Information Notice 2009-02, Biodiesel in Fuel Oil Could Adversely Impact Diesel Engine Performance: Difference between revisions

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{{#Wiki_filter:ML083450280
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION OFFICE OF NEW REACTORS OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS WASHINGTON, DC 20555-0001 February 23, 2009 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 2009-02: BIODIESEL IN FUEL OIL COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT DIESEL ENGINE PERFORMANCE
 
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
 
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
 
OFFICE OF NEW REACTORS
 
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS
 
WASHINGTON, DC 20555-0001 February 23, 2009 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 2009-02:                   BIODIESEL IN FUEL OIL COULD ADVERSELY
 
IMPACT DIESEL ENGINE PERFORMANCE


==ADDRESSEES==
==ADDRESSEES==
All holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycle facilities, except those who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently removed from the reactor vessel; all current and potential applicants for an early site permit, combined license, or standard design certification for a nuclear power plant under the provisions of Title 10 of the
All holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycle facilities, except those
 
who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently
 
removed from the reactor vessel; all current and potential applicants for an early site permit, combined license, or standard design certification for a nuclear power plant under the provisions
 
of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, Licenses, Certifications, and
 
Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants; all current holders of and potential applicants for


Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, "Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants"; all current holders of and potential applicants for construction permits under 10 CFR Part 50, "D
construction permits under 10 CFR Part 50, Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization


omestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities"; and all licensees and potential applicants for new fuel cycle facilities under
Facilities; and all licensees and potential applicants for new fuel cycle facilities under


10 CFR Part 70, "Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material."
10 CFR Part 70, Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material.


==PURPOSE==
==PURPOSE==
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is is
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information notice (IN) to alert


suing this information notice (IN) to alert licensees to the potential for diesel fuel oil to contain up to 5-percent biodiesel (B5), which could
licensees to the potential for diesel fuel oil to contain up to 5-percent biodiesel (B5), which could


adversely impact engine performance. The NRC expects recipients to review the information for applicability to their facilities and to consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions contained in this IN are not NRC requirements; therefore, no
adversely impact engine performance. The NRC expects recipients to review the information
 
for applicability to their facilities and to consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar
 
problems. However, suggestions contained in this IN are not NRC requirements; therefore, no


specific action or written response is required.
specific action or written response is required.


==DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES==
==DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES==
On June 19, 2008, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International D02 Main Committee approved a revision to the conventional petrodiesel standard specification. The revised standard, ASTM D975-08a, "Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils," now permits No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without labeling the blend. The changes to this standard will take effect within 3 to 5 months after the October 13, 2008, publication date of the final standard. The introduction of biodiesel blends into the No. 2 diesel fuel supply raises potential generic applicability and common-cause failure
On June 19, 2008, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International
 
D02 Main Committee approved a revision to the conventional petrodiesel standard specification.
 
The revised standard, ASTM D975-08a, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, now
 
permits No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without
 
labeling the blend. The changes to this standard will take effect within 3 to 5 months after the
 
October 13, 2008, publication date of the final standard. The introduction of biodiesel blends
 
into the No. 2 diesel fuel supply raises potential generic applicability and common-cause failure


concerns because of the possibly adverse physical properties associated with biodiesel use in
concerns because of the possibly adverse physical properties associated with biodiesel use in
Line 42: Line 77:
diesel engines including the safety-related emergency diesel generators (EDGs).
diesel engines including the safety-related emergency diesel generators (EDGs).


Examples of diesel engines providing functions important to safety include EDGs, diesel-driven fire pumps, diesel-driven auxiliary feedwater pumps, diesel-driven essential service water makeup pumps, diesel-driven instrument air compressors, security diesel generators, safe- shutdown facility diesel generators, diesel generators for emergency preparedness and response functions, and station blackout diesel generators. The U.S. Department of Energy has
Examples of diesel engines providing functions important to safety include EDGs, diesel-driven
 
fire pumps, diesel-driven auxiliary feedwater pumps, diesel-driven essential service water
 
makeup pumps, diesel-driven instrument air compressors, security diesel generators, safe- shutdown facility diesel generators, diesel generators for emergency preparedness and
 
response functions, and station blackout diesel generators. The U.S. Department of Energy has


stated that biodiesel blends of B5 or less do not cause noticeable differences in performance
stated that biodiesel blends of B5 or less do not cause noticeable differences in performance


compared to No. 2 diesel fuel. However, for the reasons discussed below, a B5 blend could be
compared to No. 2 diesel fuel. However, for the reasons discussed below, a B5 blend could be


problematic for EDGs and diesel engines that provide functions important to safety.
problematic for EDGs and diesel engines that provide functions important to safety.


Cleaning Effect
===Cleaning Effect===
 
B5 can have a cleaning effect that loosens accumulated sediment in fuel oil storage tanks that
B5 can have a cleaning effect that loosens accumulated sediment in fuel oil storage tanks that


previously stored conventional diesel fuel. This sediment can then plug filters and other
previously stored conventional diesel fuel. This sediment can then plug filters and other


equipment in the fuel oil system. To prevent the buildup of this sediment, licensees may take the following actions:
equipment in the fuel oil system. To prevent the buildup of this sediment, licensees may take


* Clean fuel oil storage tanks before putting B5 in them.
the following actions:
*   Clean fuel oil storage tanks before putting B5 in them.


* Add and/or upgrade the filters in the fuel oil system.
*   Add and/or upgrade the filters in the fuel oil system.


Licensees can expect to change and/or clean filters more frequently, especially during the early
Licensees can expect to change and/or clean filters more frequently, especially during the early
Line 66: Line 107:
stages of B5 use.
stages of B5 use.


Water B5 contains suspended particles of water from the manufacturing process. This water will, in
Water
 
B5 contains suspended particles of water from the manufacturing process. This water will, in


time, fall out of suspension and form "dirty water" in the fuel oil storage tank, which eventually leads to the formation and growth of algae.  To prevent the formation of dirty water and the
time, fall out of suspension and form dirty water in the fuel oil storage tank, which eventually


subsequent growth of algae, licensees may take the following actions:
leads to the formation and growth of algae. To prevent the formation of dirty water and the


* Use a moisture dispersant and biocide in fuel oil storage tanks containing B5.
subsequent growth of algae, licensees may take the following actions:
*   Use a moisture dispersant and biocide in fuel oil storage tanks containing B5.


* Add a fuel/water separator to the fuel oil system.
*   Add a fuel/water separator to the fuel oil system.


* Keep fuel oil storage tanks topped off to minimize in-tank condensation.
*   Keep fuel oil storage tanks topped off to minimize in-tank condensation.


Biodegradation
===Biodegradation===
B5 is biodegradable, and the presence of water, heat, oxygen, and other impurities accelerate


B5 is biodegradable, and the presence of water, heat, oxygen, and other impurities accelerate the degradation of the fuel supply. To avoid damage caused by fuel degradation, licensees may
the degradation of the fuel supply. To avoid damage caused by fuel degradation, licensees may


consider not using B5 if it has been stored for an extended period of time (approximately 3 to
consider not using B5 if it has been stored for an extended period of time (approximately 3 to
Line 86: Line 131:
6 months or longer).
6 months or longer).


Material Incompatibility
===Material Incompatibility===
 
Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc in tanks and fittings may accelerate the oxidation
Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc in tanks and fittings may accelerate the oxidation


process of B5, creating fuel insolubles or gels and salts. Licensees should avoid using zinc
process of B5, creating fuel insolubles or gels and salts. Licensees should avoid using zinc


linings, copper pipes and fittings, and brass regulators with B5.
linings, copper pipes and fittings, and brass regulators with B5.


Licensees should verify that elastomeric materials, such as hoses, gaskets, and O-rings, and their inspection and maintenance, are compatible with B5 and its effects. Temperature Protection
Licensees should verify that elastomeric materials, such as hoses, gaskets, and O-rings, and
 
their inspection and maintenance, are compatible with B5 and its effects. Temperature Protection


Biodiesel components have higher cloud points (the temperature at which solid particles start to
Biodiesel components have higher cloud points (the temperature at which solid particles start to


form, or gel) than standard (petroleum) diesel components. The cloud point also varies
form, or gel) than standard (petroleum) diesel components. The cloud point also varies


considerably with the source of the biodiesel component, which is not specified in B5 blends.
considerably with the source of the biodiesel component, which is not specified in B5 blends.


Clouding may also combine with suspended particles of water and exacerbate adverse cold temperature concerns. Consequently, licensees should evaluate and ensure adequate low temperature protection for all diesel generator system components.
Clouding may also combine with suspended particles of water and exacerbate adverse cold
 
temperature concerns. Consequently, licensees should evaluate and ensure adequate low
 
temperature protection for all diesel generator system components.


Housekeeping
===Housekeeping===
Biodiesel is a good solvent. If it is left on a painted surface long enough, it can dissolve certain


Biodiesel is a good solvent.  If it is left on a painted surface long enough, it can dissolve certain types of paints. Licensees should check for compatibility with paints they use, and should
types of paints. Licensees should check for compatibility with paints they use, and should


immediately wipe any B5 spills from painted surfaces.
immediately wipe any B5 spills from painted surfaces.
Line 113: Line 164:


===Applicable Regulatory Documents===
===Applicable Regulatory Documents===
  General Design Criterion 17, "Electric Power Systems," of Appendix A, "General Design Criteria
General Design Criterion 17, Electric Power Systems, of Appendix A, General Design Criteria


for Nuclear Power Plants," to 10 CFR Part 50, requires that onsite and offsite electric power
for Nuclear Power Plants, to 10 CFR Part 50, requires that onsite and offsite electric power


systems be provided to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components important
systems be provided to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components important


to safety. In addition, General Design Criterion 17 contains requirements for system capacity, capability, independence, redundancy, availability, testability, and reliability. Appendix B,  
to safety. In addition, General Design Criterion 17 contains requirements for system capacity, capability, independence, redundancy, availability, testability, and reliability. Appendix B,
"Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants," to
Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants, to


10 CFR Part 50, establishes overall quality assurance requirements for the design, construction, and operation of structures, systems, and components important to safety.
10 CFR Part 50, establishes overall quality assurance requirements for the design, construction, and operation of structures, systems, and components important to safety.


Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.137, "Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators," Revision 1, issued October 1979, describes a method that the NRC staff finds acceptable for complying with the Commission's regulations on diesel fuel oil systems for standby diesel generators and assurance of adequate quality of diesel fuel oil. RG 1.137 states that licensees should use
Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.137, Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators, Revision 1, issued October 1979, describes a method that the NRC staff finds acceptable for complying with
 
the Commissions regulations on diesel fuel oil systems for standby diesel generators and
 
assurance of adequate quality of diesel fuel oil. RG 1.137 states that licensees should use
 
Appendix B to American National Standards Institute N195-1976 as a basis for a program to


Appendix B to American National Standards Institute N195-1976 as a basis for a program to ensure the initial and continuing quality of diesel fuel oil as supplemented by eight additional provisions in RG 1.137 for maintaining the properties and quality of diesel fuel oil.
ensure the initial and continuing quality of diesel fuel oil as supplemented by eight additional


Related NRC Generic Communications
provisions in RG 1.137 for maintaining the properties and quality of diesel fuel oil.


NRC IN 2006-22, "New Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel
===Related NRC Generic Communications===
NRC IN 2006-22, New Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel Oil Could Adversely Impact Diesel Engine


Fuel Oil Could Adversely Impact Diesel Engine Performance," dated October 12, 2006, alerts addresses to the potential of new ultra-low-sulfur
Performance, dated October 12, 2006, alerts addresses to the potential of new ultra-low-sulfur


diesel fuel oil to adversely impact diesel engine performance.
diesel fuel oil to adversely impact diesel engine performance.


NRC IN 96-67, "Vulnerability of Emergency Diesel Generators to Fuel Oil/Lubricating Oil
NRC IN 96-67, Vulnerability of Emergency Diesel Generators to Fuel Oil/Lubricating Oil
 
Incompatibility, dated December 19, 1996, alerts addressees to a finding that involves the
 
degradation of the power block assembly of two EDGs caused by an incompatibility of the


Incompatibility," dated December 19, 1996, alerts addressees to a finding that involves the degradation of the power block assembly of two EDGs caused by an incompatibility of the
lubricating oil with a low-sulfur-content diesel fuel oil. NRC IN 94-19, Emergency Diesel Generator Vulnerability to Failure From Cold Fuel Oil, dated


lubricating oil with a low-sulfur-content diesel fuel oil. NRC IN 94-19, "Emergency Diesel Generator Vulnerability to Failure From Cold Fuel Oil," dated March 16, 1994, alerts addressees to a safety problem that could lead to the common mode
March 16, 1994, alerts addressees to a safety problem that could lead to the common mode


failure of all emergency diesel generator units as a result of temperature-related changes in the
failure of all emergency diesel generator units as a result of temperature-related changes in the
Line 146: Line 208:
fuel oil.
fuel oil.


NRC IN 91-46, "Degradation of Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Delivery Systems," dated July 18, 1991, alerts addressees to the potential inoperability of multiple EDGs resulting from two common-cause degradations: 
NRC IN 91-46, Degradation of Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Delivery Systems, dated
(1) degraded diesel fuel oil delivery systems, and
 
July 18, 1991, alerts addressees to the potential inoperability of multiple EDGs resulting from


(2) the failure of the licensee to meet technical specification testing requirements intended to detect the potentially degraded quality of the diesel fuel oil stored on site.
two common-cause degradations:
(1)   degraded diesel fuel oil delivery systems, and


NRC Generic Letter 83-26, "Clarification of Surve
(2)    the failure of the licensee to meet technical specification testing requirements intended to


illance Requirements for Diesel Fuel Impurity Level Tests," provides licensees with revised surveillance requirements for tests of the impurity level in diesel fuel oil to clearly reflect the relationship between the standard technical
detect the potentially degraded quality of the diesel fuel oil stored on site.
 
NRC Generic Letter 83-26, Clarification of Surveillance Requirements for Diesel Fuel Impurity
 
Level Tests, provides licensees with revised surveillance requirements for tests of the impurity
 
level in diesel fuel oil to clearly reflect the relationship between the standard technical


specification testing requirements for impurity levels in diesel fuel oil; guidance given in
specification testing requirements for impurity levels in diesel fuel oil; guidance given in


RG 1.137, Revision 1, and American National Standards Institute N195-1976 (ASTM D270,  
RG 1.137, Revision 1, and American National Standards Institute N195-1976 (ASTM D270,
ASTM D975, and ASTM D2274); and the NRC staff review performed in accordance with
ASTM D975, and ASTM D2274); and the NRC staff review performed in accordance with


Section 9.5.4 of NUREG-0800, "Standard Review Plan for the Review of Safety Analysis
Section 9.5.4 of NUREG-0800, Standard Review Plan for the Review of Safety Analysis


Reports for Nuclear Power Plants."
Reports for Nuclear Power Plants.


==DISCUSSION==
==DISCUSSION==
The conventional petrodiesel standard specification, ASTM D975-08a, has been revised to
The conventional petrodiesel standard specification, ASTM D975-08a, has been revised to


permit No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without labeling the blend. Licensees may start receiving B5 in the near future. As described above, B5 has a number of characteristics that could potentially degrade or render inoperable the associated diesel engine or may create a condition that is inconsistent with current plant design
permit No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without
 
labeling the blend. Licensees may start receiving B5 in the near future. As described above, B5 has a number of characteristics that could potentially degrade or render inoperable the
 
associated diesel engine or may create a condition that is inconsistent with current plant design
 
and licensing bases. This B5 issue is of particular concern because it could potentially affect


and licensing bases.  This B5 issue is of particular concern because it could potentially affect licensee diesel generators that are safety related and/or important to safety, thereby presenting a possible common-mode failure. Licensees can evaluate the potential impacts of B5 and can act to ensure that their plants are consistent with the current design and licensing bases and to prevent the diesels from being rendered inoperable or significantly degraded.
licensee diesel generators that are safety related and/or important to safety, thereby presenting
 
a possible common-mode failure. Licensees can evaluate the potential impacts of B5 and can
 
act to ensure that their plants are consistent with the current design and licensing bases and to
 
prevent the diesels from being rendered inoperable or significantly degraded.


==CONTACT==
==CONTACT==
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any


questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.
questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.


/RA/       /RA/  
/RA/                                                 /RA/
Timothy J. McGinty, Director     Glenn Tracy, Director Division of Policy and Rulemaking    Division of Construction Inspection and
Timothy J. McGinty, Director                         Glenn Tracy, Director


Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation      Operational Programs        Office of New Reactors
Division of Policy and Rulemaking                    Division of Construction Inspection and


/RA/ 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation                  Operational Programs
Daniel Dorman, Director


Office of New Reactors
/RA/
===Daniel Dorman, Director===
Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards
Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards


Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards
===Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards===
Technical Contacts:    Robert Wolfgang, NRR                  Omid Tabatabai, NRO


Technical Contacts: Robert Wolfgang, NRR  Omid Tabatabai, NRO    301-415-1624     301-415-6616 e-mail:
301-415-1624                           301-415-6616 e-mail: robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov       e-mail: omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov
robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov e-mail:
omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov


Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.
Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.


==CONTACT==
==CONTACT==
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any


questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.
questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.


/RA/       /RA/  
/RA/                                                 /RA/
Timothy J. McGinty, Director     Glenn Tracy, Director Division of Policy and Rulemaking    Division of Construction Inspection and
Timothy J. McGinty, Director                         Glenn Tracy, Director


Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation    Operational Programs        Office of New Reactors
Division of Policy and Rulemaking                    Division of Construction Inspection and


/RA/  Daniel Dorman, Director
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation                  Operational Programs


Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards
Office of New Reactors


Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards
/RA/


Technical Contacts: Robert Wolfgang, NRR  Omid Tabatabai, NRO
===Daniel Dorman, Director===
Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards


301-415-1624    301-415-6616 e-mail: 
===Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards===
robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov e-mail:
Technical Contacts:   Robert Wolfgang, NRR                  Omid Tabatabai, NRO
omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov


Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.
301-415-1624                          301-415-6616 e-mail: robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov        e-mail: omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov


Distribution
Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.


: IN Reading File
Distribution:


ADAMS ACCESSION NO.:
===IN Reading File===
  ML083450280
ADAMS ACCESSION NO.: ML083450280
OFFICE CPTB:DCI TECH EDITOR
OFFICE       CPTB:DCI         TECH EDITOR       BC:CPTB:DCI      BC:CSGB:DCI      D:DCI:NRR


BC:CPTB:DCI
NAME        RWolfgang        KAzariah-Kribbs  JMcHale          AHiser            MEvans


BC:CSGB:DCI D:DCI:NRR
DATE        1/7/2009        12/17/2008        1/15/2009        1/22/2009        1/29/2009 OFFICE      BC:EEEB:DE          PGCB:DPR              PGCB:DPR            BC:PGCB:DPR


NAME RWolfgang KAzariah-Kribbs JMcHale AHiser MEvans DATE 1/7/2009 12/17/20 08 1/15/2009 1/22/2009 1/29/2009 OFFICE BC:EEEB:DE PGCB:DPR PGCB:DPR BC:PGCB:DPR
NAME         GWilson              DBeaulieu              CHawes              MMurphy


NAME GWilson DBeaulieu
DATE        1/21/2009            2/2/2009              2/4/2009            2/9/2009 OFFICE      D:DCIP:NRO          BC:AFCB:FCSS          D:FCSS:NMSS          D:DPR:NRR


CHawes MMurphy DATE 1/21/2009
NAME        GTracy              THiltz                DDorman              TMcGinty
2/2/2009 2/4/2009 2/9/2009 OFFICE D:DCIP:NRO


BC:AFCB:FCSS D:FCSS:NMSS D:DPR:NRR NAME GTracy THiltz DDorman TMcGinty DATE 1/23/2009  
DATE         1/23/2009           1/27/2009              1/30/2009           2/23/2009 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY}}
1/27/200 9 1/30/2009 2/23/2009 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY}}


{{Information notice-Nav}}
{{Information notice-Nav}}

Latest revision as of 11:32, 14 November 2019

Biodiesel in Fuel Oil Could Adversely Impact Diesel Engine Performance
ML083450280
Person / Time
Issue date: 02/23/2009
From: Omid Tabatabai, Robert Wolfgang
Office of New Reactors, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
Beaulieu, D P, NRR/DPR, 415-3243
References
IN-09-002
Download: ML083450280 (6)
v • d • e


UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

OFFICE OF NEW REACTORS

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS

WASHINGTON, DC 20555-0001 February 23, 2009 NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 2009-02: BIODIESEL IN FUEL OIL COULD ADVERSELY

IMPACT DIESEL ENGINE PERFORMANCE

ADDRESSEES

All holders of operating licenses for nuclear power reactors and fuel cycle facilities, except those

who have permanently ceased operations and have certified that fuel has been permanently

removed from the reactor vessel; all current and potential applicants for an early site permit, combined license, or standard design certification for a nuclear power plant under the provisions

of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, Licenses, Certifications, and

Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants; all current holders of and potential applicants for

construction permits under 10 CFR Part 50, Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization

Facilities; and all licensees and potential applicants for new fuel cycle facilities under

10 CFR Part 70, Domestic Licensing of Special Nuclear Material.

PURPOSE

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information notice (IN) to alert

licensees to the potential for diesel fuel oil to contain up to 5-percent biodiesel (B5), which could

adversely impact engine performance. The NRC expects recipients to review the information

for applicability to their facilities and to consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar

problems. However, suggestions contained in this IN are not NRC requirements; therefore, no

specific action or written response is required.

DESCRIPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES

On June 19, 2008, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International

D02 Main Committee approved a revision to the conventional petrodiesel standard specification.

The revised standard, ASTM D975-08a, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, now

permits No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without

labeling the blend. The changes to this standard will take effect within 3 to 5 months after the

October 13, 2008, publication date of the final standard. The introduction of biodiesel blends

into the No. 2 diesel fuel supply raises potential generic applicability and common-cause failure

concerns because of the possibly adverse physical properties associated with biodiesel use in

diesel engines including the safety-related emergency diesel generators (EDGs).

Examples of diesel engines providing functions important to safety include EDGs, diesel-driven

fire pumps, diesel-driven auxiliary feedwater pumps, diesel-driven essential service water

makeup pumps, diesel-driven instrument air compressors, security diesel generators, safe- shutdown facility diesel generators, diesel generators for emergency preparedness and

response functions, and station blackout diesel generators. The U.S. Department of Energy has

stated that biodiesel blends of B5 or less do not cause noticeable differences in performance

compared to No. 2 diesel fuel. However, for the reasons discussed below, a B5 blend could be

problematic for EDGs and diesel engines that provide functions important to safety.

Cleaning Effect

B5 can have a cleaning effect that loosens accumulated sediment in fuel oil storage tanks that

previously stored conventional diesel fuel. This sediment can then plug filters and other

equipment in the fuel oil system. To prevent the buildup of this sediment, licensees may take

the following actions:

  • Clean fuel oil storage tanks before putting B5 in them.
  • Add and/or upgrade the filters in the fuel oil system.

Licensees can expect to change and/or clean filters more frequently, especially during the early

stages of B5 use.

Water

B5 contains suspended particles of water from the manufacturing process. This water will, in

time, fall out of suspension and form dirty water in the fuel oil storage tank, which eventually

leads to the formation and growth of algae. To prevent the formation of dirty water and the

subsequent growth of algae, licensees may take the following actions:

  • Use a moisture dispersant and biocide in fuel oil storage tanks containing B5.
  • Add a fuel/water separator to the fuel oil system.
  • Keep fuel oil storage tanks topped off to minimize in-tank condensation.

Biodegradation

B5 is biodegradable, and the presence of water, heat, oxygen, and other impurities accelerate

the degradation of the fuel supply. To avoid damage caused by fuel degradation, licensees may

consider not using B5 if it has been stored for an extended period of time (approximately 3 to

6 months or longer).

Material Incompatibility

Brass, bronze, copper, lead, tin, and zinc in tanks and fittings may accelerate the oxidation

process of B5, creating fuel insolubles or gels and salts. Licensees should avoid using zinc

linings, copper pipes and fittings, and brass regulators with B5.

Licensees should verify that elastomeric materials, such as hoses, gaskets, and O-rings, and

their inspection and maintenance, are compatible with B5 and its effects. Temperature Protection

Biodiesel components have higher cloud points (the temperature at which solid particles start to

form, or gel) than standard (petroleum) diesel components. The cloud point also varies

considerably with the source of the biodiesel component, which is not specified in B5 blends.

Clouding may also combine with suspended particles of water and exacerbate adverse cold

temperature concerns. Consequently, licensees should evaluate and ensure adequate low

temperature protection for all diesel generator system components.

Housekeeping

Biodiesel is a good solvent. If it is left on a painted surface long enough, it can dissolve certain

types of paints. Licensees should check for compatibility with paints they use, and should

immediately wipe any B5 spills from painted surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Applicable Regulatory Documents

General Design Criterion 17, Electric Power Systems, of Appendix A, General Design Criteria

for Nuclear Power Plants, to 10 CFR Part 50, requires that onsite and offsite electric power

systems be provided to permit the functioning of structures, systems, and components important

to safety. In addition, General Design Criterion 17 contains requirements for system capacity, capability, independence, redundancy, availability, testability, and reliability. Appendix B,

Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants, to

10 CFR Part 50, establishes overall quality assurance requirements for the design, construction, and operation of structures, systems, and components important to safety.

Regulatory Guide (RG) 1.137, Fuel Oil Systems for Standby Diesel Generators, Revision 1, issued October 1979, describes a method that the NRC staff finds acceptable for complying with

the Commissions regulations on diesel fuel oil systems for standby diesel generators and

assurance of adequate quality of diesel fuel oil. RG 1.137 states that licensees should use

Appendix B to American National Standards Institute N195-1976 as a basis for a program to

ensure the initial and continuing quality of diesel fuel oil as supplemented by eight additional

provisions in RG 1.137 for maintaining the properties and quality of diesel fuel oil.

Related NRC Generic Communications

NRC IN 2006-22, New Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel Fuel Oil Could Adversely Impact Diesel Engine

Performance, dated October 12, 2006, alerts addresses to the potential of new ultra-low-sulfur

diesel fuel oil to adversely impact diesel engine performance.

NRC IN 96-67, Vulnerability of Emergency Diesel Generators to Fuel Oil/Lubricating Oil

Incompatibility, dated December 19, 1996, alerts addressees to a finding that involves the

degradation of the power block assembly of two EDGs caused by an incompatibility of the

lubricating oil with a low-sulfur-content diesel fuel oil. NRC IN 94-19, Emergency Diesel Generator Vulnerability to Failure From Cold Fuel Oil, dated

March 16, 1994, alerts addressees to a safety problem that could lead to the common mode

failure of all emergency diesel generator units as a result of temperature-related changes in the

fuel oil.

NRC IN 91-46, Degradation of Emergency Diesel Generator Fuel Oil Delivery Systems, dated

July 18, 1991, alerts addressees to the potential inoperability of multiple EDGs resulting from

two common-cause degradations:

(1) degraded diesel fuel oil delivery systems, and

(2) the failure of the licensee to meet technical specification testing requirements intended to

detect the potentially degraded quality of the diesel fuel oil stored on site.

NRC Generic Letter 83-26, Clarification of Surveillance Requirements for Diesel Fuel Impurity

Level Tests, provides licensees with revised surveillance requirements for tests of the impurity

level in diesel fuel oil to clearly reflect the relationship between the standard technical

specification testing requirements for impurity levels in diesel fuel oil; guidance given in

RG 1.137, Revision 1, and American National Standards Institute N195-1976 (ASTM D270,

ASTM D975, and ASTM D2274); and the NRC staff review performed in accordance with

Section 9.5.4 of NUREG-0800, Standard Review Plan for the Review of Safety Analysis

Reports for Nuclear Power Plants.

DISCUSSION

The conventional petrodiesel standard specification, ASTM D975-08a, has been revised to

permit No. 2 diesel fuel to contain up to a B5 blend and still be considered the same without

labeling the blend. Licensees may start receiving B5 in the near future. As described above, B5 has a number of characteristics that could potentially degrade or render inoperable the

associated diesel engine or may create a condition that is inconsistent with current plant design

and licensing bases. This B5 issue is of particular concern because it could potentially affect

licensee diesel generators that are safety related and/or important to safety, thereby presenting

a possible common-mode failure. Licensees can evaluate the potential impacts of B5 and can

act to ensure that their plants are consistent with the current design and licensing bases and to

prevent the diesels from being rendered inoperable or significantly degraded.

CONTACT

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any

questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.

/RA/ /RA/

Timothy J. McGinty, Director Glenn Tracy, Director

Division of Policy and Rulemaking Division of Construction Inspection and

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Operational Programs

Office of New Reactors

/RA/

Daniel Dorman, Director

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards

Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards

Technical Contacts: Robert Wolfgang, NRR Omid Tabatabai, NRO

301-415-1624 301-415-6616 e-mail: robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov e-mail: omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov

Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.

CONTACT

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Please direct any

questions about this matter to the technical contacts listed below.

/RA/ /RA/

Timothy J. McGinty, Director Glenn Tracy, Director

Division of Policy and Rulemaking Division of Construction Inspection and

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Operational Programs

Office of New Reactors

/RA/

Daniel Dorman, Director

Division of Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards

Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards

Technical Contacts: Robert Wolfgang, NRR Omid Tabatabai, NRO

301-415-1624 301-415-6616 e-mail: robert.wolfgang@nrc.gov e-mail: omid.tabatabai@nrc.gov

Note: NRC generic communications may be found on the NRC public Web site, http://www.nrc.gov, under Electronic Reading Room/Document Collections.

Distribution:

IN Reading File

ADAMS ACCESSION NO.: ML083450280

OFFICE CPTB:DCI TECH EDITOR BC:CPTB:DCI BC:CSGB:DCI D:DCI:NRR

NAME RWolfgang KAzariah-Kribbs JMcHale AHiser MEvans

DATE 1/7/2009 12/17/2008 1/15/2009 1/22/2009 1/29/2009 OFFICE BC:EEEB:DE PGCB:DPR PGCB:DPR BC:PGCB:DPR

NAME GWilson DBeaulieu CHawes MMurphy

DATE 1/21/2009 2/2/2009 2/4/2009 2/9/2009 OFFICE D:DCIP:NRO BC:AFCB:FCSS D:FCSS:NMSS D:DPR:NRR

NAME GTracy THiltz DDorman TMcGinty

DATE 1/23/2009 1/27/2009 1/30/2009 2/23/2009 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY


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