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ENS 5578010 March 2022 01:13:00High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Inoperable

The following information was provided by the licensee: At 2013 EST on March 9, 2022, the HPCI System was declared inoperable following evaluation of routine HPCI surveillance testing data indicating that the required response time for reaching rated conditions was not met. Therefore, this condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) System and Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) are operable. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. Investigation is in-progress to determine the cause. Unit 1 is not affected by this event. Unit 1 is in a refueling outage. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 05/04/22 AT 1135 EDT FROM CHARLIE BROOKSHIRE TO DAN LIVERMORE * * *

The following information was provided by the licensee via email: At 20:13 EST on March 9, 2022, the HPCI System was declared inoperable following evaluation of routine HPCI surveillance testing data indicating that the required response time for reaching rated flow and pressure was not met. Subsequent to this, it was determined that the required response time was overly conservative for assuring the safety function of the system could be fulfilled. The required response time was revised. The operability determination for this event has been updated indicating that system operability was never lost for this event. There was not a condition that could have prevented the system from fulfilling the safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified R2DO (Miller).

ENS 5312317 December 2017 08:16:00High Pressure Coolant Injection (Hpci) System Declared Inoperable

On December 17, 2017 at 0316 EST, the Unit 2 HPCI system was isolated and declared inoperable due to a packing failure of the HPCI Turbine Steam Supply Valve (i.e., 2-E41-F001). Isolation of the HPCI system due to the packing failure prevents the HPCI system from performing its design safety function. As such, this event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of a system that is needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Unit 2 HPCI system has been isolated and depressurized. The HPCI system will remain inoperable until the valve can be repaired. The safety significance of this condition is minimal. All other Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS) and the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system remain operable. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 1/29/18 AT 1514 EST FROM MARK TURKAL TO DONG PARK * * *

Based upon further evaluation, Duke Energy is retracting Event Notification 53123. Engineering has determined that the packing failure of the HPCI Turbine Steam Supply Valve did not prevent the HPCI system from performing its safety function. Environmental conditions resulting from the steam leak would not have caused automatic HPCI isolation or otherwise have degraded HPCI operation. Additionally, the amount of steam diverted through the packing leak was negligible with respect to total steam flow and did not affect HPCI system performance. HPCI would have remained operable throughout its entire mission time. Therefore, this condition does not represent an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident and is not reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (Heisserer).

Time of Discovery
Packing leak
Mission time
ENS 528884 August 2017 19:11:00Secondary Containment Inoperable Due to Opening in Service Water Piping

On August 4, 2017, at 1511 EDT, Unit 1 Secondary Containment was declared inoperable due to a small (i.e., approximately 0.75 inch diameter) hole in Service Water system piping which was found during ultrasonic testing activities. The affected portion of piping penetrates Secondary Containment and flow in the piping creates a vacuum condition; thus bypassing Secondary Containment. The identified hole is being evaluated with respect to its impact on operability of the Service Water system. This condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), as an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to control the release of radioactive material. This event did not result in any adverse impact to the health and safety of the public. Initial Safety Significance Evaluation: The initial safety significance of this event is minimal. At the time of discovery, Unit 1 was at 100% steady state conditions. Reactor Building Ventilation was in service in a normal alignment. No abnormal radioactivity conditions existed within Secondary Containment. Corrective Actions: Temporary repair of the affected Unit 1 Service Water piping has been completed. This repair was evaluated by Engineering and it has been determined that the repair meets the requirements to maintain Secondary Containment operable. Unit 1 Secondary Containment operability was restored at 1704 EDT on August 4, 2017. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM MIKE BRADEN TO RICHARD SMITH AT 1447 EDT ON 9/27/17 * * *

Based upon further evaluation, Duke Energy is retracting Event Notification 52888. The safety objective of Secondary Containment is to limit the release of radioactivity to the environment after an accident so that the resulting exposures are kept to a practical minimum and are within regulatory limits. A bounding engineering evaluation was performed which demonstrates that potential releases from Secondary Containment could not have resulted in offsite or control room doses exceeding regulatory limits. Furthermore, the condition did not impact Technical Specification operability of Secondary Containment in that the ability of Secondary Containment to maintain the required vacuum was not impacted. Therefore, this condition does not represent an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to control the release of radioactive material and is not reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C), and the event notification is being retracted. The NRC Senior Resident was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (A. Masters).

Time of Discovery
ENS 488905 April 2013 10:24:00Unusual Event Declared Due to a Fire Alarm in the Stack Filter House

At 0624 (EDT), the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant (BSEP) declared an Unusual Event due to a fire alarm in the Stack Filter House. The classification of the Unusual Event is based on Emergency Action Level (EAL) HU2.1, 'Fire not extinguished within 15 minutes of control room notification or verification of a control room fire alarm.' Verification of fire could not be made within 15 minutes of fire alarm due to confined space conditions. Actual fire conditions did not exist; alarm was caused by environmental conditions. There is no impact on the health and safety of the public. The licensee terminated the Unusual Event at 0650 EDT. Personnel injuries and equipment damage did not occur. Offsite assistance was not required. The licensee has notified the state and local authorities. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified DHS, FEMA, DHS NICC and NuclearSSA.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM WILLIAM MURRAY TO VINCE KLCO AT 1644 EDT ON 4/5/2013 * * *

This event is being retracted based upon the following: As stated in the original event notification, an actual fire condition did not exist and the control room fire alarm was caused by environmental conditions. Because an actual fire did not exist and the fire detection system alarm was not valid, the condition described in the Emergency Action Level (EAL) HU2.1, 'Fire not extinguished within 15 minutes of control room notification or verification of a control room fire alarm,' also did not exist. The Unusual Event was terminated at 0650 (EDT). The Unusual Event classification was appropriately made, in accordance with the EAL basis which requires the control room alarm be validated by other indications or alarms or by an actual field report, or the classification must be made. Based on the preceding information, Event Notification 48890 is retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R2DO (Rich) and the NRR EO (Lee).

ENS 4769724 February 2012 05:37:00Valid Reactor Protection System Actuation During Neutron Instrument Testing

On 2/24/2012 at 0037 EST, Unit 1 was in Mode 4 when an unplanned Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation occurred. The trip occurred while operators were returning the Mode Switch to the 'Shutdown' position during restoration from Neutron Instrumentation testing. Jumpers had not been installed to bypass this actuation signal at the time the Mode Switch was operated, resulting in a valid signal of the RPS. The RPS actuation is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). The safety significance of this event was minimal. Plant equipment performed as expected. All control rods were inserted prior to the RPS actuation and remain inserted. The RPS actuation was reset and the plant remains in Mode 4. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM MARK TURKAL TO JOHN KNOKE AT 1316 EST ON 3/1/12 * * *

Based on a detailed review of NUREG-1022, Revision 2, 'Event Reporting Guidelines 10 CFR 50.72 and 50.73,' this event has been determined not to be reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). The RPS actuation was inadvertent and was caused by a human error (i.e., failure to install appropriate jumpers) that occurred during a surveillance test. This RPS actuation was not in response to actual plant conditions satisfying the requirements for initiation of the RPS. There was no plant condition present that either warranted a scram or would prompt manual operator action in anticipation of scram condition. Therefore, this RPS actuation is considered invalid and is not reportable per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A). Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Condition Report (CR) 519432. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction." Notified the R2DO (Mark Franke).

ENS 4676317 April 2011 02:52:00Hpci Inoperable Due to Lube Oil Pressure Low Out of Band

Event Description: On 4/16/2011 at 2252 (EDT), the Unit 2 High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System was declared inoperable due to the determination that its Lube Oil System was not providing adequate lube oil pressure and flow to the HPCI Turbine/Pump bearings. This was determined following the high steam pressure operability run (i.e., within 48 hours of achieving adequate test pressure following a scheduled refueling/maintenance outage) as required by Technical Specification Surveillance Requirement 3.5.1.7. The HPCI system is inoperable in accordance with Technical Specification 3.5.1. This report is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Initial Safety Significance Evaluation: The safety significance of this event is considered minimal. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system, Automatic Depressurization System (ADS). and Low Pressure Emergency Core Cooling systems (ECCS) remain operable at this time. Actions have been taken to protect redundant safety systems. Corrective Actions: The HPCI system remains inoperable pending further troubleshooting of the low lube oil pressure condition. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM LEE GRZECK TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 2051 EDT ON 4/17/11 * * *

Upon further review, it has been determined that the HPCI system was not rendered inoperable as a result of the condition identified on April 16, 2011. During performance of 0PT-09.2, the Control Room received a HPCI turbine bearing oil pressure low alarm. Following 0PT-09.2, preventive maintenance procedure 0PM-TRB507, 'High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Operational Inspection', was performed. During performance of 0PM-TRB507, the turbine governor end oil pressure was found indicating 8.5 psig. The procedure specifies a normal value of 10-12 psig. Due to the above condition, HPCI was conservatively declared inoperable at 2252 (EDT) on April 16, 2011. Subsequent Engineering evaluation has determined that HPCI could have run long enough to complete its intended safety function (24 hrs.). Pressure outside of the normal band specified in 0PM-TRB507 is a condition that requires correction, but is not detrimental to the bearing itself. The critical characteristic of proper bearing lubrication is to assure a film of oil between the tilting pads and the rotating shaft of the HPCI turbine. Bearing outlet temperatures are recorded during each performance of 0PT-092 for trending and no abnormal temperatures were noted during the last performance of 0PT-09.2 on April 16, 2011. This indicates there was a film of lubrication between the rotating shaft and the tilting pads of the journal bearing. The two hour turbine operation of the most recent 0PT-09.2 performance resulted in higher oil temperature, which can result in lower oil pressure. Adjustments can be made to the ball valve of the HPCI governor end bearing to attain the specified supply pressure to each bearing. These adjustments are not unexpected, as discussed in the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) maintenance guide for HPCI turbines. A slight adjustment was made to the HPCI governor end bearing on April 17, 2011 to establish pressure at 11.5 psig. At 1009 hrs. on April 17, 2011, 0PT-09.2 was performed satisfactorily, with the HPCI governor end oil bearing supply pressure verified to be within the 10-12 psig range at 2100 rpm and 4100 rpm. Oil flow to and from the bearing is required only for lubrication and cooling and does not provide any lift or other force to assist the bearing in performing its function. The oil flow during this event was still adequate to provide sufficient lubrication and cooling of the bearings. Therefore, the slight decrease in oil pressure to the HPCI governor end bearing did not indicate degradation in performance. On this basis, the HPCI system was capable of performing its safety function to mitigate the consequences of an accident and this issue is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Nuclear Condition Report (NCR) 460134. The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (O'Donohue).

Time of Discovery
ENS 447481 January 2009 19:30:00Two Emergency Diesel Generators Declared Inoperable Due to Component Failure

EVENT DESCRIPTION: During return to service testing for Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) #3, it was noted that the fuel rack limiting cylinder was not returning to its non-limiting position. The fuel rack limiting cylinder is designed to limit the stroke distance of the fuel rack assembly during the initial EDG start sequence. Once the EDG is at rated speed, ~10 seconds, the fuel rack limiting cylinder should return to its non-limiting position. Failure of this component to operate as expected may have prevented EDG #3 from fulfilling its safety function during the postulated Loss of Off Site Power and/or Loss of Coolant Accident conditions. As a result, EDG #3 remains inoperable. During performance of subsequent surveillance testing on the remaining EDG's (#1, #2, and #4), in accordance with Technical Specifications, a similar condition as described above existed on EDG #4. EDG's #1 and #2 did not exhibit the same behavior and therefore, these EDG's remained operable during this sequence of events. Consequently, EDG #4 was declared inoperable at 1430 on 1/01/09. Failure of this component to operate as expected may have prevented EDG #4 from fulfilling its safety function during the postulated Loss of Off Site Power and/or Loss of Coolant Accident conditions. The concurrent failure of this component on EDG #3 and EDG #4 may have prevented on-site emergency power to Emergency busses 3 & 4 and thus the fulfillment of a safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. INITIAL SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE EVALUATION: Plant operation is being maintained within the limiting conditions of the license expected. However, transient analyses relating to accident mitigation could have been impacted due to the inability to ensure emergency on-site power supply to Emergency busses 3 & 4. Off-site power and the grid have been stable during the time period both EDG's were inoperable. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: The fuel rack limiting cylinder for EDG #4 was repaired and EDG #4 was restored to Operable on January 1, 2009 at 1755 EST. Actions required per technical specifications for 2 EDG's were exited within the required time frame. Repair efforts are in progress for EDG #3. The licensee informed the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION PROVIDED BY LEE GRZECK TO JASON KOZAL AT 1530 ON 3/2/09 * * *

On January 1, 2009, at 2106 hours, the Control Room Shift Manager made a notification (i .e. Event Number 44748) to the NRC Operations Center in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72 (b) (3) (v) (D) (i.e., any event or condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident). The notification was made due to two Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs) being declared inoperable. During return to service testing for BSEP's EDG 3, it was noted that the fuel rack limit cylinder was not returning to its non-limiting position in a timeframe consistent with prior observations. The fuel rack limit cylinder is designed to limit the stroke of the fuel rack during the initial EDG start sequence, preventing too much fuel from being provided to the engine cylinders on initial start. Once the EDG is at half-rated speed (i.e., in approximately 5 to 8 seconds), the fuel rack limit cylinder should be released to return to its non-limiting position. Failure of this component to operate as expected may have prevented the EDG from fulfilling its safety function during the postulated Loss of Off-site Power (LOOP) and/or Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) conditions. As a result, EDG 3 was conservatively declared inoperable due to the potential for the unexpected response of the fuel rack limit cylinder to impact Design Basis Accident (DBA) transient loading criteria. During performance of subsequent surveillance testing on the remaining EDG's, (i.e.,1,2, and 4), in accordance with Technical Specifications, a similar condition was identified on EDG 4. EDGs 1 and 2 did not exhibit the same behavior and therefore, these EDGs remained operable during this sequence of events. Consequently, EDG 4 was also conservatively declared inoperable at 1430 on January 1, 2009. The concurrent failure of this component on EDG 3 and EDG 4 may have prevented the onsite emergency power from fulfilling its intended safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. Basis for Retraction Further investigation has demonstrated that both EDG 3 and EDG 4 were fully operable. The EDG 3 evaluation concluded that the fuel rack limit would remain in effect for approximately seven (7) seconds after the diesel output breaker closed during a LOOP loading event or a design basis LOOP/LOCA loading event. After that, the fuel limit cylinder would not have limited the governor response in any way. The generator capacity during the first seven seconds of load acceptance at the fuel rack limited position would be sufficient to ensure proper acceleration of the 480-volt design basis loads and the Nuclear Service Water pump. These are the only loads expected to start during the first seven seconds of the EDG loading. The generator frequency response during the acceleration of these loads would be well within the EDG design limits. The Residual Heat Removal and Core Spray pumps are sequenced onto the EDG at 10 seconds and 15 seconds, respectively, following the closure of its output breaker and are not affected by the fuel limiter impairment. The EDG 4 evaluation is bounded by the above analysis. Therefore, the fuel rack limiter impairment would not have prevented either EDG 3 or EDG 4 from fulfilling their intended safety function. On this basis, this event is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b) (3) (v) (D). Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Nuclear Condition Report (NCR) 312876. The NRC resident was notified of this retraction. R2DO (Musser) has been notified.

Time of Discovery
ENS 4417930 April 2008 03:13:00High Pressure Coolant Injection (Hpci) System Inoperable Due to Seal Leak

On 04/29/08 at approximately 2313 during testing of the Unit 1 HPCI system, a main pump seal developed a leak requiring the HPCI system to be secured. HPCI testing was in progress per OPT 09.2, HPCI System Operability Test, following recent Unit 1 refueling outage. At the time of discovery, the Unit 1 HPCI system had been declared inoperable due to surveillance testing activities which removed HPCI from the standby lineup. When the pump seal leak developed, operators secured HPCI and isolated the leak by closing the pump suction isolation valves and the keep fill supply valves. Investigation into the cause of the pump seal leakage is underway and the Unit 1 HPCI system will be placed under clearance for repair. The initial safety significance of this condition is considered to be minimal. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system as well as the other Unit 1 ECCS systems are operable at this time. Actions have been taken to protect redundant safety systems. The Unit 1 HPCI system has been removed from service and secured. Investigation is underway to determine the cause of the HPCI main pump leakage. The HPCI system will be placed under clearance for repair. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION ON 7/31/08 AT 1447 EDT FROM TURKAL TO HUFFMAN * * *

The HPCI pump uses seal purge water piping in combination with mechanical seals to limit shaft leakage. Investigation of this event found that inadequate post-maintenance venting of piping between the discharge of the HPCI booster pump and the suction of the HPCI main pump led to the seal faces overheating and subsequent failure. The failure of the seal and the leakage associated with it would not have prevented HPCI from performing its required functions. Water intrusion into the oil system is the limiting impact of the seal failure. The HPCI main pump seal failure event has been evaluated and it was determined that, given a worst-case seal failure, the HPCI pump would be able to operate for greater than the required 4.1 hours and, thereby, satisfy its accident, as well as transient, response requirements. On this basis, the HPCI system was capable of performing its function to mitigate the consequences of an accident and the issue is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Nuclear Condition Report (NCR) 277188. The NRC resident was notified of this retraction. The R2DO (Henson) has been notified.

Time of Discovery
ENS 4410227 March 2008 20:45:00Unacceptable Flaw Found in Rpv Cap to Pipe Weld

At 1645 EDT, it was determined that an unacceptable flaw existed in reactor pressure vessel penetration N9. This penetration leads to a capped line and the flaw is in the cap-to-pipe weld. Based on manual ultrasonic examination, the flaw is 6.2 inches in length on a 5.5 inch OD pipe. Using non-qualified ultrasonic sizing techniques, the flaw is estimated to have a maximum depth of 30 percent through-wall. The flaw was discovered during in-service inspection examination of this penetration, using an improved technique compared to the technique used during a 2004 inspection. The flaw has been found unacceptable per paragraph IWB-3514.4 of the 1989 Edition of ASME Section XI Code and is therefore reportable. A weld overlay repair is being planned. The safety significance of this is minimal. Unit 1 is currently in a refueling outage. Repairs of the affected weld will be completed prior to startup. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION PROVIDED BY BILL MURRAY TO JASON KOZAL AT 0946 ON 5/23/08 * * *

On March 27,2008, at 2027 hours, the Control Room Supervisor made a notification (Event Number 44102) to the NRC Operations Center in Accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(ii)(A) (i.e., any event or condition that results in the condition of the nuclear power plant, including its principal safety barriers, being seriously degraded). The notification was made as a result of determining that an unacceptable flaw existed in the reactor pressure vessel penetration N9 (control rod drive system return line) nozzle-to-pipe cap weld. At the time of discovery, based on manual ultrasonic examination, the flaw was determined to be 6.2 inches in length on a 5.5-inch OD pipe. Using non-qualified ultrasonic depth sizing techniques, the flaw was estimated to have a maximum depth of 30 percent through-wall. The flaw was found unacceptable in accordance with paragraph IWB-3514.4 of the 1989 Edition of ASME Code, Section XI and therefore was reportable. Basis for Retraction On March 30, 2008, manually indexed phased-array ultrasonic examination of the CRD return line nozzle-to-array caw weld was preformed. Based on these inspections, it was determined that the indication does not exhibit stress corrosion cracking characteristics and is not consistent with ultrasonic responses associated with inside diameter (ID) connected geometry. Therefore, the CRD return line nozzle-to-pipe cap weld is acceptable from an ASME Code Section XI perspective. On this basis, the indication did not result in the condition of the nuclear power plant, including its principal safety barriers, being seriously degraded and the issue is not reportable under 10 CFR 50,72(b)(3)(ii)(A). Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Nuclear Condition Report (NCR) 272454. The NRC resident was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (Vias).

Time of Discovery
Weld Overlay
ENS 4371111 October 2007 02:45:00Unit 2 Hpci Pump Seal Failure

On 10/10/2007 a 2245, the Unit 2 High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Pump developed a leak of approximately 5 gpm due to a suspected pump seal failure. HPCI was in service for a scheduled surveillance test per plant procedure OPT-09.2, HPCI System Operability Test. When the leak was identified, operators secured HPCI. The leak was isolated by securing the pump, closing the pump suction isolation valves, isolating the keep fill supply valves. Operators declared the Unit 2 HPCI System inoperable when the keep fill system was isolated. No automatic system isolation or actuation set points were reached. Safety significance is minimal due to the operability and availability of redundant systems. If a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) were to occur the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) System would automatically inject and if necessary the Automatic Depressurization System (ADS) would depressurize the reactor pressure vessel allowing low pressure Emergency Core Cooling Systems (ECCS) to inject. All low pressure ECCS are operable. Plant risk has been evaluated and remains 'Green'. The Unit 2 HPCI system has been removed from service. The pump suction isolation valves have been closed. Injection piping keep fill connections have been isolated. These actions were taken to stop the leakage of system water out of the failed pump seal. Actions have been taken to protect redundant safety systems, including the RCIC System and ADS. In accordance with Technical Specification 3.5.1 Required Actions: RCIC has been verified to be operable, and HPCI must be restored to operable status within 14 days. HPCI pump seal replacement is being planned in accordance with the site's Work Management process. This event has been entered into the sites Corrective Action Program and an investigation into the cause of the seal failure will be performed. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION RECEIVED FROM LEE GRZEK TO JOE O'HARA AT 1045 EST ON 1/30/08 * * *

On October 11, 2007, at 0520 hours, the control room Supervisor made a notification (Event Number 43711) to the NRC Operations Center in accordance with. 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) (i.e., any event or condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident). The notification was made as a result of the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system being declared inoperable due to indications of a main pump seal leak. Specifically, water was discovered leaking an approximate five gallons per minute from the main pump turbine side seal during performance of OPT-09.2, 'HPCI System Operability Test.' Basis for Retraction Unit 2 HPCI was declared inoperable when the main pump seal leak was first identified. Upon further detailed engineering evaluation, it has been determined that the HPCI system was not rendered inoperable as a result of the condition identified on October 10, 2007, and was able to fulfill its safety functions in the degraded condition. The HPCI pump uses seal purge water piping in combination with mechanical seals to limit shaft leakage. The investigation found debris blocking the seal purge piping, which led to the seal faces overheating and subsequent failure. Water intrusion into the oil system was determined to be the limiting impact of the seal failure. The limiting event for HPCI was determined to be 4.1 hours of operation during a loss of Feedwater event with HPCI only, due to the short runtimes followed by long idle times which maximize water intrusion. The evaluation concluded that the HPCI pump would be able to operate for 4.1 hours, as required for the limiting event, and would be available for 8 hours. Thus, Unit 2 HPCI was degraded but able to meet all required safety functions. On this basis, the HPCI system was capable of performing its safety functions to mitigate the consequences of an accident and the issue is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO(Bonner)

Time of Discovery
ENS 4290613 October 2006 17:57:00High Pressure Coolant Injection (Hpci) System Declared Inoperable Due to Potential Turbine Exhaust Diaphragm Failure

On October 13, 2006 at 1357 (EST) Unit 2 HPCI system was declared inoperable due to indications of a leaking rupture diaphragm in the turbine steam exhaust line. This determination was made when water was discovered in the E41-PSH-N012A and E41-PSH-N012C instrument lines during the performance of 0MST- HPCI23Q (HPCI Turbine Exhaust Diaphragm High Pressure Instrument Channel Calibration). TS LCO 3.5.1. 'ECCS - Operating,' Condition D was entered for the HPCI system being declared inoperable. The Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system was verified operable per Required Action D.1. Required Action D.2 of TS LCO 3.5.1 requires the HPCI system to be returned to operable status within 14 days. The initial safety significance of this condition is considered to be minimal. The RCIC system and all other required ECCS, are operable at this time. HPCI has been isolated and will be placed under clearance to allow the turbine exhaust diaphragm to be inspected and replaced if necessary

The (NRC) Resident Inspector has been notified.
* * * RETRACTION FROM M. TURKAL TO P. SNYDER ON 12/05/06 * * * 

Upon further review, it has been determined that the HPCI system was not rendered inoperable as a result of the condition identified on October 13, 2006. The HPCI system is equipped with two rupture diaphragms on the steam exhaust line installed in series. Between the rupture discs are four instrument lines leading to pressure switches (i.e., E41-PSH-N012A, N012B, N012C, and N012D) and a header vent line that vents to the HPCI room atmosphere. The HPCI Turbine Exhaust Diaphragm Pressure - High signals are initiated from these pressure switches; which are required to be operable per Technical Specification 3.3.6.1, 'Primary Containment Isolation Instrumentation,' to isolate the HPCI exhaust line in the event of a degraded inner rupture disc, before the redundant outer disc is significantly challenged. This isolation provides equipment protection and (is) not assumed in any transient or accident analysis. The suspected leaking inner rupture diaphragm was confirmed to be fully intact and, as such, not a source of the water (i.e., approximately 1.125 quarts) in the E41-PSH-N012A and E41-PSH-N012C instrument lines. The most likely source of this water is residual water remaining from a rupture disc failure that occurred in November 2003. Engineering has evaluated the potential impact of the residual water and determined that both the HPCI system and the HPCI Turbine Exhaust Diaphragm Pressure - High isolation function remained operable. There was not sufficient water in the lines to affect the function of the HPCI rupture diaphragms if required. In addition, the quantity of water discovered would not have prevented a HPCI initiation, if required, as evidenced by successful operation of the Unit 2 HPCI system on at least 10 occasions since November 2003. The Technical Specification required function of the pressure switches was not impacted by the presence of residual water. Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program is Nuclear Condition Report (NCR) 209265. On this basis, the HPCI system was capable of performing its function to mitigate the consequences of an accident and the issue is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The NRC Resident Inspector was notified of this retraction. Notified R2DO (Landis).

ENS 4071429 April 2004 02:30:00Hpci System Inoperable Following Planned Maintenance

During post maintenance testing following a High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System outage, the HPCI System was not declared operable due to unstable operation - oscillations of turbine speed (300-400 RPM), pump flow (600 GPM) and discharge pressure (300-550 psig) were seen in both automatic and manual flow control during the System Operability Periodic Test. HPCI had been declared inoperable at 0410 on 4/28/04 and placed under clearance to support planned maintenance on the Flow Controller, Flow Transmitter, system valves and condensate pump. The cause of the unstable operation is currently being investigated. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * * RETRACTION FROM S. TABOR TO M. RIPLEY AT 1423 ET ON 5/28/04 * * * *

On April 28, 2004, at 0410 hours, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was declared inoperable to support scheduled maintenance on the HPCI system. To satisfy post maintenance test requirements and support restoring the HPCI system to an operable status, surveillance test, OPT-09.2, "HPCI System Operability Test," was performed. During this testing at 2230 hours, oscillations in pump flow, pressure, and turbine speed were observed in both the automatic and manual flow control modes of operation. Based on the test results, HPCI remained inoperable until the cause of the oscillations could be identified, corrective actions implemented, and the system satisfactorily tested. On April 29, 2004, at 0140 hours, the NRC was conservatively notified (Event Number 40714), in accordance with 10 CPR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), of a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the HPCI safety function. Troubleshooting determined that the HPCI flow controller to the 2-E41-C002-CNV Ramp Generator Signal Converter (RGSC) was subject to spurious deviations. The RGSC was removed from its installed position and bench tested. Circuit review and testing determined that electronic component degradation was the most likely cause of the RGSC output signal perturbations. A new RGSC was calibrated and installed. After installation, in place testing showed that the new ramp generator did not exhibit signal variations. A final HPCI system operability test was performed and verified that the HPCI system was responding normally. On May 1, 2004, at 1220 hours, the HPC1 system was restored to service. Reportability Discussion: NUREG-1022, Rev. 2, Section 3.2.7 (page 56) lists types of events or conditions that are generally not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v) criteria. The list of not-reportable conditions includes: Removal of a system or part of a system from service as part of a planned evolution for maintenance or surveillance testing when done in accordance with an approved procedure and the plant's TS (unless a condition is discovered that could have prevented the system from performing its function). On April 28, 2004, the HPCI system was removed from service to support a planned maintenance system outage. In addition, surveillance testing was performed to support system restoration following the maintenance outage for testing in accordance with an approved surveillance procedure. Based on the post maintenance test results, the HPCI system was declared inoperable and since the HPCI system is a single train safety system, an ENS notification was made. However, further evaluation of the condition determined that no condition was discovered that could have prevented the HPCI system from performing its functions. The following information provides the basis for that determination: Review of all applicable operating data collected during HPCI system testing performed from the time of discovery of the oscillation concern indicates that (1) the resulting HPCI speed spikes were in the positive direction and therefore no concern related to the inability of HPCI to provide adequate vessel level makeup existed, (2) the RGSC output perturbations followed a consistent pattern and the magnitude of the associated control problem would not have become more severe for a period longer than the assumed HPCI mission time, and (3) none of the excursions experienced were high enough to cause a system trip at the 5000 plus/minus 100 rpm overspeed trip setpoint. Even if a spurious speed spike resulted in a HPCI overspeed trip, the HPCI overspeed trip is designed to automatically reset and allow the system to ramp back up to operating speed. Given these facts, there was no observed performance that represented a loss of system function. Had HPCI been called upon to inject during the time that the condition resulting in HPCI flow oscillations existed, the system would have met all functional requirements. Carolina Power & Light Company, doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., has determined that this event does not meet the 10 CFR 50.72 or 10 CFR 50.73 reporting criteria and the notification for Event Number 40714, is retracted. The resident inspector has been notified. Notified R2 DO (R. Ayres).

Time of Discovery
Mission time
ENS 406363 April 2004 08:00:00High Pressure Coolant Injection System Inoperable

During plant startup from the Brunswick Unit 1 Refueling Outage, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System was declared inoperable due to pump data not meeting the acceptable value of OPT-09.2, HPCI System Operability Test. With pump flow established at the reference value of 4550 gallons per minute, the actual turbine speed was 2530 rpm, outside the acceptable range of 2485-2515 rpm. Initial Safety Significance Evaluation: Minimal since the Automatic Depressurization System (ADS), the Low Pressure Coolant Injection System (LPCI), and the Core Spray System are Operable. In addition the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling System (RCIC) is Operable. Corrective Actions: Engineering to evaluate the test results and determine corrective actions. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION TAKEN ON 5/6/04 @ 1534 EDT BY CROUCH FROM ELBERFELD * * *

The following information was obtained from the licensee via facsimile: The purpose of this call is to retract the notification (Event Number 40636) made by the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant, Unit No, 1, Docket No. 50-325 / License No. DPR-71, on April 3, 2004, at 0549 hours. On April 2, 2004, at 2324 hours, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system was declared inoperable for scheduled testing performed in accordance with 0PT-09.2, 'HPCI System Operability Test.' 0PT-09.2 includes, in part, Technical Specification (TS) Surveillance Requirement (SR) 3.5.1.7, to verify that, with reactor pressure < 1045 and > 945 psig, the HPCI pump unit could develop a flow rate > 4250 gpm against a system head corresponding to reactor pressure. The testing also includes in part, In-service Test (IST) program requirements for HPCI pump performance (to test for pump degradation). During this testing, water is circulated from the Condensate Storage Tank (CST) through the HPCI pump and back to the CST through a 'Bypass to CST' valve. Motive force for the pump is provided by reactor steam being routed through the HPCI turbine into the suppression pool. Due to the heat energy being deposited in the suppression pool, time for HPCI turbine/pump testing is limited. When tested, the HPCI pump passed the TS SR 3.5.1.7 pump pressure and flow rate test requirements. However, when HPCI turbine speed was set to the IST-required value of 2,500 rpm, as indicated by the control room indicator 1-E41-C002-4 (the preferred indication), the IST required system flow of 4,550 gpm could not be attained. Turbine speed was then adjusted, using a portable speed indicator, to attain 4,550 gpm system flow. The portable speed indicator read 2530 rpm, high, outside the acceptable range of 2,485 to 2,515 rpm. The unsatisfactory test indicated potential pump degradation. The IST program requires the equipment to be declared inoperable until unsatisfactory test results are evaluated. On April 3, 2004, at 0436 hours, the HPCI system was declared inoperable due to the unsatisfactory test. At 0549 hours, the NRC was notified (Event Number 40636) in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) as a condition that at the time of discovery could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of a system needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. During the testing with the portable speed indicator, it was noted that the control room indicator 1-E41-C002-4 was reading high (i.e., 1-E41-C002-4 was reading 2,600 rpm compared to 2,500 rpm on the portable speed indicator). Turbine speed indicator 1-E41-C002-4 was adjusted back to within required accuracy in accordance with Work Order 306977. After the initial test, a thorough review of pump data, instrument calibration data, and IST program guidance was conducted. It was determined that there was no indication of pump degradation and no indication of a flow indicator problem. Having corrected a speed indicator problem, sections of 0PT-09.2 were performed on April 5, 2004, to test for pump degradation using the preferred speed indicator 1-E41-C002-4. Test results were satisfactory and demonstrated that the pump performance met the IST program requirements. The HPCI system was declared operable on April 5, 2004, at approximately 0521 hours. Investigation of this condition is documented in the corrective action program in Action Request (AR) 123551. NUREG-1022, Rev. 2, Section 3.2.7 (page 56) lists types of events or conditions that are generally not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v) and 10 CFR 50.73 (a)(2)(v) criteria. The list of not-reportable conditions includes: - Removal of a system or part of a system from service as part of a planned evolution for maintenance or surveillance testing when done in accordance with an approved procedure and the plant's TS (unless a condition is discovered that could have prevented the system from performing its function) On April 2, 2004, the HPCI system was removed from service for testing in accordance with an approved procedure 0PT-09.2. The system was declared inoperable due to the test results discussed above, and since the HPCI system is a single train safety system, an ENS notification was made. However, no condition was discovered that could have prevented the HPCI system from performing its functions. Carolina Power & Light Company, doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., has determined that this event does not meet the 10 CFR 50.72 or 10 CFR 50.73 reporting criteria and the notification for Event Number 40636 is retracted. The resident inspector has been notified.

Time of Discovery