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 Start dateReporting criterionTitleEvent descriptionSystemLER
ENS 5258128 February 2017 15:00:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A), Seriously Degraded
Technical Specification Shutdown Due to Reactor Coolant System Pressure Boundary Leakage

On February 28, 2017 at 0930 (EST), a containment visual inspection was performed to identify the source of elevated RCS (Reactor Coolant System) leakage. A leak was identified between 13RC6 and 13SS661, 13 RCS hot leg sample isolation valves at 1000 (EST). These valves are manual isolation valves in the reactor coolant hot leg sample line. Leak isolation could not be initially verified and is considered RCS pressure boundary leakage. Salem Unit 1 entered Technical Specification 3.4.6.2a, RCS operational leakage, for the existence of pressure boundary leakage. This event is being reported under the requirements of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i) for 'The initiation of a plant shutdown required by Technical Specifications' and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A) or 'Any event of condition that results in the condition of the nuclear power plant, including its principal safety barriers being seriously degraded.' The unit was placed in mode 3 at 1554 (EST) on 02/28/2017. This condition has no impact on public health and safety. Per Technical Specifications, the unit is proceeding to mode 5. The leak rate at the time of shutdown was 0.33 gpm. This event has no effect on Unit 2. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. The licensee will be notifying the Lower Alloways Creek Township, the State of New Jersey and the State of Delaware.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM MATT MOG TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1144 EDT ON 4/14/17 * * *

The purpose of this notification is to retract event report number 52581 made on 2/28/2017 at 1624 (EST). Previously, PSEG notified the NRC that Salem Unit 1 initiated a shutdown required by Technical Specifications (TS) for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) Pressure Boundary Leakage. Subsequent to the initial report, PSEG has determined that the leak occurred in tubing downstream of the design specification break between Safety Related, Nuclear Class 1, Seismic Class1 and Non-Safety-Related, Nuclear Class 2, Seismic Class 2. Therefore, the observed leakage is not RCS pressure boundary leakage as defined in the Salem Unit 1 Technical Specifications and in the tubing design classification specification. At the time of the event, during initial entry into the containment, the volume of steam present and the height of the break above the floor made it difficult to ascertain the location of the steam source with certainty. The initial judgment of RCS Pressure Boundary Leakage was conservative under these circumstances. The plant was taken offline to minimize radiation exposure when personnel operated the isolation valves. Following the shutdown, the leak was isolated. Based on an observed reduction in RCS leak rate and visual verification of leakage isolation, the TS Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) was exited and the unit remained in Mode 3, Hot Standby, to affect repairs. The condition did not meet the Technical Specification Pressure Boundary Leakage definition of leakage through a non-isolable fault in a RCS component body, pipe wall or vessel wall. The leakage did not impact the ability to shut down the unit and no TS limits were exceeded during this event. Therefore, the plant shutdown to investigate and correct leakage from flawed sample system tubing does not meet the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 and PSEG is retracting the notifications made under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction by the licensee. Notified R1DO (Jackson).

Reactor Coolant System
ENS 5212928 July 2016 09:41:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
Source Range Instruments Reading Improperly During a Reactor Startup

This four and eight hour notification is being made to report that at 0541 (EDT) on 7/28/16, Salem Unit 1 initiated a shutdown to comply with Technical Specifications due to the inoperability of both source range nuclear instruments. During a reactor startup, with Unit 1 in Mode 2, both source range instruments were reading approximately one decade lower than expected compared to intermediate range and Gamma-Metric instruments and due to the proximity to the estimated critical condition. The condition could also have prevented the fulfilment of the source range instruments safety function to trip the reactor when required. Salem Unit 1 is currently stable in Mode 3. Reactor Coolant system pressure is 2235 psig and reactor coolant system temperature is 547 F with decay heat removal via the main steam dump and auxiliary feedwater systems. Unit 1 has one active shutdown tech spec action statement in effect due to the inoperability of the containment radiation monitor 1R11A. The inoperability of this radiation monitor had no effect on the event. All control rods were manually inserted to place Unit 1 in Hot Standby (Mode 3). No ECCS (emergency core cooling system) or ESF (emergency safety features) systems were required to function during this event. No major secondary equipment was tagged for maintenance prior to this event. No personnel were injured during this event. The reactor was manually shut down and a shutdown margin calculation verified sufficient margin. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and the local township.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM MATT MOG TO VINCE KLCO ON 9/26/16 AT 1519 EDT * * *

The purpose of this notification is to retract event report number 52129 made on 7/28/2016 at 0925 (EDT). Previously PSEG reported that Salem Unit 1 initiated a shutdown to comply with Technical Specifications (TS) due to the inoperability of both source range nuclear instruments. Additionally PSEG reported that the condition could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function needed to, 'Shut down the reactor and maintain it in a safe shutdown condition.' Subsequent review identified that the condition did not meet either reporting criteria. Maintenance and Engineering evaluation of the source range nuclear instruments determined that the instruments were fully operable at the time of the event. TS 3.3.1.1, Reactor Trip Instrumentation remained met, no TS shutdown was required and the instruments were capable of performing their required function. Therefore PSEG is retracting the notifications made under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(A). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction by the licensee. Notified the R1DO (Cook).

Reactor Coolant System
Auxiliary Feedwater
Decay Heat Removal
Control Rod
Main Steam
ENS 5089615 March 2015 16:27:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownPlant Shutdown Due to Failure to Restore Containment Fan Cooler Unit

This 4 hour notification is being made pursuant to the requirements of 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), for 'The initiation of any nuclear plant shutdown required by the plant's Technical Specifications'. Salem Unit 1 has initiated a unit shutdown at 1227 (EDT) in accordance with Technical Specification Action Statement 3.6.2.3, Action A, for inoperability of the 14 Containment Fan Cooler Unit. Technical Specification 3.6.2.3, Action A requires that with one or two Containment Fan Cooler Units inoperable, operability must be restored within 7 days, or be in at least Hot Standby (Mode 3) within the next 6 hours and in Cold Shutdown (Mode 5) within the following 30 hours. The 14 Containment Fan Cooler Unit was declared inoperable on March 8, 2015, at 1158 EDT, following a trip of its low speed breaker on thermal overload during a scheduled surveillance test.

13 Chiller is tagged for scheduled maintenance. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Unit 1 is proceeding to Mode 5. There is no effect on Unit 2. The licensee will notify the Lower Alloways Creek Township, the State of New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.

ENS 4930022 August 2013 20:26:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownUnit 1 Commenced a Ts Required Shutdown Due to Unidentified Rcs Leakage > 1 GpmSalem Unit 1 has initiated a unit shutdown in accordance with TS (Technical Specification) Action Statement 3.4.6.2(b) for unidentified leakage greater than 1 gpm (gallon per minute) (Entered on 8/22/13 at 1029 EDT). TS 3.4.6.2 Action Statement (b) requires a reduction of leakage rate to within limits within 4 hrs. or be in at least Hot Standby within the following 6 hours. Initial investigation has indicated that the leakage source is from packing on Pressurizer Spray Valve 1PS1 located in the RCS (Reactor Coolant System) Pressurizer shroud area inside Containment. Unidentified leakage is currently indicating 4 gpm. NRC Resident (Inspector) has been notified. Manual isolation is in progress. Additionally, TS Action Statement 3.6.1.4 Primary Containment Internal Pressure was entered at 1510 (EDT) for exceeding 0.3 psig. Action requires restoration of containment pressure to within specification in 1 hour or be in hot standby within the next 6 hours. Containment pressure was restored to less than 0.3 psig at 1647 (EDT) and TS 3.6.1.4 was exited. Peak containment pressure reached (was) 0.33 psig. Location of leak: Unit 1 RCS (containment), Pressurizer, 1PS1 Pressurizer Spray Valve Packing Time & date leak started: 1019 (EDT) on 08/22/2013 Leak rate: 4 gpm, T/S leak limits: 1 gpm Last known coolant activity: Primary (DEI (Dose Equivalent Iodine)-microCuries/cc) 5.973E-5 microCuries/cc Secondary (gbg (Gross Beta Gamma)-microcuries/cc) < LLD (Lower Limit of Detectability) Was this leak a sudden or long-term development? Sudden The licensee is reducing power at 30%/hour and anticipates entering Mode 3 in approximately 3 hours. The 1PS1 Pressurizer Spray Valve was replaced and the air operator rebuilt during the last refueling outage in April/May of 2013. The licensee informed the State of New Jersey and will 9inform the Lower Alloways Creek (LAC) Township.Primary containment
ENS 4787430 April 2012 14:18:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), RPS System Actuation
10 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation - ECCS Discharge
Unusual Event Due to a Potential Fire in Containment

Performing an I&C functional (test) caused an inadvertent Safety Injection signal resulting in a reactor trip/safety injection. All safety systems responded as designed for a safety injection. Electrical systems are aligned to normal offsite power sources. All fire alarms have been validated by the Fire Protection Department as invalid alarms and confirmed that no fire event in the protected area. The reactor trip was successful and all rods (fully) inserted. Decay heat removal is via auxiliary feedwater through the atmospheric (steam) dumps. Unknown at this time is the cause of the inadvertent safety injection signal. No injuries occurred as a result of this event. The licensee believes that the trip/safety injection may have caused piping to shake resulting in dust near the fire detection equipment resulting in the invalid fire indication. The instrument being tested was the high steam flow channel-1 bistable for PT505. The maximum pressurizer level during this event was 95%. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE AT 1400 EDT ON 4/30/2012 FROM JOHN KOKOVALCHICK TO MARK ABRAMOVITZ * * *

At 1003 hours on April 30, 2012, Salem Unit 1 experienced a reactor trip and safety injection (SI) signal due to a high steam flow coincident with a low steam pressure signal. At the time of the safety injection signal, function testing of the 1PT505 turbine inlet pressure channel was in progress. This testing required the tripping of the high steam flow bistables. As a result of the reactor trip and safety injection signal, the Emergency Diesel Generators started but did not load, the ECCS system (high head safety injection pumps actuated and injected into the reactor vessel, intermediate head safety injection pumps and low head (RHR) safety injection pumps) actuated. All 4 main steam isolation valves closed along with feedwater isolation and start of the auxiliary feedwater pumps. All control rods fully inserted following the reactor trip. Following the main steam line isolation, the atmospheric relief valves opened along with the lifting of several main steam safety valves. The unit is currently in Mode 3 and will be cooling down to Mode 4. Train A SSPS (Solid State Protection System) is currently out of service and suspected of causing the safety injection signal. Train B SSPS has not been reset due to the standing safety injection signal. With Train A SSPS inoperable and Train B SSPS not reset, TS 3.0.3 was entered and a shutdown required by TS 3.0.3 was commenced at 1345 hours. This report is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b )(2)(iv)(B), 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), 50.72(b)(2)(i) and 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(A). The licensee exited the Unusual Event at 1249 EDT. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R1DO (Conte). The NRC Operations Center notified other Federal Agencies (DHS SWO, FEMA Ops, DHS NICC, and NuclearSSA via e-mail).

Feedwater
Emergency Diesel Generator
Main Steam Isolation Valve
Auxiliary Feedwater
Main Steam Safety Valve
Decay Heat Removal
Main Steam Line
Control Rod
ENS 4705215 July 2011 00:53:0010 CFR 50.72(a)(1)(i), Emergency Class Declaration
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material
Unusual Event Declared Based on Reactor Coolant Leak Greater than 10 Gpm

At 2053 on July 14, 2011 Salem unit 2 declared an Unusual Event due to reactor coolant system leakage greater than 10 gallons per minute. While performing a monthly Emergency Core Cooling System vent of the high head safety injection piping a motor operated valve was opened and a leak developed on the high head piping greater than 10 gallons per minute. The leak rate was approximately 11-15 gallon per minute. The leak was terminated when the motor operated valve was closed. The time of the leak was about 6 minutes. At this time the leak is believed to be from a crack on the Boron Injection Tank (BIT) relief valve line which is connected to the high head piping. A total of approximately 90 gallon of reactor coolant leaked into the BIT room. The licensee has declared the high head safety injection inoperable and is proceeding to shutdown under Tech Spec 3.0.3. The license has notified appropriate State and local authorities. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM KARL HANPHO TO VINCE KLCO ON 7/15/11 AT 0025 EDT* * *

Salem Unit 2 declared an Unusual Event due to Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leakage being greater than 10 gpm and pressurizer level decreasing. Leakage was estimated to be approximately 15 gpm. The leakage was determined to be from a weld on the high head charging injection relief valve connection. This leaking weld impacts both trains of high head charging/safety injection. Both trains of high head charging/safety injection were declared inoperable at 2038 (EDT) on July 14, 2011, entering TS 3.0.3. Salem Unit 2 began the Technical Specification shutdown in accordance with TS 3.0.3 at 2136 (EDT). The technical specification shutdown is being reported in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(2)(i) and RAL 11.1.1.a. In addition since the leakage from the weld on the high head charging/safety injection piping exceeded the analyzed limit for ESF leakage outside containment, this event is also being reported in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v) and RAL 11.2.2.b as a condition that prevents the ability to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Salem unit 2 is currently at 27% and reducing power. The licensee notified the states of New Jersey and Delaware, Lower Alloways Creek Township and the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R1DO (Dwyer), NRR-EO (Giiter) and IRD (Morris).

  • * * UPDATE FROM KARL HANPHO TO CHARLES TEAL ON 7/15/11 AT 0345 EDT* * *

Salem Unit 2 has exited the Unusual Event as of 0339 EDT. The criteria for exit was the leakage rate was below the 10 gpm rate. The plant is in Mode 3 and is preparing to cooldown. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R1DO (Dwyer), NRR EO (Giitter), IRD (Morris), DHS(Hill), and FEMA (Blankenship).

Reactor Coolant System
Emergency Core Cooling System
ENS 4420512 May 2008 19:00:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownShut Down Initiated Due to Inoperable Steam Generator Flow ChannelsThis 4-hour notification is being made to report that Salem Unit 2 has initiated a manual reactor shutdown in accordance with (Technical Specification) 3.0.3. The shutdown was initiated due to all eight steam generator steam flow channels being declared inoperable at 1500 on 5/12/08. All eight steam flow channels were indicating lower than actual steam flow such that the high steam flow coincident with low steam pressure or low-low Tave would not occur within the allowable values specified in the technical specifications. Salem Unit 2 is currently in Mode 1. Reactor Coolant System Temperature is 551 degrees Fahrenheit with pressure @ 2235 PSIG. Salem Unit 2 has no other shutdown Tech. Spec. action statements in effect. Prior to the initiating event Salem Unit 2 was raising power at 1/2 % per hour after 2R16 refueling outage. All ECCS and ESF Systems are available. No personnel injuries have occurred as a result of the shutdown. No radiological release due to this event. 21 service water pump is cleared and tagged for strainer replacement. 21A and 23B circulating water pumps are cleared and tagged for maintenance. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Steam Generator
Reactor Coolant System
Service water
ENS 416706 May 2005 03:05:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specifications Required Plant Shutdown Began and Then TerminatedUnit shutdown was commenced at 2305 to comply with requirements of technical specification 3.0.3. 14 and 15 Containment Fan Coil Units (CFCU'S), 2 of 5 total CFCU's, had been removed from service to remove silt buildup in their emergency supply piping. While in this configuration, a tubing line supplying service water pressure for control of the 13SW223 (outlet flow control valve) for 13 CFCU developed a leak that rendered that valve and associated CFCU inoperable. With 3 CFCU's inoperable entry into technical specification 3.0.3 was required. A turbine load reduction was commenced at 2305 at 1% per hour. The 15 CFCU was restored to operable status at 2320 and the technical specification 3.0.3 and the load reduction were terminated. 14 CFCU was returned to operable at 2323. Repairs were made on the tubing for 13 CFCU and that was returned to operable status at 0009 on 5/6/05. 11 and 12 CFCU's were operable and in service for the duration of the event. The unit has been returned to 100% rated power. The only other safety related equipment removed from service at the time of the event was the 13 service water pump for investigation of a reduced flow condition, and had no impact on this event. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Service water
ENS 4161620 April 2005 01:52:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specificiation Required Shutdown Related to Pressure Boundary LeakageThe licensee "entered technical specification limiting condition for operation 3.0.3 due to pressure boundary leakage on a 3/4 inch pipe on the piping for the boron injection tank. As a result of this, both trains of high head injection (have been declared) inoperable. Unit shutdown began at 2105 (EDT). All other safety systems are operable. Current plans are to take the plant to mode 4 and isolate and replace the affected piping. The current leakage is 780 cc/hr. The licensee discovered the leakage during operator rounds at approximately 0500 EDT. Technical Specification 3.0.3 was entered at 2052 EDT. Power reduction is currently in progress. The licensee will be notifying the NRC Resident Inspector and Lower Alloways Creek Township.
ENS 4082317 June 2004 04:22:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTech Spec Required Plant Shutdown Due to Emergency Core Cooling System InoperableAt 0338 EDT on 06/17/04, the licensee reported that at 0321 EDT on 06/14/04, the licensee identified that the Salem Unit 1 #12 charging pump was declared inoperable due to an inoperable discharge check valve. Repairs to the check valve are not expected to be completed by 0321 EDT on 06/17/04. At 0022 EDT on 06/17/04, the licensee commenced a shutdown of Salem Unit 1 from 100% power to comply with Tech Spec 3.5.2, Emergency Core Cooling System Inoperable (72 hour LCO). #15 service water pump and #11 auxiliary building exhaust fan have been declared inoperable for scheduled maintenance. There were no personnel injuries or radiological occurrences associated with this event. This event has no effect on Salem Unit 2 which is at 100% power. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and plans to notify State and Local officials.Service water
Emergency Core Cooling System
ENS 407872 June 2004 16:30:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownPlant Shutdown Was Initiated to Comply with Tech Spec. 3.6.1.1. Primary Containment Integrity.At 1230 hours the service water isolation valve to the Turbine Building Area (1SW26) was declared inoperable due to the inability to close the valve. This condition was identified while investigating a low service water pressure in the turbine building during start up activities from the Salem 1 sixteenth refueling outage. With 1SW26 inoperable, Technical Specification 3.6.1.1 requires that the inoperable valve be restored to operable within one hour or be in hot standby within the next 6 hours and in cold shutdown in the next 30 hours. Since the valve cannot be restored to operable within the one hour action statement time, PSEG commenced a unit shutdown at 1330 hours. It is expected that repairs can be performed while in hot standby conditions. This report complies with the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(2)(i). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this event by the licensee.Service water
Primary containment
ENS 4076421 May 2004 17:15:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification ShutdownA unit shutdown was commenced to comply with the technical specification for containment integrity. A service water isolation valve supplying the turbine generator area lost power when the 2B vital bus 230v transformer failed at 1147 on 5/21/04. This results in entry into a restore in 1 hour or hot shutdown in 6 hours LCO (3.6.1.1) since the valve cannot be isolated and maintain the unit in service. The failure of the transformer is currently under investigation. A power reduction of 20% per hour is currently in progress. Other equipment affected by the transformer loss, various containment isolation valves, 2B emergency diesel generator, 22 chiller, 22 and 24 containment fan coil units, and 23 and 24 service water pumps. Prior to the event the only safety related equipment out of service was the service 23 service water pump that was out for planned maintenance. There were no personnel injuries as a result of this event. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this event by the licensee.Service water
Emergency Diesel Generator
ENS 4025015 October 2003 20:03:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownFeedwater Regulating Valve Issue Forces Initiation of Technical Specification ShutdownAt 1603 Salem Unit 1 commenced a down power to comply with Technical Specifications. Tech. Spec. 3.0.3. was entered at 1505 when it was determined that the feed regulation valve for the 14 Steam generator (14BF19) was bound at approximately 71% open. This valve is required to close on a feedwater isolation signal. Currently the reactor is at 40% power and lowering with plans to stabilize at 25% prior to taking the unit off line (mode 3) by 2205 tonight. Unit 1 has no other tech spec equipment out of service. Unit 1 is in two additional shutdown Technical Specifications, both are related to the control room ventilation system which is shared with Unit 2. Unit 2 is in a scheduled refueling outage and one of the Unit 2 emergency intake dampers is disabled (T.S. 3.7.6.1.a). This is a 7 day LCO that expires on 10/22/03. Additionally Unit 2's emergency filtration system is out of service for planned maintenance (T.S 3.7.6.1.a). This is a 30 day LCO that expires on 11/13/03. All other systems on Unit 1 are operating as expected for current plant conditions. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Steam Generator
Feedwater