The following information was received from the State of
Louisiana via email:
On 07/26/2018, [the] Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for ExxonMobil Chemical Co. (ExMCo) reported a multi-source gauge failure to the Department [Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality], LDEQ by e-mail. On 07/25/2018 during routine annual maintenance and pm [preventative maintenance] checks it was discovered the level/density gauge had several shutters stuck in the open position. Three sources would not retract into the shielded position. However, the remaining four sources are functioning properly.
The gauge is a Berthold Technologies USA multi-source device, Model LB 300 IS, utilizing AEA Technologies, Model CKC.P4 sources. There are seven [nominal] 50 mCi Co-60 sources in the device. The sources involved in this malfunction are source #1 s/n 1369-08-02, source #2 s/n 1370-08-02, and source #6 s/n 1374-08-02. All three sources will not retract into the shielded position. The device has a SS&D Registration # TN-1031-D-801-S.
Only one device was manufactured and is no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer is Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, D-75323 Bad Wildbad Germany. The Berthold Model LB300 IS level density gauge is installed on G-Line High Pressure Reactor Vessel, V5300 and G-Line high pressure separator production line.
ExMCo engineers and Flowmaster/Berthold engineers & service company have been contacted to fix the problem by repairing the source holders or replace the device with other comparable technology.
Event type: The gauge is installed on processes and does not pose a health and safety threat to the general public or the ExMCo employees. The gauge will remain on the operational process until the repair is made to the device. This is considered an equipment failure for reporting requirements.
Event Location: ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
Baton Rouge Plastics Plant
11675 Scotland Avenue, (Hwy 19)
Baton Rouge, LA 70807,
Event description: Shutters stuck in the open position or difficult to operate shutters were detected on a level/density gauge installed on processes at ExMCo. A service company has been contacted to make the repair or replace the device. The Department will be provided a final report with corrective actions. The Department was notified and the incident was reported to the NRC Operation Center. The report to the NRC as required by 10 CFR Part 30.50 (b) (2) and required by LAC 33:XV.341.B.2.b.
Louisiana Event: LA 180015