ML20138Q934

QA Audit Rept 0-745 on 851001-11 Re Meteorological Program. Open Items Include Need for Backup Data Retrieval Sys Relying on modem-based Access to Meteorological Data Base & Incomplete Acceptance Testing of Midas Sys

ML20138Q934
Person / Time
Site:	Rancho Seco
Issue date:	11/14/1985
From:	Canter H, Loffman T SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT
To:
Shared Package
ML20138Q926	List: ML20138Q924 ML20138Q934
References
-745, 0-745, NUDOCS 8512300106
Download: ML20138Q934 (20)

Text

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0-745

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Audit No.

RANCHO SECO AUDIT REPORT

• Activity Meteorological Program ,- Checklist No.

Auctitor(s)

0. Marsh, T. Loffman g /A- m / __

Audit Date Oct. 1-11,1985 Lead Auditor H. Canter _ %GM Distr. Date Oct . 17, 1985 M 4M M D. M A^'lh Response Due Nov. 28, 1985 .

Signature (s)

Nuclear Operations Organizations Audited:

Emergency Planning M. Hardin B.Hellums Individuals Contacted:

R. Bass E. Bradley

(

Audit Description and Comments: This represents the first audit of the meteorological program follow ng its incl'usion on the MSRC Audit List. The governing document i

for this audit,is Proposed Revision 1 to Reculatory Guide 1.23, as referenced by NUREG-0654,: Appendix 2. (Note: The references in this audit to Section C, Part xx, refer.sto Section C in Proposed R.G.1.23, Revision 1) g Summary: A coordinated effort is underway to improve and maintain the quality of the meteorological program, guided in part by recommendations from a recent j task force report. Some hardware problems remain, which are being currently addressed, and acceptance of the MIDAS software is integral to the overall goals of the p.ogram.

Corrective Action Requested: The Manager of Nuclear Operations is requested to respond to Items 2,7,8,9,10,14,15, and 17.

Corrective Action Completed:

8512300106 851218 PDR ADOCK 05000312 F PDR Manager, Quality Assurance Date cc: D.K.K. Lowe/R.J. Rodriguez.<D.G. RaascheR. Colombo.l.R. Keilman/R.P. Oubre"J.V. McColligani R.A. Dieterichil.G. Schwieger'J.S. Sullivan.G.A. Coward!J. Field!N. Erock/R. Lawrence! B Soenr.pr S. Crunk.S. Redeker/F Kellie/E Bradley/R Myers/J Eckhardt(mC)/C Andognini SW3 CC'S *O 34

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.' Audit No. 0-745 Page 2

1. Instrumentation that is capable of measuring wind direction and wind speed at a minimum of two levels and air temperature difference between a minimum of two levels should be provided on'one tower or mast. Precipitation should be measured at or near this tower. Instrumentation should be provided for measuring air temperature on at least one level of the tower or mast cor-responding to at least the measurement height of the lower level of the primary air temperature difference measurement. Instrumentation should be provided for measuring ambient moisture (relative humidity, dew point, or wet bulb temperature) on at least one level of the tower or mast. (Section C, Part 1)

Results of Audit:

Rancho Seco has wind direction and wind speed instrumentation for both a

= primary and a back-up system at the 10 meter and 60 meter elevations of the_ met tower. Air temperature is measured at 10 meters and 60 meters, and these sensors also provide the input to the temperature difference (a T) channel, thereby meeting the minimum height requirement automatically. Pre-cipitation instrumentation has recently been installed and is operable; this is located approximately 20 #eet from the base of the tower. Ambient moisture instrumentation is mounted at the 10 meter elevation.

This item is closed, i'

'2. For making estimates of atmospheric transport and diffusion to a distance of 80 kilometers (50 mi) from the plant site, additional information may be needed.

If so, it'may be obtained, at least in part, from stations with well-maintained meteorological systems (e.g., National Weather Service, military stations, and any other micro-meterological stations) if these existing stations are in locations that will aid in the description of regional airflow patterns.

(Section C, Part 1)

Results of Audit:

Regional meteorological information is available to Rancho Seco through the National Weater Service (NWS) offices located in Stockton and Sacramento (Executive Airport), and at Mather Air Force Base. The UDAC (Unified Dose Assessment Center) meteorologist from the Air Resources Board is available h to assist with reduction and interpretation of data obtained from these sources.

Access to the NWS via telephone and the steps to be followed are delineated in AP.506 and the appropriate phone numbers are listed on Attachment 7.5. However, it has been the experierice of the consulting meteorologist that access to NWS through these phone lines is severly limited or impossible during periods of

severe weather, such as those which might initially necessitate this mode of data retrieval. It is the opinion of the consulting meteorologist that i

consideration should be given to a back-up data retrieval system relying on

, modem based access to a meteorological database.

! This item is open.

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-  : Audit No. 0-745 Page 3

3. The meteorological tower site should represent as closely as possible the  ;

same meteorological characteristics as the region which any airborne material (

will be released. Whenever possible, the base of the tower or mast should  !

be sited at approximately the same elevation as the finished plant grade.

The tower should be located in an area where singular natural or man-made obstructions or the heat dissipation system to be used during plant operation will have little or no influence on the meteorological measurements. The ,

height of natural or man-made obstructions to air movement should ideally be {

lower than the measuring level to a horizontal distance of 10 times the measuring level height. (Section C, Part 2)

Results of Audit:

The Rancho Seco meteorological tower is located in an area east of the site buildings at an elevation approximately 60 feet above the plant grade. The closest obstructions to air movement are the site buildings themselves, at a distance from the tower of approximately 2,000 feet. Since the highest measuring level is 60 meters (197 feet), the "10 times the measuring level height" requirement is met by the current configuration.

1 This item-is closed.

4. Instrumentation should be located on boems oriented into the prevailing wind

' direction at a minimum distance of two tower widths from the tower to preclude substantial' influence of the tower upon the measurements. The aspirated tem-perature shields should either be pointed downward or laterally toward the north. (Section C, Part 2.)

Results of Audit:

The Rancho Seco tower has a relatively broad base, and tower width decreases with height. At the 10 meter elevation, instrumentation is mounted on booms.

protruding to the west of the tower. The prevailing wind direction is ap-proximately from the west. At the 60 meter elevation, instruments are on booms protruding to the west and east of the tower. The 60 meter instruments them-selves are above the top of the tower, so perturbation of air flow by the tower is avoided.

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. At the 10 meter elevation, the instrument boom extends 6 feet to the side of the tower, and the tower width is 10-12 feet. The auditor was told that while this does not meet the "two-tower-width" criterion, it has been determined that the open lattice design of the tower precludes significant influence of the r- tower on the measurements. At the 60 meter leel,the instrument arms are approximately 4 feet in length, and tower width is approximately 1 foot, so 2X tower width separation exists. The aspirated temperature shields are pointed directly downwards.

This item is closed.

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. Audit No. 0-745 Page 4

5. On the primary tower, wind speed and direction should be monitored at approximately 10 and 60 meters and at a representative higher level for stack releases. Ambient temperature should be monitored at approximately 10 meters, and ambient moisture should be monitored at approxmetely 10 meters and also at a height where the measurements will represent the i resultant atmospheric moisture content if cooling towers are to be used for heat dissipation. Temperature difference should be measured between the 10-and 60-meter levels and between the 10-meter and a higher level that is representative of diffusion conditions from stack release points.

(Section C, Part 2)

Results of Audit:

The requirements for all 10 meter and 60 meter measurements mentioned above are met by the Rancho Seco configuration. Due to the low stack height at Rancho Seco, which constitutes a " ground level" release, wind speed and direction and temperature difference measurements at a level higher than 60 meters are not needed. Rancho Seco does not have provision for measure-ment of ambient moisture at a height representative of " resultant atmospheric moisture content". Since this would require a 450 foot tower for one measure-ment, the existing configuration (10 meter measurement) has been accepted, and meets the primary ambient moisture requirement.

This item is closed.

At a valley site, the primary meteorological tower should be located so that 3

6.

the meteorological measurements are representative of conditions at the potential points of release. All levels at which measurements are made should 4

be within the same thermal internal boundary layer. (Section C, Part 2) i Results of-Audit:

Ranch'o Seco lies in a broad valley which is very shallow. It is the opinion of the consulting meteorologist that topographically induced perturbations in local atmospheric conditions are sufficiently small that homogeneous conditions exist in_the vicinity of the site. This being the case, the meteorological tower and associated sensors lie within the same thermal boundary layer for the purposes of meteorological sampling and characterization.

This iten is closed.

7. For data acquisition on the primary tower, a dual recording system consist-ing of one digital and one auxiliary analog system should be used.

4 The wind speed and direction analog recorders should be of the continuous strip chart recording type. Multipoint strip chart recorders are considered

, to be sufficient for recording all other parameters. (Section C, Part 3) l a

l Audit No. 0-745 Page 5 Results of Audit:

The present configuration utilizes the NOVA computer, and has both digital

. and analog capability. When Oe MIDAS system is instituted (it is awaiting acceptance testing), the same analog system will remain, and the digital system will operate through the MIDAS /IDADS link. Rancho Seco utilizes multipoint strip chart recorders for all parameters, including wind speed and direction. Pending completion of MIDAS acceptance testing, this item must remain open.

This item is open.

8. All digital records except precipitation should consist of data sampled at intervals no longer than 60 seconds. ' Precipitation should be recorded on a cumulative basis at least once per hour. The standard deviation of horizontal wind direction fluctuations oe, should be determined from no less than 180 instantaneous values of lateral wind direction during the recording period (e.g., if the record period is 15 minutes, values sampled at intervals of 5 e seconds or less are acceptable; likewise, if the record period is 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br />, sampling intervals of 20 seconds or less are acceptable. (Section C, Part 3)

Results of Audit:

The existing NOVA system samples data at one second intervals. The MIDAS software extracts data points from IDADS once every five seconds. This is a recent change to MIDAS, instituted specifically to allow as determination based on 180 wind direction data points.

. The recently installed precipitation instrumentation records cumulative rainfall in 0.01 inch increments up to 1.0 inch. The integrated total is displayed until 99 reservoir " dumps" have occurred, at which time the system resets. The displayed precipitation total and the system reset are not re-lated to elapsed time.

This item is open.

9. The data from the primary meteorological system (backup system when necessary) should be displayed in the control room for use during plant operation. These data should also be displayed in the onsite technical support center and near-

- site emergency operations facility as needed (e.g., emergency situations, training exercises, demonstrations). These data should include wind direction and speed and an indicator of atmospheric stability for the past 12-hour period representa-tive of each potential release level. Fifteen minutes is the maximum acceptable averaging period for these data. (Section C, Part 3)

Results of Audit:

Meteorological information from both primary and back-up systems is currently available via IDADS in the control room, the Technical Support Center (TSC) and the Emergency Operations Facility (E0F). The irdormation accessible through IDADS. includes all channels of real-time data, but not history files such as the 12-hour summary mentioned above. History files of wind direction and speed,

. Audit No. 0-745 Page 6 and atmospheric stability category based on them will be available through MIDAS once this software has passed its acceptance testing.

The averaging period utilized by the NOVA system is one. hour rather than fifteen minutes. MIDAS utilizes fifteen minute averaging; once again the Regulatory Guide requirements will be met as soon as MIDAS is officially accepted. Pending completion of MIDAS acceptance testing, this item must remain open.

This item is open.

10. For digital systems, specific accuracies of time-averaged values by parameter should be:

(1) Wind direction t 5* of azimuth, with a starting threshold of less than 0.45 m/s (1 mph). If the wind direction sensor is to be used for the collection of as data, the damping ratio must be 0.4 to 0.6, inclusive,

> with a deflection of 15 degreees and delay distance not to exceeed 2 meters.

(2) Wind speed: 1 0.22 m/s (0.5 mph) for speeds less than 11.13 m/s (25 mph), with a starting threshold of less than 0.45 (1 mph).

(3) Temperature: t 0.5 C (0.9 F).

(4) Temperature difference: I 0.15 C (0.27 F) per 50-meter height

interval.

(5) Dew point: ! 1.5 C (2.7*F) or an equivalent accuracy for relative humidity or wet bulb temperature. These accuracies are applicable for conditions wherc relative humidity is in excess of 60 percent and temperature is between -30" and 30 C (-22* and 86 F), which is the region of concern for evaluation.

(6) Precipitation: By a recording rain gauge with a resolution of 0.25 mm (0.01 in.). The accuracy of the recorded value must be within t10 percent of the total accumulated catch.

(7) Time: Within 5 minutes of actual time for all recording systems.

(Section C, Part 4)

Results of Audit:

(1)' Wind direction: The Weather Measure W204 wind vanes have a stated accuracy of t1.8*, with a starting threshold of .75 mph. To ensure that the loop h accuracy is within t5 , the I&C Department uses this limit along with the sensor accuracy to calculate a maximum allowable module error. Keeping.the module in calibration based on these limits " fixes" the overall system error

, at less than 5 degrees. the requirements of this part are met.

(2) Wind speed: The Weather Measure W203 anemometers have a stated accuracy of t.15 mph with a starting threshold of <1 mph. The system accuracy cal-culated by t'he I&C Department is t1 mph, however, actual errors observed during the last two calibration checks have been well below this. During calibration testing conducted on 3/23/85, the four channels displayed actual errors in wind speed of t.34, .06, +.16 and +.36 mph. Calibration checks conducted on 9/18/84 yielded actual errors of +.14, .12, +.14 and .04 mph.

While the calculated system accuracy does not meet the .5 mph criterion, the

Audit No. 0-765 Page 7 empirically determined' errors do satisfy the criterion. This was con-sidered by the auditor to constitute adequate compliance. .

(3) Temperature: The overall system accuracy for ambient temperature measure-ment was calculated by the I&C Department to be 11.0 F. This was based on the square root of the' sum of squared errors for the sensors, multiplexer and

- signal processing module.

This calculated system accuracy applies to each channel separately,_(primary and back-up channels at both 10m and 60m). The only inconsistency noted lies in the observed discrepancies between primary and back-up channels at the 60 meter elevation. The difference in indicated temperatures was approximately

.5'F at the time of the audit. This aspect was being investigated during the audit period; the discrepancy is small enough however, that the previously stated single channel accuracies are not rendered less credible.

(4) Temperature difference: The system error for aT measurement is determined by combining the errors associated with the following - difference in matched sensor characteristics, temperature (T) modules, multiplexer, and AT module.

With known sensor difference and multiplexer error, the allowable T-module and AT - module errors are calculated by the I&C Department. These module errors are then adjusted to fall within the allowable range at the time of calibration.

While the system error " fixed" by this calculational procedure seems accept-able, observations made by the consulting meteorologist during the audit period cast doubt on the accuracy of the displayed aT value. It was observed that a AT value derived by subtracting the displayed 10 meter temperature from the 60 meter temperature differed from the displayed aT value. This " subtraction" aT differed from the displayed AT by values ranging from .5 F to +.5*F. Site personnel were aware of this discrepancy and were actively involved in trouble-shooting the problem. As of this writing, however, it is unclear whether or not the system currently meets the accuracy requirement of .27 F.

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Audit No. 0-745 Page 8 (5) Dew point: For this channel the I&C Department applies the same limits to module error as with the temperature channel. The same sensor and multi-plexer errors apply; thus 11.0 F accuracy is attained through appropriate module calibrator, well within the i 2.7*F limit.

(6) Precipitation: The recently installed rain gauge is of the " tipping bucket" variety. The collecting reservoir tips and produces a pulse for

, every .01" of rainfall. The calibration check performed after installation

relies on counting the " tips" for a given volume of water. This test in-dicated an error of zero, in that ten tips were expected, and ten were ob-served. Errors introduced by the signal module and IDADS correspond to

.006" and .0025" respectively for a 1" accumulation. Thus the system accuracy meets the 10% criterion.

(7) Time: Boththedigitalandanalogrecordingsystemsforclocktimeare

significantly more accurate than the required -5 minutes criterion.

'Of the items considered above, the only problem area from an accuracy stand-point is that'of temperature difference between 10 and 60 meters. There is presently inadequate assurance that the accuracy requirement of .27 F is being achieved.

This item ~is open.

11. For analog systems, specific accuracies of time-averaged values by parameter should be the same as those above except that the accuracies for wind speed and direction records should be not more than 1.5 times those stated for the digital system. (Section C, Part 4)

Results of Audit:

In the analog system, strip chart recorders replace the Anatec multiplexer; other than this, the analog channels are identical to the digital channels and the same basic accuracies apply. Accuracy concerns identified under item 10, and corrective actions to them, therefore apply to the analog channels also.

r Since item 10 remains open, item 11 may be closed.

This item is closed.

12. The system ,hould be protected against lightning and other severe environ-mental conditions (e.g., icing, blowing sand, salt deposition, air pollution) that may oc:ur at the site. The meteorological measurement system and associa-ted contr.ol':ed environment housing system for the equipment should be connected to a power system that is supplied from redundant power sources. (SectionC, Part 5)

- Audit No. 0-745 Page 9 4

Results of Audit:

1 The system is protected against lightning in two ways: the AC power l' supply is equipped with lightning arrestors, and the tower itself is grounded. Redundant power sources for the system exist in that normal plant power is backed up by a propane generator, with automatic start-up on loss of normal AC.. The back-up generator has a fuel supply sufficient for one month of continuous operation.

This item is closed.

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.13. Meteorological instruments should be inspected and serviced at a frequency that will minimize extended periods of outage and ensure at least an annual 90 percent joint data recovery for atmospheric stability, wind speed, and wind direction at the level that represents each effluent release point. It

-is essential to maintain an adequate spare parts inventory to minimize extended periods of system outage. Annual data recovery for other individual para-

" meters should be at least 90 percent for cach parameter. Redundant sensors and recorders at appropriate locations may also be used to achieve the required data recovery. (Section C, Part 5)

I Results of Audit:

Data recovery for atmospheric stability, wind speed and v.ind direction is determined by the corporate health physicist. In 1984 the joint data recovery for these parameters was approximately 92% (based on an average of quarterly recovery figures). For the first two quarters of 1985, the data recovery rates were 95.7% and 95.4% respectively.

Recovery of raw data for the individual parameters is governed by hardware operability _and cut-of-service time during calibration. The cognizant I&C engineer stated that due to very low malfunction rates and the small fraction

- 'of time consumed by calibrations, raw data availability has definitely been greater than 90%.

Spare parts for the meteorological system are maintained by SMUD and Weather-measure. Rancho Seco has spare signal processirig modules for each channel on-site; Weathermeasure keeps spare sensors on hand, and as part of their c- contract with SMUD, is obligated to provide emergency response within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.

This item is closed.

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• . Audit No. 0 %

' Page 10

14. The systems sho'uld be calibrated at least semi-annually to ensure meeting the system accuracies presented in this guide; the calibration results should be reflected in the compiled data base. Procedures and a log of inspection, maintenance, and calibrations should be maintained at the tower site as a controlled document and a permanent record to be made available for review.

Any major modification of the system or environs should be documented and discussed with the NRC staff. (Section C, Part 5)

Results of Audit:

Calibrations and operational checks of the meteorological system are per-formed quarterly. Until recently, all calibrations were performed by -

Weathermeasure, Inc. As of June, 1985, SMUD personnel began performing the

-electronic calibrations under Procedure 1-016 (referenced by SP200.17).

Sensor checks on the tower are still performed by Weathermeasure and docu-mented separately. The auditor reviewed the records of calibrations per-formed by Weathermeasure on 7/9/84, 9/18/84l 12/21/84, and 3/23/85. The first SMUD calibration, completed on 7/8/85, was also reviewed. No de-ficiencies in documentation were noted. The third 1985 calibration was in progress at the time of the audit.

Presently, no log of inspection and maintenance is kept at the tower site.

The cognizant I&C. engineer indicated to the auditor that such a log could be easily instituted. A log kept at the tower could provide a chronological record of all activities conducted at or on the tower, including calibrations, inspections, troublesnooting, corrective maintenance and modifications.

It was also brought to the auditor's attention that channels undergoing calibration are not always taken 'off scan' while work is in progress. This results in artificially generated sensor output signals being accepted by MIDAS and incorporated into history files. Taking the parameter to be affected off scan prior to calibration or testing should be a prerequisite of the procedures being followed.

This item is open. l J

15. The basic reduced data should be averaged over a period of 1 hour1.157407e-5 days <br />2.777778e-4 hours <br />1.653439e-6 weeks <br />3.805e-7 months <br />. At least

15. consecutive minutes of continuous data during each hour should be used to E represent a 1-hour average. Precipitation should be totaled hourly. The basic reduced data should be compiled into monthly and annual joint frequency distributions of wind speed and wind direction by atmospheric stability class.

(Section C, Part 6)

Results of Audit:

The MIDAS software extracts current values for each primary and back-up channel parameter from IDADS every 5 seconds. Data gathered in this way is compiled into both 15 minute and 1-hour averages. The 15 minute averages are derived from 180 instantaneous met. char.nel values. The 1-hour averages are represented by the average of 15 consecutive minutes of data, beginning 7.5

Audit No.0-745 Page 11 minutes before the hour and ending 7.5 minutes af ter the hour. This is identical to the Regulatory Guide's recommendation for arriving at 1-hour averages.

History files of all averaged data are retained in a manner that allows monthly and annual joint frequency distributions of wind speed and direction by stability class to,be generated on demand. These distributions are i' the format prescribed by Table 2 of the Pegulatory Guide.

Precipitation is totalled up to 1", at which time the system resets; however, as mentioned in Item 8, the total displayed is independent of time. In the present configuration there is no provision for hourly totalling or creation of history files based on each hour's accumulated catch.

This item is opea

16. A quality assurance program that is consistent with the provisions of Appendix B, " Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants," to 10 CFR Part 50 should be established for the neteorological measure-ment program in support of the operation of the nuclear power plant. (Section C, Part 7)

Results of Audit:

As a result of the recent task force report on the meteorological program, this area has been added to the list of regularly scheduled MSRC audits.

Quality Assurance surveillance reports addressing the meteorological program status will also be generated as part of the continuing cperational surveillance program, and incorporated in subsequent audits, if appropriate.

This item _is closed.

17. Provisions should be made for remote interrogation of all utility-maintainad meteorological systems during emergency situations. These systems should have the capability of being remotely interrogated simultaneously by the licensee, emergency response organizatiors, and the NRC without interruption of the data-gathering process. (Section C, Part 8) g- Results of Audit:

Currently, and until MIDAS is accepted, interrogative ability from the E0F and TSC is limited to real-time display of meteorological parameters through IDADS, and telephone communications. Following acceptance of the MIDAS package, history files and time-averaged values of raw channel data and derived paramenters will be available by remote interrogation in the TSC and E0F. This interrogative ability in no way affects the ongoing data gathering process. Panding com-pletion of MIDAS acceptance testing, this item must remain open.

This item is open.

18. All sites with operating nuclear power plants should have a viable backup system to obtain real-time local meteorological data. Such a system would pro-vide meteorological information when the primary system is out of service, thus providing assurance that basic meteorological information is available during and immediately following an accidental airborne release. The backup system

.should provide inforn ion in a real-time mode in the event necessary parameters from the primary sy , n are not available. Changeover from the primary system

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Audit No. @-F6s

- ,_ . Page 12 to the backup system should occur within 5 minutes. (Section C, Part 8)

Results of Audit:

The Rancho Seco meteorological tower is equipped with backup instrumentation for all parameters at both the 10-meter and 60-meter elevations. The backup

- channel. instrumentation i.s identical to, but. entirely independent of the primary channel. Backup channel information may be recalled for a particular parameter in the event of a single sensor or module failure on the primary channel, or the entire primary system output may be replaced by the backup system. Changeover from the primary system to the backup system is essentially instantaneous, involving _only a change in channel selection at the display ,

console.

- This item is closed.

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. f0: ROD MVERS FROM: TOM LOFFMAN - CONSUL flNG ME TE0HOL OGIST RE: RANCHO SECO METEOROLOGICHL PROGRAM PROGRESS REPORT '

DafE: NOV. 14 l'J 85 i

AGSTRACT During the Spring of this year the Department Man.toers of the

" Nuclear Family" at Rancho Seco directed that a fask Force be set up to being the meteorological program up to comptsance utth Industry standards.

One of the major reconnendattons of the Task Force re:por t t s e.u ed April IS. 11185 was the hiring of a Meteorologist ta determine the validity of the meteorological dat.a from Honcho Seco.

I was hired as the meteorological consultant to Huqust. My totttal evaluation of the meteorological data and system at Rancho Seco lead me to conclude that thw e had been and still were come questions about tha validity of the data.

I then began to work utth SMUO personnel and contracted utaff at Rancho Seco utth the f oll ou t ng obj ec t i ves:

1. Deterntne the current status and condition of the meteorolo-Otcal data

2. Trace down the posstble causes of the problems

3. Identify the persons responsible for mak t ny the corrective changes in the data gathering process 4 Monitor and coordinate the corrective procedures

5. Recoommend techniques and procedures for future data validation As of this writing I an able to report that items one. tuo and three have been completed. Item four is nearing completion. and item five is in progress.

With respect to the current valtdtty of the data [ can say that a number of corrective actions have been taken and the accuracy of the data now being obtained from the meteorological system has been significantly improved. Only one minor problem remains. After the last problem has been corrected the task util then be to conttnue to monttor and evaluate the data over the course of the cuning year to mak e sure that the data validtty remains stable through all types of weather conditions.

CllRRENI METEOROLOGICAL SYSTEM HT RANCHO SECO The current system of meteorological instrumetation at Rancho Seco meets or exceeds all NRC requirements in its present configuration.

However, the data that has been obtained from the instruments has not always met utth requirements. In particular. the recent GA Hudtt noted deficiencies in the Delta T accuracy, and questioned the accuracy of the primary channel temperature instruments based on comparison utth the backup temperature instruments.

. Determining the validtty of primary channel temperature measure-ments by cross-check ing with backup instruments far exceeds any NRC regulation, and is not standard practice at other Nuclear factitties in this country. However, since the primary and backup instruments on the meteorological tower at Rancho Seco are placed very close to each other a cross-comparison cannot be avoided. Once the last instrument proh-lem has been solved the Rancho Seco setup unit be a MODEL of data accuracy and validity - far exceeding the exacting requirements of the ReOulatory Guide spectitcations outlined an the QA Audtt.

CAUSES OF THE PH0HLEMS Ul fH THC MC TEOROLOGICAI DRIA The h2 story of and problenc utth the meteorological instruments and their current status as detailed in the November 1, 1985 office memorandum written by 15C Icchnician htk e Hardin ( see attached). During the pact year the IdC department has been uncking steadtly on determining the system problenc, and has successfully taken a number of steps to correct those problems. fo date, most of the problens have been solved, and from a revreu of the data now being displayed on the IDHOS screens in the Technical Support Center ( FSC ), it appears as if the Delta f readings are both stable and valid. It is the hope and expectation of all involved that this data unll remaan stable and valid as ue progress into the Utnter cold and utl! hold in that condition through the heat of the Summer.

The final problem that needs to be solved f or absolute certainty of accuracy is the consistent matchinO of primary and backup channel temperature measurements - and as menttoned previously, this is not a requtrenant of the NRC, but is a technique used by me and by I6C to determana absolute tenperature accuracy.

.At present, we are awaiting the installation of a set cf four matched temperature sensors by Qualimetricc/Ucather Measure. I Lnow of no other Nuclear facility where this has been done. Once thic has been completed, the temperatures obtatned from the Rancho Seco tower should be the most accurate in the country.

In addttion to the instrument accuracy prob!cmu, deficiencies were found in the MIDAS software by Realogic consultant Bob Bass. To date, these deficiencies have been corrected. It is not knoun whether these deftcienc2es have been noted and corrected by other Nuclear factltites that use the MIDAS software package, bu t we are coni tdent , af ter ex t en-sive testing. that our MIDAS software is displaying the meteorologtcal data utIhout error.

PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS The k ey individuals involved in mak a ng the corrective charuges in the system are the I&C techn2ctans and the Realogic consultants. My efforts have been directed toward identifying and coordinating these activities in a way that k eeps then moving in the destred direction. I have also attempted to establish linec of communication between all persons involved in the problem solving activittes. To date, I believe that all concerned individuals in these corrective actions are communicating and working together in a cooperattve and concerted effort to maintain the integrity of the system.

TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES FOR DATA VALIDATION One of the first discovertes ! made was that the meteorological data was not readily available in a form that nade data valtdation a simple and effective task. A meeting was held utth representatives of the 1&C department, the OH Audit department and Realogic, and a progran was outlined for a MIDAS tack that uould print out the data in the needed format. Details of tht: F.eeting are deccribed in the OH Ascurance Survel!!ance Mctivttles Heport issued Nov. 1, l '18 S .

Once this program ts implemented, data valtdation util become a very straight-forevard procedure, and tt will be possible for all concerned individua!c tn check the data for possible problenc.

thet :1 this progran ic implemented, hounver, data validation util remain a slou and ar-dunuc procedure.

OVERAL L OBSERVA f!On$ ON CURREN T PROGRESS My overall observatton 2s that progre,s ts being made rapidly to insure compliance unth all NRC requirements. Indeed, ue will exceed those requirements and should attain a level of a m2 racy that utti be diff2 cult to naten in the industry. I an pleased tiot progress has been very raptd, and all individuals involved are natiny significant gains toward the destred obj ect ivec. I am confident that un are headed in the right directton.

Another area that decerves attention, besides the instrunentation, is the NRC requirenent for a backup source of data in the event of a failure of the instrument touer.

It had been assumed, that backup weMhJ r informatton could be

• obtatned from the Nattonal Weather Ser > to via a telephone call to thetr off2ces. It has been ny e4perience that the Natianal Weather Service is rh f f icul t , If not anpossable to contact during tsmes of severe ueatheir. The reacon for t h t <, as the Ilmated personnel available at the National Weather Serv tc=* and the needs of that personnel to handle their assigned dutles rather than to answer the telephone.

)

I an recommending that the no,,t reltable way to chtaan back up meteorological data is through a private, computartred weather data base ( such ac Weather Services International, Bedford, Masc.) and accessed via computer ustng a nodem and communications software. Ihis backup equapnent shoold be avai!abta both tn the fechaacal Support Center at Rancho Seco and at the E0f (Emergency Operations f acil ity).

PROGRESS TOUARD COMPLETION OF 1ASK FORCE REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS In revteuing the fask Force report I find that stontricant progress has been nade in implementing the recommendations.

SpectfIcally:

1. PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Uhtle a permanent coordinator has not yet been selected, we are making significant progress and functioning well under Rob Myers, our Interin Coordinator.

2. METEOROLOGIST: Since I have been under contract as consulting

Meteorologist this reconnendation has been fulfilled.

3. MUL TIPLC SOURCES: Primary and back up instruments are located on the meteorological tower side by side and hence comparisons of the instrument readtnas are unavoidable. Data valtdation using this techntque, however. it not a rcquirement of the NHC. However, ue are getting a set of four natched temperature sensors and un expect all

-four sensors to cross verify. Presently, accuracy and validtty of single channel dato is excellent and meets all NRC requirements. Our only task in that regard is to nonttor the validity through the seasons.

4. Number 4 was not Itsted in the fask iorce Report i

5. DATA EVALUAfl0N PROCEDURE: Proarrss is being node on a MIORh task to print out the data in a format that unti allou evaluations of the data for accuracy and validity. The needs. of all persons involved in the monttorIng have been provided for.

t S. 0A AUDI T: The OH Department performed an audit of the meteorological pecoran on Oct. 11, 1995. Hdditional audits are scheduled.

7. DELTA T AND DUAL INSTRUMEHfATION: As a resul t of the corrective actions by 15C and Realogic. tne Delta f measurements have been valid f or bo th primary and back up channels f2r several oceks. It appears those problems have teen solved. Ar. has been mentioned previously, the dual instrumentation at Rancho Seco ts not connon in the industry, and cross validation is not a requ treraen: for NRC compliance.

8. DA TA IN TERPRETA fION: Utth the neteorological consultant nou on staff, the progran of data i n t errpi e t a t ion i s nou ori goi ng. This process util be greatly enhanced once the MIDAS data progran to factittate this is completed.

9. PRECIPITATION INSTRUMENTATION: Precapttatton measuring equipment is now in place, and data is coming into the plant computer systen. Further uark needs to be done by Realogic to convert the data to a usable format that meets NRC recutrements.

10. MIDAS AVERAGING: Completed by Healcote

11. HNATEC MULIIPLEXER: Completed by 15C.

12. PORTABLE INSTRUMENTS: These tostruments were shown to the NHC and we were in agreement on their Itnttations. My reconnendations for obtaining backup neteorolootcal data using a moden-based syten were described previously. The reconnended backup systen should totally replace the portable instruments.

ROLE OF IHE CONSULTING METEOROLOGIST Since September I have taken an active role in the evaluation, and coordination of the activities involved in correcting the deficiencies of the meteorologtcal progran at Ras.cho Seco. Once these problems have been solved an evaluation of the role of the consulting neteorologist util have to be made by the Meteorological Progran Coordinator. .

Me t*e nr ol o". g i c t this reconnendatson has been futfilled.

3. MUL I?PLE SOURCES : Primary and backup instruments are located on the me teor ol or; ten! to-er side by side _and hence comparisons of the instrument readingt ace un.woidabl e. Data valtdation using this j technique, houever, t r, not a requirenefit of the NHC. llouever, ue are getting a set of four natched temperature sensors and we expect all four sensorr to cross vor t f y. Presently. accuracy and validity of single channel afato is excellent and meet _s all NRC requirenents. Our only t avs in that cer y d is to monitar,the validity through the ceasons.

4. Number 4 uas not listed to the fask force Report L. Ortin 'iVALUAfl0N PROCEDURE: Progrest. ts being node on a MIDAS t .wk to p tot cut the data in a f ormat that unll allow evaluations of

the data fer accura , .md validity. The needs of all persons involved in the nonttoring have been provided for.

G. OH.fluDII: The OH Department perf orn-d an audit of the i neteorofogtcal pengean on Oct. II. !S95. Hdda tional audt t:: are schcduled.

7. Ot LTA T 8ND OUAL INSTRUMENTATION: 85 a result of the correcttve actions by 15C and Realogic, the Del ta T naasurenents have been valid

, Ior to th prir v ary and bac! ;p channeIs (or several weeks. It appears those problers have been solved. As has been mentioned prevtously, the dual instrumentat ion at Fancho Seco ts not connon in the tndustry, and cross valtdat on is not a requirement for NRC conplsance.

7 8 DATA INTERPHE In f t0N: utth the neteccological consultant nou on staff, the progran of data int erpretat tors is nou on going. This process utll be greatly enlunced once the MID S data progran to factittate this 1 t. compteted.

9. PRECIPI!AlION INSTRUMENTnT10Nt Precipitation measuring equipment as nou in place, and data is coning into the plant computer avsten, Further work needs to be done by Realogic to conver t the data to a u=,able formet that nee?s NRC requirenents, i

to. MIDAS AVERAGING

Congleted by Realcotc.

11. HNHTEC ttut rIPLEXEH: Completed by IGC.

IZ. PORTABLE INSTRUMENTS: These inetruments were shoun to the NRC and we uere in agreenenL on thetr 1 int La't tons. My recomnendat tons for obtaining bac'< up netecrological data using a moden-based syten were -

described previously. 'ihe reconnended b'ack up' systen should totally replace the portable instranents.

l HOLE OF IHE CONSULflNG METEOROLOGIST Since September I have taken an active role in the evaluation, and coordination of the activtties involved in correcting the deficiencies

of the neteorologtcal progran at Rancho Seco. Once these problens have been solved an evaluatton of the role of the consultang neteorologist util have to be node by the Meteorological Progran Coordinator.

t r -

-w. , - , , , - , - - ~ - - - -- - ,

Until that time, houever, 1 expect to continue to monitor the progress of the corrective activittes. We are presently auatting the neu temperature sensors, and once they are in operation a re evaluation of the Llelta i and system validity util have to be made. Further, the data utll have to be check ed under ver tous weather condit ions to insure that the val 1dity utIl stand up under extremes of temperature, clondiness and utnd.

Fncther task s are: the antegration of the precipitation readings into the riata base, ant! evaluat i ng the new MIDAS meteorological data analysas prcOrare.

CONCLUSIONS After a complete review of the meteorological program and instrumentatton, I am pleased that significant progress has been made and is hetng made toward correcting all eatstang problems, meetang the f ar.k Force reconmendattons, and providing for future data validattoo, t hank .3 to the concerted offorts of the capable people who have twen concent rat ing the tc efforts toward solving the problems of the past, ue are nearing a potnt uhere the meteorological system at Rancho Seco is meeting all NRC requirements, is providino accurate and valid data, is meeting the needs of all persons tnvolved in the program. and will t e a MODEL of data occuracy and validtty for the Nuclear Industry.

The problens are being solved rapidly, communication between the working members of the program is excellent, and progress touard the rema t ning obj ect ives ts procedtng in a timely manner, I am pleased utth where ue are, and where ue a: e headed.

ION LOFFMAtl NEIE0110 LOG 1SI NOVEMt3ER 14, 1995 L

SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Ed Bradley DATE: November 1, 1985 FRoM: Mike Hardin M

SUBJECT:

METEOROLOGICAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

, Following is a summary of problems resolved and improvements to the Meteorological System Instruments and'0ata Acquisition equipment:

8/84 Weather Measure installed redesigned temperature and Delta temperature module with better stability.

10/84 Insulated meteorological equipment enclosure and added 2 F temperature controls to heater /AC unit in order to stabilize operating environment.

10/84 Started monthly program for spraying equipment enclosure for insect control to prevent spiders and

, mice from fouling the electronics.

3/8/85 Replaced worn out teletype with Hewlett Packard dot-i- matrix type printer for NOVA computer.hard copy output.

3/15/85 Moved 10 meter level "B" channel sensors to west side of tower into prevailing winds. This eliminated descrepancies '

between wind speed and wind direction caused by tower effect.

4/18/85 Moved 60 meter "B" temperature sensor to west side of tower in an attempt to resolve Delta temperature problem.

6/85 Replaced current loop dropping resistors to obtain better accuracy input to IDADS.

6/21/85 Implemented new procedure to have SMUD technicians calibrate system electroincs instead of Weather Measure. New procedure includes 5 point check of calibration vs. 2 point check per W/M and traceable standards used at all inputs vice module internal test devices.

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Ed Bradley Page Two November 1, 1985 9/21/85 Corrected calibration procedure to recognize that electronics compensates for RTD. curve on temperature instruments.

9/21/85 Precipitation instrument installation complete.

10/23/85 Replaced all 4 temperature sensors in an attempt to resolve Delta temp. proo'lem. 60 meter temperatures show good correspondence indicating sensor matching is critical to resolving problem.

10/24/85 Changed Anatec multiplexer calibration procedure to inject current signal at Met. station to avoid impedance changes caused by lifting wires at control room junction box. This new method provided .1% accuracy of mux.

10/29/85 Marv Lord of Weather Measure to obtain 4 certified, matched RTD's for temperature sensors which should resolve correspondence problems with temperatures and delta temperatures.

Changes to be made in near future:

1. MIDAS software system to be turned over and NOVA computer eliminated.

2. Implementation of direct digital comunications link between Met. station and IDADS computer to eliminate current loop interface with IDADS (increase system accuracy).

3. Software changes to reduce IDADS thresh hold values which will increase MIDAS accuracy.

4. Software changes to implement IDADS " calibrate" feature which '

1. 0ter-Mrr.4%v i-ll prevent w erroneour data from being used by MIDAS when - -

MMM Met. instruments are being tested.

5. Software changes to add computed Delta temperature values in j- order to study possibility of bypassing hardware Delta temp.

6. Software changes to lower instrument low error setpoint to prevent losing data within calibrated range of Met. instruments.

7. Long term software change to add self-diagnostics features utilizing data analysis for flagging possible herdware problems.

cc: R. Meyers J. Irwin N. Brock B. Hellmus

~ C._asee Loffman

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