ML20207G630
| ML20207G630 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/11/1988 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Sharp P HOUSE OF REP., ENERGY & COMMERCE |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20207G636 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8808240187 | |
| Download: ML20207G630 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES 5!%1)p 'i J
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION MUljsp#'#
W ASHINGToN, D.C. 20555 h***
August 11, 1988 CHAIRMAN The Honorable Philip R. Sharp, Chairman Subcommittee on Energy and Power Committee on Energy and Commerce United Statos House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
I am responding to your letter of July 12, 1988, concerning the use of "safe-ends" at nuclear power plants and the specific efforts of Mr. Phil day, a constituent of Representative Bates of California, to obtain industry acceptance of his patented modification to the manufacturing process of s;ainless steel pipes.
Althcugh we lack sufficient information to distinguish Mr. Jay's process from that currently in use at nuclear plants, it is clear that the Commission does not have the authority under the Atomic Energy Act to address concerns regarding potential patent infringement or commercial considerations relating to patent use, nor can we actively promote alternative processes if existing systems meet our safety requirements.
Safe-ends, which are rings of material that enhance the quality of welds joining primary system piping to the reactor vessel, have been widely used by the industry in the construc-tion of most light water reactor vessels.
They serve to reduce stress at the joints between the piping and the reactor vessel, and, if constructed of materials resistant to integranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC), extend the resistance to the IGSCC phenomenon irom the piping to the joint between the piping and the vessel.
The NRC staff has evaluated the safe-ends currently in use in the industry and has determined that they adequately ensure the safe operation of nuclear power plants.
Consequently, the Commission has no reason at this time to believe that the safe-ends now in use do not provide adequate protection of the public health and safety.
Nevertheless, if ar. Jay has developed and patented a safe-end i
design which he believes is an improvement, he should contact utilities or industry groups to market the product.
If a licensee should submit a request to use Mr. Jay's or any other new system, the NRC staff wou'd review the design and determine whether the licensee's request should be granted.
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f l I hope our response has addressed your safety and technical concerns and will be helpful to Representative Bates and q
Mr. Jay.
If you require further information,-please contact me.
i Sincerely, w.
EvA. A
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t t.ando W. Ze 4,
cc:
Rep. Carlos J. Moorhead
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