Event Notification Report for September 04, 2019

UNPLANNED CONTAMINATION EVENT

The following was received via e-mail:

"On September 4, 2019, at approximately 0346 EDT, a glass component failed, resulting in an unplanned contamination event. The release was limited to an area inside of the Radiologically Controlled Area. This area is designed for radiological work. There has been no personnel contamination. Airborne radioactivity samples are below action levels. Cleanup and Decontamination activities were safely and promptly initiated, but due to the complexity and space constraints of the system components, normal access to the area is not likely be restored within 24 hours. There has been no exposures or releases to the environment or public.

"The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector."

* * * RETRACTION ON 9/16/19 AT 1115 EDT FROM RON RICE TO BRIAN LIN * * *

The following retraction information was obtained from the licensee via email:

"The unplanned contamination event was decontaminated to levels that did not require access to be restricted by imposing additional radiological controls within 24 hours, so the event did not require a report per 10CFR70.50(b)(1)(i). The NRC resident inspector has been informed."

Notified R2DO (Ehrhardt), NMSS Events Notification (email), and Fuels Group (email).

PART 21 - INCORRECTLY WIRED SOCKET SIDE QUICK DISCONNECT CONNECTORS

The following information was received via fax:

"To maintain compliance with 10 CFR 21, this initial notification is to document the failure to comply of basic components which were found to have a defect and were supplied to a licensed operating nuclear power plant.

"On September 4, 2019 Curtiss-Wright Nuclear Division, Huntsville Operations was notified by Duke Energy - Catawba Nuclear Station of a possible deviation of a supplied EGS Quick Disconnect Connector (QDC), P/N 880701-102 (S/N: 47801 and 47802) where two socket side connectors were wired incorrectly. Condition Report (H19-4603) was generated to internally document all actions and investigations on this matter.

"On October 17, 2019, the basic components with the possible deviation were returned to Curtiss-Wright and evaluated. The evaluation found that the socket sides were wired incorrectly by color code but the wire markers were correctly labeled. If installed using the wire marker delineation, the wiring would be correct, but if the basic components were installed using the color code, there could be the possibility of incorrect wiring. Since Curtiss-Wright is not privy to how the operating plant installs these connector(s), if installed using the color code it may cause a possible safety hazard and therefore considered defective.

"The condition was caused by human error and was isolated to the two subject socket side QDCs.

"The defected QDCs were returned and replacement connectors were built and supplied to Duke Energy - Catawba Nuclear Station.

"Even though this is considered an isolated event, corrective actions to help prevent recurrence are in the process of being implemented. These include, but are not limited to, adding an additional specific peer check during manufacturing and adding a specific final inspection check to confirm actual wire insulation color code, if applicable.

"Based on our evaluation these two connectors were the only ones affected by this defect. They have been removed from service and replacements have been provided. Once all corrective actions to prevent recurrence are completed, an official close out letter will be generated."

If you would like to discuss this further please contact the following:
Chris Covan, Quality Assurance Manager, at (256) 924-7414 or ccovan@curtisswright.com, or
Tim Franchuk, Director of Quality Assurance, at (513) 201-2176 or tfranchuk@curtisswright.com.