NRC Generic Letter 80-84, BWR Scram System
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GL80084
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
October 1, 1980
TO ALL BWR LICENSEES
On June 28, 1980, during a routine shutdown of the Browns Ferry 3 reactor, a manual scram failed to insert all control rods. I&E Bulletin 80-17 with subsequent supplements 1, 2 and 3 has been issued which has required system modifications, procedural and design verifications, additional surveillance and tests, and analyses to assure adequate short-term performance of existing scram systems on operating plants.
However, we believe further hardware and procedural changes will be required to assure adequate long-term scram system reliability. We are aware that the BWR owners have formed a Sub-Group of the BWR Owners Group to address this matter and are in the process of developing design and performance criteria.
Therefore, in order to determine whether or not your license should be modified, please provide us in writing, under oath or affirmation, within 25 days of the date of this letter your plans for participation in this effort. In addition, your response should include:
- (1) The results of any reassessment of your present scram system to confirm conformance with the General Design Criteria (Appendix A to 10 CFR 50).
- (2) Whether you intend to reevaluate your present scram system and modify it as necessary to meet the additional design and performance criteria developed by the Owners Sub-Group. If not, what criteria will be used to judge the adequacy of your present scram system?
- (3) Whether you intend to provide by December 15, 1980, the results of the above reevaluation (including required modifications) along with a schedule for implementation. If not, why not.
This information is requested under the authority of 10 CFR 50.54(f) of the Commission's regulations.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call your Project Manager.
Sincerely,
Darrell G. Eisenhut, Director Division of Licensing
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