ML20205N780

Requests NRC Approval of Interpretation of Tech Spec 4.7.9.a Provisions Re Snubber Visual Insp.Approval Requested Prior to 890205,to Preclude Submittal of Tech Spec Amend Request. Fee Paid

ML20205N780
Person / Time
Site:	Farley
Issue date:	10/26/1988
From:	Hairston W ALABAMA POWER CO.
To:	NRC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION & RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (ARM)
References
NUDOCS 8811040338
Download: ML20205N780 (2)

Text

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o a* Alabama Power Compeay J s00 North seen Street

. Post Omco Som feet Semagham, Alabama 352914400

% occone 2062501437 W. S. Metroton, OH l

sener v<e Precoent AlabamaPower

~ ~- o-,e ,,n l

October 26, 1988 t

Docket Nos. 50-548  ;

50-364 t

U.S. Nuclear Refrulatory Commission  !

ATTN: Document Control Desk Vashington, D.C. 20555  !

Gentlemen Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant - Units 1 and 2 r Interpretation of Technical Specification 4.7.9.a Provisions On March 30, 1987, the NRC issued amendments to the Facility Operating Licenses for Farley Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2. These amendments ,

modified, on a one-time basis (until startup from the eighth and fifth r refueling outages on Units 1 and 2, respectively), the snubber visual  :

inspection tables. Alabama Power Company has reviewed these amendments and {

determined that the provisions of the modified inspection tables may be l utill ed for the inspection performed during the eighth and fitth refueling .

outages to establish the next visual inspection periods.

One snubber visual inspection failure was identified at the last refueling outage for each unit. For Unit 1, inaccessible snubber visual exams during the eighth refueltag outage were completed May 5, 1988 and inaccessible l hydraulic snubber mark number RC-R226 was identified as a visual failure, j Snubber RC-R226 attaches to a hanger outside the pressuriser cell vall and i has an extension rod that passes through a hole in the vall. The extension  !

rod then attaches to a 6" pressuriser safety line. The snubber assembly  !

vas found with the rod extension binding on the edge of the penetration and (

bent down at an angle approximately 70 to 80 degrees. The anubber assembly L could not be functionally tested in the "as found" configuration and was i functionally tested and accepted after removing the bent rod extension I piece. Although the snubber passed its functional test "as tested " it was  !

determined that in the "as found" condition the snubber would not have  !

i performed its intended function during a safety relief valve blowdown. For Unit 2, accessible snubber visual exams during the fifth refueling outage were completed November 5, 1987 and accessible mechanical snubber mark number $5-13177 was identified as a visual failure. Snubber 55-13177 is located on a main steam drain pot in the auxiliary building and was found with the snubber forward and rear brackets rotated. Functional testing showed the snubber vould not have performed its intended function as a

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U. S. Nuc1:ct Regulottry Commissicn Page 2 1 result of unacceptably high breakaway drag in compression and erratic running drag behavior. Additional inspections and evaluation for these  !

anubber failures determined that the restrained components were not adversely affected by the unsatisfactory snubbers and the attached {

components remained capable of performing their design service with no adverse effects on plant safety.

Utilizing the modified tables, the next snubber visual inspection period for each unit vould be set at 18 months $25%. Thus, for Unit 1 the next snubber visual inspection vould be performed at the next scheduled refueling outage (September 1989). This precedes the 18 month period that ends November 5, 1989. For Unit 2, the next snubber visual inspection vould be petformed at the next scheduled refueling outage (March 1989).

! This precedes the 18 month period that ends May 5, 1989. The use af the modified tables vould allow the visual inspections to be parformed during the scheduled refueling outage for each unit, precluding prior shutdowns for the sole purpose of snubber visual inspections. The NRC is request 6d to provide its approval of this interpretetton prior to Februar/ 5. 1989 (end of Unit 2 12 month + 25% period), to preclude submittal of a Technical Specification amendment request. The required fee of $150.00, per 10 CFR 170.21, is enclosed. In addition, it should be noted that this approval is being requested in advance of the February 28, 1989 date shova in Alabama Power Company's Status of Licensing Items submittal of September 9, 1988.

If you have any questions, please advise.

Respectfully submitted.

ALABAMA F0VER COMPANY v).4. L b V. G. Rairston, III VGH,III/JARadst-V8.23 Enclosure cci Mr. L. 5. Long Dr. J. N. Grace Mr. E. A. Reeves Mr. G. F. Maxwell