Part 21 Report - 2002-032-00

EVENT TEXT

THE "POWERPLEX" MONITORING SOFTWARE CONTAINS AN ERROR

The MCPR calculation using the SPCB correlation in the MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN-B codes and associated POWERPLEX monitoring software contains an error. The error is in the determination of the axial adjustment factor for use in the SPCB CPR correlation. This can lead to non-conservative CPR calculations when using the SPCB CPR correlation and potentially a violation of the MCPR Technical Specification operating limit since the POWERPLEX in core monitoring code may under predict the MCPR for comparison to the operating limit. This error in MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN-B had no impact on the operating limit itself. The POWERPLEX incore monitoring software in use at River Bend, Grand Gulf, and LaSalle Unit 1 is impacted by this error.


Framatome ANP1 inc.
FRAMATOME ANP

Fax
To NRC Operations Center Date 11122/02 Time in 1:08 PM
__________________________________ Pages to follow 1
Company U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission From Jerald S. Holm
______________________________________ Telephone 509-375-8142 MB RC18
__________________________________________ Original to be mailed X Via fax only
Receiving fax 301-816-5151 Sending fax 509-375-8775
Telephone301-816-5100 Fax verification


Message

Please see attached notice of defect.


Framatome ANP, Inc.
2101 Horn Rapids Road
Richland, WA 99352 Operator__________________________________
Tel: (509) 375-8100 Log No ______________ TimeSent _______

Reportable Defect

(i.) Name and address of the individual informing the Commission

Jerald S. Holm, Manager, Product Licensing Framatome ANP 2101 Horn Rapids Road, Richland, WA 99352.

(ii.) Identification of the facility1 the activity1 or the basic component suppiled for such facillty or such activity within the United States which fails to comply or contains a defect.

The calculation of the minimum critical power ratio (MCPR) using the SPCB CPR correlation in the MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN-B codes which are used in the POWERPLEX incore monitoring systems.

(iii.) Identification of the firm constructing the facility or supplying the basic component which falls to comply or contains a defect.

Framatome ANP

(iv.) Nature of the defect or failure to comply and the safety hazard which is created or could be created by such a defect or failure to comply.

The MCPR calculation using the SPCB correlation in the MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN- B codes and associated POWERPLEX monitoring software contains an error. The error is in the determination of the axial adjustment factor for use in the SPCB CPR correlation. This can lead to non-conservative CPR calculations when using the SPCB CPR correlation and potentially a violation of the MCPR Technical Specification operating limit since the POWERPLEX incore monitoring code may under predict the MCPR for comparison to the operating limit. This error in MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN-B had no impact on the operating limit itself.

(v.) The date on which the information of such detect or failure to comply was obtained. Condition Report 10128 was prepared on September25, 2002, which identified a deviation.
(vi.) In the case of a basic component which fails to comply, the number and the location of all such components in use at1 suppiled for; or being supplied for one or more facilities or activities subject to the regulations in this part. The POWERPLEX incore monitoring software in use at River Bend, Grand Gulf, and LaSalle Unit I is impacted by this error.

(vii.) The corrective action which has been, is being, or wm be taken; the name of the individual or organization responsible for the action; and the length of time that has been or will be taken to complete the action.

The affected plants have all been notified. As a compensatory measure it was recommended that the monitored MCPR be reduced by 2% at the affected plants until the affected codes could be corrected and installed in the POWERPLEX incore monitoring software. The MICROBURN-B2 and MICROBURN-B codes have subsequently been corrected and installed in the POWERPLEX incore monitoring software at each affected plant. The plants are currently operating with correct versions of the software. Each affected plant has deterrnined that they did not exceed the Technical Specification operating limit due to this error.

(viii.) Any advice related to the defect or failure to comply about the facility, activity, or basic component that has been, is being, or will be given to purchasers or licensees.

See (vii) above.



POWERPLEX is registered by Framatome ANP, Inc.

Attachment