ML20071J607
| ML20071J607 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Catawba  |
| Issue date: | 05/17/1983 |
| From: | Tucker H DUKE POWER CO. |
| To: | James O'Reilly NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II) |
| References | |
| 10CFR-050.55E, 10CFR-50.55E, SD413-414-82-27, NUDOCS 8305270069 | |
| Download: ML20071J607 (3) | |
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DUKE PowEn GoMem P.O. IBOX 33180 CIIAltLOTTI, N.C. 28242 II AL II. TI'CKER Teternown vuaemeninear (704) 373-4Nll May 17, 1983
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m Mr. James P. O'Reilly, Regional Administrator d.
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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m Region II 50 hz 101 Marietta Street, NW, Suite 2900 2T dO Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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Re: Catawba Nuclear Station 2.
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Units 1 and 2 og Docket No. 50-413 and 50-414 yz e
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Dear Mr. O'Reilly:
Pursuant to 10 CFR 50.55e, please find attached a final response to Significant Deficiency Report SD 413-414/82-27.
Very truly yours, C ef p Hal B. Tucker RWO/php Attachment cc: Director INPO Records Center Office of Inspection and Enforcement Suite 1500 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Washington, D. C. 20555 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Mr. P. K. Van Doorn Mr. Robert Guild, Esq.
NRC Resident Inspector Attorney-at-Law Catawba Nuclear Station P. O. Box 12097 Charleston, South Carolina 29412 Palmetto Alliance 2135h Devine Street Columbia, South Carolina 29205
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i Duke Power Company Catawba Nuclear Station Final Report Report Number: SD 413-414/82-27 Initial Report Date: January 26, 1983 Final Report Date: May 17, 1983 Fdcility: Catawba Nuclear Station, Units 1 & 2 Identification of Occurrence: The nickel cadmium batteries which are used for diesel generator starting developed cracks in the cell containers which allowed electrolyte leakage.
Initial Report: On December 30, 1983, Mr. John Rogge of the NRC, Region II, Atlanta, Georgia office was notified of this deficiency by Mr. W. O. Henry, Mr. J. D. Heffner, Mr. J. L. Crenshaw and Mr. T. J. Al-Hussaini of Duke Power Company, Charlotte, North Carolina 28242.
Supplier and/or Component: Transamerica Delaval, Inc. of Oakland, California, supplied the batteries as part of diesel generator package. The batteries were manufactured by Nife Incorporated of Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Description of Deficiency: The Unit 1 and 2 diesel generator batteries at the Catawba Nuclear Station contain a total of 368 cells. Out of this total, 153 were found to have cracked cell containers (jars).
The deficiency was discovered while investigating a ground fault indication on the DC System.
Cracked cell containers allowed electrolyte leakage which could have caused a loss of stored capacity. The quantity of cracked cells in three of the battery banks could have been sufficient to cause battery failure. Battery failure could have prevented the diesel from starting.
Analysis of Safety Implication: The diesel generators are required to start and be ready fer load acceptance within 11 seconds upon loss of all offsite power. Battery failure could have prevented the starting of the diesel generator.
Corrective Action: Investigations reveal that the damaged cells came in contact with an unidentified solvent which attacked the polystyrene cases causing;them to weaken and crack. The solvent was apparently used for normal cleaning of the batteries.
Corrective action includes training of personnel directly involved in the proper cleaning methods and preventative maintenance procedures recommended by the battery manufacturer and placement of signs at each battery location which instruct personnel to " CLEAN WITH DEMINERALIZED WATER ONLY".
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All damaged cells have'.been removed and 're being replaced by ne# cells a
of the same type and manufacture.
j Cells which show no evidence of damage have been thorough 1'y cleaned with demineralized water and returned to service.-
Since neither Duke Power Company nor the battery manufacturer'could identify the exact solvent used on the batteries, all cells will be monitored for future cracking problems. Cells are inspected and ground readings are taken on a weekly basis, c
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