Event Notification Report for February 08, 2010
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
02/07/2010 - 02/08/2010
EVENT NUMBERS
456914568445685456864568745689
General Information or Other
Event Number: 45691
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Licensee: SOUTHERN SERVICES INC.
Region: 4
City: LAKE JACKSON State: TX
County:
License #: 05270
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Licensee: SOUTHERN SERVICES INC.
Region: 4
City: LAKE JACKSON State: TX
County:
License #: 05270
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 02/09/2010
Notification Time: 10:54 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 12:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Notification Time: 10:54 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 12:30 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
WILLIAM JONES (R4DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
WILLIAM JONES (R4DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - RADIOGRAPHY CAMERA SOURCE FAILED TO FULLY RETRACT
"On February 9, 2010, the Agency [Texas Department of Health] was notified by the licensee that while performing radiography with a 22 curie Iridium (Ir)-192 source, the source could not be retracted into the camera. The device is an Amersham 660B camera. The radiographer noted that when he returned the source to the camera, the auto locking mechanism failed to activate. The radiographer then cranked the source back out and tried again to locked the source in the camera. The locking mechanism failed to lock. The source drive cable was left in the position where the source should be shielded. The radiographer performed a dose rate survey on the guide tube. He found the dose rates near the end of the guide tube were elevated. He contacted his Radiation Safety Officer. An individual listed on the license to perform source retrieval went to the location and retrieved the source. No over exposures were reported. An inspection of the source pig tail and drive cable found that the connection of the drive cable to the source pig tail failed because the ball on the drive cable side of the connection had broken off from the drive cable."
"On February 9, 2010, the Agency [Texas Department of Health] was notified by the licensee that while performing radiography with a 22 curie Iridium (Ir)-192 source, the source could not be retracted into the camera. The device is an Amersham 660B camera. The radiographer noted that when he returned the source to the camera, the auto locking mechanism failed to activate. The radiographer then cranked the source back out and tried again to locked the source in the camera. The locking mechanism failed to lock. The source drive cable was left in the position where the source should be shielded. The radiographer performed a dose rate survey on the guide tube. He found the dose rates near the end of the guide tube were elevated. He contacted his Radiation Safety Officer. An individual listed on the license to perform source retrieval went to the location and retrieved the source. No over exposures were reported. An inspection of the source pig tail and drive cable found that the connection of the drive cable to the source pig tail failed because the ball on the drive cable side of the connection had broken off from the drive cable."
Power Reactor
Event Number: 45684
Facility: SAN ONOFRE
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: MARK HERSCHTHAL
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Region: 4 State: CA
Unit: [] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] CE,[3] CE
NRC Notified By: MARK HERSCHTHAL
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Notification Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 05:33 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:10 [PST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 05:33 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:10 [PST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(2)(xi) - OFFSITE NOTIFICATION
Person (Organization):
WILLIAM JONES (R4DO)
WILLIAM JONES (R4DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | N | N | 0 | Cold Shutdown | 0 | Cold Shutdown |
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
EMERGENCY SIREN SPURIOUS ACTUATION
"Emergency offsite siren, SC-11, in the City of San Clemente inadvertently activated for [approximately] 20 seconds. (Similar to 1/19/10 event) [EN #45636]
"Notification of California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA may occur."
The licensee is investigating the cause of the alarm. The licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
"Emergency offsite siren, SC-11, in the City of San Clemente inadvertently activated for [approximately] 20 seconds. (Similar to 1/19/10 event) [EN #45636]
"Notification of California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA may occur."
The licensee is investigating the cause of the alarm. The licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 45685
Rep Org: ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MGMT. AGENCY
Licensee: EQUISTAR CHEMICALS, LP
Region: 3
City: MORRIS State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01737-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: EQUISTAR CHEMICALS, LP
Region: 3
City: MORRIS State: IL
County:
License #: IL-01737-01
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: DAREN PERRERO
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 15:00 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 15:00 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/08/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
HIRONORI PETERSON (R3DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
HIRONORI PETERSON (R3DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - FIXED GAUGE STUCK SHUTTER
The following information was received via e-mail:
"The Plant Manager called the [Illinois Emergency Management] Agency to advise that a shutter on a gauge had failed. When staff went to close the shutter, [while performing] work in the immediate vicinity, the handle used to close the shutter, 'twisted off'. The shutter remained stuck in the open position. Radiation levels near the gauge did not change from the previous configuration. The area was posted to warn of the hazard and system maintenance personnel changed work procedures to account for the failure. No work is scheduled to be completed within the beam fan area in the lower portion of the vessel.
"The company's radiation safety officer confirmed the steps taken and applied additional shielding to the front of the gauge to effectively render the gauge 'off' until such time as the vessel is once again filled with product to reduce the radiation levels or the manufacturer can be on-site. Current weather predictions are such that it may be a couple of days until a field engineer can be dispatched to the site.
"This item remains open and may be further investigated depending on response by the manufacturer. This device experienced similar problems in October of 2009 which were addressed by the manufacturer. In that case, the gauge was 'upgraded' to include additional seals and replacement of others to prevent the infiltration of water which lead to corrosion of the shutter causing it to 'stick' in the open position unless sufficient force was applied to the handle."
The fixed gauge was manufactured by Ohmart Corp.; model number SH-F2; serial number 74932. The sealed source radionuclide is CS-137 with an activity of .08 Ci (2.96 GBq).
Illinois Event Number: IL10010.
The following information was received via e-mail:
"The Plant Manager called the [Illinois Emergency Management] Agency to advise that a shutter on a gauge had failed. When staff went to close the shutter, [while performing] work in the immediate vicinity, the handle used to close the shutter, 'twisted off'. The shutter remained stuck in the open position. Radiation levels near the gauge did not change from the previous configuration. The area was posted to warn of the hazard and system maintenance personnel changed work procedures to account for the failure. No work is scheduled to be completed within the beam fan area in the lower portion of the vessel.
"The company's radiation safety officer confirmed the steps taken and applied additional shielding to the front of the gauge to effectively render the gauge 'off' until such time as the vessel is once again filled with product to reduce the radiation levels or the manufacturer can be on-site. Current weather predictions are such that it may be a couple of days until a field engineer can be dispatched to the site.
"This item remains open and may be further investigated depending on response by the manufacturer. This device experienced similar problems in October of 2009 which were addressed by the manufacturer. In that case, the gauge was 'upgraded' to include additional seals and replacement of others to prevent the infiltration of water which lead to corrosion of the shutter causing it to 'stick' in the open position unless sufficient force was applied to the handle."
The fixed gauge was manufactured by Ohmart Corp.; model number SH-F2; serial number 74932. The sealed source radionuclide is CS-137 with an activity of .08 Ci (2.96 GBq).
Illinois Event Number: IL10010.
General Information or Other
Event Number: 45686
Rep Org: ABB INC. (MEDIUM VOLTAGE SERVICE)
Licensee: ABB INC. (MEDIUM VOLTAGE SERVICE)
Region: 1
City: FLORENCE State: SC
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: WILLIAM CONLON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Licensee: ABB INC. (MEDIUM VOLTAGE SERVICE)
Region: 1
City: FLORENCE State: SC
County:
License #:
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: WILLIAM CONLON
HQ OPS Officer: VINCE KLCO
Notification Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 16:38 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 03/08/2010
Notification Time: 16:38 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 00:00 [EST]
Last Update Date: 03/08/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
21.21 - UNSPECIFIED PARAGRAPH
10 CFR Section:
21.21 - UNSPECIFIED PARAGRAPH
Person (Organization):
DAVID AYRES (R2DO)
S. PANNIER (E-MAIL) (NRR)
J. THORP (E-MAIL) (NRR)
O. TABATABI (E-MAIL) (NRO)
DAVID AYRES (R2DO)
S. PANNIER (E-MAIL) (NRR)
J. THORP (E-MAIL) (NRR)
O. TABATABI (E-MAIL) (NRO)
POTENTIAL FAILURE OF A BREAKER COMPONENT TO COMPLY WITH DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
The following information was received via facsimile:
A breaker failed during operation at Plant Vogtle during operation. A failure analysis indicated that the resistors on the electronic board fail to an open circuit status. On January 14, 2010, a failure analysis indicated that the resistors fail to a short circuit status prior to failing open. In this failure mode, the internal temperature increases to a point where the plastic core melts and thereby can potentially block the operation of the internal plunger. In such a case, the breaker remains closed, but if the breaker is opened then a new closing command is not possible.
ABB is taking, or has taken, the following corrective actions:
A. As noted above, the only affected customer with a failed breaker is Southern Company's Nuclear Plant Vogtle, and ABB has discussed this issue with Southern Company. An interim report was issued on 1-18-2010.
B. As an interim solution, ABB will provide a standard close coil. This solution will be limited to applications that do not require the low impendence in the close coil for lamp applications.
C. An alternate solution is to add 'b' contact (normally closed) in series with the existing close coil.
While not having a history of failure, it is noted that similar breakers are used at Plant Hatch.
Given the large number of applications for the affected circuit breakers, ABB (Medium Voltage Service) cannot determine if the potential for a substantial safety hazard exists at any licensee's facility if a similar failure of the close coil occurs. As noted above, the failure has been limited to applications that require continuous close coil duty. No failures have been reported or produced in testing in applications with intermittent use of close coil duty. Licensees are requested to evaluate the application of affected breakers to determine priority of close coil replacement.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAY LAVRINC TO CHARLES TEAL @ 1323 EST ON 3/8/10 * * *
The identification of the subject component is as follows: ABB PIN ISDA055274Rl Close Coil x Lamp. These close coils are used in Sace EMAX breakers exclusively provided to Southern Nuclear Company plant Vogtle for safety related applications. The close coils are used to release stored energy that in turn closes the breaker. The failure is limited to applications with constant voltage applied to the close coil. Intermittent use of the close coil has not resulted in any failures. ABB Sace EMAX circuit breakers procured from ABB between 2006 to present for Vogtle may have suspect close coils installed where the particular application requires constant control voltage to be applied to the close coil.
ABB is taking, or has taken, the following corrective actions:
a. As noted above, the only affected customer is Southern Company's Nuclear Plant Vogtle, and ABB has discussed this issue with Southern Company. An initial notification letter was issued on 2-18-2010.
b. ABB will provide a standard close coil 1SDA0383013R1. This part number has been updated from the 2-8-2010 notification and is based on ABB Sace input. This solution will be limited to applications that do not require the low impedance in the close coil for lamp applications.
The following information was received via facsimile:
A breaker failed during operation at Plant Vogtle during operation. A failure analysis indicated that the resistors on the electronic board fail to an open circuit status. On January 14, 2010, a failure analysis indicated that the resistors fail to a short circuit status prior to failing open. In this failure mode, the internal temperature increases to a point where the plastic core melts and thereby can potentially block the operation of the internal plunger. In such a case, the breaker remains closed, but if the breaker is opened then a new closing command is not possible.
ABB is taking, or has taken, the following corrective actions:
A. As noted above, the only affected customer with a failed breaker is Southern Company's Nuclear Plant Vogtle, and ABB has discussed this issue with Southern Company. An interim report was issued on 1-18-2010.
B. As an interim solution, ABB will provide a standard close coil. This solution will be limited to applications that do not require the low impendence in the close coil for lamp applications.
C. An alternate solution is to add 'b' contact (normally closed) in series with the existing close coil.
While not having a history of failure, it is noted that similar breakers are used at Plant Hatch.
Given the large number of applications for the affected circuit breakers, ABB (Medium Voltage Service) cannot determine if the potential for a substantial safety hazard exists at any licensee's facility if a similar failure of the close coil occurs. As noted above, the failure has been limited to applications that require continuous close coil duty. No failures have been reported or produced in testing in applications with intermittent use of close coil duty. Licensees are requested to evaluate the application of affected breakers to determine priority of close coil replacement.
* * * UPDATE FROM JAY LAVRINC TO CHARLES TEAL @ 1323 EST ON 3/8/10 * * *
The identification of the subject component is as follows: ABB PIN ISDA055274Rl Close Coil x Lamp. These close coils are used in Sace EMAX breakers exclusively provided to Southern Nuclear Company plant Vogtle for safety related applications. The close coils are used to release stored energy that in turn closes the breaker. The failure is limited to applications with constant voltage applied to the close coil. Intermittent use of the close coil has not resulted in any failures. ABB Sace EMAX circuit breakers procured from ABB between 2006 to present for Vogtle may have suspect close coils installed where the particular application requires constant control voltage to be applied to the close coil.
ABB is taking, or has taken, the following corrective actions:
a. As noted above, the only affected customer is Southern Company's Nuclear Plant Vogtle, and ABB has discussed this issue with Southern Company. An initial notification letter was issued on 2-18-2010.
b. ABB will provide a standard close coil 1SDA0383013R1. This part number has been updated from the 2-8-2010 notification and is based on ABB Sace input. This solution will be limited to applications that do not require the low impedance in the close coil for lamp applications.
Power Reactor
Event Number: 45687
Facility: BROWNS FERRY
Region: 2 State: AL
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4,[3] GE-4
NRC Notified By: RAY SWAFFORD
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Region: 2 State: AL
Unit: [1] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4,[3] GE-4
NRC Notified By: RAY SWAFFORD
HQ OPS Officer: DONALD NORWOOD
Notification Date: 02/08/2010
Notification Time: 18:52 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 12:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Notification Time: 18:52 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 12:00 [CST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
10 CFR Section:
26.719 - FITNESS FOR DUTY
Person (Organization):
DAVID AYRES (R2DO)
DAVID AYRES (R2DO)
| Unit | SCRAM Code | RX Crit | Initial PWR | Initial RX Mode | Current PWR | Current RX Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 2 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
| 3 | N | Y | 100 | Power Operation | 100 | Power Operation |
FITNESS FOR DUTY - CONFIRMED POSITIVE ALCOHOL TEST FOR A NON-LICENSED SUPERVISOR
A non-licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access has been suspended. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
* * * UPDATE FROM RAY SWAFFORD TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1556 ON 2/9/2010 * * *
Updated information provided by the licensee. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
A non-licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access has been suspended. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
* * * UPDATE FROM RAY SWAFFORD TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1556 ON 2/9/2010 * * *
Updated information provided by the licensee. Contact the Headquarters Operations Officer for additional details.
Other Nuclear Material
Event Number: 45689
Rep Org: AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER
Licensee: PHILIP SPORN PLANT
Region: 1
City: NEW HAVEN State: WV
County: MASON
License #: CL-655015-13
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JERI MACKNIGHT
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Licensee: PHILIP SPORN PLANT
Region: 1
City: NEW HAVEN State: WV
County: MASON
License #: CL-655015-13
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: JERI MACKNIGHT
HQ OPS Officer: DONG HWA PARK
Notification Date: 02/09/2010
Notification Time: 09:50 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 10:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Notification Time: 09:50 [ET]
Event Date: 02/08/2010
Event Time: 10:30 [EST]
Last Update Date: 02/09/2010
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
10 CFR Section:
30.50(b)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
RAY POWELL (R1DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
RAY POWELL (R1DO)
MARK SHAFFER (FSME)
SHUTTER ON NUCLEAR GAUGE FAILED TO CLOSE
"Ash hopper nuclear level detector (NLD) on Unit 2 hoppers 9 and 13 (dual source) has its shutter failed in the open position. The gauge is a TN 5197, serial number B8031. The gauge manufacturer (Thermo Electron) had been notified and requested to assess and repair the gauge."
"Isotope: Cs-137
"Activity: 100 mCi"
No exposure to personnel occurred during this event and the detector is not easily accessible.
"Ash hopper nuclear level detector (NLD) on Unit 2 hoppers 9 and 13 (dual source) has its shutter failed in the open position. The gauge is a TN 5197, serial number B8031. The gauge manufacturer (Thermo Electron) had been notified and requested to assess and repair the gauge."
"Isotope: Cs-137
"Activity: 100 mCi"
No exposure to personnel occurred during this event and the detector is not easily accessible.