Energia i regulacje · 16/07/2003

Mr. Robert H. Leyse; Denial of Petition for Rulemaking

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is denying two related petitions for rulemaking submitted by Mr. Robert H. Leyse (PRM-50-73 and PRM-50-73A). The petitioner requested that the NRC revise its regulations to address the effect of crud on the cooling of the reactor core under the turbulent coolant flow conditions of a loss-of-coolant- accident (LOCA), and during normal operations. Crud is a colloquial term for corrosion and wear products (rust particles, etc.) that become radioactive (i.e., activated) when exposed to neutron irradiation. The petitioner states that crud buildup during normal operations and its detachment and resuspension during a LOCA could obstruct flow of coolant, resulting in inadequate cooling and ultimately leading to melting of the nuclear fuel. In addition, the petitioner requested that the NRC amend its regulations to include comparisons to applicable experimental data that address the impact of crud deposits on the ability to cool fuel rods.