ML20045H001
| ML20045H001 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Zion File:ZionSolutions icon.png |
| Issue date: | 07/12/1993 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20045G995 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9307160230 | |
| Download: ML20045H001 (2) | |
Text
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e*/i E UNITED STATES g I J NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g
j WASHINGTON. D.C. 2055bOOO1 SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION RELATED TO AMENDMENT NO. 147 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO DPR-39 2
AND AMENDMENT NO. 135 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. DPR-48 COMMONWEALTH EDISON COMPANY ZION NUCLEAR POWER STATION. UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-295 AND 50-304
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In a letter dated May 26, 1993, Commonwealth Edison Company (CECO, the licensee) requested a Technical Specification (TS) amendment to Section 4.15.1.E.2 of the Surveillance Requirements and Section 4.15 of the Bases that would delete the requirement to perform quarterly equalization charges of the station 125-volt DC batteries and place the frequency and the duration of the battery equalization charges under licensee control. The change was requested as part of the licensee's implementation of the Generic Letter (GL) 91-18 I
philosophy that equipment that is not available to perform its intended safety function while undergoing surveillance testing must be considered inoperable.
The change would permit the adjustment of equalization charge voltages, durations, and frequency in accordance with the battery manufacturer's recommendations.
I 2.0 EVALUATION Section 4.15.1.E.2 currently requires measurements to be taken on a quarterly basis for the station 125-volt DC batteries for (1) the voltage of each cell to the nearest 0.01 volt, (2) the specific gravity of each cell, and (3) the temperature of every fifth cell.
In addition, the electrolyte level is checked and adjusted as required, and all data is recorded - including the amount of water added to any cell. Upon completion of these activities, the
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performance of a 24 hour2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br /> equalization charge is required.
However, when the original batteries were replaced with lead calcium batteries in the i
mid-1980's, the requirement to perform a 24-hour equalization charge every quarter was no longer applicable, since the new batteries have the flexibility to use an equalization charge of longer duration and lower voltage.
To perform a 24-hour equalization charge under the current requirement, the battery must be separated from the battery bus by opening a breaker, because the required charging voltage for a 24-hour equu ization charge is approximately 140-volts, which is in excess of the maximum qualification voltage for some of the equipment on the 125-volt DC bus.
With the new lead calcium batteries, the equalization charge duration can be extended and the i
voltage reduced, to the point that the battery need not be separated from the l
battery bus, thus reducing the potential for human error in the switching operations.
Since the battery would, therefore, be operable and available to perform its intended safety function during the equalization charge, the 9307160230 930712 PDR ADOCK 05000295 P
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- licensee feels that this represents an improvement in safety over the present circumstances-in which the battery is inoperable and unavailable to perform its intended safety function without operator action.
The licensee justified its proposed change on the basis that'(1) the need to perform a battery equalization chargeLis not a function of a specific interval as currently specified in the TS, rather it is dependent on certain battery parameters, and (2) the guidance contained in the Standard Technical Specifications, Westinghouse Plants, NUREG-1431, does not specify the equalization charge frequency, duration, or voltage requirements. Based on the above, the licensee concluded that relocating the requirement to perform the equalization charges of the station 125-volt DC batteries-from the TS to licensee control is appropriate.
The staff has reviewtA the licensee's amendment request and finds that relocating the bat ery equalization charge requirement from the TS to an owner t
controlled document has no adverse impact on safety.
Operability of the battery will continue to be ensured by the remaining periodic surveillance-requirements in the TS. Accordingly, the staff finds the proposed changes to Section 4.15.1.E.2 of the Surveillance Requirements and Section 4.15 of the Bases to be acceptable.
3.0 STATE CONSULTATION
l In accordance with the Commission's regulations, the Illinois State official was notified of the proposed issuance of the amendments. The State official had no comments.
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION
The amendments change a surveillance requirement.
The NRC staff has deter-mined that the amendments involve no significant increase in the amounts, and no significant change in the types, of any effluents that may be released offsite, and that there is no significant increase in individual or cumulatise occupational radiation exposure. The Commission has previously issued a.
proposed finding that the amendments involve no significant hazards consider-ation, and there has been no public comment on such finding (58 FR 32380).
Accordingly, the amendments meet the eligibility criteria for categorical exclusion set forth in 10 CFR 51.22(c)(9).
Pursuant to 10 CFR 51.22(b), no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment need be prepared in connection with the issuance of the amendments.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The Commission has concluded, based on the considerations discussed _ above, that:
(1) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, (2) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations,
.l and (3) the issuance of the amendments will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.
Principal Contributor:
Clyde Y. Shiraki j
l Date:
July 12,1993
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