ENS 45402
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
02:10 Oct 1, 2009 | |
| Title | 24 Hour Report on Process Exhaust Hepa Filter Deterioraton |
| Event Description | On September 30, 2009 at approximately 1910 (PDT) an Air Balance Tech at AREVA NP's Richland fuel fabrication plant discovered that the primary and secondary HEPA filters servicing the ammonium diuranate (ADU) area showed visible signs of deterioration. The apparent deterioration is being reported in accordance with 10CFR70.50.b.2.
The K32A HEPA filters were examined at approximately 1910 PDT on September 30, 2009 based on a request to follow up on some observations the previous day of a dusting of powder and very low contamination downstream of the filters. Air flow was diverted to HEPA filters in a parallel upper housing in order to check the filters in the lower housing. Investigation showed apparent deterioration, cracked creases, of both the primary and final HEPA's. At approximately 2030 PDT the same day EHS&L personnel were informed of the event. The only processes running at the time were the Mop Water Furnace and Cylinder Wash. EHS&L ordered that these be shut down. Air monitor samples were pulled on the K-32A system. Air monitoring samples showed negligible release levels. A Health Safety Technician survey of the downstream side of the final HEPA housing of K-32A revealed no contamination. Potential dose to a member of the public and the effect on the environment are essentially negligible. External conditions are not known to have affected the event. A Corrective Action Report was written on October 1, 2009. The cause of the apparent deterioration is under active investigation. Steps to prevent recurrence will be developed as appropriate. The licensee stated that records indicate that the primary filter was changed out in August and the final filter was changed out in March. The licensee will notify the State and the NRC regional contact. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Areva Np Inc Richland Richland, Washington (NRC Region 2) | |
| License number: | SNM-1227 |
| Reporting | |
| 10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+17.65 h0.735 days <br />0.105 weeks <br />0.0242 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Robert Link 19:49 Oct 1, 2009 |
| NRC Officer: | Bill Huffman |
| Last Updated: | Oct 1, 2009 |
| 45402 - NRC Website | |
Areva Np Inc Richland with 10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 495242013-11-08T18:45:0008 November 2013 18:45:00
[Table view]10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) Apparent Deterioration of Primary and Secondary Hepa Filters ENS 454072009-10-02T20:30:0002 October 2009 20:30:00 10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) 24 Hour Report on Process Exhaust Hepa Filter Damage ENS 454022009-10-01T02:10:0001 October 2009 02:10:00 10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) 24 Hour Report on Process Exhaust Hepa Filter Deterioraton ENS 453102009-08-29T13:15:00029 August 2009 13:15:00 10 CFR 70.50(b)(2) Nuclear Criticality Detection System Inoperable 2013-11-08T18:45:00 | |