ML20214D077
| ML20214D077 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/24/1986 |
| From: | Stello V NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| To: | Tucker H BABCOCK & WILCOX OPERATING PLANTS OWNERS GROUP, DUKE POWER CO. |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 8602210553 | |
| Download: ML20214D077 (3) | |
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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g g-a wasmwaTom. o.c.zossa JAN 24 m Mr. Hal Tucker, Chairman Babcock & Wilcox Owners Group Duke Power Company Post Office Box 33189 Charlotte, North Carolina 23242
Dear Mr. Tucker:
Following the TMI accident there was a growing realization of the sensitivity of Babcock and Wilc::x (B&W) plants to operational transients. A number of-i recent events at B&W designed reactors have reinforced our concerns regarding these designs and lead us to conclude that there is a need to reexamine the basic design requirements for B&W reactors. While we believe that this reassessment is needed, we also believe that B&W reactors can safely continue to operate in the interim.
While we recognize that utilities are now and have been making modifications to their plants, the number and complexity of events has not decreased as expected. We also recognize that there are significant differences among plants that need to be considered. We nevertheless believe that there is a need for a broad evaluation of. the B&W designs. The staff will reassess the overall safety of B&W plants and determine whether the present set of requirements for B&W are appropriate for the long term and lead to a level of safety at B&W plants that is comparable to other pressurized water reactors.
I NRR will provide overall direction of this effort with support from the l
Regions and all appropriate NRC offices.
It will include an assessment of the themal-hydraulic design, instrumentation, controls and power supplies along-with a review of operating experience and operator training and responses.
We would appreciate the continued cooperation and assistance of the B&W Owner's Group in completing this significant activity. The.0wners' Group has been especially useful in providing information_such as plant design comparisons.
In your letter of January 9,1986 to Mr. Darrell Eisenhut, you noted that you had undertaken a review of the Davis-Besse event of June 1985 and the Rancho Seco event of December 1985, and that you would be reporting on these programs at a February 5,1986 meeting with the staff.
In light of the staff's decision to initiate a reassessment of the B&W designs, you should use that meeting as an opportunity to provide your views on the scope and nature of such a reexamination.
Our schedule is to develop a detailed program plan by mid-February and complete the reexamination this year. We intend to keep you informed of our
. progress. Any proposed changes resulting from the staff review will be handled in accordance with the Commission's backfit regulations.
In order f
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Hal Tucker to ensure centralized management of this effort Mr. Dennis Crutchfield, Assistant Director, Division of PWR Licensing-B, NRR, has been designated as the senior staff matager responsible for this program. Should you have any suggestions or comments concerning these matters, please feel free'to contact hin (301-492-7492).
Sincerely, original signed by.
Victor Stello Victor Stello, Jr.
Acting Executive Director for Operations DISTRIBUTION Central File AD/TS Rdg DCrutchfield FMiraglia' DEisenhut HDenton VStello EDO r/f JRoe TRehm JSniezek fA IE ELD PDk
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