fuel-related technical specifications and their bases in Section 14 of the SAR
should be compared, including safety limits. Additional guidance may be found in
ANSI/ANS 15.1 and 15.2.
4.2.2 Control Rods
Generally, control rods need not be modified or rieplaced in connection with an
HEU to LEU conversion. However, 'ary significant changes to the rods should be
reviewed. Any change in design bases, mechanical design, absorber materials, or
configuration in the core should be reviewed.
-4.2.3 ;Neutron Reflector
The neutron reflector might need to be modified or replaced to accommodate the
HEU to LEU conversion. The areas of review should include changes in the
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