ML19209B018
| ML19209B018 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 09/05/1979 |
| From: | Grier B NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| To: | TIMEX CORP. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7910090007 | |
| Download: ML19209B018 (1) | |
Text
0 W
o UNITED STATES D
o NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMiss!ON
[
- ,'g REGION I g
. g 631 PARK AVENUE
' ~,C KING OF PRU!51 A, PENNSYLVANIA 19406 t,
%.',',.. *#e September 5, 1979 License flos. 06-03185-04 06-08185-05E Timex Corporation Park Extension Road Middlebury, Connecticut 06762 Gentlemen:
The enclosed Bulletin 79-22, is forwarded to you for action.
If there are any questions.related to your understanding of the suggested actions, please contact this office.
Sincerely, Y
en Boyce H. Grier Director
Enclosures:
1.
IE Bulletin flo. 79-22 2.
Listing of IE Bulletins Issued in Last 6 Months 007 7910090 f
ENCLOSURE 1 UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C.
20555 IE Bulletin No. 79-22 Date:
September 5, 1979 Page 1 of 2 POSSIBLE LEAKAGE OF TUBES OF TRITIUM GAS USED IN TIMEPIECES FOR LUMINOSITY Description of Circumstances:
In June and July 1979, inspections were performed by the Arizona Atomic Energy Commission with the assistance of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at American Atomics Corporation, Tuscon, Arizona.
American Atomics manufactures small tubes containing tritium gas for distribution to other licensees some of which place the tubes in timepieces for distribution to other companies for sale.
The tubes can contain as much as 200 millicuries of tritium in gaseous form.
The inspection disclosed an allegation regarding irregularities in quality control during manufacture or testing of the tubes.
A few tubes were reported by consignees as having lost luminosity indicating the tritium had leaked out of the tubes.
Action to be Taken by NRC Licensees who Received Tubes Containing Gaseous Tritium from American Atomics Corporation:
1.
Examine a miriimum of 100 tabes in stock to determine if complete luminosity is lost, indicating either loss of tritium or that tritium may not have been put in the tubes.
Report in writing:
(a) the total number of tubes in stock at the time of sampling, (b) the number of tubes examined, and (c) the number of tubes with apparent loss of luminosity (i.e., failure).
2.
Select a random sample of at least 100 tubes from stock supplies and soak test the tubes in lots of five for 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> in a volume of water equal to 10 times the volume of the tubes to determine leakage of tritium.
Report in writi,g:
(a) the number of tubes in stock when the sample was selected, (b) tne total number of tubes that were tested, and (c) the number of five tube lots found to be leaking in excess of 50 nanocuries per 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
jj}fg 3. For those licensees who also possess an NRC exempt distribution license for distribution to the public of timepieces containing tritium gas tubes, report in writing: (a) the number of failures during quality assurance testing of completed lot e drop tests, etc.) (b) the lot size <' the testing was performed by the ri DUPLICATE DOCUMENT Atomics Corporation. The reports si quarter of 1979. Entire document previously entered into system under: 79o # 2 //7 aNO No. of pages:}}