Information Notice 1995-22, Hardened or Contaminated Lubricant Cause Metal-Clad Circuit Breaker Failures: Difference between revisions
StriderTol (talk | contribs) (Created page by program invented by StriderTol) |
StriderTol (talk | contribs) (Created page by program invented by StriderTol) |
||
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
| issue date = 04/21/1995 | | issue date = 04/21/1995 | ||
| title = Hardened or Contaminated Lubricant Cause Metal-Clad Circuit Breaker Failures | | title = Hardened or Contaminated Lubricant Cause Metal-Clad Circuit Breaker Failures | ||
| author name = Grimes B | | author name = Grimes B | ||
| 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 = 13 | | page count = 13 | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED | {{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES | ||
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION | |||
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION | |||
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 April 21, 1995 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 95-22: HARDENED OR CONTAMINATED LUBRICANTS CAUSE | |||
METAL-CLAD CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURES | |||
==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 problems that could result from failing to | |||
periodically check the condition of lubricants that may become hardened or | |||
contain contaminants used in HK series (4-kV and 6.9-kV) and K-Line (600-V) | |||
circuit breakers manufactured by Asea Brown Boveri (ABB, formerly ITE) and | |||
DB-50 (480-V) breakers manufactured by Westinghouse. It is expected that | |||
recipients will review this 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== | ||
-'~' IN 95- | ===Hardened Grease in Breaker Operating Mechanisms=== | ||
On October 4, 1988, during surveillance testing of the low-pressure core spray | |||
pump at River Bend, Unit 1, the safety-related ABB HK 4-kV circuit breaker | |||
failed to close after the closing circuit was energized from the control room. | |||
The failure was attributed to breaker linkage grease that had solidified with | |||
age, thus causing the closing mechanism to bind. | |||
On February 8, 1989, during post maintenance testing at D.C. Cook, Unit 1, an | |||
ABB HK 4-kV breaker failed to close after the closing circuit was energized. | |||
On February 27, 1989, another HK breaker failed to close during a test. Both | |||
failures were attributed to hardened grease that caused the operating | |||
mechanism to bind. Seven additional HK series breakers used in safety-related | |||
and balance-of-plant applications also failed in this manner. The breakers | |||
were 17 years old and had been inspected and serviced several times. However, the revision of the vendor manual in use and, consequently, licensee | |||
procedures did not state the need to disassemble, clean or relubricate the | |||
operating mechanism on a periodic basis, except when grease is found to be | |||
"contaminated" or when parts are replaced (see NRC Inspection Report | |||
50-315/89031 for additional information). | |||
RDiR :j4E JS en ce. SSOQ2S 95(YjS/ | |||
9504180073 dr<F0S At0 | |||
IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 During an October 1992 surveillance test at LaSalle, Unit 1, an ABB HK 4-kY | |||
reactor recirculation pump breaker failed to trip. The failure was attributed | |||
to hardened grease in the operating mechanism. In October 1993, during a Unit | |||
2 refueling outage, a nonsafety-related ABB HK 4-kY pump breaker failed to | |||
close. This failure also was attributed to hardened operating mechanism | |||
grease. The licensee breaker maintenance procedures did not require | |||
inspection (other than visual), disassembly, or relubrication of the breaker | |||
operating mechanism on a periodic basis (see NRC Inspection Report 50-373/ | |||
93031 for additional information). | |||
===Contamination of Grease on Sliding Electrical Parts=== | |||
On November 5, 1989, during surveillance testing at D.C. Cook, a Westinghouse | |||
DB-50 480-V "B" train reactor trip bypass breaker failed to close electrically | |||
because of high resistance in the auxiliary contacts that were part of the | |||
closing circuit. The high resistance may have resulted from contamination of | |||
the conductive graphite grease prescribed by the vendor manual. The revision | |||
of the Westinghouse instruction manual in use at D.C. Cook did not contain a | |||
recommendation for periodically replacing the graphite grease or checking its | |||
condition (e.g., by measuring contact resistance). However, recent guidance | |||
issued by the vendor provided for such checking and replacement, as required. | |||
Discussion | |||
The ABB HK breakers failed because lubricating grease solidified with age in | |||
the breaker operating mechanisms. As the grease hardened, friction increased | |||
in the metal-to-metal contact areas. The additional metal friction, as well | |||
as some interference from hardened grease deposits, caused the mechanism to | |||
become increasingly difficult to operate freely, eventually resulting in | |||
failures of the breakers to open or close. The circuit breakers discussed | |||
above had been routinely inspected on numerous occasions. However, while the | |||
licensees adequately verified cleanliness in the visual inspections, they | |||
failed to identify lubricant that was solidified or contaminated. Preventive | |||
maintenance activities did not include periodic cleaning or disassembly of the | |||
operating mechanism to determine if the operating mechanism should be | |||
relubricated. | |||
Until 1991, all the revisions to the ITE/ABB HK and K-Line vendor manuals | |||
stated that breaker operating mechanisms were factory lubricated and should | |||
not require additional lubrication during breaker service life. However, as | |||
early as 1972, ABB manuals, such as ITE HK Switchgear Instruction Book | |||
IB-8.2.7-1, and medium-voltage switchgear maintenance and surveillance manuals | |||
MS 3.2.1.9-IB (for HK) and MS 3.1.1.9-2B (for K-Line), did call for cleaning | |||
and relubrication of the mechanism with ANDEROL 757 grease (or NO-OX-ID grease | |||
for mating surfaces of moving, current-carrying joints) should any lubricant | |||
be found contaminated or when parts are replaced. | |||
In response to a 1989 10 CFR Part 21 report from D.C. Cook of mechanism | |||
binding due to hardened grease, ABB sent a letter to the NRC and all known | |||
affected licensees or purchasers of HK and K-Line breakers that described the | |||
' | |||
K> IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 problem and recommended solutions. LaSalle, for example, had received this | |||
letter, yet had not updated procedures to prevent the 1992 and 1993 failures. | |||
Other plants with the affected breakers included Perry, Comanche Peak, and | |||
Fermi. Comanche Peak had taken action to prevent these failures. | |||
In 1991, ABB issued revisions to the HK and K-Line manuals that called for | |||
periodic (10-year) cleaning and relubrication of the operating mechanism with | |||
ANDEROL 757 and the mating surfaces of moving, current-carrying joints with | |||
the NO-OX-ID, although mechanical failures to operate have only been | |||
attributed to hardened mechanism lubricant. In September 29 and October 3, | |||
1994, letters to the NRC, ABB stated, on the basis of recent refurbishments, that the condition of the mechanism lubricant cannot be determined without | |||
complete disassembly of the mechanism. The October letter also cited failures | |||
of K3000 breakers as a result of hardened mechanism lubricant, but stated that | |||
although failures of smaller K-Line breakers attributable to hardened | |||
mechanism grease had not been reported, some had operated sluggishly. Repor- tedly, most of these breakers also have not been periodically disassembled, cleaned, or relubricated in service. In performing post maintenance testing, licensees found no evidence of impending breaker failures due to hardened | |||
grease because the tests were performed primarily to determine whether the | |||
breaker tripped or closed. | |||
Unusual service conditions such as high ambient temperatures, very dirty | |||
atmosphere during construction or outages or mixing of incompatible greases | |||
were not specifically identified in the instances cited. However, such | |||
conditions accelerate hardening of mechanism lubricants and are conducive to | |||
dirt or chemical contamination and increased electrical resistance of | |||
electrical part lubricants. Note that ESSO/Humble (now EXXON) NEBULA EP5F | |||
grease was used for these breakers prior to March 1972. After this date, new | |||
breaker mechanisms were factory-lubricated with ANDEROL 757. Manufacturers | |||
have warned that old (or unidentified) grease should be completely removed | |||
before relubricating. | |||
Although referring to a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26, | |||
"Grease Solidification Causes Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Failure to Close," | |||
issued April 7, 1993, and its supplement issued January 31, 1994, described a | |||
similar problem. In addition, addressees are reminded of commitments made in | |||
response to the staff position in Generic Letter 90-03 and its Supplement 1, to maintain contact with certain key vendors (which include Class IE | |||
switchgear vendors), in order to ensure that manuals (and equipment) are kept | |||
up to date and the latest technical information (including 10 CFR Part 21 reports and related correspondence) is promptly obtained, evaluated for | |||
applicability, and acted on, as appropriate. Recommendations for switchgear | |||
maintenance can also be found in owners group documents (e.g., the | |||
Westinghouse Owners Group guidelines on DB and DS breaker maintenance) and | |||
industry guidance such as National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) | |||
publications, American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical | |||
and Electronic Engineers (ANSI/IEEE) standards, and various Electric Power | |||
Research Institute (EPRI) reports such as NP-7410, "Breaker Maintenance." | |||
-'~' IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 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 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 contacts: Rogelio Mendez, RIII | |||
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, RIII | |||
(708) 829-9749 Attachment: | |||
===List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices=== | |||
Le&la ŽW | |||
"Attachment | |||
IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED | |||
NRC INFORMATION NOTICES | |||
Information Date of | |||
Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to | |||
95-21 Unexpected Degradation 04/20/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
of Lead Storage Batteries for nuclear power reactors. | |||
94-64, Reactivity Insertion 04/06/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Supp. 1 Transient and Accident for nuclear power reactors | |||
Limits for High Burnup | |||
Fuel | |||
95-18, Potential Pressure-Locking 03/31/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Supp. 1 of Safety-Related Power- for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Operated Gate Valves | |||
95-20 Failures in Rosemount 03/22/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Pressure Transmitters for nuclear power reactors. | |||
due to Hydrogen Per- meation into the Sensor | |||
Cell | |||
95-19 Failure of Reactor Trip 03/22/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Breaker to Open Because for nuclear power reactors. | |||
of Cutoff Switch Material | |||
Lodged in the Trip Latch | |||
Mechanism | |||
95-18 Potential Pressure-Locking 03/15/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
of Safety-Related Power- for nuclear power reactors. | |||
Operated Gate Valves | |||
95-17 Reactor Vessel Top Guide 03/10/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
and Core Plate Cracking for boiling water reactors. | |||
95-16 Vibration Caused by 03/09/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
Increased Recirculation for boiling water reactors. | |||
Flow in a Boiling Water | |||
Reactor | |||
95-15 Inadequate Logic Testing 03/07/95 All holders of OLs or CPs | |||
of Safety-Related Circuits for nuclear power reactors. | |||
OL - Operating License | |||
CP - Construction Permit | |||
I | |||
'~' IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 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 or the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
orig /s/'d by CIGrimes | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Project Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contacts: Rogelio Mendez, RIII | |||
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, RIII | |||
(708) 829-9749 Attachment: | |||
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: 95-22.IN | |||
TO- ,-.IV - ---- at thL A....t I*.Alt. In tkhe bnx: 'C -CODY without enclosures "E" - CoDy with enclosures ENS = No copy | |||
[OFFICE Region III E Region III II E Region III E | |||
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman* | |||
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 06/10/94 06/13/94 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED N SC:SIB DOTS E C:SIB/DOTS EE D:DOTS:NRR | |||
NAME SAlexander* BCalure* GCwalina* RGallo* RLSpessard* | |||
DATE 01/03/95 12/29/94 01/03/95 101/06/95 101/06/95 OFFICE EELB/DE E C:EELB/DE ECB:DOPS C:ECB/DOPS LD-IDOPSI L | |||
NAME ISMitra* CBerlinger* RKiessel AChaffee BKGrimeV) I | |||
DATE 109/22/94 10/26/94 03/29/95 04/07/95 9 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
IN 95-XX | |||
March 9, 1995 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 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 contacts: Rogelio Mendez, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Attachment: | |||
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: BKRGRSE.SDA | |||
To receive a conv of this document. Indicate In the box: 'C" - Coov without enclosures 'E' = Copy with enclosures 'N" - No coDy | |||
OFFICE Region III E Region III E Region III E Regibn III I E | |||
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman* | |||
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 106/10/94 06/13/94 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED N SC:SIB/DOTS I E C:SIB/DOTS E ]D:DOTS:NRRl N | |||
NAME SAlexander* BCalure* GCwalina* IRGallo* RL pessard* | |||
DATE 01/03/95 12/29/94 101/03/95 101/06/95 101/06/95 OFFICE EELB/DE E C:EELB/DE CB:DOPS ]C: ECUQP ID:DOPSl | |||
NAME SMitra* CBerlinger* RKiesel AChatff-W BKGrimesa- | |||
*DATE 09/22/94 l 10/26/94 03/ 95 E 1/J& | |||
03/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
IN 95-XX | |||
January 3, 1995 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 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 contacts: Tirupataiah Tella, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2783 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2995 Attachment: | |||
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. | |||
DOCUMENT NAME: BKRGRSE.SDA | |||
--o TrU | |||
euvcive | |||
oa | |||
U cU Ps .&I | |||
P cge | |||
eB | |||
. o l..Atxt-* i.,*ih.icy- | |||
* -- | |||
-Age. - | |||
ACEn CW | |||
I- | |||
withnoat Ancdloures 'F" ' CoDY with enclosures N - No copv | |||
OFFICE Region III E Region III E Region III E Re ion III E ECB:DOPS | |||
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman* RKiesel | |||
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 06/10/94 06/13/94 01/ /95 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED SC;§IRDOTS DTN I Do:DOT§fIIRI | |||
NAME SAlexander v BCalure* Gftfi a R sard | |||
DATE 101/5/95 12/29/94 01/3 /95 6 '01/t' 95 OFFICE JEELB/DE I E C:EELB/DE l Jj/RR C:ECB/DOPS lI l D: | |||
NAME ISMitra CBerlinger BWSheron AChaffee BKGrimes | |||
DATE J01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
IN 94-XX | |||
December 28, 1994 This informati notice requires no specific action or written response. If | |||
you have any que ions about the information in this notice, please contact | |||
one of the technica contacts listed below or the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regu tion (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Operating Reactor Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tell Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region II | |||
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2703 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2995 Attachments: | |||
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. | |||
DOCUMFNT NAME! BKRGRSE.SDA | |||
T7 -- Ih. M-U kIdiintm In | |||
M this .kndoummAnt- the hox: 'C - CoDv without enclosures WE' - Copy with enclosures END - No copy | |||
OFFICE Region III E [Recion III I E lRegion III I E Reio III E j | |||
NAME TTella* RMendez* IGGrant* EGGreenman* | |||
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 106/10/94 106/13/94 OFFICE OGCB NRR E ED [EELB/NRR E C:ECB/DOPS _DOPS | |||
NAME RKiesel* A , SMitra* CBerlinger* BKGrimes | |||
DATE 09/07/94 12/A0/94 09/22/94 10/26/94 12/ /94 OFFICE D:DE/NRR E C:SIB/DOTS I D/DOTS I l C:ECB/DOPS D:DOPS | |||
1 AChaffee BKGrimes | |||
NAME BWSheron* RGallo RLSpessard | |||
DATE 11/01/94 12/ /94 12/ /94 112/ /94 12/ /94 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
IN 94-XX | |||
December 28, 1994 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 or the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager. | |||
Brian K. Grimes, Director | |||
Division of Operating Reactor Support | |||
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mltra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2703 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2995 Attachments: | |||
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. DOCUMENT NAME: NRCIN.471 As h *A.-m'n -4. dfj Un o | |||
thA hnV C' - COnY without enclosures 'EW - CoDy with enclosures 'N' = No copy | |||
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III | |||
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR I*C:EELB/NRR | |||
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CHBerlinger | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/22/94 10/26/94 | |||
*D:DE/NRR C:RVIIB/NRR D:DOTS/NRR C:OECB/NRR D:DOPS/NRR | |||
BWSheron RGallo RLSpessard AEChaffee BKGrimes | |||
11/01/94 12/ /94 12/ /94 12/ /94 12/ | |||
OFFICIAL RECORD COPY | |||
IN 94-xx | |||
October xx, 1994 In doing post maintenance testing, the licensees did not find evidence of | |||
impending breaker failures because the tests were done mainly to determine | |||
whether the breaker tripped or closed. | |||
===Related Generic Communications=== | |||
Although involving a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26, "Grease | |||
Solidification Causes Molded-Ca'e Circuit Breaker Failure to Close," issued | |||
April 7, 1993, and its supplement ssued January 31, 1994, described a similar | |||
problem with grease solidification. | |||
This information notice requires no spe fic action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the informat n in this notice, please contact | |||
one of the technical contacts listed below the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project mana r. | |||
Brian K. Grim , Director | |||
Division of Ope0ating Reactor Support | |||
Office of Nuclea Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2703 Attachments: | |||
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and Drevious concurrence pages I | |||
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III | |||
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR *C:EELB/NRR | |||
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CHBerlinger | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/22/94 10/26/94 | |||
*D:DE/NRR C:RVIB/NRR D:DOTS/NRR C:OECB/NRR D:DOPS/NRR | |||
BWSheron RGalloj RLSpessard AEChaffee BKGrimes | |||
11/01/94 11/ /94 11/ /94 11/ /94 11/ /94 DOCUMENT NAME: NRCIN.471 | |||
I | |||
. IN 94-xx | |||
October xx, 1994 In doing post maintenance testing, the licensees did not find evidence of | |||
impending breaker failures because the tests were done mainly to determine | |||
whether the breaker trfpped or closed. | |||
Related Generic Communica'tions | |||
Although involving a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26, *Grease | |||
Solidification Causes Molded-Ca Circuit Breaker Failure to Close," issued | |||
April 7, 1993, and its supplement issued January 31, 1994, described a similar | |||
problem with grease solidification. | |||
This information notice requires no s cific action or written response. If | |||
you have any questions about the informa ion In this notice, please contact | |||
one of the technical contacts listed belo or the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project ma ager. | |||
Brian K. G mes, Director | |||
Division of erating Reactor Support | |||
Office of Nuc ar Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III | |||
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2703 Attachments: | |||
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages | |||
a_ _ _ _ _ _ _ L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ | |||
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III | |||
NAME TTella IRMendez GEGrant EGGreenman | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR C gerL | |||
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CH e nger | |||
DATE 9/ 7/94 l 9/12/94 9/22/94 10 /94 OFFICE p:E/NR C:OECB/NRR l D:DOPS/NRR | |||
NAME 7Biheron AEChaffee BKGrimes | |||
DATE L/ | |||
I L/94 10/ /94 10/ /94 DOCUMENT NAME: NR5Ir\.471 | |||
IN 94-xx | |||
September xx, 1994 In doing post ma tenance testing, the icensees did not find evidence of | |||
impending breaker ilures because the were done mainly to determine whether | |||
the breaker tripped closed. SW, | |||
This information notice quires no specific action or written response. | |||
you have any questions abo the information in this notice, please contactIf | |||
one of the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of | |||
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NR project manager. | |||
1an K. Grimes, Director | |||
tvision of Operating Reactor Support | |||
tkce of Nuclear Reactor Regulation | |||
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Rgion III | |||
(708) 829-9749 \ | |||
Rogelio Mendez, Region Ilk | |||
(708) 829-9745 \ | |||
Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR | |||
(301) 504-2703 Attachments: | |||
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices | |||
* see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and Drevious concurrence nBaan | |||
OFFICE J* II | |||
I | |||
*Region III *Region III *Region III | |||
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman | |||
DATE I 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 1 6/13/94 . | |||
= I I__ | |||
OFFICE I | |||
*OGCB/NRR *Tarh Fkl cro i nonnD | |||
I | |||
r_ . err n. Al-n0 | |||
fI. i | |||
CLDt% | |||
L.LL.U/ l LLLVIflKKDit21kih | |||
________________ | |||
NAME RJKlessel | |||
esse_ RI JMalin OM | |||
_AME _n | |||
JM,- qrIMi t"M ML&ILnge uVrMI - --- | |||
-- ruD^-1 DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/2_t194 9/ /94 OFFICE | |||
NAME | |||
D:DE/NRR | |||
BWSheron | |||
C:OGCB/NRR [ D:DORS/NRR | |||
ELDoolittle BKGrimes _ | |||
DATE I 9/ /94 9/ /94 94_ _ _ I_9_ | |||
11)FOCUMFNT | |||
.-. , | |||
Mw | |||
AMFP-8u . NJDJrT A71 III%% AM . 'T 1 1}} | |||
{{Information notice-Nav}} | {{Information notice-Nav}} |
Latest revision as of 04:34, 24 November 2019
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 April 21, 1995 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 95-22: HARDENED OR CONTAMINATED LUBRICANTS CAUSE
METAL-CLAD CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURES
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 problems that could result from failing to
periodically check the condition of lubricants that may become hardened or
contain contaminants used in HK series (4-kV and 6.9-kV) and K-Line (600-V)
circuit breakers manufactured by Asea Brown Boveri (ABB, formerly ITE) and
DB-50 (480-V) breakers manufactured by Westinghouse. It is expected that
recipients will review this 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
Hardened Grease in Breaker Operating Mechanisms
On October 4, 1988, during surveillance testing of the low-pressure core spray
pump at River Bend, Unit 1, the safety-related ABB HK 4-kV circuit breaker
failed to close after the closing circuit was energized from the control room.
The failure was attributed to breaker linkage grease that had solidified with
age, thus causing the closing mechanism to bind.
On February 8, 1989, during post maintenance testing at D.C. Cook, Unit 1, an
ABB HK 4-kV breaker failed to close after the closing circuit was energized.
On February 27, 1989, another HK breaker failed to close during a test. Both
failures were attributed to hardened grease that caused the operating
mechanism to bind. Seven additional HK series breakers used in safety-related
and balance-of-plant applications also failed in this manner. The breakers
were 17 years old and had been inspected and serviced several times. However, the revision of the vendor manual in use and, consequently, licensee
procedures did not state the need to disassemble, clean or relubricate the
operating mechanism on a periodic basis, except when grease is found to be
"contaminated" or when parts are replaced (see NRC Inspection Report
50-315/89031 for additional information).
RDiR :j4E JS en ce. SSOQ2S 95(YjS/
9504180073 dr<F0S At0
IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 During an October 1992 surveillance test at LaSalle, Unit 1, an ABB HK 4-kY
reactor recirculation pump breaker failed to trip. The failure was attributed
to hardened grease in the operating mechanism. In October 1993, during a Unit
2 refueling outage, a nonsafety-related ABB HK 4-kY pump breaker failed to
close. This failure also was attributed to hardened operating mechanism
grease. The licensee breaker maintenance procedures did not require
inspection (other than visual), disassembly, or relubrication of the breaker
operating mechanism on a periodic basis (see NRC Inspection Report 50-373/
93031 for additional information).
Contamination of Grease on Sliding Electrical Parts
On November 5, 1989, during surveillance testing at D.C. Cook, a Westinghouse
DB-50 480-V "B" train reactor trip bypass breaker failed to close electrically
because of high resistance in the auxiliary contacts that were part of the
closing circuit. The high resistance may have resulted from contamination of
the conductive graphite grease prescribed by the vendor manual. The revision
of the Westinghouse instruction manual in use at D.C. Cook did not contain a
recommendation for periodically replacing the graphite grease or checking its
condition (e.g., by measuring contact resistance). However, recent guidance
issued by the vendor provided for such checking and replacement, as required.
Discussion
The ABB HK breakers failed because lubricating grease solidified with age in
the breaker operating mechanisms. As the grease hardened, friction increased
in the metal-to-metal contact areas. The additional metal friction, as well
as some interference from hardened grease deposits, caused the mechanism to
become increasingly difficult to operate freely, eventually resulting in
failures of the breakers to open or close. The circuit breakers discussed
above had been routinely inspected on numerous occasions. However, while the
licensees adequately verified cleanliness in the visual inspections, they
failed to identify lubricant that was solidified or contaminated. Preventive
maintenance activities did not include periodic cleaning or disassembly of the
operating mechanism to determine if the operating mechanism should be
relubricated.
Until 1991, all the revisions to the ITE/ABB HK and K-Line vendor manuals
stated that breaker operating mechanisms were factory lubricated and should
not require additional lubrication during breaker service life. However, as
early as 1972, ABB manuals, such as ITE HK Switchgear Instruction Book
IB-8.2.7-1, and medium-voltage switchgear maintenance and surveillance manuals
MS 3.2.1.9-IB (for HK) and MS 3.1.1.9-2B (for K-Line), did call for cleaning
and relubrication of the mechanism with ANDEROL 757 grease (or NO-OX-ID grease
for mating surfaces of moving, current-carrying joints) should any lubricant
be found contaminated or when parts are replaced.
In response to a 1989 10 CFR Part 21 report from D.C. Cook of mechanism
binding due to hardened grease, ABB sent a letter to the NRC and all known
affected licensees or purchasers of HK and K-Line breakers that described the
'
K> IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 problem and recommended solutions. LaSalle, for example, had received this
letter, yet had not updated procedures to prevent the 1992 and 1993 failures.
Other plants with the affected breakers included Perry, Comanche Peak, and
Fermi. Comanche Peak had taken action to prevent these failures.
In 1991, ABB issued revisions to the HK and K-Line manuals that called for
periodic (10-year) cleaning and relubrication of the operating mechanism with
ANDEROL 757 and the mating surfaces of moving, current-carrying joints with
the NO-OX-ID, although mechanical failures to operate have only been
attributed to hardened mechanism lubricant. In September 29 and October 3,
1994, letters to the NRC, ABB stated, on the basis of recent refurbishments, that the condition of the mechanism lubricant cannot be determined without
complete disassembly of the mechanism. The October letter also cited failures
of K3000 breakers as a result of hardened mechanism lubricant, but stated that
although failures of smaller K-Line breakers attributable to hardened
mechanism grease had not been reported, some had operated sluggishly. Repor- tedly, most of these breakers also have not been periodically disassembled, cleaned, or relubricated in service. In performing post maintenance testing, licensees found no evidence of impending breaker failures due to hardened
grease because the tests were performed primarily to determine whether the
breaker tripped or closed.
Unusual service conditions such as high ambient temperatures, very dirty
atmosphere during construction or outages or mixing of incompatible greases
were not specifically identified in the instances cited. However, such
conditions accelerate hardening of mechanism lubricants and are conducive to
dirt or chemical contamination and increased electrical resistance of
electrical part lubricants. Note that ESSO/Humble (now EXXON) NEBULA EP5F
grease was used for these breakers prior to March 1972. After this date, new
breaker mechanisms were factory-lubricated with ANDEROL 757. Manufacturers
have warned that old (or unidentified) grease should be completely removed
before relubricating.
Although referring to a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26,
"Grease Solidification Causes Molded-Case Circuit Breaker Failure to Close,"
issued April 7, 1993, and its supplement issued January 31, 1994, described a
similar problem. In addition, addressees are reminded of commitments made in
response to the staff position in Generic Letter 90-03 and its Supplement 1, to maintain contact with certain key vendors (which include Class IE
switchgear vendors), in order to ensure that manuals (and equipment) are kept
up to date and the latest technical information (including 10 CFR Part 21 reports and related correspondence) is promptly obtained, evaluated for
applicability, and acted on, as appropriate. Recommendations for switchgear
maintenance can also be found in owners group documents (e.g., the
Westinghouse Owners Group guidelines on DB and DS breaker maintenance) and
industry guidance such as National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
publications, American National Standards Institute/Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers (ANSI/IEEE) standards, and various Electric Power
Research Institute (EPRI) reports such as NP-7410, "Breaker Maintenance."
-'~' IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 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 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 contacts: Rogelio Mendez, RIII
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, RIII
(708) 829-9749 Attachment:
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
Le&la ŽW
"Attachment
IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED
NRC INFORMATION NOTICES
Information Date of
Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to
95-21 Unexpected Degradation 04/20/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
of Lead Storage Batteries for nuclear power reactors.
94-64, Reactivity Insertion 04/06/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Supp. 1 Transient and Accident for nuclear power reactors
Limits for High Burnup
Fuel
95-18, Potential Pressure-Locking 03/31/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Supp. 1 of Safety-Related Power- for nuclear power reactors.
Operated Gate Valves
95-20 Failures in Rosemount 03/22/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Pressure Transmitters for nuclear power reactors.
due to Hydrogen Per- meation into the Sensor
Cell
95-19 Failure of Reactor Trip 03/22/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Breaker to Open Because for nuclear power reactors.
of Cutoff Switch Material
Lodged in the Trip Latch
Mechanism
95-18 Potential Pressure-Locking 03/15/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
of Safety-Related Power- for nuclear power reactors.
Operated Gate Valves
95-17 Reactor Vessel Top Guide 03/10/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
and Core Plate Cracking for boiling water reactors.
95-16 Vibration Caused by 03/09/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
Increased Recirculation for boiling water reactors.
Flow in a Boiling Water
Reactor
95-15 Inadequate Logic Testing 03/07/95 All holders of OLs or CPs
of Safety-Related Circuits for nuclear power reactors.
OL - Operating License
CP - Construction Permit
I
'~' IN 95-22 April 21, 1995 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 or the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
orig /s/'d by CIGrimes
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Project Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contacts: Rogelio Mendez, RIII
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, RIII
(708) 829-9749 Attachment:
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages.
DOCUMENT NAME: 95-22.IN
TO- ,-.IV - ---- at thL A....t I*.Alt. In tkhe bnx: 'C -CODY without enclosures "E" - CoDy with enclosures ENS = No copy
[OFFICE Region III E Region III II E Region III E
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman*
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 06/10/94 06/13/94 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED N SC:SIB DOTS E C:SIB/DOTS EE D:DOTS:NRR
NAME SAlexander* BCalure* GCwalina* RGallo* RLSpessard*
DATE 01/03/95 12/29/94 01/03/95 101/06/95 101/06/95 OFFICE EELB/DE E C:EELB/DE ECB:DOPS C:ECB/DOPS LD-IDOPSI L
NAME ISMitra* CBerlinger* RKiessel AChaffee BKGrimeV) I
DATE 109/22/94 10/26/94 03/29/95 04/07/95 9 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
IN 95-XX
March 9, 1995 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 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 contacts: Rogelio Mendez, Region III
(708) 829-9745 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 415-2995 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 415-2783 Tirupataiah Tella, Region III
(708) 829-9749 Attachment:
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages.
DOCUMENT NAME: BKRGRSE.SDA
To receive a conv of this document. Indicate In the box: 'C" - Coov without enclosures 'E' = Copy with enclosures 'N" - No coDy
OFFICE Region III E Region III E Region III E Regibn III I E
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman*
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 106/10/94 06/13/94 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED N SC:SIB/DOTS I E C:SIB/DOTS E ]D:DOTS:NRRl N
NAME SAlexander* BCalure* GCwalina* IRGallo* RL pessard*
DATE 01/03/95 12/29/94 101/03/95 101/06/95 101/06/95 OFFICE EELB/DE E C:EELB/DE CB:DOPS ]C: ECUQP ID:DOPSl
NAME SMitra* CBerlinger* RKiesel AChatff-W BKGrimesa-
- DATE 09/22/94 l 10/26/94 03/ 95 E 1/J&
03/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
IN 95-XX
January 3, 1995 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 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 contacts: Tirupataiah Tella, Region III
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 504-2783 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 504-2995 Attachment:
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages.
DOCUMENT NAME: BKRGRSE.SDA
--o TrU
euvcive
oa
U cU Ps .&I
P cge
eB
. o l..Atxt-* i.,*ih.icy-
- --
-Age. -
ACEn CW
I-
withnoat Ancdloures 'F" ' CoDY with enclosures N - No copv
OFFICE Region III E Region III E Region III E Re ion III E ECB:DOPS
NAME TTella* RMendez* GGrant* EGGreenman* RKiesel
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 06/10/94 06/13/94 01/ /95 OFFICE SIB/DOTS E TECH ED SC;§IRDOTS DTN I Do:DOT§fIIRI
NAME SAlexander v BCalure* Gftfi a R sard
DATE 101/5/95 12/29/94 01/3 /95 6 '01/t' 95 OFFICE JEELB/DE I E C:EELB/DE l Jj/RR C:ECB/DOPS lI l D:
NAME ISMitra CBerlinger BWSheron AChaffee BKGrimes
DATE J01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 01/ /95 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
IN 94-XX
December 28, 1994 This informati notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any que ions about the information in this notice, please contact
one of the technica contacts listed below or the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regu tion (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Operating Reactor Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tell Region III
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region II
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 504-2703 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 504-2995 Attachments:
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages.
DOCUMFNT NAME! BKRGRSE.SDA
T7 -- Ih. M-U kIdiintm In
M this .kndoummAnt- the hox: 'C - CoDv without enclosures WE' - Copy with enclosures END - No copy
OFFICE Region III E [Recion III I E lRegion III I E Reio III E j
NAME TTella* RMendez* IGGrant* EGGreenman*
DATE 09/07/94 06/10/94 106/10/94 106/13/94 OFFICE OGCB NRR E ED [EELB/NRR E C:ECB/DOPS _DOPS
NAME RKiesel* A , SMitra* CBerlinger* BKGrimes
DATE 09/07/94 12/A0/94 09/22/94 10/26/94 12/ /94 OFFICE D:DE/NRR E C:SIB/DOTS I D/DOTS I l C:ECB/DOPS D:DOPS
1 AChaffee BKGrimes
NAME BWSheron* RGallo RLSpessard
DATE 11/01/94 12/ /94 12/ /94 112/ /94 12/ /94 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
IN 94-XX
December 28, 1994 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 or the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.
Brian K. Grimes, Director
Division of Operating Reactor Support
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mltra, NRR
(301) 504-2703 Stephen D. Alexander, NRR
(301) 504-2995 Attachments:
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- See EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages. DOCUMENT NAME: NRCIN.471 As h *A.-m'n -4. dfj Un o
thA hnV C' - COnY without enclosures 'EW - CoDy with enclosures 'N' = No copy
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR I*C:EELB/NRR
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CHBerlinger
DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/22/94 10/26/94
- D:DE/NRR C:RVIIB/NRR D:DOTS/NRR C:OECB/NRR D:DOPS/NRR
BWSheron RGallo RLSpessard AEChaffee BKGrimes
11/01/94 12/ /94 12/ /94 12/ /94 12/
OFFICIAL RECORD COPY
IN 94-xx
October xx, 1994 In doing post maintenance testing, the licensees did not find evidence of
impending breaker failures because the tests were done mainly to determine
whether the breaker tripped or closed.
Related Generic Communications
Although involving a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26, "Grease
Solidification Causes Molded-Ca'e Circuit Breaker Failure to Close," issued
April 7, 1993, and its supplement ssued January 31, 1994, described a similar
problem with grease solidification.
This information notice requires no spe fic action or written response. If
you have any questions about the informat n in this notice, please contact
one of the technical contacts listed below the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project mana r.
Brian K. Grim , Director
Division of Ope0ating Reactor Support
Office of Nuclea Reactor Regulation
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 504-2703 Attachments:
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and Drevious concurrence pages I
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR *C:EELB/NRR
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CHBerlinger
DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/22/94 10/26/94
- D:DE/NRR C:RVIB/NRR D:DOTS/NRR C:OECB/NRR D:DOPS/NRR
BWSheron RGalloj RLSpessard AEChaffee BKGrimes
11/01/94 11/ /94 11/ /94 11/ /94 11/ /94 DOCUMENT NAME: NRCIN.471
I
. IN 94-xx
October xx, 1994 In doing post maintenance testing, the licensees did not find evidence of
impending breaker failures because the tests were done mainly to determine
whether the breaker trfpped or closed.
Related Generic Communica'tions
Although involving a different type of circuit breaker, NRC IN 93-26, *Grease
Solidification Causes Molded-Ca Circuit Breaker Failure to Close," issued
April 7, 1993, and its supplement issued January 31, 1994, described a similar
problem with grease solidification.
This information notice requires no s cific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the informa ion In this notice, please contact
one of the technical contacts listed belo or the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project ma ager.
Brian K. G mes, Director
Division of erating Reactor Support
Office of Nuc ar Reactor Regulation
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Region III
(708) 829-9749 Rogelio Mendez, Region III
(708) 829-9745 Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 504-2703 Attachments:
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and previous concurrence pages
a_ _ _ _ _ _ _ L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
OFFICE *Region III *Region III *Region III *Region III
NAME TTella IRMendez GEGrant EGGreenman
DATE 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 6/13/94 OFFICE *OGCB/NRR *Tech Ed *EELB/NRR C gerL
NAME RJKiessel JMain JM SKMitra CH e nger
DATE 9/ 7/94 l 9/12/94 9/22/94 10 /94 OFFICE p:E/NR C:OECB/NRR l D:DOPS/NRR
NAME 7Biheron AEChaffee BKGrimes
DATE L/
I L/94 10/ /94 10/ /94 DOCUMENT NAME: NR5Ir\.471
IN 94-xx
September xx, 1994 In doing post ma tenance testing, the icensees did not find evidence of
impending breaker ilures because the were done mainly to determine whether
the breaker tripped closed. SW,
This information notice quires no specific action or written response.
you have any questions abo the information in this notice, please contactIf
one of the technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of
Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NR project manager.
1an K. Grimes, Director
tvision of Operating Reactor Support
tkce of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical contact(s): Tirupataiah Tella, Rgion III
(708) 829-9749 \
Rogelio Mendez, Region Ilk
(708) 829-9745 \
Sikhindra K. Mitra, NRR
(301) 504-2703 Attachments:
1. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
- see EGGreenman memorandum to RLDennig dated June 15, 1994 and Drevious concurrence nBaan
OFFICE J* II
I
- Region III *Region III *Region III
NAME TTella RMendez GEGrant EGGreenman
DATE I 9/ 7/94 6/10/94 6/10/94 1 6/13/94 .
= I I__
OFFICE I
- OGCB/NRR *Tarh Fkl cro i nonnD
I
r_ . err n. Al-n0
fI. i
CLDt%
L.LL.U/ l LLLVIflKKDit21kih
________________
NAME RJKlessel
esse_ RI JMalin OM
_AME _n
JM,- qrIMi t"M ML&ILnge uVrMI - ---
-- ruD^-1 DATE 9/ 7/94 9/12/94 9/2_t194 9/ /94 OFFICE
NAME
D:DE/NRR
BWSheron
C:OGCB/NRR [ D:DORS/NRR
ELDoolittle BKGrimes _
DATE I 9/ /94 9/ /94 94_ _ _ I_9_
11)FOCUMFNT
.-. ,
Mw
AMFP-8u . NJDJrT A71 III%% AM . 'T 1 1