Fast Shutdown System tests in the Georgia Tech Research Reactor

Abstract

The Fast Shutdown System (FSS) is a new safety system design concept being considered for in installation in the Savannah River (SRS) production reactors. This system is expected to mitigate the consequences of a Design Basis Loss of Coolant Accident, and therefore allow higher operational power levels. A test of this system in the Georgia Tech Research Reactor is proposed to demonstrate the efficacy of this concept. Three tests will be conducted at full power (5MW) and one at low power (100kw). Two full power tests will be conducted with the FSS rod backfilled with one (1) atmosphere of He-4, and one with the rod evacuated. The low power conducted with the FSS rod evacuated. Neutron flux and pressure data will be collected with an independent data acquisition system (DAS). Safety issues associated with the performance of the Fast Shutdown System experiments are addressed in this report. The credible accident scenarios were analyzed using worst case scenarios to demonstrate that no significant nuclear or personnel safety hazards would result from the performance of the proposed experiments.