ML20052A213
| ML20052A213 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Point Beach  |
| Issue date: | 03/26/1982 |
| From: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20052A209 | List: |
| References | |
| TAC-48064, NUDOCS 8204280012 | |
| Download: ML20052A213 (2) | |
Text
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[g UNITED STATES
[
g NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION g
j WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
...../
SAFETY EVALUATION BY THE OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION SUPPORTING AMENDMENT NO. 63 TO FACILITY OPERATING LICENSE NO. DPR-27 WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY POINT BEACH NUCLEAR PLANT, UNIT NO. 2 DOCKET NO. 50-301 Introduction By letter dated March 4,1.982, Wisconsin Electric Power Company (Licensee),
requested a changt to the Technical Specifications appended to Fac.111ty Operating.Ltcense DPR-27 for Point Beach Unit No. 2.
The requested change would allow a relaxation of the requirement to perform monthly functional tests of the turbine stop and governor valves. These tests are required to be completed by March 27, 1982 for Unit 2.
Discussion and Evaluation During normal operation of Point Beach Unit No. 2, main steam enters the turbine through two turbine stop valves and four governor valves. The governor valves regulate the flow of steam into the turbine thereby controlling the speed of the turbine or, when the generator is connected to the grid the electrical output of the unit. The stop valves perform A
the turbine protection functions by automatically closing to stop the steam flow in the event of a turbine overspeed or other malfunction.
The valves are functionally tested on a monthly basis to ensure proper operation.
In order to perform this test, a reactor power reduction to 70% power is required. This is usually accomplished during convenient
.l electrical load demand swings.
I The licensee has requested a one-time relaxation of the ' monthly functional t'est of the turbine stop and governor valves. This test is* required by the Technical Specifications to be completed by March 27, 1982. The unit-has l
been in essentially continuous operation since its previous refueling i
and is presently in a fuel cycle stretch-out period of operaticn. The next refueling outage for Point Beach Unit 2 is schedul.ed to begin on April 16, 1982, approximately three weeks following the surveillance testing date required by the Technical Specifications.
Since the last refueling outage, the turbine stop and governor valves have performed properly during all required periodic tests. Stretch-out operation at the end of core life conditions of low boric acid concentration make load swing operations difficult because of xenon transient reactivity. The effect of such xenon transient reactiv.ity appears as flux tilts and possible flux oscillations during the subsequent return to full power operation. The licensee states further that the needed primary system water and deborating i
resin would result in increased radioactive' waste for burial and incre:. sed 8 2 0 4 2 8eoC
+
costs and that " prudent operating practice and waste volume reduction urges minimi~ zing reactor power cycling under these conditions".
In consideration of the satisfactory functional test experience over the past several years as reported by the licensee, we conclude that there is i
reasonable assurance that the valves will perform as designed if called upon to do so. Therefore, we have determined that this one-time waiver of the monthly functional test is acceptable.
Environmental Consideration We have determined that the amendment does not authorize a change in effluent types or total amounts nor an increase in power level and will not result in any significant environmental impact. Having made this determination, we have further concluded that the amendrent 0
involves an action which is insignificant from the standpoint of environmental impact and, pursuant to 10 CFR $51.5(d)(4), that an environmental impact statement or negative declaration and environ-i mental impact appraisal need not be prepared in connection with the issuance of this amendment.
Conclusion We have concluded, based on the considerations discussed above, that:
(1) because the amendment does not involve a significant increase in the probability or consequences of accidents previously considered
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and does not involve a significant decrease in a safety margin, the amendment does not involve a significant hazards consideration, (2) there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner, and (3) such activities will be conducted in compliance with the Commission's regulations and the issuance of this amendment will not be inimical to the common defense and security or to the health and safety of the public.
Date: March 26, 1982 Principal Contributor:
T. G. Colburn e
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