ML20044C657

Requests Transfer of Lead Responsibility to NRR for Review of Licensee Evaluation of Battery Seismic Qualification (Mncr 93-PK-1003)

ML20044C657
Person / Time
Site:	Palo Verde
Issue date:	04/12/1993
From:	Perkins K NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION V)
To:	Virgilio M Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 9304230146
Download: ML20044C657 (2)

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UNITED STATES

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8 1450 MARIA LANE

,,8 WALNUT CREEK, CAIJFORNIA 94596-5368 April 12, 1993 MEMORANDUM FOR:

M. J. Virgilio, Assistant Director for Regions IV and V Reactors Division of Reactor Projects, NRR FROM:

K. E. Perkins, Director Division of Reactor Safety and Projects

SUBJECT:

REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF LEAD RESPONSIBILITY - SEISMIC QUAllFICATION OF ESSENTIAL BATTERIES - PALO VERDE

_Backoround - Palo Verde has installed new essential batteries in Units 1 and 3, and are installing these batteries in Unit 2 during the current refueling outage. These batteries were manufactured by AT&T and consist of cylindrical jars in a two-tiered configuration.

Unit I recently experienced small chips around the positive terminal of two cells of these batteries (described in APS Material Nonconformance Report 93-PK-1003, enclosed).

The chips appear to be induced by stresses from the power cables, which are stiff and have only a short run from the hard conduit.

While the chips do not appear to be significant from an electrical standpoint, there may be an unacceptable seismic interaction between the hard conduit, cable, and the batteries.

Another unusual condition is that the battery racks are made of a plastic material, secured with metal rods to the floor.

These conditions were discussed with C. Trammell, NRR, most recently on March 18, 1993, who stated that others in NRR share the concern regarding the seismic qualification of these batteries in this configuration. Photos of the batteries and racks were provided to C. Trammell.

Reauest - We request that NRR review the licensee's evaluation of the battery seismic qualification (MNCR 93-PK-1003). We request this review be completed by July 1, 1993.

Should you have further questions or we can be of further assistance regarding this matter, please call Howard Wong, of my staff, at (510) 975-0296.

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K. E. Perkins, Director Division of Reactor Safety and Projects h_Off430 ins [%

Enclosure:

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2 April 12, 1993 cc w/ enclosure:

M. Virgilio, NRR T. Quay, HRR C. Tramell, NRR C. Hehl, RI E. Merschoff, RII E. Greenman, RIII A. Beach, RIV

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