ENS 45326
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
04:00 Aug 17, 2009 | |
| Title | Part 21 - Faulty Emergency Diesel Generator Start-Up Solenoid Valve |
| Event Description | The following is excerpted from a fax received from the reporting organization:
Engine Systems Inc. (ESI) began a 10CFR21 deviation evaluation on 08/17/09 after Brunswick Nuclear Plant (BNP) notified ESI of a failure of one of their air start solenoid valves. The valve failure reportedly occurred on 08/02/09 as indicated by a slow start of the safety-related emergency diesel generator during a surveillance run. This caused the diesel generator to be declared inoperable. Subsequently, ESI opened up an internal work order to receive back the failed valve (S/N 1230588) as well as two more valves believed to be suspect (S/Ns 1230583 and 1230586). Soon after, another internal work order was opened up to receive and evaluate 10 additional air start solenoid valves from BNP inventory. ESI completed the evaluation on 8/31/09 and determined the issue to be reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 21, 'Reporting of Defects and Non-compliance.' The solenoid actuated valve in question opens when energized and closes when de-energized. "The valve is installed in-line with the starting air piping via 2" NPT connections in the valve body and is utilized for two applications on the Nordberg diesel engine. Upon receipt of a diesel generator start signal, the valve is energized and directs the starting air supply to either the starting air header of the diesel engine or turbocharger jet assist piping. Failure of the valve in these applications could result in a failure of the diesel engine to start and therefore prevent the diesel generator from performing its safety-related function. A total quantity of four valves are used per engine; one installed in the left bank starting air piping, one in the right bank starting air piping, and two in parallel supplying the turbocharger jet assist. ESI's investigation determined that in failed valves, the upper DC sleeve had dislodged from the solenoid housing and slid down the bonnet, contacting the lower DC sleeve. This action disrupts the magnetic field to the extent that the valve will not function properly. ESI has supplied a total quantity of 33 [of the affected] solenoid valves and all were supplied to BNP. There are only two utilities that use Nordberg diesel engines for safety-related power supply and BNP is the only nuclear site ESI is aware of that uses the [affected] valve. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Engine Systems, Inc Rocky Mount, North Carolina (NRC Region 1) | |
| Organization: | Engine Systems, Inc |
| Reporting | |
| 10 CFR 21.21 | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+420.2 h17.508 days <br />2.501 weeks <br />0.576 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Paul Stepantschenko 16:12 Sep 3, 2009 |
| NRC Officer: | Eric Simpson |
| Last Updated: | Sep 3, 2009 |
| 45326 - NRC Website | |
Engine Systems, Inc with 10 CFR 21.21, Notification of failure to comply or existence of a defect and its evaluation | |
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