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Category:Memoranda
MONTHYEARML22147A0932022-06-0606 June 2022 2021 Annual Assessment Public Meeting Summary ML21140A3892021-05-24024 May 2021 Riv Column 1 EOC 2020 Public Meeting Summary ML21061A3202021-03-10010 March 2021 Summary of February 25, 2021, Public Meeting with Nuclear Energy Institute to Further Discuss the Inclusion of TSTF-425 Under the Risk-Informed Process for Evaluations Initiative ML21006A3242021-01-0707 January 2021 Approval of the Risk-Informed Process for Evaluations ML19120A1972019-04-26026 April 2019 Memo to File Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Arizona Public Service Company'S Decommissioning Funding Plan Submitted in Accordance with 10 CFR 73.30(b) and 10 CFR 72.30(c) for Palo Verde ISFSI ML18173A0082018-06-20020 June 2018 Cancelling Numerous Inspection Report Numbers ML17128A4522017-05-0808 May 2017 Lessons Learned from Modeling the Flex Steam Generator Feed Pump for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station ML17082A4462017-03-28028 March 2017 PVNGS Units 1, 2, and 3 Transition to CE 16x16 Ngf - Draft RAIs Rev 3 ML17027A2842017-01-27027 January 2017 Charter for the NRC Special Inspection Team at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station-Review of Licensee Actions Related to the Failure of the Unit 3 Train B Emergency Diesel Generator ML17018A1232017-01-17017 January 2017 Management Directive 8.3 Evaluation for Palo Verde Unit 3 Emergency Diesel Generator Failure ML17003A0832017-01-0303 January 2017 Safety Evaluation Input Regarding Changes to Technical Specifications for One-Time Extension of Completion Time for Emergency Diesel Generator ML17003A3892017-01-0303 January 2017 Safety Evaluation Input Regarding the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Unit 3 Emergency Request to Extend Diesel Generator 3B Completion Time ML17004A2092017-01-0303 January 2017 Safety Evaluation Input for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Unit 3, Llcense Amendment Request for a One-Time Extension of the 3B Emergency Diesel Generator Completion Time ML16358A4152016-12-23023 December 2016 Technical Specifications for One-Time Extension of Completion Time for Emergency Diesel Generator ML16088A2042016-03-28028 March 2016 Memo T Bowers from s Ruffin, Technical Assistance Requests - Review 2015 Tri-Annual Decommissioning Funding Plans for Multiple Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations W/ Encl 2 (Template) ML16088A2052016-03-28028 March 2016 Enclosure 1 - (72.30 DFP Reviews to Be Completed 2015) - Memo T Bowers from s Ruffin, Technial Assistance Requests - Review 2015 Tri-Annual Decommissioning Funding Plans for Multiple Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations ML15205A3602015-07-24024 July 2015 Assessment of Cyber Security Program Draft Temporary Instruction (Ti) Performed at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station ML15117A0422015-04-29029 April 2015 Memorandum to File Summarizing 4/24/15 Telephone Conference Granting Verbal Relief for Relief Request 53, Request for Approval of an Alternative to ASME Code, Section XI, Requirements for Flaw Removal ML14115A0452014-06-25025 June 2014 Issuance of Amendment Nos. 193, 193, and 193, Adopt Technical Specification Task Force (TSTF)-500, Revision 2, DC Electrical Rewrite - Update to TSTF-360 ML13238A0352014-04-22022 April 2014 Memo from P. Lee to M. Markley Palo Verde RAI Memorandum ML13330A5732013-12-0505 December 2013 Verbal Authorization of Relief Request 51, Alternative to ASME Code for Flaw Removal, Reactor Vessel Bottom-mounted Instrumentation Nozzle, Third 10-Year ISI Interval ML13324A4942013-11-19019 November 2013 Deferral of Baseline Inspection Activities ML13294A3732013-10-21021 October 2013 11/4/13 Notice of Meeting with Arizona Public Service Company to Discuss Non-destructive Examination Efforts, Repairs, and Progress on Root Cause Identified During Inspection of Bottom-Mounted Instrumentation Nozzles at Palo Verde, Unit 3 ML13281A2032013-10-0909 October 2013 11/5/2013 Notice of Preapplication Meeting to Discuss License Amendment Request to Incorporate Nuclear Energy Institute NEI-11-04 Quality Assurance Program at Palo Verde, Units 1, 2, and 3 ML13199A0082013-07-22022 July 2013 Meeting Notice with Arizona Public Service Company Low Pressure Safety Injection Pump Single Failure Analysis for Minimum Required Refueling Water Tank Transfer Volume at Palo Verde, Units 1, 2, and 3 ML13154A4832013-06-0404 June 2013 Rai'S Following Ifib Analysis of Ap'S 2013 Decommissioning Funding Status Report for Palo Verde Units 1, 2 and 3 ML13143A0892013-05-23023 May 2013 Meeting Notice with Arizona Public Service Company to Discuss the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Staff'S Draft Request for Additional Information Relating to the February 28, 2013, Submittal ML13105A0182013-05-16016 May 2013 Request for Additional Information Regarding APS Overall Integrated Plan in Response to Order EA-12-049 ML13127A2432013-05-0808 May 2013 5/29/13 Meeting Via Conference Call with Arizona Public Service Company to Discuss Palo Verde Request to Revise Technical Specifications; Eliminate Use of the Term Core Alteration Consistent w/TSTF-471 and NUREG-1432, Rev 3 (TAC ME8160-ME81 ML12227A8562012-08-17017 August 2012 Notice of Meeting with Arizona Public Service Company to Discuss Relief Request 48 - Alternative to ASME Section III, Phased Array Ultrasonic Examination Techniques for Palo Verde, Units 1, 2, and 3 ML12157A2722012-06-11011 June 2012 5/31/2012 Summary of Telephone Conference with Licensees Regarding Near Term Task Force Recommendation 2.1 Seismic Reevaluations - Diablo Canyon, 1 and 2, San Onofre, Units 2 and 3, Columbia Generating Station, and Palo Verde, Units 1, 2, a ML1104604622011-02-15015 February 2011 Minutes Meeting of Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station Units 1, 2, and 3 License Renewal Subcommittee, September 8, 2010, in Rockville, Maryland ML1030105232010-11-16016 November 2010 Summary of Teleconference Held on Between the U.S. NRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning Draft Follow-Up Request for Additional Information Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2 and 3, LRA ML1029905302010-11-16016 November 2010 Summary of Telephone Conference Call Held on October 22, 2010, Btw the USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning D-RAI Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, LRA ML1030900182010-11-0505 November 2010 Notice of Meeting with Arizona Public Service Company to Discuss Palo Verde, Units 1, 2, and 3 License Amendment Request to Revise Technical Specification 3.7.4, Atmospheric Dump Valves. ML1020305002010-10-15015 October 2010 Summary of Tele Conf Call Held on 7/21/10, Btw the USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning Draft Request for Additional Information Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, License Renewal App ML1019401422010-10-15015 October 2010 July 8, 2010, Summary of Telephone Conference Call Held Between USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company Concerning D-RAI Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, License Renewal Application ML1027801622010-10-13013 October 2010 9/15/10 Summary of Public Meeting to Discuss the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station ML1028003402010-10-13013 October 2010 Final Response to Task Interface Agreement - Requirements for Degraded Voltage Relay Setpoints at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (TIA 2010-005 ML1024303382010-10-0505 October 2010 Letter Summary of Telephone Conference Call Held on 8/31/10 Btw the USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning Draft Request for Additional Information Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Lr ML1023102542010-08-24024 August 2010 Forthcoming Meeting to Discuss the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Dseis) for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station ML1021606502010-08-0909 August 2010 Transmittal Letter Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Review of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, License Renewal Application - Safety Evaluation Report ML1017600272010-07-19019 July 2010 Summary of Telecon Calls Held on May 5, May 19, and June 16, 2010 Between the USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning D-RAI Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, License Renewal Application ML1013407882010-06-0202 June 2010 Summary of Tele Conf Call Held on 4/14/10, Btw USNRC and APS, Concerning D-RAI Pertaining to the PVNGS, Units 1,2 and 3, License Renewal Application ML1013302522010-06-0202 June 2010 4-13-2010, Telecon Summary Re Draft Request for Additional Information Pertaining to the License Renewal Application ML1013302862010-06-0202 June 2010 04/23/10 Summary of Telepone Conference Call Held Between NRC and Arizona Public Service Co., Concerning Palo Verde, Units 1, 2 & 3 License Renewal Application ML1013406662010-06-0202 June 2010 Summary of Tele Conf Call Held on 4/12/10, Btw the USNRC and APS, Concerning the PVNGS, Units 1, 2, and 3, License Renewal Application ML1013407042010-06-0202 June 2010 License Renewal, May 14, 2010 Conference Call Summary ML1010606402010-04-27027 April 2010 Summary of Tele Conference Call Held on 4/9/10, Btw the USNRC and Arizona Public Service Company, Concerning Draft Requests for Additional Information Pertaining to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1,2, and 3, License Renewa ML1009804822010-04-20020 April 2010 05/06/10 Notice of Public Working Meeting with Arizona Public Service to Discuss Issues Related to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station License Renewal Application 2022-06-06
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January 27, 2017
MEMORANDUM TO: Ron Kopriva, Senior Reactor Inspector Engineering Branch 1 Division of Reactor Safety
FROM: Kriss M. Kennedy, Regional Administrator
/RA/
SUBJECT:
CHARTER FOR THE NRC SPECIAL INSPECTION TEAM AT PALO VERDE NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION - REVIEW OF LICENSEE ACTIONS RELATED TO THE FAILURE OF THE UNIT 3 TRAIN B EMERGENCY DIESEL GENERATOR
On December 15, 2016, the Unit 3 train B emergency diesel generator experienced a significant mechanical failure during testing that resulted in ejection of a connecting rod. That same emergency diesel generator previously experienced a significant mechanical failure on December 23, 1986, that also resulted in ejection of a connecting rod from the same cylinder. The cause of the failures may or may not be similar. Because of the potential generic implications, the potential that the failures may be repetitive, and the risk significance of the emergency diesel generator failure, a special inspection team is being chartered. You are hereby designated as the team leader.
A. Basis On December 15, 2016, during a scheduled surveillance test run of the Unit 3 train B emergency diesel generator, with the emergency diesel generator loaded to approximately 50 percent of full load, the control room received a low lube oil emergency trip annunciator. The area operator reported a large amount of smoke and oil, and large metal debris that had been expelled from the engine. The licensee declared an ALERT at 0410 [MST] based on an explosion resulting in visible damage to a safety system required for safe shutdown (HA2.1).
Palo Verde Fire Department responded and no fire was observed. The Alert was terminated at 0636 [MST]. No other safety functions were impacted. No personnel injuries occurred.
The licensee determined there had been a catastrophic failure of a connecting rod for cylinder 9 causing crankcase damage and engine internal parts to be ejected from the crankcase.
This same emergency diesel generator experienced a catastrophic failure of the same cylinder (9) in 1986. Connecting rod 9R failed during the startup testing program in 1986, and the current failure is also being attributed to connecting rod 9R. This engine UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REGION IV 1600 E. LAMAR BLVD ARLINGTON, TX 76011-4511 R. Kopriva 2 has approximately 3500 run time hours since the repair in 1986. Palo Verde emergency diesel generators are Cooper-Bessemer Model KSV-20. Two other similar Cooper-Bessemer diesel generator failures have occurred, both at South Texas Project. In 1989, South Texas Project emergency diesel generator 22 had a connecting rod for cylinder 4 fail, and in 2003 emergency diesel generator 22 had a connecting rod for cylinder 9 fail. The Palo Verde licensee last performed ultrasonic testing of the connecting rods for Unit 3 train B emergency diesel generator in October 2013, and did not identify any deficiencies.
During a December 20, 2016, tele-conference with the Palo Verde licensee, NRR, and Region IV, the licensee stated their intent to identify the root cause of the failure, and to evaluate the extent to which the condition could affect the remaining emergency diesel generators at Palo Verde. On December 23, 2016, the NRC issued an emergency license amendment (ADAMS ML16358A676) to extend the allowed outage time for the Unit 3 train B emergency diesel generator to a total of 21 days based on compensatory measures implemented by the licensee.
Subsequently, on January 4, 2017, the NRC issued a second emergency license amendment (ADAMS ML17004A020) to extend the allowed outage time for the emergency diesel generator to a total of 62 days based on the calculated overall plant risk with compensatory measures in place for the period of time needed to complete repairs to the engine.
A special inspection team will be dispatched to better understand the cause of the emergency diesel generator failure, the extent of condition, the potential generic implications, and the corrective actions proposed and taken by the licensee. The resident inspection staff at Palo Verde conducted considerable inspection effort during the review of the amendment requests and will provide additional inspection support as needed.
A preliminary risk analysis performed by a Senior Reactor Analyst resulted in an estimated Incremental Conditional Core Damage Probability greater than 1 E-06.
B. Scope
The team is expected to perform data gathering and fact-finding in order to address the following:
- 1. Provide a recommendation to Region IV management as to whether the inspection should be upgraded to an augmented inspection team response. This recommendation should be provided by the end of the first day on site.
- 2. Develop a chronology of the emergency diesel generator failure and operator response.
- 3. Review and assess the adequacy of operator response to the emergency diesel generator failure.
- 4. Review the current status of the licensee's cause determination and determine whether it is being conducted at a level of detail commensurate with the safety significance of the event, including review of relevant plant-specific and industry (foreign and domestic) operating experience and previous diesel generator failures.
R. Kopriva 3 5. Review the circumstances associated with the emergency diesel generator failure to identify potential common failure modes and generic safety concerns.
- 6. Review records associated with the maintenance history for the emergency diesel generators at Palo Verde, including previous mechanical failures.
- 7. Review the licensee's program for periodic monitoring and maintenance of the emergency diesel generators, including inspection and assessment techniques and scope, periodicity, and the results of past inspections.
- 8. Review and assess the adequacy of the licensee's ongoing evaluation of extent-of-condition as it relates to the other emergency diesel generators in Units 1, 2, and 3.
- 9. Review and assess the licensee's prompt and long-term corrective actions to address the root and probable causes of the condition. Assess the adequacy of repair activities and independently verify information submitted in support of NRC review of any regulatory relief requests.
- 10. If applicable, review and assess the corrective actions for past similar failures, including vendor recommended actions to prevent such failures.
- 11. Review and assess the licensee's testing program to confirm the operability of the Unit 3 train B emergency diesel generator following repair activities.
C. Team Members Ron Kopriva, Team Leader Dustin Reinert, Team Member
D. Guidance
This memorandum designates you as the special inspection team leader. Your duties will be as described in Inspection Procedure 93812, "Special Inspection." The team composition has been discussed with you directly. During performance of the special inspection activities assigned to them, designated team members are separated from their normal duties and report directly to you. The team is to emphasize fact finding in its review of the circumstances surrounding the event, and it is not the responsibility of the team to examine the regulatory process. Safety concerns identified that are not directly related to the event should be reported to the Region IV office for appropriate action.
You should notify the licensee and the team should begin inspection activities on or before February 6, 2017, based on the licensee's schedule of activities. You should conduct an entrance meeting with the licensee at the appropriate time at the site. A report documenting the results of the inspection, including findings and conclusions, should be issued within 45 days of the exit meeting conducted at the completion of the inspection. While the team is active, you will provide periodic status briefings to
Region IV management.
This Charter may be modified should the team develop significant new information that warrants review. Should you have any questions concerning this Charter, contact Geoffrey Miller, Chief, DRP Branch D, at 817-200-1173.
ML17027A284 SUNSI Review: ADAMS: Non-Publicly Available Non-Sensitive Keyword: NRC 002 By: KK/dll/jm Yes No Publicly Available Sensitive OFFICE RIV SPE DRP C: DRP/D D: DRS D: DRP RA NAME J. Dixon G. Miller A. Vegel T. Pruett K. Kennedy SIGNATURE /RA/ /RA/ /RA/ /RA R.Lantz for/ /RA/ DATE 01/23/17 01/23/17 01/23/17 01/26/17 01/27/17