ENS 46284
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
17:41 Sep 27, 2010 | |
| Title | Unusual Buildup of Material in Aluminum Centrifuge Area |
| Event Description | During the unloading of centrifuges in the Building 333 U-Aluminum centrifuge area, a crusty buildup of material (~1/8" thick) was observed on the inside of the centrifuge 'jacket' that contains the centrifuge bowl. The buildup was also observed on the underside of the centrifuge lid ('cake pan'). This level of material buildup was unusual and had not been previously observed. It should be noted that some dusting or spattering had been previously observed. The system is designed with drains on the bottom that are designed to prevent the accumulation of liquid within the centrifuge 'jacket'. There is also a requirement to inspect the 'jacket' when solution is observed draining from the overflows. This was considered an unanalyzed or improperly analyzed condition because the mechanism for buildup of this extent was not considered in the safety analysis (i.e. there was no indication of buildup provided by the overflows).
The following corrective actions were taken: 1) operations in the affected area were suspended; 2) the area was posted to maintain the integrity of the as-found conditions; 3) the area was inspected by safety personnel; 4) the issue was entered into the internal Problem Identification, Resolution, and Correction System (PIRCS); 5) an Unusual Incident Evaluation was performed; 6) calculations were performed with bounding conditions; 7) photographs were taken of the equipment; 8) the system was scanned to determine U-235 mass (~46 grams U-235); 9) material samples were taken and delivered to the laboratory for analysis; and 10) an investigation has been initiated. There were no control or control system failures. There were no actual or potential safety consequences to workers, the public, or the environment. No degradations or failures have been identified. The system is currently in a safe and stable condition. An investigation has been initiated. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. Erwin, Tennessee (NRC Region 2) | |
| License number: | Snm-124 |
| Reporting | |
| Part 70 App A (B)(1) | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+19.15 h0.798 days <br />0.114 weeks <br />0.0262 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Randy Shackelford 12:50 Sep 28, 2010 |
| NRC Officer: | John Knoke |
| Last Updated: | Sep 28, 2010 |
| 46284 - NRC Website | |
Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. with Part 70 App A (B)(1) | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 505772014-10-29T07:00:00029 October 2014 07:00:00
[Table view]Part 70 App A (B)(1) Unanalyzed Condition Due to Material in a Thermocouple Housing ENS 462842010-09-27T17:41:00027 September 2010 17:41:00 Part 70 App A (B)(1) Unusual Buildup of Material in Aluminum Centrifuge Area ENS 454462009-10-13T04:00:00013 October 2009 04:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(1) Nitrous Oxide (Nox) Generation Rate Higher than Expected After Aluminum Fines Were Introduced ENS 439372008-01-15T21:21:00015 January 2008 21:21:00 Part 70 App A (B)(1) Inadequate Inspections on Thru-Wall Piping Penetration Sleeves ENS 416512005-04-28T21:30:00028 April 2005 21:30:00 Part 70 App A (B)(1)
2014-10-29T07:00:00 | |