ML20136G033

Special Rept 85-012:on 851003,invalid Failure of Diesel Generator B Occurred.Possibly Caused by Vent Petcocks Vibrating Open.Precautions Added to Procedures STS KJ-005B & STS KJ-005A to Ensure Petcocks Fully Closed

ML20136G033
Person / Time
Site:	Wolf Creek, 05000428
Issue date:	11/01/1985
From:	Koester G KANSAS GAS & ELECTRIC CO.
To:	Martin R NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
References
85-012, 85-12, KMLNRC-85-244, NUDOCS 8511220238
Download: ML20136G033 (3)

Text

KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY THE ELECTRC COMPANY GLENN L. ROESTER vats Passacant NwCtsam Novenber 1, 1985 Mr. R.D. Martin, Regional Administrator U.S. NLiclear Regulatory Connission ,

Region IV 611 Ryan Plaza Drive, Suite 1000 Arlington, Texas 76011 KMLNRC 85-244 Re Docket No. STN 50-482 ,

Subj: Special Report 85-012 .

Dear Mr. Martin The enclosed Special Report is submitted pursuant to Technical Specifications 4.8.1.1.3 and 6.9.2.

Ycurs very truly, o66,44 M *Glenn L. Koester Vice President - mclear GM see Attachment xc: PO'Connor (2), w/a JCunmins, w/a g i G

• \ f 5 201 N. Market - W4; hts, Kansas - Mail Address: PO. Box 208 i Wfchita, Kansas 67201 - Telephone: Area Code (316) 261645 t th

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Enclosure to KMLNRC 85-244

! SPECIAL REPORT 85-012 DIESEL GENERATOR "B" INVALID FAILURE On October 3,1985, at approximately 1934 CDT, an invalid failure of diesel generator (D/C) "B" occurred. This Special Report is being submitted pursuant to Technical Specifications 4.8.1.1.3 and 6.9.2.

On October 3, 1985, at approximately 1933 CDT, D/G "B" was started to perform the required periodic testing in accordance with surveillance procedure STS KJ-005B, " Manual / Auto Start, Synchronization, and Loading of Emergency Diesel Generator NE02." Shortly thereafter, the engine was secured due to a loud noise from the cylinder area. During this start attempt, the engine attained the required frequency and voltage within the required time frame, but the tachometer failed to indicate the required engine speed. D/G "B" was declared inoperable at approximately 1934 CDT.

At approximately 2007 CDT, the engine was restarted for troubleshooting.

There was no abnormal noise, but the engine tachometer again failed to indicate an acceptable engine speed. The frequency was increased slightly, but there was no corresponding tachometer indication. The engine was secured at approximately 2031 CDT.

Subsequently, it was determined that the noise detected previously was due to two cylinder vent peccocks being partially open. No definite cause for this situation has been identified, although it is postulated that they may have vibrated open since these valves are only closed " finger-tight". The petcocks are small needle type valves. Conversations with the diesel vendor, Colt Industries, have confirmed that the diesel would be capable of being loaded with two petcocks open without any damage to the engine.

The vendor stated that wrench tightening of these valves is acceptable, and this has been accomplished. In addition, a precaution has been added to STS KJ-005B and STS KJ-005A (the corresponding procedure for D/G "A") to ensure the petcocks are fully closed subsequent to each engine run.

Procedure SYS-KJ-121, " Diesel Generator NE01 and NE02 Lineup for Automatic Operation" has also been revised to include a step to verify proper petcock position. Furthermore, consideration is being given to the removal of the petcocks since they are utilized infrequently.

Subsequent investigations also determined that the engine tachometer had failed, and that achieving the required voltage and frequency was verification that the engine was operating at the appropriate speed. The failed tachometer will be replaced as soon as a replacement is available.

On October 4, 1985, at approximately 1021 CDT, D/G "B" was started per STS KJ-005B. The engine was subsequently paralleled and loaded satisfactorily, and declared operable at approximately 1126 CDT, thus completing one valid successful test. D/G "B" was considered to be inoperable for approximately 16 hours1.851852e-4 days <br />0.00444 hours <br />2.645503e-5 weeks <br />6.088e-6 months <br />.

i This event is considered to be an invalid failure based on the criteria provided in Regulatory Guide 1.108, Revision 1. The 1934 CDT start attempt was a successful start terminated intentionally without loading, and is not considered to be a valid test or failure per Regulatory Position C.2.e.(4).

Sp2cial Raport 85-012 Pega 2 There have been thirteen (13) valid successful tests of D/G u  !. eluding the successful test discussed in this report. The failure described in this report is the fifth invalid failure that has occurred on D/G "B". There have been thirteen (13) valid successful tests and eight (8) invalid failures on D/G "A". No valid failures of D/G "B" have occurred. One valid failure of D/G "A" has occurred as discussed in Special Report 85-010.

The diesel generator testing frequency of at least once per thirty-one days was not affected by the invalid failure discussed in this report. This is in conformance with the schedule of Regulatory Position C.2.d.(1) and Technical Specification Table 4.8-1 which require the test interval to be not more than thirty-one days if the number cf valid f ailures in the last 100 valid tests is one or zero.

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