Event Notification Report for August 30, 2016

PART 21 - POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH SEISMIC QUALIFICATION OF TYPE 546NS ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC TRANSDUCERS

The following was received via email:

"Pursuant to 10 CFR 21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ('Fisher') is providing required written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports.

"On August 30, 2016, Fisher became aware of a potential issue with the past qualification of the Type 546NS Transducers. Fisher's published seismic literature and certifications, based on testing by a 3rd party laboratory, exhibit inconsistencies when compared to more recent testing completed by Fisher. Regardless of these discrepancies, the Type 546NS Transducer remains qualified to perform before and after seismic loading. The scope of this investigation pertains only to operability during seismic events.

"An extent-of-condition investigation is underway and 546NS testing data is being evaluated to determine if further testing is required. Fisher will complete the investigation by November 27, 2016 and, if necessary, will complete additional testing by February 10, 2017.

"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."

* * * UPDATE AT 0919 EST ON 11/23/16 FROM KIM SAGAR TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

The following was received via email:

"Pursuant to 10 CFR 21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ("Fisher") is providing an update to a previous written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports.

"On August 30, 2016, Fisher became aware of inconsistencies exhibited by prior qualification reports of the 546NS. A review of all previous Type 546 qualifications has been completed to reaffirm the qualification of the device for operation during seismic events. Based on this review, the 546NS remains qualified to perform before and after seismic loading. Additional testing is required to confirm if the device is capable of operating during an event. This additional testing is scheduled to be completed by February 10, 2017.

"Once this additional testing has been completed and operability status determined, an appropriate announcement will be made pursuant to 10CFR21 reporting requirements.

"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."

Notified the R1DO (Dwyer), R2DO (Heisserer), R3DO (McCraw), R4DO (Taylor), Part 21/50.55 Reactors (via email) and Part 21 Materials (via email).

* * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY KIM SAGAR TO JEFF ROTTON AT 1704 EST ON 02/24/2017 * * *

The following is a summary of information that was received via email:

"Pursuant to 10CFR21.21(a)(2), Fisher Controls International LLC ('Fisher') is providing required written interim notification of a potential failure to comply concerning Type 546NS Electro-Pneumatic Transducer Qualification Reports. This notification serves as a follow-up to a similarly titled report dated October 27, 2016.

"Fisher initiated in-house seismic testing to analyze the performance of the device and associated mounting hardware when exposed to high-level seismic activity. These tests concluded on February 10, 2017.

"Test data analysis is still underway. However, at the time of this publication, preliminary observations and conclusions can be made. The device itself, when rigidly mounted, does not exhibit natural frequencies in the tested frequency range consistent with previous qualification literature. When mounted to the standard 546 mounting bracket, the tested assemblies do not exhibit natural frequencies below 60 Hz.

"During the course of testing, additional questions were raised regarding the configuration of the mounting bracket. These questions are currently being investigated. Questions regarding 546NS mounting will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with individual customers.

"Further analysis and verification of the test data is needed before Fisher can make specific claims regarding the operability of the 546NS during high-level seismic loading. Fisher will complete the investigation by April 13th, 2017.

"Should there be any further questions concerning this matter, please contact Benjamin Ahrens, Manager, Quality by email at Benjamin.Ahrens@Emerson.com or via phone at 641-754-2249."

Notified the R1DO (Powell), R2DO (Bartley), R3DO (Jeffers), R4DO (Pick), Part 21/50.55 Reactors (via email) and Part 21 Materials (via email).

AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - DAMAGED PROCESS NUCLEAR GAUGE

The following report was received via fax:

"On August 30, 2016, the licensee's Radiation Safety Officer reported that two cap screws used to secure the shutter handle on a fixed gauge (Ohmart Model SH-F2-C; serial number 70929; 1000 milliCuries cesium-137) had sheared off during a routine test of the on-off mechanism earlier in the day. The failure left the shutter in the on or open position. The gauge is used to provide density measurements of product traveling through a stainless steel pipe and is normally left in the on position. Personnel entry into the pipe is not possible, eliminating potential personnel exposure to radiation. The licensee has contacted a licensed service company to repair the gauge."

Virginia Report: VA-16-013

FITNESS-FOR-DUTY

A non-licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plant has been terminated.

FITNESS-FOR-DUTY

A non-licensed employee supervisor had a confirmed positive for alcohol during a random fitness-for-duty test. The employee's access to the plant has been suspended.

NOTICE OF UNUSUAL EVENT - FIRE IN A MAIN BANK TRANSFORMER

A fault occurred on the unit 2 "B" main bank transformer resulting in an oil fire. The main turbine tripped resulting in a reactor trip. All control rods fully inserted and no safety or relief valves lifted. Decay heat is being removed via steam dumps to the main condenser and feeding steam generators with auxiliary feedwater. Electrical power is through the normal shutdown electrical lineup.

Offsite assistance was requested from the county and off duty fire brigade members.

At 2228, the fire was reported as out. Spray is continuing and a reflash watch is being set.

Unit 1 continued to operate at 100% power throughout the event.

Notified the DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, DHS NICC, FEMA National Watch Center (E-mail) and Nuclear SSA (E-mail).

* * * UPDATE AT 2352 EDT ON 08/30/2016 FROM MICHAEL BOTTORFF TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

"On August 30, 2016, at 2110 EDT, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2 reactor tripped due to an electrical fault affecting the 2B Main Bank Transformer, resulting in a fire in the transformer.

"Concurrent with the reactor trip, the Auxiliary Feedwater system actuated as designed.

"All Control and Shutdown rods fully inserted. All safety systems responded as designed. The unit is currently stable in Mode 3, with decay heat removal via Auxiliary Feedwater and main steam dump systems. Unit 2 is in a normal shutdown electrical alignment.

"The fire was out at 2230 EDT. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

"The fire was reported at 2149 EDT. Local Fire Departments responded to the site as requested.

"The reactor trip and system actuation is being reported under 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) and 10CFR50.72 (b)(2)(iv)(B).

"There was no effect on WBN Unit 1.

"The NOUE was exited at 2342.

"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."

The Licensee notified the State of Tennessee.

Notified the R2DO (Bartley), IRD MOC (Stapleton), NRR EO (Miller), DHS SWO, FEMA Ops Center, DHS NICC, FEMA National Watch Center (E-mail) and Nuclear SSA (E-mail).

PART 21 NOTIFICATION - IDENTIFIED FISHER 546S ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC TRANSDUCERS STANDARD MOUNTING BRACKETS FAILED SEISMIC TESTING STANDARDS

Fisher Controls International LLC issued Fisher Information Notice FIN 2017-02 to inform users that certain identified Model 546NS electro-pneumatic transducers, when mounted on the supplied standard mounting brackets, were determined to be not adequately robust at seismic test levels.

Affected customers have been notified.

Fisher requests that the recipient of this FIN review it and take appropriate action in accordance with 10 CFR 21. If there are any technical questions or concerns, please contact:

Ben Ahrens
Quality Manager
Emerson Automation Solutions
Fisher Controls International LLC
301 South First Avenue
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-2249
Benjamin. ahrens@emerson.com