ML19351D816

Forwards Request for Addl Info Re Containment Sumps & Insulation for Operating Reactors

ML19351D816
Person / Time
Site:	Millstone
Issue date:	11/06/1980
From:	Clark R Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Counsil W NORTHEAST NUCLEAR ENERGY CO.
References
NUDOCS 8011200069
Download: ML19351D816 (4)

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0,i UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION O

E WASHINGTON, D. C. 20566 November 6, 1980

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f-Docket No. 50-336 Gi b

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Mr. W. G. Counsil Vice President Nuclear Engineering & Operations Northeast Nuclear Energy Company P. O. Box 27D Hartford, Connecticut 06101

SUBJECT:

INFORMATION REQUEST REGARDING CONTAINMENT SUMPS AND INSULATION FOR OPERATING REACTORS, TAP A-43 During our reviews of license applications we have identified concerns related to the containment sump design and its effect on long term cooling following a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA).

These concerns are related to:

(1)creationofdebriswhichwould potentially block the sump screens and flow passages in the ECCS and the core, (2) inadequate NPSH of the pumps taking suction from the containment sump, (3) air entrainment from streams of water or eam which can cause loss of adequate NPSH, (4) formation of vortick. lich can cause loss of adequate NPSH, air entrainment and suction of floding debris into the ECCS and (5) inadequate emergency procedures and operator training to enable a correct response to these problems.

Preoperational recirculation tests performed by utilities have consistently identified the need for plant modifications. The NRC has, therefore, begun a generic program to resolve these concerns.

As part of the Unresolved Safety Issue (USI) effort to evaluate the performance of containment sumps for operating reactors (TAP A-43, Containment Emergency Sump Reliability), a series of sump tests covering l

typical designs will be performed under contract by the Alden Research i

Laboratory. The test facility has been constructed and shakedown i

testing is underway.

Information from operating reactor licensees is required to assist us in developing the appropriate range of test parameters and to evaluate the potential significance of debris formation from insulation materials within containment.

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In order for the information from operating plants to De used as input to this series of sump test, which commenced in October 1980, we request that you provide the data requested in the enclosure to this letter within 90 days of its receipt.

If you have any questions on this subject, please contact us-Since y,

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b iRobert A. Clark, Chief Operating Reactors Branch #3 Division of Licensing

Enclosure:

As stated cc: w/ enclosure Service List e

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l Information Request From Operatino PWR Licensees l.

Provide a drawing of the containment sump showing important design features (e.g., debris screening, divider plates, etc.) and dimensions.

Provide a drawing showing location in the containment building and the location relative to the reactor primary system.

The location and configuration of the suction lines for recirculation, relative to the containment sump should also be shown.

For. facilities which have performed. successful sump flow tests, reference to the docketed results of those tests will fulfill this request.

2.

For each type of thermal insulation used in the containment (particularly within the crane wall envelop), provide the following information:

a) type of material including composition and density; b) manufacturer and brand name; c) method of attachment; i

d) location and quantity in concainment of each type.

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Northeast Nuclear raargy Company cc:

Mr. John Shediosky William H. Cuddy, Esquire Resident Inspector / Millstone Day, Berry & Howard c/o U.S. NRC Counselors at Law P. O. Drawer KK One Constitution Plaza Niantic, CT 06357 Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Mr. Charles B. Brin'< man Anthony Z. Roisman Manager - Washington Nuclear Natural Resources Defense Council Operations 917 15th Street, N.W.

C-E Power Systems Washington, D.C.

20005 Combustion Engir.eering, Inc.

Mr. ' Lawrence Bettencourt. First Selectman 4853 Cordell Ave., Suite A-1 '

Bethesda, Maryland 20014

. Town of Waterford Hall of Records - 200 Boston Post Road Waterford, Connecticut 06385 Northeast Nuclear Energy Company

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ATTN:

Superintendent Millstone Plant Connecticut Energy Agency Post Office Box 128 ATTN: Assistant Director, Research Waterford, Connecticut 06385 and Policy Development Department of Planning and Energy Director Technical Assessment Policy i

Division 20 Grand Street Office of Radiation Programs Hartford Connecticut 06106 (AW-459)

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Crystal Mall #2 Arlington, Virginia 20460 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region I Office ATTN:

EIS COORDINATOR John F. Kennedy Federal Building Boston, Massachusetts 02203 l

Waterford Public 1.ibrary Rope Ferry Road, Route 156 Waterford, Connecticut 063C5 Northeast Utilities Service Company ATIN: Mr. James R. Hinine1 wright Nuclear Engineering and 0perations P. O. Box 270 Hartford, C,onnecticu,t 06101 s

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