05000272/LER-2002-003
| Salem Generating Station- Unit 1 | |
| Event date: | |
|---|---|
| Report date: | |
| 2722002003R00 - NRC Website | |
DOCKET (2) , NUMBER (2) LER NUMBER (6) FACILITY NAME (1) PAGE (3)
PLANT AND SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Westinghouse — Pressurized Water Reactor Waste Gas Holdup System — EIIS Identifier {WE/—} * *Energy Industry Identification System {EIIS} codes an-I component function identifier codes appear as (SS/CCC)
CONDITIONS PRIOR TO OCCURRENCE
Mode 1 — 100% power. No structures, systems, or components were inoperable at the time of the occurrence that contributed to the event.
DESCRIPTION OF OCCURRENCE
On July 9, 2002, Salem Unit 1 waste gas analyzer (WGA) {WE/AE} failed its channel check due to oxygen concentration readings less than the acceptance criteria. The WGA has been removed from service and has been inoperable for greater than 30 days. The WGA repeatedly indicated lower than expected values and has been declared inoperable several times in recent months. The oxygen sensors have previously been recalibrated or replaced to restore the WGA to operable status. The oxygen concentration readings would then return to unacceptably low values, typically after only several weeks of being returned to service. The WGA uses Whitaker oxygen sensors, Model No.
109C007-3, Rev. N.
Technical Specification action statement 3.3.3.9.b requires that action be taken to restore an inoperable oxygen analyzer channel within 30 days, and to submit a Special Report if unsuccessful.
Waste gas system operation is permitted by Technical Specifications with an inoperable oxygen analyzer if alternate'sampling and oxygen analysis is performed.
Because the oxygen analyzer has repeatedly given lower than acceptable readings, it remains removed from service pending further evaluation of apparent causes and implementation of corrective actions.
CAUSE OF OCCURRENCE
The waste gas oxygen analyzer is inoperable due to low output (or high negative output) from the oxygen sensor. The apparent cause of the low sensor output remains under investigation with support from the manufacturer.
- I NRC FORM 366A � U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION - (6-1998) , 1 � LICENSEE EVENT REPORT (LER) FACILITY NAME (1) � .
DOCKET (2) Salem Generating Station Unit No. 1 05000272 2002 0 0 3 00 3 OF CAUSE OF OCCURRENCE (continued) The WGA has been inoperable for greater than 30 days to allow sufficient time for a thorough evaluation of apparent causes and implementation of corrective actions to prevent repeat sensor failures.
PRIOR SIMILAR OCCURRENCES
Based on a review of Salem LERs and Special Reports for the past two years, no events involving WGA inoperability for greater than 30 days were identified.
SAFETY CONSEQUENCES AND IMPLICATIONS
There are no safety consequences associated with the WGA being inoperable for greater than 30 days. The function of the waste gas oxygen analyzer is to monitor for potentially hazardous concentrations of oxygen in waste gas. Alternate capability to sample and analyze waste gas oxygen concentration remains available to meet the requirements of Technical Specification 3.3.3.9.
A review of this condition determined that a Safety System Functional Failure (SSFF) has not occurred as defined in Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 99-02.
CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
The WGA will be returned to operable status after completion of the ongoing oxygen sensor evaluation and sensor repair or replacement.
COMMITMENTS
The corrective actions cited in this Special Report are voluntary enhancements and do not constitute commitments.
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