ML20070M810

Ro:On 830105,during Fuel Element Insp,Elements 7463 & 7486 Failed Go/No Go Test.Both Elements Had Been in Core Since 1973 & Not Inspected Since That Time.Both Elements Removed from Core

ML20070M810
Person / Time
Site:	05000128
Issue date:	01/11/1983
From:	Rogers D TEXAS A&M UNIV., COLLEGE STATION, TX
To:	Madsen G NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
References
NUDOCS 8301250339
Download: ML20070M810 (2)

Text

4. 56 -/

TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77843

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11 January 1983 NUCLEAR SCIENCE CENTER 713/845-7551 93@M JM{R%

r I, Mr. G. L. Madsen P Office of Inspection and Enforcement JAN IT E u Region IV U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission -

(g 611 Ryan Plaza, Suite 1000 Arlington, Texas 76012

Subject:

Discovery of Damaged Fuel Element During Core Inspection Reported 1-6-83

Dear Mr. Madsen:

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

Sincerely, O. C, p w --

DaleRogers,Ma.lah,r Reactor Operations DR/ym Enclosure V

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s 8301250339 830111 PDR ADOCK 05000128 S PDR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR MANKIND

4 Final Report of Bowing Observed in Fuel Elements #7463 and #7486 Reportable Occurrence During a fuel element inspection being performed on 5 January 1983 it was discovered that element #7463 failed the go/no go test. A slight bowing was observed and the element appeared to be somewhat puffy about midheight. There was not, however, any cladding rupture or apparent scratches. .A com-lete core unloading and fuel inspection was performed and one additional element, #7486, failed the go/no go test due to bowing. Again, there was no_ cladding rupture or severe scratches present.

Corrective Action In reviewing the history of these two elements it was found that both elements were in the core since 1973 and had not been inspected since that time. In addition both rods were in approximately the .same position relative -

to the transient rod during past pulsing operations. These elements were not inspected at the time fuel damage was first discovered in 1976 since other elements in similar core locations were found to have no visible deformation.

It should also be noted that the elements inspected at the time of discovery of fuel damage were reinspected during this past shutdown and showed no signs of abnormal wear. Based on this information it is felt that elements #7463 and #7486 were bowed during pulsing operations prior to September,1976 and have operated at steady state in that ccadition since that time. These two elements have been removed from the reactor core, and steady state reactor operation lies continued.

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