ANSI/ANS-19.13-2024

Initial Fuel Loading and Startup Physics Tests for First-of-a-Kind Advanced Reactors

This standard applies to the initial fuel loading and reactor physics tests for FOAK advanced reactors. This standard does not address reloads of advanced reactors where the initial core has already been validated by previous tests. This standard specifies the startup reactor physics test program to determine if the operating characteristics of the core are consistent with the design predictions. This standard does not address surveillance of reactor physics parameters during operation or other required tests such as mechanical tests of system components. However, this standard assumes that nonnuclear prerequisites, such as instrumentation and control element insertion testing, are performed before any physics testing. This standard assumes that the core loading and startup procedures are performed in a manner that is consistent with the technical specifications as approved by the regulatory agency. This standard assumes that the same analytical methods accepted by the regulator are used for the design of the reactor core, the startup test predictions, and establishment of the technical specifications.