ENS 43156
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
19:00 Feb 2, 2007 | |
| Title | Radiography Camera with Potentially Defective Source Control Cables |
| Event Description | The licensee provided the following information via facsimile:
RE: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radioactive Materials License Number 43-29213-01 Reporting to requirement of 10 CFR 21.21 (d)(3)(i): Concerning Identification of a defect or a failure to comply. 1. Description of the equipment problem: Alpha Testing Labs purchased a new exposure device with new associated equipment and new source from Source Production & Equipment Company (SPEC). Exposure device model No. 150, S/N 1030 Source Model No. G-60, SIN OA 1704 The first use of the new equipment was of a field job site location in Casper, Wyoming February 2, 2007. Source strength - 4995 GBq The radiographer successfully cranked out the source for 10 exposures. On the 11th exposure, he experienced difficulty retracting the source back into the locked position. They did an inspection of the equipment (guide tubes and crank cable) and found no visible defects. They informed the RSO of the difficulty. They tried another exposure with the same results. Then they checked the drive cable and gear in the crank outs, replaced the safety stop spring on the drive cable and made 108 exposures with no problems. RSO called SPEC and reported the problem. They said they would overnight a new set of controls and related equipment. Dosimeter readings: Radiographer-40 mr, Assistant radiographer-45 mr, Assistant radiographer- 12 mr The next day, February 3, 2007, they made 2 exposures and the problem happened again. They informed the RSO and did not use the equipment again. SPEC sent a new set of associated equipment by overnight delivery and there have been no problems. 2. Corrective action taken: The equipment was returned to the manufacturer, Source Production & Equipment Company (SPEC). SPEC personnel will evaluate the equipment problem and submit a written reply. 3. Place, Date and time of incident: Field site location: Toromont Energy Systems (Wyoming) Inc., 2289 Renauna Ave., Casper, WY 82601 Dates: February 2 and 3rd 2007 at approximately 6:30 PM. 4. Qualifications of personnel involved in incident: Contact the HOO for details. The licensee was operating a brand new SPEC Model 150 S/N 1030 radiography camera containing a 147 Curie source of Ir-192 when the operator experienced some binding while retracting the source control cable. The operator suspended the radiography operation, contacted SPEC, and performed an inspection of the guide tube and cables. The licensee operator noticed some raised metal in the guide tube and guide spring. SPEC provided replacement source guide cables and guide tubes and those components were replaced. The licensee replaced the control cables and guide tubes and no further binding problems were noticed. There were no personnel overexposures and the potentially defective cables are being inspected by the manufacturer. The licensee believes this is a manufacturers defect given that the equipment is brand new and being used for the first time. Additionally, the licensee has four other SPEC cameras and has not experienced any difficulties. The licensee has discussed this issue with Mr. Montgomery in Region IV. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Source Production Casper, Wyoming (NRC Region) | |
| License number: | 43-29213-01 |
| Organization: | Alpha Testing Labs |
| Reporting | |
| 10 CFR 21.21 | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+141.97 h5.915 days <br />0.845 weeks <br />0.194 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Pete Hanges 16:58 Feb 8, 2007 |
| NRC Officer: | Joe O'Hara |
| Last Updated: | Feb 8, 2007 |
| 43156 - NRC Website | |
Source Production with 10 CFR 21.21 | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 431562007-02-02T19:00:0002 February 2007 19:00:00
[Table view]10 CFR 21.21 Radiography Camera with Potentially Defective Source Control Cables 2007-02-02T19:00:00 | |