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| {{Adams | | {{Adams |
| | number = ML20134B418 | | | number = ML20134B579 |
| | issue date = 01/22/1997 | | | issue date = 01/22/1997 |
| | title = Insp Rept 50-456/96-18 on 961012-1113.Violations Noted. Major Areas Inspected:Inadvertent Opening of Pressurizer PORV During Plant Cooldown on 961012 | | | title = Forwards Insp Rept 50-456/96-18 on 961012-1113 & Nov. Violation of Concern Because Broad Spectrum of Circumstances That Led to Event Including Lack of Procedural Guidance |
| | author name = | | | author name = Caldwell J |
| | author affiliation = NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) | | | author affiliation = NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| | addressee name = | | | addressee name = Stanley H |
| | addressee affiliation = | | | addressee affiliation = COMMONWEALTH EDISON CO. |
| | docket = 05000456 | | | docket = 05000456 |
| | license number = | | | license number = |
| | contact person = | | | contact person = |
| | document report number = 50-456-96-18, NUDOCS 9701300085 | | | document report number = NUDOCS 9701300211 |
| | package number = ML20134B421 | | | package number = ML20134B421 |
| | document type = INSPECTION REPORT, NRC-GENERATED, TEXT-INSPECTION & AUDIT & I&E CIRCULARS | | | document type = CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS, OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE |
| | page count = 11 | | | page count = 2 |
| }} | | }} |
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| {{#Wiki_filter:. | | {{#Wiki_filter:b*' |
| U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION Ill
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| | l p @""' % e UNITED STATES gy hj NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION |
| Docket No.: 50-456 License N NPF-72 Report No.: 50-456/96018(DRP)
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| Facility: Braidwood Nuclear Plant. Unit 1 Location: RR #1. Box 79 Braceville. IL 60407
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| Dates: October 12 - November 13, 1996 '
| | j* 801 WARRENV:i.LE ROAD uSLE, ILUNCKS 60532-4351 |
| Inspectors: T. M. Tongue. Project Engineer C. J. Philli]s. Senior Resident Inspector l D. W. Rich. Reactor Inspector !
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| Approved by: R. D. Lanksbury. Chief
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| Reactor Projects Branch 3 G
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| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
| | 'i January 22, 1997 iir. H. ' Site Vice President i Braidwood Station ' |
| , | | Commonwealth Edison. Company i |
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| | RR #1. Box 84 |
| Braidwood Nuclear Plant. Unit 1 j NRC Inspection Report 50-456/96018 This was a special inspection of the inadvertent opening of the pressurizer 1 power operated relief valve during a plant cooldown on Braidwood Unit 1 on :
| | 'Braceville, IL 60407 - |
| October 12, 199 .
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| Operations
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| The Unit 1. shutdown and cooldown procedure allowed the.0)erators to raise '
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| PZR level higher early in the cooldown process placing t1e plant in a '
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| condition that contributed to the lifting of the PORV. The failure to have a procedure or guideline adecuate for bypassing ICV-121 and the
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| associated circumstances is consicered a significant contributor to the event. A Notice of Violation was issued. (Section 03.1)
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| The inspectors concluded that the desire to get through the evolution quickly and the lack of good communications contributed to the even The disjointed communications between the control room and the field personnel is considered a significant contributor to the even (Section 04.1)
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| The inspectors concluded that the training provided on the characteristics of ICV 121 did nothing to preclude this event from occurring. (Section 05.1)
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| The licensee evaluations collectively were thorough and comprehensiv (Section 07.1)
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| Report Details Summarv of Event On October 12. 1996, operators were cooling down and depressurizing Braidwood Unit 1 following a reactor shutdown for mid-cycle steam generator tube eddy current testing. The pressurizer (PZR) level was allowed to be higher than normal which contributed to the inadvertent opening of the PZR Jower operated relief valve (PORV). The PORV reseated quickly. The PORV blocc valve was operable and available in the event that the PORV had failed to reseat. Other contributing factors were a nonconservative schedule driven cooldown process, inadequate or inappropriate procedures or guidelines, communications related problems, a long standing equipment problem with the charging flow control .
| | SUBJECT: SPECIALINSPEbi10NREPORTNO. 50-456/96018 AND NOTICE OF .ATION |
| valve 1CV-121. and training weaknesse This event posed no immediate threat to the plant, workers, or the publi A detailed t'imeline is enclose I. Ooerations 03 Operations Procedures and Documentation
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| 03.1 Inadeauate Shutdown /Cooldown Procedure a. Insoection Scooe (71707)
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| The inspectors reviewed 18wGP 100-5 " Plant Shutdown and Cooldown."
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| Revision ll: IBw0A PRI-1, " Excessive Primary Plant Leakage." Revision 54;
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| and interviewed the operators, supervisors and the managers involved in the even '
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| b. Observations and Findings 1BwGP 100-5 gave operators the option to raise PZR level as high as 80%.
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| The operators chose this option of maintaining a high PZR level to help ,
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| cooldown the pressurizer in preparation for going to a solid plant '
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| condition. As the cooldown and depressurization continued, letdown flow dropped due to decreased differential pressure across the letdown orifices. ICV-121 automatically controlled charging flow to match letdown flow. At low primary plant pressures (about 370 psig) 1CV-121 had difficulty controlling flow because of the large differential pressure (dp) across the valve (about 2100 psid). When letdown flow decreased below the point where 1CV-121 could no longer reduce charging flow the PZR level began to rise due to the charging rate being greater than the letdown rat The inspectors learned through interviews that the operators knew about the erratic behavior of ICV-121 and the inability to control flow at low pressure This problem was not discussed at the pre-evolution brief or at any other time during the cooldown. When the operators could no ,
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| i longer control pressurizer level the decision was made to bypass ICV-121 l and control charging flow by using a manual bypass valve around ICV-12 _ . _ . _ _ _ . . . _ .
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| lhe inspectors could find no specific procedure, instruction or
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| guideline in 18wGP 100-5 for bypassing 1CV-121. Based on-interviews with
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| * station personnel-and procedure reviews. the use of bypass valves sat Braidwood was considered " skill of the craft" for operators. On this ;
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| - occasion, the authorization to bypass ICV-121 was an agreement between ' '
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| operators and supervisors that it was acceptable based on guidance in another procedure, 18w0A PRI-1. " Excessive Primary Plant Leakage."
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| Revision 54. However, the inspectors verified that the procedural guidance to bypass around ICV-121 in 18w0A PRI-1 was for a different set
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| of circumstances involving excessive primary plant leakag + | | ==Dear Mr. Stanley:== |
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| | This refers to the special safety inspection conducted on October 12 through November 13. 1996, to assess the unplanned opening of the pressurizer power |
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| During the by)assing of ICV-121 the charging rate to the reactor coolant
| | operated relief valve during a cooldown on Braidwood Unit 1. At the ; |
| - system and PZ1 became excessive causing the PZR level to increase rapidly resulting in the PORV opening. The inspectors verified that the PORV-
| | conclusion of the inspection, the findings _ were discussed with Mr. T. Tulon. i plant manager and other memt,ers of your staff identified in the enclosed report.- l |
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| lifted and reset at the proper setpoints, and that cold over pressure i
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| protection limits were not exceede ;
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| c. Conclusions l i
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| IBwGP 100-5 allowed the operators to raise PZR level higher early in the '
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| i cooldown process. This placed the plant in a condition that contributed ;
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| i; to the lifting of the PORV. The failure to have a procedure or guideline adequate for bypassing ICV-121 and the associated circumstances is i considered a violation of 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix 8. Criterion V
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| " Instructions, Procedures and Drawings" (50-456/96018-01(DRP)).
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| j 04 Operator Knowledge and Performance
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| 04.1 Contributina Factors to the Event
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| ; a. Insoection Scope (71707)
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| t The inspectors interviewed the control room operators, field operators i and their supervisors to determine what led to tia event.
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| ; b. Observations and Findinos
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| The inspectors learned through interviews that ICV-121 had a long
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| standing history of erratic behavior during low flow conditions. This
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| was an automatically controlled, pneumatically operated valve. The
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| : valve's the poor low flow control characteristic was common knowledge among operators.
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| ; However. there was no evidence of an action request or i
| | Dur inspection concluded that the actual opening of.the pressurizer power j operated relief valve created minimal threat to the public safety, plant l workers or to the plant and that the investigations your staff performed of i the event were prompt and thorough. However. lifting a pressurizer relief valve was a challenge to the integrity of the reactor coolant system pressure- ' |
| other method to report the condition and have it corrected. This was a j
| | boundary creating the threat of a potential loss of coolant accident. We are concerned about the broad spectrum of circumstances that led to the event ' |
| known " operator work around" and was not placed on that list until after this event occurred.
| | including the lack of appropriate procedural guidance, the lack of safety i consideration in the nonconservative cooldown evolution that appeared to be schedule driven, the operation with a degraded charging flow control valve exhibiting erratic behavior at low flow conditions for an extended period of time without any corrective action until this event and what appeared to be the lack of good communications in several instances. |
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| | Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC concluded that a violation of NRC. requirements occurred as cited in the enclosed Notice of Violation (Notice). You are required to respond to this violation. The circumstances surrounding the violation are described in detail in the inspection report. |
| 3 The inspectors determined there were several instances where the lack of e
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| good communications contributed to the event.
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| A high level of awareness (HLA) briefing was conducted at the beginning of the shift. The HLA discussion covered in detail, the
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| - | | Because of the complexity of the issue and the potential safety consequences, a management meeting to discuss this violation and the related circumstances has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (CST) on January 27, 1997, at the NRC " |
| plans to continue the cooldown to Mode 4 and then to shift to
| | Region III office in Lisle. Illinois. This meeting is being held as an |
| | . opportunity for you to provide any insights that may not be apparent in the inspection report. to discuss your corrective actions, and to provide any additional information that you deem necessary. This meeting will be open to public observation. ' |
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| | i 9701300211 970122 PDR ADOCK 05000456 PDR gCkk* ; |
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| | H;< Stanley' -2-In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the Commission's regulations, a copy of this letter, with enclosures, and your response will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room. ' |
| | i We will gladly discuss any questions'you have concerning this inspection. i i |
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| -. - . .- -.- _ - -. - . -. ._ .-. | | Sincerely |
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| residual heat removal (RHR) cooling. There was no discussion during l the HLA briefing on plans to bypass ICV-121.
| | ames L. Caldwell Director ivision of Reactor Projects , |
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| | Docket No.: 50-456 , |
| | l License No: NPF-72 Enclosures: .. |
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| | 1. Notice of Violation- 1 2. Inspection Report No. 50-456/96018: |
| | 3. Event Timeline cc w/ encl: T. J. Maiman. Senior Vice President Nuclear Operations Division D. A. Sager..Vice President. |
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| | Generation Su) port H. W. Keiser. C11ef Nuclear O |
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| | T. perating Officer Tulon. Station Manager T. Simpkin. Regulatory Assurance Supervisor I. Johnson Acting Nuclear Regulatory Services Manager Richard Hubbard |
| The inspectors learned through interviews that there was a desire
| | : Nathan Schloss. Economist |
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| | ' Office of the Attorney General ! |
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| for the cooldown evolution to go quickly and smoothly to reduce outage downtime. This was stated by several operators and was
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| demonstrated by the use of steam generator PORVs to increase the
| | State Liaison Officer i Chairman. Illinois Commerce Commission |
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| available cooldown rate. The operators and supervisors also pointed out that shifting from the steam dumping cooldown technique to the
| | Document Control Desk-Licensing-i |
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| RHR cooling process was attempted without a break to assess the j situation. The operators stated that this was done in an effort to
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| i conserve time in achieving cold shutdow Several individuals
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| ' stated that they felt a hold point prior to reaching a reactor coolant system temperature of 350'F would have been an opportunity to consider the direction of the plant and would have resulted in the problems with flow control on 1CV-121 being discussed.
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| When the decision was made to bypass 1CV-121, the situation had Decome urgent in-that the pressurizer level was high and the erratic
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| behavior of 1CV-121 was worse than in the past. An equipment operator (EO) and field supervisor who were working on other assignments (preparation for going to RHR cooling) were reassigned
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| { to bypass around 1CV-121 on short notice and without a briefin The control room operator stated that he gave specific verbal
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| instructions via radio to the E0 and the field supervisor regarding opening of the 1CV-121 bypass valve, to the effect, "not one half
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| turn open, not one quarter turn open. but just crack it open."
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| However, neither the E0 nor the field supervisor could recall that
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| instruction but only recalled the urgency to get the bypass valve i open. The bypass valve was opened considerably farther than the
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| : reactor operator wanted and resulted in a large increase in charging flow, rapid pressurizer level increase and the lifting of the
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| ; pressurizer POR c. Conclusions
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| l The inspectors concluded that the desire to get through the evolution
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| ~ quickly and the lack of good communications contributed to the even The disjointed communications between the control room and the field personnel was considered a significant contributor to the event. | |
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| l 05 Operator Training and Qualification 05.1 Doerator Trainina Recardina The Operation Of ICV-121 At low Flow i
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| a. Insoection Scope (71707)
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| ' The inspectors interviewed several operators and supervisors regarding
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| : their record training interviewed training instructors, and reviewed training
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| l b. Observations and Findirns None of the operators interviewed could recall training on bypassing 1CV- l 121 on the simulator. 1here was no record of the classroom discussion on the topic of the erratic behavior of ICV-121 at low flow. In additio ;
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| the simulator was not modeled to represent the erratic behavior of 1CV- ;
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| 121 at low flow conditions. Operations management did state however that the erratic behavior of 1CV-121 was discussed as a general topic during annual training on the chemical and volume control system. During the interviews the operators all appeared to have a knowledge of the problems with 1CV-121 at low flo c. Conclusions l
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| The inspectors concluded that the training provided on the characteristics of ICV-121 did nothing to preclude this event from occurrin Quality Assurance in Operations 07.1 Licensee Self-Assessment Activities
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| a. Insnection Scone (71707)
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| At the completion of the inspection the inspectors reviewed the licensee's investigation reports and interviewed the members of the )
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| investigation team l b. Observations and Findinas ]
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| The licensee commenced investigations and evaluations promatly after the '
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| event. The licensee generated three separate reports on tais even I Although there were some variations in the licensees reports, collectively, each of the inspectors points were identified in at least one or more of the licensee reports, c. Conclusions The licensee evaluations collectively addressed all of the inspectors issue :
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| 1 V. Manaaement Meetinas !
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| X1 Exit Meeting Summary l The team presented the inspection results to members of licensee management at the conclusion of the inspection on November 13, 199 The licensee acknowledged the findings presente j i
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| The inspector asked the licensee whether any materials examined during the inspection should be considered proprietary. No proprietary information was identifie . . . . - . - - - . . - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ -
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| i-I PARTIAL ~ LIST.0F PERSONS CONTACTED
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| Licensee P
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| *T. Tulon, Station Manager- . .
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| R, Flessner. Site Quality verification Directo e
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| *L. Weber. Shift Operations Supervisor
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| *D. Hoots Unit 1 Operating Engineer .
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| :*B. Claveau. Operations Self Assessnent .
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| *D. Hieggelke, Root Cause Team Leader
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| *P. Studdard.. Foot Cause Team Member
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| *H. Pontious. Acting Regulatory Assurance Supervisor
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| *M. Cassidy,' Regulatory Assurance NRC Coordinator
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| *J. Naleuajka, Integrated Assessment Analyst NRC J. Adams, Resident Inspector
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| IDNS
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| Esper, Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety Resident Engineer
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| * Denotes those attending the exit brief on November 13, 1996
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| INSPECTION PROCEDURES USED IP 71707; Plant Operations
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| ITEMS OPENED. CLOSED AND DISCUSSED
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| Opened 50-456/96018-01 VIO Failure to have procedural guidelines for bypassing CV-12 .
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| LIST OF ACRONYMS CV Charging System dp Differential Pressure ECCS Emergency Core Cooling System E0 Equipment Operator HLA High Level Awarenets - .
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| l PZR Pressurizer PORV Power Operated Relief Valve RCS Reactor Coolant System RHR Residual Heat Removal l
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| I ENCLOSURE I
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| EVENT TIMELINE On October 12. 1996 Braldwood Unit 1 was in the process of proceeding to cold -
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| shutdown for the purpose of conducting a mid-cycle outage primarily for steam generator tube examinations. During the day shift. following the reactor shutdown, the plant was cooled down to 370 psig and 340 F. The reactor i l
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| cooldown was conducted by use of the steam dump valves and the main condense l and the use of the steam generator (SG) PORVs to the outside atmosphere. By about 3 _ removal (RHR) preparations cooling mode. were being made to go on to the residual heat
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| For the shutdown and the process of going to cold shutdown, procedure BwGP 100-5 " Plant Shutdown and Cooldown" was being use It gave the option of raising the pressurizer (PZR) level to 80% to assist in the cooldown of the PZR in preparation for going solid. During past cooldowns it had been held at 50-60% as a surge volume for emergency core cooling system (ECCS) testing. Since ECCS testing was not scheduled this .
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| time. PZR level was allowed to increase to 80% early in the proces . l BwGP 100-5. Step 25 required PZR level be maintained by manually '
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| adjusting ICV-121. " Charging flow control valve."
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| As the cooldown progressed to about 350 F reactor coolant system (RCS)
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| pressure decreased resulting in reduced letdown flow as expected Charging was adjusted by use of ICV-121 to compensate. Atthisiower flow condition.1CV-121 became erratic and difficult to control because of the high differential pressure (dp) across the valv :10 p.:
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| The decision was made to use the ICV-121 bypass as a better technique to control charging flow. 1CV-121 had a history of erratic behavior at low ,
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| i flow conditions. The operators stated that this time, it was more !
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| erratic than in the past. This has been a known " operator-work-around".
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| however, it was not placed on the work-around list for correction until this even l j
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| 3:22 i l
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| Excess letdown was commenced as an additional means of controlling PZR level and slowing the level increase. However, this was not very effectiv I 3:23 l
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| . l The plant entered Mode 4 (hot shutdown and RCS temperature at s350 F).
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| Concurrently, personnel were stationed in preparation for going on RHR coolin .
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| 3:26 .
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| As stated to the inspector. an equipment operator (EO) and a field i supervisor were removed from other assignments and dispatched urgently to !
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| assist with bypassing CV-121 without a pre-job briefin . :
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| Instructions from the control room to the E0 regarding opening the bypass l valve were " Don't open it a half turn, not just a quarter turn, but just !
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| crack it open." Later, field personnel could not recall the details but only the urgency of the instruction. The field operators also encountered difficulty in opening the bypass valve which required both ,
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| operators to open it. They also could not recall how far -they had opened !
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| it. The field supervisor was then directed to proceeded to CV-121 to '
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| shut the inlet to CV-121 in order to redude' the flow to the RCS. Due to the high dp. the inlet valve was very difficult to shut and took some time (10 min) to shut. At about the same time, the E0 was then instructed to shut the bypass valve which was also very difficult to shut due to the high dp. Both manual valves are located in positions that are not easily accessible and are difficult to operate. This resulted in a further delay (about 10 min.) and additional water in the RC :42 .
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| The large water addition to the RCS resulted in a sudden PZR level increase. PZR sprays were o)ened and heaters were deenergized. Howeve :
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| this was not effective enoug1 and the PZR PORV opened on PZR high level / pressur !
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| Concurrently, with the additional charging flow, flow to the reactor I coolant pump (RCP) seals increased to greater than 15 gpm each (ma indication) which is normally 8-10 gpm eac ,
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| In response, the running 1B charging (CV) pump was stoppe !
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| 3:45 .
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| As the RCP seal dp reduced to less than 200 psid, the 1A RCP was secure :46 '
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| This was followed by securing IB. 1C. and 10 RCP This resulted in no forced flow though the reactor core and depended on natural circulation cooling. Technical Specification 4.1.3 was entered due to no RCS pumps :
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| in operation. Natural convection cooling is acceptable and did commence i
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| but a concern was raised by the control room operators that since the RCS had not been degassed, gas pockets could form in the SG tubes resulting a flow blockage 3:52 .
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| RHR cooling was placed in service creating the necessary forced convection coolin ,
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| A 4:36 B CV pump was restarted with less flow to the RCS and creating the required RCP seal flo ~ '
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| 6:22 .
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| The 1D RCP was restarted to give greater RCS flow and cooling and stabilizing of parameter .
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| Through out this event. steam dumps and SG PORVs remained in use for heat remova
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Category:CORRESPONDENCE-LETTERS
MONTHYEARML20217P6171999-10-21021 October 1999 Forwards non-proprietary & Proprietary Versions of HI-982083, Licensing Rept for Byron & Braidwood Nuclear Stations. Proprietary Rept Withheld,Per 10CFR2.790(b)(4) ML20217M4361999-10-19019 October 1999 Forwards Rev 46 to Braidwood Station Security Plan, IAW 10CFR50.4(b)(4).Description of Changes,Listed.Encl Withheld Per 10CFR73.21 ML20217H4661999-10-18018 October 1999 Forwards Changes to EPIPs IAW 10CFR50.54(q) & 10CFR50,App E, Section V.Details of Changes Encl ML20217G9791999-10-14014 October 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Relief Requests to Rev 5 of First 10-year Interval Inservice Insp Program for Plant,Units 1 & 2 ML20216J8241999-09-30030 September 1999 Notifies of Removal of NRC Headquarters & Region III Offices from Controlled Copy Distribution of Certain CE Documents. Specific Documents,Associated Controlled Copy Numbers & NRC Location Affected Are Shown on Attachment to Ltr ML20217A9311999-09-29029 September 1999 Informs That NRC 6-month Review of Braidwood Identified That Performance in Maint Area Warranted Increased NRC Attention. Addl Insps Beyond Core Insp Program Will Be Conducted Over Next 6 Months to Better Understand Causes of Problem ML20216H4301999-09-23023 September 1999 Informs That Arrangements Made for Administration of Licensing re-take Exams at Braidwood Generating Station for Week of 991108 ML20216F7441999-09-17017 September 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-13 & 50-457/99-13 on 990706-0824.Three Violations Noted & Being Treated as Ncvs. Insp Focused on C/As & Activities Addressing Technical Concerns Identified During Design Insp Completed on 980424 ML20212A6991999-09-10010 September 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Licensee Second 10-year Interval ISI Program Request for Relief 12R-07 for Plant,Units 1 & 2 ML20211Q9011999-09-0808 September 1999 Advises That Us Postal Service Mailing Address Has Changed for Braidwood Station.New Address Listed ML20211Q6611999-09-0606 September 1999 Informs That NRC Tentatively Scheduled Initial Licensing Exam for Braidwood Operator License Applicants During Wk of 010115 & 22.Validation of Exam Will Occur at Station During Wk of 001218 ML20211P1901999-09-0303 September 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-12 & 50-457/99-12 on 990707-0816.No Violations Noted.Insp Generally Characterized by safety-conscious Operations,Sound Engineering & Maint Practices & Careful Radiological Work Controls ML20211P1761999-09-0202 September 1999 Discusses Licensee Aug 1998 Rev 3K to Portions of Braidwood Nuclear Power Station Generating Stations Emergency Plan Site Annex Submitted Under Provisions of 10CFR50.54(q). NRC Approval Not Required ML20211K1081999-09-0202 September 1999 Responds to Request for Addl Info to GL 92-01,Rev 1,Suppl 1, Reactor Vessel Structural Integrity, for Braidwood,Units 1 & 2 & Byron,Unit 2 ML20211G1221999-08-27027 August 1999 Forwards fitness-for-duty Program Performance Data for Each of Comm Ed Nuclear Power Stations & Corporate Support Employees within Scope of Rule for six-month Period Ending 990630,IAW 10CFR26.71(d) ML20211B8691999-08-20020 August 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-254/99-10,50-265/99-10,50-454/99-09, 50-455/99-09,50-456/99-10 & 50-457/99-10 on 990628-0721. Action Plans Developed to Address Configuration Control Weaknesses Not Totally Effective as Listed BW990053, Forwards post-outage Summary Rept for ISI Examinations Conducted During Seventh Refueling Outage of Braidwood Station,Unit 21999-08-13013 August 1999 Forwards post-outage Summary Rept for ISI Examinations Conducted During Seventh Refueling Outage of Braidwood Station,Unit 2 BW990052, Informs That RW Clay,License OP-31044,no Longer Requires Operator License at Braidwood Station1999-08-12012 August 1999 Informs That RW Clay,License OP-31044,no Longer Requires Operator License at Braidwood Station ML20210N5651999-08-0606 August 1999 Forwards Rev 8 to Nuclear Generating Stations Emergency Plan, for Plants.With Summary of Changes ML20210U8031999-08-0404 August 1999 Forwards SER Granting Licensee Relief Requests VR-1,VR-3 & Portion of VR-2 Pursuant to 10CFR50.55a(a)(3)(ii).Relief Request VR-4 Does Not Require Explicit NRC Approval for Second 10-year Inservice Testing Program BW990049, Informs NRC of Plans to Demonstrate Compliance with 10CFR50.46 Requirements for Fuel Predicted to Experience Fuel Pellet to Rod Cladding Gap Reopening,During Current Cycle1999-08-0404 August 1999 Informs NRC of Plans to Demonstrate Compliance with 10CFR50.46 Requirements for Fuel Predicted to Experience Fuel Pellet to Rod Cladding Gap Reopening,During Current Cycle ML20210M9131999-08-0202 August 1999 Forwards Response to NRC AL 99-02, Operating Reactor Licensing Action Estimates, for Fys 2000 & 2001 for Comed ML20210K9761999-07-30030 July 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Licensee 60-day Response to GL 96-05, Periodic Verification of Design Basis Capability of Safety-Related Movs, for Plant ML20210K0771999-07-30030 July 1999 Submits 30-day Rept Re Discovery of ECCS Evaluation Model Error for Byron & Braidwood Stations,As Required by 10CFR50.46 ML20210G6291999-07-29029 July 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-11 & 50-457/99-11 on 990525-0706.Two Violations Noted & Being Treated as NCV, Consistent with App C of Enforcement Policy ML20210J8951999-07-29029 July 1999 Submits Other Actions,As Described,To Be Taken for Valves to Resolve Potential Pressure Locking Concerns,In Light of Extended Period for Valve Bonnet Natural Depressurization,In Response to GL 95-07, Pressure Locking & Thermal.. BW990045, Forwards Errata to 1998 Radioactive Effluent Release Rept. Info Has Been Corrected & Revised Spreadsheets Included in Attachment to Ltr1999-07-28028 July 1999 Forwards Errata to 1998 Radioactive Effluent Release Rept. Info Has Been Corrected & Revised Spreadsheets Included in Attachment to Ltr ML20216D3781999-07-21021 July 1999 Forwards Revised NFM9900022, Braidwood Unit 2 Cycle 8 COLR on ITS Format & W(Z) Function, to Account for Error That W Discovered in Computer Code Used to Calculate PCT During LBLOCA ML20210C3961999-07-20020 July 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-09 & 50-457/99-09 on 990517-0623.No Violations Noted.Weakness Identified on 990523,when Station Supervisors Identified Individual Sleeping in Cable Tray in RCA ML20216D7061999-07-19019 July 1999 Forwards Rev 45 to Braidwood Station Security Plan,Iaw 10CFR50.4(b)(4).Plan Includes Listed Changes.Rev Withheld, Per 10CFR73.21 ML20210B7071999-07-16016 July 1999 Responds to Requesting Review & Approval of Three Proposed Changes to Ceco QA TR,CE-1A Per 10CFR50.54(a)(3) & 10CFR50.4(b)(7) BW990042, Forwards Braidwood Station,Unit 1 Post Accident Monitoring Rept for Reactor Vessel Level Indication Sys (Rvlis),Due to Facility Train B RVLIS Being Restored to Operable Status After 7-day Completion Time,Per TS 3.3.3 & 5.6.71999-07-16016 July 1999 Forwards Braidwood Station,Unit 1 Post Accident Monitoring Rept for Reactor Vessel Level Indication Sys (Rvlis),Due to Facility Train B RVLIS Being Restored to Operable Status After 7-day Completion Time,Per TS 3.3.3 & 5.6.7 ML20209H2991999-07-16016 July 1999 Withdraws 980529 LAR to Credit Automatic PORV Operation for Mitigation of Inadvertent Safety Injection at Power Accident.Response to NRC 990513 RAI Re LAR Encl IR 05000456/19993011999-07-15015 July 1999 Forwards Operator Licensing Exam Repts 50-456/99-301OL & 50-457/99-301OL for Test Administered from 990607-11 to Applicants for Operating Licenses.Three Out of Four Applicants Passed Exams BW990040, Forwards Revised Monthly Operating Repts for May 1999 for Braidwood Station,Units 1 & 2.Since Issuance of Rept,It Was Determined That Rt That Occurred on Unit 2 During Startup Was Inadvertently Omitted1999-07-15015 July 1999 Forwards Revised Monthly Operating Repts for May 1999 for Braidwood Station,Units 1 & 2.Since Issuance of Rept,It Was Determined That Rt That Occurred on Unit 2 During Startup Was Inadvertently Omitted ML20209H5141999-07-14014 July 1999 Discusses 990701 Telcon Re Arrangements for NRC to Inspect Licensed Operator Requalification Program at Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station for Week of 990927,which Coincides with Licensee Regularly Scheduled Exam Cycle ML20207H7501999-07-12012 July 1999 Forwards Revised Pressure Temp Limits Rept, for Byron Station,Units 1 & 2.Revised Pressurized Thermal Shock Evaluations,Surveillance Capsule Rept & Credibility Repts, Also Encl ML20196J9131999-07-0101 July 1999 Submits Status of Nuclear Property Insurance Currently Maintained for Braidwood,Byron,Dresden,Lasalle County,Quad Cities & Zion Nuclear Power Stations,Per 10CFR50.54(w)(3) ML20196J9061999-07-0101 July 1999 Provides Evidence That Util Maintains Guarantee of Payment of Deferred Premiums in Amount of $10 Million for Each of Thirteen Reactors,Per 10CFR140.21 ML20209B8241999-06-30030 June 1999 Forwards Five 3.5 Inch Computer Diskettes Containing Revised Annual Dose Repts for 1994 Through 1998 for Individuals Receiving Neutron Dose Not Previously Included in Reported Total Effective Dose Equivalent Values.Without Diskettes ML20196H0631999-06-28028 June 1999 Provides Individual Exam Results for Licensee Applicants Who Took June 1999 Initial License Exam.Without Encls ML20212H8241999-06-24024 June 1999 Informs That Effective 990531 NRC Project Mgt Responsibility for Byron & Braidwood Stations Was Transferred to Gf Dick ML20196D4591999-06-18018 June 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-07 & 50-457/99-07 on 990414- 0524.No Violations Noted.Conduct of Activities Generally Characterized by safety-conscious Operations,Sound Engineering & Maintenance Practices ML20196A6671999-06-17017 June 1999 Refers to 990609 Meeting with Util in Braidwood,Il Re Licensee Initiatives in Risk Area & to Establish Dialog Between SRAs & Licensee PRA Staff 05000457/LER-1998-003, Forwards LER 98-003-00 Re Unit 2 Reactor Trip.Actions & Associated Action Tracking Number That Braidwood Station Is Committed to Implement in Response to LER Described Below1999-06-16016 June 1999 Forwards LER 98-003-00 Re Unit 2 Reactor Trip.Actions & Associated Action Tracking Number That Braidwood Station Is Committed to Implement in Response to LER Described Below 05000456/LER-1998-004, Forwards LER 98-004-01,IAW 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B). LER 98-004 Included Commitment to Transmit Supplemental Rept by 990628,due to on-going Evaluations1999-06-16016 June 1999 Forwards LER 98-004-01,IAW 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B). LER 98-004 Included Commitment to Transmit Supplemental Rept by 990628,due to on-going Evaluations 05000456/LER-1999-001, Forwards LER 99-001-00,IAW 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B). Description of Action & Associated Action Request Number That Braidwood Station Is Committed to Implement Is Response to LER Is Listed1999-06-15015 June 1999 Forwards LER 99-001-00,IAW 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B). Description of Action & Associated Action Request Number That Braidwood Station Is Committed to Implement Is Response to LER Is Listed ML20195J3741999-06-14014 June 1999 Forwards Insp Rept 50-457/99-08 on 990415-0518.No Violations Noted.Sg Insp Program Found to Be Thorough & Conservative BW990028, Forwards Braidwood Unit 2 Cycle 8 COLR in ITS Format & W(Z) Function, IAW TS 5.6.51999-06-10010 June 1999 Forwards Braidwood Unit 2 Cycle 8 COLR in ITS Format & W(Z) Function, IAW TS 5.6.5 ML20195F3231999-06-0909 June 1999 Informs That in ,Arrangements Finalized for Exam to Be Administered at Plant During Wk of 990607.All Parts of Plant Initial Licensed Operator Exam Approved for Administration 1999-09-08
[Table view] Category:OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE
MONTHYEARML20217G9791999-10-14014 October 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Relief Requests to Rev 5 of First 10-year Interval Inservice Insp Program for Plant,Units 1 & 2 ML20217A9311999-09-29029 September 1999 Informs That NRC 6-month Review of Braidwood Identified That Performance in Maint Area Warranted Increased NRC Attention. Addl Insps Beyond Core Insp Program Will Be Conducted Over Next 6 Months to Better Understand Causes of Problem ML20216H4301999-09-23023 September 1999 Informs That Arrangements Made for Administration of Licensing re-take Exams at Braidwood Generating Station for Week of 991108 ML20216F7441999-09-17017 September 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-13 & 50-457/99-13 on 990706-0824.Three Violations Noted & Being Treated as Ncvs. Insp Focused on C/As & Activities Addressing Technical Concerns Identified During Design Insp Completed on 980424 ML20212A6991999-09-10010 September 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Licensee Second 10-year Interval ISI Program Request for Relief 12R-07 for Plant,Units 1 & 2 ML20211Q6611999-09-0606 September 1999 Informs That NRC Tentatively Scheduled Initial Licensing Exam for Braidwood Operator License Applicants During Wk of 010115 & 22.Validation of Exam Will Occur at Station During Wk of 001218 ML20211P1901999-09-0303 September 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-12 & 50-457/99-12 on 990707-0816.No Violations Noted.Insp Generally Characterized by safety-conscious Operations,Sound Engineering & Maint Practices & Careful Radiological Work Controls ML20211K1081999-09-0202 September 1999 Responds to Request for Addl Info to GL 92-01,Rev 1,Suppl 1, Reactor Vessel Structural Integrity, for Braidwood,Units 1 & 2 & Byron,Unit 2 ML20211P1761999-09-0202 September 1999 Discusses Licensee Aug 1998 Rev 3K to Portions of Braidwood Nuclear Power Station Generating Stations Emergency Plan Site Annex Submitted Under Provisions of 10CFR50.54(q). NRC Approval Not Required ML20211B8691999-08-20020 August 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-254/99-10,50-265/99-10,50-454/99-09, 50-455/99-09,50-456/99-10 & 50-457/99-10 on 990628-0721. Action Plans Developed to Address Configuration Control Weaknesses Not Totally Effective as Listed ML20210U8031999-08-0404 August 1999 Forwards SER Granting Licensee Relief Requests VR-1,VR-3 & Portion of VR-2 Pursuant to 10CFR50.55a(a)(3)(ii).Relief Request VR-4 Does Not Require Explicit NRC Approval for Second 10-year Inservice Testing Program ML20210K9761999-07-30030 July 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Licensee 60-day Response to GL 96-05, Periodic Verification of Design Basis Capability of Safety-Related Movs, for Plant ML20210G6291999-07-29029 July 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-11 & 50-457/99-11 on 990525-0706.Two Violations Noted & Being Treated as NCV, Consistent with App C of Enforcement Policy ML20210C3961999-07-20020 July 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-09 & 50-457/99-09 on 990517-0623.No Violations Noted.Weakness Identified on 990523,when Station Supervisors Identified Individual Sleeping in Cable Tray in RCA ML20210B7071999-07-16016 July 1999 Responds to Requesting Review & Approval of Three Proposed Changes to Ceco QA TR,CE-1A Per 10CFR50.54(a)(3) & 10CFR50.4(b)(7) IR 05000456/19993011999-07-15015 July 1999 Forwards Operator Licensing Exam Repts 50-456/99-301OL & 50-457/99-301OL for Test Administered from 990607-11 to Applicants for Operating Licenses.Three Out of Four Applicants Passed Exams ML20209H5141999-07-14014 July 1999 Discusses 990701 Telcon Re Arrangements for NRC to Inspect Licensed Operator Requalification Program at Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station for Week of 990927,which Coincides with Licensee Regularly Scheduled Exam Cycle ML20196H0631999-06-28028 June 1999 Provides Individual Exam Results for Licensee Applicants Who Took June 1999 Initial License Exam.Without Encls ML20212H8241999-06-24024 June 1999 Informs That Effective 990531 NRC Project Mgt Responsibility for Byron & Braidwood Stations Was Transferred to Gf Dick ML20196D4591999-06-18018 June 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-07 & 50-457/99-07 on 990414- 0524.No Violations Noted.Conduct of Activities Generally Characterized by safety-conscious Operations,Sound Engineering & Maintenance Practices ML20196A6671999-06-17017 June 1999 Refers to 990609 Meeting with Util in Braidwood,Il Re Licensee Initiatives in Risk Area & to Establish Dialog Between SRAs & Licensee PRA Staff ML20195J3741999-06-14014 June 1999 Forwards Insp Rept 50-457/99-08 on 990415-0518.No Violations Noted.Sg Insp Program Found to Be Thorough & Conservative ML20195F3231999-06-0909 June 1999 Informs That in ,Arrangements Finalized for Exam to Be Administered at Plant During Wk of 990607.All Parts of Plant Initial Licensed Operator Exam Approved for Administration ML20207B6361999-05-25025 May 1999 Forwards SE Accepting Revised SG Tube Rupture (SGTR) Analysis for Bryon & Braidwood Stations.Revised Analysis Was Submitted to Support SG Replacement at Unit 1 of Each Station ML20207A5891999-05-20020 May 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-05 & 50-457/99-05 on 990405-23.Two non-cited Violations Identified ML20206U4641999-05-18018 May 1999 Responds to Util 990517 Request That NRC Exercise Discretion Not to Enforce Compliance with Actions Required in TS 3.0.3. Documents 990516 Telcon with Licensee Re NOED ML20206N4791999-05-13013 May 1999 Forwards RAI Re 980529 Amend Request for Byron & Braidwood to Credit Automatic PORV Operation for Mitigation of Inadvertent SI at Power Accident.Response Requested 60 Days After Receipt Date ML20206Q5321999-05-11011 May 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-06 & 50-457/99-06 on 990302-0413.Configuration Control Error Resulted in Isolation of Unit 1 Emergency Boration Flow Path Through Designated Boric Acid Pump for Period of 3 H Occurred ML20206H8161999-05-0505 May 1999 Confirms Discussion Re Meeting to Be Conducted on 990527 at Braidwood Station Training Building.Meeting Will Discuss Braidwood Station Performance as Described in Most Recent Plant Performance Review ML20206E7021999-05-0303 May 1999 Advises That Info Contained in Document Entitled, Licensing Rept for Sf Rack Installation at Byron & Braidwood Stations, HI-982083,will Be Withheld from Public Disclosure Per 10CFR2.790 ML20205G9631999-03-26026 March 1999 Advises of Planned Insp Effort Resulting from Braidwood Plant Performance Review for Period 870830-990131.Historical Listing of Plant Issues & Details of NRC Insp Plan for Next 6 Months Encl ML20204J4241999-03-23023 March 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-04 & 50-457/99-04 on 990222-24 & 0303 Onsite & 0309 & 11 Region 3 Ofc.No Violations Noted. Implementation of Physical Security Plan Was Examined ML20204J9001999-03-23023 March 1999 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/99-02 & 50-457/99-02 on 990120- 0301.No Violations Noted ML20204G2031999-03-22022 March 1999 Forwards Year 2000 Readiness Audit Rept Which Documents Results of NRR Audit Conducted at Facility from 990124-28 ML20204C7201999-03-16016 March 1999 Ack Receipt of Expressing Concern Over Sale of Certain Properties by Commonwealth Edison Co ML20204E3341999-03-16016 March 1999 Expresses Appreciation for Re Concerns Over Sale of Certain Properties by Licensee.No Regulatory Basis for NRC to Require Util to Rely on strip-mine Ponds as Suppl Source of Cooling Water ML20204E2801999-03-16016 March 1999 Ack Receipt of Rev 3M to Portions of Braidwood Nuclear Power Generating Station Emergency Plan Site Annex.Informs That NRC Approval Not Required Based on Ceco Determinations That Changes in Rev 3M Do Not Decrease Effectiveness of Plan ML20207J9741999-03-11011 March 1999 Discusses Rev 3,to Portions of Braidwood Power Station EP Site Annex.Based on Licensee Determinations That Changes Do Not Decrease Effectiveness of EP & Plan Continues to Meet Standards of 10CFR50.47(b),NRC Approval Not Required ML20203E9521999-02-11011 February 1999 Forwards Insp Rept 50-456/98-16 on 980916-990121.No Violations Were Identified.Insp Was Exam of Activities Re Engineering & Maint Activities for Replacement of Steam Generators for Compliance with Commission Regulations ML20203F2541999-02-10010 February 1999 Informs That Beginning 990216,DE Hills Will Be Chief of Operations Branch Which Includes Operator Licensing Function ML20203C9761999-02-0808 February 1999 Ack Receipt of ,Which Transmitted Changes Identified as Rev 44 to Security Plan.No NRC Approval Required ML20203A4601999-02-0505 February 1999 Ack Receipt of 981109 Evaluation of Indication in Base Metal of Braidwood Station,Unit 1,main Steam Piping Sys Elbow ML20203A3641999-02-0303 February 1999 Forwards Copy of FEMA Evaluation Rept for 980520 Emergency Preparedness Exercise at Braidwood.One Deficiency & Three Areas Requiring Corrective Action Identified.Deficiency Corrected During Remedial Exercise Held on 980806 ML20199E6561999-01-15015 January 1999 Discusses Unresolved Security Item Re Adequacy of Compensatory Measures Implemented for Section of Vehicle Barrier Sys.Issue Briefly Described as Listed ML20199E1351999-01-0808 January 1999 Forwards Revised Dates for Engineering & Technical Support Insp,Emergency Planning Insp,Security Insp & Operational Assessment Insp for Braidwood IR 05000456/19980141999-01-0505 January 1999 Ack Receipt of Informing NRC of Steps Taken to Correct Violations Noted in Insp Repts on 50-456/98-14 & 50-457/98-14 Issued on 981117 ML20198R0741998-12-30030 December 1998 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/98-20 & 50-457/98-20 on 981020-1207.No Violations Noted.Insp Generally Characterized by safety-conscious Operations,Sound Engineering & Maint Practices & Careful Radiological Work Controls ML20197J6831998-12-10010 December 1998 Forwards Insp Repts 50-456/98-21 & 50-457/98-21 on 981110- 24.No Violations Noted.Insp Reviewed Corrective Actions for Previously Identified Issues ML20197H4261998-12-0404 December 1998 Forwards Insp Rept 50-456/98-18 on 981015-23 & 1109-10.No Violations Noted.Some Weaknesses Identified in Operator Performance & Training ML20197K1311998-12-0202 December 1998 Forwards Planned Insp Effort for Next 6 Months at Plant.Info Provided to Minimize Resource Impact on Staff & Allow for Scheduling Conflicts & Personnel Availability to Be Resolved in Advance of Inspector Arrival Onsite 1999-09-06
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l p @""' % e UNITED STATES gy hj NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
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j* 801 WARRENV:i.LE ROAD uSLE, ILUNCKS 60532-4351
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'i January 22, 1997 iir. H. ' Site Vice President i Braidwood Station '
Commonwealth Edison. Company i
RR #1. Box 84
'Braceville, IL 60407 -
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SUBJECT: SPECIALINSPEbi10NREPORTNO. 50-456/96018 AND NOTICE OF .ATION
Dear Mr. Stanley:
This refers to the special safety inspection conducted on October 12 through November 13. 1996, to assess the unplanned opening of the pressurizer power
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operated relief valve during a cooldown on Braidwood Unit 1. At the ;
conclusion of the inspection, the findings _ were discussed with Mr. T. Tulon. i plant manager and other memt,ers of your staff identified in the enclosed report.- l
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Dur inspection concluded that the actual opening of.the pressurizer power j operated relief valve created minimal threat to the public safety, plant l workers or to the plant and that the investigations your staff performed of i the event were prompt and thorough. However. lifting a pressurizer relief valve was a challenge to the integrity of the reactor coolant system pressure- '
boundary creating the threat of a potential loss of coolant accident. We are concerned about the broad spectrum of circumstances that led to the event '
including the lack of appropriate procedural guidance, the lack of safety i consideration in the nonconservative cooldown evolution that appeared to be schedule driven, the operation with a degraded charging flow control valve exhibiting erratic behavior at low flow conditions for an extended period of time without any corrective action until this event and what appeared to be the lack of good communications in several instances.
Based on the results of this inspection, the NRC concluded that a violation of NRC. requirements occurred as cited in the enclosed Notice of Violation (Notice). You are required to respond to this violation. The circumstances surrounding the violation are described in detail in the inspection report.
Because of the complexity of the issue and the potential safety consequences, a management meeting to discuss this violation and the related circumstances has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (CST) on January 27, 1997, at the NRC "
Region III office in Lisle. Illinois. This meeting is being held as an
. opportunity for you to provide any insights that may not be apparent in the inspection report. to discuss your corrective actions, and to provide any additional information that you deem necessary. This meeting will be open to public observation. '
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i 9701300211 970122 PDR ADOCK 05000456 PDR gCkk* ;
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H;< Stanley' -2-In accordance with 10 CFR 2.790 of the Commission's regulations, a copy of this letter, with enclosures, and your response will be placed in the NRC Public Document Room. '
i We will gladly discuss any questions'you have concerning this inspection. i i
Sincerely
'. i
[b
ames L. Caldwell Director ivision of Reactor Projects ,
Docket No.: 50-456 ,
l License No: NPF-72 Enclosures: ..
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1. Notice of Violation- 1 2. Inspection Report No. 50-456/96018:
3. Event Timeline cc w/ encl: T. J. Maiman. Senior Vice President Nuclear Operations Division D. A. Sager..Vice President.
Generation Su) port H. W. Keiser. C11ef Nuclear O
T. perating Officer Tulon. Station Manager T. Simpkin. Regulatory Assurance Supervisor I. Johnson Acting Nuclear Regulatory Services Manager Richard Hubbard
- Nathan Schloss. Economist
' Office of the Attorney General !
State Liaison Officer i Chairman. Illinois Commerce Commission
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Document Control Desk-Licensing-i
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