Semantic search

Jump to navigation Jump to search
 Start dateTitleDescriptionTopic
ENS 538155 January 2019 15:40:00En Revision Imported Date 2/12/2019

EN Revision Text: POTENTIAL LOSS OF MSIV SCRAM FUNCTION DURING MAIN STEAM LINE ISOLATION VALVE TESTING At approximately 1040 EST on January 5, 2019, during evaluation of test results for the 'C' Main Steam Isolation Valve (MSIV), it was determined that closure of three of four Main Steam Lines would not necessarily have resulted in a full scram during testing due to failure of a limit switch (LS-6) associated with MSIV-1C while in the test configuration. This condition is being reported as an eight-hour, non-emergency notification per 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v), 'Any event or condition that could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of structures or systems that are needed to: (A) Shut down the reactor and maintain it in a safe shutdown condition.' The system was restored from the testing configuration at 1057 EST and the failed trip channel was placed in the tripped condition at 1326 EST thus restoring the design function. There was no impact on the health and safety of the public or plant personnel. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1529 EST ON 02/11/19 FROM JOSEPH FRATTASIO TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

The purpose of the notification is to retract ENS Notification 53815 made on 01/05/19 for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. The previous notification reported that there was a potential loss of Main Steam Isolation Valve (MSIV) scram function during main steam line isolation valve testing, at the time of discovery, due to failure of a limit switch (LS-6) associated with MSIV-1C while in the test configuration. Subsequent evaluation has demonstrated that the scram function credited in the design basis was not lost. Specifically, after an Engineering Evaluation, it has been determined that the MSIV position RPS logic was not lost for those functions within the design basis and, as such, was capable of performing its intended safety function. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified the R1DO (Cahill).

Safe Shutdown
Time of Discovery
ENS 5328725 March 2018 20:16:00Control Rod Drive Piping Potentially Inoperable

On March 25, 2018 at 1616 hours (EDT), with the reactor in cold shutdown condition, two control rod drive piping lines were determined to be potentially inoperable in the event of a design basis earthquake due to support defects. The control rod drive piping forms a portion of the reactor coolant pressure boundary and primary containment boundary. The supports will be repaired prior to plant startup. This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The licensee will notify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM JOE FRATTASIO TO HOWIE CROUCH AT 1500 EDT ON 4/13/18 * * *

The purpose of the notification is to retract ENS notification 53287 made on 03/25/18 for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. The previous notification reported that control rod drive (CRD) piping could be potentially inoperable in the event of a design basis earthquake, at the time of discovery, due to piping support defects. Subsequent evaluation has demonstrated that the piping was not inoperable. Specifically, after an engineering evaluation, it has been determined that the CRD Hydraulic System operability was never lost and the system was operable, although non-conforming, based on the support configuration not conforming to the pipe support drawings. The affected pipe supports have been restored or reworked to the proper design condition in accordance with the design drawings. The CRD System has subsequently been restored to a fully operable status. Notified R1DO (Jackson) and IRD MOC (Pham).

Time of Discovery
Design basis earthquake
ENS 5205630 June 2016 18:30:00Both Primary Containment Isolation Valves for a Penetration Potentially Inoperable

On June 30, 2016 at 1430 (EDT), with the reactor at 100 (percent) and the mode switch in RUN, Pilgrim Station determined both Primary Containment Isolation Valves (PCIVs) CV-5065-91 and CV-5065-92 for Drywell Penetration X-32A were inoperable due to the potential failure of relays relied on to perform the primary containment isolation function. The valves have been closed and deactivated in the isolated condition in accordance with Technical Specification Limiting Condition For Operation Action Statement 3.7.A.2.b. Preparations are in progress to replace the relays to restore the valves to operable status. This 8-hour notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(C) and 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(D). The licensee has notified the NRC Senior Resident Inspector. The licensee will notify the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM KEN GRACIA TO DONALD NORWOOD AT 1720 EDT ON 8/29/2016 * * *

This notification is being made to retract event notification EN 52056 made by Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station on June 30, 2016, that reported the potential failure of relays that could have prevented the fulfillment of the safety function of primary containment isolation valves (PCIVs) needed to control the release of radioactive material and mitigate the consequences of an accident. Post replacement testing of the removed relays associated with PCIV CV-5065-91 and CV-5065-92 demonstrated the ability of these relays to perform the required safety function. Based on the test results, no loss of PCIS safety function occurred while the relays were physically installed and operating. Therefore, Event Number 52056, made on June 30, 2016, is being retracted. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified R1DO (Powell).

ENS 5035612 August 2014 06:38:00Hpci Potential Inoperability Discovered During Post Maintenance Testing

At 0238 hours (EDT) on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, with Pilgrim Station at 100 percent power in the Run Mode with reactor coolant pressure at approximately 1025 psig and the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System previously removed from service for maintenance, a condition with the potential to impact the operability of the HPCI System was discovered. The HPCI System was being operated in accordance with plant procedures to complete post maintenance test requirements. Upon HPCI initiation, the indicated flow on HPCI Flow Indicator FI-2340-1-1 was 0 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) with the flow controller in the manual mode. The indicated flow on HPCI Flow Indicator Fl-2340-1-1 remained at 0 GPM throughout the duration of the surveillance. Alternate flow indication indicated the expected HPCI flow rate. The flow controller in manual was capable of controlling at the demanded HPCI turbine speed. The HPCI turbine speed was manually varied with a corresponding change in the HPCI flow computer point reading. Activities to restore the flow indicator capability are in progress. The plant is in a safe condition and plant personnel are investigating the cause of the flow indicator issue. The NRC Resident Inspector has been informed of this notification. This notification is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The licensee will be notifying the state.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM O'ROURKE TO KLCO ON 10/03/2014 AT 1254 EDT * * *

Subsequent investigation determined that HPCI Flow Instrument SQRT-2340-10 output signal was 0 mA and did not change in response to the actual HPCI flow rate. With the SQRT-2340-10 output signal at 0 mA, the HPCI Flow controller would demand maximum HPCI injection flow in the AUTOMATIC control mode. Circuitry within the control system limits the maximum HPCI flow to 5250 GPM at a turbine speed of 4165 RPM. Engineering analysis has concluded that the HPCI pump operating limits (net positive suction head and low pressure suction trip) would not be exceeded in a maximum HPCI flow state. Therefore, the HPCI System was operable and capable of performing its residual heat removal and accident mitigation functions. Therefore, the initial 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) and 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) report is being retracted. The (NRC) Resident Inspector has been informed of this notification retraction. Notified the R1DO (Krohn).

ENS 4892415 April 2013 02:16:00Primary Containment Air Lock Failed Integrated Leak Rate Test

On Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 2216 hours, with the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) Reactor Mode Select Switch (RMSS) in Start-up, the turbine generator previously removed from service, and the reactor sub-critical on Intermediate Range Monitors Range 2 and lowering, the PNPS Containment Personnel Air Lock failed integrated air lock testing as required by TS 4.7.A.2. 10CFR50 Appendix J requires that primary reactor containment meet certain leakage rate testing requirements. These test requirements ensure that 1) Leakage through the containment or systems and components penetrating the containment do not exceed allowable leakage rates specified in Technical Specifications and 2) The integrity of the containment structure is maintained during its service life. The test requirements include local leakage rate testing of containment air locks. The test criteria establishes a limit of less than or equal to 10.525 SLM, actual leakage was 16.7 SLM. PNPS was in the process of shutting down for a scheduled Refueling Outage during the scheduled testing. This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public. The USNRC Resident Inspector will be notified. This 8-hour notification is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(c).

* * * RETRACTION FROM BOB O'NEILL TO PETE SNYDER AT 1700 ON 6/13/13 * * * 

Subsequent investigation of the test failure determined that an o-ring in the Airlock Inner Pressure Equalizing Device (PED) was not properly seated resulting in exceeding the established leakage rate limit. Leakage was not observed on the Airlock Outer Boundary Surface. Thus, with the Airlock Outer Boundary Surface intact, the Airlock was capable of performing the safety function to control the release of radioactive material. In addition, even with the Airlock leakage of 16.7 standard liters per minute (SLM), the Technical Specification Primary Containment As-Found Minimum Pathway Leakage Limit of 0.6 La for all Type B and C leakage tests was not exceeded. Therefore, the initial 50.72(b)(3)(v)(C) report is being retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (Dentel).

ENS 4728822 September 2011 18:52:00Salt Service Water Pump Inoperability During Postulated Degraded Voltage Conditions

On Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 1452 (EDT), with the reactor at 100% core thermal power and steady state conditions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) conservatively declared both Salt Service Water (SSW) subsystems inoperable when engineering analysis determined that inrush current on pump restart may exceed the thermal overload trip relay settings during certain degraded voltage conditions. A 24-hour Limiting Condition for Operation action statement was entered. Entergy/Pilgrim is in the process of implementing temporary modifications to correct this issue. This potential concern has no impact on public health and safety. This 8-hour notification is being conservatively reported in accordance with 10 CFR50.72(b)(3)(ii)(B). The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. The licensee will notify the Massachusetts Emergency Management Center.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DAVID NOYES TO VINCE KLCO ON 11/20/2011 AT 0733 EST* * *

Event Notification 47288 was conservatively made to ensure that the Eight-Hour Non-Emergency reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 were satisfied pending further evaluation of Salt Service Water (SSW) subsystem operability during certain degraded voltage conditions. Pilgrim Station has subsequently evaluated the impact of the Salt Service Water (SSW) pump motor operating load; potential degraded voltage conditions on thermal overload settings; and pump motor restart requirements; and determined that reasonable assurance of SSW subsystem operability existed. Both SSW subsystems were evaluated to be capable of satisfying the system safety function of providing cooling water to the Reactor Building Closed Cooling Water System heat exchangers during accident and transient conditions. Pilgrim 's evaluation considered manufacturer's data for the thermal overload relays, site specific shop testing, and reliable grid conditions which minimize the potential for extended operation with 4 kV buses operating at just above degraded voltage relay trip settings. This past operability evaluation concluded that the SSW pumps would support continuous operation of the SSW subsystems. Therefore, the initial 50.72 report is being retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R1DO (Caruso).

Past operability
Temporary Modification
ENS 465215 January 2011 06:20:00Reactor Core Isolation Cooling Declared Inoperable

On January 5, 2011, at 0120 hours, with the reactor at 100% thermal power and steady state conditions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNSP) declared the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system inoperable due to the RCIC suction isolation valve from the Torus/Suppression Pool (RCIC-26) failing to go fully closed during planned surveillance testing. The RCIC-26 is a motor-operated valve (MOV) and its normal position is closed. The RClC-26 valve is redundant to the RCIC-25 valve, and is not the credited containment isolation valve. The RCIC-26 valve has a safety function to be (manually) opened during certain event mitigation scenarios requiring a transfer of suction sources from the Condensate Storage Tank (CST) to the Torus. Based on the valve failing to fully close during MOV stroke time testing per PNPS Procedure 8.5.5.4, the RCIC system was declared inoperable at 0120 hours and the appropriate LCO was entered. The RCIC-26 was subsequently returned to a full open position, caution tagged and the RCIC system was declared operable. The LCO was exited at 0200 hours. An investigation of the event is underway and continuing. This event had no impact on the health and/or safety of the public. The NRC Resident Inspector is on-site and has been notified. This is an 8-hour notification made in accordance with 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). The licensee will notify the State of Massachusetts.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM JOSEPH LYNCH TO JOHN KNOKE AT 1946 EST ON 3/4/11 * * *

Event Notification 46521 was conservatively made to ensure that the Eight-Hour Non-Emergency reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 were satisfied pending the evaluation of RCIC System operability. On 01/05/11, at 0120 hours the RCIC System was declared inoperable due to uncertainty of RCIC System Operability when the Torus/Suppression Pool Suction Valve (RCIC-26) failed to go fully closed during planned surveillance testing. The valve was restored to the full open position and the valve was declared operable based on capability to meet the required safety function to fully open when RCIC pump suction from the suppression pool is required. The apparent cause evaluation concluded that valve failure was the result of high relay contact resistance in the closing control circuit components of the valve breaker. This failure prevented the valve from fully closing but had no affect on capability to open the valve. Surveillance testing verified that capability to open the valve was not affected. Corrective action was completed to clean or replace the control circuit relay contacts. Post work testing confirmed capability to open and close the valve. An extent of condition for similar breaker control circuit components was also performed. All relevant technical information is documented in the corrective action system. The failure observed did not affect the valve's required safety function and did not impact RCIC System operability. Thus there was no impact on nuclear safety. This event is not reportable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) . Event Number 46521, made on 01/05/2011, is being retracted. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (Anthony Dimitriadis)

Stroke time
ENS 4587928 April 2010 18:00:00Rcic Declared Inoperable Due to Oil Leak on Governor System

On 04/28/10, at 1400 EDT, with the reactor at 100% power, the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system was declared inoperable by the Shift Manager (SM) due to an oil leak on the RCIC governor control oil system that could have impacted the system performance during the accredited 24 hour mission time. The fitting where the oil leakage was observed was tightened and the machine was placed in service with no leakage identified. Currently the system is operable and in its normal standby lineup. The system was available for use during this time. At no time was there an impact to the health and safety of the public. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM JOHN WHALLEY TO HOWIE CROUCH @ 1300 EDT ON 5/28/10 * * *

On April 28, 2010, at 1940 hours, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) made an 8-hour non-emergency 50.72 notification, Event Notification EN# 45879. The notification was made in accordance with 50.72 (b)(3)(v)(D), Accident Mitigation. Earlier on April 28, 2010, at 1400 hours, a minor oil leak had been identified on the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system at a lubricating oil vent fitting. The leak was immediately repaired by properly tightening the fitting, then running RCIC to verify no active leak existed. However in the interim, the Shift Manager conservatively declared RCIC inoperable when the high standard for operability could not be assured by initial system engineering judgment for the impact of the oil leak on RCIC system performance in consideration of mission time. Subsequent engineering evaluation concluded that the observed leak, conservatively assumed to be one drop per 3 minutes, would not have impacted RCIC operability for the duration of its required 24 hour mission time. All relevant technical information is documented in the PNPS corrective action system. Therefore PNPS is retracting the event notification EN# 45879. The USNRC Resident Inspector Office has been notified of this retraction. Notified R1DO (Dwyer).

Mission time
ENS 4459322 October 2008 16:17:00Rcic Declared Inoperable Due to Aging Concern of Several Flow Controller Components

On October 22, 2008, at 1217 hours, with the reactor at 100% core thermal power and steady state conditions, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) conservatively declared the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling System (RCIC) inoperable in response to a concern regarding the reliability of aged capacitors that are installed in the RCIC flow controller. As background, the RCIC flow controller was calibrated and successfully tested on October 7th, 2008 as part of normal surveillance activities, however several of the capacitors installed in the controller were noted to be between 21 to 30 years of age. Industry recommended replacement interval for the capacitors is typically between 7 to 10 years of age. PNPS engineering review in conjunction with Entergy fleet consultation concluded today (10/22) that there was no definitive technical bases to provide a reasonable expectation that the RCIC flow controller function can be assured throughout it's mission time due to the capacitor aging concern. Therefore, RCIC was declared inoperable and a 14 day limiting condition for operability action statement was entered in accordance with TS 3.5.D.1. A replacement controller is being prepared for installation, with post maintenance testing projected to be completed by 2100 hours this evening. Ultimately the suspect controller will be the subject of further evaluation and this notification will be updated as appropriate. This notification has no impact on the health and safety of the public. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector is onsite and has been notified. This is an 8 hour notification made in accordance with 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D).

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1435 EST ON 12/12/2008 FROM JOHN WHALEY TO DONALD NORWOOD * * *

Basis for Retraction: Event Notification 44593 was conservatively made to ensure that the eight-hour non-emergency reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 were satisfied pending the evaluation of RCIC System operability. On 10/22/08, RCIC flow controller FIC-1340-1 was declared inoperable due to engineering uncertainty for controller operability. The controller's electrolytic capacitors appeared to be aged beyond the expected useful life, and the resultant degrading power supply voltage indicated that the controller may not operate for the required FSAR mission time of eight hours. The controller was replaced on 10/23/08 with a refurbished controller and subsequent post-maintenance RCIC system flow testing demonstrated RCIC system operability. The controller that was removed from service was evaluated. Controller bench testing was performed on 11/6 and 11/7, 2008. This testing demonstrated that the controller could provide a full demand output signal for a minimum of 15 continuous hours. During this testing, it was also determined that the power supply output voltage was not degrading. Based on this post-service controller testing, and the successful in-service RCIC flow controller calibration and system performance test conducted on 10/07/08, the controller was operable when installed. The RCIC system was capable of performing its intended safety functions and would have started and supplied design basis flow to the reactor vessel under design basis conditions. Thus there would have (been) no impact on nuclear safety. Therefore, this event was not reportable pursuant to 10CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). Event Number 44593, made on 10/22/2008, is being retracted. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (Bellamy).

Mission time
ENS 4379420 November 2007 11:30:00High Pressure Coolant Inject Inoperable

On November 20, 2007 at 0630 hours, with the reactor at 100% core thermal power, a power supply failure was discovered in the high pressure coolant injection (HPCI) flow controller circuitry that may have precluded the system from performing its design basis function. Therefore, in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50.72(b)(3)(v) an eight-hour notification is being made. As background, on November 18, 2007, at 2145 hours, the high pressure coolant injection (HPCI) system was removed from service for planned maintenance. The required risk analysis was performed and the appropriate 14 day limiting condition for operation (LCO) was entered in accordance with Technical Specification (TS) 3.5.C. Later on November 19, 2007 at approximately 2100 hours the planned maintenance had been completed and HPCI was restored to the normal standby line-up in preparation for post maintenance testing (PMT). The HPCI valve quarterly operability and HPCI pump and valve quarterly operability tests were performed as the prescribed PMT. Upon initiation, the HPCI turbine was observed to come up to expected rated speed (~4,200 rpm) and expected HPCI pump discharge pressure (~1,300 psig). However HPCI pump indicated discharge flow was observed to be ~2,300 gpm, which is less than the Technical Specification requirement of 4,250 gpm. The HPCI system was secured and remained in the original TS 3.5.C LCO and a troubleshooting plan was initiated. On November 20, 2007, at 0630 hours, troubleshooting identified a power supply failure in the HPCI flow control circuitry. A replacement flow controller was identified and installed and it is anticipated that appropriate PMT will be initiated by 1600 hours. The impact of the power supply failure for the design basis operability for HPCl could not be definitively established before the eight-hour notification requirement of 10 CFR Part 50.72(b)(3)(v) was exceeded. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM DAVE NOYES TO JOE O'HARA AT 1751 ON 1/14/08 * * *

NRC Notification 43794 was conservatively made to ensure that the Eight-Hour Non-Emergency reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72 were met pending the evaluation of an atypical condition (low reading) observed with the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) Flow Controller while performing scheduled surveillance testing for the HPCI System. During surveillance testing on 11/18/07, the HPCI System was started and met or exceeded the Technical Specification minimum requirements designed to demonstrate HPCI System Operability. While testing the specific components of the system, the HPCI Flow Controller was observed to be behaving erratically. Although the HPCI System was still capable of performing its required design safety function, the Shift Manager declared the system inoperable since he did not have definitive indication that the turbine was providing the required flow. Troubleshooting of the flow controller determined that the low flow indication was due to a degraded transmitter power supply located internal to flow controller FIC-2340-1. FIC-2340-1 is located in the main control room and is used to control HPCI system flow rate, and provide power to flow transmitter FT-2358. Although indicated flow rate was only 2300 gpm due to the degraded power supply, actual flow rate was approximately 5400 gpm based on pump hydraulic curves. The power supply in question only supplies power to FT-2358. Normal required supply voltage from this power supply is 28VDC to 36VDC. The degraded power supply could only supply 22.4VDC at the transmitter FT-2358 terminals. The degraded power supply voltage caused transmitter to output a lower than normal current for the actual measured flow rate giving a false low flow rate to FIC-2340-1. An Apparent Cause Evaluation and Past Operability Evaluation were performed in response to this event. These evaluations concluded that HPCI System was capable of performing its intended safety functions with the transmitter power supply degraded. HPCI system was capable of performing its intended safety functions during the time when FIC-2340-1 transmitter power supply exhibited low output voltage. HPCI would have started and supplied design basis flow to reactor vessel under design basis conditions. Thus there would have no impact on nuclear safety. Therefore, this event was not reportable pursuant to 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D). ENS Event Number 43794, made on 11/20/2007, is being retracted. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector and the Massachusetts Civil Defense Authority. Notified R1DO(Cobey)

Past operability
ENS 4194825 August 2005 20:30:00High Pressure Coolant Injection Inoperable Due to Flow Oscillations

This report is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.72 (b) (3) (v) due to the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) system being declared inoperable. HPCI was declared inoperable on 8/25/05 at 1630 EST due to oscillations at below rated flow during the scheduled operability testing. HPCI was restored to standby line-up when testing was completed and remains available for use. This event is an eight hour notification. Efforts are on going to determine the cause of the oscillations on the Flow Controller. This event had no adverse effect to the health and safety of the public. The resident NRC inspector has been notified of this event.

  • * * RETRACTION FROM D. NOYES TO W. GOTT AT 1711 ON 09/27/05 * * *

This follow-up notification is being made to retract the notification made to the NRC Operations Center on 8/25/05 at 2039 hours (notification #41948). The initial report was made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3) due to the HPCI system being declared inoperable. The system was declared inoperable due to oscillations in turbine speed, pump discharge pressure, and pump flow during a quarterly surveillance test of the HPCI pump. Further investigation and evaluation of this has been performed. The cause of the noted oscillations was the position of a hand operated valve that is located in the HPCI system full flow test line. The hand operated valve is located downstream of an in-series motor operated valve that automatically closes if an automatic HPCI system initiation signal occurs. The full flow test line is not part of the HPCI injection pathway to the reactor vessel. As a result, the position of this valve would not have impacted the ability of the system to perform its design function. After adjusting the position of the hand operated valve, the surveillance test of the HPCI pump was completed with satisfactory results. The evaluation has determined that the HPCI system was capable of performing the designed safety function. Therefore, the HPCI system was not inoperable and event notification #41948 is retracted. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R1DO (C. Cahill)