The following information was received from the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania via fax:
Notifications: This was originally reported to the NMED within 30-days per 10 CFR 34.101 (a)(2) on May 5, 2011 and was assigned NMED Number 110278; however, after further evaluation it was determined it should have also been reported under 10 CFR 30.50 which requires immediate reporting.
Event Description: TEI Analytical Services was performing gamma radiography of pipe welds at its facility in Washington, PA. During the first exposure, the radiography source assembly was unable to be retracted to its shielded position due to excessive bend in the guide tube. When retraction of the source was attempted resistance was encountered within 1/4 turn of full retraction. The source was returned to the collimator and a second attempt was made to retract the source. Again, resistance was encountered at the same location. Additional attempts to retract the source were terminated and the RSO was notified.
Equipment information:
Exposure Device: Make: Source Production and Equipment Company
Device Model: SPEC-150
Serial #:0418
Date Quarterly Inspection/Maintenance performed: 03/08/2011
Sealed Source: Isotope: Ir-192
Make: Source Production and Equipment Company
Model: G-60
Serial #: SB2506 .
Activity: 105 Ci (3885 GBq)
Cause of the Event: Exceeding the maximum 6 [inch] radius bend for guide tube. A longer tube would have prevented the event.
Actions: The device was operated by the RSO to retract the source conventionally and the resistance was significant. The RSO made one entry to the area to lower the stand height; thereby, decreasing the radius of the guide tube. Total time for the entry was 11 seconds including walking to the stand from the shieldwall and return. Time to lower stand was 2 seconds. The source was cranked back into the device and the event was terminated. The equipment was disassembled and inspected by the RSO. No physical damage was evident to the guide tube, or to the external/internal materials of the guide tube.
PA Event Report ID No. PA110010