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Home > NRC Library > Document Collections > NUREG-Series Publications > Staff Reports > NUREG 0933 > Section 6. Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Issues- NMSS-0003. Corrosion of Sealed Sources Caused by Sensitization of Stainless Steel Source Capsules During Shipment

Resolution of Generic Safety Issues: NMSS-0003. Corrosion of Sealed Sources Caused by Sensitization of Stainless Steel Source Capsules During Shipment ( NUREG-0933, Main Report with Supplements 1–35 )

DESCRIPTION

This issue was identified1700 by NMSS with the discovery of intergranular corrosion in one manufacturer's 316L stainless steel source used in Category IV irradiator pools. Analysis of data and reports provided by the manufacturer revealed that the 316L stainless steel sources were heat sensitized as a result of improper loading in their shipping containers. The heat generated by the high activity sources resulted in higher than normal temperatures inside the containers. The combination of these higher temperatures and poor quality pool water made the sensitized stainless steel vulnerable to intergranular corrosion.

CONCLUSION

The issue was resolved1701 with the issuance of IN 96-54.1704

REFERENCES

1700.Memorandum for L. Shao from D. Cool, "Submittal of Generic Safety Issues," April 12, 1996. [9605170029]
1701.Memorandum for F. Coffman from J. Piccone, "Status of NMSS Generic Safety Issues," December 15, 1997. [9712180068]
1704. Information Notice 96-54, "Vulnerability of Stainless Steel to Corrosion When Sensitized," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, October 17, 1996. [ML031050603]