ENS Event | |
|---|---|
07:00 Jun 23, 2008 | |
| Title | Agreement State - Leaking Static Eliminator Sources |
| Event Description | The state submitted this report via e-mail.
Seagate leases static discharging (elimination) devices from a licensed manufacturer, NRD LLC. These static dischargers are Po-210 based alpha emitters. Seagate employees noticed oxidation/discoloration on these static discharges within 2-3 months after installation in their clean rooms. They were concerned about possible flaking of any particulates onto their micro sensitive products and cost of swapping the devices more frequently than every 12 months (lease period). Seagate removed these units from the clean rooms and wipe tested them and sent them for processing to Sterling & Associates. On 6/23/08, the CIH from Sterling & Associates informed Seagate that 4 of the 5 fans exhibiting discoloration, exceeded the limit (0.005 microcuries) 'leaking' with sample results ranging from 0.009-0.01 microcuries. These units included Model # P-2063 with S/Ns A2FD498 (0.02 microcuries), A2FH895 (0.01 microcuries), A2FD505 (0.02 microcuries) & A2FH915 (.009 microcuries). In addition, the remaining 12 fans sampled collectively showed results of 0.3 microcuries. All these 12 units were same Model # P-2063. After the findings, Seagate wipe tested 5 more units (1 brand new, 1 clean looking, & 3 discolored) and the nearby work areas of leaking sources, and the results were non-detect. Seagate notified NRD and all the units that were tested (5+12) were shipped to NRD for further verification. NRD believed that the wipe sampling of the unit, if not done properly might affect the ultra-thin gold encapsulation layer and thereby pick up some imbedded Po-210. 07/01/08 - Per NRD RSO, they still have not received the units from Seagate. He also stated that these units contain a very thin layer of plating and if wipes are not done properly, wipes will pick up imbedded Po-210 indicating contamination. NRD will be wipe testing all the units as soon as they are received and will be calling RHB to notify their findings. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Seagate Technology Llc Milpitas, California (NRC Region 4) | |
| Organization: | California Radiation Control Prgm |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+200.83 h8.368 days <br />1.195 weeks <br />0.275 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Kent Prendergast 15:50 Jul 1, 2008 |
| NRC Officer: | Mark Abramovitz |
| Last Updated: | Jul 1, 2008 |
| 44330 - NRC Website | |
Seagate Technology Llc with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 443302008-06-23T07:00:00023 June 2008 07:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State Agreement State - Leaking Static Eliminator Sources 2008-06-23T07:00:00 | |