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Event Notification Report for July 24, 2000

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center

EVENT REPORTS FOR
07/23/2000 - 07/24/2000

EVENT NUMBERS
37184

Power Reactor
Event Number: 37184
Facility: BROWNS FERRY
Region: 2     State: AL
Unit: [] [2] [3]
RX Type: [1] GE-4,[2] GE-4,[3] GE-4
NRC Notified By: RAYMOND SWAFFORD
HQ OPS Officer: FANGIE JONES
Notification Date: 07/24/2000
Notification Time: 15:20 [ET]
Event Date: 07/24/2000
Event Time: 13:22 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 07/24/2000
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(1)(ii)(C) - COND OUTSIDE EOPS
Person (Organization):
BRIAN BONSER (R2)
Power Reactor Unit Info
Unit SCRAM Code RX Crit Initial PWR Initial RX Mode Current PWR Current RX Mode
2 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation
3 N Y 100 Power Operation 100 Power Operation
Event Text
APPENDIX R REVIEW DISCOVERED A CONDITION OF NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFE SHUTDOWN CAPABILITIES OF THE RHR SYSTEM

"On 7/24/2000 at approximately 1322 CST, a review of the Appendix R Safe Shutdown Program revealed that a condition of noncompliance with 10CFR50 App R Criteria III L.2 existed for Units 2 and 3, for availability of the minimum flow valves for the RHR Pumps. The BFN Appendix R program assumes the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) minimum flow valves are open following the initiation of RHR and remain open until vessel injection is initiated. Contrary to this assumption, the cables to the valves have not been verified to be protected from the effects of a fire. Consequently the valves could spuriously close and dead head the pump for an extended period of time.

"This condition is being reported lAW 10 CFR 50.72.b.1.ii(c) as a 1 hour report as '... a condition not covered by the plant's operating and emergency procedures.''

The licensee is conducting an investigation and posting fire watches in the mean time.

The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.