ML13086A253
| ML13086A253 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Browns Ferry  |
| Issue date: | 03/22/2013 |
| From: | Polson K Tennessee Valley Authority |
| To: | Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML13086A253 (4) | |
Text
Tennessee Valley Authority, Post Office Box 2000, Decatur, Alabama 35609-2000 March 22, 2013 10 CFR Part 21 ATTN: Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, and 3 Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-33, DPR-52, and DPR-68 NRC Docket Nos. 50-259, 50-260, and 50-296
Subject:
10 CFR Part 21 Interim Report - Diesel Generator Fuel Injectors Failed a Pressure Test The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently identified that three (3) fuel injectors that were to be used on the 3A Emergency Diesel Generator failed a pressure test. Corrective Action Program documents were written to document the failure of the fuel injectors to pass a pressure test and to require performance of an engineering evaluation of the condition. It was concluded that this condition has the potential to constitute a reportable condition pursuant to Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 10 CFR Part 21, "Reporting of Defects and Noncompliance," and, as such, requires additional evaluation.
The TVA is working with Engine Systems, Inc., to determine the cause of failure of the fuel injectors. At this time, the evaluation is not expected to be complete until May 31, 2013.
Pursuant to the reporting requirements of 10 CFR Part 21.21 (a)(2), if the evaluation of the deviation or failure to comply potentially associated with a substantial safety hazard cannot be completed within 60 days (i.e., by March 23, 2013), an interim report must be submitted to the NRC. The enclosure to this letter provides information required by 10 CFR Part 21.21 (a)(2) for the interim report of this condition.
<6
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Page 2 March 22, 2013 There are no new regulatory commitments contained in this letter. Should you have any questions concerning this submittal, please contact J. E. Emens, Jr., Nuclear Site Licensing Manager, at (256) 729-2636.
Respectfully, Vice President
Enclosure:
10 CFR Part 21 Interim Report - Diesel Generator Fuel Injectors Failed a Pressure Test cc (w/ Enclosure):
NRC Regional Administrator - Region II NRC Senior Resident Inspector - Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant
Enclosure Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, Units 1, 2, and 3 10 CFR Part 21 Interim Report Diesel Generator Fuel Iniectors Failed a Pressure Test
10 CFR Part 21 Interim Report - Diesel Generator Fuel Injectors Failed a Pressure Test Name and Address of the Individual Making the Interim Report Mr. K. J. Poison Vice President Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant Tennessee Valley Authority Post Office Box 2000 Decatur, Alabama 35609-2000 Identification of the facility, the activity, or basic component supplied for such facility or such activity within the United States which fails to comply or contains a defect (under evaluation)
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently identified that three (3) fuel injectors that were to be installed on the 3A Emergency Diesel Generator at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant failed a pressure test. The fuel injectors were to be installed as part of a maintenance activity on the 3A emergency diesel generator. However, these injectors could have been installed on any emergency diesel generator at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
Identification of the firm constructing the facility or supplying the basic component which fails to comply or contains a defect (under evaluation)
Engine Systems, Inc (ESI) 175 Freight Road Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 Description of the Deviation or Failure to Comply that is being Evaluated There are twenty fuel injectors on each diesel generator in use at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Three fuel injectors failed to pass a pressure test prior to their installation on the 3A emergency diesel generator and were returned to ESI for a failure analysis.
It should be noted that an ESI Service Advisory (MR H-2005-0007) on fuel injectors is located on the NRC web site and is dated February 16, 2005. This service advisory addresses the possible failure of fuel injectors due to sticking and seizing of the needle in the spray tip.
Evaluation Status ESI is performing tests on the fuel injectors to determine the cause of failure. ESI has advised that a failure report is expected to be sent to TVA near the end of April, 2013.
Date on which Evaluation will be Completed The evaluation being performed by TVA is expected to be completed on or before May 31, 2013. TVA will submit a Part 21 report in accordance with regulatory requirements if it is concluded that a reportable condition exists.
1