NRC Generic Letter 86-05, Implementation of TMI Action Item II.K.3.5, "Automatic Trip of Reactor Coolant Pumps"

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WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555

May 29, 1986

TO ALL APPLICANTS AND LICENSEES WITH BABCOCK AND WILCOX (B&W) DESIGNED NUCLEAR STEAM SUPPLY SYSTEMS (NSSSs)

SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF TMI ACTION ITEM II.K.3.5, "AUTOMATIC TRIP OF REACTOR COOLANT PUMPS" (GENERIC LETTER NO. 86-05)

Gentlemen:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of

(1) the staff's conclusions regarding the B&W Owners Group (BWOG) submittals on reactor coolant pump trip in response to Generic Letters83-10e and f, and

(2) provide guidance concerning implementation of the reactor coolant pump trip criterion. Our Safety Evaluation (SE) on this subject is enclosed for your use.

With regard to the BWOG submittals referenced in Section V of the enclosed SE, we conclude that the methods employed by the BWOG to justify manual reactor coolant pump (RCP) trip are consistent with the guidelines and criteria provided in Generic Letters83-10e and f. The approved B&W Small Break LOCA Evaluation Model was used to demonstrate compliance with 10 CFR 50.46 and Appendix K to 10 CFR Part 50.

We have determined that the information provided by the BWOG in support of the loss-of-subcooling RCP trip criterion is acceptable. The generic information presented by the BWOG, however, does not address plant specific concerns about instrumentation uncertainties, potential reactor coolant pump problems and operator training and procedures as requested in Generic Letter 83-10. This information, contained in Section IV of the SE, is now being requested to assess implementation of the RCP trip criterion.

Accordingly, for those applicants and licensees who choose to endorse the BWOG methodology, we request that operating reactor licensees implement the RCP trip criterion based upon the BWOG methodology. Schedules for submittal of information requested in Section IV of the SE (refer to Appendix A for considerations associated with Generic Letters83-10e and f) should be developed with your individual project managers within 45 days from receipt of this letter. The requested information does not constitute a new requirement but only identifies information specified in Generic Letters83-10e and f which has not been provided under the BWOG generic program. In

@ the event that licensees decide not to trip the RCP (an option provided for in Generic Letters83-10e and f), they should respond to the questions in Section IV of the SE and refer to Appendix B of the SE. Applicants should provide toe appropriate response to the extent that this information is known at this time.

Those applicants and licensees who choose not to endorse the BWOG methodology should submit a schedule for submittal of plant specific RCP trip criteria or justification for non-trip of RCPs within 45 days of receipt of this letter.This request for information was approved by the Office of Management and Budget under clearance number 3150-0011 which expires September 30, 1986. Comments on burden and duplication may be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Reports Management, Room 3208, New Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20503.

Our review of your submittal of information in response to this letter is not subject to fees under the provisions of 10 CFR 170. However, should you, as part of your response or in a subsequent submittal, include an application for license amendment or other action requiring NRC approval, it is subject to the fee requirements of 10 CFR 170 with remittal of an application fee of $150 per application (Sections 170.12(c) and 170.21) and subsequent semiannual payments until the review is completed or the ceiling in Section 170.21 is reached.

If you believe further clarification regarding this issue is necessary or desirable, please contact Mr. R. Lobel (301 492-9475).

Sincerely,

Frank J. Miraglia, Director Division of PWR Licensing-B

Enclosure:

Safety Evaluation

cc w/enclosure:

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