ML20115B408
| ML20115B408 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oyster Creek |
| Issue date: | 10/08/1992 |
| From: | J. J. Barton GENERAL PUBLIC UTILITIES CORP. |
| To: | NRC OFFICE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (IRM) |
| References | |
| C321-92-2278, NUDOCS 9210160038 | |
| Download: ML20115B408 (2) | |
Text
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'.k ENuclear
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Route 9 South Forked River, New Jert,ey 08731-0388 i
609 971-4000 i
Wnter's Direct Dial Number; i
C321-92-2278 October 8, 1992 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Att:
Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555
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Dear Sir:
Subject:
Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station Docket No. 50-219 NRC Inspection Report No. 50-219/92-16 The subject inspection report and your cover letter dated September 9,1992 refer to two separate and unrelated plant trips which occurred during that inspection period.
Specifically, the cover letter raises a concern that the plant material condition is such that equipment failures continue to present unnecessary challenges to the plant operators. Although we agree "both events were caused by equipment failures", we would like to provide you with our perspective of the overall material condition of the plant.
During Cycle 12, we completed a continuous run period of 226 days which ended by entry into the scheduled 13R outage.
During Cycle 13, we recently completed a continuous run period of 179 days which was_ terminated by an act of nature (May 3rd forest ' fire).
We believe the improved material condition of the plant-has directly contributed to fewer challenges to the operators resulting in the continuous periods of operation previously mentioned.
Further, because of our commitment to improving the material condition of the plant, we have initiated power reductions and/or shutdowns to prevent additional challenges to the plant operators.
We have maintained a concerted initiative to minimize the number of locked-in alarms in the control room which in turn has led to improved plant performance.
We feel this is a reflection of the material condition of the plant and that our actions are consistent with our corporate philosophy of
" respect for nuclear technology".
More specifically, we would like to address the two events identified in Inspection Report 92-16. Although the report clearly describes the occurrences, it does not provide background information related to the equipment which we feel is urtinent, given the conclusion reached in your cover letter.
The Feedwai.w level Control System is scheduled to be replaced in the upcoming 14R outage.
It was recognized several years ago that the existing system had functtwed well for the life of the plant, however, improvements which could mir.imize challenges to the operators in this area were evaluated and in 1988 the decision was made to replace the existing system.
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w.. s C325-92-2278 Page 2 We feel this was a pro-active effort and the decision was further substantiated to be an appropriate expenditure of resources by the occurrence of the component failure discussed in the inspection report.
in reference to the ralfunction of the #2 stop valve internal bypass as stated in the Inspection Report, the linkage had been adjusted and tested at the completion of the 13R outage in June, 1991.
This event was random io nature with no apparent reason to suspect this type of failure prior to its occurrence.
It is because of these types of events that rignificant effort and concern are placed on training of our control room pere,inel. When conditions arise in spite of our best efforts, we feel confident our operators are capable of adequately restoring the plant to ar. appropriate status, in summary, we would like to stress aur commitment to improving all aspects of operation at OCNGS, including the m&terial condition of the plant. We continua'.ly strive for excellence in our overall operation, however, we recognize that equipment failures will occur irrespective of our best efforts.
We trust the NRC will recognize our efforts in this regard.
If you should have any questions or require further information, please contact Thomas Blount, OC Licensing Engineer at (609) 971-4007.
Very truly urs, p j
s John J. B tn Vice Pres nt & Director yster Creek JJB/TB:jc cc:
Administrator, Region 1 Senior NRC Resident inspector Oyster Creek NRC Project Manager