ML19322C622
| ML19322C622 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 09/14/1979 |
| From: | NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| TASK-TF, TASK-TMR NUDOCS 8001180175 | |
| Download: ML19322C622 (2) | |
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(,y p, NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 5"
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,e, o-gA fummary of Interview With Lonergan Valve Co.
Herman J. Obert, Counsel Richard Anderson, President Bill Roach, Assistant to President at Office of Herman Obert 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
September 14, 1979 Lonergan valves were used for at least two applications in TMI-2; (1) main-steam relief valves and (2) quench tank valve in containment.
Lonergan did not know until after the accident that their valves were used in the quench tank.
The purpose of this interview was to discuss the replacement of the Lonergan main steam relief valves.
Lonergan's contacts prior to the April 23, 1978 valve problem were with Jersey Central Power / Light (one of the three GPU subsidiaries) and with Burns & Roe, the Architect / Engineer firm that wrote the technical specifications for the valves.
The invitation to bid dates back to 1969. The valves were delivered to TMI-2 in October 1975. After installation the valves were tested in October 1977.
Lonergan believes an NRC inspector was present at that test. Lonergan supplied 13 valves -- 12 plus one spare.
Following the April 23 problem there was a meeting held in May, attended by representatives from Lonergan, Burns & Roe, and GPU.
Lonergan stated that the B&R representative seemed intent on cutting down Lonergan's credibility since one of Lonergan's premises was that the B&R-designed exhaust piping was partially at fault.
Just prior to Memorial Day we?kend, Bob Arnold and Arnold's assistant called Bill Roach to arrange for three valves to be delivered to Lonergan for rehabilitation.
Delivery was planned, then cancelled, then reestablished.
GPU wanted the valves back Monday fellowing Memorial Day.
Dick Anderson felt the emphasis was clearly to fix the valves in a hurry and that Lonergan was not given enough time.
Lonergan, he says, works with lots of utilities and GPU is a standout as a prototype for the China Syndrome movh.
Other utilities are not that way; they don't pressure you.
A. J. (Jerry) Schmidt is Lonergan's Sr. Engineer.
8001180175
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~ i:- At no time prior to June 27, 1975 was an end date for testing ever mentioned.
Dollars per day lost was mentioned, but never an end date.
In a letter dated June 27, 1978, GPU gave Lonergan formal notice that the valves did not meet performance requirements and that the valves are delaying commer-cial operation of THI-2.
During the 64 day period (April 23 to June 27) Lonergan did extensive testing but the condition of the valves inhibited them from performing up to par.
After the conclusion of'the Huntsville, Alabama testing, Dick Anderson called R. W. Heward to allow one of the valves to remain in Huntsville for additional testing by Lonergan.
Up to this point GPU had total control over the Hunts-ville test program. Ron Williams, GPU, was calling the shots at Huntsville.
If repair parts were needed, at least 16-26 weeks would be required to obtain them.
An official inspector (not NRC) told Lonergan that "they have people standing on each others shoulders trying to get the plant completed."
Lonergan met-in Parsippany with GPU to determine why the valves had been rejected.
In November 1978, Lonergan filed suit in U.S. District Court.
A copy of the brief including the June 27, 1978 letter from GPU was supplied by.Mr. Obert.
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