The following is a summary of information received via fax:
Engine Systems Inc. (ESI) began a 10CFR21 evaluation on 02/19/13 upon pressure leakage testing of three (3) fuel injectors, part number 40084720 (s/n 11K23136, 12K20318 & 12K20385), that were returned by TVA-Browns Ferry because they failed a pressure test at the site prior to installation in the engine. Another fuel injector was later returned by TVA (s/n 12K20330) for the same reason. On 3/11/13, ESI received a fuel injector (s/n 12H23003) from First Energy-Davis Besse because the injector failed their on-site pressure leakage test. The pressure test specifies applying 2000 psi to the fuel injector and verifying the pressure does not fall below 1500 psi after 30 seconds.
TVA has been working with ESI to evaluate the reported deviation. ESI has also been working with EMD and EMD's fuel injector supplier to determine the cause of the injector leakage. All parties involved were not able to complete the deviation evaluation within the 60 day time period specified in 10CFR Part 21; therefore, TVA issued an interim report to the NRC about this issue on March 22, 2013 [NRC EN No. 48844]. This report is a follow-up to TVA's interim report.
This evaluation was concluded on 05/02/13 and it was determined that this issue is a reportable defect as defined by 10CFR Part 21. The fuel injector pressure leakage has been attributed to debris that entered the injectors during assembly of the filter elements into the injector body at the manufacturer. A leaking or otherwise improperly functioning fuel injector could affect the load carrying capability of the diesel engine. Fuel dilution of the engine lubricating oil could also occur as a result of a leaking fuel injector. Either of these conditions could impact the operability of the diesel engine and thereby prevent the diesel generator from performing its safety related function.
The following licensees may potentially be affected: FP&L-St. Lucie, Energy Northwest-Columbia, Nextera-Point Beach, Exelon-Dresden, TVA-Browns Ferry, First Energy-Davis Besse, Dominion Va. Power-Surry, Entergy-ANO, and First Energy-Beaver Valley.