ML20059N736
| ML20059N736 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 10/05/1990 |
| From: | Brach E Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| To: | Kistner C BUFFALO PUMPS, INC. |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20059N737 | List: |
| References | |
| REF-QA-99901114 NUDOCS 9010170206 | |
| Download: ML20059N736 (2) | |
Text
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,k UNITED sTATis 4
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n NUCLE AR REGULATORY COMMISSION Mg' s
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october 5, 1990
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Docket No. 99901114/90-01 f7V j
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Mr. Charles R. Kistner, President l
Buffalo Pumps i
An Ampco-Pittsburgh Compary J
874 Oliver Street 1
North Tonawanda, New York 14120-3298 j
Dear Mr. Kistner:
j This letter addresses the inspection of your facility at North Tonawanda, New York, conducted by Messrs. R. L. Cilimberg and L. L. Campbell of this office on July 30-August 3,1990, and the discussions of their findings with you at the conclusion of the inspection.
The purpose of the inspection was to follow-up an allep tion that Buffalo Pumps (BP) was "waterglassing" pumps that were supplied to tie nuclear industry between 1984 and 1986. Areas examined during the NRC inspection'and our findings are discussed in the enclosed report. This inspection consisted of an examination of procedures and representative records, interviews with personnel, and observations by the inspectors.
4 During this inspection BP representatives stated that BP had not accepted
-purchaseorders(P0s)whichimposespecialnuclearrequirements(SectionIIIof the ASME Code, Appendix B to 10 CFR Part 50, and 10 CFR Part 21) since 1983 when t
L BP ceased to be an ASME N-Type certificate holder. However, BP continued to supply consnercial-grade pumps and parts to nuclear utilities. The allegation f
was substantiated by BP personnel who stated that it was consion practice to impregnate-(waterglass)pumpcasingsandcasingcoverswithsodiumsilicatewhen i
the casings leaked during hydrostatic testing. This practice was limited to i
comercial-grade and Navy pumps and sose parts which were supplied directly to nuclear utilities. A review of 422 shop orders and related P0s, selected by the NRC inspectors, issued during 1984, 1985, and 1986, determined that pumps and i
parts were ordered commercial-grade only and nuclear requirements were not imposed. Discussions with BP personnel and a review of documents indicate that ASME Section !!! nuclear-pumps were not waterglassed because it was prohibited by procedures, controls, and the Authorized Nuclear Inspector (ANI).
'There is a concern that nuclear utilities are using commercial-grade pumps which may have been waterglassed in applications where the use of impregnated pumps would not be permitted by design. Corrective action cannot be ta(en by the utilities unless they are advised by BP that the commercial-grade punip casings l
and covers may have been waterglassed.
Based on the discussions with you and your staff during the inspection and subsequent to the inspection, we understand i
that BP is notifying their customers that comercial-grade pumps may have been waterglassed to prevent leakage during hydrostatic testing. Please provide us uith a co)y of any correspondance which BP transmits to their customers informing them of tie potential for commercial-grade pumps being waterglassed.
kpf 9"o g 13 4 Poc
I Mr. Charles R. Kistner 2
October 5, 1990 You advised the NRC inspectors that considerable corrective action by BP resulted from other government agency inspections and reviews of waterglassing of Navy pumps and that BP has not waterglassed any pump casings since 1987.
In accordance with 10 CFR Part 2.790 of the Comission's regulations, a copy of this letter and the enclosed inspection report will be placed in the NRC's Public Document Room.
Should you have any questions concerning this inspection, we will be pleased to discuss there with you.
Sincerely, (Original signed by)
E. William Brach, Chief Vendor Inspection Branch Divison of Reactor Inspection and Safeguards Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Enclosure:
Inspection Report No. 99901114/90 01 DISTRIBTUION Docket 99901114 PDR VIB R/F DRIS R/F BKGrimes EWBrach UPotapovs RLC111mberg LLCampbell
-J.Cullings, Region !
4509 JLee CSee previous concurrence
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...... :................ :.............. :. g/ / 9 0 DATE :09/19/90
- 09/19/90
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- $/T/90 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Mi[Ad Document Name: BUFFALO INSPECTION
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