NRC Generic Letter 79-11, Transmitting "Summary of Operating Experience with Recalculating Steam Generators, January 1979" NUREG-0523

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GL79011

MEMORANDUM FOR: A. Schwencer, Chief, Operating Reactors Branch #1 Division of Operating Reactors

R. Reid, Chief, Operating Reactors Branch #2 Division of Operating Reactors

D. Ziemann, Chief, Operating Reactors Branch #2 Division of Operating Reactors

FROM: R. H. Vollmer, Assistant Director for System and Projects Division of Operating Reactors

B. K. Grimes, Assistant Director for Engineering and Projects Division of Operating Reactors

SUBJECT: LETTER TO OPERATING PWR LICENSEES FORWARDING NUREG 0523, "SUMMARY OF OPERATING EXPERIENCE WITH RECIRCULATING STEAM GENERATORS"

Operating problem have occurred in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) steam generators. The enclosed report, "Summary of Operating Experience with Recirculating Steam Generators," NUREG 0523, focuses on the problems associated with steam generators of the recirculation type, i.e., those manufactured by Combustion Engineering and Westinghouse. The report discusses the NRC staff's evaluation of these problems and the programs for resolving these problems.

The NRC has recently identified steam generator degradation as an Unresolved Safety Issue deserving the highest priority for resolution. However, for the reasons identified in the report, the NRC staff had concluded that continued operation of existing plants and licensing of new plants with recirculation type steam generators, pending completion of our review, does not constitute an undue risk to the health and safety of the public and therefore may continue.

The attached letter and NUREG document should be transmitted to PWR licensees by March 10, 1979, using the automated mailing system. If you have any problems with doing this either in general or for any specific plant, please contact W. T. Russell (X27609). The cognizant Licensing Assistant for mass mailings is Shirley Sheppard (X27872).

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You and each ORPM will be informed that the letters have actually been dispatched by receiving a copy of the letter and enclosures for each of it your assigned facilities.

R. H. Vollmer, Assistant Director B. K. Grimes, Assistant Director for Systems and Projects for Engineering and Projects Division of Operating Reactors Division of Operating Reactors

Contact: W. Russell 49 27609

Enclosures:

Sample Letter NUREG 0523

DISTRIBUTION:

E&P r/f S&P r/f