ML20009H258

Part 21 Deficiency Rept Re Deficient Weld on Weir Wall Liner Plates Initially Reported on 800820.Caused by Faulty Workmanship on Plates.Welds W/Incorrect Electrode Removed

ML20009H258
Person / Time
Site:	Phipps Bend
Issue date:	07/21/1981
From:	Mills L TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
To:	James O'Reilly NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II)
References
REF-PT21-81-482-000 10CFR-50.55E, NCR-PBNP-135, PT21-81-482, PT21-81-482-000, NUDOCS 8108070112
Download: ML20009H258 (2)

Text

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o OFFlCJAL copy 400 Chestnut Street Tower II '"**'

,' ,. .i a July 21, 1981 Mr. James P. O'Reilly, Director Office of Inspection and Enforcement U.S. Nuc! ear Regulatory Commission Region II - Suite 3100 101 Marietta Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Dear Mr. O'Reilly:

PHIPPS BEND NUCLEAR PLANT UNITS 1 AND 2 - REPORTABLE DEFICIENCY -

DEFICIENT WELDS ON WEIR WALL LINER PLATES (NCR PBNP-135)

Initial notification of the subject deficiency was made to NRC-0IE, Region II, Inspector R. "J. Wright on August 20, 1980. The final report was submitted on December 22, 1980. In Inspection Report i

Nos. 50-553/81-01 and 50-554/81-01 dated February 11, 1981, Region l

II Inspector B. R. Crowley requested a revised report containing corrective actions to prevent future identical or similar occurrences. Enclosed is TVA's response to Inspector Crowley's request. We consider 10 CFR Part 21 applicabia *n t h i a_

nongonfgtm Yanc If you have any questions, please call Jim Domer at on FTS 857-2014.

Very truly yours, TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

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L. M. Mills, Manager Nuclear Regulation and Safety Enclosure cc: Mr. Victor Stello, Director (Enclosure)

Office of Inspection and Enforcement U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

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r g ENCLOSURE PHIPPS BEND NUCLEAR PLANT UNITS 1 AND 2 DEFICIENT WELDS ON WEIR WALL LINER PLATE 10CFR50.55(e)

NCR PS?!?-135 REPORT NO. 4 (REVISED FINAL)

On August 20, 1980 TVA informed NRC-0IE, Region II, Inspector R. W. Wright, of a potentially reportable condition under 10 CFR 50.55(e) regarding deficient welds on the weir wall liner plates. This structure was fabricated by Scellar Manufacturing Companyi Collingswood, New Jersey. This is a revised final report on this condition.

Description of Deficiency The weir wall liner plates designated for Phipps Bend Nuclear Plant have been shipped to the site. All 44 plates exhibit examples of rejectable welding por the inspection criteria established in Section III of the ASME Code. Additionally, some carbon steel angles were welded to the stainless steel liner plates using carbon steel welding electrodes. This is contrary to ASME III Code requirements and C. F. Braun Specification 300-11.

Safety Implications

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The use of the incorrect electrode on some welds resu1ts in a weld of indeterminate properties which may be susceptible to cracking or inadequate adhesion to the stainless steel. Also, many welds made with the proper electrode were of unacceptable quality and required repair.

The many occurrences of unacceptable welds could have degraded the structural integrity of the weir wall which could have adversely affected plant safety.

Corrective Action All welds made with-the incorrect electrode have been removed and the welds were made with the proper weld electrode. All welds which were of unacceptable quality and which were made with the proper 31ectrode have been reworked to remove the deficiencies. All welds were inspected td all applicable criteria. ~

The cause of this de'ficiency is unacceptable workmanship on the part-of Stellar and subsequent breakdown in the area of QA inspection of.these plates. Because all the weir wall liner plates have been shipped for Phipps Bend, action to prevent recurrence is not directly applicable to this product. However, TVA's Quality Engineering Branch (CEB) source inspectors have been instructed to intensify the inspection of Stellar products and not to release prodacts for ebipment whera there is evidence of defective material and/or uraeceptable workmanship. Stellar is also supplying the fuel pool liners for Phipps Bend. Manufacture of the fuel pool liners is complete, with 95 percent of all material already on site.

Any deficiencies that are~tound.in the fuel pool liners which are already on site will be documented and reported as appropriate.

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