View source for Information Notice 1999-34, Potential Fire Hazard in the Use of Polyalphaolefin in Testing of Air Filter

{{Adams
| number = ML993550113
| issue date = 12/28/1999
| title = Potential Fire Hazard in the Use of Polyalphaolefin in Testing of Air Filter
| author name = Marsh L B, Weber M F
| author affiliation = NRC/NMSS/FCSS, NRC/NRR/DRIP/REXB
| addressee name = 
| addressee affiliation = 
| docket = 
| license number = 
| contact person = Weber M F, Marsh L B
| document report number = IN-99-034
| document type = NRC Information Notice
| page count = 7
| revision = 0
}}
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[[Issue date::December 28, 1999]]

NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 99-34: POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IN THE USE OF POLYALPHAOLEFIN IN TESTING OF AIR FILTERS 

==Addressees==
All holders of licenses for nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilitie 

==Purpose==
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information notice to alert addressees to a recent event in which a flame was emitted from a thermal aerosol generator being used for in-place testing of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The aerosol was generated from a synthetic aliphatic hydrocarbon, polyalphaolefin (PAO). The flame did not result in personnel injury, but it had the potential to create serious consequences. It is expected that recipients will review the information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate. However, suggestions contained in this information notice are not NRC requirements; therefore, no specific action or written response to this notice is require 

==Description of Circumstances==
On April 28, 1999, at the Department of Energy's West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), operations personnel were conducting in-place testing of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on a main filter bank using a thermal aerosol generator (NUCON F-1000-DG Model F) to produce a test aerosol of polyalphaolefin (PAO). In accordance with West Valley's established procedure, the generator heater temperature had stabilized at 720 OF. The liquid flow valve was placed in the "on" position and adjusted to produce a predetermined flow rate. Then the vapor adjust control valve (carrier air) was opened slowly until a steady supply of aerosol was observed. As the vapor adjust control valve was slowly opened, a 2-to 3-foot-long flame was emitted from the generator discharge por The attending operator was able to extinguish the flame by immediately closing both the vapor control valve and the liquid flow valv The thermal aerosol generator had earlier been used to generate dioctyl phthalate (DOP) test aerosol. Such an aerosol is produced in the generator at a heater block temperature of approximately 720&deg;F; the auto-ignition temperature of DOP is 7350F. The heater block temperature is not adjustable, but the temperature regulator can be replaced with one that will maintain the heater block temperature at about 6250F, which is adequate for producing the PAO aerosol while maintaining a margin below the PAO auto-ignition temperature of 6500 WVDP had changed the test aerosol to PAO but had not modified the heater controls to produce the lower temperature applicable to PA ML993550113 IN 99-34 December 28, 1999 The operators actuated the two control valves in an order opposite to the order presented in the vendor's operating manual. The vendor's manual recommends that airflow ("carrier air") be initiated before establishing liquid flo Following the event, West Valley suspended all HEPA filter testing on site until corrective actions were completed. The vendor of the thermal aerosol generator simulated the event under the same flow conditions and valve manipulations. The vendor observed flames at the aerosol discharge port in approximately 75 percent of the test West Valley has modified its generator heater block controls and its valve operating procedures appropriately and, in conjunction with the vendor, has modified the carrier air valve so that it remains open a small amount even when in the closed positio This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one of the technical contacts listed below, the appropriate regional office, or the appropriate Project Manager of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) or of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS).Michael F. Weber, Director Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards Office of Nuclear Material Safety and SafeguardsLedyard B. Marsh, Chief Events Assessment, Generic Communications and Non-Power Reactors Branch Division of Regulatory Improvement Programs Office of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:Todd J. Jackson, Region I 610-337-5308 E-mail: tii(&_nrc.povJohn P. Segala, NRR 301-415-1858 E-mail: ipsla-nrc.,qovCandice M. Drummond, NMSS 301-415-6433 E-mail: cmdO-nrc.aov 

===Attachments:===
1. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices 2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices Attachment 1 IN 99-34 December 28, 1999 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED NMSS INFORMATION NOTICESInformation Date of Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued toManagement of Wastes Contaminated With Radioactive Materials99-33 99-32 99-3112/28/9912/17 11/17/99 11/8/99 10/28/99 9/30/99 9/2/99 8/24/99 7/12/99All medical licenseesAll NRC medical licensees All NRC licensed fuel cycle conversion, enrichment and fabrication facilities All fuel cycle licensees and certificates performing laboratory analysis to determine uranium content, in support of administrative criticality safety controls All power reactor licensees and spent fuel storage licensees and applicants All holders of licenses for nuclear power, research and test reactors, and fuel cycle facilities All medical licensees authorized to conduct teletherapy treatments All Distributors and/or Manufacturers of Generally Licensed Products All medical licensees' of broadscope and master materials licenseesThe Effect of the Year 2000 Issues on Medical Licensees Operational Controls to Guard Against Inadvertent Nuclear Critically Failure of Double Contingency Based on Administrative Controls Involving Laboratory Sampling and Spectroscopic Analysis of Wet Uranium Waste Authorized Contents of Spent Fuel Casks Recall of Star Brand Fire Protection Sprinkler Heads Malfunction of Source Retraction Mechanism in Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Treatment Units Safety and Economic Consequences of Misleading Marketing Information Broad-Scope Licensees' Responsibilities for Reviewing and Approving Unregistered Sealed Sources and Devices99-3099-2999-2899-2799-26 99-24 Attachment 2 IN 99-34 December 28, 1999 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED NRC INFORMATION NOTICESInformation Date of Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to99-3312/28/9912/17 11/17/99 11/8/99 10/28/99Management of Waste Contaminated With Radioactive Materials The Effect of the Year 2000 Issues on Medical Licensees Operational Controls to Guard Against Inadvertent Nuclear Criticality Failure of Double Contingency Based on Administrative Controls Involving Laboratory Sampling and Spectroscopic Analysis of Wet Uranium Waste Authorized Contents of Spent Fuel Casks Degradation of Prestressing Tendon Systems in Prestressed Concrete Constrainments Recall of Star Brand Fire Protection Sprinkler Heads Malfunction of Source Retraction Mechanism in Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Treatment Units Safety and Economic Consequences of Misleading Marketing Information9/30/99 9/2/99 8/24/99All medical licenseesAll NRC medical licensees All NRC licensed fuel cycle conversion, enrichment and fabrication facilities All fuel cycle licensees and certificates performing laboratory analysis to determine uranium content, in support of administrative criticality safety controls All power reactor licensees and spent fuel storage licensees and applicants All holders of operating licensees for nuclear power reactorsAll holders of licenses for nuclear power, research and test reactors, and fuel cycle facilities All medical licensees authorized to conduct teletherapy treatments All Distributors and/or Manufacturers of Generally Licensed ProductsOL = Operating License CP = Construction Permit10/7/9999-32 99-3199-3099-2999-01, Rev. 199-2899-2799-26 IN 99-34 December 28, 1999 The operators actuated the two control valves in an order opposite to the order presented in the vendor's operating manual. The vendor's manual recommends that air flow ("carrier air") be initiated before establishing liquid flo Following the event, West Valley suspended all HEPA filter testing on site until corrective actions were completed. The vendor of the thermal aerosol generator simulated the event under the same flow conditions and valve manipulations. The vendor observed flames at the aerosol discharge port in approximately 75 percent of the test West Valley has modified its generator heater block controls and its valve operating procedures appropriately and, in conjunction with the vendor, has modified the carrier air valve so that it remains open a small amount even when in the closed positio This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one of the technical contacts listed below, the appropriate regional office, or the appropriate Project Manager of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) or of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS).Original signed by Michael F. Weber, Director Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards Office of Nuclear Material Safety and SafeguardsOriginal signed by Ledyard B. Marsh, Chief Events Assessment, Generic Communications and Non-Power Reactors Branch Division of Regulatory Improvement Programs Office of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:Todd J. Jackson, Region I 610-337-5308 E-mail: tii()nrc.Qov Candice M. Drummond, NMSS 301-415-6433 E-mail: cmd(-nrc.qovJohn P. Segala, NRR 301-415-1858 E-mail: ips1)nrc.iov

===Attachments:===
1. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices 2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices DOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPMSEC\99-34.in Official Record Copy -*See previous concurrence "r^ .;, 4 A +i , , e , fh hn t he boxC, ,I/n attachment/enclosure F=Co.nv with afftahment/encIosure N = No conyOFFICE REXBDRIP XI Tech Editor* IMNS* FCOB* NAME R Benedict RSanders KRamsey CDrummond DATE 12/16/99 12/2/99 12/13/99 12/15/99D:FCOB* ,/ IC:REXBA 1 1(tFF::ICF.1NAME PTing MWeber arsh DATE 12/16/99 12/17/99 lU IN 99-xx December xx, 1999 The operators actuated the two control valves in an order opposite to the order presented in the vendor's operating manual. The vendor's manual recommends that air flow ("carrier air") be initiated before establishing liquid flo Following the event, West Valley suspended all HEPA filter testing on site until corrective actions were completed. The vendor of the thermal aerosol generator simulated the event under the same flow conditions and valve manipulations. The vendor observed flames at the aerosol discharge port in approximately 75 percent of the test West Valley has modified its generator heater block controls and its valve operating procedures appropriately and, in conjunction with the vendor, has modified the carrier air valve so that it remains open a small amount even when in the closed positio This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one of the technical contacts listed below, the appropriate regional office, or the appropriate Project Manager of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) or of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS).Micheal F. Weber, Director Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Technical Contacts: Todd J. Jackson, Reg 610-337-5308 E-mail: tii0(nrc..qovDavid B. Matthews, Director Division of Regulatory Improvement Programs Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation ion I John P. Segala, NRR 301-415-1858 E-mail: ipsl Candice M. Drummond, NMSS 301-415-6433 E-mail: cmdcanrc.gov

===Attachments:===
1. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices 2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices DOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPMSEC\inhepa4.wpd Official Record Copy -*See previous concurrence 1hi ,4n,.,nnnt in hvY win F=C,,onv with n~nJmn/enl~r N = No conyOFFICE IEXIDRII Tech Editor* IMNS* FCOB* NAME R Benedict .RSanders KRamsey CDrummond DATE 0//16/19 12/2/99 12/13/99 12/15/99FCSSC:REXBD:FCCS/ I D:DRIPC)FFIC.FNAME PTin. LMarsh MWeber DMatthews DATE q/I / /99 (7;I99 / /99I)k&#xfd;"
IN 99-xx December xx, 1999 The operators actuated the two control valves in an order opposite to the order presented in the vendor's operating manual. The vendor's manual recommends that air flow ("carrier air") be initiated before establishing liquid flo Following the event, West Valley suspended all HEPA filter testing on site until corrective actions were completed. The vendor of the thermal aerosol generator simulated the event under the same flow conditions and valve manipulations. The vendor observed flames at the aerosol discharge port in approximately 75 percent of the test West Valley has modified its generator heater block controls and its valve operating procedures appropriately and, in conjunction with the vendor, has modified the carrier air valve so that it remains open a small amount even when in the closed positio This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one of the technical contacts listed below, the appropriate regional office, or the appropriate Project Manager of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) or of the Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards (NMSS).-Elizabeth Q.--Ten-Eyck, Director Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards Office of Nuclear Material Safety and SafeguardsDavid B. Matthews, Director Division of Regulatory Improvement Programs Office of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:Todd J. Jackson, Region I 610-337-5308 E-mail: t ii(nrc.qov Candice M. Drummond, NMSS 301-415-6433 E-mail: cmdC@nrc.povJohn P. Segala, NRR 301-415-1858 E-mail: ips1Cnrc.Qov

===Attachments:===
1. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices 2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices DOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM_SEC\inhepa4.wpd Official Record Copy T^r=, *nl M.-he ln,- ,m~nt in th1= h~l ('=Cnn,, win, F:=Conv with ;af1~thment/enclosure N = No COOVreev o pyo .mu , U OFFICE REXB:DRIP Tech Editor IMNS FOOB NAME JRBenedict ( KRamsey CDrummond 61--( 4 DATE Z/1l'/99 I1Z-199""_1_ _ _ __ o115199OFFICFFCssIC: REXBD:FCOBD:DRIPI 11NAME PTing LMarsh S DMatthews DATE J /99 1 /99 / /99 / 99II}}

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