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 Start dateReporting criterionTitleEvent descriptionSystemLER
ENS 545082 February 2020 00:45:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Shutdown Due to Containment Purge Valve Excessive LeakageAt 1845 CST on 2/1/2020, during surveillance testing (STS PE-015, Containment Purge Valve Leakage Test) containment leakage in excess of Technical Specification requirements was observed. A Technical Specification required shutdown was initiated at 2030 CST and Mode 3 was achieved at 2154 CST. All systems functioned as required during and following shutdown. The unit is proceeding to Mode 5. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 522182 September 2016 13:08:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown

While operating in MODE 1 at 100 percent rated thermal power and placing Excess Letdown in service for Reactor Coolant System (RCS) leak detection, RCS operational leakage exceeded 1 gpm (gallon per minute) unidentified leakage as identified by performing RCS Water Inventory Balance using the Nuclear Plant Information System Computer. This required the entry into Technical Specification (TS) Limiting Condition of Operation (LCO) 3.4.13 Condition B at 0808 (CDT) on 9/2/16. The associated action is to place the unit into Mode 3 in 6 hours. Trending of containment sump level indicates the leakage is inside containment with the exact location within containment unknown. Containment inspection is being performed to try and identify the source of Reactor Coolant System leakage. NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Re-alignment of the Letdown System back to its normal arrangement has subsequently reduced RCS leak rate to 0.521 gpm at 0652 CDT on 9/2/16. Unusual or Not Understood - Leak Location is not known at this time. Maximum leak rate recorded was 1.358 gpm. The leak was first discovered at 08/31/16 at 1519 CDT. Safety Related Equipment not operational - Reactor Vessel Level Indicating System (TS 3.3.3).

  • * * RETRACTION AT 1101 EDT ON 10/21/2016 FROM LARRY HAUTH TO JEFF HERRERA * * *

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation is retracting the 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i) notification based on subsequent review of the event. The calculation of unidentified leak rate which triggered entry into the Mode 3 Required Action Statement was performed immediately after placing RCS Excess Letdown in service. An evaluation of the leak rate calculation determined that the leak rate was invalid due to performance of the RCS water inventory balance during non-steady state operating conditions. This was contrary to the requirements of TS Surveillance Requirement 3.4.13.1, as this test was performed while charging and letdown flows were being stabilized following the alignment of excess letdown. A walk down of the Excess Letdown system while in-service determined no leakage. Subsequent RCS water inventory balances performed with Excess Letdown in service under steady state operating conditions while in Mode 3 at normal operating pressure and temperature determined the maximum calculated unidentified leak rate was 0.675 gpm. After the plant entered Mode 3 a non-RCS pressure boundary leak was identified during equipment walk downs on a seal weld from the reactor vessel head core exit thermocouple nozzle assembly 77. The leakage did not impact the ability to shut down the unit. No TS limits were exceeded during this event. Therefore, the plant shutdown to investigate and correct leakage past the seal weld of a threaded connection does not meet the reporting requirements of 10 CFR 50.72. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. Notified the R4DO (Kramer).

Reactor Coolant System
ENS 5107416 May 2015 02:48:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown Due to 2 Ac Inverters Inoperable

Class 1E A/C Unit SGK05A cools safety related electrical train 'A' and was found tripped at 2148 (CDT). As a result, the following supported safety related electrical equipment were declared inoperable: 4.16 KV Bus NB01, 480 Volt Buses NG01 and NG03, 120 volt Instrument AC Inverters and Buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03, 125 VDC Chargers and Buses NK11, NK13, NK01 and NK03. T/S 3.0.3 was entered from T/S 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 volt AC Inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. All electrical systems listed above remain available but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. Plant shutdown to mode 5 commenced at 2244 (CDT). No major equipment is out-of-service. All systems have functioned normally. Plant is currently at 99% with power ramping down. Plant must be in mode 3 by 0448 CDT. No compensatory measures have been established. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. See EN #51071 for an earlier T/S required shutdown required at 0436 CDT on 5/15/15, due to the same conditions.

  • * * UPDATE FROM BRET DAVIS TO VINCE KLCO ON 5/18/15 AT 1600 EDT * * *

For both EN 51071 and 51074, the low lube oil pressure switch tripped the SGK05A unit. Oil pressures were verified to be normal and the SGK05A unit was successfully started. The plant shutdown each time was terminated. A fault in the Electronic Oil Pressure control which monitors the low lube oil pressure switch was identified. A jumper has been installed that bypasses the oil switch while maintenance is being conducted. The unit was declared functional but degraded. Indication of low oil pressure is still provided. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R4DO (Okeefe).

ENS 5107115 May 2015 09:36:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown Due to 2 Ac Inverters InoperableClass 1E A/C Unit SGK05A cools safety related electrical train 'A' and was found tripped at 0436 (CDT). As a result, the following supported safety related electrical equipment were declared inoperable: 4.16 KV Bus NB01, 480 volt Buses NG01 and NG03, 120 volt Instrument AC Inverters and Buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03, 125 VDC Chargers and Buses NK11, NK13, NK01 and NK03. T/S 3.0.3 was entered from T/S 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 volt AC Inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. All electrical systems listed above remain available but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. Plant shutdown to mode 5 commenced at 0530 (CDT). No major equipment is out-of-service. All systems have functioned normally. Plant is currently at 95 % power ramping down. Plant must be in mode 3 by 1136 CDT. No compensatory measures have been established. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 4944818 October 2013 17:11:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown Due to Loss of Cooling to Switchgear RoomsWolf Creek has commenced a plant shutdown in accordance with Technical Specifications. The A train class 1E electrical equipment air conditioning unit was declared non-functional due to a possible failed oil pressure sensor. This failure could prevent the (AC) unit from performing its required function over its required mission time, as required by Technical Specifications 3.8.4, 3.8.7, and 3.8.9. The following safety related electrical equipment was declared inoperable: 4.16KV bus NB01; 480 volt AC buses NG01 and NG03; 120 volt instrument AC inverters and buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03; 125 VDC chargers and buses NK11, NK13, NK01 and NK03. Technical Specification 3.0.3 was entered at 1141 CDT on 10/18/2013 from Technical Specification 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 VAC inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. Plant shutdown to Mode 5 commenced at 1211 CDT. All electrical systems listed above remain available but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. No major equipment is out of service. No switchgear room temperature limits were challenged. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. See event notifications; EN #49339, EN #49126, and EN #49008 for similar events.
ENS 4933911 September 2013 22:31:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A), System Actuation
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
Technical Specification Required Shutdown Due to Loss of Cooling to Switchgear Rooms

Wolf Creek has commenced a plant shutdown in accordance with Technical Specifications. The A Train Class 1E Electrical Equipment Air Conditioning unit was declared non-functional due to a possible failed compressor cylinder, as indicated by increased vibration. This failure could prevent the unit from performing its required function over its required mission time, as required by Technical Specifications 3.8.4, 3.8.7, and 3.8.9. The following safety related electrical equipment was declared inoperable: 4.16KV Bus NB01; 480 Volt AC buses NG01 and NG03; 120 Volt Instrument AC inverters and buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03; 125 VDC chargers and buses NK11, NK13, NN01 and NN03. Technical Specification 3.0.3 was entered at 1645 CDT on 9/11/2013 from Technical Specification 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 VAC inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. Plant shutdown to Mode 5 commenced at 1731 CDT. The unit is currently at approximately 50% power. All electrical systems listed above remain available but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. No major equipment is out of service. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified. No switchgear room temperature limits were challenged. See EN #49008 (May 6, 2013) and EN #49126 (June 17, 2013) for similar events.

  • * * UPDATE ON 9/12/13 AT 0215 EDT FROM MARCY BLOW TO HUFFMAN * * *

At 00:36 CDT 9/12/13, Wolf Creek had an Auxiliary Feedwater Actuation during a plant shutdown in accordance with Technical Specifications. The plant was in Mode 3, all control rods inserted, with reactor trip breakers closed when low steam generator levels prompted a manual reactor trip. A Valid Auxiliary Feed Actuation signal was received due to low steam generator levels. All Auxiliary Feedwater pumps started and operated as expected. The licensee has informed the NRC Resident Inspector. R4DO (Hay) notified.

Steam Generator
Auxiliary Feedwater
Control Rod
ENS 4912617 June 2013 16:11:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown Due to Non-Functional Class 1E Electrical A/C UnitClass 1E A/C Unit SGK05A cools safety related electrical train 'A' and was declared non-functional at 1111 hours. As a result, the following supported safety related electrical equipment was declared inoperable: 4.16 KV Bus NB01, 480 volt Buses NG01 and NG03, 120 volt Instrument AC Inverters and Buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03, 125 VDC Chargers and Buses NK11, NK13, NK01 and NK03. T/S 3.0.3 was entered from T/S 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 volt AC Inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. All electrical systems listed above remain available but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. Plant shutdown to mode 5 commenced at 1125 hours. No major equipment is out-of-service. All systems have functioned normally. Plant is currently at 55% power ramping down. Plant must be in mode 3 by 1811 CDT. No compensatory measures have been established. The NRC Resident Inspector has been notified.
ENS 490086 May 2013 22:33:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Shutdown Required Due to Non-Functional Class 1E Air Conditioning UnitClass 1E Air Conditioning Unit SGK05A cools safety related electrical Train 'A' and was declared non-functional at 1733 hours. As a result, the following safety related electrical equipment was declared inoperable: 4.16 KV Bus NB01; 480 volt buses NG01 and NG03; 120 volt Instrument AC inverters and buses NN11, NN13, NN01 and NN03; 125 VDC chargers and buses NK11, NK13, NK01 and NK03. T/S 3.0.3 was entered at 1733 from T/S 3.8.7 due to two out of four 120 volt AC inverters (NN11 and NN13) being inoperable. Plant shutdown to Mode 5 commenced at 1801 hours. All electrical systems listed above remain functional but are declared inoperable due to inadequate room cooling capability. The licensee plans on performing a controlled plant shutdown using normal rod insertion following approved plant procedures. Per the licensee, Mode 3 conditions must be met by 0033 CDT 5/7/2013 and Mode 5 conditions must be met by 0033 CDT 5/8/2013. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.
ENS 479986 June 2012 08:27:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownInadequate Cooling Available to Support Electrical Power Systems

Wolf Creek commenced a nuclear plant shutdown in accordance with Technical Specifications. Engineering analysis has determined that with one non-functional Class IE A/C unit, there is inadequate cooling available to support electrical power systems required by Technical Specifications (TS) 3.8.4, 3.8.7, 3.8.9, during all postulated conditions. Actions are currently underway to restore the non-functional Class IE A/C unit to a functional status. The non-functional Class IE A/C unit had a clogged oil pump strainer. Per TS 3.0.3, Wolf Creek began reducing power and was at 89% power at the time of the report. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE FROM WARREN BRANDT TO DONG PARK AT 0700 EDT ON 06/06/12 * * *

The A Class IE A/C unit was restored to functional at 6/6/2012 0505 CDT. The plant shutdown was terminated at 87 percent power. Actions are underway to restore the unit to 100 percent power. Notified R4DO (Gepford).

ENS 4715415 August 2011 15:55:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown - Contaminated Oil SampleOn 8/11/2011 at 1145 CDT the Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater pump was declared inoperable due to oil sample results indicating high particulate (ISO Solid Contamination Code above the Action Limit IAW I-ENG-004) in the turbine lube oil. The action limit is 19/16 and the sample result was 23/21. The ISO Solid Contamination Code is a measure of particle count and size. The same sample was analyzed for metal particulate concentration and results were satisfactory. Efforts have been underway to determine the source of the contaminate and to restore the turbine lube oil to within specifications. On 8/14/2011 at 0945 CDT NRC Region IV granted a Notice of Enforcement Discretion NOED beginning at 1145 CDT on 8/14/2011 to expire at 1145 CDT on 8/15/2011. Cleaning efforts have been completed. Current sample results indicate acceptable levels. A Basic Engineering Disposition has been issued supporting the sample results and basis for operability. Technical Specification required shutdown per TS 3.7.5 condition C.1 and C.2 was initiated at 1055 CDT on 8/15/2011. The Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feedwater Pump was declared operable at 1203 CDT on 8/15/2011 and the power reduction was halted at 82% Rated Thermal Power (RTP). Power ascension to 100% RTP was commenced at 1209 CDT on 8/15/2011. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Auxiliary Feedwater
ENS 464576 December 2010 10:18:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTech Spec Required Shutdown Due to Exceeding Allowed Outage Time on the 'A' Emergency Diesel Generator(KKJ01A) 'A' Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) was removed from service and declared inoperable (on) 11/29/2010 at 0500 (CST) for a scheduled 7 day Technical Specification equipment outage to perform various scheduled maintenance items. Technical Specification 3.8.1 Condition B was entered for one Diesel Generator inoperable, utilizing Action B.4.2.2, 'Restore the Diesel Generator to OPERABLE within 7 days AND 10 days from discovery of failure to meet LCO'. On 12/06/2010, it was discovered during the Operability Run Surveillance, STS KJ-015A, utilized to restore the EDG to service, the Engine Analyzer Data Acquisition (software) indicated the No. 12 cylinder is 'out of balance' and will require a clearance order and maintenance repair. On 12/06/2010 (at) 0350 hrs., it was determined that the work required to restore the EDG to service would cause the Tech Spec 3.8.1 Action B.4.2.2 Completion Time requirement of 7 days to be exceeded, requiring a Plant Shutdown per TS 3.8.1 Condition H, with Action H.1, 'Be in Mode 3 within 6 hours', and Action H.2, 'Be in Mode 5 within 36 hours'. Plant Shutdown to Mode 3 was commenced (on) 12/06/2010 at 0418 (CST). The (NRC) Resident Inspector has been contacted. The licensee indicated that required repairs should be completed within 8 hours and expects restart to occur on 12/06/2010.Emergency Diesel Generator
ENS 463095 October 2010 03:00:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required ShutdownOn 10/4/2010, at 2200 CDT, Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) commenced a plant shutdown due to inoperability of the 'A' Train of Essential Service Water (ESW). On 10/2/2010, at 0642 CDT, 'A' Train ESW was declared inoperable due to indications of a leak on the buried ESW supply line. Technical Specification 3.7.8, Essential Service Water (ESW) System, Condition A, allows 72 hours to restore an inoperable ESW train. Location of the leak was identified using Ground Penetrating Radar and confirmed by excavation. Work is underway to evaluate and repair the leak. Since this work is expected to take longer than the allowed completion time (72 hours), it was decided to commence plant shutdown prior to expiration of the allowed 72 hours (10/5/2010 at 0642 CDT). Plant shutdown is required by Technical Specification 3.7.8, Condition B. Current plan is for the plant to be in Mode 3 (Hot Standby) by 0700 CDT on 10/5/2010. Plant cool down to Mode 5 will commence following shutdown and continue until such time as the leak has been repaired and the train restored to operable or until Mode 5 is reached. The leak has been quantified as approximately 11.5 gpm. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Service water
ENS 4619823 August 2010 13:14:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTech Spec Required Shutdown Due to Both Edgs and an Rhr Loop InoperableOn 8/23/2010 at 0814 (hrs. CDT) with the unit in Mode 1, 100%, Control Room personnel were informed by a Maintenance Planner that each (A and B) Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) was missing a u-bolt on the relief valve tail pipes on Auxiliary Lube Oil Keep Warm system. The System Engineer concluded that this could affect the seismic qualification of the EDGs. Both EDGs were declared inoperable as a result. In addition, 'A' Residual Heat Removal (RHR) was out of service for emergent work. This resulted in less than 100% of the ECCS flow equivalent to a single ECCS train and entry into LCO 3.0.3 as required by TS 3.5.2, Condition C. A plant shutdown was commenced at 0907. At 0935, the Control Room was informed by Engineering that a calculation existed for continued operation of the EDGs with the u-bolt missing from the tailpipe of the relief valves on the Auxiliary Lube Oil Keep Warm system. Both EDGs were declared operable and LCO 3.0.3 was exited. The power reduction was stopped at 0940 with reactor power at 96%. The NRC Senior Resident Inspector was informed.Emergency Diesel Generator
Residual Heat Removal
ENS 459857 June 2010 23:44:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification Required Shutdown Due to Voiding in the Component Cooling Water System(The licensee) commenced Tech Spec required shutdown at 1844 (CDT) on 6/7/10. Shutdown was commenced due to entry into (Technical Specification) 3.0.3 at 1828 hrs. on 6/7/10 due to voids in Component Cooling Water (CCW) Train causing both trains to be inoperable. While operating in Mode 1 at 100% rated thermal power, voids were found in the 'B' CCW train that was above the acceptable volume. 'B' CCW train was declared inoperable at 1828 hrs.. 'A' CCW train was already inoperable due to voids. Both trains inoperable required entry into Tech Spec 3.0.3. Shutdown was commenced at 1844 hrs. All system functioned normally. (The NRC) Senior Resident Inspector has been contacted. During the shutdown, the licensee determined that voiding in the "B" train didn't reach the level required to render the "B" train inoperable and stopped the shutdown at 80% power. The licensee intends to begin a power ascension after re-verifying the voiding in the "B" train.
ENS 4566326 January 2010 21:25:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownEntry Into Technical Specification Required Shutdown

While operating in mode 1 at 100% power, (the licensee) identified (a) failure to comply with Technical Requirements (TR) Manual 3.7.20, Snubbers, Condition C. (The) required action C.1 requires the performance of an inspection of required snubbers affected by transient in accordance with Table TR 3.7.20-1 within 6 months of the event. WCNOC (Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation) determined that a portion of the required inspections was not completed for transients that occurred during Refueling Outage 16 (Spring 2008). TR 3.7.20, Snubbers, Condition D requires affected systems to be declared inoperable immediately. No major equipment was out of service prior to the event. At 1525 CST, TS (Technical Specification) LCO (Limiting Condition of Operation) 3.7.8, Essential Service Water (ESW) System, was declared not met, (and therefore), both trains of ESW (were declared) inoperable. With both trains of ESW inoperable, TS LCO 3.0.3 was entered and preparations for unit shutdown commenced. Additionally, with both trains of ESW inoperable both Emergency Diesel Generators were declared inoperable. TS LCO 3.8.1, AC Sources - Operating, Conditions B and F were entered. Actions to complete required inspections per TR 3.7.20 Table TR 3.7.20-1 have been initiated. Shutdown was commenced at 1618 CST. NRC Senior Resident was notified 1/26/2010 15:30 CST regarding entry into TS LCO 3.0.3.

  • * * UPDATE FROM RICK HUBBARD TO JOHN KNOKE AT 2206 EST ON 1/26/10 * * *

The licensee completed inspection of Train "B" snubbers, and at 2013 CST, the licensee exited TS LCO 3.0.3 based on restoration of Train "B" of Essential Service Water System to operable status. Licensee is still inspecting Train "A" snubbers. The licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified R4DO (Greg Pick)

Service water
Emergency Diesel Generator
ENS 4398514 February 2008 00:50:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTechnical Specification 3.0.3 Required ShutdownWith the 'B' Emergency Diesel Generator out of service for 7 day LCO, the 'A' (Centrifugal Charging Pump) (CCP) was declared inoperable due to associated room cooler tube leak. TS 3.0.3 was entered at 1820 hours with plant shutdown commencing at 1850 hours. At 1950 hours, the NRC granted a 19-hour Notice Of Enforcement Discretion (NOED) from the initial CCP 'A' inoperability time of 1420 hours until entry into TS 3.0.3 is required. Time when Wolf Creek will be required to enter TS 3.0.3 for the 'A' CCP inoperable due to room cooler leakage is now 0920 hours on 2/14/08. Power reduction was stopped at 1950 hours. Currently making preparations to return the unit to 100% power. Repairs to the 'A' CCP are expected to be complete before 2400 CST 2/13/08. The Licensee has notified the NRC Resident Inspector.Emergency Diesel Generator
ENS 4389511 January 2008 22:22:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required ShutdownTech. Spec. Required Shutdown Due to Gas Voiding in Discharge Piping

Gas intrusion into ECCS piping required entry into Technical Specification (TS) 3.0.3. Wolf Creek was operating at 100% power when gas voiding was discovered in RHR discharge piping common to both trains of ECCS. Due to void reoccurring in excess of predetermined limits both trains of ECCS were declared inoperable at 1525 CST. A TS required shutdown was commenced at 1622. Engineering is researching the composition of the gas and possible sources." The licensee must determine that the line is solid with fluid without any gas voiding before exiting the TS required shutdown. All normal and emergency power supplies are available. All EDG's are operable. Reactor power is being reduced one-half a percent per minute. The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector.

  • * * UPDATE PROVIDED BY DIANE HOOPER TO JEFF ROTTON AT 1932 ON 01/14/08 * * *

At 1550 (CST) on 1/14/2008, Engineering notified control room that the A RHR pump suction from the recirc sump has a void in excess of the allowable limit. Due to the isolation of the 'piggyback' line from the A RHR to the suction of the CCPs, (Wolf Creek) no longer has 'at least the ECCS flow equivalent to a single OPERABLE ECCS train available.' (Wolf Creek) has already entered condition B of 3.5.2 and the cooldown requirement from action B of 3.5.2 is more restrictive than the cooldown requirement of 3.0.3. No additional actions need to be taken to comply with Tech Specs. At 1700 (CST) on 1/14, Engineering reports that the voids in the 'piggyback' line has been filled to within acceptable limits. The licensee will notify the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R4DO (Spitzberg)

ENS 4200421 September 2005 03:40:0010 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B), Loss of Safety Function - Remove Residual Heat
10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(i), Tech Spec Required Shutdown
Technical Specification Required Shutdown Commenced Due to Inoperability of Residual Heat Removal Containment Sump Isolation Valves

At 2240 09/20/2005 an engineering evaluation concluded that the Residual Heat Removal Containment Sump Isolation Valves were inoperable based on their inability to open against a higher differential pressure than had been previously evaluated. Historically Wolf Creek has operated with the Component Cooling Water isolated to the Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchangers. If the pumps started during accident conditions there is a potential that the pump heat generated could cause system pressure to increase to the suction relief valve setting of 450 psig. Testing of the valves has shown that they are capable of opening with 207 psid across the valve. Technical Specification 3.0.3 was entered at 2240 9/20/2005 due to the inoperability of both Residual Heat Removal trains. Power reduction was commenced at 2340. Component Cooling Water was aligned to the Residual Heat Removal Heat Exchangers at 0004 9/21/2005 restoring operability of the Residual Heat Removal trains. At 0017 9/21/2005 actions were commenced to restore power to 100%. This event is reportable under 10 CFR50.72(b)(2)(i) Technical Specification required shut down (4 hour) and 10 CFR50.72(b)(3)(v)(B) Event or Condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a Safety Function (8 hour). The NRC Resident has been contacted.

      • UPDATE AT 15:39 EST ON 11/08/05 FROM DEES TO KNOKE ***

Evaluation of the Residual Heat Removal Containment Sump Isolation Valves concluded that the valves were operable and the Residual Heat Removal trains were capable of fulfilling their safety function. Therefore, this event is not reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(B). The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector. Notified the R4DO (Whitten).

Residual Heat Removal