Information Notice 1995-41, Degradation of Ventilation System Charcoal Resulting from Chemical Cleaning of Steam Generators: Difference between revisions
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| issue date = 09/22/1995 | | issue date = 09/22/1995 | ||
| title = Degradation of Ventilation System Charcoal Resulting from Chemical Cleaning of Steam Generators | | title = Degradation of Ventilation System Charcoal Resulting from Chemical Cleaning of Steam Generators | ||
| author name = Crutchfield D | | author name = Crutchfield D | ||
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR | | author affiliation = NRC/NRR | ||
| addressee name = | | addressee name = | ||
Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
| document type = NRC Information Notice | | document type = NRC Information Notice | ||
| page count = 12 | | page count = 12 | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{#Wiki_filter:K9J( September 22, | {{#Wiki_filter:K9J( | ||
UNITED STATES | |||
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION | |||
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION | |||
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 September 22, 1995 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 95-41: DEGRADATION OF VENTILATION SYSTEM CHARCOAL | |||
RESULTING FROM CHEMICAL CLEANING OF STEAM | |||
GENERATORS | |||
==Addressees== | ==Addressees== | ||
All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear | All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power | ||
reactors. | |||
==Purpose== | ==Purpose== | ||
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this | The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information | ||
notice to alert addressees to the potential degradation of ventilation system | |||
charcoal as a result of the charcoal's exposure to chemicals during the | |||
chemical cleaning of steam generators. It is expected that recipients will | |||
review the information for applicability to their facilities and consider | |||
actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions | |||
contained in this information notice are not NRC requirements; therefore, no | |||
specific action or written response is required. | |||
==Description of Circumstances== | ==Description of Circumstances== | ||
On June 5, 1994, a chemical cleaning of the secondary sides of the | On June 5, 1994, a chemical cleaning of the secondary sides of the steam | ||
IN 95- | |||
generators at Surry Unit 2 was begun. During this cleaning, containment purge | |||
was established using train A of the auxiliary ventilation system, which | |||
contains a safety-grade charcoal adsorber. The chemical cleaning process | |||
involves the--use of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the cleaning | |||
agent and of various other chemicals such as ethylenediamine (EDA), hydrazine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen, and CCl-801, a proprietary corrosion | |||
inhibitor. During the chemical cleaning the steam generators were isolated | |||
from the containment atmosphere and force-vented to the outdoor atmosphere | |||
through the atmospheric steam dump relief valves. The steam generators were | |||
rinsed to remove residual chemicals. After the rinse, the steam generators | |||
were opened for sludge lancing of the tube sheet region. | |||
On June 16, 1994, a strong odor of ammonia was reported in the Unit 2 containment. Concentrations were measured at 30 ppm (parts per million) | |||
ammonia and 6 ppm hydrazine. Consequently, personnel were evacuated from the | |||
containment. At the time of the evacuation, the chemical cleaning and rinse | |||
had been completed on steam generators A and C and the steam generators were | |||
vented to the containment. Because of the elevated levels of hydrazine and | |||
ammonia in the containment, train B of the auxiliary ventilation system was | |||
started to assist train A in reducing the airborne concentrations. Both | |||
trains operated approximately 8 hours until chemical concentrations in the | |||
containment were reduced. | |||
950918034 t~q~gut II | |||
@ | |||
IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 - | |||
As a result of the exposure of the charcoal to the chemicals, in accordance | |||
with the technical specifications (TS), a sample of train A charcoal was taken | |||
and a laboratory test of a sample of the sample was performed. The results of | |||
the laboratory test showed a methyl iodide removal efficiency of 93.4 percent, which was below the TS limit. The charcoal was replaced. A sample from | |||
train B was tested and the results of the laboratory test of that sample | |||
showed a methyl iodide removal efficiency of 90.7 percent. This value was | |||
also below the TS limit, and the train B charcoal was replaced. | |||
The failure of these samples was a surprise to the licensee. At the time the | |||
charcoal was determined to have failed, train A had operated for 657 hours, while the train B had operated for 360 hours. In addition, the licensee had | |||
held discussions with the charcoal supplier during which the supplier had | |||
indicated that exposure of the charcoal to hydrazine and ammonia in the above | |||
noted concentrations should not have resulted in its degradation. | |||
As a result of the experience at Unit 2, when the steam generators at Unit 1 were chemically cleaned, the licensee arranged for the containment flow to be | |||
diverted to a non-safety-grade system containing charcoal. When the licensee | |||
completed the cleaning operation, laboratory testing of the charcoal in the | |||
non-safety-grade system showed that the adsorber efficiency was 3.3 percent | |||
less than its efficiency before the chemical cleaning. On the basis of these | |||
two experiences, the licensee concluded that discharging the air involved in | |||
steam generator cleaning operations through systems containing charcoal was | |||
likely to degrade the charcoal. | |||
The licensee's laboratory tests of the charcoal were performed at 30C [86°F] | |||
and a relative humidity of 95 percent with a face velocity of 24.4 meters per | |||
minute [80 feet per minute]. The laboratory tests were conducted using the | |||
1979 version of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3803, Standard Test Method for Nuclear-Grade Activated Carbon.' The licensee did | |||
not attempt to determine the chemical compound responsible for the degradation | |||
of the charcoal. However, it and its charcoal supplier believe that the | |||
probable culprits were EDA and EDTA. | |||
The NRC staff held telephone conversations with charcoal suppliers and | |||
testing laboratory representatives. Based upon these conversations, the | |||
parties concluded that, although the ammonia did not contribute to the | |||
degradation of the charcoal, the breakdown of hydrazine in the charcoal may | |||
have contributed additional moisture to the charcoal resulting in its | |||
degradation. These discussions also confirmed that both EDA and EDTA could | |||
degrade the charcoal. The staff also noted that, had the licensee performed | |||
the laboratory tests in accordance with the guidance in NRC Information Notice | |||
87-32, "Deficiencies in the Testing of Nuclear-Grade Activated Charcoal," | |||
(Accession No. 8707070003) or in accordance with the 1989 version of ASTM | |||
D3803, the measured degradation of the charcoal would have been greater than | |||
that identified by the licensee. | |||
K..- V IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 its degradation. | |||
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result incharcoal may perform | |||
With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the | |||
evaluation. | |||
at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
adsorbers in their | |||
Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal | |||
cleaning, they may find it | |||
ventilation systems during and/or after chemical ensure that the | |||
to | |||
appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal limit. | |||
charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
response. If | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or writtenplease contact | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, of Nuclear | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
===Attachments: | 'nn.1%ic I | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | |||
Division of Reactor Pr ram Management | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR | |||
(301) 415-3167 Attachments: | |||
1. Referenced Codes and Standards | |||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
A4e UQ FJLa | |||
~1 <-J Attachment 1 IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 Referenced Codes and Standards | |||
"Standard Test Method | |||
American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D3803, Pennsylvania. | |||
for Nuclear-Grade Activated Carbon,' Philadelphia, | |||
wXvachment 2 IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED | |||
NRC INFORMATION NOTICES | |||
Information Date of | |||
Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to | |||
95-40 Supplemental Information 09/20/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
to Generic Letter 95-03, for nuclear power reactors. | |||
"Circumferential Cracking | |||
of Steam Generator Tubes" | |||
95-39 Brachytherapy Incidents 09/19/95 All U.S. Nuclear Regulatory | |||
Involving Treatment Commission Medical | |||
Planning Errors Licensees. | |||
95-38 Degradation of Boraflex 09/08/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Neutron Absorber in for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Spent Fuel Storage Racks | |||
95-37 Inadequate Offsite Power 09/07/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
System Voltages during for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Design-Basis Events | |||
95-36 Potential Problems with 08/29/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Post-Fire Emergency for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Lighting | |||
95-35 Degraded Ability of 08/28/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Steam Generators to for pressurized water | |||
Remove Decay Heat by reactors (PWRs). | |||
Natural Circulation | |||
95-34 Air Actuator and Supply 08/25/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Air Regulator Problems in for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Copes-Vulcan Pressurizer | |||
Power-Operated Relief Valves | |||
93-83, Potential Loss of Spent 08/24/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Supp. 1 Fuel Pool Cooling After a for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Loss-of-Coolant Accident | |||
or a Loss of Offsite Power | |||
95-33 Switchgear Fire and 08/23/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Partial Loss of Offsite for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Power at Waterford | |||
Generating Station, Unit 3 I | |||
OL - Operating License | |||
CP = Construction Permit | |||
K> IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
orig /s/'d by DMCrutchfield | |||
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director | |||
Division of Reactor Program Management | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR | |||
(301) 415-3167 Attachments: | |||
1. Referenced Codes and Standards | |||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: 95-41.IN | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
To receive a copy of this document, indicate In the box: C' = Copy without attachment/enclosure 'E' = Copy with attachmentlenclosure 'N' - No copy | |||
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB IN OECB:DOPS I E SC/TERB:DOTS E C/TERB:DOTS LE | |||
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* CLMiller* | |||
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 05/02/95 105/02/ 95 05/02/95 | |||
. . . . . - .I | |||
OFFICE 1SC/OECB:DOPS IN IPECB:DRPM I E IC/PECB:DRPM INID/DR~1X, I 11 NAME EFGoodwin* RKiessel* el | |||
DATE 05/15/95 1 3909/14/95 09 95 UtiilLIAL K-IUKU WURY | |||
IN 95-xx | |||
September xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director | |||
Division of Reactor Program Management | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR | |||
(301) 415-3167 Attachments: | |||
1. Referenced Codes and Standards | |||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\CHR91438 | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
- a copy Ad_ try | |||
a_An- .--- -ta~ rh otonl IF' . Cnnv with atnchmentlenclosure *N' - No copy | |||
T o receive 0? this cocunwnt, Indicate mnXn. o:A; - s°Pqt | |||
wnn u--a........ o ---- - | |||
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:[PUB NOECB:DOPS IE SC/TERB:DOTSI E IC/TRB:DOTSE | |||
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* | |||
DATE 05/02/95 105/10/95 105/02/95 05/02/95_ 05/02/9 | |||
- rI | |||
-.--- -I . I .nnLA | |||
&Ii M fr~ | |||
I1 IU UKNrr | |||
nFFT(F | |||
-- ISC/OECB!DOPS | |||
_, ___ .__.__ IN | |||
. .IPECH:__ URPM | |||
.___ _ I t IL/ tLt1:UKrM I -11 NAME EFGoodwin* IRKiessel* _AEChaffee* IDMCrutchfieldqI | |||
DATE 05/15/95 109/13/95 - -9/1/95 099 UOFICIIAL KLLUKU HUrY | |||
IN 95-xx | |||
September xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director | |||
Division of Reactor Program Management | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
===Technical Contact:=== | ===Technical Contact:=== | ||
=== | ===John J. Hayes, NRR=== | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | (301) 415-3167 Attachments: | ||
* ttsdtmfilfntjnfLd E = COnY with =tachmerd/en e^suu. '' a No | 1. Referenced Codes and Standards | ||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
-- . -rt | |||
Ire lculy. | |||
* wpy. u.l ocuun.... | |||
S. *"11.b_-f | |||
-. w | |||
- t -fthrA | |||
* ttsdtmfilfntjnfLd E | |||
- | |||
= COnY | |||
- | |||
with =tachmerd/en I | |||
e^suu. | |||
'' a No copy | |||
OFFICE TERB:DOTS lC ADM:PUB IN OECB:DOPS EE SC/TERB:DOTSI E C/ | |||
Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* CLMiller* | |||
I | |||
NAME JJHayes* | |||
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 05/02/95 05/02/95 05/02/95 | |||
. M. a. | |||
(FF FIC SCIFECR:DOPS I N IPECB:DRPM I EI UPLUB; WPM IA/IUUKrfi I I | |||
I .-- .- I . . ' -- | |||
.. 0 . ... ... ,,, - .. . - | |||
NAME 1EFGoodwin* _RKiessel 42 AEChaffee _ DMCrutchfeld l | |||
DATE 105/15/95 109/J3 /95 T 09/.5 1fj1 /95 09/ /95 | |||
^rIrY0 TAiI nrffnn% n glf | |||
OFF lVlAL KcvuKu vuri | |||
IN 95-xx | |||
May xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Project Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
===Technical Contact:=== | ===Technical Contact:=== | ||
=== | ===John J. Hayes, NRR=== | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | (301) 415-3167 Attachments: | ||
1. Referenced Codes and Standards | |||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
C" = Copy without attachmentlenclosure 'E' = Copy with attachment/enclosure ON' - No copy | |||
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: | |||
C A M:PUB 1 N [OECB:DOPS E SC/TERB:DOTS C/TERB:DOTS lE KE | |||
OFFICE TERB:DOTS | |||
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* ICLMiller* | |||
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 105/02/95 105/02/95 05/02/95 a AI | |||
nFrTrr | |||
- . - _ | |||
ISC/fECBRiOPS- | |||
-- v -.. A I | |||
I- N IOECB:DOPS | |||
_ I IM/utCu:VUVp I I uIuurP . -- 1 11 NAME EFGoodwin* _ RKiessel IAEChaffee SUB BKGrimes | |||
DATE 05/15/95 05/ /95 05/ /95 105/ /95 nrchIrTAI nrv'nnn fflV | |||
01-1-11,1AL KELUKU ,Ur 1 | |||
IN 95-xx | |||
May xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Project Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
===Technical Contact:=== | ===Technical Contact:=== | ||
=== | ===John J. Hayes, NRR=== | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | (301) 415-3167 Attachments: | ||
* Copy with attachmentlenclosure SNH -No | 1. Referenced Codes and Standards | ||
-0 '"?;4 -Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of | |||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: ACT - Copy without attachmentlenclosure 'E' | |||
* Copy with attachmentlenclosure SNH- No copy | |||
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB [OECB:DOPS IE SC/TERB:DOTS IE C/TERB:DOTS I E | |||
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* [RABenedict* IRLEmch* CLMiller* | |||
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 105/02/95 05/02/95 05/02/95 IIOFFICE 1SC/OECB:DOPS I IC/OECB:DOPS I D/DOPS I 1I | |||
NAME EFGoodwin X 1AEChaffee 5b | |||
% I mKGriImes | |||
DATE 105/16E/9505/ /95 05/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
-0 '"?;4 - | |||
A - .. | |||
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the .-14-.,-I. | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Project Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
===Technical Contact:=== | ===Technical Contact:=== | ||
=== | ===John J. Hayes, NRR=== | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | (301) 415-3167 Attachments: | ||
K>~Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of | 1. Referenced Codes and Standards | ||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 | |||
*See previous concurrence | |||
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: "C'a Copy without attachmentenclosure "F = Copy with attachment/enclosure "N"- No copy | |||
l - _ _ _ - _ _. | |||
OFFICE ITERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB I OECB:DOPS I E ISC/TERB:DOTS IE IC/TER.B:DOTS I E 11 NAME JJHayes* j ITech Ed 1 A!ndJRABenedict* IRLEmch* -- _- CLMiller* | |||
DATE 105/02/95 105/1o /95 105/02/95 105/02/95 105/02/95 A- - A _ A __ | |||
OFFICE ISC/OECB:DOPS l C/OECB:DOPS I D/DOPS I l1 :. | |||
NAME EFGoodwin JAEChaffee BKGrimes | |||
DATE 05/ /95 105/ /95 05/ /95 UIIILIAL KtLUKU COPY | |||
7,,,A;- .. | |||
K>~ | |||
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the | |||
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal | |||
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety | |||
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers | |||
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they | |||
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure | |||
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements | |||
limit. | |||
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear | |||
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Project Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
===Technical Contact:=== | ===Technical Contact:=== | ||
=== | ===John J. Hayes, NRR=== | ||
1. Referenced Codes and | (301) 415-3167 Attachments: | ||
* No | 1. Referenced Codes and Standards | ||
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 To rSceive a copy of this document, Indcate In the box: 'C' Copy without attachmenUt/enclosure 'E' - Copy with attachment/enclosure 'N' | |||
* No conp | |||
OFFICE T TECH ED l OECB 14F 1 SC:TERB ,,Jir-C:TERB/DOTS I Cl | |||
NAME ayes RABeneaict,' RLEmch , CiMiller cogllJ | |||
DATE OS/ V/95y V 05/ /95 05/oZ /95 05/2.? /95 05/ N-/95 SC:OECB/DOPS I 1B:OECB/DOPS I ID:DOPS I 1J | |||
EFGoodwin AEChaffee BKGrimes | |||
05/ /95 05/ /95 05/ /95}} | |||
{{Information notice-Nav}} | {{Information notice-Nav}} |
Latest revision as of 04:34, 24 November 2019
K9J(
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 September 22, 1995 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 95-41: DEGRADATION OF VENTILATION SYSTEM CHARCOAL
RESULTING FROM CHEMICAL CLEANING OF STEAM
GENERATORS
Addressees
All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power
reactors.
Purpose
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information
notice to alert addressees to the potential degradation of ventilation system
charcoal as a result of the charcoal's exposure to chemicals during the
chemical cleaning of steam generators. It is expected that recipients will
review the information for applicability to their facilities and consider
actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions
contained in this information notice are not NRC requirements; therefore, no
specific action or written response is required.
Description of Circumstances
On June 5, 1994, a chemical cleaning of the secondary sides of the steam
generators at Surry Unit 2 was begun. During this cleaning, containment purge
was established using train A of the auxiliary ventilation system, which
contains a safety-grade charcoal adsorber. The chemical cleaning process
involves the--use of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the cleaning
agent and of various other chemicals such as ethylenediamine (EDA), hydrazine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, nitrogen, and CCl-801, a proprietary corrosion
inhibitor. During the chemical cleaning the steam generators were isolated
from the containment atmosphere and force-vented to the outdoor atmosphere
through the atmospheric steam dump relief valves. The steam generators were
rinsed to remove residual chemicals. After the rinse, the steam generators
were opened for sludge lancing of the tube sheet region.
On June 16, 1994, a strong odor of ammonia was reported in the Unit 2 containment. Concentrations were measured at 30 ppm (parts per million)
ammonia and 6 ppm hydrazine. Consequently, personnel were evacuated from the
containment. At the time of the evacuation, the chemical cleaning and rinse
had been completed on steam generators A and C and the steam generators were
vented to the containment. Because of the elevated levels of hydrazine and
ammonia in the containment, train B of the auxiliary ventilation system was
started to assist train A in reducing the airborne concentrations. Both
trains operated approximately 8 hours until chemical concentrations in the
containment were reduced.
950918034 t~q~gut II
@
IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 -
As a result of the exposure of the charcoal to the chemicals, in accordance
with the technical specifications (TS), a sample of train A charcoal was taken
and a laboratory test of a sample of the sample was performed. The results of
the laboratory test showed a methyl iodide removal efficiency of 93.4 percent, which was below the TS limit. The charcoal was replaced. A sample from
train B was tested and the results of the laboratory test of that sample
showed a methyl iodide removal efficiency of 90.7 percent. This value was
also below the TS limit, and the train B charcoal was replaced.
The failure of these samples was a surprise to the licensee. At the time the
charcoal was determined to have failed, train A had operated for 657 hours0.0076 days <br />0.183 hours <br />0.00109 weeks <br />2.499885e-4 months <br />, while the train B had operated for 360 hours0.00417 days <br />0.1 hours <br />5.952381e-4 weeks <br />1.3698e-4 months <br />. In addition, the licensee had
held discussions with the charcoal supplier during which the supplier had
indicated that exposure of the charcoal to hydrazine and ammonia in the above
noted concentrations should not have resulted in its degradation.
As a result of the experience at Unit 2, when the steam generators at Unit 1 were chemically cleaned, the licensee arranged for the containment flow to be
diverted to a non-safety-grade system containing charcoal. When the licensee
completed the cleaning operation, laboratory testing of the charcoal in the
non-safety-grade system showed that the adsorber efficiency was 3.3 percent
less than its efficiency before the chemical cleaning. On the basis of these
two experiences, the licensee concluded that discharging the air involved in
steam generator cleaning operations through systems containing charcoal was
likely to degrade the charcoal.
The licensee's laboratory tests of the charcoal were performed at 30C [86°F]
and a relative humidity of 95 percent with a face velocity of 24.4 meters per
minute [80 feet per minute]. The laboratory tests were conducted using the
1979 version of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3803, Standard Test Method for Nuclear-Grade Activated Carbon.' The licensee did
not attempt to determine the chemical compound responsible for the degradation
of the charcoal. However, it and its charcoal supplier believe that the
probable culprits were EDA and EDTA.
The NRC staff held telephone conversations with charcoal suppliers and
testing laboratory representatives. Based upon these conversations, the
parties concluded that, although the ammonia did not contribute to the
degradation of the charcoal, the breakdown of hydrazine in the charcoal may
have contributed additional moisture to the charcoal resulting in its
degradation. These discussions also confirmed that both EDA and EDTA could
degrade the charcoal. The staff also noted that, had the licensee performed
the laboratory tests in accordance with the guidance in NRC Information Notice 87-32, "Deficiencies in the Testing of Nuclear-Grade Activated Charcoal,"
(Accession No. 8707070003) or in accordance with the 1989 version of ASTM
D3803, the measured degradation of the charcoal would have been greater than
that identified by the licensee.
K..- V IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 its degradation.
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result incharcoal may perform
With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the
evaluation.
at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
adsorbers in their
Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal
cleaning, they may find it
ventilation systems during and/or after chemical ensure that the
to
appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal limit.
charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
response. If
This information notice requires no specific action or writtenplease contact
you have any questions about the information in this notice, of Nuclear
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
'nn.1%ic I
Division of Reactor Pr ram Management
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
A4e UQ FJLa
~1 <-J Attachment 1 IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 Referenced Codes and Standards
"Standard Test Method
American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D3803, Pennsylvania.
for Nuclear-Grade Activated Carbon,' Philadelphia,
wXvachment 2 IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED
NRC INFORMATION NOTICES
Information Date of
Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to
95-40 Supplemental Information 09/20/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
to Generic Letter 95-03, for nuclear power reactors.
"Circumferential Cracking
of Steam Generator Tubes"
95-39 Brachytherapy Incidents 09/19/95 All U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Involving Treatment Commission Medical
Planning Errors Licensees.
95-38 Degradation of Boraflex 09/08/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Neutron Absorber in for nuclear power reactors.
Spent Fuel Storage Racks
95-37 Inadequate Offsite Power 09/07/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
System Voltages during for nuclear power reactors.
Design-Basis Events
95-36 Potential Problems with 08/29/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Post-Fire Emergency for nuclear power reactors.
Lighting
95-35 Degraded Ability of 08/28/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Steam Generators to for pressurized water
Remove Decay Heat by reactors (PWRs).
Natural Circulation
95-34 Air Actuator and Supply 08/25/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Air Regulator Problems in for nuclear power reactors.
Copes-Vulcan Pressurizer
Power-Operated Relief Valves
93-83, Potential Loss of Spent 08/24/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Supp. 1 Fuel Pool Cooling After a for nuclear power reactors.
Loss-of-Coolant Accident
or a Loss of Offsite Power
95-33 Switchgear Fire and 08/23/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Partial Loss of Offsite for nuclear power reactors.
Power at Waterford
Generating Station, Unit 3 I
OL - Operating License
CP = Construction Permit
K> IN 95-41 September 22, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
orig /s/'d by DMCrutchfield
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director
Division of Reactor Program Management
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: 95-41.IN
- See previous concurrence
To receive a copy of this document, indicate In the box: C' = Copy without attachment/enclosure 'E' = Copy with attachmentlenclosure 'N' - No copy
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB IN OECB:DOPS I E SC/TERB:DOTS E C/TERB:DOTS LE
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* CLMiller*
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 05/02/95 105/02/ 95 05/02/95
. . . . . - .I
OFFICE 1SC/OECB:DOPS IN IPECB:DRPM I E IC/PECB:DRPM INID/DR~1X, I 11 NAME EFGoodwin* RKiessel* el
DATE 05/15/95 1 3909/14/95 09 95 UtiilLIAL K-IUKU WURY
IN 95-xx
September xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director
Division of Reactor Program Management
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact: John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: S:\DRPM SEC\CHR91438
- See previous concurrence
- a copy Ad_ try
a_An- .--- -ta~ rh otonl IF' . Cnnv with atnchmentlenclosure *N' - No copy
T o receive 0? this cocunwnt, Indicate mnXn. o:A; - s°Pqt
wnn u--a........ o ---- -
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:[PUB NOECB:DOPS IE SC/TERB:DOTSI E IC/TRB:DOTSE
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch*
DATE 05/02/95 105/10/95 105/02/95 05/02/95_ 05/02/9
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. .IPECH:__ URPM
.___ _ I t IL/ tLt1:UKrM I -11 NAME EFGoodwin* IRKiessel* _AEChaffee* IDMCrutchfieldqI
DATE 05/15/95 109/13/95 - -9/1/95 099 UOFICIIAL KLLUKU HUrY
IN 95-xx
September xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Dennis M. Crutchfield, Director
Division of Reactor Program Management
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contact:
John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438
- See previous concurrence
-- . -rt
Ire lculy.
- wpy. u.l ocuun....
S. *"11.b_-f
-. w
- t -fthrA
- ttsdtmfilfntjnfLd E
-
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with =tachmerd/en I
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a No copy
OFFICE TERB:DOTS lC ADM:PUB IN OECB:DOPS EE SC/TERB:DOTSI E C/
Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* CLMiller*
I
NAME JJHayes*
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 05/02/95 05/02/95 05/02/95
. M. a.
(FF FIC SCIFECR:DOPS I N IPECB:DRPM I EI UPLUB; WPM IA/IUUKrfi I I
I .-- .- I . . ' --
.. 0 . ... ... ,,, - .. . -
NAME 1EFGoodwin* _RKiessel 42 AEChaffee _ DMCrutchfeld l
DATE 105/15/95 109/J3 /95 T 09/.5 1fj1 /95 09/ /95
^rIrY0 TAiI nrffnn% n glf
OFF lVlAL KcvuKu vuri
IN 95-xx
May xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Project Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contact:
John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438
- See previous concurrence
C" = Copy without attachmentlenclosure 'E' = Copy with attachment/enclosure ON' - No copy
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box:
C A M:PUB 1 N [OECB:DOPS E SC/TERB:DOTS C/TERB:DOTS lE KE
OFFICE TERB:DOTS
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* RABenedict* RLEmch* ICLMiller*
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 105/02/95 105/02/95 05/02/95 a AI
nFrTrr
- . - _
ISC/fECBRiOPS-
-- v -.. A I
I- N IOECB:DOPS
_ I IM/utCu:VUVp I I uIuurP . -- 1 11 NAME EFGoodwin* _ RKiessel IAEChaffee SUB BKGrimes
DATE 05/15/95 05/ /95 05/ /95 105/ /95 nrchIrTAI nrv'nnn fflV
01-1-11,1AL KELUKU ,Ur 1
IN 95-xx
May xx, 1995 Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Project Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contact:
John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438
- See previous concurrence
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: ACT - Copy without attachmentlenclosure 'E'
- Copy with attachmentlenclosure SNH- No copy
OFFICE TERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB [OECB:DOPS IE SC/TERB:DOTS IE C/TERB:DOTS I E
NAME JJHayes* Tech Ed/MMejac* [RABenedict* IRLEmch* CLMiller*
DATE 05/02/95 05/10/95 105/02/95 05/02/95 05/02/95 IIOFFICE 1SC/OECB:DOPS I IC/OECB:DOPS I D/DOPS I 1I
NAME EFGoodwin X 1AEChaffee 5b
% I mKGriImes
DATE 105/16E/9505/ /95 05/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
-0 '"?;4 -
A - ..
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the .-14-.,-I.
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Project Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contact:
John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438
- See previous concurrence
To receive a copy of this document, Indicate In the box: "C'a Copy without attachmentenclosure "F = Copy with attachment/enclosure "N"- No copy
l - _ _ _ - _ _.
OFFICE ITERB:DOTS IC ADM:PUB I OECB:DOPS I E ISC/TERB:DOTS IE IC/TER.B:DOTS I E 11 NAME JJHayes* j ITech Ed 1 A!ndJRABenedict* IRLEmch* -- _- CLMiller*
DATE 105/02/95 105/1o /95 105/02/95 105/02/95 105/02/95 A- - A _ A __
OFFICE ISC/OECB:DOPS l C/OECB:DOPS I D/DOPS I l1 :.
NAME EFGoodwin JAEChaffee BKGrimes
DATE 05/ /95 105/ /95 05/ /95 UIIILIAL KtLUKU COPY
7,,,A;- ..
K>~
Exposure of charcoal to chemical compounds can result in a degradation of the
charcoal. With such degradation, in the event of an accident, the charcoal
may perform at an efficiency less than that assumed in the staff's safety
evaluation. Therefore, if licensees divert air flow through charcoal adsorbers
in their ventilation systems during and/or following chemical cleaning, they
may find it appropriate to perform a laboratory test of the charcoal to ensure
that the charcoal has not degraded below its TS surveillance requirements
limit.
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of Nuclear
Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Project Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contact:
John J. Hayes, NRR
(301) 415-3167 Attachments:
1. Referenced Codes and Standards
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
DOCUMENT NAME: G:\IN\CHR91438 To rSceive a copy of this document, Indcate In the box: 'C' Copy without attachmenUt/enclosure 'E' - Copy with attachment/enclosure 'N'
- No conp
OFFICE T TECH ED l OECB 14F 1 SC:TERB ,,Jir-C:TERB/DOTS I Cl
NAME ayes RABeneaict,' RLEmch , CiMiller cogllJ
DATE OS/ V/95y V 05/ /95 05/oZ /95 05/2.? /95 05/ N-/95 SC:OECB/DOPS I 1B:OECB/DOPS I ID:DOPS I 1J
EFGoodwin AEChaffee BKGrimes
05/ /95 05/ /95 05/ /95