ML20063H073

Ro:On 820722,during Initial Startup,Log Power Channel Rate Meter Failed to Respond.Cause Not Stated.Switch Contacts & Amplifier Boards Cleaned.Close Visual Insps Implemented

ML20063H073
Person / Time
Site:	05000128
Issue date:	07/22/1982
From:	Rogers D TEXAS A&M UNIV., COLLEGE STATION, TX
To:	Madsen G NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
References
NUDOCS 8207290311
Download: ML20063H073 (2)

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TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843 f~

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NUCLEAR SCIENCE CENTER 22 July 1982 713/845-7551

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Mr. G. L. Madsen Office of Inspection and Enforcement JUL 2 6192 Region IV 1 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 611 Ryan Plaza, Suite 1000 l--

Arlington, Texas 76012

Subject:

Failure of Log Channel Rate Meter During Reactor Startup Reported 7-22-82

Dear Mr. Madsen:

Enclosed is a final report of a reportable occurrence observed during a reactor startup of the NSCR. This report is submitted in compliance with Section 6.4 and 1.8b of Change No.11 of the Technical Specifications, Facility License No. R-83 for the Nuclear Science Center, Texas A&M University.

Sincerely,

CJ %

Dale Rogers, nager Reactor Operations DR/ym Enclosure

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANKIND

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Final Report of Violation Due to Failure of Log Channel Rate Meter During Reactor Startup Reportable Occurrence On July 22, 1982 during the initial reactor startup of the day, it was noticed that the log power channel rate meter was no longer responding. Rod with-drawal was terminated at that time with the shim safety control rods at approximately 40% and reactor power less than 1 watt. (No abnormalities in the log channel instrument had been noted during the completion of the reactor prestartup checklist) . The reactor was immediately shutdown, and electronics personnel cleaned and inspected various switch contacts in the drawer. This seemed to correct the problem and normal meter response was observed prior to recommencing reactor startup. A second reactor startup was performed and normal meter response was observed. While approaching 70 Kw a second rate meter failure was noted. Rod withdrawal was terminated, and'while withdrawing the instrument drawer for inspection a period scram was received. A further cleaning of amplifier boards returned the instrument to normal operation. A third reactor startup was performed with no further problems noted.

Corrective Action Because of the intermittent nature of the problem it was very hard to pin-point the exact cause of the failure. The cleaning has appeared to correct the problem, and operators are maintaining a close visual inspection of the meter. A scheduled reactor shutdown and subsequent fourth reactor startup was performed later during the morning with no further problems noted.