ML20054B786
| ML20054B786 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Shoreham File:Long Island Lighting Company icon.png |
| Issue date: | 04/13/1982 |
| From: | Fortier R LONG ISLAND LIGHTING CO., STONE & WEBSTER, INC. |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20054B760 | List: |
| References | |
| ISSUANCES-OL, NUDOCS 8204190196 | |
| Download: ML20054B786 (18) | |
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ATOMIC SAFETY AND LICENSING BOARD In the Matter of
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LONG ISLAND LIGHTING COMPANY
)
Docket No. 50-322 (OL)
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(Shoreham Nuclear Power Station,
)
Unit 1)
)
TESTIMONY OF RAYMOND E.
FORTIER FOR THE LONG ISLAND LIGHTING COMPANY ON SC CONTENTION 11 -- PASSIVE MECHANICAL VALVE FAILURE PURPOSE This testimony demonstrates that valves used at Shoreham are unlikely to fail in an unsafe manner.
Procurement guidelines ensure that, by requiring valves to meet strict quality guidelines of the power industry, highly reliable valves are used.
An extensive multi-phase testing program ver-1 ifies that valves function properly.
The testing regime begins at the manufacturing stage and is carried out of numerous stages up to, and including, surveillance testing during the operation of the plant.
Moreover, in the unlikely event of a passive mechanical valve failure, not only will system instru-mentation usually detect the failure, but redundant equipment l
will ensure normal operation.
8204190196 820413 PDR ADOCK 05000322 T
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ATOMIC SAFETY AND LICENSING BOARD In the Matter of
)
)
LONG ISLAND LIGHTING COMPANY
)
Docket No. 50-322 (OL)
)
(Shoreham Nuclear Power Station,
)
Unit 1)
)
TESTIMONY OF RAYMOND E.
FORTIER FOR THE LONG ISLAND LIGHTING COMPANY ON SC CONTENTION 11 -- PASSIVE MECHANICAL VALVE FAILURE 1.
Q.
Please state your name and business address.
A.
My name is Raymond E.
Fortier.
My business address is Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation, 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02107.
2.
Q.
By whom and in what capacity are you employed?
A.
I am employed by Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation as a Lead Power Engineer and have held this position since December 1979.
In this capac-ity, I am responsible for overall technical and administrative activities in the Power discipline on the Shoreham project.
2.
3.
Q.
Please state your professional qualifications.
A.
My resume on pages 14-17 summarizes my professional qualifications.
My familiarity with the passive mechanical valve failure issue stems from experi-ence throughout my career as a systems engineer.
In my assignments on Shoreham as a systems engin-eer, principal nuclear engineer, and lead power engineer, I have been responsible for the design and engineering review of piping systems.
Part of this responsibility includes the identification and functionability of valves within the piping sys-tems.
4.
Q.
What is the thrust of SC Contention 11?
A.
At issue is whether the valves used in safety-related systems will fail in an undetectable or unsafe mode.
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5.
Q.
How do you summarize your conclusions regarding the contention?
A.
The valves used in safety-related systems should not fail in an unsafe or undetectable mode so as to jeopardize the safe operation of the plant.
This conclusion is based on several factors:
(1)
Shoreham uses highly reliable valves that are:
3.
a) designed to stringent codes and standards; b) standardized based on past power industry-related experience; and c) monitored against present power industry-related experience; 2)
Shoreham has an extensive valve testing program that:
a) includes manufacturer testing; b) includes construction testing; c) includes checkout and initial operations (C&IO) testing; d) includes preoperation testing e) includes startup testing; f) includes an inservice testing program in accordance with the ASME XI Code; g) complies with standard technical specification surveillance testing of valves.
3)
Shoreham provides adequate redundancy of valves to satisfy the single failure criteria in the event of a passive mechanical valve failure so that adequate system functioning is maintained; and 4)
Shoreham has adequate system instrumentation that will detect valve failures during normal operation of the plant.
4.
6.
Q.
Let's return to your first statement.
Explain your conclusion that Shoreham uses highly reliable valves.
A.
There are three important aspects of the valves used at Shoreham that ensure high reliability:
1)
The valves in safety-related systems at Shoreham meet all appropriate requirements of the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III for Nuclear Components or its equivalent.
The ASME III Code establishes rules of safety governing the design, fabrication, installa-tion, testing and inspection during construc-tion of safety-related pressure boundary compo-nents including valves.
2)
The procurement, design, fabrication, inspec-tion, installation and testing of safety-related valves comply with strict quality as-surance criteria in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B.
l 3)
Finally, standardized valves and valve opera-i tors that have been proven by time as reliable are used, to the extent practical, at Shoreham.
l The technical requirements for valves have been t
standardized based on years of industry experi-ence.
The procurement of valves for Shoreham l
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has taken advantage of this standardization.
In addition, programs are in effect that review current power industry problems and documents relating to those problems.
These programs establish Shoreham applicability and the neces-sary follow-up action to be taken, if required.
Thus, Shoreham safety-related valves will be continuously reviewed against the industry's latest operating experiences.
7.
Q.
Has this review program proven successful?
A.
Yes.
For example, valve failures at Brunswick and Hatch were reported in IE Information Notice 81-28,
" Failure of Rockwell-Edward Main Steam Isolation Valves."
In response to this problem, LILCO has ordered the modifications for the valves that were suggested in the Notice.
l 8.
Q.
Given the overall program to assure valve reliabil-ity, what is your conclusion regarding tne likeli-hood that a safety-related valve will passively fail at Shoreham?
A.
It is unlikely.
9.
Q.
You mentioned an extensive testing program.
What is the program?
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6.
A.
The testing is carried out at numerous stages:
manufacture, construction, checkout and initial operation, preoperation, startup, and technical specification surveillance testing.
10.
Q.
The manufacturer performs the first tests?
A.
Yes, they are performed at the manufacturer's faci-lities.
The tests include special functional tests as required by the valve purchase specifications, hydrostatic tests, and seat leakage tests.
11.
Q.
What is the second group of tests that are per-formed?
A.
These are the construction tests that are performed at Shoreham.
These tests include hydrostatic tests and are performed on whole, or portions of, piping f
systems, including valves, that are completed by construction.
12.
Q.
After the construction tests what tests are per-l formed next?
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A.
The Checkout & Initial Operation Phase (C&IO) tests.
The specific tests performed are detailed in the Shoreham Startup Manual.
7.
13.
Q.
What type of valve tests are performed during the C&IO tests?
A.
Valve tests include:
static valve functioning and timing, verification of valve flow path and valve control circuitry, including stem limit switch operability and torque switch operation on motor operated valves.
14.
Q.
What tests follow the C&IO tests?
A.
These are the preoperation tests that are performed on safety-related systems, including valves.
They are detailed in the Shoreham Startup Manual.
15.
Q.
What is their purpose?
A.
These tests are to verify that each system, includ-ing valves, is ready to operate in a manner compat-ible with safe and efficient plant operation.
16.
Q.
How are preoperation tests performed?
A.
They are performed using conditions that parallel as closely as possible actual system operating con-ditions.
Where required, simulated signals or inputs are introduced to verify the full operating range of the system, including the operation of valves under those conditions.
8.
17.
Q.
What type of valve tests are performed during the preoperation tests?
A.
Valves are normally tested for opening and closing times and ability to function against most dynamic system conditions.
Also included are 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix J containment isolation valve leak tests to assure containment boundary integrity.
18.
Q.
What is the status of preoperation testing at Shoreham?
A.
Over 50 percent of the preoperation tests have been initiated, and about 30% have been completed.
19.
Q.
What is the next stage of testing after the preop-eration testing?
A.
The startup testing is next.
This phase commences with preparation for initial fuel loading and takes place only after the preoperation tests, or re-quired portions thereof, have been completed.
They are detailed in the Shoreham Startup Manual.
20.
Q.
Why are startup tests performed?
A.
These tests verify the proper functioning of a sys-tem, including valves, under actual operating
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conditions.
The tests also verify that interrelated system performance, including valve interaction is proper.
Where required, simulated transients, trips, and conditions are introduced to check or verify full system, including valve opera-tion and response.
These tests provide additional assurance that safety-related systems, including valves, meet the design specification requirements under operating and transient conditions and per-form their intended safety functions.
21.
Q.
Throughout the service life of the plant, what type of tests are performed?
A.
Technical specifications dictate the surveillance tests to be performed and the required testing intervals for individual safety-related valves.
22.
Q.
How are the individual tests on the valves charac-terized?
A.
In general, the valve testing can be characterized as either inservice or special testing.
23.
Q.
How are inservice tests performed?
A.
Inservice testing of safety-related valves is per-formed in accordance with Section XI of the ASME
1 10.
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and applicable Addenda as required by 10 CFR 50.55a(g).
24.
Q.
What is the test frequency required by the inser-vice testing program?
A.
The test frequency for safety-related valves is established in the ASME XI Code.
Typically, for exercising motor and air operated valves, the fre-quency is once every 3 months.
25.
Q.
How will the inservice testing program be implemen-ted at Shoreham?
A.
The inservice testing program conducted during the initial 120-month inspection interval will comply with the edition of the ASME XI Code and applicable Addenda in effect 12 months prior to the issuance of the operating license.
To implement this re-quirement, a Valve Test Plan covering the testing of safety-related valves has been generated.
This Valve Test Plan follows the standard format recom-mended by the NRC in their " Guidance for Preparing Valve Testing Program Descriptions and Associated Relief Request Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55a(g)".
The inservice testing program during successive 120-month inspection intervals will comply with the
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edition of the ASME XI Code and applicable Addenda in effect 12 months prior to the start of that 120-month inspection interval.
26.
Q.
What is the second method you characterized -- spe-cial te. sting?
A.
These are tests imposed by technical specifications to demonstrate system performance, including valve operability during the various operating conditions of the plant.
These additional testing require-ments include surveillance intervals beyond those covered by the inservice testing program.
27.
Q.
In the unlikely event a passive valve failure occurs, will there be adequate safeguards to assure safe operation?
A.
Yes.
Sultable redundancy is provided in safety-related systems to satisfy the single failure criteria in the unlikely event involving a valve failure:
1.
All valves that are a part of the reactor coolant
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pressure boundary are fully redundant so that failure of l
one valve to perform its safety function does not repre-sent'a breach in the reactor coolant pressure boundary.
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. PROFESSICNAL QUALIFICATIONS Raymond E.
Fortier Senior Power Engineer / Power Division Stone and Webster Engineering Corporation My name is Raymond Fortier.
My business address is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02107.
I am employed by Stone &
Webster Engineering Corporation (SWEC) as a Lead Power Engineer and have held this position since December 1979.
In this capacity, I am responsible for overall technical and adminis-trative activities in the Power discipline on the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) Shoreham Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 (Shoreham).
In 1963 I received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhooe Island.
Since 1974 through the present, I have completed graduate courses at Northeastern University in nuclear engineering, power plant design and economics, computer systems and engineering manage-ment.
In addition, I have participated in Stone & Webster's Continuing Education Department course offerings in technical and management subjects.
My engineering career began with Rohm ano Haas Company, Bristol, Pennsylvania (1963-1968).
As Field Engineer, I super-vised construction of plastics plants in Pennsylvania and
. England.
As Project Engineer, I was responsible for design, estimating, development, purchasing and construction of various projects.
I also was assigned to the planning, estimating and designing of a blown film and plastic manufacturing tacility.
Later with Cryogenic Technology, Inc. (CTI), Waltham, Massachusetts (1968-1970), I was a Product Engineering Manager responsible tor the design and manufacture of miscellaneous cryogenic (extremely low temperature) laboratory equipment.
I was also the Program Manager responsible for the design and development of the Model 1400 helium refrigerator, liquefier and purification system.
In November 1970, I joined Stone & Webster as an Engineer in the Process Projects Division, responsible for the design of chemical plants and later transferred to the Power Division in November 1971.
I was assigned to the %isconsin Electric Power Company, Point Beach Nuclear Plants (December 1970 - October 1973), with responsibility for the design and engineering or a I
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liquid and gaseous radioactive waste treatment and disposal l
l system.
My duties includea preparation of addenda to the Final l
Safety Analysis Report (FSAR).
I also preparea flow diagrams, equipment and bidder lists, process equipment and pipe sizing calculations, system descriptions, preoperational instructions and miscellaneous specifications for the installation of a blowdown and waste evaporator, a gas stripper ana a cryogenic noble gas separation system.
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. I have been associated with Long Island Lighting Company pro-jects since March 1973.
Initially (March 1973 - May 1974) as an Engineer, I was assigned to the Jamesport Nuclear Power Plant Project and was responsible for the emergency core cool-ing system (ECCS), containment isolation, chemical and volume control, and reactor coolant systems.
I also functioned as nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) coordinator and prepared sections of the Environmental Report and Preliminary Safety Analysis Report.
In June 1974, I was reassigned to the Shoreham Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 Project.
My experience on Shoreham covers a broad spectrum spanning eight years.
Formerly, I was involved in the day-to-day detail engineering and design decisions coin-ciaent to a project of this scope.
I was appointed Principal Nuclear Engineer in January 1978 with responsibility for over-all coordination with NSSS supplier ar.d technical responsi-bility for nuclear ano radwaste portions of the plant.
Currently, I have overall responsibility for manpower, buaget, planning, scheduling and sequencing of engineering and design efforts, including Three Mile Island-relatea items, for all power discipline groups.
This results from my appointment as Lead Power Engineer in December 1979.
In addition, I have overall responsibility for all Power discipline activities being performed at the Site Engineering Office and coordination of Hydraulic, Environmental and Nuclear Technology Division activities relating to Shoreham.
i I am a registered Professional Engineer in New York and Massachusetts.
l As Engineer on the Shoreham Project, I prepared the Design I
Specification Report entitled, " Thermal ano Pressure Transients l
of ASME III, Class 1 Piping Systems."
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