ENS 53363
ENS Event | |
|---|---|
05:00 Apr 24, 2018 | |
| Title | En Revision Imported Date 7/25/2018 |
| Event Description | EN Revision Text: AGREEMENT STATE REPORT - STUCK SHUTTERS
The following was received from the State of Arkansas via email: At approximately 1400 [CDT] on 4/24/2018 the Arkansas Department of Heath Radioactive Materials Program received a phone call from the licensee stating that during routine shutter tests two fixed gauge shutters were not functioning properly; one had a stuck shutter and the other was stiff and might become stuck. The gauges are Thermo MeasureTech Model 7063S, source serial numbers S97D2112 (stuck shutter) and S97D2109 (stiff shutter), each originally containing 2 Ci of Cs137. Discussion with the licensee indicates that the gauges are mounted on a reactor, outside of normal employee traffic. It is normally open during operations and is only closed during maintenance of the reactor, which is not planned. Cautionary signage is already present. The licensee representative stated that the staff will be made aware of the situation. Licensee maintenance is assessing the situation and will advise the ADH Radioactive Materials program of the plan for handling this situation. The State of Arkansas is awaiting a written report from the licensee and final disposition information for the gauge. The State's event number is AR-2018-004.
The following information was received from the State of Arkansas via email: Subsequent to the previous communication, the licensee wrote on April 25, 2018, that Thermo-Fisher had been contacted to schedule a field service visit to address the situation. [Surveys taken indicated readings below 2 mR/hr. at 1 foot for the suspect gauges]. It has been decided by the licensee to have the service technician inspect all three gauges on site that are of the same model. On May 21, 2018, a letter from the licensee indicated that on May 8, a field service engineer with Thermo-Fisher Scientific was able to lubricate and unstick the affected shutters using a graphite lubricant. Leak tests indicated no contamination above the threshold. The field service engineer advised the licensee that a plan should be developed for replacement of these gauges as spare parts are no longer available. The licensee will be attempting to replace the affected gauges within the next year; meanwhile, the shutters of the affected gauges will be lubricated and checked once a month. In an email on July 20, 2018, the licensee stated that they had been informed by Thermo-Fisher that the 7063S model source holder was notorious for having stiff shutters. The pin/spring assembly apparently has very tight tolerances, and any dust or particulates in the mechanism can stiffen shutter function. The licensee stated that they attributed this event to this mechanism being exposed to the elements for over 20 years. Communication with the licensee on March 28, 2018 indicated the licensee was working with the manufacturer to effect replacement of the gauge, and on April 26, 2018 the licensee communicated that a replacement quote from the vendor had been obtained and logistics were being arranged. On May 30, 2018, the licensee amended their license to obtain the replacement, and on June 15, 2018, a contractor replaced the gauge, placing the old gauge in storage. On June 19, 2018, possession of the old gauge was assumed by QSA Global. The licensee attributes the failure of the shutter handle to the age of the gauge and the environmental conditions (heat, humidity) it was exposed to in the paper plant. The State of Arkansas considers this incident closed. Notified the R4DO (Gepford) and the NMSS Events Group via email. |
| Where | |
|---|---|
| Albemarle Corporation Magnolia, Arkansas (NRC Region 4) | |
| License number: | ARK-0717-03120 |
| Organization: | Arkansas Department Of Health |
| Reporting | |
| Agreement State | |
| Time - Person (Reporting Time:+53.52 h2.23 days <br />0.319 weeks <br />0.0733 months <br />) | |
| Opened: | David Stephens 10:31 Apr 26, 2018 |
| NRC Officer: | Steven Vitto |
| Last Updated: | Jul 24, 2018 |
| 53363 - NRC Website | |
Albemarle Corporation with Agreement State | |
WEEKMONTHYEARENS 533632018-04-24T05:00:00024 April 2018 05:00:00
[Table view]Agreement State En Revision Imported Date 7/25/2018 ENS 450842009-05-18T05:00:00018 May 2009 05:00:00 Agreement State Agreement State Report - Stuck Shutter 2018-04-24T05:00:00 | |