ML19225C898

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RO 50-29/79-18:errors Found in Exxon Fuel Rod pre-pressurization That Could Permit Less Conservative Operation than Assumed in analysis.CAPCON-THERMAL-2 Computer Calculation Performed to Access Impact
ML19225C898
Person / Time
Site: Yankee Rowe
Issue date: 07/30/1979
From: Moody D
YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC CO.
To: Grier G
NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION I)
References
RO-50-29-79-18, NUDOCS 7908030204
Download: ML19225C898 (2)


Text

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Telephone 617 366-9011 Flo - 3 9 0.o 7 3 3 YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY

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4 1 20 Turnpike Road Westborough, Massachusetts 01581 s

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July 30, 1979 Mr. B. H. Grier, Director U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Inspection and Enforcement Region 1 631 Park Avenue King of Prussia, PA 19406

Subject:

Licensee Event Report 50-29/79-18 Exxon Fuel Rod Pre-Pressurization Error

Dear dr. Grier:

Pursuant to the requirements of Technical Specification Section 6.9.4.a.(8) the following is reported as Reportable Occurrence 59-29/79-18. The occurrence involves " errors discovered in the transient or accident analysis or in the methods used for such analysis as described in the FHSR or in the Bases for the Tech-nical Specifications that have or could have permitted reactor operation in a manner less conservative than assumed in the ana-lysis."

Yankee Atomic Electric Company was informed about a deviat!on in the fuel pin pressure from its specified value by its fuel manufacturer, Exxon Nuclear, Inc.

The nominal value of the pin pressure is 125 1 5 psig, but a refined measurement of the archieved pins showed a pressure of up to a maximum value of 143.1 psig.

The pin pressure impacts LOCA calculations in two ways:

(1) the average fuel temp-erature at operating conditions may change and (2) the swelling and rupture response during the accident may alter.

To assess the impact, CAPCON-THERMAL-2 ccmputer calculation was per-formed for the high (as-built) and low (design) prepressurization levels.

It is predicted that at the present operating core average burnup condition of 6867 MWD /MT, the as-built fuel average tempera-ture is about 73 F (3.1%) lower than that of the design case and the pressure is about 1. 7 psi or 0.2% higher.

It is also predicted that at the end-o f-cycle conditions, the as-built fuel average temperature is about 117 F (-6.1%) lower than that of the design case and the pressure is about 74 psi or -6.6T. lower.

Hence, it is concluded that the pin pressure increase from its specified value of 125 i 408 172 7 9 08 0 3 0 2C) f

v Licensee Event Report 50-29/79-18 Exxon Fuel Rod Pre-Pressurization Error Page two 5 psig should have no adverse affect on Peak Clad Temperature experienced as a result of a LOCA and that the plant may continue to operate without adversely impacting the health and safety of the public.

Ve ry t ruly you rs,

YMIKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPMiY

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D.

E. Moody Fbnager of Oper..tions JKT/sec cc: Director, Of fice of Inspection and Enforcement U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.

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20555 Director, Of fice of Management Information & Program Control U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.

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20555 408 173

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