ML20009C613
| ML20009C613 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | University of Buffalo |
| Issue date: | 07/15/1981 |
| From: | Henry L NEW YORK, STATE UNIV. OF, BUFFALO, NY |
| To: | John Miller Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8107210268 | |
| Download: ML20009C613 (2) | |
Text
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State University c f NewY;rk ct Buffal 2 i
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NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITY FILE RE:
File #200.2.1.1 Ref. Docket 50-57 License #R-77 July 15, 1981
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\\ $ / /'O Mr. James R. Miller V
h Chief of Standards and Special Projects Branch g* j'
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.y Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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L'! JU Division of Licensing I ( (,, L ", 0 1981
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Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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Washington, D. C.
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Dear Mr. Miller:
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Report of equipment failure causTris non-compliance with Technical Specifications.
This letter is being submitted to document recent events at the Nuclear Facility and to provide documentation of statements made to the Cotanission by phone on 7/14/81.
On Friday morning 7/10/81, a routine check of our Emergency Core Cooling System was performed.
It did not function properly to the extent that the solenoid valve would not re-close after the test was completed. The reactor was shut-down at the time of the test. The valve was disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. No visible signs of wear, breakage or other cause of failure was apparent but it still did not function. The staff member best qualified' to work on the valve was out of town for the _ weekend. This person and others worked on the valve on Monday and Tuesday without finding a cause of failure.
The reactor was operated beginning Sunday evening.
The valve manufacturer was consulted on Tuesday af ternoon. Ilis only suggestion was to replace the valve internal parts. Since this would require
- at least 'l or 2 more days to accomplish, it was deemed appropriate to inform the NRC"Regiori 1 of our problem and obtain their interpretation of our Tech-Specs.
Our Tech. Specs. describe an AUTOMATIC ECCS system and makes no provision for removing it from service. We continued to operate the reactor because the system, if needed, could have been operated manually and so the safety of the reactor was not compromised.
In talking to Mr. Gallo of Regie 1 Inst cion and Enforcement rnd Mr. Carter of :Plent Licensing, it was stated that if the systc; did ".:;. operate automatically, we were in Technical violation of our license. As soon as we were informed of this opinion, the reactor was shut-
-down and secured.
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/o 8107210268 810/15 PDR ADOCK 05000057 S
PDR ROTARY ROAD. BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14214 TEL.(716)431-2826 (FoRMERLY WESTERN NEW YORK NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTER, INC.)
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Mr. James R. Miller, NRC July 15, 1981
- Chief of Standards and Special' Page Projects Branch
'We will not operate the' reactor at all until the system is fully functional.
(An operator exam was scheduled -for the 15th and had to be cancelled). New internal parts for the valve are being afF freighted to us.
If the parts. do not correct the problem, an~ entirely new valve will be obtained.
. To prevent this problem from recurring in the future, we plan to stock replacc'ent parts for the valve internals.
We would like to point out that the Safety Analysis Report for our reactor addresses the problem of pool water loss.
It clearly states that a gross loss of pool water preceeded by long term operation.at full power would NOT cause.
Ldamage to the PULSTAR core. The ECCS is a holdover from our original MTR type fuel. 'Our new Tech. Specs, submitted for a facility license renewal has omitted the requirement for an autanatic valve.
This change has not yet been evaluated or approved.
In talking to Inspection and Enforcenent, it would seen that they do not have a copy of our "in force" Tech. Specs. A copy is being enclosed with this letter to. Inspection and Enforcement.
Hopefully our actions will resolve our problem to everyones satisfaction.
We will resume operation as soon as the ECCS system is fully functional. If additional information on this matter is required, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours, OfM Louis G. Henry LGH: maw Acting Director cc: NRC Inspection and Enforcement Enc.: Technical Specifications to I 6 E i
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