ML20067D939
| ML20067D939 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | National Bureau of Standards Reactor |
| Issue date: | 12/06/1982 |
| From: | Rozier Carter COMMERCE, DEPT. OF |
| To: | Starostecki R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8212210411 | |
| Download: ML20067D939 (1) | |
Text
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thimiTE'~) GTATE3 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 7 A
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'n Mr. Richard W. Starostecki Director, Division of Project? and Resident Programs U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- if' Region 1 631 Park Avenue w
King of Prussia, PA 19406 Re-Docket No. 50-184
Dear Mr. Starostecki:
On Friday November 26, 1982 during routine refueling operations, fuel ~ '
element #345 was being transferred from core ' position ~ D-L 'to D-7.. 'IhG operation requires the use of transfer-arm E-2 which was difficult to b
operate. In the process of either transferriAg the elemend ftem'the D-1 pick-up tool or rotating the E-2 transfer; arm from D-1 togr M C-2 j{',
position, the element fell to the upper grid.Q It is estimated that the
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element fell a distance of less than 2 feet. There were no exposures or releases of any kind as a result of this occur:cnce.
Subsequently, the element was located standing almos,t vertically'on top h
of the grid.
It was recovered and transferred to'the storags pool for inspection. The inspection showed the element to be undamand with only a small inconsequential dent on the nozzle of the lower end box.,
The element was then returned to its position in the core. Thers wa3 no difficulty in removing or seating the element. Following ruview by the Hazards Evaluation Committee, reactor Jperation was resa:r.d on schedule on Novermber 29, 1982 and since then everything has been nc'rmal.
1 It appears that the element dropped as a recult of the 'dif ficulty in' t operating the E-2 transfer arm.
Overhauling f he transfer mechanisms has been under review for sometime. However, this !s a m'ajcr urdertaking u d '
ls should only be done if circumstances clearly warrant it ar.d a}$ernate -
methods are exhausted. This review is continuing.
,In the'meantime
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the program of periodically exercising transfer a 1ndto, keep 1them free will continue. Water lubrication may also be appiiddaa ne'ce.isary.
A These have been successful in the past in providing freer operstion of the transfer arms. Additional efforts are planned tc\\ improve tte operation of the E-2 transfer arm prior to the next refuelis,g.
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I hope that this letter provides the information you requested. $
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Sincerely, 3
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Robert S. Carter Chief, Reactor Radiation Division cc: Mr. Cecil Thomas, NRC T.
s' 8222210411 822206 s
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