ML20127L268
| ML20127L268 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Monticello, Prairie Island  |
| Issue date: | 12/17/1974 |
| From: | James Keppler NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| To: | Wachter L NORTHERN STATES POWER CO. |
| References | |
| IEB-74-15, NUDOCS 9211230476 | |
| Download: ML20127L268 (3) | |
Text
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UNITED $TATES
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ATOMIC CNERGY COMMISSION J
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.e DIRECTOR ATE OF REGULATORY OPER ATIONS
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Northere states Power cespany Doeket me. 50-263/
ATTN Mr. Lee Weekter Doeket us. 50-282 Vice President Docket us. 50-306 Power Predesties and syntan Operaties 414 Micollet Mail Miamaapelis, Minnesota 54401 centlement The emelooed R0 Bulletin roquante action by you with regard to your power reactor facilities with operating license er eenstruction permit.
Should you have questione regarding this Su11stia or actione requested of you, planee eestaet this offies.
Sincerely, Jemme G. Keppler Regional Director Baeleeurs 10 Bulletin 74-16 l
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Approved by GAO, B-180225 (R0072), clearance expires l
l 7/31/77. Approval was gives under a blanket clearasse l
specifically for identified geactic problems.
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9211230476 741217 i
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d December 17, 1974 DRO Bulletin No. 74-16 IMPROPER MACitINING OF PISTONS IN COLT INDUSTRIES (FAIRBANKS-MORSE)
DIESEL-GENERATORS We recently received information from Northeast Nuclear Energy Company
(!!NECO), Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BG6E), and Colt Industries describing a deficiency in the machining of pistons in a Fairbanks-Morse emergency diesel generator, type 117B.
DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES:
NNECO reported that the four capscrews retaining a piston insert in an upper piston of the diesel engine had broken away and were found lying in the engine crankcase. The capscrews were found during a routine field inspection prior to operating the equipment.
NNECO's and Colt Industries' investigations indicated that the cause of the failure was improper machining of the underside of the piston crown.
The improper machining left an elevated, ring-shaped surface inside the piston.
This prevented the piston and piston insert from mating properly.
As a result, during the compression cycle, the resultant space between the surfaces of the two parts allowed the piston crown to ficx and be forced down on the insert surface.
This subjected the capscrews to an alternating stress, causing their eventual failure..
During the inspection of the remaining pistons, two other pistons were found with the same machining error, llowever, the capscrews in these pistons had not failed.
BG&E reported that they had found two incorrectly machined pistons.
In addition, they found that several locking strips, which are attached to each pair of capscrews, had cracked at the bolt-hole locations.
Colt Industries stated that the probable cause of the failure of the locking strips was an improper torque sequencing of the capscrews during installation.
Lolt industries indicated that they have initiated a program, directed by their service representatives, to inspect all diesel generators in.
the field that could have these conditions.
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ACTION REQUESTED OF LICENSEES:
1.
Notif y this of fice in writing within 20 days whether engines of the make and type described above are used at your-nuclear power facilities with operating license or construction permit.
2.
If engines of this make and type are used, your written reply to item 1 above should include your schedule for examination of the potentially affected engines.
3.
Upon completion of any required examinations, provide to this office, in writing within 30 days, the results of the examinations and a description of any repairs found to be necessary.
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