ML20034B008
| ML20034B008 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07100192 |
| Issue date: | 04/09/1990 |
| From: | Bernero R NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Duffy L ENERGY, DEPT. OF |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20034B009 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9004250210 | |
| Download: ML20034B008 (2) | |
See also: IR 07100192/1989006
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Mr. Leo P. Duffy, Director
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Environmental
andWasteManagement(EM-1)
Washington, D.C.
20545
Dear Mr. Duffy:
I would like to keep you apprised of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-
(NRC) quality assurance inspections of the fabrication of-the TRUPACT-II
packages at the Pacific Nuclear Systems, Inc., (NUPAC) facilities in Carlsbad,
New Mexico. The NRC inspections have identified a number of nonconformances
with NUPAC's NRC-approved Quality Assurance Program.
During the first inspection, conducted on September 26-28, 1989 two crack
indications were identified on the weld radiographs for'two packages. Other
nonconformances concerning radiography were also identified (see enclosed-
Inspection Report: 710192/89-06).' As a result, NUPAC was requested to
reevaluate all radiographs taken up to that time. A total of 71 indications
(including cracks, porosity, and incomplete fusions) were identified,-in-
volving all 12 units in production.
Upon notification-that NUPAC had taken corrective action, NRC conducted a-
followup inspection on February 13-14, 1990.
Review of the radiography of
the weld repairs indicated that the code requirements were_ met, and that the
radiography techniques were greatly improved. However, the inspection team
found discrepancies with the wall-thickness on all the fabricated TRUPACT-II
packages. Specifically, the required nominal wall-thickness of 0.25 inch
was ground to below this value into the range of 0.092 to 0.152 -inch-(see
enclosed Inspection Report: 710192/90-04). After the inspection, NUPAC was
advised that the procedure followed was not appropriate and the resulting
wall-thickness was not acceptable. NUPAC has voluntarily placed a hold on
the release'of all TRUPACT-II packages affected, until the matter is resolved.
We are prepared to meet with NUPAC to~ discuss any proposed action to resolve
this issue.
In the meantime, NUPAC has advised us that it plans to fabricate 15 new
packages, and to deliver 6 of them in July / August 1990. We plan to conduct
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additional inspections of the NVPAC activities.
If you have any questions
on the inspection program, you may contact Mr. Robert F. Burnett,(Director -
Division of Safeguards and Transportation, who can be reached on 301)492-3365.
Sincerely,
@gned) Robert M. 850M
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Robert M. Bernero, Director
Office of Nuclear Material Safety.
and Safeguards
Enclosures:
1.
Inspection Report 710192/89 06
2.
Inspection Report 710192/90-04
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