ML20148J406

Forwards 780929 NRC Memo Re Recent Underwriters Lab Fire Protec Test.Staff Has Determined the Test Is Not Applicable to LACBWR Since the Matl Used Differs.W/Encl ANO 7810050339

ML20148J406
Person / Time
Site:	La Crosse File:Dairyland Power Cooperative icon.png
Issue date:	10/27/1978
From:	Woodhead C NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE LEGAL DIRECTOR (OELD)
To:	Anderson G, Bechhoefer C, Decker R AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel, WASHINGTON UNIV., ST. LOUIS, MO
References
NUDOCS 7811150277
Download: ML20148J406 (1)

Text

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• a* ntou,*/ UNITED STATES f[E\* 3h NUCLEAR HEGULATORY COMMISSION

k. ) h* WASHINGTON, D, C. 20555

'o[$ October 27, 1978

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-u w, Charles Bechhoefer, Esq. , Chairman Dr. George C. Anderson Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Department of Oceanography U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission University of Washington Washington, DC 20555 Seattle, Washington 98195 Mr. Ralph S. Decker C ridge D 21613

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k In the Matter of Y Dairyland Power Cooperative p 4 -3 (La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor)

(SFP License Amendment)

Dy / A#C  ;

Docket No. 50-409 @,gp ~

e Gentlemen: 1 os Enclosed is a memorandum from the Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation to the Commissioners discussing the results of a recent fire protection research test by the Underwriters Laboratory for the Comission. We have

been instructed to forward this information to all Boards.

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i The Staff has received the Fire Hazards Analysis for LACBWR and has determined that the UL test results are not applicat,le to LACBWR since neither the mineral wool blanket type insulation nor the particular cable configuration of the test are in use there.

Sincerely,

/ ' !g' Colleen P. Woodhead Counsel for NRC Staff Encl osure As Stated l

cc w/ encl: George R. Nygaard Mark Burmaster Anne K. Morse John P. Madgett O. S. Heistand, Esq.

George L. Edgar, Esq.

Fritz Schubert, Esq.

Mr. Samuel J. Chilk Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Atomic Safety and Licensing Appeal Board Docketing and Service Section

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NUCLEAR r.EGULATOnY COf.V.HsSION ww nuai on. o. c. 20sss

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g.I....f September 29, 1978 MEMORANDUM FOR: Chairman Hendrie Commissioner Gilinsky Commissioner Kennedy Commissioner Bradford Commissioner Ahearne /

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m Q > r THRU: Executive' Director for Operations h FROM: Harold I,. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation SUBJ ECT: NRC FIRE PROTECTION RESEARCH TEST On September 15, 1978, a fire test of a full-scale vertical cable tray array was conducted at the Underwriters'. Laboratory neer Chicago, Illinois. It was part of the NRC-expedited fire protection research program requested in the Commission's Order of April 13, 1978. The purpose of the test was to demonstrate the effectiveness of area sprinklers and mineral wool blanket type cable tray fire barriers in preventing damage to cables as a result of an exposure fire created by igniting two gallons of heptane.

l The configuration of cables and fire protection features in the test did not simulate any particular nuclear power plar.t. There are plants in operation and under construction for which the electrical cable tray configuration of the test was typical. However, based on the staff's ongoing fire protection reviews, we know of no operating plants with the configuration of fire protection features used in the test, although features of this type have been proposed for installation and are currently under review by the staff.

The test resulted in damage to some of the electrical cables. Prelim-inary analysis (see Enclosure 1) irdicates that the configuration of fire protection features used in the test would not be acceptable for application in nuclear power plants. In particular,'it appears that fire barriers for vertical trays in some configurations may need to be designed to prevent entry of flaninable fluids. A wick effect may also need to be considered in the design of fire barriers. The response of the fusible link sprinklers used in the test is also under further study. -

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.T[eCommissioners The test results are still being analyzed and it would be premature to establish firm conclusions at this ime; however, the results now available suggest that modifications to certain of the staff's fire protection criteria may be necessary. The staff is continuing its review and will meet with the test contractors (Sandia and UL) on October 3,1978 to further study the preliminary findings and ~j results. A quick look report is expected to be completed by UL '

within the next several days and will be issued by Sandia shortly thereafter. The schedule and nature of further testing under this program are under review.

We will keep the Commission informed of significant results and possible impacts on operating reactors as information becomes available.

A circular or bulletin will be issued by IE to inform licensees of the results of the test. Its preparation will follow the October 3 meeting with the centractors. Plants currently in operation remain subject to administrative procedures aimed at minimizing the sources of ignition and continue to maintain manual fire fighting capability.

We will inform the Commission of any action deemed necessary as a result of our continuing review of the test results. The public announcement provided in Enclosure 2 is planned for release by the Office of Public Affairs on October 2. We are in the process of informing the ACRS and Hearing Boards where this information is relevant. -

/7bW Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosures:

1. Preliminary Analyses

2. Public Announcement ec: (w/encls.)

Union of Concerned Scientists

• Office of the Secretary NRC Public Document Room

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