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05000446/LER-2017-003Comanche Peak
Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 2
25 November 2017
22 January 2018
Manual Reactor Trip due to trip of both Main Feedwater Pumps
LER 17-003-00 for Comanche Peak, Unit 2, Regarding Manual Reactor Trip Due to Trip of Both Main Feedwater Pumps

On November 25, 2017 Comanche Peak, Unit 2 received alarms indicating a trip of both main feedwater pumps. After confirming a decreasing water level in all four steam generators, the control room initiated a manual reactor trip. All safety systems responded as designed including the automatic start of the auxiliary feedwater system. The cause of the trip of both main feedwater pumps could not be positively identified. Causal analysis indicates that a prior plant modification maintained power to abandoned relays in the Solid State Protection System that may have caused both main feedwater pumps to trip. Subsequent actions were taken to remove the fuses that provided power to the abandoned relays on both Unit 1 and Unit 2 to eliminate recurrence from this possible source. Additional corrective actions have been entered into the Comanche Peak Corrective Action Program.

All times below are in Central Standard Time (CST).

05000482/LER-2017-003Wolf Creek7 September 2017
2 November 2017
ARV and MSSV Tornado Missile Vulnerabilities Result in Unanalyzed Condition
LER 17-003-00 for Wolf Creek Generating Station Regarding ARV and MSSV Tornado Missile Vulnerabilities Result in Unanalyzed Condition

On September 7, 2017, Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) was in Mode 1 at 100 percent power. During evaluation of protection for safety-related equipment from the damaging effects of tornados, WCGS personnel determined that the non safety-related exhaust lines from safety-related atmospheric relief valves (ARVs) and main steam safety valves (MSSVs) could be crimped by tornado generated missiles. If these are crimped completely, these components may be unable to perform their safety functions. The ARVs and MSSVs were declared inoperable and Enforcement Guidance Memorandum (EGM) 15-002, "Enforcement Discretion for Tornado- Generated Missile Protection Noncompliance," Revision 1 was applied. Immediate compensatory measures consistent with EGM 15-002 were implemented within the time allowed by the applicable Technical Specification Limiting Condition(s) for Operation. The ARVs and MSSVs were subsequently declared operable but nonconforming. These tornado missile vulnerabilities existed since the original plant construction. Actions will be taken to establish compliance for these components either by a plant modification or employing a methodology for addressing tornado missile non-conformances.

On April 5, 2017, WCGS personnel provided a 10 CFR 50.72 notification in Event Notification (EN) 52666 concerning tornado missile protection issues known at that time. As stated in EGM 15-002, the NRC will exercise enforcement discretion for subsequent tornado missile 10 CFR 50.72 notifications. Therefore, no 10 CFR 50.72 notification was made for this condition.

05000397/LER-2017-004Columbia20 August 2017
18 October 2017
MANUAL REACTOR SCRAM DUE TO HIGH MAIN CONDENSER BACK PRESSURE
LER 17-004-00 for Columbia Generating Station Regarding Manual Reactor Scram Due to High Main Condenser Back Pressure

On August 20, 2017 at 1605 PDT, Columbia Generating Station was manually scrammed due to a rise in Main Condenser back pressure. The rise in back pressure was due to the spurious closure of the Main Condenser Air Removal Suction Valve (AR-V-1) as a result of the failure of it's associated solenoid pilot valve. Following the reactor scram and depressurization of the reactor a Level 3 actuation occurred. In addition a startup flow control valve failed which necessitated throttling of the Feedwater start-up level control isolation valve to control Reactor Pressure Vessel level. All other safety systems functioned as expected and all control rods were fully inserted. Reactor decay heat was removed via bypass valves to the main condenser.

The apparent cause was the plant modification to address the single point vulnerability of the closure of AR-V-1 was not implemented in time to prevent a plant shutdown. A temporary modification has been installed to maintain AR-V-1 open for the remainder of the operating cycle.

These events are reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A).

05000410/LER-2017-001Nine Mile Point5 August 2017
4 October 2017
1 OF 5
LER 17-001-00 for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Unit 2, Regarding Automatic Reactor Scram due to High Reactor Pressure
On August 5, 2017, at approximately 2235, the Nine Mile Point Unit 2 (NMP2) reactor scrammed on an automatic scram signal during performance of quarterly turbine stop valve surveillance testing. The automatic Reactor Protection System (RPS) actuation and reactor scram is reportable per 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A). The definitive root cause of the equipment failure was not located but was bound to spurious actuation of load limit relays KL186 and KL187. The spurious action was caused by an intermittent ground and/or an induced voltage within the load limit circuit. This is a result of the non-fault tolerant original design of the Electro-hydraulic Control (EHC) system. The corrective action planned is replacement of the current single point vulnerable NMP2 Turbine EHC system with a fault tolerant Digital EHC system. Interim actions have also been developed to mitigate risk associated with testing of the current system until replacement can be accomplished during the 2018 refueling outage.
05000387/LER-2017-005Susquehanna8 June 2017
4 October 2017
Automatic Reactor Protection System Trip on High Neutron Flux
LER 17-005-01 for Susquehanna, Unit 1 Regarding Automatic Reactor Protection System Trip on High Neutron Flux

On June 8, 2017 at 1527 hours, the reactor automatically scrammed due to a loss of Main Turbine- Electro-Hydraulic Control (EHC) logic power causing a high neutron flux, Reactor Protection System (RPS) trip. The safety systems operated as expected. Secondary Containment differential pressure lowered to 0" WG due to a trip of the normal operation of the Reactor Building Ventilation system. The differential pressure was restored by the initiation of Standby Gas Treatment System.

The scram was caused directly by a DC+ (direct current, positive) test lead (Maxi Grabber) that inadvertently contacted with the grounding screw, causing a short and momentary loss of EHC logic power.

Immediate action was taken to validate that there was no damage to the +30 VDC (volts DC) EHC logic.

The root cause for this event is an insufficient focus on the High Risk Activity of adjusting the EHC power supply, and inadequate risk mitigating actions for that activity.

The condition is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in an automatic actuation of the RPS, including reactor scram. Although no safety system functional failure occurred, this event is also reportable pursuant to 10CFR 50.73(a)(2)(v)(C) as a condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function. There were no actual, or potential consequences to the health and safety of the public as a result of this event.

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05000382/LER-2017-002Waterford
Waterford Steam Electric Station, Unit 3
17 July 2017
18 September 2017
Automatic Reactor Scram due to the Failure of Fast Bus Transfer Relays to Automatically Transfer Station Loads to Off- Site Power on a Main Generator Trip
LER 17-002-00 for Waterford, Unit 3, Regarding Automatic Reactor Scram due to the Failure of Fast Bus Transfer Relays to Automatically Transfer Station Loads to Off-Site Power on a Main Generator Trip

On July 17, 2017, at 1606 CDT, Waterford 3 experienced an automatic reactor scram due to a loss of forced circulation, which was the result of a loss of off-site power to the safety and non-safety electrical busses. Prior to the scram, plant operators manually tripped the main turbine and generator due to overheating of the isophase bus duct due to the failure of a shunt assembly connection in the duct to Main Transformer 'B'. The automatic electrical bus transfer did not occur due to relay failures in the fast dead bus transfer system. Both 'A' and 'B' Emergency Diesel Generators started and loaded as designed to re-energize the 'A' and 'B' safety busses. The loss of off-site power caused a loss of both Main Feedwater pumps, resulting in an automatic actuation of the Emergency Feedwater system.

The Root Cause of this event was the design change procedure used for modifications to the fast dead bus transfer circuitry did not include guidance to detect the susceptibility of the relays to DC coil inductive kick. The faulty relays in the fast bus transfer circuit were replaced prior to plant startup.

An Unusual Event was declared at 1617 CDT due to loss of off-site power to safety buses for >15 minutes.

All required safety-related equipment responded as expected during this event.

05000311/LER-2016-002Salem4 February 2016
7 September 2017
Automatic Reactor Trip due to Main Turbine Trip
LER 16-002-01 for Salem, Unit 2, Regarding Automatic Reactor Trip Due to Main Turbine Trip

On 2/4/16 at 11:21, Salem Unit 2 automatically tripped from approximately 74% power. Power had been reduced at the beginning of dayshift to support a 500 KV transmission line outage. The reactor trip was due to a Main Turbine trip caused by a Main Generator Protection signal initiated by a main generator automatic voltage regulator (AVR) volts/hertz over excitation protection relay. All emergency core cooling systems and emergency safeguards feature systems functioned as expected. As found calibration data for the generator protection logic relay were found out of specification low. An evaluation determined the cause of the generator protection relay trip was poor manufacturing quality and/or shipping damage to an adjusting rheostat.

This report is being made in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73 (aX2Xiv)(A), "Any event or condition that resulted in manual or automatic actuation of any of the systems listed in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(B)," specifically automatic actuation of the Reactor Protection System and the Auxiliary Feedwater System for this event.

05000219/LER-2017-004Oyster Creek31 August 2017Reactor Protection System Channel Disabled During Test Box Use

On August 31, 2017, during a review of industry Operating Experience (FERMI 2, LER 2017-001) for the use of a Reactor Protection System (RPS) test box during main turbine surveillance testing, it was determined that Oyster Creek station procedures failed to implement the required action specified by Technical Specifications (TS) section 3.1,1. note (nn) during testing. The surveillance tests associated with the Turbine Trip and Generator Load Rejection functions were revised in 2013 to use an RPS test box in order to minimize operational risks associated with the receipt of half scram signals during testing. The installation of the RPS test box caused two of the four required instrument channels for the Turbine Trip Scram function to be bypassed during testing.

In accordance with station Technical Specifications, the required action to verify sufficient channels remained operable was not documented as complete within the action time specified in TS Table 3.1.1, note (nn). This issue was identified under normal operating conditions, and is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).

05000247/LER-2017-001Indian Point6 February 2017
22 August 2017
Manual Reactor Trip Due to Decreasing Steam Generator Levels Caused By Main Boiler Feedwater Pump Turbine Low Pressure Governor Valves Failed Closed
LER 17-001-00 for Indian Point, Unit 2 Regarding Manual Reactor Trip Due to Decreasing Steam Generator Levels Caused By Main Boiler Feedwater Pump Turbine Low Pressure Governor Valves Failed Closed

On June 26, 2017, Operations commenced a downpower from 100 percent to 93 percent reactor power to support performance of the Main Turbine Stop and Control Valve Test. With reactor power at 94 percent, the 22 Main Boiler Feed Pump Turbine (MBFPT) speed control trouble alarm annunciated coincident with pump speed swings of 800 revolutions per minute (rpm). The operators ceased the downpower and placed the 22 Main Boiler Feedwater Pump (MBFP) in Manual speed control to control the rpm swings. This was unsuccessful, and the rpm swings continued. The 22 MBFPT low pressure (LP) governor valves were observed to be cycling from full-closed to full-open. The decision was made to take local pneumatic control of the 22 MBFP to stabilize pump speed. Two minutes after establishing local pneumatic control, the LP governor valves went to full closed. With the rapid reduction in 22 MBFP speed, the pump was no longer delivering feedwater flow to the SGs. An automatic main turbine runback signal should have been generated on a low speed signal; however, there was no turbine runback actuation. In response, the operators commenced a manual runback to reduce main turbine load, but the decreasing SG levels reached 15 percent, and at 1531 hours a manual reactor trip was initiated.

All control rods fully inserted and all required safety systems functioned properly. The plant was stabilized in hot standby with decay heat being removed by the main condenser. The direct cause of the reactor trip was that the shoulder screws used on the 22 MBFPT LP governor valve servomotor linkage had backed out and detached. This caused the LP governor valves to fail closed, shutting off the turbine steam supply. This event had no effect on the public health and safety. The event was reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on June 26, 2017 under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B), 50.72(b)(2)(xi), and 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A).

05000458/LER-2017-007River Bend
River Bend Station — Unit 1 05000-458
21 August 2017Automatic Reactor Scram due to Failure of Main Generator Voltage Regulator Mode Transfer Relay
LER 17-007-00 for River Bend Station - Unit 1 Regarding Automatic Reactor Scram due to Failure of Main Generator Voltage Regulator Mode Transfer Relay
On June 23, 2017, at 10:18 PM CDT, an unanticipated reactor scram occurred during scheduled testing of the main turbine generator. The plant was operating at 100 percent power at the time, and no safety-related equipment was out of service. A reactor recirculation system flow control valve runback occurred as designed, and the recirculation pumps properly downshifted to slow speed. The main feedwater system responded properly to control reactor water level. The scram signal was initiated by the closure of the main turbine control valves, which was an automatic response to a trip of the main generator. The associated steam pressure increase following turbine valve closure resulted in the actuation of 12 main steam safety-relief valves. A reactor water level 3 signal was received, as expected, following the turbine trip and reactor scram and was promptly restored to the normal reactor water level band. The non-safety related turbine building chillers tripped as a result of the electrical transient caused by the generator trip. One area served by that cooling system is the reactor water cleanup (RWCU) system heat exchanger room. Approximately 20 minutes after the scram, the temperature in that room exceeded the trip setpoint of the area temperature monitors, resulting in the automatic closure of the primary containment isolation valves for the RWCU system.
05000461/LER-2017-007Clinton10 June 2017
9 August 2017
Manual Reactor SCRAM due to Loss of Feedwater Heating
LER 17-007-00 for Clinton, Unit 1 re Manual Reactor SCRAM due to Loss of Feedwater Heating
On June 10, 2017, at 2256 CDT, Clinton Power Station (CPS) experienced a complete loss of the 'A' feedwater (FW) heater string. The operators received numerous FW trouble alarms on FW string 'A' and low pressure heater 1N1B bypass opened (1CB004). The operators entered procedure CPS 4005.01, "Loss of FW Heating," which directs the operators to restore and maintain power at or below the original power level. The operators lowered core flow and inserted all CRAM rods, and then observed that FW temperature had dropped greater than 100°F. As directed by CPS 4005.01, at 2306 hours the reactor mode switch was placed into the shutdown position and procedure 4100.01, "Reactor Scram," was entered. All systems operated as expected following the scram. At 0100 EDT, June 11, 2017; Event Notification 52800 was made. The loss of FW heating transient was caused by a loss of power to Moore trip units caused by a shorted condition on the Moore trip unit associated with the Hi-Hi level in the 4A FW heater. The root cause is that the design of the FW heater level control trip circuitry was not adequate to prevent scrams due to an unevaluated single point vulnerability. Prior to startup, CPS modified the circuit card locations and thereby diversified the power supplies so that the trip units have less dependency on common fuses. Additional corrective actions include performing an engineering evaluation to determine if there are additional single component failures, operator errors, or events for the FW heating system that could result in a drop in FW temperature of greater than 100°F.
05000440/LER-2017-002Perry27 June 2017Loss of Safety Function Due to Main Turbine Bypass Valve Opening
LER 17-002-00 for Perry Nuclear Power Plant Regarding Loss of Safety Function Due to Main Turbine Bypass Valve Opening

On April 30, 2017, at 1818 hours, while the plant was at 100 percent rated thermal power, main turbine steam bypass valve number 1 partially opened. Power was subsequently lowered in an attempt to close the bypass valve. While lowering power the bypass valve would shut and then reopen and power would again be lowered. When power was lowered to approximately 74 percent the bypass valve remained closed. During the transient the reactor protection system (RPS) trip functions for the main turbine stop valve closure and turbine control valve fast closure scram were declared inoperable due to the opening of the bypass valve, which changes the bypass setpoint for those RPS trips. With the loss of RPS trip capability. a loss of safety function existed intermittently for approximately 37 minutes. The manual reactor trip function and other RPS functions remained operable.

Both channels of the rod withdrawal limiter (RWL) and the end of cycle reactor recirculation pump trip (EOC-RPT) function were also declared inoperable. These functions are credited in accident analysis and this also resulted in a loss of safety function in accordance with the plants Technical Specification bases.

The direct cause of the bypass valve opening was degradation of the Primary Low Value Gate (PLVG) card in the main turbine speed control circuit.

The safety significance of this event is considered to be small. This event is not considered a safety system functional failure as the specific functions were maintained and never bypassed during the event. This event is being reported under 50.73(a)(2)(v)(A) and 50.73(a)(2)(v)(D) for a loss of safety function.

05000313/LER-2017-001Arkansas Nuclear
Arkansas Nuclear One – Unit 1
26 April 2017
26 June 2017
Automatic Start of an Emergency Diesel Generator Due to the Loss of Offsite Power due to Severe Weather
LER 17-001-00 for Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1, Regarding Automatic Start of an Emergency Diesel Generator Due to the Loss of Offsite Power due to Severe Weather

On April 26, 2017, Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1 (ANO-1), was operating normally at 100% rated thermal power.

The 500kV transmission line to the substation at Pleasant Hill, Arkansas was out of service for planned maintenance.

The area around the plant was experiencing severe weather from thunderstorms and tornado warnings had been issued from the National Weather Service for the four county area.

At approximately 1002 CST switchyard breakers for 500kV lines opened on fault current. High winds had damaged the transmission towers approximately 16 miles away from ANO and caused phase to ground faults. This resulted in a loss of all offsite power lines to the 500kV bus. The autotransformer also locked out as designed when the 500kV transmission lines faulted.

The Reactor Operator initiated a manual reactor trip about 8 seconds after the 500kV lines tripped and prior to the reactor protection system initiating an automatic trip. During this time both emergency diesel generators (EDGs) (EK) started as expected. EDG #2 re-energized one Engineered Safeguards bus. EDG #1 ran unloaded until shutdown.

The plant was stabilized in Mode 3 with Emergency Feedwater (EFW) pumps supplying the steam generators, maintaining the water level at the natural circulation setpoint.

05000397/LER-2016-004Columbia8 June 20171 OF 3
LER 16-004-01 for Columbia Generating Station Regarding Automatic Scram Due to Off-site Load Reject

On December 18, 2016 at 11:24 hours, an automatic scram occurred due to a fault on an off-site transmission network. A reactor scram was automatically initiated by the plant response to the transient.

All rods fully inserted, Main Steam Isolation Valves (SB,V) automatically closed due to loss of pow er to both Reactor Protection Sy stem (JC) busses. All safety sy stems operated as designed. Two Safety Relief Valves (SB,V) were initially cycled automatically, then several manually to maintain Reactor Pressure Vessel (AC) pressure. Reactor water level was maintained with Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (BN), Control Rod Drive (AA) flow, and High Pressure Core Spray (BG).

The cause analysis for the loss of off-site power is being performed by the entity responsible for the off-site transmission network, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). BPA took immediate corrective actions to restore the off-site transmission network. The root cause evaluation addressing the plant response is being performed by plant personnel. A supplemental LER will be issued when the cause analyses are completed.

05000391/LER-2017-003Watts Bar23 March 2017
22 May 2017
Automatic Start of Auxiliary Feedwater System Due to Main Condenser Failure
LER 17-003-00 for Watts Bar, Unit 2, Regarding Automatic Start of Auxiliary Feedwater System Due to Main Condenser Failure

On March 23, 2017, at 0014 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2 experienced an unplanned trip condition of both Turbine Driven Main Feed Pumps (TDMFPs) following a loss of Main Condenser Vacuum. The trip of both TDMFPs caused an automatic start of both Motor Driven Auxiliary Feed Water Pumps and the Turbine Driven Auxiliary Feed Water Pump as designed.

The plant was performing a normal startup, and had just synchronized the main generator to the grid. Subsequent to the event, the plant was transitioned to Mode 3 by inserting all control rods with a manual trip. All plant safety systems operated as expected.

The loss of condenser vacuum was the result of a significant breach of the Unit 2 main condenser - B zone. This failure is attributed to the main condenser neck support structural design being inadequate to maintain integrity within specification. Repairs to the condenser will be completed prior to Unit 2 returning to service.

05000220/LER-2017-002Nine Mile Point18 May 2017Manual Reactor Scram Due to Pressure Oscillations
LER 17-002-00 for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Unit 1 Regarding Manual Reactor Scram Due to Pressure Oscillations

On March 20, 2017 at 02:27, Nine Mile Point Unit 1 performed a manual scram of the reactor due to pressure oscillations.

This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72 (b)(2)(iv)(B) and 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as any event or condition that resulted in a manual or automatic actuation of any of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B).

The Unit was offline and reactor shutdown was in-progress at the time of the scram. The cause of the scram was manual scram. The scram was required at approximately 4% reactor power when pressure oscillations occurred exceeding the procedurally required limit. The apparent cause of this event was Mechanical Pressure Regulator (MPR) oscillations caused by a combination of the fouling of the MPR's pressure sensing bellows line and a bypass relay linkage passing through a worn bushing which created a friction induced sticktion of the linkage.

The event described in this LER is documented in the plant's corrective action program.

05000458/LER-2017-003River Bend10 March 2017
9 May 2017
Manual Reactor Scram Initiated in Response to Increase in Steam Pressure During Steam Leak Troubleshooting
LER 17-003-00 for River Bend Station, Unit 1, Regarding Manual Reactor Scram Initiated in Response to Increase in Steam Pressure During Steam Leak Troubleshooting

On March 10, 2017, at approximately 7:14 a.m. CST, the reactor operator manually actuated a reactor scram in response to an abnormal increase in steam pressure. Reactor power was approximately 15 percent at the time. The turbine generator had been synchronized to the grid at 5:13 a.m. on March 10, and was being closely monitored by engineers and operators since a major modification to the turbine electro-hydraulic control (EHC) system had been installed during the recent refueling outage.

Approximately 45 minutes prior to the manual scram, a main control room alarm actuated indicating a problem with the EHC system.

A few minutes later, it was reported from the turbine building that there was a steam leak in the area of the EHC steam pressure transmitters. Shortly thereafter, reactor pressure began to increase with no demand signal present, at which time the reactor operator initiated the scram. The main feedwater system remained in service, and reactor water level control performed normally as designed. No reactor safety-relief valves actuated. The main turbine bypass valves did not open following the shutdown, and engineering review determined this condition was consistent with the response to the abnormal configuration of the EHC system pressure transmitters created by efforts to isolate the leak locally. Approximately five minutes after the scram, the outboard main steam isolation valves were manually closed to limit the reactor cooldown rate. This event resulted from the incorrect installation of a new compression fitting in the steam pressure instrumentation tubing for the main turbine control system. This event is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as a manual actuation of the reactor protection system.

05000219/LER-2017-001Oyster Creek3 May 2017Automatic SCRAM due to APRM High Flux during Turbine Valve Testing
LER 17-001-01 for Oyster Creek, Regarding Transfer of Automatic SCRAM due to APRM High Flux during Turbine Valve Testing

On 11/20/2016 at approximately 0342 EST, an automatic reactor SCRAM occurred at 92% power due to Average Power Range Monitor (APRM) high flux. Oscillations of the turbine control valves and bypass valves were experienced during planned testing of the Turbine Master Trip Solenoid Valve at 95% power. Power was reduced from 95% to 92% by the Main Control Room Operators in an effort to stop the observed oscillations. The control valves did not respond properly during the power reduction, leading to an unexpected rise in reactor pressure and the subsequent scram on high flux.

There were no safety consequences impacting the plant or public safety as a result of this event. All control rods fully inserted and the plant response was as expected. This event is being reported pursuant to 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) due to an actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS).

05000325/LER-2017-002Brunswick17 April 2017Foreign Material in Switch Results in Unplanned Automatic Start of Emergency Diesel Generators

On April 17, 2017, at 0004 Eastern Daylight Time, Unit 1 was in Mode 1 at approximately 100 percent of rated power, and Unit 2 was in Mode 1 at approximately 22 percent of rated power and was starting up from a refueling outage. Operators manually tripped the Unit 2 main turbine to halt increasing bearing vibration.

The power circuit breakers (PCBs) for the Unit 2 main generator did not open as expected on the turbine trip, but subsequently opened when main generator reverse power relays actuated. This resulted in the automatic start of all four emergency diesel generators (EDGs). The EDGs did not tie to emergency busses because offsite power was still available. This event resulted from a component which failed due to foreign material intrusion. A limit switch associated with a main turbine stop valve failed to change states when the turbine was tripped. The limit switch configuration, together with other logic, satisfied the conditions to start the EDGs. The limit switch failure resulted from foreign material in the switch. The failed limit switch was replaced. Planned corrective actions include inspecting similar switches on both units, and sealing the wire entrances of the switch bodies to improve foreign material exclusion.

05000374/LER-2017-001Lasalle
LaSalle
23 January 2017
24 March 2017
Manual Reactor Scram due to Turbine-Generator Run-Back Caused by Stem-Disc Separation in Stator Water Cooling Heat Exchanger Inlet Valve
LER 17-001-00 for LaSalle County, Unit 2 Regarding Manual Reactor Scram due to Turbine-Generator Run-Back Caused by Stem-Disc Separation in Stator Water Cooling Heat Exchanger Inlet Valve

On January 23, 2017, operators initiated a manual scram of the LaSalle County Station Unit 2 reactor as a result of observing a generator run-back due to a generator stator winding cooling (GC) system malfunction. Initial troubleshooting identified the most likely cause was plugging in the 'A' GC heat exchanger, based on inspection of the GC system flow-path components. The GC system was realigned to the 'B' heat exchanger until inspections could be performed in the upcoming refueling outage, and the unit was re-started on January 24, 2017.

Further inspections of the GC components were performed while the unit was shut down for a planned refueling outage. These inspections determined the cause of the GC system failure was stem-disc separation in the 'A' GC heat exchanger inlet valve. The valve was repaired during the refueling outage.

This event is reportable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as an event or condition that resulted in manual or automatic actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS). There were no safety consequences associated with the event since there was no loss of safety function, and the RPS functioned as designed.

05000461/LER-2016-010Clinton14 October 2016
6 March 2017
1 OF 3
LER 16-010-01 for Clinton Power Station, Unit 1 RE: Failure to Complete Technical Specification Required Actions within the Completion Time Resulted in a Condition Prohibited by Technical Specifications

On October 14, 2016, Clinton Power Station (CPS) determined subsequent to the 3rd Quarter NRC Exit Meeting that a condition prohibited by Technical Specification (TS) 3.7.6, "Main Turbine Bypass System," had occurred associated with a failure to complete a TS Required Action within the associated Completion Time.

Specifically, testing of Main Steam Turbine Bypass Valve (TBV) Numbers 4, 5, and 6 was not performed within the required test' interval and the TBVs were appropriately declared inoperable as required by TS Surveillance Requirement.(SR) 3.0.1.

Thermal Limit penalties were applied as required by Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) 3.7.6. A Surveillance Frequency Change was processed in accordance with TS Program 5.5.16, "Surveillance Frequency Control Program," in June 2016 to change the Frequency for SR 3.7.6.1 from 31 days to 12 months. TBVs 5 and 6 were subsequently declared OPERABLE and the thermal limit penalties removed without performing the required SR 3.7.6.1, contrary to TS SR 3.0.1 Bases.

The apparent cause of this event was determined to be that no specific requirement exists in either plant procedures or industry guidance which prohibits declaring a component or system OPERABLE based solely on an extension of the required surveillance test interval. Corrective actions include testing the valves with an alternate method and completing administrative procedure changes. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) as a condition prohibited by TS.

05000220/LER-2017-001Nine Mile Point10 December 2016
8 February 2017
Manual Reactor Scram Due to Hiah Turbine Vibration
LER 17-01-00 for Nine Mile Point Unit 1 RE: Manual Reactor Scram Due to High Turbine Vibration

On December 10, 2016 at 08:48, Nine Mile Point Unit 1 performed a manual scram of the reactor due to increased vibrations on the main turbine. Following the scram, the High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System automatically initiated. This event is reportable under 10 CFR 50.72(b)(2)(iv)(B) and 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(A) as any event or condition that resulted in a manual or automatic actuation of any of the systems listed in 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(iv)(B).

During performance of a load drop to 95% power in support of Turbine Stop Valve Testing, main turbine bearing vibrations rose on several bearings. The Unit 1 Reactor was scrammed and the main turbine was secured when main bearing #1 reached procedural limits. The root cause of the event was a steam leak from a threaded pipe/cap connection that was not seal welded when originally supplied from the manufacturer. The connection has now been seal welded.

A combination of tight tolerance in conjunction with the location of the steam leak resulted in the vibrations when power level was changed.

The event described in this LER is doCumented in the plant's corrective action program.

05000318/LER-2016-001Calvert Cliffs3 December 2016
24 January 2017
Automatic Reactor Trip Due to Main Turbine Electro-Hydraulic Control Fluid Leak
LER 16-001-00 for Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Unit No. 2 Regarding Automatic Reactor Trip Due to Main Turbine Electro-Hydraulic Control Fluid Leak
On December 3, 2016, Operations was conducting a Performance Evaluation of the auto start feature of Unit 2 Main Turbine Electro-Hydraulic Control (EHC) Pumps. At 2223, the standby Main Turbine tripped automatically which was followed by an automatic reactor protection system trip. The Main Turbine tripped on a Main Generator Directional Power Relay trip following the closure of all Unit 2 Main Turbine Governor Valves and Intercept Valves. This was due to an EHC leak on 21 Main Turbine Governor Valve Actuator Emergency Trip Fluid Check Valve which caused a rapid decrease in EHC header pressure. The trip was an uncomplicated reactor trip as all safety functions performed as expected. The failed emergency trip fluid check valve was sent off site to a lab for forensic investigation. This analysis determined the check valve failed due to Inter Granular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC). The most likely cause of the IGSCC on this check valve was exposure to ammonia during some previous maintenance activity. Corrective actions include replacement of all similar Unit 2 EHC valves during the 2017 refueling outage and establishment of a preventive maintenance strategy to periodically replace similar EHC valves. Unit 2 was returned to full power at 1647 on December 5, 2016.
05000482/LER-2016-002Wolf Creek16 November 2016
16 January 2017
Loss of Switchyard Bus Results in Emergency Diesel Generator Actuation
LER 16-002-00 for Wolf Creek Generating Station Regarding Loss of Switchyard Bus Results in Emergency Diesel Generator Actuation

On November 16, 2016, at approximately 2109 Central Standard Time, while in Mode 5, a fault occurred which isolated the East Switchyard Bus from the Train "A" emergency AC plant bus NB01. During Refueling Outage 21, a modification to Transformer #7 allowed the offsite power through Transformer #7 to NB01 to be fed from either the East or West Switchyard Busses through 2 different breakers. After the loss of the East Switchyard Bus, the second breaker unexpectedly tripped which resulted in a loss of offsite power to NB01. An undervoltage condition was detected on NB01, which caused the Train "A" emergency diesel generator to start and to power NB01 as designed. The apparent cause of this event was that wiring in the Transformer #7 primary differential protective relay was landed on the incorrect termination point.

The wiring error on the primary differential protective relay was corrected and its functionality was verified.

The secondary differential protective relay wiring was verified to be correct. The East Switchyard Bus, Transformer #7, and its differential relays were all restored to service.

05000400/LER-2016-004Harris8 October 2016
7 December 2016
Reactor Trip and Safety Injection During Turbine Control Testing at Low Power
LER 16-004-00 for Shearon Harris, Unit 1, Regarding Reactor Trip and Safety Injection During Turbine Control Testing at Low Power

On October 8, 2016, the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant was reducing power to enter a planned refueling outage (RFO-20). The plant was at approximately 8 percent power in Mode 1 when the unit experienced an unplanned reactor trip with a safety injection (SI) and main steam line isolation (MSLI). A malfunction of the turbine controller during turbine mechanical overspeed trip testing caused an excessive draw of steam flow from the Steam Generators (SGs). This caused the Engineering Safety Features Actuation System instruments to detect a valid change in SG pressure and initiate a rate compensated Low Steam Line Pressure signal. This signal initiated a SI and MSLI, which in turn initiated reactor trip, turbine trip, feedwater isolation, and closed the main steam isolation valves.

Degraded equipment within the turbine controller resulted in excessive opening of the governor valves; this was caused by an inadequate supply of hydraulic oil to meet the increased system demand during testing. Insufficient hydraulic accumulator capacity was available to support system demand. One accumulator was known to be out-of-service; a second was discovered post-event. Also, a hydraulic oil pressure switch used for turbine control was not functioning properly. The equipment deficiencies have been corrected.

Changes have been made to the testing procedure to validate at least four accumulators are in service prior to testing. The Power Operation (Mode 2 to Mode 1) procedure will also be revised to validate at least four accumulators are in service. A new calibration procedure will be implemented for the deficient oil pressure switch to ensure better quality control over verifying switch function.

05000331/LER-2016-003Duane Arnold18 October 2015
6 December 2016
Main Steam Isolation Valve Leakage Exceeded Technical Specification Limit
LER 16-003-00 for Duane Arnold Energy Center Regarding Main Steam Isolation Valve Leakage Exceeded Technical Specification Limit
On October 18, 2016, with the unit shutdown for a planned refueling outage (Mode 5, Refueling, 0% power), an evaluation of data from the scheduled Main Steam Line Isolation Valve (MSIV) (System Code SB) and Main Steam Line Drain valve penetration Local Leak Rate Testing (LLRT) determined the 'as found' maximum pathway leakage for the 'B' Inboard MSIV, CV-4415, and the Outboard Main Steam Line Drain valve, MO-4424, was in excess of the Technical Specification (TS) 3.6.1.3 leakage limit of 100 scfh for a single MSIV and 5 200 scfh for combined pathway leakage. The cause was determined to be a failure to perform periodic internal inspections of the MSIVs and a non-optimal valve design for the steam line drain application. Corrective actions included reworking CV-4415 to restore its leakage limit to below TS limits. Corrective actions are planned to replace MO-4424 with an optimal valve design. This event was of low safety significance had no impact on public health or safety. This event is reportable pursuant to 10CFR50.73(a)(2)(i)(B).
05000219/LER-2016-005Oyster Creek19 September 2016
17 November 2016
Technical Specification Prohibited Condition Caused by One Electromatic Relief Valve Inoperable for Greater than Allowed Outage Time
LER 16-005-00 for Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station Regarding Technical Specification Prohibited Condition Caused by One Electromatic Relief Valve Inoperable for Greater than Allowed Outage Time

On September 19, 2016, after achieving Cold Shutdown for the 1R26 Refuel Outage, as found testing was performed on all five (5) Electromatic Relief Valves (EMRVs). The "E" EMRV did not open from the Main Control Room (MCR), and no change in indication was observed. Per the work activity, technicians were dispatched to the Drywell to verify that the valve did not move upon receiving an open signal from the MCR.

A cutout switch in the valve actuator was stuck in the open position, thereby preventing the solenoid from actuating to open the valve. The cutout switch did not operate as required due to, hinge pin washers not installed in the cutout switch assembly. Without the washers installed to the hinge pins interfered with the solenoid frame holes creating mechanical binding. Based on this information it is suspected that the "E" EMRV would have been inoperable for longer than Technical Specification Allowed Out of Service Time (AOT) of 24 hours. Testing and inspections were performed on all EMRVs prior to installation in the plant.

Therefore, this issue is reportable under 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) as an Operation or Condition which was Prohibited by the plant's Technical Specifications.

05000346/LER-2016-009Davis Besse10 September 2016
9 November 2016
Reactor Trip due to Rainwater Intrusion and Auxiliary Feedwater Actuation on High Steam Generator Level
LER 16-009-00 for Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Unit 1 Regarding Reactor Trip due to Rainwater Intrusion and Auxiliary Feedwater Actuation on High Steam Generator Level

On September 10, 2016, with the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station (DBNPS) operating at approximately 100 percent power, rainwater intrusion into the Main Generator Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) cabinet due to an open roof vent caused a lockout of the Main Generator, resulting in a trip of the Main Turbine and Reactor. Following the Reactor trip, the Steam Feedwater Rupture Control System (SFRCS) actuated due to high Steam Generator 1 level and initiated the Auxiliary Feedwater System. The most probable cause of the SFRCS actuation was a failed operational amplifier in the Integrated Control System (ICS), causing the ICS to not reduce Feedwater flow to Steam Generator 1 following the Reactor trip. , Completed corrective actions include closing the roof vents, sealing the top of the AVR cabinet, improved configuration control of the vents, and replacement of the failed ICS module. Scheduled corrective actions include presenting a case study to improve recognition of elevated risk issues, and review of the ICS by a multi-functional team to address system performance concerns.

This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in automatic actuation of the Reactor Protection System, and an automatic actuation of the Auxiliary Feedwater System.

05000286/LER-2015-005Indian Point15 June 2015
14 September 2016
Automatic Reactor Trip Due to a Turbine-Generator Trip Caused by the Trip of 345kV Main Generator Output Breaker 3 due to a Failure of South Ring Bus 345kV Breaker 5
LER 15-005-01 for Indian Point 3 RE: Automatic Reactor Trip Due to a Turbine-Generator Trip Caused by the Trip of 345kV Main Generator output Breaker 3 due to a Failure of South Ring Bus 345kV Breaker 5
On June 15, 2015, an automatic reactor trip (RT) occurred due to a Main Turbine-Generator trip as a result of a direct generator trip from the Buchanan switchyard. All control rods fully inserted and all required safety systems functioned properly. The plant was stabilized in hot standby with decay heat being removed by the condenser. There was no radiation release. The emergency diesel generators did not start as offsite power remained available. The auxiliary feedwater system actuated as expected due to steam generator low level from shrink effect. Prior to the RT, Con Edison requested that Main Generator Output breaker 1 be opened to support removing 345kV feeder W97 from service for removal of a Mylar balloon on a 345kV conductor at the Millwood substation. After breaker 1 was opened, Main Generator Output breaker 3 opened initiating a direct generator trip signal due to a fault in South Ring Bus breaker 5. Direct cause of the RT was failure of 345kV breaker 5 due to an internal fault which activated protective relays that opened the remaining Main Generator Output breaker 3 which initiated a trip sequence that resulted in a RT. The root cause was Indian Point Energy Center did not provide formal notification of industry operating experience (OE) to Con Edison owner of breaker 5. The specific OE pertained to ITE Type GA breakers. Corrective actions include replacement of breaker 5. Procedure EN-0E-100 (OE Program) was revised to add a section describing how to initiate formal notification to external groups when OE related to components they own and/or control can affect generation. A new site procedure was issued (SMM-LI-126) to formalize the site process for notifying external groups of OE that can affect generation. The event had no effect on public health and safety.
05000316/LER-2016-001Cook6 July 2016
31 August 2016
Manual Reactor Trip Due To Moisture Separator Heater Expansion Joint Failure
LER 16-001-00 for Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 Regarding Manual Reactor Trip Due To Moisture Separator Heater Expansion Joint Failure

On July 6, 2016, with the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 2 Reactor operating in Mode 1 at 100 percent power, the control room received a report of a steam leak on the Unit 2 B Right Moisture Separator Reheater (MSR)

  • crossover piping and damage to the turbine building structure. This information resulted in a decision by the crew to manually trip the Unit 2 Reactor at 0038. The cause of the steam leak was the sudden failure of the balance bellows on the Unit 2 B Right MSR crossover expansion joint, which also resulted in damage to the west wall of the turbine building.

The Root Cause was determined to be an organizational failure to recognize the risk significance of, and to adequately correct or mitigate, previously identified vibration issues with the Unit 2 B Right MSR crossover expansion joint tie rod and bellows in a timely fashion.

This event is being reported in accordance with 10CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(A) as a manual actuation of the Reactor Protection System and an automatic actuation of the Auxiliary Feedwater system.

05000311/LER-2016-005Salem28 June 2016
29 August 2016
Automatic Reactor Trip due to Main Generator Protection Trip
LER 16-005-00 for Salem Generating Station, Unit 2 Regarding Automatic Reactor Trip due to Main Generator Protection Trip

On 6/28/16 at 04:22 Salem Unit 2 automatically tripped from 100% power on Generator Protection. The reactor trip was initiated due to a Main Turbine (MT) trip caused by a Main Generator ProtectiOn signal.

All emergency core cooling systems and emergency safeguards feature systems functioned as expected.

The motor driven and steam driven auxiliary feedwater pumps started as expected on steam generator low level. Operators stabilized the plant in Mode 3 with decay heat removal via the main steam dump valves and auxiliary feedwater system.

Investigation identified that a broken current transformer core ground wire internal to the A Main Power Transformer (MPT) was intermittently touching the X1 and X2 low voltage connections inside the transformer bushing compartment causing a ground fault. This caused the turbine generator trip.

This report is being made in accordance with 10CFR50.73 (a)(2)(iv)(A), "Any event or condition that resulted in manual or automatic actuation of any of the systems listed in paragraph (a)(2)(iv)(B)," for this event actuation of the Reactor Protection System (RPS) and the Auxiliary Feedwater System (AF).

05000391/LER-2016-005Watts Bar20 June 2016
19 August 2016
Main Feedwater Pump Trip on Loss of Condenser Vacuum Leads to Turbine Trip and Reactor Trip
LER 16-005-00 for Watts Bar, Unit 2, Regarding Main Feedwater Pump Trip on Loss of Condenser Vacuum Leads to Turbine Trip and Reactor Trip

On June 20, 2016, the 2B Main Feedwater Pump (MFP) tripped on a loss of vacuum in the 2B MFP turbine condenser, resulting in a loss of normal feed, and the subsequent trip of the main turbine. While operators were reducing power to within the capacity of Auxiliary Feedwater (AFW), the reactor tripped at 1540 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Steam Generator Water Level (SGWL) Lo Lo in Steam Generator No.4. SG water level lowered rapidly due to shrink from the relatively cold AFW following the trip.

All control and shutdown rods fully inserted. All safety systems responded as designed. The trip response was uncomplicated.

The trip was caused by a human performance error during the drain down of the 2A MFP turbine condenser which resulted in a loss of vacuum on the 2B MFP turbine.

05000317/LER-2016-003Calvert Cliffs31 May 2016
29 July 2016
Unit 1 Automatic Trip on Loss of Load due to Spurious Steam Generator High Level Turbine Trip
LER 16-003-00 for Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Unit No. 1 Regarding Automatic Trip on Loss of Load due to Spurious Steam Generator High Level Turbine Trip

On May 31, 2016 at 1626, Calvert Cliffs Unit 1 experienced an automatic reactor trip. The cause of the trip was a spurious high level steam generator signal due to a failed Steam Generator 11 Channel B High Level Turbine Trip Under Voltage Logic Module, 12/4BL-XA27.

The spurious high level trip signal resulted in a turbine trip followed by an automatic reactor protection system trip on loss of load. The failed under voltage logic module was sent off-site to the vendor to conduct a failure analysis. The analysis identified two most probable causes for the failure. The first most probable cause was due to an intermittent failure of an integrated circuit of the under voltage logic module. The second most probable cause was due to an inadvertent solder bridge between a pin on the integrated circuit chip and the board. A refurbished logic module was installed and subsequently tested prior to the unit returning to power. The corrective action planned to prevent recurrence is to replace the current Engineered Safety Features Actuation System (which includes the non-safety high level turbine trip) with a system that will eliminate single point vulnerabilities within this system.

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05000366/LER-2016-002Hatch13 July 2016Group I Isolation Received During Turbine Testing
LER 16-002-00 for Edwin I. Hatch, Unit 2, Regarding Group 1 Isolation Received During Turbine Testing
On May 23, 2016, at 1009 EDT, while personnel were performing turbine testing with Unit 2 offline for planned maintenance, an event resulted in the actuation of containment isolation valves in more than one system. In response to this unexpected signal, 2B21-F016 (Steam Line Drain Line Inboard Isolation Valve), 2B21-F019 (Steam Line Drain Line Outboard Isolation Valve), and 2B31-F019 (Reactor Water Sample Inboard Isolation Valve) went closed, all of which are primary containment isolation valves actuated by Group I Isolation. The Group I Isolation signal initiated based on low condenser vacuum during the turbine testing procedure, a valid condition for actuation that was expected to have been bypassed in the logic during the performance of this procedure. Inadequate procedure usage caused these systems to actuate in a way that was not part of the planned evolution. Although the Unit was shut down when this signal was received, and primary containment isolation was not required to mitigate the consequences of an event, this isolation signal has been determined to have been valid due to the initiation in response to actual plant conditions or parameters which satisfy the requirements for initiation of the system As a corrective action, the operating procedure will be revised to clarify the required conditions to perform Turbine Trip Testing.
05000423/LER-2016-004Millstone15 May 2016
13 July 2016
Manual Reactor Trip Due to Low Hydrogen Gas Pressure In Main Generator
LER 16-004-00 for Millstone Power Station Unit 3 RE: Manual Reactor Trip Due to Low Hydrogen Gas Pressure In Main Generator

On May 15, 2016, with Millstone Power Station Unit 3 (MPS3) operating in MODE 1 at 74% power, the operators observed decreasing hydrogen pressure in the main turbine generator. Upon field investigation it was determined there was an active hydrogen leak from the main generator. The operators manually tripped the reactor and vented the hydrogen from the main generator. The reactor trip was uncomplicated. The auxiliary feedwater (AFW) pumps started as designed on low steam generator level and operators maintained steam generator level.

The active hydrogen leak was the direct cause of the manual reactor trip. The hydrogen leak was caused by a dislodged plug on a port on the main generator. MPS maintenance procedures did not contain adequate procedural guidance in that there was no specific direction for installation, i.e., torque value and verifications. The procedures will be revised to include specific direction to tighten the plugs and applicable verifications (i.e., torque value, peer checking). Additional corrective actions are being taken in accordance with the station's corrective action program.

The actuation of the RPS and the automatic start of the AFW pumps is being reported in accordance with 10 CFR 50.73 (a)(2)(iv)(A) as an event that resulted in manual or automatic actuation of systems listed in 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(iv)(B).

05000346/LER-2016-005Davis Besse10 May 2016
11 July 2016
- , Plant Startup with Anticipatory Reactor Trip System in Main Turbine Bypass
LER 16-005-00 for Davis-Besse, Unit 1, Regarding Plant Startup with Anticipatory Reactor Trip System in Main Turbine Bypass

On May 10, 2016, the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station (DBNPS) was in Mode 1 and increasing power following refueling outage activities. At 0528 hours, it was identified that all four of the Anticipatory Reactor Trip System (ARTS) channel switches were in the bypass position for the Main Turbine function while at approximately 53 percent power.

These switches are required by the Technical Specifications to be in the normal/enabled position when above 45 percent power. The switches were restored to Normal and the applicable Technical Specifications exited at 0552 hours.

An Operations Standing Order was issued to require paired periodic walk downs of all Control Room panels to ensure a comprehensive understanding of plant status awareness. Walk downs were also performed to independently identify any additional concerns or omissions in plant startup activities. The root cause of this event is the operators failed to effectively work as a team to ensure a safety system was in an operable condition when required. Corrective actions include implementation of the Operations Section Continuous Improvement Plan and revision of applicable procedures.

This event is being reported pursuant to 10 CFR 50.73(a)(2)(i)(B) as a condition prohibited by Technical Specifications.