NMSS-0009: Amersham Radiography Source Cable Failures

DESCRIPTION

This issue was identified[1] by NMSS after three reports of radiography source disconnects involving drive

cable breaks in Amersham equipment were reported. IN 97-91[2] was issued to alert all industrial radiography licensees to potential failures of control (drive) cables used on Amersham Model 660 Posilock radiography systems.

CONCLUSION

The issue was given a high priority ranking and resolution was pursued.[3] The findings, conclusions, and recommendations of a special inspection team were published in NUREG-1631.[4] Supplement 1 to Information

Notice 97-91[5] was issued to inform licensees of the report which was later presented at a meeting of the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing in October 1998. It was concluded that the failures were caused by a combination of wear, corrosion, and lack of lubrication. As of October 1998, all of the recommendations were

implemented or were scheduled to be implemented. Thus the issue was resolved.[6]


 

 



[1] Memorandum for J. Craig from F. Combs, "Submittal of New Generic Issues for Tracking in the Generic Issues Management and Control System (GIMCS)," June 4, 1998. [9806090180]

[2] Information Notice 97-91, "Recent Failures of Control Cables Used on Amersham Model 660 Posilock Radiography Systems," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, December 31, 1997 [ML031050007], (Supplement 1) August 10, 1998. [ML031050002]

[3] Memorandum for J. Craig from F. Combs, "Submittal of New Generic Issues for Tracking in the Generic Issues Management and Control System (GIMCS)," June 4, 1998. [9806090180]

[4] NUREG-1631, "Source Disconnects Resulting from Radiography Drive Cable Failures," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, June 1998.

[5] Information Notice 97-91, "Recent Failures of Control Cables Used on Amersham Model 660 Posilock Radiography Systems," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, December 31, 1997 [ML031050007], (Supplement 1) August 10, 1998. [ML031050002]

[6] Memorandum for J. Craig from F. Combs, "Closure of NMSS Generic Issues," October 13, 1998. [9810160185]

Page Last Reviewed/Updated 06/24/2025