Semantic search

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 Start dateReporting criterionEvent description
05000333/LER-2017-00114 January 2017
13 March 2017
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)

Refueling Outage 22 commenced on January 14, 2017 at James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF). With the plant in Mode 2 at 0613, the initial Drywell inspection identified a through wall leak on the 3/4 inch vent line off of the bonnet of the motor operated gate valve on the suction side of Reactor Water Recirculation Pump 'A'. This condition was determined to constitute Reactor Coolant Pressure Boundary (RCPB) leakage, which is prohibited by Technical Specification (TS) Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.4.4. The average reactor coolant temperature decreased to less than 212 degrees F and the plant was in Mode 4 at 1530 of the same day, which is within the applicable TS LCO 3.4.4 required completion time.

The condition of a through wall leak on the RCPB is reportable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii), as a condition of the nuclear plant, including its principle safety barriers, being seriously degraded.

05000333/LER-2016-00519 September 201610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On September 19, 2016, the Control Room Ventilation exhaust fan 70FN-4A did not start when it was being placed into service. The fan outlet isolation damper actuator 70MOD-108A(OP) failed to give the fully-open permissive signal to start the fan. Gentle pressure on the actuator linkage allowed the fan to start. Prior to this, on August 16, 2016, during post-maintenance testing, 70FN-4A did not start. Troubleshooting adjusted the linkage and the fan started as appropriate. However, the intermittent fan start issue was caused by the degraded damper actuator 70MOD-108A(OP). Corrective action replaced 70MOD-108A(OP).

This event is reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) as a condition prohibited by Technical Specifications.

05000333/LER-2016-00424 June 2016
23 August 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

On June 24, 2016, at 1205, several 600V electrical busses lost power when James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant was Reactor Water Recirculation (RWR). The 'A' RWR pump tripped immediately causing reactor power to reduce to approximately 50%. The remaining RBCLC pump was inadequate to maintain the MG Set fluid drive oil temperature for the 'B' RWR pump so Operators initiated a manual scram at 1236. This event is reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A).

The power loss also affected Reactor Building Ventilation (RBV). This system supports the requirement of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.1 for a differential pressure in Secondary Containment. At the loss of RBV, Secondary Containment automatically isolated and the Standby Gas Treatment system was manually initiated. However, during this short transition the differential pressure requirement was not met. This report is being submitted per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C).

The apparent cause of the 71T-5 fault was inadequate preventative maintenance which allowed the transformer to remain in service beyond expected service life.

05000333/LER-2016-0037 June 2016
3 August 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

On the morning of June 7, 2016, while operating at 100% power, workers opened doors concurrently when entering a secondary containment access airlock. The individuals involved each closed their respective doors upon encountering this unexpected condition; however, the result was a brief inoperability of secondary containment.

This resulted in an 8 hour reportable event. The Resident Inspector was notified, and an Event Notification was made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) due to a condition at the time of discovery that prevented the fulfillment of the Secondary Containment safety function (Reference ENS 51985). Following the event, the doors functioned properly, and no deficiencies were noted with either door.

There were no radiological releases associated with this event.

05000333/LER-2016-00225 February 2016
25 April 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability

On January 23, 2016, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) initiated a manual Scram in response to lowering screenwell water level due to frazil ice blockage, and subsequently closed the Main Steam Isolation Valves (MSIV). A post Scram review identified that MSIV 29A0V-8613 closed slowly. On January 26, 2016, testing per ST-1B identified that MSIV 29A0V-86C closed slowly. In both cases, the inboard MSIVs performed satisfactorily.

Troubleshooting identified that the problem originated in the solenoid valve cluster assemblies (SVCA) and they were replaced and tested successfully. A failure analysis was performed by Exelon PowerLabs on the SVCAs. On February 25, 2016, the Exelon PowerLabs analysis concluded that the DC pilot valves, 2950V-86B3 and 2950V-86C3, exhibited slow vent times. Additional corrective actions include changing the preventative maintenance frequency from 8 years to 6 years and initiating further investigation through the component's vendor.

Two MSIVs exceeded the closing time of Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.6.1.3.6. This condition caused two independent channels of a system used to control the release of radioactive material to become inoperable; reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii).

05000333/LER-2016-00123 January 2016
23 March 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation

On January 23, 2016, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was ascending in power when screenwell water level started to lower. At 89 percent power, at 22:23, Operators began taking compensatory measures to reduce power and mitigate water level lowering. At 22:40, a manual scram was initiated.

The scram was complicated by a residual transfer that resulted in non-vital equipment trips. This event resulted in the manual actuation of the Reactor Protection System, High Pressure Coolant Injection, Reactor Core Isolation Cooling, Main Steam Isolation Valves and automatic actuation of Emergency Diesel Generators, Emergency Service Water, and containment isolations in multiple systems, reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A).

The lowering screenwell water level was caused by frazil ice blockage at the intake structure. The frazil ice stopped affecting screenwell water level after the manual scram. Corrective actions include strengthening mitigating actions in response to frazil ice.

The residual transfer was caused by lubrication hardening in the lower control valve assembly of the 71PCB-10042 breaker. Corrective actions included replacing or reworking the lower control valve assembly.

05000333/LER-2015-00818 December 2015
16 February 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On December 18, 2015, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was operating at 100 percent power when a 10 CFR 21.21(d)(3)(ii) Notification was received from Nutherm International. It identified a defect in Moore Industries temperature transmitters. Specifically, insulation was damaged in the T2 transformer during assembly which could result in premature failure.

These components were installed starting in June 2015 at 27TT-113A and 27TT-113B in the Containment Atmosphere Dilution (CAD) system. The defect caused failures in July and November which resulted in either the "A" or "B" CAD subsystem isolating. Corrective actions included replacing both temperature transmitters with ones that were confirmed to not contain this defect.

Even though these defective temperature transmitters function appropriately until they fail, this defect reduced the reliability of the CAD system to perform its function for its entire mission time. Therefore, this deficiency resulted in a loss of safety function to mitigate the consequences of an accident, reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D). Also, a single cause affected the safety function of independent CAD trains, reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii)(D); and, this condition existed longer then allowed by Technical Specifications 3.6.3.2, reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

05000333/LER-2015-0071 December 2015
1 February 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

At 2036 on December 1, 2015, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was operating at 100 percent power when differential pressure of the Secondary Containment exceeded a Technical Specification requirement. The requirement is for the Secondary Containment to have a >1= 0.25 inches of vacuum water gauge compared to the external environment.

This event was caused by hardened grease in the operating mechanism of the motor starter contactor 71MCC-141-062.

This led to a slow start of the above refuel floor Reactor Building exhaust fan 66FN-13B while the intake air supply fans were running. The exhaust fan started, without Plant Operator action, after approximately 60 seconds; however, Reactor Building differential pressure exceeded 0.25 inches of vacuum water gauge for approximately 80 seconds.

When Secondary Containment did not meet the Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.1 for differential pressure, the Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) was not met. Therefore, Secondary Containment was Inoperable.

Restoration of the LCO was completed within the allowed action completion time. This report is being submitted per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of safety function to control the release of radioactive material.

05000333/LER-2015-00622 September 2015
4 February 2016
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

On September 22, 2015 at 17:03, with James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant operating at 100 percent power, the Emergency and Plant Information Computer (EPIC) indicated a spike in Secondary Containment (SC) differential pressure (d/P) during performance of a surveillance test associated with automatic isolation of SC and initiation of the Standby Gas Treatment System. Per the plant data systems SC d/P exceeded the Technical Specification (TS) allowed value, and then immediately trended negative following auto-start of one of the trains of Standby Gas Treatment.

The time period that SC d/P was greater than the TS allowed value is reportable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), as an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function. SC was operable following reestablishment of greater than or equal to 0.25 inches of water vacuum, and remains operable.

SC d/P excursions during transition from normal to isolation mode of the Reactor Building Ventilation (RBV) System are an expected condition, and attributable to the design of the non-safety related RBV System. The cause of the SC d/P exceeding the TS allowed value has been determined not to be associated with a component failure or equipment malfunction. Similar reportable events were identified during preparation of this report. A comprehensive listing of these occurrences is included in the report.

05000333/LER-2015-00518 September 201510 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

At 1408 on September 18, 2015, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was operating at 100 percent power when differential pressure of the Secondary Containment Reactor Building exceeded a Technical Specification requirement. The requirement is for the Secondary Containment to have a >1= 0.25 inch of vacuum water gauge compared to the external environment. During this event, Reactor Building differential pressure decreased below 0.25 inch of vacuum water gauge for approximately 3 minutes. This event was caused by the Refuel Floor Exhaust fan 'A' discharge damper 66A0D-106A going partially closed with concurrent failure of the associated fan discharge damper position indicating switch 66PNS-106A1. This resulted in obstructing exhaust flow from the Reactor Building. To correct the condition the standby exhaust fan was placed in service.

When Secondary Containment did not meet the Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.1 for differential pressure, the Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) was not met. Therefore, Secondary Containment was Inoperable.

Restoration of the LCO was completed within the allowed action completion time. This report is being submitted per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of safety function to control the release of radioactive material.

05000333/LER-2015-00410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

On the morning of September 17. 2015. while operating at 100% power, workers opened doors concurrently when entering a secondary containment access airlock. The individuals involved each closed their respective doors upon encountering this unexpected condition; however. the result was a brief inoperability of secondary containment.

This resulted in an 8 hour reportable event. The Resident Inspector was notified, and an Event Notification was made pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) due to a condition at the time of discovery that prevented the fulfillment of the Secondary Containment safety function (Reference ENS 51405). Following the event, the doors functioned properly, and no deficiencies were noted with either door.

There were no radiological releases associated with this event.

05000333/LER-2015-00320 July 201510 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

On the morning of July 20, 2015 at 0740 EDT, with the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) operating at 100 percent power, the differential pressure (D/P) of the Reactor Building (relative to atmosphere) decreased, resulting in a Technical Specification (TS) surveillance requirement for the Secondary Containment vacuum not being met (>1= 0.25 inches of vacuum water gauge). The decrease in D/P was caused by the opening of the Reactor Building roof envelope during roof replacement activities. The condition of D/P being less negative than 0.25 inches of vacuum water gauge existed for approximately 92 minutes.

When Secondary Containment did not meet the Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.1 for differential pressure, the TS Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) was not met. Therefore, Secondary Containment was Inoperable. Restoration of the LCO was completed after secondary containment was declared Operable / Degraded. This report is being submitted per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of safety function to control the release of radioactive material.

05000333/LER-2015-00130 April 201510 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

In February 2015 it was identified that the fuel support piece associated with fuel cell 38-39 was slightly elevated and offset.

As a result of the elevation and offset the four fuel assemblies in the affected fuel cell have reduced coolant flow; this has a direct effect on the Minimum Critical Power Ratio (MCPR). On April 30, 2015, an analysis of operating conditions by General Electric Hitachi (GEH) and accepted by the station confirmed that during periods of reduced reactor flow in October 2014 MCPR exceeded limits set by Technical Specification (TS). Since it was exceeded for longer than allowed by TS 3.2.2 this event is reportable as a condition prohibited by TS per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

The fuel support piece became elevated during last refueling outage (September 2014). An interim corrective action to manually correct MCPR ensures the TS limit is not exceeded. The exceedance of the TS limit for MCPR was modified until the analysis was done since the core monitoring program assumes that the fuel support piece is in its normal seated configuration, with normal flow characteristics through the fuel assemblies.

Although the Limiting Condition of Operation was not met, the analysis performed by GEH confirmed compliance with Safety Limit MCPR under all evaluated transient scenarios such that at no time was the most limiting Safety Limit MCPR set by TS 2.1.1.2 challenged.

05000333/LER-2014-00228 October 201410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C), Loss of Safety Function - Release of Radioactive Material

At 1655 and 1708 on October 28, 2014, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was operating at 100 percent power when differential pressure of the Secondary Containment Reactor Building exceeded a Technical Specification Requirement. The requirement is for the Secondary Containment to have a >1= 0.25 inch of vacuum water gauge compared to the external environment. The Reactor Building differential pressure decreased below 0.25 inch of vacuum water gauge twice: at 1655 when isolating Reactor Building Ventilation caused by the isolation valve closing sequence; and, at 1708 while restoring Reactor Building 'A' Ventilation caused by the Refuel Floor Exhaust fan 'A' discharge damper 66A0D-106A going partially closed with concurrent failure of the associated fan discharge damper position indicating switch 66PNS-106A1. This resulted in obstructing exhaust flow from the Reactor Building. Each condition existed for approximately a minute.

When Secondary Containment did not meet the Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.6.4.1.1 for differential pressure the Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) was not met. Therefore, Secondary Containment was Inoperable.

Restoration of the LCO was completed within the allowed action completion time. This report is being submitted per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of safety function to control the release of radioactive material.

05000333/LER-2014-0011 April 201410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor

At 0630 on the morning of April 1, 2014, with James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAFNPP) operating at 100 percent power and the "A" Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) subsystem inoperable for maintenance, a control room alarm annunciated indicating a problem with the "B" division safety pump room ventilation system. At 0645 a field operator identified the exhaust fan for the "B" division safety pump room ventilation system had tripped on thermal overload.

Ventilation loss when the pumps are in service would degrade the long term performance of residual heat removal service water (RHRSW) and emergency service water (ESW) systems; degradation of the "B" ESW pump would degrade the performance of the "B" EDG subsystem. The overload relay was reset at 0704 and the fan automatically started restoring ventilation; time out of service was thirty-four minutes. The ambient temperature limit in "B" division safety pump room was never challenged.

The equipment failure evaluation has determined preliminary cause of the tripping of the fan to be the weakening of the Bi- Metal trip element that is heated by the current that causes the trip. This component will be replaced and the unit tested to confirm cause.

05000333/LER-2013-00617 December 201310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On the morning of December 17, 2013, at James A. FitzPatrick (JAF) Nuclear Power Plant, with the reactor at 100 percent power, performance of ISP-75 commenced at 0810 EST. ISP-75 functionally tests and calibrates the Condensate Storage Tank (CST) Low Water Level instrument channels of the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System. During performance of this planned surveillance, the first level switch associated with the "B" CST that was tested (23LS-74B) failed to actuate. At 0938 EST, the Chief Instrumentation and Controls technician performing the test reported the failure of 23LS-74B to the Control Room Supervisor, and was directed to continue testing per ISP-75. Subsequent testing of the redundant "B" CST level switch (23LS-75B) revealed that the level switch actuated at a simulated CST level of 58.5 inches.

The combination of these two deficiencies would have prevented the HPCI automatic suction swap-over function until the "B" CST level dropped to 58.5 inches. This is less than the analyzed Technical Specification (TS) required value for low CST water level of 59.5 inches; per TS 3.3.5.1 Condition D, this would have resulted in the HPCI system being declared inoperable. Therefore, this event is reportable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D) as an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function.

05000333/LER-2013-0057 November 201310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On November 07, 2013, with the "A" Reactor Building Ventilation Radiation Monitor inoperable, the required action for Technical Specification (TS) 3.3.6.2 Condition A was not met within the required completion time of 24 hours. In addition, the required actions for TS 3.3.6.2 Condition C were also not met within the completion time of 1 hour after the action for Condition A was not completed. The failure to perform the TS required actions within the required completion times resulted in a condition prohibited by the TS which is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

The apparent cause of this event was operating procedures instructions were not adequately followed and understood. Additionally control room personnel failed to verify that the actual plant configuration matched the configuration needed to remain compliant with the TS. Immediate corrective actions included isolating the reactor building ventilation system to restore compliance with the TS. All involved control room personnel were removed from watch standing duties. Following remediation, some personnel were reinstated. Operations Management briefed on-coming watch crews on this event and the need to resolve discrepant items identified during turnover. Additionally, Shift Managers were briefed on the need to be more intrusive on TS related work preparation activities and execution.

05000333/LER-2013-00410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) "B" condensate storage tank (CST) level switch (13LS-76B) failed to trip on November 4, 2013 while performing the switch's low water level functional test. The cause of the failure was a misalignment of the microswitch assembly. The microswitch assembly was replaced on September 17, 2013; it passed its functional test but microswitch alignment was not performed per vendor instructions which resulted intermittent performance.

Operable and are unaffected by this microswitch assembly misalignment. Upon discovery, 13LS-76B channel was placed in trip per plant Technical Specifications (TS) and RCIC is Operable. Since, TS require all 4 RCIC CST level switches to be Operable, RCIC was in a condition prohibited by TS. This report is being submitted in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

05000333/LER-2013-00310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(ii)(B), Unanalyzed Condition

During James A. Fitzpatrick's (JAF) review of Operating Experience INPO ICES-305419, JAF identified a similar condition. The station's review determined that the plant wiring design for the station battery ammeter circuits contains a shunt in the current flow from each direct current (DC) battery, with leads to an ammeter in the main control room (MCR). The ammeter wiring attached to the shunt does not have fuses, and if one of the ammeter wires shorts to ground during a fire at the same time another DC wire from the opposite polarity on the same battery also shorts to ground (as a result of the fire), a ground loop through the unfused ammeter cable could occur. With enough current going through the cable, the potential exists that the overloaded ammeter wiring could damage safe shutdown wiring in direct physical contact with the cable resulting in a loss of the associated safe shutdown function/capability or a secondary fire in another fire area.

The cause of this condition is the original design criteria not specifying protection for shunt fed ammeter circuits. The condition is being tracked by the corrective action process; an analysis is underway to determine the appropriate resolution.

05000333/LER-2013-00210 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) "B" condensate storage tank (CST) level switches failed to trip due to corrosion build-up caused by water intrusion. The first instance in which corrosion interfered with the trip mechanism was when 13LS-76B failed to trip due to corrosion while testing on July 16, 2013. The second instance was both 13LS-76B and 13LS-77B failed to trip due to corrosion on August 19, 2013. These two Operable and show no signs of being affected by corrosion or water intrusion. The "B" side channels share a junction box which is evidently the source of water intrusion from environmental conditions of the CST pit.

This deficiency is being corrected by replacing the affected level switches and update testing procedures to identify signs of corrosion.

The Technical Specifications (TS) requires all 4 RCIC CST level switches be Operable. Since two of the level switches were Inoperable due to corrosion the RCIC system also became Inoperable. Since the actions prescribed by the TS were not performed, the RCIC had been in a condition prohibited by TS, 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

05000333/LER-2013-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation

On January 15, 2013, during the performance of surveillance test, ST-43D, "Remote Shutdown Panel 25ASP-3 Component Operation and Isolation Verification," the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant experienced an automatic start of the B and D emergency diesel generators (EDG). The automatic start of the EDGs was caused by the failure of contact set 3/4 of the 10600 Emergency Bus Under Voltage Relay (71-271AB-1HOEB04) in the closed position.

The relay is designed such that these contacts will close when a loss of voltage is detected on the AB phase of the bus.

This closure inserts one channel of the two required to start the EDGs on loss of bus voltage. The circuitry detected a loss of voltage condition during the test when the BC phase Bus under voltage relay was actuated per the ST. When the EDG output voltage reached 75% of normal output voltage, the voltage monitoring circuit initiated a trip of the 10614 and 10404 breakers which feed the 4kV emergency bus (10600). This resulted in a loss of the 10600 bus voltage, a B side half scram, and group II primary containment isolation.

These events are reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), Any event or condition that resulted in the automatic actuation of general containment isolation signals affecting containment isolation valves in more than one system and the automatic start of the emergency diesel generators.

05000333/LER-2012-01010 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On June 6, 2012, while the plant was in LCO 3.5.1 Action C.1, High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) inoperable for planned maintenance, during the performance of Motor Operated Valve (MOV) limitorque and as found/as left viper diagnostic testing (for trending, data gathering, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance purposes), HPCI Suppression Pool Pump Suction Isolation MOV Valve (23MOV-57) failed to go completely open (it only opened 38%) after being manually closed. Upon discussions with the NRC Resident Inspector, the potential failure of this component of the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system (a single train system) to completely open was subsequently determined to be a condition that would have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of an SSC that mitigates the consequences of an accident and is therefore being reported under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D). The level of judgment for reporting an event or condition under this criterion is a reasonable expectation of preventing fulfillment of a safety function.

The most probable cause was determined to be high contact resistance on open the limit torque switch most likely due to corrosion on the MOV contacts. Corrective actions included verifying the spring tension and cleaning the torque and limit switch contacts. The valve was then tested and determined to be operating properly.

05000333/LER-2012-009At 1135 hours on November 24, 2012 the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAFNPP) entered into Mode 2 from Mode 4. At that time, the penetration flow paths for the Containment Atmosphere Dilution (CAD) System became inoperable. More specifically, the 20 inch diameter Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) and 24 inch diameter PCIVs became “inoperable” in accordance with Technical Specifications (T/S) 3.6.1.3 Action B.1 due to the vent and purge of the Torus and Drywell evolution not being secured prior to the mode change which left the valves in their open position thus invalidating the recently performed T/S Surveillance (SR) 3.6.1.3.1. Concurrently T/S 3.6.4.3 one train of the Stand By Gas Treatment (SGT) System and T/S 3.6.1.1 Primary Containment (a suppression function bypass condition was created by the open valves) also became inoperable because of this valve lineup. Therefore, the PCIV's, Primary Containment, and one train of the Stand-by Gas Treatment System were inoperable when Mode 2 was entered which is a condition prohibited by T/S LCO 3.0.4. At 1838 hours on November 24, 2012, with the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) at approximately 108 psig, the affected flow path penetrations were isolated and restored to operable status by closure of SGT Isolation (ISOL) valve. With the SGT ISOL valve closed T/S SR 3.6.1.3.1 was no longer required to be met. Additionally at the same time, the 20 inch diameter PCIVs and 24 inch diameter PCIVs were also secured closed thus restoring the Stand By Gas Treatment (SGT) System and the pressure suppression function of the Primary Containment to operable.
05000333/LER-2012-00810 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System ActuationAn unplanned, automatic reactor scram occurred at 0355 on November 11, 2012, caused by a fire in the main transformer 71T-1A. All Reactor Protection Systems operated to shutdown the reactor without any complications. Offsite power transmission lines were Operable and onsite emergency power remained available during this event. At 0545 the emergency plan was entered by declaring a Notification of Unusual Event (HU 6.1). The fire was declared extinguished at 0632 and at 0801 the Notification of Unusual Event was exited. There was no release of radioactivity or personal injury. This event was caused by arcing; possibly originating by either a connection or coil failure internal to the transformer or by internal insulation breakdown or both. 71T-1A was replaced, tested, and returned to service.
05000333/LER-2012-00710 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation

On November 4, 2012, at 9:53 pm, with the plant operating at 100% power in Mode 1, the James A.

FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant experienced a reactor scram. The scram was due to a failure of the main turbine emergency lockout valve (94S0V-LV) which caused the main turbine stop valves to begin to close.

Once the main turbine stop valves reached 85% open, a reactor scram signal was generated. This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), any event or condition that resulted in manual or automatic actuation of the reactor protection system. Corrective actions included replacing the failed valve, testing the lockout circuit electrically, and shipping the failed valve offsite to have an equipment failure evaluation performed. There was no industrial or radiological safety significance associated with this event.

The nuclear safety significance was minimal because all safety systems responded as designed when the scram signal was received.

05000333/LER-2012-00610 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On October 16, 2012, at 0529, with the reactor in mode 4 and one channel for the Residual Heat Removal (RHR) shutdown cooling isolation function Operable, as permitted by TS 3.3.6.1, Operators identified a rising reactor water level indication on instruments associated with the 3A reactor water level reference leg while actual level remained constant. At 0700, Operators determined this condition rendered the automatic RHR shutdown cooling isolation function on low reactor water level Inoperable. Operators continued to monitor water level and were capable of performing manual isolation. In accordance with Tech Spec 3.3.6.1 Required Action J.1, immediate action was initiated to restore isolation capability. Automatic RHR shutdown cooling isolation capability on low reactor water level was restored at 1040.

The cause was leakage past Reference Leg 3A Backfill System injection isolation valves, 02-3NBI-371 and 02-3NBI-372 after they were isolated for maintenance. This drained the reference leg and caused an inaccurate water level signal.

05000333/LER-2012-00510 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A), Loss of Safety Function - Shutdown the Reactor
On 10/5/12 at 1301, the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant experienced a loss of off-site power. This event occurred after both Reserve Station Service Transformers, 71T-2 and 711-3, were replaced during Refueling Outage 20. Several hours after installation a maintenance activity which applied a load to the transformer caused a trip of 71T-3 resulting in the loss of off-site power. Investigation identified that the phase A differential protection relay, 71-87-A-1RSSA01, for 71T-3 tripped because the shorting bars (a factory setting) were not removed during installation. The loss of off-site power resulted in a loss of Reactor Protection System power which caused an automatic Primary Containment Isolation System isolation of Reactor Water Clean-Up and Drywell floor and equipment drains. The Emergency Diesel Generators started but one EDG output breaker did not close. In addition, the loss of power caused a loss of Emergency Response communications response capability. This event was reported to the NRC by ENS 48386. The root cause was determined to be not following the work order instructions as written. A contributing cause was an incorrect design drawing.
05000333/LER-2012-00411 November 1111 JL10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(A), Completion of TS Shutdown

On September 16, 2012, James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) was reducing power for its scheduled Refuel Outage 20. During the power reduction, reactor pressure lowered below 800 psig prior to the full insertion of 52 control rods which were within the population for friction test control. These 52 control rods were conservatively declared Inoperable because friction testing was not performed within 14 days. This requirement is in accordance with the General Electric Part 21 notification, SC11-05 Revision 1, for Seismic Input in Channel-Control Blade Interference.

TS LCO 3.1.3 Condition E was entered for greater than 9 control rods declared Inoperable. This requires the plant to be placed in Mode 3 within 12 hours. Mode 3 was entered 2.5 hours later in accordance with the plan to shutdown for the Outage. The control rods remained fully functional and no control rod movement issues were experienced during the shutdown. An NRC notification was made per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), initiation of any nuclear plant shutdown required by the plant's Technical Specification. This report is being made per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(A), completion of any nuclear plant shutdown required by the Technical Specifications. The SC11-05 compensatory actions will remain active. New fuel channels will be installed in future refueling outages to reduce the channel to control rod blade friction.

05000333/LER-2012-00310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident

On September 2, 2012, with the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (JAF) running at 100% power, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System was declared inoperable. This condition was caused by air in the instrument sensing line for the HPCI main pump discharge flow element (23FE-80) causing a false flow indication while HPCI was in standby. An apparent cause evaluation determined that a portion of the sensing line was improperly sloped preventing the line from self venting. This configuration is contrary to design requirements. During a HPCI maintenance activity, the main suction piping was drained in the vicinity of the flow element. Due to the improper slope of the sensing line, a portion of the instrument line was also drained creating an air void. This air void remained in the sensing line during the filling and venting of the suction piping post maintenance.

This condition is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), as any event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Immediate corrective actions were to fill and vent the instrument lines using a revised procedure that provided instructions to perform a pressurized back flush.

05000333/LER-2012-00126 January 201210 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On 1/26/12, a first time low voltage pickup test was performed for 71MCC-163-OE5 (East Crescent Unit Cooler 66UC-22H Fan Motor). The contactor picked up at 102 VAC versus the 90 VAC Level 2(1) Acceptance Criteria. A calculation was performed to determine Level 1(1) Acceptance Criteria for this application. The Level 1 Acceptance Criterion was established as 97 VAC. The Unit Cooler was therefore non-functional, and is assumed to have been non-functional for a period of three years prior to the time of discovery. 66UC-22H is one of five Unit Coolers in the East Crescent Area Ventilation Subsystem.

A review of historical plant data identified five occurrences where the non-functional 66UC-22H resulted in the East Crescent Area Ventilation Subsystem being incapable of performing its specified function, and therefore non-functional. The East Crescent Area Ventilation Subsystem is required to support operability of the ECCS equipment located in the East Crescent. This ECCS equipment was therefore inoperable during the five time periods that were identified. This condition is prohibited by plant Technical Specifications, and resulted in the loss of safety function for the single train HPCI System.

Revision 1 is submitted as clarification, and to correct inaccuracies in the original report relative to how the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) are met by this condition.

05000333/LER-2011-0038 June 201110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

Review of the as-found test results for eleven Safety / Relief Valve (S/RV) pilot assemblies removed and replaced during the September 2010 Refueling Outage, determined that five S/RVs were outside the allowable as-found tolerance of 1145 psig +/- 3% (+/- 34.3 psig) required by Technical Specification (TS) Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.4.3.1. Also, two of the eleven S/RVs tested were found to have excessive seat leakage to the point where as-found testing could not be performed.

The effect of these S/RVs being out of tolerance was analyzed and the results of this analysis show that nuclear plant safety was not adversely affected due to the availability of the Electric Lift System.

Consequently, the safety significance of this event was minimal. The Root Cause for the failure of the S/RVs was determined to be corrosion bonding between the S/RV pilot disc and seat, a recognized industry generic problem with 2-stage Target Rock relief valves.

05000333/LER-2011-00211 January 201110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On January 11, 2011, with the "A" Refueling Floor Exhaust Radiation Monitor inoperable, the required action for Technical Specification (TS) 3.3.6.2 Condition A was not met within the required completion time of 24 hours. In addition, the required actions for TS 3.3.6.2 Condition C were also not met within the completion time of 1 hour after the action for Condition A was not completed. The failure to perform the TS required actions within the required completion times resulted in a condition prohibited by the TS which is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

The apparent cause of this event is that control room personnel failed to verify that the actual plant configuration matched the configuration needed to remain compliant with the TS. Immediate corrective actions included isolating the reactor building ventilation system to restore compliance with the TS and briefing the operating crews on the error prior to assuming future watch standing duties.

The briefings were conducted by operations management who also reinforced expectations regarding shirt turnover and T5 compliance. Additionally, active LCOs are now visibly posted in the control room. Planned corrective actions include providing additional training and simulator scenarios on configuration control.

05000333/LER-2011-00123 September 201010 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On January 7, 2011, with the plant operating in Mode 1 at 100% power, 13MOV-131, Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) Steam Admission Isolation Valve failed to stroke full open during surveillance test ST-24J. Troubleshooting determined the most probable cause to be loose connections in the motor control circuit, 71BMCC-3-0B1(MC).

Preventive Maintenance (PM) had been performed on the motor control circuit on September 23, 2010, during Refueling Outage 19. Because the identified condition could have resulted in a failure of the RCIC system to operate properly, if needed, it is considered that the RCIC System was Inoperable from the time that RCIC was required to be Operable on October 16, 2010, until the completion of the Post Maintenance Testing on January 8, 2011. Since Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.5.3 requires RCIC to be Operable in Mode 1 and in Modes 2 and 3 with steam dome pressure greater that 150 psig, this period of Inoperability exceeded the Technical Specification allowed out of service time.

05000333/LER-2010-00122 March 201010 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

Safety valves in the Residual Heat Removal and Core Spray systems at the James A. FitzPatrick (JAF) Nuclear Power Plant failed to meet In-Service Testing (1ST) as-found acceptance criteria during surveillance testing conducted in February and March 2010. The most probable cause of the setpoint failure was the presence of internal binding and/or disc to seat corrosion bonding.

Component testing that falls outside the required action range for IST requires that the component be declared inoperable and the applicable Limiting Condition for Operation declared not met. 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) allows licensees to consider the failure to have occurred at time of discovery unless there is firm evidence to indicate that the condition existed previously. Based on a review of test history, there is indication that this condition existed prior to discovery.

The event is reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), "Any operation or condition which was prohibited by the plant's Technical Specifications..." because during the time period described, the Residual Heat Removal and core spray subsystems were inoperable longer than allowed by TS. This event is also reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), "Any event where a single cause or condition caused at least one independent train or channel to become inoperable in multiple systems or two independent trains to become inoperable in a single system".

05000333/LER-2009-006

On 04/22/09, during the initial startup sequence of ST-4N, "HPCI Quick-Start, Inservice, and Transient Monitoring Test (1ST)", HPCI steam line isolation valves 23MOV-15, 23MOV-16, and 23MOV-60 closed on an invalid high steam flow isolation signal. The High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI)(EllS=BJ) turbine tripped due to the HPCI isolation signal. This invalid HPCI steam line isolation temporarily rendered the HPCI system inoperable and thus, this condition was reported within 8 hours per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). LCO 3.5.1 Condition C, HPCI System inoperable, was entered until the cause of the isolation was determined, required adjustments were made, and SR 3.5.1.9 was satisfied.

The cause of the invalid isolation was a rapid opening of the HPCI Turbine Stop Valve 23H0V-1(EllS=V) that caused a surge in steam flow, which exceeded the High Steam Flow isolation trip setpoint.

05000333/LER-2009-00520 April 200910 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

Review of the as-found test results for 11 Safety / Relief Valve (S/RV) (SB) pilot assemblies removed and replaced in September 2008, determined that 5 S/RVs were,outside the allowable as-found tolerance of 1145 psig +/- 3% (+/- 34.3 psig) required by Technical Specification (TS) Surveillance Requirement SR 3.4.3.1.

The effect of these S/RVs being out of tolerance was analyzed and the results of this analysis show that Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) overpressure protection and nuclear plant safety were not adversely affected. Consequently, the safety significance of this event was minimal. The most probable cause for the failure of four of the S/RVs was determined to be corrosion bonding between the S/RV pilot disc and seat, a recognized industry generic problem with two-stage Target Rock relief valves. The fifth failure was determined to be due to significant pilot valve seat leakage which would have required additional steam pressure to overcome the leakage and lift this S/RV.

05000333/LER-2009-00410 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D), Loss of Safety Function - Mitigate the Consequences of an Accident
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v), Loss of Safety Function
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

)

  • On March 24, 2009, the control room envelope (CRE) boundary door, between the Control Room Chiller Room and the Control and Relay Room Fan Room, was found unlatched. The door was relatched and Technical Specification LCO 3.7.3 Condition B was entered. This was the third occurrence in a five day period. The cause was a worn latching mechanism that allowed the door to become unlatched due to vibration and pressure changes in the room. With this boundary door unlatched, the CRE boundary is not operable and the availability of the CRE to perform its accident mitigating function cannot be assured. Based on the identified cause, LCO 3.7.3 Condition B should have been entered on March 19, 2009, the first occurrence, and remained in effect until the degraded latch was repaired. Because the door could become unlatched at any time, the Technical Specifications requirement to maintain the CRE OPERABLE or take required actions was not met from March 19 until LCO 3.7.3 Condition B was entered on March 24.

Therefore, this condition is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) (Violation of Technical Specifications) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D) (Loss of Safety Function).

05000333/LER-2008-00310 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A), System Actuation

On 10/07/2008, with the plant in Cold Shutdown (Mode 4), the trip and lockout relay associated with circuit breaker 71-10402 was manually actuated during a functional test resulting in a loss of power to 4160 VAC Emergency Bus 10600, auto-start of the "B" and "D" Emergency Diesel Generators (EDG) and a Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS) Group 2 actuation. The PCIS Group 2 actuation resulted in the closure of containment isolation valves in multiple systems including Residual Heat Removal (RHR) shutdown cooling (SDC), Reactor Water Clean-Up (RWCU), Reactor Building Ventilation and Containment Atmosphere Monitoring (CAM) systems. Plant components and systems responded as expected with no anomalies noted. Operations restarted plant systems and restored shutdown cooling to service in accordance with plant procedures.

1 The cause of the event was the re-scheduling of a trip and lockout relay functional test outside of the bus outage work window without performing a risk assessment review. The functional test required actuating the trip and lockout relay associated with circuit breaker 71-10402, and as a result, power was lost to the 10600 Emergency Bus. During the event, the redundant 4160 VAC emergency bus and associated loads remained operable. Barriers providing safety to the public were not compromised during this event and the safety significance was minimal.

05000333/LER-2006-00210 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(B), Loss of Safety Function - Remove Residual Heat
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On November 4, 2006, at 1810 hours, with the plant operating at approximately 20 percent power in Mode 1, Operations determined that the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) (BJ) System was inoperable due to HPCI flow and turbine speed oscillations during post work testing following refueling outage work activities. Therefoie, HPCI was inoperable when MODE 1 was entered, which is prohibited by TS 3.0.4. During this post work testing, the HPCI turbine operated for approximately one minute, within required flow limits, but was manually tripped by the Operations crew when oscillations did not improve. The Operations crew declared the HPCI System inoperable until the unexpected oscillations could be evaluated and resolved. A 14 day TS LCO was entered as required. The NRC Operations Center was informed via the Emergency Notification System at 2101 hours on November 4, 2006. All other ECCS and RCIC remained operable.

The turbine speed oscillations were caused by two turbine governor hydraulic actuator oil lines incorrectly connected during maintenance activities. The oil lines were reconnected to their correct ports.

There were no adverse nuclear, radiological or safety consequences associated with this event.

05000333/LER-2002-00110 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(vii), Common Cause Inoperability
10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B), Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On July 22, 2002, with the reactor at 100 percent power, during the performance of the Core Spray (CS) Initiation Logic System Functional Test 3J (ST-3J), it was determined that the time delay for both "A' and 'V division CS pump start time delay relays exceeded the values required by Technical Specifications (TS). As part of the extent of condition evaluation on August 24, 2002, with the reactor at 100 percent power, the "C" and "D" Residual Heat Removal (RHR) Pump Start Timer Temporary Surveillance Test 120 (TST-120) was performed on the associated pump start time delay relays.

During this test, it was determined that the time delay for the "D" RHR pump start time delay relay exceeded the value required by TS by 0.03 seconds.

The equipment related root cause of the out of tolerance condition was a lack of relay "exercising" due to the extended test interval of the relays. The human performance related root cause was failure to assume the relay drift was time dependent, as required by procedure. A contributing cause was identified as inadequate guidance in a calculation verification checklist that allowed operating experience considerations to be neglected.

Interim corrective actions included recalibrating the CS and RHR relays and increasing their test frequency. Long-term corrective actions include replacement of the subject relays with a more suitable device and revising the associated calculation verification process.

05000333/LER-1999-003, Forwards LER 99-003-00,per 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).One New Commitment Is Contained in Rept16 March 1999
05000333/LER-1999-001, Forwards LER 99-001-01 Re Incorrect EDG line-up During Fire Placing Plant in Outside Design Basis.Suppl Contains Results of Completed Root Cause Evaluations & Subsequent Corrective Actions Taken.Rept Contains No Commitments31 March 1999
05000333/LER-1998-015, Forwards LER 98-015-02 Re Logic Sys Functional Test Inadequacies,Per 10CFR50.73(A)(2)(i)(B).Rept Revised to Reflect Scheduled Completion Date for Corrective Action 3 of Jan 15, 2000 & Updates Status of Other C/As as Complete8 September 1999
05000333/LER-1998-005, Forwards LER 98-005-00 Re HPCI Sys Being Inoperable Due to Lower than Normal Flow Controller Output.No New Commitments Are Contained in Rept26 June 1998
05000333/LER-1998-004, Forwards LER 98-004-00 Re Initiation of Manual Reactor Scram Due to Rod Position Info Sys Power Supply Failure.No Commitments Contained in Rept28 May 1998
05000333/LER-1998-003, Forwards LER 98-003-00 Re Design Condition & Assumed Single Failure Resulting in Loss of Redundant ECCS Function Required for Small Break Loca.No Commitments Contained in Rept29 May 1998
05000333/LER-1998-002, Forwards LER 98-002-00 Re Safety Relief Valve Setpoint Drift.New Commitment Listed in Attachment 19 April 1998
05000333/LER-1997-013, Forwards LER 97-013-00 Re High Pressure Coolant Injection Sys Which Was Declared Inoperable Due to Instrument Malfunction During Surveillance Testing.No Commitments Made15 January 1998
05000333/LER-1997-011, Forwards LER 97-011-00 Re Invalid ESF Actuation & Failure to Perform TS Required Acltions While Performing Troubleshooting Activities21 November 1997
05000333/LER-1997-010, Forwards LER 97-010-00 Re Surveillance Testing of Pressure Suppression Chamber.No Commitments Contained in Rept20 November 1997