NL-04-1152, Relief Request for RPV Circumferential Shell Weld Inspection
| ML041980055 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Hatch  |
| Issue date: | 07/13/2004 |
| From: | Sumner H Southern Nuclear Operating Co |
| To: | Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| NL-04-1152 | |
| Download: ML041980055 (2) | |
Text
H. L Sumner, Jr.
Southern Nuclear Vice President Operating Company, Inc.
Hatch Project Post Office Box 1295 Birmingham, Alabama 35201 Tel 205.992.7279 July 13, 2004 SOUTHCERNM.A COMPANY Energy to Serve YourWorld">
DocketNos.:
50-321 NL-04-1152 50-366 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, D. C. 20555-0001 Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant Relief Request for RPV Circumferential Shell Weld Inspection Ladies and Gentlemen:
The following information is provided in response to questions raised during a phone call on June 22, 2004 between the NRC staff and Southern Nuclear Operating Company (SNC) personnel. Specifically, the staff wanted to know how the fluence for Hatch Unit 2 is calculated before they consider SNC's relief request for RPV circumferential shell weld inspection (RR-38).
SNC noted that the fluence issue will be addressed separately and is not technically tied to the relief request. Each item is discussed below.
Under separate letter (NL-04-1123) SNC requested a delay in performing updated fluence calculations using an approved fluence methodology. This delay is due to SNC's intent to use the RAMA methodology for future fluence calculations. The RAMA methodology has been submitted generically through the BWRVIP and is currently under NRC review.
The interim use of a methodology other than RAMA to update fluence calculations is unwarranted at the current RPV fluence level of Hatch Units I and 2.
Regarding the RPV circumferential shell weld inspection relief request, the existing vessel beltline Pressure/Temperature (PT) curves are approved to 54 Effective Full Power Years (EFPY). The current fuel cycle projection for Plant Hatch Units I and 2 is 24.2 EFPY and 22.1 EFPY respectively for August 1, 2007. Therefore, the vessel material properties and current PT curves have sufficient margin to remain conservative through the projected date for implementation of an approved fluence methodology, which is estimated to be not later than July 31, 2007. At that time, PT curves will be evaluated and revised if necessary.
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I U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NL-04-1 152 Page 2.
This letter contains no NRC commitments. If you have any questions, please advise.
Sincerely, H. L. Sumner, Jr.
HLS/WHC/daj cc:
Southern Nuclear Operating Company Mr. J. B. Beasley, Jr., Executive Vice President Mr. G. R. Frederick, General Manager - Plant Hatch RTYPE: CHAO2.004 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Dr. W. D. Travers, Regional Administrator Mr. C. Gratton, NRR Project Manager - Hatch Mr. D. S. Simpkins, Senior Resident Inspector - Hatch