Event Notification Report for December 17, 2011
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
12/16/2011 - 12/17/2011
EVENT NUMBERS
47531
Fuel Cycle Facility
Event Number: 47531
Facility: PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT
Region: 2 State: KY
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type: URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY
Comments: 2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (301)564-3200
NRC Notified By: JOE BARLETTO
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Region: 2 State: KY
Unit: [] [] []
RX Type: URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY
Comments: 2 DEMOCRACY CENTER
6903 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (301)564-3200
NRC Notified By: JOE BARLETTO
HQ OPS Officer: PETE SNYDER
Notification Date: 12/17/2011
Notification Time: 12:59 [ET]
Event Date: 12/17/2011
Event Time: 00:01 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/17/2011
Notification Time: 12:59 [ET]
Event Date: 12/17/2011
Event Time: 00:01 [CST]
Last Update Date: 12/17/2011
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
76.120(c)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
10 CFR Section:
76.120(c)(2) - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Person (Organization):
SCOTT FREEMAN (R2DO)
GORDON BJORKMAN (NMSS)
SCOTT FREEMAN (R2DO)
GORDON BJORKMAN (NMSS)
POSSIBLE DEGRADATION IN HIGH PRESSURE FIRE WATER SPRINKLER HEADS
"At 0001 CST, on 12-17-2011, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-310 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System #2 had been inspected by Fire Services and thirty-two (32) sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. C-310 HPFW system #2 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual affect on operability.
"This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed."
The site instituted compensatory measures included performing a fire patrol walkdown of the area within the first two hours after discovery of the potential degradation and hourly fire patrols thereafter.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event."
"At 0001 CST, on 12-17-2011, the Plant Shift Superintendent was notified that the C-310 High Pressure Fire Water (HPFW) Sprinkler System #2 had been inspected by Fire Services and thirty-two (32) sprinkler heads had visible corrosion on them. The system configuration was evaluated using EN-C-822-99-047, 'Effects of Impaired Sprinkler Heads on System Operability' and determined that with these heads potentially impaired, a portion of the building would not have sufficient sprinkler coverage. The HPFW system is required to be operable according to TSR LCO 2.4.4.5. C-310 HPFW system #2 was declared inoperable and TSR LCO 2.4.4.5 Required Action B was implemented for the area without sprinkler coverage. Based on past testing results, there is a possibility that the heads would have been able to perform their specified safety function. Once the heads are removed from the system, testing will be performed to determine the actual affect on operability.
"This event is reportable under 10 CFR 76.120(c)(2) as an event in which equipment required by the TSR is disabled or fails to function as designed."
The site instituted compensatory measures included performing a fire patrol walkdown of the area within the first two hours after discovery of the potential degradation and hourly fire patrols thereafter.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified of this event."