Palisades Core Reload & Startup Sequence Simulator

204-Assembly CE PWR Core Lattice

Position: Hover Lattice

STEP: 204/204

Reactivity Telemetry (Mode 6)

Subcritical Valid

Multiplication Factor (k-eff)

Tech Spec Limit: ≤ 0.950

0.920

Shutdown Margin (SDM)

Min Tech Spec: > 3,500 pcm

4,120 pcm

Source Range Detectors

NI-001 • NI-002 Channels

34.8 cps

Soluble Boron Concentration 2,450 ppm

1,800 ppm (Dilution limit) 2,450 ppm (Target) 3,000 ppm (Heavy Borated)

Fuel Inventory Loading State:

Fresh Enriched Batch: 68 / 68 loaded

Partially Burned Batch: 136 / 136 loaded

Unloaded Lattice Cell: 0 empty

Control Element Assemblies (CEA): 45 Clusters Banked

NRC Technical Specification 6-Mode Operational Progression

Current Plant Gate: Mode 6 (Refueling)

Mode 6 Active

Refueling

k-eff ≤ 0.95 • Tavg ≤ 140°F

Mode 5 Pending

Cold Shutdown

k-eff < 0.99 • Tavg ≤ 200°F

Mode 4 Pending

Hot Shutdown

k-eff < 0.99 • 200°F - 300°F

Mode 3 Pending

Hot Standby

k-eff < 0.99 • Tavg ≥ 300°F

Mode 2 Pending

Startup

k-eff ≥ 1.00 • Thermal ≤ 5%

Mode 1 Pending

Power Operation

k-eff = 1.00 • Thermal > 5%

Critical Mode 6 Surveillance & Startup Prerequisites:

Complete 204-Assembly Core Verification

Video inspection of serial numbers & CEA engagement verified by Holtec engineering.

RCS Soluble Boron ≥ 2,400 ppm Surveillance

Guarantees shutdown margin > 3,500 pcm under worst-case stuck CEA scenario.

Cold Hydrostatic Pressure Integrity Test

Confirm primary reactor vessel and steam generator welds post-decommissioning dormancy.

CEA Gravity Drop Time Measurements

All 45 control element assembly clusters must scram within ≤ 2.50s into dashpot.

Startup Physics Testing Critical Path vs. March 2027 Commitment

184 Testing Days Planned

Aug 2026 (Fuel Reload) Nov 2026 (Cold Hydro / Vent) Jan 2027 (Zero-Power Physics) March 2027 (Power Commitment Deadline)

1. Primary Loop Fill & Vent

30 Days (Complete)

2. Cold Hydrostatic Testing

25 Days (In Progress)

3. CEA Scram Timing & Calibration

28 Days

4. Zero-Power Physics Testing (ZPPT)

45 Days

5. Power Ascension Physics (to 100%)

56 Days

DEADLINE

Testing Window

184 Days

Schedule Buffer

92 Days Ahead

Estimated Grid Sync

Q4 2026 - Q1 2027

Core Sequence Valid

TRUE (PASS)

NRC Compliance Manifest: Validated for Holtec Palisades Restart Licensing Submittal.