ML20154H833

Summary of ACRS Subcommittees on Reactor Radiological Effects & Fire Protection 851018 Meeting in Washington,Dc Re Increased Exposure Rates & Fire Hazards in Turbine Bldg. Attendance List Encl

ML20154H833
Person / Time
Issue date:	01/09/1986
From:	Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards
To:	Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards
References
ACRS-2366, NUDOCS 8603100383
Download: ML20154H833 (16)

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CERTIFIED COPY Q g j gg DATE ISSUED:Jan. 9,1986 MINUTES OF THE COMBINED MEETING OF THE "

s ACRS SUBCOMMITTEES ON REACTOR RADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND FIRE PROTECTION, OCTOBER 18, 1985 WASHINGTON, D. C.

Time and Place:

The ACRS Subcommittees on Reactor Radiological Effects and Fire Pro-tection held a joint meeting on October 18,1985 a t 1717 H Street, N.W. ,

Washington, D. C. The meeting began at 8:30 a.m. and was adjourned at

, approximately 4:15 p.m.

Purpose:

The purpose of this meeting was to review the increased radiation exposure rates and the potential fire hazards in the nuclear plant turbine building, plant environs, and offsite due to the use of hydrogen for Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC) suppression and the h use of oxygen in the off-gas system.

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h Commencing at 8:30 a.m., the Subcommittees heard and discussed presen-h c) o tations by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the NRC Staff

$$ifj and various industrial organizations, essentially all speaking on behalf m a.cu of the BWR Owners Group (BWROG) for IGSCC Research, in accordance with the tentative agenda (Attachment 1). A list of documents distributed during the meeting is enclosed as Attachment 2..

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Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 2 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985

,, Attendees: (Total 48)

ACRS Members NRC Staff D. Moeller, Chairman, RRE Subcommittee V. Benaroya, CMEB C. Michelson, Chairman, FP Subcommittee F. Witt, CMEB M. Carb.on, Member 0. Lynch, Jr., RAB e-J. Ebersole, Member M. Lamastia, PAB G. Reed, Member K. Kampe. SAB C. Ferrell, SAB ACRS Staff B. Dalrymple, DSI L. Connor DSA H. Alderman

0. Merrill EPRI J. McKinley Dones C. Wood ACRS Consultants W. Bilanin NONE Others 29 persons Many of the attendees included in the "Other" category were also partic-ipants -- See Agenda (Attachment 1), Attendees List (Attachment 3) and the following summary and highlights of presentations for their names and affiliations.

Summary and Highlights of Presentations:

I. Introductory Remarks - D. Moeller Dr. Moeller introduced the meeting by indicating that more than 400 cases of IGSCC have been reported at BWRs during the past decade and it is therefore a significant problem. He went on to explain that a number of plant operators are considering the addition of hydrogen to the cooling water. This will reduce the concentration of oxygen in the coolant and should, hopefully, thereby, reduce the corrosive effects of oxygen, resulting in a lowering of IGSCC. However, two adverse con-ditions are created by the hydrogen addition, (1) an increase in radio-active nitrogen-16 in the steam lines and turbines, which gives rise to

Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 3 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985 increased radiation exposure rates in the turbine building, plant and its environs, and (2) an increase in potential fire' hazards'due to the necessary handling of large quantities of hydrogen. Thus, these are the e

twomainareasbeingaddressedatthismeeting.

II. Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) for BWRs - Introduction and Back-ground -- R. L. Jones, EPRI '

Mr. Jones said that cracking of austenitic stainless steel piping is a serious reliability and availability problem in BWRs, having resulted in about 2000 cracks since 1974 and more than 10% BWR availability loss in the past year. .

He also said that the BWR Owners Group (BWROG) for IGSCC Research, formed in 1979, has accelerated existing EPRI R&D programs for the development of remedies to this problem. The possibility of the bene-fits of Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) has been discussed for some years. It was shown to be feasible in laboratory experiments in the early 1980's and is currently undergoing long-term in-plant verification tests which will continue for another two years.

To date, these in-plant tests have confirmed suppression of IGSCC and also have produced extensive laboratory data indicating that HWC reduces corrosion cracking in carbon steels, low alloy steels, and nickel-base alloys as well as stainless steel.

Minates/ Combined RRE & FP 4 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985 III. Radiological Effects of Hydrogen Water Chemistry -- C. J. Wood, EPRI c.

The essence of Dr. Wood's remarks regarding the effects of HWC on Radiation Doses is that it will result in:

1. A reduction in maintenance and inspection requirements, 2.

An increase in shutdown radiation fields (and hence exposure s., rates) of 20-30% in recirculation piping radiation fields from cobalt-60, but no impact on normal operation, and 3.

An increase in operating radiation fields (and hence exposure rates) of 200 to 500% in steam lines and turbines from nitro-gen-16, but no impact on shutdown.

IV. Steamline Radiation Fielde, -- R. Law /M. Siegler, General Electric Co.

Mr. Law made the presentation. He discussed the chemical basis for HWC and the results of the Dresden 2 testing program. His principal con-clusions were that the increase in main steam line activity is a chemi-cal consequence of HWC, and that the pre-implementation testing provides engineering data for final system design.

V. Shutdown Radiation Fields -- R. Law /M. Siegler, General Electric Co.

Mr. Law discussed the monitoring program at Dresden 2, the results of which are:

Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 5 Veetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985

,, (1) Recirc pipe Co-60 increased 14%

(2) Recirc pipe DPGSM exposure rates increased 26%, and (3) RWCU exposure rates showed no significant change s

He explained their interpretation of the preceding as follows:

(1) The largest changes (increases) occurred from' corrosion deposits within the piping.

(2) HWC is believed to have caused a change in existing oxide concentrations followed by particulate release (3) The rate of increase in radiation buildup seemed to be de-creasing and it appears that it will stabilize over the next cycle. However, answers will not be known because (or pos-sibly until) the system is decontaminated.

VI. Radiological impacts of HWC - Increased N-16 Activity and Some Techniques for Mitigation -- D. James, Advanced Process Technology Mr. James discussed various turbine building configurations and HWC

. contributions to environs exposure rates for conditions of plant shut-down, normal operating conditions, and with hydrogen water chemistry.

The specific subject areas covered in his presentation included:

(1) Areas of Potential Radiological Impact (2) Radiological Impact Determination Techniques (3) Radiological Impact Variation Among U. S. BWRs

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Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 6 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985 (4) Types of Mitigating Actions His conclusions are that:

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', r, (1) HWC will increase the exposure rates slightly in and around BWRs (2) The impact can be reliably assessed throughout' implementation (3) The impact can be mitigated, if required (4) The radiological impact of HWC is manageable and, overall, the net result of its implementation appears definitely to be ALARA.

I VII. NRC Staff Discussion on Radiological Exposures Resulting from Hydrogen Addition (HWC) in BWRs -- V. Benaroya and O. Lynch, Jr.

The highlights of the Staff's discussion were that, with HWC:

(1) Occupational radiation exposure rates are increased (2) The effect on public health and safety is minimal (3) Tnere is only a negligible increase in effluent release of radioactive material (4) Hydrogen addition is not without problems VIII.BWR Owners Group (BWROG) Activities Regarding Permanent BWR HWC Installations -- W. Bilanin, EPRI f

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' Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 7 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985 Mr. Bilanin discussed the background, objective and approach being taken in this effort. He stated that since early studies indicated that significant quantities of hydrogen could be required, the BWROG recog-t nized the need to evalsate the effects of hydrogen storage and to develop generic guidelines for utility use to streamline the implementa-tion process.

By following this course, they hope to,also provide NRC with standards for use in review, which would allow utility implementa-tion without prior NRC case-by-case evaluations. He identified the four areas of activity being investigated by BWROG: (1)Thedevelopmentof guidelines for HWC use, and (2) a review of specific problems and considerations necessary for (a) the hydrogen supply system. (b) the hydrogen distribution system, and (c) the offgas system. Each of these areas was uiscussed by different investigators in subsequent presen-tations.

Villa. Overview of Guidelines for Permanent BWR HWC Installations --

D. Helwig, Philadelphia Electric Co.

Mr. Helwig gave an overview of the status and identified the contents of the guidelines. The BWROG submitted a draft report to the NRC Staff on 10/9/85 following an initial presentation to them in June, 1985. A remaining section of the guidelines and back-up information is due to be issued ' early November,1985. They are currently working with the NRC Staff on the resolution of coments on the guidelines.

VIIIb. Prevention of Leakage and Potential Ignition or Detonation for the Hydrogen Dist ibution System -- L. Doelp Air Products and

' Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 8 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985

.,, Chemicals, Inc.

Mr. Doelp reviewed the history of the industrial use of liquid hydrogen ,

and discussed its potential hazards. He identified various natural and human-induced events that could lead to accidents and discussed design considerations which would mitigate the occurrence and effects of such mishaps.

VIIIc.

Proper Design for Hydrogen Leak Detection G. Seeley, Stearns Catalytic Corp.

Mr. Seeley described their company's approach to the detection and control of hydrogen leaks and discussed the essential elements of 1

hydrogen safety, including the three axioms of hydrogen safety --

ventilation, leak prevention and elimination of ignition sources. After discussing the various good engineering practices for hydrogen safety, he drew the following conclusions:

(1) Much information on good design guidance is available in the litera ture, (2) System design must adhere to such guidance, and (3) Generic guidance will provide assurance that systems will be designed and operated safely.

VIIId. BWR Offgas System Firc Hazards -- L. Nesbitt, General Electric Co.

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' Minutes / Combined RRE & FP 9 Meetings, Oct. 18-19, 1985 s

Mr. Nesbitt described a typical BWR offgas system and the potential causes of fires. He stated that the potential causes of fires are essentially unchanged by the HWC, and summarized his remarks as follows:

N (1) HWC will have small, if any, effect on the number or results of BWR offgas fires.

(2) There will be a slight decrease in fires upstream of the recombiner due to offgas stoichiometry (3) There will be a slight increase in downstream fires, due to failure of oxygen control (4) The damage probability is zero IX, Meeting with BWROG for IGSCC Research, October 9,1985 -- Memoran-dum from F. Witt to V. Benaroya dated October 11, 1985 This document was distributed and discussed during the NRC Staff's presentation (VI) and by Mr. W. Bilanin (VII) and D. Helwig (VIIA) above. It is included here for completeness, although it was not discussed explicitly in the meeting. It was also not included with the transcript.

NOTE: A complete transcript of the meeting is on file at the NRC Public Document Room at 1717 H St., NW., Washington, D. C. or can be obtained at cost from ACE Federal Reporter Inc.

N. Capitol St., Washington, D. C. 2001 Telephone (202), 444 347-3700.

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1 ATTACHMENT 1 REVISED 10/02/85 TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR ACRS MEETING HYDROGEN ADDITION AT BWRs COMBINED RADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND FIRE PROTECTION SUBCOMMITTEES OCTOBER 18, 1985 Morning Session-Reactor Radiological Effects 8:30 a.m. 1. Introductory Statement-Chairman, Reactor Radiological Effects Subcomittee 8:40 a.m. 2. BWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research R. Jones /C. Wood Overview on Materials and Radiological (EPRI)

Effects of Hydrogen Water Chemistry 9:00 a.m. 3. Effects of Hydrogen Addition on piping R. Law /

shutdown radiation fields from Cobalt-60 M.Siegler(GE) 9:30 a.~m. ****** BREAK ******

9:40 a.m. 4 Plant measurements of increases in main R. Law /

steam line radiation levels from Nitrogen- M. Siegler '

16 (GE) 10:10 a.m. 5. Impact of hydrogen water chemistry on N-16 L.Anstine/

doses in plant and environs and means of D. James reducing personnel exposure (APT) 10:40 a.m. 6. Summary R. Jones (EPRI) 10:50 a.m. 7. NRC Staff Discussion on Radiological Exposure 11:30 a.m. 8. Subcomittee Discussion 12:00 NOON ****** LUNCH ******

Afternoon Session - Fire Protection 1:00 p.m. 9. Introductory Statement - Chairman, ACRS Subcomittee on Fire Protection 1:10 p.m. 10. BWR Owners Group for IGSCC Research W.Bilanin/

Subcomittee - Guidelines for Permanent D.Helwig BWR Hydrogen Water Chemistry (EPRI/PECo)

Installations 1:50 p.m. 11. Prevention of leakage and potential T. Seeley ignition or detonation for the * (Stearns hydrogen distribution system Catalytic)

OCTOBER 18, 1985 AGENDA .

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,, 2:05 p.m.

12. Prevention of leakage and potential L.Doelp ignition or detonation for the

,. hydrogen production system (Air Products) 2:35 p.m. ******

BREAK ******

2:45 p.m. '

13. Fire Hazards regarding the offgas system L. Nesbitt (GE) 3:00 p.m.

14. NRC Staff Discussion of Fire Protection 4:00 p.m.

15. Subcommittee Discussion 4:30 p.m. ******

ADJOURN ******

ATTACHMENT 2 PRESENTATION MATERIAL DISTRIBUTED DURING s

'THE COMBINED MEETING OF THE ACRS SUBCOMITTEES ON REACT RADIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND FIRE PROTECTION OCTOBER 18, 1985 WASHINGTON, D. C.

1. Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) for BWRs ~- Introduction and Back-ground, R. Jones, EPRI.

2. Radiological Effects of Hydrogen Water Chemistry, C. Wood, EPRI

3. Steamline Radiation Fields, R. Law and M. Siegler, General Electric Co.

4. Shutdown Radiation Fields, R. Law and M. Siegler, General Electric Co. (including Results of Dresden 2 Testing Program).

S. Radiological Impacts of HWC Increased N-16 Activity and Some

6. Techniques for Mitigation, D. James, Advanced Process Technology.

NRC Staff Discussion on Radiological Exposure Resulting from Hydrogen Addition (HWC) in BWRs, O. Lynch, NRR

7. BWR Owners Group Activities Regarding Permanent BWR Hydrogen Water Chemistry Installations W. Bilanin, EPRI.

8. Draft, Revision C -- Guidelines for Pennanent BWR Hydrogen Water Chemistry Installations, BWR Owners Group.

9. Overview of Guidelines for Permanent BWR Hydrogen Water Chemistry Installations, D. Helwig, Philadelphia Electric Co.

10. Prevention of Leakage and Potential Ignition or Detonation for the Hydrogen Inc.,

Distribution System, L. Doelp. Air Products and Chemicals.

11. Proper Design for Hydrogen Leak Detection, G. Seeley, Stearns Catalytic Corp.

12. BWR Offgas System Fire Hazards, L. Nesbitt, General Electric Co.

13.

(Handout) Memorandum from F. Witt to V. Benaroya,

Subject:

Meeting with BWR Owners's Group for IGSCC Research, Oct. 11, 1985

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