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{{#Wiki_filter:September 21, 2006Mr. Christopher M. Crane President and Chief Nuclear Officer Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555
{{#Wiki_filter:September 21, 2006 Mr. Christopher M. Crane President and Chief Nuclear Officer Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555


==SUBJECT:==
==SUBJECT:==
DRESDEN NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 2 AND 3, AND QUAD CITIESNUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO EXELON GENERATION COMPANY, LLC'S EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION COMMITMENTS (TAC NOS. MD2932 AND MD2933)
DRESDEN NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 2 AND 3, AND QUAD CITIES NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO EXELON GENERATION COMPANY, LLCS EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION COMMITMENTS (TAC NOS. MD2932 AND MD2933)


==Dear Mr. Crane:==
==Dear Mr. Crane:==


By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, Exelon made aregulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluationsperformed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (Quad Cities), at the extended power uprate (EPU) level. The NRC staff is reviewing the modifications installed at Quad Cities and the results of the testsperformed to support EPU operation, and has determined that additional information is required to complete the review. The specific information requested is addressed in the enclosure to this letter. This request for information was electronically transmitted to your staff on August 24, 2006, and during a discussion with your staff via telephone on September 8, 2006, it was agreed that Exelon would provide a response to these questions by September 30, 2006. After the NRC staff reviews the response, we will schedule a final technical conferencecall with you to discuss the response. Once all technical issues are resolved, the management meeting mentioned above will be scheduled.
By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, Exelon made a regulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluations performed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (Quad Cities), at the extended power uprate (EPU) level.
C. Crane- 2  -The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information helpensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRC's goal ofefficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.Sincerely,/RA/Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor RegulationDocket Nos. 50-237, 50-249,   50-254 and 50-265
The NRC staff is reviewing the modifications installed at Quad Cities and the results of the tests performed to support EPU operation, and has determined that additional information is required to complete the review. The specific information requested is addressed in the enclosure to this letter. This request for information was electronically transmitted to your staff on August 24, 2006, and during a discussion with your staff via telephone on September 8, 2006, it was agreed that Exelon would provide a response to these questions by September 30, 2006. After the NRC staff reviews the response, we will schedule a final technical conference call with you to discuss the response. Once all technical issues are resolved, the management meeting mentioned above will be scheduled.
 
C. Crane                                         The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information help ensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRCs goal of efficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.
Sincerely,
                                                /RA/
Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-237, 50-249, 50-254 and 50-265


==Enclosure:==
==Enclosure:==
RAIcc w/encl: See next page C. Crane- 3  -The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information helpensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRC's goal ofefficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.Sincerely,/RA/Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor RegulationDocket Nos. 50-237, 50-249,   50-254 and 50-265
 
RAI cc w/encl: See next page
 
C. Crane                                         The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information help ensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRCs goal of efficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.
Sincerely,
                                                /RA/
Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-237, 50-249, 50-254 and 50-265


==Enclosure:==
==Enclosure:==
RAIcc w/encl: See next pageDISTRIBUTION:PUBLICLPL3-2 R/FRidsRgn3MailCenterRidsNrrDorlLpl3-2CWu, NRRRidsNrrLADClarke RidsNrrPMJHoncharikRidsOgcRpTScarbrough, NRR RidsNrrDeEembRidsNrrDciCptbADAMS Accession Number: ML062620149 NRR-106OFFICELPL3-2/PMLPL3-2/LADE/EEMB/BCDCI/CPTB/BCLPL3-2/BCNAMEMBanerjee:mwDClarkeKManolyTLiuDCollinsDATE9/20/069/20/069/20/069/20/069/21/06OFFICIAL RECORD EnclosureREQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONRELATED TO LONG-TERM EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION CONDITIONS ATQUAD CITIES NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2DOCKET NOS. 50-237 AND 50-249By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, ExelonGeneration Company, LLC (Exelon) made a regulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluations performed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (QC1 and QC2), at the extended poweruprate (EPU) level. The NRC staff has determined that the following information is needed inorder to complete its review:1.How will Exelon monitor the performance of the acoustic side branches (ASBs) installedat QC1 and QC2 in maintaining acceptable main steam line (MSL) pressure fluctuations and vibrations during long-term operation up to extended power uprate (EPU) conditions? For example, what are the plans for monitoring MSL strain gage and accelerometer data; performing plant walkdowns of the ASBs and MSL piping and components; inspecting and testing of MSL components (such as ASBs and electromatic relief valves); and conducting steam dryer inspections? What are the consequences associated with the loss of ASB performance (such as clogging by debris or wear of the wire mesh)? How will ASB performance degradation be addressed?2.What are the sources of new acoustic resonance peaks that appear in the MSL straingage data discussed in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 (Revision 0), "Quad Cities Unit 2 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Recommendations for Load Reduction," and Exelon Report AM-2006-003 (Revision 0), "Quad Cities Unit 1 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Load Reduction," submitted in Exelon letters dated May 3 and August 2, 2006, respectively, following return of the QC units to EPU operation with the ASB modifications? For example, see the resonance peak at 36 Hz in the QC1 MSL strain gage data, and the resonance peaks between 22 and 25 Hz, and at 158 Hz, in QC2 MSL strain gage data. What are the plans to ensure that such peaks do not cause unacceptable pressure loads on the steam dryer and vibrations in MSL components?3.What are the plans to ensure that extended operation of QC1 and QC2 between originallicensed thermal power (OLTP) and EPU conditions will not result in unacceptableacoustic-generated pressure fluctuations and vibrations? For example, see the resonance peaks at 127 and 143 Hz between OLTP and EPU conditions in the Structural Integrity Associates Report SIR-06-199 (May 1, 2006), "Quad Cities Unit 2 Strain Gage and Accelerometer Data Reduction Summary," referenced in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 enclosed with the licensee's submittal dated May 3, 2006. 4.Figures 10 through 13 in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 show the QC2 MSL B vibrationspectra at OLTP and EPU conditions prior to ASB installation for frequencies up to 1 kHz. The figures show harmonics at twice and three times the fundamental singing frequency (about 320 and 480 Hz). What is the potential impact of any new resonances that might be excited at higher frequencies due to the installation of the ASBs?5.In its EPU restart reports submitted on May 3 and August 6, 2006, Exelon does notinclude a revised steam dryer stress analysis for QC1 and QC2 using MSL strain gage data collected during EPU operation with the ASB modifications. As discussed in the past, the NRC staff has not accepted specific aspects of Exelon's steam dryer stress analysis. For example, the bias error and uncertainty assumptions for the acoustic circuit methodology (ACM) are not supported by a comparison of the QC2 steam dryer pressure loads calculated by the ACM during EPU operation before the ASB modifications to actual measured QC2 steam dryer data for specific frequencies intervals or steam dryer locations. Exelon has not justified the assumptions for damping applied in its steam dryer stress analysis in light of the data from the hammer tests of the replacement steam dryers. Also, the bias error/uncertainty assumptions associated with the finite element model stress-to-force transfer functions (based on comparison to dynamic hammer test data on the QC1 and QC2 replacement dryers) needs to be properly addressed. The exponent used by the licensee for the load extrapolation from maximum achieved thermal power to licensed EPU power is not clearly supported by data near the maximum achieved thermal power in the frequency range of interest.
 
Some uncertainties in the steam dryer stress analysis, such as load extrapolation and time shifting, appear more appropriately addressed as bias errors. With the current effectiveness of the ASBs in reducing MSL pressure fluctuations and vibrations to less than OLTP levels prior to the ASB modifications, it is not necessary to resolve these issues with Exelon's steam dryer stress analysis at this time for EPU operation of QC1 and QC2. However, these issues might need to be addressed if the ASB effectiveness becomes degraded at QC1 or QC2, or if Exelon plans to use its steam dryer stress analysis approach, along with its bias error/uncertainty assumptions, for other plants.
RAI cc w/encl: See next page DISTRIBUTION:
PUBLIC                                LPL3-2 R/F                    RidsRgn3MailCenter RidsNrrDorlLpl3-2                      CWu, NRR                      RidsNrrLADClarke RidsNrrPMJHoncharik                    RidsOgcRp                      TScarbrough, NRR RidsNrrDeEemb                          RidsNrrDciCptb ADAMS Accession Number: ML062620149                                                   NRR-106 OFFICE      LPL3-2/PM            LPL3-2/LA      DE/EEMB/BC      DCI/CPTB/BC    LPL3-2/BC NAME        MBanerjee:mw        DClarke        KManoly          TLiu            DCollins DATE        9/20/06              9/20/06        9/20/06          9/20/06        9/21/06 OFFICIAL RECORD
 
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO LONG-TERM EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION CONDITIONS AT QUAD CITIES NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-237 AND 50-249 By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon) made a regulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluations performed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (QC1 and QC2), at the extended power uprate (EPU) level. The NRC staff has determined that the following information is needed in order to complete its review:
: 1.     How will Exelon monitor the performance of the acoustic side branches (ASBs) installed at QC1 and QC2 in maintaining acceptable main steam line (MSL) pressure fluctuations and vibrations during long-term operation up to extended power uprate (EPU) conditions? For example, what are the plans for monitoring MSL strain gage and accelerometer data; performing plant walkdowns of the ASBs and MSL piping and components; inspecting and testing of MSL components (such as ASBs and electromatic relief valves); and conducting steam dryer inspections? What are the consequences associated with the loss of ASB performance (such as clogging by debris or wear of the wire mesh)? How will ASB performance degradation be addressed?
: 2.     What are the sources of new acoustic resonance peaks that appear in the MSL strain gage data discussed in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 (Revision 0), Quad Cities Unit 2 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Recommendations for Load Reduction, and Exelon Report AM-2006-003 (Revision 0), Quad Cities Unit 1 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Load Reduction, submitted in Exelon letters dated May 3 and August 2, 2006, respectively, following return of the QC units to EPU operation with the ASB modifications? For example, see the resonance peak at 36 Hz in the QC1 MSL strain gage data, and the resonance peaks between 22 and 25 Hz, and at 158 Hz, in QC2 MSL strain gage data. What are the plans to ensure that such peaks do not cause unacceptable pressure loads on the steam dryer and vibrations in MSL components?
: 3.     What are the plans to ensure that extended operation of QC1 and QC2 between original licensed thermal power (OLTP) and EPU conditions will not result in unacceptable acoustic-generated pressure fluctuations and vibrations? For example, see the resonance peaks at 127 and 143 Hz between OLTP and EPU conditions in the Structural Integrity Associates Report SIR-06-199 (May 1, 2006), Quad Cities Unit 2 Strain Gage and Accelerometer Data Reduction Summary, referenced in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 enclosed with the licensees submittal dated May 3, 2006.
Enclosure
: 4. Figures 10 through 13 in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 show the QC2 MSL B vibration spectra at OLTP and EPU conditions prior to ASB installation for frequencies up to 1 kHz. The figures show harmonics at twice and three times the fundamental singing frequency (about 320 and 480 Hz). What is the potential impact of any new resonances that might be excited at higher frequencies due to the installation of the ASBs?
: 5. In its EPU restart reports submitted on May 3 and August 6, 2006, Exelon does not include a revised steam dryer stress analysis for QC1 and QC2 using MSL strain gage data collected during EPU operation with the ASB modifications. As discussed in the past, the NRC staff has not accepted specific aspects of Exelons steam dryer stress analysis. For example, the bias error and uncertainty assumptions for the acoustic circuit methodology (ACM) are not supported by a comparison of the QC2 steam dryer pressure loads calculated by the ACM during EPU operation before the ASB modifications to actual measured QC2 steam dryer data for specific frequencies intervals or steam dryer locations. Exelon has not justified the assumptions for damping applied in its steam dryer stress analysis in light of the data from the hammer tests of the replacement steam dryers. Also, the bias error/uncertainty assumptions associated with the finite element model stress-to-force transfer functions (based on comparison to dynamic hammer test data on the QC1 and QC2 replacement dryers) needs to be properly addressed. The exponent used by the licensee for the load extrapolation from maximum achieved thermal power to licensed EPU power is not clearly supported by data near the maximum achieved thermal power in the frequency range of interest.
Some uncertainties in the steam dryer stress analysis, such as load extrapolation and time shifting, appear more appropriately addressed as bias errors. With the current effectiveness of the ASBs in reducing MSL pressure fluctuations and vibrations to less than OLTP levels prior to the ASB modifications, it is not necessary to resolve these issues with Exelons steam dryer stress analysis at this time for EPU operation of QC1 and QC2. However, these issues might need to be addressed if the ASB effectiveness becomes degraded at QC1 or QC2, or if Exelon plans to use its steam dryer stress analysis approach, along with its bias error/uncertainty assumptions, for other plants.
 
Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:
Site Vice President - Dresden Nuclear Power Station Vice President - Regulatory & Legal Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road                                4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9765                              Warrenville, IL 60555 Plant Manager - Dresden Nuclear Power Station      Director - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road                                4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9765                              Warrenville, IL 60555 Manager Regulatory Assurance - Dresden              Assistant General Counsel Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road                                200 Exelon Way Morris, IL 60450-9765                              Kennett Square, PA 19348 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission                  Manager Licensing - Dresden & Quad Cities Dresden Resident Inspectors Office                  Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road                                4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9766                              Warrenville, IL 60555 Chairman                                            Site Vice President - Quad Cities Grundy County Board                                Exelon Generation Company, LLC Administration Building                            22710 206th Avenue N.
1320 Union Street                                  Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Morris, IL 60450 Plant Manager - Quad Cities Regional Administrator                              Exelon Generation Company, LLC U.S. NRC, Region III                                22710 206th Avenue N.
801 Warrenville Road                                Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Lisle, IL 60532-4351 Regulatory Assurance Manager - Quad Cities Illinois Emergency Management Agency                Exelon Generation Company, LLC Division of Disaster Assistance & Preparedness      22710 206th Avenue N.
110 East Adams Street                              Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Springfield, IL 62701-1109 Quad Cities Resident Inspectors Office Document Control Desk - Licensing                  U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      22712 206th Avenue N.
4300 Winfield Road                                  Cordova, IL 61242 Warrenville, IL 60555 David C. Tubbs Senior Vice President Operations Support            MidAmerican Energy Company Exelon Generation Company, LLC                      One River Center Place 4300 Winfield Road                                  106 E. Second, P.O. Box 4350 Warrenville, IL 60555                              Davenport, IA 52808-4350
 
Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:
Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:
Site Vice President - Dresden Nuclear Power StationExelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road Morris, IL  60450-9765Plant Manager  - Dresden Nuclear Power Station Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road Morris, IL  60450-9765Manager Regulatory Assurance - DresdenExelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road Morris, IL  60450-9765U.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionDresden Resident Inspectors Office 6500 N. Dresden Road Morris, IL  60450-9766ChairmanGrundy County Board Administration Building 1320 Union Street Morris, IL  60450Regional AdministratorU.S. NRC, Region III 801 Warrenville RoadLisle, IL  60532-4351Illinois Emergency Management AgencyDivision of Disaster Assistance &  Preparedness 110 East Adams Street Springfield, IL  62701-1109Document Control Desk - LicensingExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Senior Vice President Operations SupportExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Vice President - Regulatory & Legal AffairsExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Director - Licensing and Regulatory AffairsExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Assistant General CounselExelon Generation Company, LLC 200 Exelon Way Kennett Square, PA  19348Manager Licensing - Dresden &  Quad CitiesExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Site Vice President - Quad Cities Exelon Generation Company, LLC 22710 206th Avenue N.
Senior Vice President - Midwest Operations Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555 Vice President - Law and Regulatory Affairs MidAmerican Energy Company One River Center Place 106 E. Second Street P.O. Box 4350 Davenport, IA 52808 Chairman Rock Island County Board of Supervisors 1504 3rd Avenue Rock Island County Office Bldg.
Cordova, IL  61242-9740Plant Manager - Quad CitiesExelon Generation Company, LLC 22710 206th Avenue N.
Rock Island, IL 61201}}
Cordova, IL  61242-9740Regulatory Assurance Manager - Quad CitiesExelon Generation Company, LLC 22710 206th Avenue N.
Cordova, IL  61242-9740Quad Cities Resident Inspectors OfficeU.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 22712 206th Avenue N.
Cordova, IL  61242David C. TubbsMidAmerican Energy Company One River Center Place 106 E. Second, P.O. Box 4350 Davenport, IA  52808-4350 Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:Senior Vice President - Midwest OperationsExelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555Vice President - Law and Regulatory AffairsMidAmerican Energy Company One River Center Place 106 E. Second Street P.O. Box 4350 Davenport, IA 52808ChairmanRock Island County Board of Supervisors 1504 3rd Avenue Rock Island County Office Bldg.
Rock Island, IL 61201}}

Latest revision as of 15:02, 23 November 2019

Request for Additional Information Related to Exelon'S Extended Power Uprate Operation Commitments (TAC Nos. MD2932 & MD2933)
ML062620149
Person / Time
Site: Dresden, Quad Cities  Constellation icon.png
Issue date: 09/21/2006
From: Banerjee M
NRC/NRR/ADRO/DORL/LPLIII-2
To: Crane C
Exelon Generation Co
Honcharik J, NRR/DORL, 301-415-115
References
TAC MD2932, TAC MD2933
Download: ML062620149 (7)


Text

September 21, 2006 Mr. Christopher M. Crane President and Chief Nuclear Officer Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555

SUBJECT:

DRESDEN NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 2 AND 3, AND QUAD CITIES NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 - REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO EXELON GENERATION COMPANY, LLCS EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION COMMITMENTS (TAC NOS. MD2932 AND MD2933)

Dear Mr. Crane:

By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, Exelon made a regulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluations performed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (Quad Cities), at the extended power uprate (EPU) level.

The NRC staff is reviewing the modifications installed at Quad Cities and the results of the tests performed to support EPU operation, and has determined that additional information is required to complete the review. The specific information requested is addressed in the enclosure to this letter. This request for information was electronically transmitted to your staff on August 24, 2006, and during a discussion with your staff via telephone on September 8, 2006, it was agreed that Exelon would provide a response to these questions by September 30, 2006. After the NRC staff reviews the response, we will schedule a final technical conference call with you to discuss the response. Once all technical issues are resolved, the management meeting mentioned above will be scheduled.

C. Crane The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information help ensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRCs goal of efficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-237, 50-249, 50-254 and 50-265

Enclosure:

RAI cc w/encl: See next page

C. Crane The NRC staff considers that timely responses to requests for additional information help ensure sufficient time is available for staff review and contribute toward the NRCs goal of efficient and effective use of staff resources. If you should have any questions, please contact John Honcharik at (301) 415-1157.

Sincerely,

/RA/

Maitri Banerjee, Senior Project Manager Plant Licensing Branch III-2 Division of Operating Reactor Licensing Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket Nos. 50-237, 50-249, 50-254 and 50-265

Enclosure:

RAI cc w/encl: See next page DISTRIBUTION:

PUBLIC LPL3-2 R/F RidsRgn3MailCenter RidsNrrDorlLpl3-2 CWu, NRR RidsNrrLADClarke RidsNrrPMJHoncharik RidsOgcRp TScarbrough, NRR RidsNrrDeEemb RidsNrrDciCptb ADAMS Accession Number: ML062620149 NRR-106 OFFICE LPL3-2/PM LPL3-2/LA DE/EEMB/BC DCI/CPTB/BC LPL3-2/BC NAME MBanerjee:mw DClarke KManoly TLiu DCollins DATE 9/20/06 9/20/06 9/20/06 9/20/06 9/21/06 OFFICIAL RECORD

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO LONG-TERM EXTENDED POWER UPRATE OPERATION CONDITIONS AT QUAD CITIES NUCLEAR POWER STATION, UNITS 1 AND 2 DOCKET NOS. 50-237 AND 50-249 By letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) dated January 26, 2006, Exelon Generation Company, LLC (Exelon) made a regulatory commitment to meet with NRC management to discuss the results of evaluations performed to support long-term operation of the Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station, Units 1 and 2 (QC1 and QC2), at the extended power uprate (EPU) level. The NRC staff has determined that the following information is needed in order to complete its review:

1. How will Exelon monitor the performance of the acoustic side branches (ASBs) installed at QC1 and QC2 in maintaining acceptable main steam line (MSL) pressure fluctuations and vibrations during long-term operation up to extended power uprate (EPU) conditions? For example, what are the plans for monitoring MSL strain gage and accelerometer data; performing plant walkdowns of the ASBs and MSL piping and components; inspecting and testing of MSL components (such as ASBs and electromatic relief valves); and conducting steam dryer inspections? What are the consequences associated with the loss of ASB performance (such as clogging by debris or wear of the wire mesh)? How will ASB performance degradation be addressed?
2. What are the sources of new acoustic resonance peaks that appear in the MSL strain gage data discussed in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 (Revision 0), Quad Cities Unit 2 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Recommendations for Load Reduction, and Exelon Report AM-2006-003 (Revision 0), Quad Cities Unit 1 Main Steam Line Acoustic Source Identification and Load Reduction, submitted in Exelon letters dated May 3 and August 2, 2006, respectively, following return of the QC units to EPU operation with the ASB modifications? For example, see the resonance peak at 36 Hz in the QC1 MSL strain gage data, and the resonance peaks between 22 and 25 Hz, and at 158 Hz, in QC2 MSL strain gage data. What are the plans to ensure that such peaks do not cause unacceptable pressure loads on the steam dryer and vibrations in MSL components?
3. What are the plans to ensure that extended operation of QC1 and QC2 between original licensed thermal power (OLTP) and EPU conditions will not result in unacceptable acoustic-generated pressure fluctuations and vibrations? For example, see the resonance peaks at 127 and 143 Hz between OLTP and EPU conditions in the Structural Integrity Associates Report SIR-06-199 (May 1, 2006), Quad Cities Unit 2 Strain Gage and Accelerometer Data Reduction Summary, referenced in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 enclosed with the licensees submittal dated May 3, 2006.

Enclosure

4. Figures 10 through 13 in Exelon Report AM-2006-002 show the QC2 MSL B vibration spectra at OLTP and EPU conditions prior to ASB installation for frequencies up to 1 kHz. The figures show harmonics at twice and three times the fundamental singing frequency (about 320 and 480 Hz). What is the potential impact of any new resonances that might be excited at higher frequencies due to the installation of the ASBs?
5. In its EPU restart reports submitted on May 3 and August 6, 2006, Exelon does not include a revised steam dryer stress analysis for QC1 and QC2 using MSL strain gage data collected during EPU operation with the ASB modifications. As discussed in the past, the NRC staff has not accepted specific aspects of Exelons steam dryer stress analysis. For example, the bias error and uncertainty assumptions for the acoustic circuit methodology (ACM) are not supported by a comparison of the QC2 steam dryer pressure loads calculated by the ACM during EPU operation before the ASB modifications to actual measured QC2 steam dryer data for specific frequencies intervals or steam dryer locations. Exelon has not justified the assumptions for damping applied in its steam dryer stress analysis in light of the data from the hammer tests of the replacement steam dryers. Also, the bias error/uncertainty assumptions associated with the finite element model stress-to-force transfer functions (based on comparison to dynamic hammer test data on the QC1 and QC2 replacement dryers) needs to be properly addressed. The exponent used by the licensee for the load extrapolation from maximum achieved thermal power to licensed EPU power is not clearly supported by data near the maximum achieved thermal power in the frequency range of interest.

Some uncertainties in the steam dryer stress analysis, such as load extrapolation and time shifting, appear more appropriately addressed as bias errors. With the current effectiveness of the ASBs in reducing MSL pressure fluctuations and vibrations to less than OLTP levels prior to the ASB modifications, it is not necessary to resolve these issues with Exelons steam dryer stress analysis at this time for EPU operation of QC1 and QC2. However, these issues might need to be addressed if the ASB effectiveness becomes degraded at QC1 or QC2, or if Exelon plans to use its steam dryer stress analysis approach, along with its bias error/uncertainty assumptions, for other plants.

Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:

Site Vice President - Dresden Nuclear Power Station Vice President - Regulatory & Legal Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road 4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9765 Warrenville, IL 60555 Plant Manager - Dresden Nuclear Power Station Director - Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Exelon Generation Company, LLC Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road 4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9765 Warrenville, IL 60555 Manager Regulatory Assurance - Dresden Assistant General Counsel Exelon Generation Company, LLC Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road 200 Exelon Way Morris, IL 60450-9765 Kennett Square, PA 19348 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Manager Licensing - Dresden & Quad Cities Dresden Resident Inspectors Office Exelon Generation Company, LLC 6500 N. Dresden Road 4300 Winfield Road Morris, IL 60450-9766 Warrenville, IL 60555 Chairman Site Vice President - Quad Cities Grundy County Board Exelon Generation Company, LLC Administration Building 22710 206th Avenue N.

1320 Union Street Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Morris, IL 60450 Plant Manager - Quad Cities Regional Administrator Exelon Generation Company, LLC U.S. NRC, Region III 22710 206th Avenue N.

801 Warrenville Road Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Lisle, IL 60532-4351 Regulatory Assurance Manager - Quad Cities Illinois Emergency Management Agency Exelon Generation Company, LLC Division of Disaster Assistance & Preparedness 22710 206th Avenue N.

110 East Adams Street Cordova, IL 61242-9740 Springfield, IL 62701-1109 Quad Cities Resident Inspectors Office Document Control Desk - Licensing U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Exelon Generation Company, LLC 22712 206th Avenue N.

4300 Winfield Road Cordova, IL 61242 Warrenville, IL 60555 David C. Tubbs Senior Vice President Operations Support MidAmerican Energy Company Exelon Generation Company, LLC One River Center Place 4300 Winfield Road 106 E. Second, P.O. Box 4350 Warrenville, IL 60555 Davenport, IA 52808-4350

Dresden and Quad Cities Nuclear Power Stations cc:

Senior Vice President - Midwest Operations Exelon Generation Company, LLC 4300 Winfield Road Warrenville, IL 60555 Vice President - Law and Regulatory Affairs MidAmerican Energy Company One River Center Place 106 E. Second Street P.O. Box 4350 Davenport, IA 52808 Chairman Rock Island County Board of Supervisors 1504 3rd Avenue Rock Island County Office Bldg.

Rock Island, IL 61201