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PPL SUSQUEHANNA, INC.

Reactor Operator

• Organization Directory Page
  (titles of all evaluated learning experiences, organization description, and source of official student records)

• Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Reactor Operator section

• Descriptions and credit recommendations

Titles, descriptions, and credit recommendations for all learning experiences recommended for college credit within the Reactor Operator section can be found below. To locate information on additional learning experiences, which have also been recommended for college credit, use the Organization Directory Page link above for a complete list of titles for all learning experiences or use the following links to go directly to other sections: 

Auxiliary Operator
Chemistry Technician
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Engineering
Fire Protection Technician
General
Health Physics Technician
Instructor Training
Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Technician
Management
Mechanical Maintenance Technician
Shift Technical Advisor

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences in the Reactor Operator section

NOTE: When a credit recommendation is no longer active, the course description may be abbreviated. The last edition of the Directory in which complete information can be found is indicated on the course exhibit. Complete information can also be obtained by contacting National PONSI.

Balance of Plant Systems (SY013)
Cold License Certification Academic Program (PC005)
Emergency Operating Procedures (PP002) (Reactor Simulator)
Fundamentals Science - Components (SC056C)
Fundamentals Science - Reactor Theory (SC056A)
Fundamentals Science - Thermodynamics (SC056B)
Introduction to Fluid Mechanics (SC044)
Introduction to Heat Transfer (SC045)
Introduction to Thermodynamics (SC046)
License Candidate Simulator Training (SM001)
Licensed Operator Simulator Training (SM001)
Licensed Operator Math and Chemistry (SC022)
Licensed Operator Math, Chemistry and Physics (SC022)
Licensed Operator Science (SC023-Parts I-IV)
Licensed Operator Science - Electrical Theory (SC023-Part V)
Licensed Operator Science - Instruments and Controls (SC023-Part VI)
Licensed Operator Systems (SY017)
Nuclear Steam Supply Systems (SY027)
Transient and Accident Analysis (SC007)

Descriptions and credit recommendations

Cold License Certification Academic Program (PC005)
Part 1: Math
Part 2: Physical Chemistry
Part 3: Electrical Theory
Dates: December 1977 - April 1979.
Credit recommendation: Part 1: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Elementary Mathematics (6/84). Part 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Survey of Physical Chemistry (6/84). Part 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Introduction to Electrical Theory (6/84). NOTE: Parts 1, 2, and 3 must all be completed to receive credit. NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 1994 edition.

Emergency Operating Procedures (PP002) (Reactor Simulator)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 40 hours (1 or 2 weeks); includes 30 hours of supervised laboratory experience. Version 3: 80 hours (2 weeks); includes 30 hours of supervised laboratory experience.
Dates: Version 1: November 1981 - February 1988. Version 2: March 1988 - December 1989. Version 3: January 1990 - December 2007.
Objectives: Version 1 or 2: To enable licensed operators to successfully implement Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES) Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP’s). Version 3: Use correct procedures, manipulations, and decision-making in various simulator scenarios for the implementation of the Emergency Operating Procedures (symptom and event-based) and the Emergency Support Procedures.
Instruction: Version 1: Recognize mitigating conditions and implement EOP’s for Reactor SCRAM; Reactor Plant Vessel - pressure and power level control; Primary Containment control; Secondary Containment control; Radioactivity Release control; Level Restoration; Rapid Depressurization; Level/Power Reduction during ATWS; Reactor Plant Vessel flooding. Version 2 or 3: All topics covered under Version 1 above; in addition, event-based EOP’s; emergency support procedures.
Credit recommendation: Version 1, 2 or 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour (laboratory) in Nuclear Engineering Technology (11/85) (3/91 revalidation) (10/96 revalidation) (9/01 revalidation).

Fundamentals Science - Components (SC056C)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: 120 hours (3 weeks).
Dates: February 1995 - December 2007.
Objectives: Identify, classify, describe, and discuss the functions and principles of operation of the mechanical components pertinent to a BWR facility.
Instruction: Temperature measurement devices; pressure detectors; level detectors; flow detectors; radiation detectors; dosimeters; neutron detectors; electrical instrumentation; control systems; controllers; control valves; control loops; speed control; controller and positioner safety precautions; centrifugal pumps; jet pumps; positive displacement pumps; AC and DC theory; DC motors; AC motors; shell and tube heat exchangers; heat exchanger construction and operation; condensers; demineralization systems; circuit interrupters; relays.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours in Mechanical Technology or Nuclear Engineering Technology (5/95) (7/00 revalidation).

Fundamentals Science - Reactor Theory (SC056A)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: 60 hours (2 weeks).
Dates: January 1995 - December 2007.
Objectives: Describe the processes involved in neutron regeneration in a nuclear reactor; perform fundamental calculations covering the various aspects of power generation due to the fission process.
Instruction: Nuclear forces and nuclear stability; mass defect; binding energy; neutron interactions; cross sections; the fission process; neutron classifications; neutron travel; moderators; neutron flux; neutron reaction rates; steady state neutron balance; six factor formula; four factor formula; reactor control; reactivity; shutdown margin; neutron sources; subcritical multiplication and the reactor startup; reactor kinetics and delayed neutrons; reactor period; reactor period equation; reactor period and delayed neutrons; reactor period and reactor response; reactivity coefficients; moderator temperature coefficient; the void coefficient; doppler coefficient; power coefficient; reactivity defects; control rod effects on neutron flux; power distributions in uniform cores; flux shaping; operating strategies of flux shaping; fusion product poisoning; Xenon 135; fuel depletion; burnable poisons; gadolinium; changes over core life; K_eff over core life; reactor startup and approach to criticality; reactor heatup; power maneuvering; response to a SCRAM; decay heat; normal reactor shutdown.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours as Reactor Theory in Nuclear Engineering Technology (5/95) (7/00 revalidation).

Fundamentals Science - Thermodynamics (SC056B)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: 100 hours (3 weeks).
Dates: January 1995 - December 2007.
Objectives: Review measurement systems; perform measurement conversions; define basic thermodynamic terms; carry out energy calculations; state the First Law of Thermodynamics; do calculations applying the General Energy Equation to steady flow systems and to non-flow processes; define entropy; apply specific heat in solving heat transfer problems; state the Second Law of Thermodynamics; state and apply gas laws; apply saturated and superheated steam tables in solving liquid vapor problems; interpret P-T diagrams; describe nozzle processes and solve nozzle process problems; define thermodynamic cycle; draw Carnot and Rankine cycle diagrams; solve basic Rankine cycle analysis problems using steam tables and/or a Mollier diagram; solve problems applying Pascal’s principle; describe fluid flow; solve problems applying Bernoulli’s equations; describe pump operations and configurations; determine pump efficiencies and real and ideal work; describe heat transfer mechanisms; solve heat flux and heat transfer problems; solve problems applying overall heat transfer coefficient; explain methods of determining core thermal power; calculate core thermal power; distinguish between boiling processes and other heat transfer mechanisms; define nucleate boiling and film boiling; draw a simple pool boiling curve; relate nucleate boiling to pool boiling curve; explain effects of flow rate and phase change on heat transfer coefficient; draw axial temperature and enthalpy profile for a fuel rod and coolant channel; apply fluid flow processes to BWR operation.
Instruction: Thermodynamics units and properties; basic energy concepts; steam; thermodynamic processes; thermodynamic cycles; fluid statics and dynamics; heat transfer; thermal hydraulics; core thermal limits; brittle fracture and vessel thermal stress.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 4 semester hours as Thermodynamics in Engineering Technology (5/95) (7/00 revalidation).

Introduction to Fluid Mechanics (SC044)
Dates: March 1991 - March 1996.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Fluid Mechanics in Nuclear Engineering Technology (3/91). NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 2000 edition.

Introduction to Heat Transfer (SC045)
Dates: December 1990 - March 1996.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Heat Transfer in Nuclear Engineering Technology (3/91). NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 2000 edition.

Introduction to Thermodynamics (SC046)
Dates: March 1991 - March 1996.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours as Thermodynamics in Nuclear Engineering Technology (3/91). NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 2000 edition.

Licensed Operator Simulator Training (SM001)
(Formerly License Candidate Simulator Training (SM001)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 360 hours (8 or 9 weeks); includes 144 hours of supervised laboratory experience. Version 3: 400 hours (10 weeks); includes 144 hours of supervised laboratory experience.
Dates: Version 1: January 1983 - August 1987. Version 2: September 1987 - July 1995. Version 3: August 1995 - December 2007.
Objectives: Version 1: To provide the license candidate with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary for plant operation. Version 2 or 3: Use correct procedures, manipulations, and decision-making in various scenarios for normal, abnormal, and emergency plant conditions.
Instruction: Version 1, 2, or 3: Review of technical specifications - limits, reports, and safety system settings; preventing operating problems; control room communications; administrative procedures; reactor startup; plant startup; approach to criticality; surveillance tests; plant transients; malfunctions: nuclear instrumentation, rod control, reactor water cleanup, feedwater, generator, computer, condensate, off-gas, recirculation system, electrical system, main turbine, and balance of plant systems; reactor and plant shutdown; reactivity additions; pump operation; synchronizing turbine generator and loading; reactor cooldown; and associated equipment operations with emphasis on system interaction and overall effect on the plant.
Credit recommendation: Version 1, 2, or 3: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 2 semester hours as a Nuclear Operations Laboratory in Engineering or Engineering Technology (11/85) (3/91 revalidation) (10/96 revalidation) (9/01 revalidation). NOTE: This course covers substantially the same material as Engineer Simulator Training (SM006) in the Engineering training program and STA Simulator Training (SM007) in the Shift Technical Advisor training program. Credit should not be awarded for more than one course. If more than one course is successfully completed, the preferred credit award would be in the following order: SM001, SM007, and SM006.

Licensed Operator Math, Chemistry and Physics (SC022)
Part 1: Applied Technical Mathematics
Part 2: Chemistry and Physics
(Formerly Licensed Operator Math and Chemistry (SC022), Part 1: Technical Math II, Part 2: Chemistry)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: Part 1: Version 1, 2, 3 or 4: 80 hours (2 weeks); includes 20 hours of supervised study and problem-solving. Part 2: Version 1, 2 or 3: 40 hours (1 week); includes 10 hours of supervised study and problem-solving.
Dates: Part 1 Version 1: August 1982 - February 1989. Part 1, Version 2: March 1989 - February 1994. Part 1, Version 3: March 1994 - March 2000. Part 1, Version 4: May 2000 - December 2007. Part 2 ,Version 1: August 1982 - February 1989. Part 2, Version 2: March 1989 - February 1994. Part 2, Version 3: March 1994 - December 2007.
Objectives: Part 1, Version 1: To provide licensed operator
personnel with the mathematical knowledge and skills required for the theoretical understanding of physical systems. Part 1, Version 2, 3 or 4: Apply math principles in solving problems variously involving word situations, trigonometric functions, vectors, logarithms and exponentials; employ pre-calculus skills in problem-solving situations. Part 2, Version 1: To provide licensed operator personnel with a working knowledge of the basic chemical processes appropriate to the normal operation of a nuclear power plant. Part 2, Version 2: Discuss the role of chemistry, chemicals and basic chemical processes appropriate to the normal operation of a nuclear power plant. Part 2, Version 3: Discuss the role of physics principles and chemical principles to the operation of a nuclear power plant.
Instruction: Part 1, Version 1, 2, or 3: Algebraic exponentiation; elementary trigonometry; the exponential function; logarithms; series expansions and polynomials; differentiation; indefinite integration as an antiderivative; definite integrals as areas under curves. Material is interspersed with sample problems. Part 1, Version 4: Algebraic exponentiation; elementary trigonometry; the exponential function; logarithms; series expansions and polynomials; differentiation; calculating the slope of a linear function and defining the derivative of a function; defining and graphically representing an integral. Material is interspersed with sample problems. Part 2, Version 1 or 2: Introduction to principles of chemistry; stoichiometric calculations; ideal gas calculations; homogeneous solutions and heterogeneous mixtures; chemical process instrumentation; oxidation and reduction; ion exchange; elementary corrosion chemistry; chemical anomalies. Laboratory work is not included. Part 2, Version 3: An introduction to vector mechanics; translational equilibrium; rotational equilibrium; acceleration; projectile motion; Newton’s second law; work; energy; power; impulse and momentum; a review of chemical concepts related to elementary corrosion chemistry including solutions, mixtures, acids, bases, oxidation, reduction, and ion exchange.
Credit recommendation: Part 1, Version 1, 2, 3 or 4: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Applied Technical Mathematics (6/84) (4/90 revalidation) (5/95 revalidation) (7/00 revalidation). Part 2, Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Applied Chemistry (6/84) (4/90 revalidation). Part 2, Version 3: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Applied Science (5/95 revalidation) (7/00 revalidation).

Licensed Operator Science (SC023-Parts I-IV)
Part I: Reactor Theory
Part II: Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluid Flow
Part III: Metallurgy
Part IV: Radiation Protection
Dates: Version 1: April 1979 - March 1989. Version 2: April 1989 - January 1995.
Credit recommendation: Part I, Version 1 or 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Nuclear Engineering Technology (6/84) (4/90 revalidation). Part II, Version 1 or 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Heat Transfer in Engineering Technology (6/84) (4/90 revalidation). Part III: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Engineering or Engineering Technology (6/84) (4/90 revalidation). Part IV: Version 1 or 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 1 semester hour in Environmental Engineering Technology, Health Physics, or Nuclear Engineering Technology (6/84) (4/90 revalidation). NOTE: This course covers substantially the same material as Engineering Science I (SC015) and Engineering Science II (SC016), in the Engineering training program, combined. Credit should be awarded for SC015 and SC016 or SC023 but not for both. In addition, some topics covered in this course are also covered in STA Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow (SC027) in the Shift Technical Advisor training program. Care should be taken in the awarding of credit if both courses are successfully completed. NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 1996 edition.

Licensed Operator Science - Electrical Theory (SC023-Part V)
Dates: July 1989 - January 1995.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Basic Electricity for non-Electrical Engineering Technology majors (4/90). NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 1996 edition.

Licensed Operator Science - Instruments and Controls (SC023-Part VI)
Dates: March 1989 - January 1995.
Credit recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 2 semester hours in Industrial Instrumentation (4/90). NOTE: Complete information on this course last appeared in the 1996 edition.

Licensed Operator Systems (SY017)
1. Instrument and Control Systems
2. Emergency Systems
3. Electrical Systems
4. Power Generation Systems
5. Nuclear Systems
6. Support System
(Formerly Balance of Plant Systems [SY013] and Nuclear Steam Supply Systems [SY027])
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: 1. 24 hours (3 days). 2. 80 hours (2 weeks). 3. 16 hours (2 days). 4. 80 hours (2 weeks). 5. 80 hours (2 weeks). 6. 80 hours (2 weeks).
Dates: 1.-6. December 1978 - December 2007.
Objectives: Courses 1-6: Define system components, boundaries, parameters, set points, and locations; describe effects of system interface on overall plant operation; identify system lineups for various plant conditions, i.e., startup, shutdown, routine evolutions, abnormal evolutions and emergency procedures; describe design considerations of each system with explanations of overall effect on reactor safety; demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the interrelationships of nuclear physics, reactor theory, and systems through the analysis of plant operation and control.
Instruction: Courses 1-6: Monitors (source range, intermediate range, local power, average power, excore, area radiation, and process radiation); transversing in‑core probe measurements; residual heat removal; core spray; standby liquid control; automatic depressurization; reactor core isolation cooling; high pressure coolant injection; introduction to emergency core cooling; primary containment structure, isolation, atmosphere, instrumentation, hydrogen control, sampling, leakage control; secondary containment; diesel generators; DC distribution (250 V, 125 V, and 24 V); AC distribution; main turbine support and control systems; EHC systems; main generator construction and systems; condensate; condenser air removal; reactor feedwater; main condenser; off‑gas recombiner; feedwater heater; main steam, main steam isolation valve leakage; steam seals; reactor vessel and internals; reactor vessel instrumentation; nuclear fuel and control rods; control rod drive hydraulics; control rod drive mechanism; rod sequence control; rod block monitor; rod worth minimizer; reactor manual control; reactor water cleanup; fuel pool cooling and cleanup; standby gas; advanced control room; reactor protection; gaseous radioactive waste recombiner cooling water; reactor recirculating water; residual heat removal; ventilation; emergency service water; fuel handling; safety parameter display system; overview of technical specifications.
Credit recommendation: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Engineering or Engineering Technology (11/85) (12/86 revalidation) (3/91 revalidation) (10/96 revalidation) (9/01 revalidation). NOTE: Parts 1-6 must all be completed to receive credit. NOTE: The credit recommendation for this course reflects a reconsideration, based on additional information, of an earlier recommendation. If credit has been granted prior to 12/86, it is recommended that the credit award be upgraded as indicated above. NOTE: This course covers substantially the same material as Susquehanna Plant Systems (SY003) in General employee training, STA Systems (SY008) in the Shift Technical Advisor training program, Nuclear Plant Operator Systems (SY015) in the Auxiliary Operator training program, and Engineering Systems (SY004, SY028, SY029, SY007) in the Engineering training program. Credit should be awarded for only one course/course grouping. If more than one course/course grouping is successfully completed, it is recommended that credit be awarded based on the comprehensiveness of course content. The following order is suggested: SY017; SY008; (SY004, SY028, SY029, SY007); SY003; SY015.

Transient and Accident Analysis (SC007)
Location: Susquehanna Training Center, Berwick, PA.
Length: Version 1 or 2: 40 hours (1 week).
Dates: Version 1: September 1981 - May 1990.  Version 2: June 1990 - December 2007.
Objectives: Version 1: To familiarize operator personnel with safety criteria for a BWR plant response to abnormal transients and accidents. Version 2: Distinguish between the terms transient and accident; distinguish between the terms transients of moderate frequency (expected transient), infrequent transients (unexpected transient), and limiting faults (design basis accidents); list the areas for which safety criteria is established for the evaluation of transients and accidents; define the terms exclusion area, low population zone (LPZ), and population center distance; explain how single failure criteria and operator error are applied in transient/accident analysis; discuss the difference between the Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) licensing analysis and a best estimate analysis of a transient; define the terms risk and individual risk; discuss the role of Probabilistic Risk Assessment in accident analysis, including the use of event trees and fault trees.
Instruction: Version 1 or 2: Transient events and frequency categories; safety criteria; operating and administrative limits; reactor kinetics and responses to reactivity insertions; responses under ordinary conditions; abnormal transients; loss of coolant accidents and plant transients. Differences between abnormal transients and accidents as well as how they can occur, how plant parameters respond to them, and what constitutes appropriate operator action are illustrated. Approximately one-third of the course hours are spent with simulator demonstrations.
Credit recommendation: Version 1 or 2: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 1 semester hour in Nuclear Engineering or Nuclear Engineering Technology (11/85) (3/91 revalidation) (10/96 revalidation) (9/01 revalidation).

Updated 11/28/07

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