ML12079A151

NRR E-mail Capture - St. Lucie Units 1 & 2 - Metamic Inserts

ML12079A151
Person / Time
Site:	Saint Lucie
Issue date:	03/16/2012
From:	Wasik C Florida Power & Light Co
To:	Orf T Plant Licensing Branch II
References
Download: ML12079A151 (2)

Text

NRR-PMDAPEm Resource From: Wasik, Chris [Chris.Wasik@fpl.com]

Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 4:42 PM To: Orf, Tracy Cc: Abbott, Liz; Hoffman, Jack; Howard, Angeline; Kabadi, Jay

Subject:

St. Lucie Units 1 & 2 - METAMIC Inserts Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged

Trace, As discussed in the St. Lucie Unit 1 and Unit 1 EPU License Amendment Requests (ML103560419 & ML110730116), , Section 2.8.6.2, FPL will be installing METAMICTM inserts in the spent fuel storage pools. In a recent conversation, you indicated that a technical reviewer was interested in the boron carbide (B4C) content of the St. Lucie METAMICTM inserts. In particular, you noted that there was a question if the B4C content could exceed 31 w/o, because an EPRI study demonstrated a degradation in mechanical properties above 31 w/o.

EPRI Report 1003137, Qualification of METAMIC for Spent-Fuel Storage Applications, October 2001, discusses testing performed on METAMICTM. Page 7-2 of this report provides a summary of the results of accelerated radiation testing and attributes the degradation in mechanical properties "to fast neutron embrittlement of the aluminum alloy matrix which would not be a factor in wet or dry storage applications." Since the St. Lucie application of METAMICTM is limited to fuel storage, there is no concern for this type of degradation.

The St. Lucie METAMICTM inserts are described in responses to NRC requests for additional information (FPL letters L-2011-523 and L-2011-524, dated December 27, 2011; ML11364A044 and ML11364A043 respectively). These letters include a description of the METAMICTM inserts and note that a minimum B4C content of 24.5 w/o is specified. The letters also discuss the sample coupons to be used in the surveillance program and that "The coupons are identical in composition and manufacturing process as the METAMICTM inserts." FPL has received the 20 METAMICTM coupons to be installed in the spent fuel pools (10 per unit). The Certificate of Compliance provided with the coupons documents the B4C content for each of the 20 coupons. The B4C content of the St. Lucie coupons ranges from a low of 25.07 w/o to a high of 25.98 w/o. None of the St. Lucie coupons had B4C content of 31 w/o or greater.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Regards, Chris Wasik Acting LAR Project Manager St. Lucie Plant Extended Power Uprate Project 772-467-7138 1

Hearing Identifier: NRR_PMDA Email Number: 300 Mail Envelope Properties (9CE4DFB2252F6845896941E2BA86FFD60C0C291C7F)

Subject:

St. Lucie Units 1 & 2 - METAMIC Inserts Sent Date: 3/16/2012 4:41:35 PM Received Date: 3/16/2012 4:40:03 PM From: Wasik, Chris Created By: Chris.Wasik@fpl.com Recipients:

"Abbott, Liz" <Liz.Abbott@fpl.com>

Tracking Status: None "Hoffman, Jack" <Jack.Hoffman@fpl.com>

Tracking Status: None "Howard, Angeline" <ANGELINE.HOWARD@fpl.com>

Tracking Status: None "Kabadi, Jay" <Jay.Kabadi@fpl.com>

Tracking Status: None "Orf, Tracy" <Tracy.Orf@nrc.gov>

Tracking Status: None Post Office: GOXEXVS02.fplu.fpl.com Files Size Date & Time MESSAGE 2212 3/16/2012 4:40:03 PM Options Priority: Standard Return Notification: No Reply Requested: No Sensitivity: Normal Expiration Date:

Recipients Received: Follow up