ML16301A268
| ML16301A268 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/15/1987 |
| From: | Kerr W Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards |
| To: | Stello V NRC/EDO |
| References | |
| D871015 | |
| Download: ML16301A268 (2) | |
Text
D871015 Mr. Victor Stello, Jr.
Executive Director for Operations U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555
Dear Mr. Stello:
SUBJECT:
ACRS COMMENTS ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AIR COOLING SYSTEMS During the 330th meeting of the ACRS, October 8-10, 1987, we discussed a report from our Subcommittee on Auxiliary Systems regarding heating, venti-lating, and air conditioning system failures and their impact on safety systems. This matter was discussed on June 27, 1986 during a joint meeting of the ACRS Subcommittees on Occupational and Environmental Protection Systems and on Auxiliary Systems. It was also discussed by the Auxiliary Systems Subcommittee during a meeting held on October 1, 1987. The Subcom-mittees had the benefit of discussions with representatives of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the document referenced.
During the June 27, 1986 meeting, representatives of the NRC Staff stated that failures of air cooling systems for areas housing key components (for example, RHR pumps, switch gear, diesel generators, etc.) in certain nuclear power plants contribute significantly to estimated core-melt frequencies.
Because corrective measures are often taken once potential cooling system failures are identified, the impact of these potential failures on the proper functioning of these systems has not been reflected in the final PRAs issued for these plants. As a result, some members of the NRC Staff and some licensees whose plants have similar deficiencies may not be aware of these problems.
Based on these observations, we recommend that the NRC Staff examine the extent to which these problems may be generic and take any corrective actions deemed necessary.
Sincerely, William Kerr Chairman
Reference:
Presentation material provided by Arthur Buslik, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, before a joint meeting on June 27, 1986 of the ACRS Subcommittees
on Occupational and Environmental Protection Systems and on Auxiliary Sys-tems.