ENS 44104
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
14:00 Mar 28, 2008 | |
| Title | Filters Not Scanned Properly for Activity Prior to Packaging |
| Event Description | Some contaminated cartridge filters were placed/packaged in two (2) 55-gallon drums based on nominal values of U-235 content as opposed to measured values (i.e., some filters were not measured by the segmented scanning system).
The control system is the scanning of the contaminated filters [individually]. The deficiency was the failure to scan the filters [individually] prior to placing the filters into drums. [Filters packaged in drums are required to be NDA scanned prior to packaging. This is an item relied on for safety (IROFS). Not scanning some filters was a degradation of an IROFS.] Written instructions were issued to operations personnel to package contaminated processing cartridge filters. The instructions indicated that the filters had been previously scanned and the U mass values were listed in an attachment to the instructions. However, some of the filters were not scanned, and instead were assigned nominal U-235 mass values. Nominal values are based on process history. Nuclear Criticality Safety required each filter to be scanned prior to being loaded/packaged into drums. Approval of the instructions was based on the implication that all of the cartridge filters had been scanned. The two (2) drums were scanned to confirm the total U-235 mass in each drum. The activity to package the filters has been suspended until additional corrective actions can be completed. The criticality safety significance is low due to the low U-235 mass values for each filter in addition to the low total U-235 mass for each drum [less than 350 grams U-235 process limit]. In addition, the nominal U-235 values are based on historical records and provide a good estimate of the U-235 content. Initial activities to inspect the filters and the use of nominal values prevented the drum limits from being exceeded. There were no actual or potential safety consequences to workers, the public, or the environment. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
NFS is preparing a press release in anticipation of inquiries from the media. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R2DO (Evans), NMSS (Whaley) and Fuel Cycle OUO (via e-mail). |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. Erwin, Tennessee (NRC Region 2) | |
| License number: | SNM-124 |
| Reporting | |
| Part 70 App A (B)(2) | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+1.42 h0.0592 days <br />0.00845 weeks <br />0.00195 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | Randy Shakelford 15:25 Mar 28, 2008 |
| NRC Officer: | Jeff Rotton |
| Last Updated: | Apr 2, 2008 |
| 44104 - NRC Website | |
Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. with Part 70 App A (B)(2) | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 561492022-10-05T19:00:0005 October 2022 19:00:00
[Table view]Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degradation of Safety Items ENS 448872009-03-03T05:00:0003 March 2009 05:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degradation of Item Relied on for Safety (Irofs) ENS 447402008-12-23T12:49:00023 December 2008 12:49:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Degraded Safety Equipment ENS 445842008-10-21T17:02:00021 October 2008 17:02:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Irofs Failure in Area 600 ENS 441042008-03-28T14:00:00028 March 2008 14:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2) Filters Not Scanned Properly for Activity Prior to Packaging ENS 415232005-03-24T19:00:00024 March 2005 19:00:00 Part 70 App A (B)(2)
2022-10-05T19:00:00 | |