ML20003F338

Responds to NRC 810213 Ltr Re Violations Noted in IE Insp Repts 50-424/81-02 & 50-425/81-02.Corrective Actions: Technique Developed to Measure Stud Arc Welding Parameters & Personnel Made Aware of Machine Settings

ML20003F338
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	03/11/1981
From:	Dutton D GEORGIA POWER CO.
To:	Murphy C NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION II)
Shared Package
ML20003F332	List: ML20003F335 ML20003F338
References
GN-118, NUDOCS 8104200628
Download: ML20003F338 (3)

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Post Omco Box 4545 9 A==. ca=* amm T a oh = . 404 522-eo w

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Post Omce Box 2625 Brmngharn Alabama 35202 Telephone 2o5 870-60tt March 11,,1981 United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

REFERENCE:

Office of Inspection and Enforcement IE: II: WPX Region II - Suite 3100 50-424/81-02 101 Marietta Street 50-425/81-02

Atlanta, GA 30303 File

X7BG10 Attention: Mr. C. E. Murphy Log: GN-118 Gentlemen:

1 The Georgia Power Company wishes to submit the following infomation concerning the violations discussed in your inspection report 50-424/81-02 and 50-425/81-02. The response to each violation is identified with the same nomenclature used in your inspection report.

A. We concur with the findings identified concerning " Stud Welding Procedure Control"

1. The stud arc welding procedure does not specify welding para-meters. The manufacturer's recomended approximate welding parameters are printed on the stud arc welding machine and are used in lieu of a welding procedure specification. Georgia Power has initiated action to develop a stud arc welding proce-dure specification which will be referenced in the Stud Weld Procedure.

Georgia Power has developed a technique to measure stud arc welding parameters. We use a Nelson Weld Current / Weld Time Analyzer. However, at the time of the audit, the unit was off site for calibration. We plan to pur:hase a second unit to ensure an available unit will be on site at all times.

2. A review of machine settings indicate that the finding identi-fied was an isolated occurrence which was the result of operator error. The studs shot at this setting were removed and replaced '

with studs shot at the recommmded setting.

The contractor and the Quality Control Section have been u2de aware of this violation which will help preclude reoccurtsnce.

810.4 20 0lv@

'Mr. C. E. Murphy ,

IE: II: WPK l 50-424/81-02; 50-425/81'-02

• l March 11, 1981 Page 2

3. Georgia Power has received stud base qualification data to replace that which was missing.. This data has been distri-buted to appropriate site personnel.

Fulrcompliance will be achieved by April 24, 1081.

B. We concur with the findings identified concerning " Welder Qualification Controls."

1. To determine the magnitude of the problem Pullman Power Products

& 2. reviewed all the specimens that had recently been bent. This review consisted of 132 coupons; of which 5 were found to be less than 3/8 inch. The five coupons were undersized by .008,

" .00 2 " , '.' . 014 " , '.' . 011 " , a n d '.' . 0 44. "

ASME Code interpretation number IX-79-109 states that Section IX does not specify exact dimensional tolerances for bend test, but recommends that standard commercial machine tolerances be observed. Bend test coupons will be measured with a rule graduated in 1/64 inch increments. Any undersized condition found greater than 1/64 inch will be rejected ard another coupon cut.

3. Pullman Power Products Procedure II-8 paragraph 7.2.1 (b) requires marking of the coupon, but is not specific. In practice the coupons are marked with the welders' identifying numbers. The .

procedure is being revised to indicate how the coupons will be identified.

4. The bend specimens inspected with coarse grind marks belonged to Chicago Bridge and Iron. They have changed their testing method to require radiographing in lieu of bending the specimens.

Full compliance will be achieved by !1 arch 31,1981.

C.' We concur with the findings identified concerning " Weld Rod Control."

l 1. Portable rod ovens receive heavy daily usage and.are on extended l service. A daily operational check is perfomed for failed l heating elements but elements may fail at any time. The two ovens identified have been replaced by ovens with operable heating elements. Welders have been instructed to notify weld rod attendant immediately of inoperable rod ovens.

2. The reason for damaged electrodes and studs being . discarded in unauthorized locations was due to craft welder carelessness.

The subject electrodes and electrode stubs were removed from unauthorized-locations and disposed into authorized, labelled 55-gallon weld rod stub disposal drums.

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'Mr C. E. Murphy IE: II: WPK 50-424/81-02; 50-425/81-02 March 11, 1981 Page 3 Welders have been instructed to dispose of damaged electrodes and. stubs into authorized containers ONLY. Four additional containers were distributed in congested project locations-One additional rod pouch or bucket was issued to each welder to use. for immediate rod stub. retention and transit to authorized container A warning was issued by centractor' field supervision to all welders that.any welder found in violation of weld rod control policies is subject to immediate termination.

Full compliance was achieved by January 16, 1981.

\ ,

Doug Du on 4

Project eneral Manager CWH:tp STATE OF GEORGIA

' COUNTY OF FULTON Doug Dutton states that he is Project General Manager of Georgia Power Company's Vogtle Project and is authorized to execute this oath on behalf of Georgia Power and that to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts set forth in thi r .

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GPC: N w^ i

'DougDjtton _

Sworn to and subscribed before'me t*,is lith day of March,1981.

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Mk Conunission psens Mar.aa. M .

Ndtary Public l

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