Morning Report for January 28, 2005

Headquarters Daily Report

• REGION IV

REGION IV

Part 21 2005-0004 - Potential Turbine Overspeed Due to Load Rejection and Failure of the Turbine Bypass Valves to Open

Licensee/Facility: FRAMATOME ANP FRAMATOME ANP RICHLAND, Washington Dockets: License No:

Notification: MR Number: H-2005-0003 Date: 01/14/2005

Source Document: Fax

Discussion:

Part 21 2005-0004 - - Potential Turbine Overspeed Due to Load Rejection and Failure of the Turbine Bypass Valves to Open


The turbine generator load rejection with failure of the turbine bypass valves to open event (LRNB) is a potentially limiting anticipated operational occurrence (AOO) that is considered in establishing the Minimum Critical Power Ratio (MCPR) operating limit, and confirming that the linear heat generation rate (LHGR) limits are adequate. Framatome ANP analyses for the LRNB event assume that the load rejection will initiate a fast closure of the turbine control valves (TCV) at all power levels. Some plants have indicated that the fast closure of the TCV is not initiated below a plant specific power level. The fast closure of the TCV initiates a scram and minimizes turbine over speed. If a fast closure of the TCV does not occur, the TCV will close at a slower rate, scram will be delayed, and the turbine will overspeed. This may increase the severity of the event. The turbine overspeed may result in an increase in recirculation pump speed that will also increase the severity of the event.

Framatome ANP has notified the affected plants, LaSalle Unit 2 and Browns Ferry Unit 3, and provided a set of revised operating limits, which are appropriate for the conditions when a fast closure of the TCV does not occur.

On 11/12/2004, General Electric Nuclear Energy (GENE) reported (ADAMS accession number ML043230568) a concern to NRC that the TCV closure, and scram, may not occur for all power levels above P-bypass for an LRNB event. P-bypass is a Technical Specification value at which the scram is enabled for TCV fast closure and is typically 25 to 40% of rated power.

Accession Numbers:

Accession No	Accession Date
ML050190256	01/14/2005
ML043230568	11/12/2004

Contacts:

Name	Office Abbrev	Phone No	E-Mail
TABATABAI, OMID	NRR	(301) 415-6616	OTY@nrc.gov