ML19273C116

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Discusses LER 79-012/01T-0 Re Steam Generator Tube Deterioration from Caustic Corrision in Tubesheet Crevice. Matter Is of Low Safety Importance.Investigation Continues Re Deep Crevice Corrosion Phenomena
ML19273C116
Person / Time
Site: Point Beach NextEra Energy icon.png
Issue date: 08/20/1979
From: Burstein S
WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER CO.
To: Schwencer A
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML19273C117 List:
References
NUDOCS 7908270420
Download: ML19273C116 (1)


Text

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O wisconsin Electnc ma couraur 231 W. MICHIGAN, P.O. BOX 2046 MILWAUKEE, WI $3201 August 20, 1979 -

Mr. A. Schwencer, Chief Operating Reactors Branch 1 Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U. S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20555

Dear Mr. Schwencer:

STEAM GENERATOR TUBE DEGRADATION POINT BEACH NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT 1 DOCKET S0-266 Licensee Event Report 79-012/0lT-0 (copy attached) describes the results of the eddy current examination of the Point Beach Unit 1 steam generator tubes conducted during an outage which ended on August 19, 1979.

As you will note, the report concerns tube deterioration in the Unit 1 steam generators, which is attributed to caustic corrosicn in the tubesheet crevice. This phenomenon has become of increasing ina. rest and concern in the last few years with the type of steam generator which has only partially rolled tubes in the tubesheet. This corrosion phenomenon appears to have taken a significant increase in the two steam generators at Point Beach Unit 1.

From a safety aspect, however, you are aware, that this type of defect is of relatively low safety significance. As experience has demon-strated, the restrictive effect of the approximately .007" annular crevice 3round the tube controls the maximum primary-to-secondary leakage potential in the event of a developing crack. This throttling effect restricts leakage flow, permitting a normal and controlled plant shutdown when cracks develop.

As you are also aware, investigations in respect to deep crevice corrosion phenomenon have been in progress for some time. They will, of course, continue to be vigorously pursued, particularly in the light of this new evidence at Point Beach, with a view of confiming the causes and developing methods to arrest further deterioration. We would be pleased to discuss the results of our investigations with the NRC Staff as the results become available.

Very truly yours, i9ff827 cMLO 1 ,

Sol Burstein xec tiv Vice President 1 Attachment I  !