NMP1L3023, Reactor Vessel Surveillance Capsule

Reactor Vessel Surveillance Capsule

ML15191A165
Person / Time
Site:	Nine Mile Point
Issue date:	07/10/2015
From:	Jim Barstow Exelon Generation Co
To:	Document Control Desk, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NMP1L3023
Download: ML15191A165 (2)

Text

Exelon Generation 200 Exelon Way Kennett Square. PA 19348 www.exeloncorp.com NMP1 L3023 July 10, 2015 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ATTN: Document Control Desk Washington, DC 20555-001 Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Unit 1 Renewed Facility Operating License No. DPR-63 NRG Docket No. 50-220

Subject:

Reactor Vessel Surveillance Capsule During the Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station Unit 1 (NMP1) refuel outage in March 2015, a reactor vessel surveillance capsule located at the 30 degree azimuth (30 degree capsule) was found dislodged from the vessel pad at the lower location. The specimen basket was not damaged; however, the specimen holder spring loading mechanism, which maintains the specimen holder latched to the vessel bracket, was degraded. The degraded spring mechanism prevented the specimen holder from proper engagement with the vessel bracket creating the potential for the holder to become dislodged during operation. The 30 degree capsule could not be reinstalled because of the degraded spring mechanism and was therefore removed.

The Capsule Surveillance Program is governed by NMP1 Renewed Facility Operating License, Item 2.H, and the BWRVIP Integrated Surveillance Program (ISP). The 30 degree capsule is the A capsule and is one of the two remaining reactor vessel surveillance capsules in the reactor vessel that are listed in the BWRVIP-86, Revision 1-A. Both of these remaining NMP1 capsules are not defined as ISP test capsules and are identified in the BWRVIP-86, Revision 1-A matrix as "deferred." The intention of the ISP is that plants leave the capsules defined as "deferred" in the reactor design locations such that they continue to receive exposure to preserve ISP contingency planning.

The purpose of this letter is to provide the NRG formal notification that the NMP1 Reactor Vessel 30 degree Surveillance capsule (i.e., non-ISP test capsule) was removed from the reactor during the refueling outage in March 2015. The capsule has been stored in the spent fuel pool.

The capsule will remain in the spent fuel pool at least until the next planned refueling outage in 2017. NMP1 will retain the capsule in the spent fuel pool and ensure the capsule is maintained in a condition to allow re-installation at the next refueling outage. This meets the requirements of the NMP1 Renewed Facility Operating License, Item 2.H, and the BWRVIP ISP implementation plan.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reactor Vessel Surveillance Capsule July 10, 2015 Page 2 The ISP guidance for a non-ISP test capsule is that the EPRI I BWRVIP ISP manager is notified of the removal. The EPRI I BWRVIP ISP program manager has been notified of the removal.

The NMP1 staff is working with the EPRI I BWRVIP ISP program owner to determine if the capsule will require re-installation during the next refueling outage in 2017. This issue is identified in the corrective action program. Exelon understands that NRC approval is required if the capsule is not re-installed.

There are no regulatory commitments contained in this letter.

Should you have any questions regarding the information in this notification, please contact Ron Reynolds at (610) 765-5247.

Sincerely,

()~ U:-

James Barstow Director - Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC cc: USNRC Regional Administrator, Region I USNRC Project Manager, NMP USNRC Senior Resident Inspector, NMP