Piqua Nuclear Power Facility Reactor Operations Analysis Program Semiannual Progress Report: No. 7, July 1, 1965 - January 13, 1966

Abstract

Initial criticality at the Piqua (Ohio) Nuclear Power Facility (PNPF) was achieved in June of 1963, fuel loading was completed in July 1963, and power operation took place in November of the same year. The first full power operation was achieved on January 23, 1964. The detailed operating history summaries are available in published documents as noted on the title page. The reactor continued to operate during the start of the current report period with one of the two main pumps shutdown to reduce flow and thereby minimize the in-vessel filter pressure drop. One pump operation continued uninterrupted until July 18, 1965 when the reactor was shutdown for modifications, maintenance, and in-vessel filter replacement. In addition, the fuel elements located in core positions E-12 and D-5 were interchanged because of an indicated rise in coolant outlet temperature of Element E-12. Reactor startup was initiated September 6, and after preliminary warmup and testing, power operation was initiated. On September 8, a scram occurred, due to a blown fuse in the scram bus circuit. Recovery was effected within two hours. On October 10, one outer ring control rod was intentionally dropped into the core to determine the effect of its insertion and withdrawal on channel coolant outlet temperature. Increasing channel coolant outlet temperature in conjunction with a superheater leak necessitated reactor shutdown October 12. During the shutdown, fuel shuffling was accomplished which increased the core loading from 67 to 70 fuel elements. The fuel elements in the six outer ring control rod positions were replaced with fresh elements. The three elements which had indicated abnormal coolant outlet temperatures were removed and the other three were 8 relocated to peripheral positions.

Abstract

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