ENS 44584
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
17:02 Oct 21, 2008 | |
| Title | Irofs Failure in Area 600 |
| Event Description | Area 600 uses a flammable gas as part of its operation. IROFS FIRE6-6 is a control that prevents the flammable gas from exiting the main process equipment and being released into an attached glovebox. FIRE6-6 makes use of a dual door system, only one door is allowed to be open at a time and the chamber between the doors is purged. The accident scenario of concern is release of the flammable gas into the glovebox and an explosion in the building. IROFS FIRE6-8, 6-1 and 6-9 ensure an inert gas purge occurs prior to opening the main process equipment to the glovebox and are also credited as IROFS.
The equipment associated with FIRE6-6 is designated as Safety Related Equipment (SRE) and is functionally tested annually. The test was performed on October 21, 2008. The test failed because when one door was open, the 2nd door opened slightly (approx 1 inch). Though there are mitigating factors such as potential dilution of the flammable gas through the glovebox ventilation system, it was determined that IROFS FIRE6-6 was degraded and that the performance criteria of 10CFR70.61 were not met. The event occurred due to a degraded IROFS that was discovered during a periodic functional test. Initial investigation indicates that a failed position switch is the cause. [The potential health and safety consequences are] a potential explosion in a glovebox and release of radiological material and exposure to the worker. No actual explosion or radiological exposure occurred. Discussed situation with Safety management and with NRC Resident Inspector. Operations has locked out the flammable gas supply on Area 600 until the equipment associated with FIRE6-6 is fixed and the SRE test passes. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. Erwin, Tennessee (NRC Region 2) | |
| License number: | SNM-124 |
| Reporting | |
| Part 70 App A (B)(2) | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+0.07 h0.00292 days <br />4.166667e-4 weeks <br />9.5886e-5 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Randy Shackelford 17:06 Oct 21, 2008 |
| NRC Officer: | Jeff Rotton |
| Last Updated: | Oct 22, 2008 |
| 44584 - NRC Website | |
Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. with Part 70 App A (B)(2) | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 561492022-10-05T19:00:0005 October 2022 19:00:00
[Table view]Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degradation of Safety Items ENS 448872009-03-03T05:00:0003 March 2009 05:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degradation of Item Relied on for Safety (Irofs) ENS 447402008-12-23T12:49:00023 December 2008 12:49:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degraded Safety Equipment ENS 445842008-10-21T17:02:00021 October 2008 17:02:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Irofs Failure in Area 600 ENS 441042008-03-28T14:00:00028 March 2008 14:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Filters Not Scanned Properly for Activity Prior to Packaging ENS 415232005-03-24T19:00:00024 March 2005 19:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2)
2022-10-05T19:00:00 | |