ML25148A371
| ML25148A371 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palo Verde  |
| Issue date: | 05/21/2025 |
| From: | Cox M Arizona Public Service Co |
| To: | John Monninger Region 4 Administrator |
| References | |
| 102-08941-MSC/JR | |
| Download: ML25148A371 (1) | |
Text
Withhold from Public Disclosure Per NUREG-1021, Revision 12 102-08941-MSC/JR J. Monninger USNRC, Region IV 2025 Post-Examination Comments and Analysis Page 2
Enclosure:
- 1.
Signed Facility Cover Letter
- 2.
Written Examination Cover Sheets - UNGRADED
- 3.
Written Examination Cover Sheets - GRADED
- 4.
Written Examination Answer Sheets - UNGRADED
- 5.
Written Examination Answer Sheets - GRADED
- 6.
As-Given RO and SRO Written Examinations with Provided Examination References
- 7.
As-Given RO and SRO Written Examination Worksheet
- 8.
RO and SRO Written Examination Answer Keys
- 9.
Questions Asked and Responses Given During Written Examination Administration
- 10. Post-Examination Applicant and Licensee Comments
- 11. Written Examination Seating Chart
- 12. Written Examination Performance Analysis
- 13. Form 1-3.1 Examination Security Agreement
- 14. Condition Reports Generated from Exam Validation and/or Administration cc:
(w/o enclosure)
H. J. Gepford NRC Region IV, Chief, Operations Branch N. Salazar NRC Region IV, Licensing Assistant, Operations Branch K. Clayton NRC Region IV, Senior Operations Engineer A. Tran NRC Acting Senior Resident Inspector for PVNGS (w enclosure)
T. J. Farina NRC Region IV, Chief Examiner
Withhold from Public Disclosure Per NUREG-1021, Revision 12 In accordance with examination security guidance contained in NUREG-1021, Revision 12, material contained in the enclosure shall be withheld from public disclosure until after the examinations are complete. APS requests withholding of this material for 2 years from the completion of examinations to align with the completion of the two-year training cycle.
Enclosure
- 1.
Signed Facility Cover Letter
- 2.
Written Examination Cover Sheets - UNGRADED
- 3.
Written Examination Cover Sheets - GRADED
- 4.
Written Examination Answer Sheets - UNGRADED
- 5.
Written Examination Answer Sheets - GRADED
- 6.
As-Given RO and SRO Written Examinations with Provided Examination References
- 7.
As-Given RO and SRO Written Examination Worksheet
- 8.
RO and SRO Written Examination Answer Keys
- 9.
Questions Asked and Responses Given During Written Examination Administration
- 10. Post-Examination Applicant and Licensee Comments
- 11. Written Examination Seating Chart
- 12. Written Examination Performance Analysis
- 13. Form 1-3.1 Examination Security Agreement
- 14. Condition Reports Generated from Exam Validation and/or Administration
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 19 Given the following conditions:
- Unit 1 is operating at 100% power
- Condenser vacuum is degrading due to atmospheric conditions
- Main Turbine load was reduced to improve condenser vacuum
- CEAs automatically inserted 7 steps in Auto Sequential in response to the load reduction
- Group 5 CEA 14 remained fully withdrawn (1) The change in Az Tilt (as a result of the stuck CEA) would be IMMEDIATELY observable on (2) The magnitude of the CEA deviation _____ meet the entry conditions for 40AO-9ZZ11, CEA Malfunctions.
22%
A.
(1) the CPCs (2) DOES 9%
B.
(1) the CPCs (2) does NOT 17%
C.
(1) COLSS (2) DOES 52%
D.
(1) COLSS (2) does NOT Analysis:
Feedback from the class was that some didnt remember whether CPCs or COLSS would immediately show a change in AZ TILT, however all acknowledged that this info must be input into the CPCs and agreed it was covered in class and was correct. On the second part, some couldnt remember if the entry conditions for the AOP was based on steps deviated or inches. The entry conditions for the AOP are well covered in the program and is known by the class and required knowledge.
==
Conclusion:==
Question is accurate and covered in the program. No action required.
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 21 While in MODE 6, a valid alarm on which of the following Radiation Monitors, INDIVIDUALLY, meets the entry conditions for 40AO-9ZZ22, Fuel Damage?
- 1. RU-31, Fuel Pool Area Radiation Monitor
- 2. RU-34, Containment Building Refueling Purge Exhaust Radiation Monitor
- 3. RU-150, Primary Coolant Activity Radiation Monitor 61%
A.
1 and 2 ONLY 17%
B.
1 and 3 ONLY 0%
C.
2 and 3 ONLY 22%
D.
1, 2, and 3 Analysis:
Feedback from the class was that the Fuel Damage AOP is not used in the simulator where most of the AOP training occurs, and as such, doesnt get much attention from the class while studying. This was an educated guess for most of the students.
==
Conclusion:==
Question is accurate and covered in the program. No action required.
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 32 Given the following conditions:
- Unit 3 tripped due to a Loss of Coolant Accident
- SIAS/CIAS/MSIS/CSAS have all automatically actuated
- On the SIAS actuation:
o SIB-UV-636, HPSI Header B to RC Loop 1A Valve, failed to auto open and could not be opened locally o The A HPSI Pump tripped on overcurrent
- RCS pressure is 400 psia and stable
- SPTAs have just been completed
- Current HPSI flow rates and Appendix 2: Figures, are provided on the following page (1) Following SPTAs, the crew should transition to (2) The FIRST mitigating action the crew should take after entering the EOP in Part 1 to address the loss of HPSI injection to Loop 1A is to 22%
A.
(1) 40EP-9EO03, Loss of Coolant Accident (2) lower RCS pressure to establish LPSI flow 17%
B.
(1) 40EP-9EO03, Loss of Coolant Accident (2) line up for and commence HPSI hot leg injection 61%
C.
(1) 40EP-9EO09, Functional Recovery (2) lower RCS pressure to establish LPSI flow 0%
D.
(1) 40EP-9EO09, Functional Recovery (2) line up for and commence HPSI hot leg injection Analysis:
Feedback from the class was that some were not sure if the Functional Recovery procedure should be entered since there was only one event in progress, however based on inadequate SI flow, they agreed that transitioning to the FR was the correct action to take. In terms of the loss of one injection flowpath, some were not sure if this made SI flow inadequate since safety analysis assumes loss of one loop, however since the assumption is based on four available injection paths instead of three, SI flow has to be considered inadequate. The assumption cannot be made that the failed loop (i.e.
assumption that one loop just falls off) will be the same loop that had an injection valve fail to open.
==
Conclusion:==
Feedback from the class was that this concept is well covered in the simulator during LOCA training scenarios, however some werent 100% sure and defaulted to remaining in the LOCA AOP given a single event. Question is accurate and the concept is adequately covered. No action needed.
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 49 Field flashing during EDG startup is provided by ___(1)___.
When the EDG is shutdown, the field is collapsed ___(2)___.
61%
A.
(1) 125 VDC power from the associated Class Control Power Bus (2) immediately via a field shorting contactor closing 26%
B.
(1) 125 VDC power from the associated Class Control Power Bus (2) slowly in proportion to the speed of the generator rotor 4%
C.
(1) permanent magnets installed in the EDG rotor (2) immediately via a field shorting contactor closing 9%
D.
(1) permanent magnets installed in the EDG rotor (2) slowly in proportion to the speed of the generator rotor Analysis:
Feedback from the class was that this concept felt a bit trivial but they agreed that it was well covered. When they think about class 125 VDC power as it pertains to the EDG, they think about it more in terms of control power from the EDG output breaker as well as control circuitry for the EDG, not so much in terms of field flashing. On the second part, specifically from former AOs, they indicated that when stopping the EDG the field operator checks to ensure the field flashing available light remains illuminated for at least 9 minutes on a EDG shutdown so they figured this would indicate the field collapses slowly.
They acknowledged the difference between field and control room indications and what actually happens via the K-1 relay.
==
Conclusion:==
Question is accurate and covered in the EDG lesson plan. No action needed.
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 52 Given the following conditions:
- The Instrument Air Master Controller, PC-265, is in AUTO using Sequence BCA
- The B Instrument Air Compressor is running loaded
- Instrument Air Header Pressure is 114 psia and stable Subsequently:
- A small leak developed in the IA header causing IA header pressure to slowly lower The BOP should expect to see an auto-start of the C Instrument Air Compressor AS SOON AS IA header pressure lowers to ___(1)___ and the C Instrument Air Compressor will start to unload AS SOON AS IA header pressure rises to ___(2)___.
9%
A.
(1) 105 psia (2) 115 psia 4%
B.
(1) 105 psia (2) 119 psia 43%
C.
(1) 109 psia (2) 115 psia 43%
D.
(1) 109 psia (2) 119 psia Analysis:
Feedback from the class was that most knew normal IA header pressure is 110-115 psig, however they could not remember the pressures at which the compressors load and unload on changes to header pressure since it happens automatically and CR action isnt required until much lower pressure. They acknowledged that the information is covered in the IA system lesson plan though.
==
Conclusion:==
Question is accurate and covered in the systems lesson plan. No action needed.
2025 PVNGS NRC Initial Written Exam Performance Analysis (< 70% Pass Rate Questions)
Question 97 Given the following conditions and drawing:
Unit 1 is in MODE 3 NCB-UV-401, NC Containment Supply Isolation, has failed its stroke time Surveillance Test, and was declared INOPERABLE per LCO 3.6.3, Containment Isolation Valves, Condition A Drain Valves NC-V215 and NC-V216 are both closed Which, if either, of the following valves, may be closed and deactivated to satisfy the REQUIRED ACTIONS for LCO 3.6.3, Containment Isolation Valves?
- 1. NCB-UV-401, NC Containment Supply Isolation
- 2. NCN-HCV-492, NC Containment Supply Header Isolation Valve 20%
A.
Neither 1 nor 2 20%
B.
1 ONLY 0%
C.
2 ONLY 60%
D.
Both 1 and 2 Analysis:
The class felt that the question was fair, however some were not sure if the failed valve could still be used to satisfy the required action of LCO 3.6.3, while a couple werent sure if the valve to be closed and deactivated must be on the same side of the containment boundary as the failed valve. All thought it was fair. One enhancement was to make the picture bigger, perhaps on a separate page rather than embedded in the stem, however none said that was why they missed it.
==
Conclusion:==
Question is accurate and covered during TS training in the program. No action needed.
Questions Asked During 2025 NRC Written Exam Q#
Applicant Question and Answer 8
Q: Can I assume white lights are illuminated and gray lights are extinguished?
A: Yes (posted clarification for the class) 17 Q: Is the question asking if the crew is swapping compressors or adding (i.e. putting the 2nd in service along with the 1st)?
A: Answer the question as written 26 Q: What is meant by flow indication in the control room?
Actual gpm or alternate indications such as containment pressure and temp?
A: Flowrate indication 48 Q: Can I get the EQID/noun name (equipment identification) for the compressors?
A: Provided the EQIDs for the air compressors:
DGN-C01A, Diesel Gen A Air Start Comp A DGN-C02A, Diesel Gen B Air Start Comp A DGN-C01B, Diesel Gen A Air Start Comp B DGN-C02B, Diesel Gen B Air Start Comp B 52 Q: Are the IA pressures supposed to be psig?
A: Yes (posted clarification for the class) 59 Q: Is the question asking if the assembly is being put back in its original storage rack or any storage rack?
A: Answer the question as written 85 Q: Can I assume that the Functional Recovery is not effective in lowering REP CET within 15 minutes?
A: Yes (provided clarification to the class) 95 Q: Is this asking which barrier is reached 1st, 2nd, then 3rd?
A: Answer the question as written
96 Q: Is the question asking if the Reactivity Manager must be stationed prior to or following withdrawal of CEAs (either RG 1 or SD Bank)?
A: Prior to 97 Q: Is D saying either 1 or 2 will satisfy the required actions individually or that both 1 and 2 are required to satisfy the required actions?
A: Individually