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| Start date | Reporting criterion | Title | Event description | System | LER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENS 51395 | 15 September 2015 04:00:00 | 10 CFR 21.21(d)(3)(i), Failure to Comply or Defect | Part 21 Report - Potentially Affected Coils Used in Freedom Size 1 and Size 2 Starters and Contactors | The following information was excepted from a facsimile: The Basic component that contains the potential defect is manufactured by Eaton Corporation and commercially dedicated by Westinghouse. The coil (part number 9-3285-19) is used in Freedom Size 1 and Size 2 starters and contactors. Westinghouse has delivered potentially affected parts to the LaSalle generating station. These coils are to be manufactured using high temperature wire as dictated in the Westinghouse qualification program and per Eaton's manufacturing documentation. After the in-service failure at the plant, a sample was taken and subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to verify the correct wire was used during manufacturing. This analysis resulted in the finding that the coil windings were not manufactured using the required high temperature wire and were manufactured from a lower temperature class of wire that was not qualified for use in full voltage non-reversing (FVNR) applications. These coils are manufactured by Eaton at their Haina, Dominican Republic facility. The lower temperature wire is acceptable in full voltage reversing (FVR) applications, but not in FVNR applications as dictated by the Westinghouse qualification The safety concern is if these coils were used in redundant safety related applications and were to fail, that safety function may not be available. The failure is due to heat and would not likely occur simultaneously, but more likely would occur at random times. Due to the limited data available on these coil failures, the possibility of simultaneous failures cannot be eliminated. Forty-three potentially affected coils were delivered to LaSalle. Forty one were supplied as spare parts and were never installed in the plant. One coil was supplied and installed at the plant and failed after 6 weeks of service. An alarm was annunciated in the control room and the part was replaced. One additional coil was supplied and installed at the plant. This was removed from service and the coil was sent for testing. The coil in this starter was made from the correct material. Eaton has confirmed to Westinghouse that this issue may affect coils made between May 29, 2014 and November 3, 2014. Westinghouse has informed its customer and identified the potentially affected coils to them. The customer has identified the affected parts and has returned them to Westinghouse for replacement. Westinghouse has purchased a lot of new coils and sent samples to have the coil wire verified (destructive testing). Future deliveries will be supplied from these dedicated coils. There are currently no potentially affected parts in service. For additional information, contact Mr. James A. Gresham, Regulatory Compliance, Westinghouse Electric Company, 1000 Westinghouse Drive, Suite 310, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066. Phone number: (412) 374-4643 |