ML20214U894

Forwards Questions Re Use of Plasma Arc Torch for Cutting Upper Fuel Assembly Fittings as Described in 860827 Submittal

ML20214U894
Person / Time
Site:	Three Mile Island
Issue date:	12/02/1986
From:	Travers W Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:	Standerfer F GENERAL PUBLIC UTILITIES CORP.
References
CON-NRC-TMI-86-111 NUDOCS 8612090444
Download: ML20214U894 (3)

Text

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CCowgill LChandler Mr. F. R. Standerfer ACRS Vice President / Director. Till-2 IE 7 GPU Nucicar Corporation M-Town Service List P. 0. Box 480 Hiddletown, PA 17057 k

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Dear Hr. Standerfer:

1. ' By letter dated August 27, 1986, you submitted a Safety Evaluation Report  !

, (SER) for use of a Plasma Arc Torch in which, you described your proposed activities related to cutting the upper fuel assembly end fittings. Based on

' our initial review of the SER and discussions between members of our staffs on -

flovember 20, 1986, we have determined that we need additional infomation to O

complete our review. We request that you respond to the enclosed questions.

, Sincerely, b '

D /s/ John A. -Thomas for .

.f William D. Travers, Director

'l TMI-2 Cleanup Project Directorate

Enclosure:

As stated cc: T. F. Domitt i R. E. Rogan S. Levin J. E. Frew J. J. Byrne A. H. Miller h Service Distribution List

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ENCLOSURE

1. Some of the technical literature on plasma arc cutting and other forms of melting vaporization techniques indicate.that nickel carbonyl [Ni(CO)4]

may be generated during the cutting process. Provide the staff with additional information, including available analytical and experimental data, related to the formation of this highly toxic substance. Describe the potential health effects of nickel carbonyl and your proposed measures to protect personnel from this material.

2. During plasma arc cutting, temperatures of 20,000 to 50,000 F may be achieved in the central zone of the plasma. At these temperatures, material being cut is vaporized. What is the potential for heavy metal (including fissile materials) poisoning of personnel exposed to these vapors, and what protective measures will you employ to prevent this.

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3. During the November 20, 1986 meeting you stated that you planned to store the inert gases (nitrogen and carbon dioxide), needed to support plasma arc cutting, in the reactor building. Describe the quartities and locations of the stored gases and discuss the safety implications of an accidental release of the gas into the reactor building atmosphere. In addition, describe the hazards and protective measures to be employed related to oxygen displacement by the gases used during plasma arc cutting.

THI-2 SERVICE LIST a

Dr. Thomas Murley Willis Bixby, Site Manager Regional Administrator U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Cmmlission P.O. Box 88 631 Park Avenue Middletown, PA 17057-0311 King of Prussia, PA 19406 David J. McGoff John F. Wolfe, Esq., Chairman Office of LWR Safety and Administrative Judge Technology Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel NE-23 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Department of Energy Washington, D.C. 20555 Washington, D.C. 20545 Dr. Oscar H. Paris William Lochstet Administrative Judge 104 Davey Laboratory Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Pennsylvania State University U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission University Park, PA 16802 Washington, D.C. 20555 Frank Lynch, Editorial Dr. Frederick H. Shon The Patriot Administrative Judge 812 Market Street Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Harrisburg, PA 17105 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Robert B. Borsum Babcock & Wilcox Dr. Judith H. Johnsrud Nuclear Power Division Environmental Coalition on Nuclear Power Suite 220 433 Orlando Avenue 7910 Woodmont Avenue State College, PA 16801 Bethesda, MD 20814 Ernest L. Blake, Jr. , Esq. Michael Churchhill, Esq.

Shaw, Pittman, Potts, and Trowbridge PILCOP 2300 N Street, N.W. 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1632 Washington, D.C. 20037 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Atcmic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Marvin I. Lewis U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 7801 Roosevelt Blvd. #62 Washington, D.C. 20555 Philadelphia, PA 19152 Secretary Jane Lee U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 183 Valley Road Washington, D.C. 20555 Etters, PA 17319 Frederick S. Rice, Chairman Walter W. Cohen, Consumer Dauphin County Board of Commissioners Advocate Dauphin County Courthouse Department of Justice Front and Market Streets Strawberry Square, 14th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 Harrisburg, PA 17127 Thomas M. Gerusky, Director Mr. Edwin Kintner Bureau of Radiation Protection Executive Vice President Department of Environmental Resources General Public Utilities P.O. Box 2063 Nuclear Corporation Harrisburg, PA 17120 100 Interpace Parkway ..

Parsippany, NJ 07054 Ad Crable Lancaster New Era US Environmental Prot. Agency 8 West King Street Region III Office Lancaster, PA 17601 ATTN: EIS Coordinator Curtis Building (Sixth Floor) 6th and Walnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19106

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