The following information is a synopsis of a report received from
Flowserve - Limitorque via facsimile:
During routine Motor Operated Valve testing of a Limitorque SMB-000 actuator prior to being placed into operation, Duke Energy, Catawba Nuclear Station measured motor current readings higher than expected. This actuator was equipped with a 2 ft-lb motor. This motor was returned to Limitorque and subsequently to the motor Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Investigation revealed that this motor was a 5 ft-lb motor mislabeled with the nameplate from a 2 ft-lb motor which explains the measured current draw.
This notification is limited to a quantity of two motors for Limitorque SMB-000 actuators. Both affected licensees have been notified of this occurrence and both motors have been returned to Flowserve - Limitorque for replacement. [Catawba and Arkansas Nuclear One]
The defect which occurred is that the 2 ft - lb motor was identified on the nameplate as a 5 ft - lb motor. Similarly the 5 ft - lb motor was identified on the nameplate as a 2 ft - lb motor. Had these motors been placed into service, this defect has the potential to affect safety related operation due to a possible reduction of MOV capability.
The cause of the defect was due to two motor nameplates being inadvertently interchanged by Flowserve personnel during the painting process prior to shipment. The two motors which are both 48 frame, SMB-000 flanged, Baldor Reliance AC motors were being painted in the same timeframe. The painting process requires the OEM supplied nameplate to be temporarily separated from the motor. Upon the completion of the painting process, Flowserve personnel inadvertently interchanged the nameplates resulting in the 2 ft-lb motor being incorrectly identified as a 5 ft-lb motor. Similarly the 5 ft-lb motor was incorrectly identified on the nameplate as a 2 ft-lb motor. Inspections of the returned motors by Flowserve and the motor OEM confirmed the problem.
To prevent recurrence of this issue,
Flowserve has reviewed and strengthened the relevant procedures regarding verification of motor identification during the installation of the
OEM supplied motor nameplate. All personnel associated with this process have been trained by
Flowserve QA to the latest revision of the procedures.