Event Notification Report for September 11, 2017
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Operations Center
EVENT REPORTS FOR
09/10/2017 - 09/11/2017
Agreement State
Event Number: 52965
Rep Org: TEXAS DEPT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Licensee: BASF CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: BISHOP State: TX
County:
License #: 06855
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Licensee: BASF CORPORATION
Region: 4
City: BISHOP State: TX
County:
License #: 06855
Agreement: Y
Docket:
NRC Notified By: ART TUCKER
HQ OPS Officer: MARK ABRAMOVITZ
Notification Date: 09/12/2017
Notification Time: 16:14 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/12/2017
Notification Time: 16:14 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 00:00 [CDT]
Last Update Date: 09/12/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
10 CFR Section:
Person (Organization):
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
JEREMY GROOM (R4DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - THREE GAUGES WITH STUCK SHUTTERS
The following information was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On September 12, 2017, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that during routine inspections, three Berthold nuclear gauges were found with shutters stuck in the open position. Two of the gauges were model LB7442D each containing a 30 millicurie (original activity) cesium-137 source and one was a model LB300L containing a 44.7 millicurie (original activity) cobalt-60 source.
"The shutter on the model LB300L gauge was stuck in the open position. The lock on the shutter on one of the model LB7442D gauge could not be removed. The locking latch on the other model LB7442D gauge would not operate. The RSO stated a service company has been contacted to repair the gauges and is expected to be on site by September 15, 2017. No individual will receive significant exposure to radiation due to this event."
Texas Report: I-9509
The following information was received from the State of Texas via email:
"On September 12, 2017, the Agency [Texas Department of State Health Services] was notified by the licensee's radiation safety officer (RSO) that during routine inspections, three Berthold nuclear gauges were found with shutters stuck in the open position. Two of the gauges were model LB7442D each containing a 30 millicurie (original activity) cesium-137 source and one was a model LB300L containing a 44.7 millicurie (original activity) cobalt-60 source.
"The shutter on the model LB300L gauge was stuck in the open position. The lock on the shutter on one of the model LB7442D gauge could not be removed. The locking latch on the other model LB7442D gauge would not operate. The RSO stated a service company has been contacted to repair the gauges and is expected to be on site by September 15, 2017. No individual will receive significant exposure to radiation due to this event."
Texas Report: I-9509
Power Reactor
Event Number: 52962
Facility: SUMMER
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-AP1000,[3] W-AP1000
NRC Notified By: BRUCE BENNETT
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE
Region: 2 State: SC
Unit: [1] [] []
RX Type: [1] W-3-LP,[2] W-AP1000,[3] W-AP1000
NRC Notified By: BRUCE BENNETT
HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE
Notification Date: 09/11/2017
Notification Time: 21:48 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 16:48 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2017
Notification Time: 21:48 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 16:48 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 09/11/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
10 CFR Section:
50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) - VALID SPECIF SYS ACTUATION
Person (Organization):
ERIC MICHEL (R2DO)
ERIC MICHEL (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 |
EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATOR ACTUATION ON LOW VOLTAGE
"This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in a valid actuation of the Emergency Diesel Generator.
"On September 11, 2017 at 1648 [EDT] the 'A' Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) started on the low voltage signal from Bus 1DA as a result of a 115KV grid perturbation. All emergency buses remained energized from offsite power. The EDG did not tie to the 1DA bus because the offsite power voltage recovered within the designed recovery time limit. The diesel generator has been secured, reset and is ready to auto start.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
"This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in a valid actuation of the Emergency Diesel Generator.
"On September 11, 2017 at 1648 [EDT] the 'A' Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) started on the low voltage signal from Bus 1DA as a result of a 115KV grid perturbation. All emergency buses remained energized from offsite power. The EDG did not tie to the 1DA bus because the offsite power voltage recovered within the designed recovery time limit. The diesel generator has been secured, reset and is ready to auto start.
"The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified."
Non-Agreement State
Event Number: 52963
Rep Org: HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR OPERATIONS
Licensee: HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR OPERATIONS
Region: 3
City: HEMLOCK State: MI
County:
License #: 21-32682-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KELLEY DEERING
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Licensee: HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR OPERATIONS
Region: 3
City: HEMLOCK State: MI
County:
License #: 21-32682-01
Agreement: N
Docket:
NRC Notified By: KELLEY DEERING
HQ OPS Officer: JEFF HERRERA
Notification Date: 09/12/2017
Notification Time: 09:46 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 14:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/17/2017
Notification Time: 09:46 [ET]
Event Date: 09/11/2017
Event Time: 14:30 [EDT]
Last Update Date: 10/17/2017
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):
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
KENNETH RIEMER (R3DO)
NMSS_EVENTS_NOTIFICA (EMAI)
SHUTTER STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION
"License No 21-32682-01
"Fixed Gauge Stuck Shutter-Stuck in the open/normal operating position
No exposures
Vega America Source Holder Model SHLG-2-45
Radionuclide: Cesium-137 5000mCi
Source serial number 1485CO
Source holder serial number 19509171
"At approximately 1430 hrs (EDT) on 9/11/2017 the site RSO attempted to operate the shutter on source holder 10071949 (Hemlock identifier). The shutter operation failed; the shutter is stuck in the open position. There were no exposures as a result of the failed shutter operation. Operating the shutter was part of a field training program for area operations personnel. The source holder is located on site on the HP DPR Tank.
"[The RSO is] in contact with Vega Americas, the manufacturer, to determine a resolution plan. [The RSO] will follow up with a detailed report within 7 days and a complete investigation/resolution report once the gauge manufacturer has performed repairs on the gauge."
* * * UPDATE FROM KELLY DEERING AT 1111 EDT ON 9/13/17. INCORPORATED 10/17/17 * * *
"Reference: Fixed Gauge Stuck Shutter (written report)
License No. 21-32682-01
Event No. 52963
Radionuclide: Cesium-137 5000 mCi
Manufacturer: VEGA Americas (Cincinnati, Ohio 45209)
Model Source Holder: SHLG-2-45
VEGA Americas Source Serial Number: 1485CO
VEGA Americas Source Holder Serial Number: 19509171
Hemlock Semiconductor SAP Equipment Number: 10071949
"On Tuesday, September 11, 2017 at approximately 1430 EDT, the RSO was conducting radiation training for operations personnel in the area. While attempting to operate the shutter on the source holder located on S-557 HP DPR tank, the shutter mechanism would not close. The shutter is stuck fully open, in the normal operating position. [The RSO] contacted the manufacture, Vega Americas, and they suggested applying lubricant to the shutter mechanism to attempt to operate the shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanism was lubricated multiple times throughout the day. The following morning the shutter would still not operate. The NRC was contacted to report the incident at that time. The NRC was contacted via phone and the incident was reported on September 12 at 0930 EDT. There were no radiological exposures as a result of the shutter malfunction.
"As part of a preventative maintenance plan the source shutters are lubricated and operated every 6 months. April 2017 was the last time scheduled routine maintenance was performed. This specific source was operated approximately 30 days with no issues being noted. Because this source is located at the top of a tower, a cover was previously built to help protect the source holder from the weather. There has been no loss of production as a result of the shutter malfunction.
"Hemlock Semiconductor Operations is in contact with Vega Americas, the manufacturer who is licensed with the NRC to repair the source holders. Vega's technician is scheduled to be on site September 18th, 2017 to perform repairs on the stuck shutter; we will not attempt to operate the shutter until repairs have occurred. The state of the stuck shutter has been thoroughly communicated to all personnel that are assigned to the general area. All operators assigned to the specific tower where the gauge is located, are Authorized Gauge Users. Area leaders, emergency response department and plant management have also been communicated to in reference to the stuck shutter. Any individual not assigned to the tower must badge into the area and contact an authorized gauge user to gain access to the tower where the gauge is located. The authorized gauge user will then contact the RSO or assistant RSO for approval for tower access. The gauge is located and operating in a manner consistent with our normal operating status. The normal signs and barriers are in place.
"This incident, any findings by Vega and any subsequence action items will be documented in our GIMS database (incident reporting and action item tracking tool), and a follow up email will be sent to the NRC."
* * * UPDATE FROM KELLY DEERING TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1125 EDT ON 10/17/2017 * * *
"Vega Americas field technician arrived at Hemlock Semiconductor on 9/18/2017. The following is directly from his field report:
"'9/18/2017: [The Repair Technician] arrived on site and met with [RSO]. The customer has a stuck shutter on a SHLG-2-45 with a 5000mCi Cs-137 source, S/N 1485CO, CO# 6121698, TAG# LX-577007-A, dated 1/11 and with source holder S/N 19509171. [The Repair Technician] freed the shutter mechanism. Some water was released from the shaft well when the shutter was freed. Water intrusion appears to be the cause of the stuck mechanism. There was some buildup of either corrosion products or other material accumulated on the shaft of the operating mechanism. [The Repair Technician] cleaned the shaft using a scrub pad. [The Repair Technician] reattached the rubber top seal using spray adhesive. [The Repair Technician] operated the shutter multiple times without further issue. [The Repair Technician] performed a leak test and a survey at the customer's request. [The Repair Technician] recommended operating the shutter mechanism once a week for the next 2 months. If there are no further issues, then [the Repair Technician] recommended no further action. Shutter checks can be returned to a normal 6 month schedule. If the shutter becomes stuck again then [the Repair Technician] recommended the source holder be removed from service and repaired.'
"Per the recommendation we have been operating the shutter mechanism weekly. There have been no issues and the shutter is operating freely. Leak test and survey checks showed no issues with the source holder. This incident has been documented internally and will continue to be monitored. If the shutter continues to operate freely, Hemlock Semiconductor will consider this incident closed."
Notified R3DO Daley and NMSS Events Notifications
"License No 21-32682-01
"Fixed Gauge Stuck Shutter-Stuck in the open/normal operating position
No exposures
Vega America Source Holder Model SHLG-2-45
Radionuclide: Cesium-137 5000mCi
Source serial number 1485CO
Source holder serial number 19509171
"At approximately 1430 hrs (EDT) on 9/11/2017 the site RSO attempted to operate the shutter on source holder 10071949 (Hemlock identifier). The shutter operation failed; the shutter is stuck in the open position. There were no exposures as a result of the failed shutter operation. Operating the shutter was part of a field training program for area operations personnel. The source holder is located on site on the HP DPR Tank.
"[The RSO is] in contact with Vega Americas, the manufacturer, to determine a resolution plan. [The RSO] will follow up with a detailed report within 7 days and a complete investigation/resolution report once the gauge manufacturer has performed repairs on the gauge."
* * * UPDATE FROM KELLY DEERING AT 1111 EDT ON 9/13/17. INCORPORATED 10/17/17 * * *
"Reference: Fixed Gauge Stuck Shutter (written report)
License No. 21-32682-01
Event No. 52963
Radionuclide: Cesium-137 5000 mCi
Manufacturer: VEGA Americas (Cincinnati, Ohio 45209)
Model Source Holder: SHLG-2-45
VEGA Americas Source Serial Number: 1485CO
VEGA Americas Source Holder Serial Number: 19509171
Hemlock Semiconductor SAP Equipment Number: 10071949
"On Tuesday, September 11, 2017 at approximately 1430 EDT, the RSO was conducting radiation training for operations personnel in the area. While attempting to operate the shutter on the source holder located on S-557 HP DPR tank, the shutter mechanism would not close. The shutter is stuck fully open, in the normal operating position. [The RSO] contacted the manufacture, Vega Americas, and they suggested applying lubricant to the shutter mechanism to attempt to operate the shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanism was lubricated multiple times throughout the day. The following morning the shutter would still not operate. The NRC was contacted to report the incident at that time. The NRC was contacted via phone and the incident was reported on September 12 at 0930 EDT. There were no radiological exposures as a result of the shutter malfunction.
"As part of a preventative maintenance plan the source shutters are lubricated and operated every 6 months. April 2017 was the last time scheduled routine maintenance was performed. This specific source was operated approximately 30 days with no issues being noted. Because this source is located at the top of a tower, a cover was previously built to help protect the source holder from the weather. There has been no loss of production as a result of the shutter malfunction.
"Hemlock Semiconductor Operations is in contact with Vega Americas, the manufacturer who is licensed with the NRC to repair the source holders. Vega's technician is scheduled to be on site September 18th, 2017 to perform repairs on the stuck shutter; we will not attempt to operate the shutter until repairs have occurred. The state of the stuck shutter has been thoroughly communicated to all personnel that are assigned to the general area. All operators assigned to the specific tower where the gauge is located, are Authorized Gauge Users. Area leaders, emergency response department and plant management have also been communicated to in reference to the stuck shutter. Any individual not assigned to the tower must badge into the area and contact an authorized gauge user to gain access to the tower where the gauge is located. The authorized gauge user will then contact the RSO or assistant RSO for approval for tower access. The gauge is located and operating in a manner consistent with our normal operating status. The normal signs and barriers are in place.
"This incident, any findings by Vega and any subsequence action items will be documented in our GIMS database (incident reporting and action item tracking tool), and a follow up email will be sent to the NRC."
* * * UPDATE FROM KELLY DEERING TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1125 EDT ON 10/17/2017 * * *
"Vega Americas field technician arrived at Hemlock Semiconductor on 9/18/2017. The following is directly from his field report:
"'9/18/2017: [The Repair Technician] arrived on site and met with [RSO]. The customer has a stuck shutter on a SHLG-2-45 with a 5000mCi Cs-137 source, S/N 1485CO, CO# 6121698, TAG# LX-577007-A, dated 1/11 and with source holder S/N 19509171. [The Repair Technician] freed the shutter mechanism. Some water was released from the shaft well when the shutter was freed. Water intrusion appears to be the cause of the stuck mechanism. There was some buildup of either corrosion products or other material accumulated on the shaft of the operating mechanism. [The Repair Technician] cleaned the shaft using a scrub pad. [The Repair Technician] reattached the rubber top seal using spray adhesive. [The Repair Technician] operated the shutter multiple times without further issue. [The Repair Technician] performed a leak test and a survey at the customer's request. [The Repair Technician] recommended operating the shutter mechanism once a week for the next 2 months. If there are no further issues, then [the Repair Technician] recommended no further action. Shutter checks can be returned to a normal 6 month schedule. If the shutter becomes stuck again then [the Repair Technician] recommended the source holder be removed from service and repaired.'
"Per the recommendation we have been operating the shutter mechanism weekly. There have been no issues and the shutter is operating freely. Leak test and survey checks showed no issues with the source holder. This incident has been documented internally and will continue to be monitored. If the shutter continues to operate freely, Hemlock Semiconductor will consider this incident closed."
Notified R3DO Daley and NMSS Events Notifications