Scram Discharge Volume Designs (Generic Letter 80-64)
GL80064
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
July 7, 1980
TO ALL OPERATING BOILING WATER REACTORS (BWR's)
Gentlemen:
As you know, the staff has proposed improvements in the scram discharge
volume (SDV) designs for BWR control rod drive systems to reduce
susceptibility to common cause failures (NUREG-0460). We now request that
you amend the Technical Specifications for your facility with respect to
control rod drive scram discharge volume capability. The basis for our
request is founded in events which have occurred in operating BWR's
involving cause failures of SDV limit switches and SDV drain valve
operability. In IE Bulletin 80-14 dated June 13, 1980, you were requested to
implant procedures and administrative controls to ensure that the SDV is
operable during reactor operation. While the function of the bulletin was to
effect immediate action with regard to this problem, the proposed Technical
Specifications will strengthen the provisions for assuring continued
operability of the control rod drive system during reactor operation.
You are requested to propose Technical Specification changes for your
facility to provide surveillance requirements for SDV vent and drain valves
and LCO/surveillance requirements for RPS and control rod block SDV limit
switches. To assist you in preparing your submittal, we have enclosed a copy
of Model Technical Specifications which would be sufficient to provider the
assurance we seek. These Technical Specifications have proposed by our staff
to be incorporated into the next revision of the General Electric Standard
Technical Specifications. Applicable changes are marked by vertical lines in
the margins. Unchanged pages are included for completeness. Your proposal
should use the enclosure as a guide and should include an appropriate Safety
Analysis as a basis.
It is requested that you submit your proposed Technical Specifications with
the basis within 90 days of receipt of this letter. If you have any
questions about this request, please contact your Project Manager.
Sincerely,
Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director
Division of Licensing
Enclosure:
Model Technical Specifications
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