The following information was received via facsimile:
During a recent refurbishment of a Control Rod Drive (CRD) performed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) for a domestic customer a 360 degree failure of the collet retainer tube fillet weld was identified. This weld is part of the CRD 919D258G003 Cylinder, Tube and Flange (CTF) assembly. The collet retainer tube fillet weld was performed in 1983 and subsequently assembled into a Group 003 part number 919D258G003 CTF. This G003 CTF assembly was assembled into a CRD in 1995 and placed into service in 1996. GEH continues to investigate the cause(s) of the failed fillet weld. Once the cause of the fillet weld failure is determined, GEH will review the extent of condition of this failure as well as the consequences to determine if a reportable condition exists.
There were no adverse effects on the CRD's operation observed due to this failure.
This 60-day interim notification, in accordance with 10CFR Part 21.21(a)(2), will be sent to all BWR/2-6 plants that utilize CRDs equipped with either 919D258G002 or 919D258G003 CTF assemblies.
The affected plants are: Nine Mile Point 1-2, Fermi 2, Columbia, Grand Gulf, River Bend, Fitzpatrick, Pilgrim, Vermont Yankee, Clinton, Dresden 2-3, LaSalle 1-2, Limerick 1-2, Oyster Creek, Peach Bottom 2-3, Quad Cities 1-2, Perry 1, Duane Arnold, Cooper, Susquehanna 1-2, Brunswick 1-2, Hope Creek, Hatch 1 - 2, Browns Ferry 1-3, Monticello, and Millstone.
- * * UPDATE FROM GE HITACHI VIA FAX AT 1259 EDT ON 6/6/12 * * *
GEH has completed the evaluation of this condition and has determined that the failure of Control Rod Drive collet retainer tube fillet weld is not a Reportable Condition as defined by 10CFR Part 21.
Notified R1DO (Cahill), R2DO (Widmann), R3DO (Passehl), R4DO (Gepford) and Part 21 Group (via email).