ML20064N819
| ML20064N819 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Vallecitos Nuclear Center |
| Issue date: | 02/09/1983 |
| From: | Darmitzel R GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. |
| To: | Harold Denton Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8302160345 | |
| Download: ML20064N819 (1) | |
Text
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G EN ER AL h ELECTRIC ENGINEERING GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, P.O. BOX 460, PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA 94566 D1 VISION February 9,1983 Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Ref: License R-33, Docket 50-73
Dear Dr. Denton:
During routine quarterly maintenance activities at the General Electric Nuclear Test Reactor (NTR), Vallecitos Nuclear Center (VNC), on January 31, 1983, Safety Rod #11 failed to separate from the electromagnet upon initiation of a scram signal. This is considered to be reportable under Section 11.(2) of the Technical Specifications of License R-33 The rod failed to separate from the electromagnet during. the rod inflight time tests. The rod _had previously been successfully tested on January 14, 1983 The magnet and anvil (the portion of the safety rod in contact with the magnet) were separated, their faces were clea, ed, and the magnet position was adjusted.
However, after reconnection the rod still failed to separate, even when the power leads to the magnet were disconner.ted.
l The magnet was replaced, and the safety rod performed satisfactorily.
- Tests will be run to attempt to determine the cause of the malfunction.
The replacement magnet is an improved design developed in 1980. All of the old design magnets were replaced on all safety rods prior to reactor startup on February 2.
This occurrence posed no threat to the general public or to VNC employees as only one of the four safety rods is sufficient to shut the reactor down (the. other three rods performed in a satisfactory manner).
The NRC-Region V Office was notified by telephone and in writing as required by License R-33 Sincerely, R. W. Darmitzel, Manager Irradiation Processing Operation
/ca cc: USNRC-Region V h 0302160345 830209 PDR ADOCK 05000073 s PDR
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