The following information was received by e-mail:
On August 8, 2011 the licensee's radiation safety officer called to advise the Agency [Illinois Emergency Management Agency] of a gauge shutter failure. During the performance of routine operability checks and area surveys on July 22, 2011 it was found that the shutter lever on a Kay- Ray/Sensall 7062P could not be completely closed. The gauge is permanently mounted to a 12 inch pipeline in a remote area of the refinery. The line runs overhead at a height of approximately 10 to 12 feet. Arrangements were made to have personnel with duties in the area to be notified of the shutter failure and to prohibit any work in the immediate area. The nearest work station was determined to be over 200 feet away. Radiation levels at one foot from the gauge were measured at less than 1 milliR/h.
After contacting the manufacturer on August 8 to determine the best course of action, the licensee applied a lubricant to the shutter area. Subsequently, after waiting a day, attempts to close the shutter were successful. The shutter is now operating as expected. Arrangements have been made to have a service licensee visit the site to ensure operation is as expected. As the failure was noted during performance of routine tests designed to detect such failures, no changes to the licensee's procedures or protocols are anticipated. The licensee was reminded of the importance of promptly reporting such events in the future.
The sealed source gauge is a Kay-Ray/Sensall model 7700-Y containing 0.14 Ci of CS-137. The fixed gauge is a Kay-Ray/Sensall, Model number 7063P; Serial number S96G1816.
Illinois Event Number IL11105