IR 05000263/2016301: Difference between revisions
StriderTol (talk | contribs) (Created page by program invented by StriderTol) |
StriderTol (talk | contribs) (Created page by program invented by StriderTol) |
||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
=Text= | =Text= | ||
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES | {{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES ary 7, 2017 | ||
==SUBJECT:== | |||
MONTICELLO NUCLEAR GENERATING PLANT - NRC INITIAL LICENSE EXAMINATION REPORT 05000263/2016301 | |||
==Dear Mr. Gardner:== | ==Dear Mr. Gardner:== | ||
On December 29, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed the initial operator licensing examination process for license applicants employed at your Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. The enclosed report documents the results of those | On December 29, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed the initial operator licensing examination process for license applicants employed at your Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. The enclosed report documents the results of those examinations. Preliminary observations noted during the examination process were discussed on November 17, 2016, with you and other members of your staff. An exit meeting was conducted by telephone on January 5, 2017, between Mr. G. Allex of your staff and Mr. D. Reeser, Chief Operator Licensing Examiner, to review the proposed final grading of the written examination for the license applicants. During the telephone conversation, NRC resolutions of the stations post examination comments, initially received by the NRC on December 2, 2016, were discussed. | ||
. An exit meeting was conducted by telephone on January 5, 2017 | |||
, between Mr. | |||
G. | |||
During the telephone conversation, NRC | |||
, were discussed. | |||
The NRC examiners administered an initial license examination operating test during the week of November 14, 2016. The written examination was administered by NRC examiners and Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant department personnel on November 18, 2016. | The NRC examiners administered an initial license examination operating test during the week of November 14, 2016. The written examination was administered by NRC examiners and Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant department personnel on November 18, 2016. | ||
Four Senior Reactor Operator and one Reactor Operator applicants were administered license examinations. The results of the examinations were finalized on December 29, 2016. One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial letter. | Four Senior Reactor Operator and one Reactor Operator applicants were administered license examinations. The results of the examinations were finalized on December 29, 2016. One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial letter. Four applicants passed all sections of their respective examinations and two were issued senior operator licenses and one was issued an operator license. In accordance with NRC policy, the license for one senior operator license applicant is being withheld pending the outcome of any written examination appeal that may be initiated. | ||
The administered written examination and operating test, as well as documents related to the development and review (outlines, review comments and resolution, etc.) of the examination will be withheld from public disclosure until January 1, 2019. However, if an applicant received a proposed license denial letter due to unsatisfactory performance on one or more portions of the examination, that applicant will receive a copy of the applicable portions of the examination. | |||
For examination security purposes, your staff should consider those examination materials uncontrolled and exposed to the public. This letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be made available for public inspection and copying at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html and at the NRC Public Document Room in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding. | |||
Sincerely, | Sincerely, | ||
/RA/ Robert J. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety Docket No. 50-263 License No. | /RA/ | ||
Robert J. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety Docket No. 50-263 License No. DPR-22 | |||
===Enclosures:=== | |||
1. OL Examination Report 05000263/2016301 2. Post Exam Comments, Evaluation, and Resolutions 3. Simulation Facility Fidelity Report | |||
REGION III== | |||
Docket No: 50-263 License No: DPR-22 Report No: 05000263/2016301 Licensee: Northern States Power Company, Minnesota Facility: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Location: Monticello, MN Dates: November 14, through December 29, 2016 Inspectors: D. Reeser, Operations Engineer; Chief Examiner R. Baker, Operations Engineer; Examiner B. Palagi, Senior Operations Engineer; Examiner Approved by: R. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety Enclosure 1 | |||
Docket No: | |||
50-263 License | |||
D. Reeser, Operations Engineer; Chief Examiner R. Baker, Operations Engineer; Examiner B. Palagi, Senior Operations Engineer; Examiner Approved by: | |||
R. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety | |||
=SUMMARY= | =SUMMARY= | ||
Examination | Examination Report 05000263/2016301; 11/14/2016 - 12/29/2016; Northern States Power | ||
Company, Minnesota, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant; Initial License Examination Report. | |||
; Initial License Examination Report. | |||
The announced initial operator licensing examination was conducted by regional Nuclear Regulatory Commission examiners in accordance with the guidance of NUREG | The announced initial operator licensing examination was conducted by regional Nuclear Regulatory Commission examiners in accordance with the guidance of NUREG-1021, | ||
-1021, | Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Revision 10. | ||
Two applicants were issued senior operator licenses and one applicant was issued an operator license | Examination Summary Four of five applicants passed all sections of their respective examinations. Two applicants were issued senior operator licenses and one applicant was issued an operator license. | ||
The license for the remaining applicant is being held and may be issued pending the outcome of any written examination appeal. | One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial. The license for the remaining applicant is being held and may be issued pending the outcome of any written examination appeal. (Section 4OA5.1). | ||
=REPORT DETAILS= | =REPORT DETAILS= | ||
| Line 79: | Line 65: | ||
====a. Examination Scope==== | ====a. Examination Scope==== | ||
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) examiners and members of the facility | The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) examiners and members of the facility licensees staff used the guidance prescribed in NUREG-1021, Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Revision 10, to develop, validate, administer, and grade the written examination and operating test. NRC examiners prepared the outline and developed the written examination and operating test. The NRC examiners validated the proposed examination during the week of October 17, 2016, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff. During the on-site validation week, the examiners audited one license application for accuracy. The NRC examiners, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff, administered the operating test, consisting of job performance measures (JPMs) and dynamic simulator scenarios, during the period of November 14 through 17, 2016. The NRC examiners, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff, administered the written examination on November 18, 2016. | ||
-1021, | |||
====b. Findings==== | |||
- | : (1) Written Examination During the validation of the written examination, several questions were modified or replaced. Changes made to the written examination were documented on Form ES-401-9, Written Examination Review Worksheet, which will be available in 24 months electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS). | ||
On December 2, 2016, the licensee submitted documentation noting that there were 12 post-examination comments for consideration by the NRC examiners when grading the written examination. The post-examination comments and the NRC resolution for the post-examination comments are included as Enclosure 2 to the report. The proposed NRC-developed written examination, the written examination outlines and worksheets, as well as the final as-administered examination and answer key (ADAMS Accession Number ML17023A123), will be available electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of NRC's ADAMS in January 2019. | |||
The NRC examiners, | The NRC examiners graded the written examination on December 29, 2016, and conducted a review of each missed question to determine the accuracy and validity of the examination questions. | ||
. | : (2) Operating Test During the validation of the operating test, minor modifications were made to several JPMs, and some minor modifications were made to the dynamic simulator scenarios. | ||
Changes made to the operating test, documented in a document titled, Operating Test Comments, the proposed NRC-developed dynamic simulator scenarios, JPMs, and associated operating test outlines, as well as the final as-administered dynamic simulator scenarios and JPMs, will be available electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of NRC's ADAMS in January 2019. | |||
, | |||
The NRC examiners completed operating test grading on December 29, 2016. | |||
: (3) Examination Results Four applicants at the Senior Reactor Operator level and one applicant at the Reactor Operator level were administered written examinations and operating tests. Three applicants passed all portions of their examinations and were issued their respective operating licenses on December 29, 2016. | |||
: (3) Examination Results Four applicants at the Senior Reactor Operator level and one applicant at the Reactor Operator level were administered written examinations and operating tests. Three applicants passed all portions of their examinations and were issued their respective operating licenses on December 29, 2016 | |||
One applicant passed all portions of the license examination, but received a written test grade below 82 percent. In accordance with NRC policy, the | One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial. One applicant passed all portions of the license examination, but received a written test grade below 82 percent. In accordance with NRC policy, the applicants license will be withheld until any written examination appeal possibilities by other applicants have been resolved. If the applicants grade is still equal to or greater than 80 percent after any appeal resolution, the applicant will be issued an operating license. If the applicants grade has declined below 80 percent, the applicant will be issued a proposed license denial letter and offered the opportunity to appeal any questions the applicant feels were graded incorrectly. | ||
===.2 Examination Security=== | ===.2 Examination Security=== | ||
====a. Scope==== | ====a. Scope==== | ||
The NRC examiners reviewed and observed the licensee's implementation of examination security requirements during the examination validation and administration to assure compliance with | The NRC examiners reviewed and observed the licensee's implementation of examination security requirements during the examination validation and administration to assure compliance with Title10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and Tests. The examiners used the guidelines provided in NUREG-1021, "Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, to determine acceptability of the licensees examination security activities. | ||
, Section 55.49, | |||
, | |||
====b. Findings==== | ====b. Findings==== | ||
| Line 125: | Line 92: | ||
==4OA6 Management Meetings== | ==4OA6 Management Meetings== | ||
===.1 Debrief | ===.1 Debrief=== | ||
November 17, 2016 , to Mr. P. Gardner, Senior Vice President | The chief examiner presented the examination team's preliminary observations and findings on November 17, 2016, to Mr. P. Gardner, Senior Vice President, and other members of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Operations and Training Department staff. | ||
, and other members of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Operations and Training Department staff. | |||
===.2 Exit Meeting=== | ===.2 Exit Meeting=== | ||
The chief examiner conducted an exit meeting on January 5, 2017, with Mr. G. | The chief examiner conducted an exit meeting on January 5, 2017, with Mr. G. Allex, General Supervisor Operation Training by telephone. The NRCs final disposition of the stations post-examination comments were disclosed and discussed with Mr. Allex during the telephone discussion. The examiners asked the licensee whether any of the material used to develop or administer the examination should be considered proprietary. No proprietary or sensitive information was identified during the examination or debrief/exit meetings. | ||
ATTACHMENT: | ATTACHMENT: | ||
=SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION= | =SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION= | ||
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION KEY POINTS OF | SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION | ||
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT | |||
: [[contact::R. Becker]], Operations Training Instructor | Licensee | ||
- Examination Lead | : [[contact::R. Becker]], Operations Training Instructor - Examination Lead | ||
: [[contact::M. Peterson]], Xcel Fleet Training | : [[contact::M. Peterson]], Xcel Fleet Training | ||
: [[contact::B. Koenig]], Operations Shift Manager/ILT Supervisor | : [[contact::B. Koenig]], Operations Shift Manager/ILT Supervisor | ||
| Line 148: | Line 113: | ||
: [[contact::C. Peterson]], Operations Training Supervisor | : [[contact::C. Peterson]], Operations Training Supervisor | ||
: [[contact::P. Kissinger]], Training Manager | : [[contact::P. Kissinger]], Training Manager | ||
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission | ||
Commission | |||
: [[contact::P. Zurawski]], Senior Resident Inspector | : [[contact::P. Zurawski]], Senior Resident Inspector | ||
: [[contact::D. Krause]], Resident Inspector | : [[contact::D. Krause]], Resident Inspector | ||
| Line 157: | Line 121: | ||
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED | ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED | ||
Opened, Close, and Discussed | Opened, Close, and Discussed | ||
None LIST OF ACRONYMS | None | ||
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED | |||
JPM Job Performance Measures | ADAMS Agencywide Document Access and Management System | ||
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission | CFR Code of Federal Regulations | ||
JPM Job Performance Measures | |||
POST EXAM | NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 8 | QUESTION No. 8 | ||
The plant is at rated conditions when an event occurs resulting in the common Service/Instrument air header pressure slowly lowering. | The plant is at rated conditions when an event occurs resulting in the common | ||
Service/Instrument air header pressure slowly lowering. | |||
Assuming the common air header pressure continues to lower; which of the following alarms | Assuming the common air header pressure continues to lower; which of the following alarms | ||
would be the FIRST to be received that ALSO requires entry into an AOP (Abnormal Operating Procedure)? | would be the FIRST to be received that ALSO requires entry into an AOP (Abnormal Operating | ||
A. ROD DRIFT (5 | Procedure)? | ||
-A-27) B. INST AIR HEADER | A. ROD DRIFT (5-A-27) | ||
LOW PRESS (6 | B. INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS (6-B-34) | ||
-B-34) C. SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS (6 | C. SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS (6-B-35) | ||
-B-35) D. SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS (5 | D. SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS (5-B-22) | ||
-B-22) Answer: | Answer: B | ||
A. Incorrect: | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
at <60 psig, the control rods will start to drift and the reactor must be manually scrammed; but AOP shall be entered prior to. | : [[contact::A. Incorrect: at <60 psig]], the control rods will start to drift and the reactor must be | ||
: [[contact::B. Correct: | manually scrammed; but AOP shall be entered prior to. | ||
-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) will alarm. | : [[contact::B. Correct: when Air Header Pressure reaches 85 psig]], annunciator 6-B-34 (INST AIR | ||
ARP 6-B-34 directs AOP C.4 | HEADER LOW PRESS) will alarm. ARP 6-B-34 directs AOP C.4-B.08.04.01 entry. | ||
-B.08.04.01 entry. | Per AOP C.4-B.08.04.01, Table 1, if the IA pressure is reduced to 85 psig this is the | ||
Per AOP C.4-B.08.04.01, Table 1, if the IA pressure is reduced to 85 psig this is the first time operator AOP action will be required. | first time operator AOP action will be required. | ||
C. Incorrect: | : [[contact::C. Incorrect: at 82 psig]], Annunciator 6-B-35 (SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) | ||
at 82 psig, Annunciator 6 | alarms and CV-1474, Serv Air Isol CV valve, closes; AOP entry is not directly required. | ||
-B-35 (SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) alarms and CV | D. Incorrect: Annunciator 5-B-22 (SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS) alarms at | ||
-1474, Serv Air Isol CV valve, closes; AOP entry is not directly required. | |||
D. Incorrect: | |||
Annunciator 5 | |||
-B-22 (SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS) alarms at | |||
psig. AOP entry would not be required until control rods start to drift. | psig. AOP entry would not be required until control rods start to drift. | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices | The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices A and B. | ||
While alarm C.6 | While alarm C.6-006-B-34 does direct entry into the AOP for Loss of Instrument Air; | ||
-006-B-34 does direct entry into the AOP for Loss of Instrument Air; the question specifies an entry into an AOP; Rod Drift which is not expected until < 60# could not only occur prior to the Loss of Instrument Air, but is also a different AOP Entry from the initial AOP as the initial Conditions State that we are in a Loss of Instrument Air AOP; inferred as already in a loss of Instrument Air and therefore an additional AOP entry could be actuated. | the question specifies an entry into an AOP; Rod Drift which is not expected until < 60# | ||
Rod Drifting (C.6 | could not only occur prior to the Loss of Instrument Air, but is also a different AOP Entry | ||
-005-A -27) for any other reason is a correct answer as it directs entry into Control Rod Drifting AOP C.4 | from the initial AOP as the initial Conditions State that we are in a Loss of Instrument Air | ||
-B.01.03. | AOP; inferred as already in a loss of Instrument Air and therefore an additional AOP | ||
: [[contact::C. Thus]], there are (2) correct answers: | entry could be actuated. Rod Drifting (C.6-005-A -27) for any other reason is a correct | ||
a) Rod Drift C.6 | answer as it directs entry into Control Rod Drifting AOP C.4-B.01.03. | ||
-005-A-27 | : [[contact::C. Thus]], there are | ||
-B.01.03.C, and | (2) correct answers: | ||
b) Inst Air Header Low Press C.6 | a) Rod Drift C.6-005-A-27 directing entry into C.4-B.01.03.C, and | ||
-006-B-34 directs entry into C.4 | b) Inst Air Header Low Press C.6-006-B-34 directs entry into C.4-B.08.04.01'A | ||
-B.08.04.01'A | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 8 (page 2 of 3) | |||
POST EXAM | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | |||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
Candidate should assume instrument air header pressure is at the normal value from the initial conditions in the stem. | Candidate should assume instrument air header pressure is at the normal value from the | ||
If air header pressure started at normal system pressure and continues to lower, 6 | initial conditions in the stem. If air header pressure started at normal system pressure | ||
-B-34 ( | and continues to lower, 6-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) would be received at | ||
would be received at | psig and 5-A-27 (ROD DRIFT) would be received at approximately 60 psig. Both | ||
psig and 5 | would require entry into an AOP but 6-B-34 would occur FIRST. | ||
-A-27 (ROD DRIFT) would be received at approximately 60 psig. | Entry into the loss of instrument air AOP would be allowed at the discretion of the CRS | ||
with a lowering instrument air header pressure prior to receipt of the alarm. As stated | |||
-B-34 would occur FIRST. | above the first annunciator expected to be received on lowering pressure is 6-B-34 | ||
Entry into the loss of instrument air AOP would be allowed at the discretion of the CRS with a lowering instrument air header pressure prior to receipt of the alarm. | (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS). lf the intellectual jump is made that the question | ||
As stated above the first annunciator expected to be received on lowering pressure is 6 | requires discarding the first annunciator received as a correct answer because the AOP | ||
-B-34 ( | was already discretionarily entered (though not stated in the stem) then answer choice A | ||
lf the intellectual jump is made that the question requires discarding the first annunciator received as a correct answer because the AOP was already discretionarily entered (though not stated in the stem) then answer choice A would be the next annunciator that is expected to be received that requires entry into a different AO | would be the next annunciator that is expected to be received that requires entry into a | ||
different AO | |||
: [[contact::P. | : [[contact::P. | ||
With the assumptions made by the candidate]], answer choice A is a partially correct answer, however, the question asks " | With the assumptions made by the candidate]], answer choice A is a partially correct | ||
Thus, the best answer is still answer choice B. Clarification not requested during exam administration. | answer, however, the question asks "entry into an AOP..." not entry into the next AOP | ||
Question acceptable as written. Reference: | or an AOP that has not already been entered. Thus, the best answer is still answer | ||
choice B. | |||
Clarification not requested during exam administration. | |||
Question acceptable as written. | |||
Reference: | |||
6-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) | 6-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) | ||
5-A-27 (ROD DRIFT) | 5-A-27 (ROD DRIFT) | ||
C.4-B.08.04.01.A (LOSS OF INSTRUMENT AIR) | C.4-B.08.04.01.A (LOSS OF INSTRUMENT AIR) | ||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION The | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The only factual information that can be inferred from the provided information is that: | The applicants interpretation of the initial conditions, given in the first sentence of the question | ||
stem, is not supported by the information provided. The only factual information that can be | |||
(b) the common Service/Instrument air header pressure, after the event, is at a lower value and continuing to lower slowly. | inferred from the provided information is that: (a) the common Service/Instrument air header | ||
As stated in the | pressure prior to the event was at rated conditions (i.e. normal); and (b) the common | ||
Service/Instrument air header pressure, after the event, is at a lower value and continuing to | |||
by the provided information; therefore, to assume that the AOP has already been entered is unsupportable. | lower slowly. As stated in the facilitys response, early entry into the Loss of Instrument Air | ||
Additionally, the question does not ask which AOP will be entered, but which of the listed alarms | abnormal response procedure (AOP) is permissible, that decision would be based on the | ||
would be the FIRST to be received, that would ALSO require entry into an AO | current air header pressure and trend information; neither were provided, nor can be inferred | ||
: [[contact::P. As stated above]], the first alarm that is expected to be received is 6 | by the provided information; therefore, to assume that the AOP has already been entered is | ||
-B-34. | unsupportable. Additionally, the question does not ask which AOP will be entered, but which | ||
POST EXAM | of the listed alarms would be the FIRST to be received, that would ALSO require entry into an | ||
AO | |||
: [[contact::P. As stated above]], the first alarm that is expected to be received is 6-B-34. | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
The associated alarm response procedure (ARP) directs the operator to enter C.4 | QUESTION No. 8 (page 3 of 3) | ||
-B.08.04.01.A (Loss of Instrument Air). | The associated alarm response procedure (ARP) directs the operator to enter C.4-B.08.04.01.A | ||
The associated alarm is also listed in the AOP as an indication (i.e. | (Loss of Instrument Air). The associated alarm is also listed in the AOP as an indication (i.e. | ||
Alarm 6-B-35 is also listed in the AOP as an indication of a Loss of Instrument Air, but is not expected to be received until after 6 | entry condition) of a loss of Instrument Air. Alarm 6-B-35 is also listed in the AOP as an | ||
-B-34. The ARP for 6-B-35 does not specifically direct entry into the Loss of Instrument Air AOP. | indication of a Loss of Instrument Air, but is not expected to be received until after 6-B-34. | ||
The ARP for 6-B-35 does not specifically direct entry into the Loss of Instrument Air AOP. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the only correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
POST EXAM | that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the only correct | ||
answer. | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
The plant was at rated conditions when a SBO and ELAP event occurred. | QUESTION No. 13 | ||
Given the following: | The plant was at rated conditions when a SBO and ELAP event occurred. Given the following: | ||
The Heat Capacity Limit has been exceeded | * The Heat Capacity Limit has been exceeded | ||
RPV water level is being maintained with HPCI & RCIC | * RPV water level is being maintained with HPCI & RCIC | ||
The CRS has entered C.5-2002 (EMERGENCY DEPRESSURIZATION) | * The CRS has entered C.5-2002 (EMERGENCY DEPRESSURIZATION) | ||
During the depressurization, the CRS directs a pressure band of 150 | During the depressurization, the CRS directs a pressure band of 150-200 psig. | ||
-200 psig. Is the directed pressure band correct? | Is the directed pressure band correct? Why or why not? | ||
Why or why not? | |||
A. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to maintain core cooling. | A. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to maintain core cooling. | ||
B. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to mitigate primary containment challenges. | B. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to mitigate primary containment challenges. | ||
C. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to maintain core cooling. | C. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to maintain core cooling. | ||
D. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to | D. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to mitigate primary containment | ||
mitigate primary containment challenges. | challenges. | ||
Answer: | Answer: A | ||
: [[contact::A. Correct: | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
: [[contact::V. However]], while RPV pressure reductions will tend to increase flow from motor-driven pumps, full depressurization will result in loss of steam driven injection sources. RPV pressure reduction must be coordinated with core cooling strategies. | : [[contact::A. Correct: Under circumstances requiring ED]], it is generally desirable to full depressurize | ||
Full depressurization is only appropriate if adequate core cooling will not be sacrificed as a result. | the RP | ||
In the ELAP condition, HPCI and RCIC will be the only injection sources so | : [[contact::V. However]], while RPV pressure reductions will tend to increase flow from | ||
RPV pressure is to be maintained | motor-driven pumps, full depressurization will result in loss of steam driven injection | ||
> 150 psig. B. Incorrect: | sources. RPV pressure reduction must be coordinated with core cooling strategies. | ||
C. Incorrect: | Full depressurization is only appropriate if adequate core cooling will not be sacrificed as | ||
D. Incorrect: | a result. In the ELAP condition, HPCI and RCIC will be the only injection sources so | ||
The pressure band is not for containment concerns and full depressurization not required. APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | RPV pressure is to be maintained > 150 psig. | ||
B. Incorrect: The pressure band is not for containment concerns. | |||
C. Incorrect: Full depressurization not required. | |||
D. Incorrect: The pressure band is not for containment concerns and full depressurization | |||
not required. | |||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | |||
The applicant contends that there is no correct answer. | The applicant contends that there is no correct answer. | ||
The choices offered don't offer the prescribed pressure band of 150 | The choices offered don't offer the prescribed pressure band of 150 - 300 # IAW | ||
- 300 # | C.5-4000. Further, the assumption must be made that there is an Emergency | ||
Depressurization in progress which does offer the override to maintain pressure > 150 #, | |||
-1100. Part H of C.5-1100 directs a blowdown when Low Capacity Injection Systems are lined up and High Capacity Injection Sources are Unavailable; thus, we would not blowdown if RCIC was in service and Injecting. | but one can assume that we are Depressurizing IAW the Center Leg of C.5-1100. | ||
Instead, we would maintain | Part H of C.5-1100 directs a blowdown when Low Capacity Injection Systems are lined | ||
-40" to +100" and 150 | up and High Capacity Injection Sources are Unavailable; thus, we would not blowdown if | ||
RCIC was in service and Injecting. Instead, we would maintain -40" to +100" and 150 - | |||
-1100. In either case; the band IAW C.5 | 300# using RCIC and Alternate Depressurization Methods per C.5-1100. In either case; | ||
-4000 is 150 | the band IAW C.5-4000 is 150 - 300#; thus, no correct answer exists. | ||
- 300#; thus, no correct answer exists. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 13 (page 2 of 4) | |||
POST EXAM | ***In further review of the question, the blowdown is prescribed for exceeding the Heat | ||
Capacity Limit; while important; this is contrary to the guidance in the C.5-4000 which | |||
prescribes a Blowdown when: | |||
.5-4000 which prescribes a Blowdown when: | |||
a) RCIC and HPCI are no longer available, or | a) RCIC and HPCI are no longer available, or | ||
b) Diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection, or | b) Diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection, or | ||
c) ELAP declared, do not wait for RPV level to reach | c) ELAP declared, do not wait for RPV level to reach -126". | ||
-126". Additionally, Primary Containment venting addresses Torus temperature>2I2F | Additionally, Primary Containment venting addresses Torus temperature>2I2F | ||
and > 10# Drywell pressure respectively. | and > 10# Drywell pressure respectively. | ||
Given the initial conditions and the directed band of 150 | Given the initial conditions and the directed band of 150 - 200#, there is no correct | ||
- 200#, there is no correct answer per C.5 | answer per C.5-4000, C.5-1100, or C.5-1200. | ||
-4000, C.5-1100, or C.5 | One would require more parameters such as RPV water level, status of other injection | ||
-1200. One would require more parameters such as RPV water level, status of other injection sources, as well as if there was other EOP entries that may require a blowdown to | sources, as well as if there was other EOP entries that may require a blowdown to | ||
establish a basis as the Blowdown for Heat Capacity Limit is defined per C.5.1 | establish a basis as the Blowdown for Heat Capacity Limit is defined per C.5.1-1200 | ||
-1200 ensures the highest Torus Temperature that a Blowdown will not exceed Torus Design Temperature, or Drywell Pressure Limit. | ensures the highest Torus Temperature that a Blowdown will not exceed Torus Design | ||
Therefore, the Blowdown precludes Loss of Primary containment Integrity and Pressure suppression Function. | Temperature, or Drywell Pressure Limit. Therefore, the Blowdown precludes Loss of | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | Primary containment Integrity and Pressure suppression Function. | ||
AND PROPOSED | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | |||
When Emergency Depressurization is required during an ELAP with only HPCI and RCIC maintaining RPV level, the vessel | When Emergency Depressurization is required during an ELAP with only HPCI and | ||
should not be fully depressurized. | RCIC maintaining RPV level, the vessel should not be fully depressurized. RPV | ||
pressure should be controlled as low as possible >150 psig using Alternate | |||
150 psig using Alternate Depressurization Systems (RCIC & HPCI) while maintaining adequate core cooling. | Depressurization Systems (RCIC & HPCI) while maintaining adequate core cooling. | ||
ELAP HPCI Only Pressure Band: | ELAP HPCI Only Pressure Band: 150-1000 psig (C.5-4000) | ||
150-1000 | ELAP RCIC & HPCI Pressure Band: 150-300 psig (C.5-4000) | ||
The pressure band listed in the stem of the question does not exactly match the bands | |||
-4000) The pressure band listed in the stem of the question does not exactly match the bands stated above in C.5 | stated above in C.5-4000, however, it is fully within the above bands and though difficult | ||
-4000, however, it is fully within the above bands and though difficult to maintain it would be acceptable pressure band for the indicated conditions. | to maintain it would be acceptable pressure band for the indicated conditions. | ||
The question specifically asks if the pressure band is "...correct..." and thus an | The question specifically asks if the pressure band is "...correct..." and thus an | ||
interpretation had to be made as to whether an "acceptable" pressure band is also a "correct" pressure band. | interpretation had to be made as to whether an "acceptable" pressure band is also a | ||
This could lead to some confusion on the part of the candidate. | "correct" pressure band. This could lead to some confusion on the part of the candidate. | ||
However, the second part of both answer choices C & D is absolutely incorrect as it states that full depressurization is required. | However, the second part of both answer choices C & D is absolutely incorrect as it | ||
This contradicts the reason for believing that the initial pressure band was incorrect | states that full depressurization is required. This contradicts the reason for believing that | ||
; the upper limit was not high enough (300 vs. | the initial pressure band was incorrect; the upper limit was not high enough (300 vs. the | ||
listed 200). Answer choices A & B both state that pressure be maintained >150 psig | |||
Answer choices A & B both state that pressure be maintained | which is the most limiting factor in this plant condition. | ||
>150 psig which is the most limiting factor in this plant condition. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 13 (page 3 of 4) | |||
POST EXAM | |||
Question clarification was not requested during administration. | Question clarification was not requested during administration. | ||
Question acceptable as written | Question acceptable as written. | ||
Reference: | |||
C.5-4000 (SBO) | C.5-4000 (SBO) | ||
C.4-B.09.02-A (SBO) C.5-1200 (Primary Containment Control) | C.4-B.09.02-A (SBO) | ||
C.5-1200 (Primary Containment Control) | |||
C.5-2002 (Emergency RPV Depressurization) | C.5-2002 (Emergency RPV Depressurization) | ||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The | The applicants contention initially tried to make the argument that the depressurization, | ||
conditions) could be assumed, to be due to actions being taken in accordance with C.5 | mentioned in the second paragraph of the question stem (i.e. the sentence following the initial | ||
-1100, and that actions required by C.5 | conditions) could be assumed, to be due to actions being taken in accordance with C.5-1100, | ||
-2002 had not yet been initiated. | and that actions required by C.5-2002 had not yet been initiated. The question stem clearly | ||
The question stem clearly states that the CRS had entered C.5 | states that the CRS had entered C.5-2002. The very first item in C.5-2002 is a NOTE which | ||
-2002. The very first item in C.5 | includes the statement: This procedure overrides the RPV pressure control actions in: | ||
-2002 is a NOTE which includes the statement: | C.5-1100, RPV Control (Pressure section); [and] C.5-2007, Failure to Scram (Pressure | ||
section). Therefore, the applicants assumption is not supported by the information contained | |||
C.5-1100, | in the question stem, nor by the direction provided in C.5-2002. | ||
-2002. In the second paragraph of the | In the second paragraph of the applicants contention, the applicant implies: that the guidance | ||
in C.5-4000 supersedes the direction, in C.5 | in C.5-4000 supersedes the direction, in C.5-1200, to enter C.5-2002 due to the inability to | ||
-1200, to enter C.5 | maintain Torus temperature below the Heat Capacity Temperature Limit; and that the only time | ||
-2002 due to the inability to maintain Torus temperature below the Heat Capacity Temperature Limit; and that the only time that C.5-2002 should be entered is when: | that C.5-2002 should be entered is when: (a) RCIC and HPCI are no longer available; or (b) a | ||
diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection. The guidelines contained in C.5-4000, | |||
; or (b) a diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection. The guidelines contained in C.5 | are provided to supplement the EOPs, not replace them. The EOP Strategies in C.5-4000 | ||
-4000, are provided to supplement the EOPs, not replace them. | are provided to assist the operator in maintaining the availability of the steam driven injection | ||
The EOP Strategies in C.5 | sources, until AC power is available, other injection sources (e.g., diesel driven pumps) of | ||
-4000 are provided to assist the operator in maintaining the availability of the steam driven injection sources, until AC power is available, other injection sources (e.g., diesel driven pumps) of | sufficient capacity are available. If the EOPs direct entry into, and implementation of, | ||
sufficient capacity are available. | C.5-2002, the procedure is required to be implemented, with the understanding that the full | ||
If the EOPs direct entry into, and implementation of, C.5-2002, the procedure is required to be implemented, with the understanding that the full depressurization will be terminated if necessary to preserve core cooling. | depressurization will be terminated if necessary to preserve core cooling. C.5.1-2002 states: | ||
C.5.1-2002 states: | Full depressurization and cooldown is appropriate only if adequate core cooling will not be | ||
sacrificed as a result. Loss of adequate core cooling would compound the plant challenges | |||
Loss of adequate core cooling would compound the plant challenges requiring emergency depressurization and increase any resulting radioactivity release. | requiring emergency depressurization and increase any resulting radioactivity release. Core | ||
cooling is thus prioritized over other EOP objectives. If, at any time during RPV | |||
If, at any time during RPV depressurization, it is anticipated that continued pressure reduction will result in loss of injection flow required for adequate core cooling, the depressurization is terminated. | depressurization, it is anticipated that continued pressure reduction will result in loss of injection | ||
Pressure is then controlled as low as practicable but above the minimum value at which the required injection flow can be sustained. | flow required for adequate core cooling, the depressurization is terminated. Pressure is then | ||
controlled as low as practicable but above the minimum value at which the required injection | |||
POST EXAM | flow can be sustained. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 13 (page 4 of 4) | |||
The RPV pressure and level control bands, specified in C.5-4000 and C.4-B.09.02A, | |||
The RPV pressure and level control bands, specified in | are guidelines similar to the control bands specified in OWI-03.06 (Strategies for Successful | ||
C.5-4000 and C.4 | Transient Mitigation). The OWI defines Operations personnel mitigation strategy expectations | ||
-B.09.02A, are guidelines similar to the control bands specified in OWI | to ensure consistent implementation of Operator fundamentals for an effective response. The | ||
-03.06 (Strategies for Successful | guidance contained in that instruction compliments operating procedures. It is NOT intended to | ||
Transient Mitigation). The OWI defines Operations personnel mitigation strategy expectations to ensure consistent implementation of Operator fundamentals for an effective response. | replace or supersede approved operating procedures. The OWI identifies several control bands | ||
which vary depending on particular circumstances. The OWI also recognizes that the control | |||
It is NOT intended to replace or supersede approved operating procedures. | bands may need to be adjusted dependent upon the specific conditions created by the transient. | ||
The OWI identifies several control bands which vary depending on particular circumstances. | The pressure control band specified for the ELAP mitigation strategy is based on: | ||
The OWI also recognizes that the control bands may need to be adjusted dependent upon the specific conditions created by the transient. The pressure control band specified for the ELAP mitigation strategy is based on: | (1) performing a controlled cooldown/depressurization to facilitate RPV water level control | ||
actions and reduce the containment heat-up if a blowdown is later required; (2) maintaining | |||
to facilitate | availability of steam driven injection systems (150 psig minimum pressure) as long as possible; | ||
RPV water level control actions and reduce | and (3) prioritizing the desire to ensure that adequate core cooling is maintained, even if other | ||
the containment heat | EOP objectives have to be sacrificed. As mentioned earlier, the loss of adequate core cooling | ||
-up if a blowdown is later required | would compound the plant challenges requiring EOP entry and increase any resulting | ||
; (2) maintaining availability of steam driven injection systems (150 psig minimum pressure) as long as possible; | radioactivity release. While the pressure band given in the stem of the question does not | ||
and (3) prioritizing the desire to ensure that adequate core cooling is maintained, even if other EOP objectives have to be sacrificed | exactly match the recommended control band given in C.5-4000 or C.4-B.09.02.A and may not | ||
. As mentioned earlier, the loss of adequate core cooling would compound the plant challenges requiring EOP entry and increase any resulting radioactivity release. | be optimum, it falls within the bounding requirements identified above and is therefore | ||
While the pressure band given in the stem of the question does not exactly match the recommended control band given in C.5 | |||
-4000 or C.4 | |||
-B.09.02.A and may not be optimum, it falls within the bounding requirements identified above and is therefore | |||
acceptable. | acceptable. | ||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 30 | |||
The plant is in MODE 4 with the 12 RHR Pump operating in a Normal Shutdown Cooling Mode. | The plant is in MODE 4 with the 12 RHR Pump operating in a Normal Shutdown Cooling Mode. | ||
The desired RCS temperature control band is 120 | The desired RCS temperature control band is 120-140°F. | ||
-140 F. Both Reactor Recirculation pumps are OFF | * Both Reactor Recirculation pumps are OFF | ||
The CRD and RWCU systems are SHUTDOWN | * The CRD and RWCU systems are SHUTDOWN | ||
Time Recirc Loop A | Time Recirc Loop A Recirc Loop B 12 RHR HX RWCU Inlet | ||
Recirc Loop B | Suction Suction Inlet Temperature | ||
RHR HX Inlet Temperature | Temperature Temperature Temperature | ||
0900 141 139 140 139 | |||
0900 141 139 140 139 0915 140 139 138 140 0930 140 138 137 139 0945 139 139 135 139 1000 138 138 134 140 Give the above information, what is the RCS Heatup/Cooldown rate. | 0915 140 139 138 140 | ||
A. Cooling down at | 0930 140 138 137 139 | ||
A, B, and D are incorrect but plausible variations of actions in order to decrease the recirculation loop temperature at a slower rate (i.e., decrease cooldown rate). | 0945 139 139 135 139 | ||
A. Incorrect: | 1000 138 138 134 140 | ||
There may be some back | Give the above information, what is the RCS Heatup/Cooldown rate. | ||
-flow through the 11 RR Loop, but the temperature of the loop will not be representative of the RCS temperature. | A. Cooling down at 3°F/hr | ||
B. Incorrect: | B. Cooling down at 1°F/hr | ||
With the 12 RR Loop suction or discharge valve shut there will be no flow through the loop and the indicated temperature will not be representative of the RCS temperature. | C. Cooling down at 6°F/hr | ||
C. Correct: | D. Heating up at 1°F/hr | ||
-service RHR | Answer: C | ||
train will be representative | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
A, B, and D are incorrect but plausible variations of actions in order to decrease the recirculation | |||
loop temperature at a slower rate (i.e., decrease cooldown rate). | |||
: [[contact::A. Incorrect: There may be some back-flow through the 11 RR Loop]], but the temperature | |||
of the loop will not be representative of the RCS temperature. | |||
B. Incorrect: With the 12 RR Loop suction or discharge valve shut there will be no flow | |||
through the loop and the indicated temperature will not be representative of the RCS | |||
temperature. | |||
C. Correct: The coolant flowing throught the in-service RHR train will be representative | |||
of the RCS temperature. | of the RCS temperature. | ||
D. Incorrect: | D. Incorrect: With the RWCU system shutdown there will be no flow through the system | ||
With the RWCU system shutdown there will be no flow through the system and the indicated temperatue will not be representative of the RCS temperature | and the indicated temperatue will not be representative of the RCS temperature. | ||
. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 30 (page 2 of 3) | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that answer choice | The applicant contends that answer choice A is the correct answer. | ||
I believe Question 30 should accept Answer A (cooling down at | I believe Question 30 should accept Answer A (cooling down at 3°F/hr) as the correct | ||
answer. Per [procedure] 0118 (Reactor Vessel Temperature Monitoring) Recirc Loop A | |||
Since idle loop injection is occurring, the 12 Recirc [Pump] Disch valve will be closed (see B.03.04 | is included as an acceptable method when verifying cooldown rates. | ||
-05 , page 36) | * Since idle loop injection is occurring, the 12 Recirc [Pump] Disch valve will be closed | ||
(see B.03.04-05, page 36) | |||
This procedure indicates that the suction and discharge valves for 11 Recirc will be open to have the same cooldown rate as the vessel (see B.01.04-05 , page 57). Also the 0118 indicates that RPV | * Since both Recirc pumps are secured, normal system shutdown of both Recirc pumps | ||
-508 (RPV rate of change), which only includes input from RHR, is to be used to aid in assuring | will have implemented. This procedure indicates that the suction and discharge valves | ||
for 11 Recirc will be open to have the same cooldown rate as the vessel | |||
FACILITY RESPONSE | (see B.01.04-05, page 57). | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | * Also the 0118 indicates that RPV-508 (RPV rate of change), which only includes input | ||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as | from RHR, is to be used to aid in assuring cooldown rates; implying that actual cooldown | ||
written. IAW 2204 (PLANT SHUTDOWN); RPV coolant change in temperature on Screen 505 and Computer points RPV508 (RPV Rate of | should be used from loop A temperature. | ||
Change) and RPV802 (RPV Temperature) from Special Log 15 are the representative data points for monitoring coolant | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
temperature rate | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
of change as required by Tech Specs. | IAW 2204 (PLANT SHUTDOWN); RPV coolant change in temperature on Screen 505 | ||
Based on the way that Screen 505 and Computer point RPV802 are validated, once shutdown cooling is put in service | and Computer points RPV508 (RPV Rate of Change) and RPV802 (RPV Temperature) | ||
100% of the temperature input is from RHR. | from Special Log 15 are the representative data points for monitoring coolant | ||
temperature rate of change as required by Tech Specs. | |||
Question acceptable as written | Based on the way that Screen 505 and Computer point RPV802 are validated, once | ||
shutdown cooling is put in service 100% of the temperature input is from RHR. With | |||
Recirc Pumps secured, Recirc loop temperatures no longer provide input to RPV802. | |||
Question acceptable as written. | |||
Reference: 2204 (Plant Shutdown) | |||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The focus of the question is on whether or not the applicant understands the physical processes of how temperature instrumentation, remotely located in fluid systems connected to the Reactor Pressure Vessel, can be used to indirectly measure Reactor Coolant System (RCS) temperature. | The focus of the question is on whether or not the applicant understands the physical processes | ||
The question does not provide for specific computer point, recorder, or other indicator names or identification numbers, nor does it ask for that information. | of how temperature instrumentation, remotely located in fluid systems connected to the Reactor | ||
The key element to answering the question is the knowledge that for a temperature instrument to provide an output that is representative of the RCS temperature, there has to be a flow path from the RCS, past the temperature element in the connected system. | Pressure Vessel, can be used to indirectly measure Reactor Coolant System (RCS) | ||
The higher the circulation flow rate through the RPV and the connected system, the more representative the indication will be of the average RCS temperature. | temperature. The question does not provide for specific computer point, recorder, or other | ||
indicator names or identification numbers, nor does it ask for that information. The key element | |||
POST EXAM | to answering the question is the knowledge that for a temperature instrument to provide an | ||
output that is representative of the RCS temperature, there has to be a flow path from the RCS, | |||
past the temperature element in the connected system. The higher the circulation flow rate | |||
through the RPV and the connected system, the more representative the indication will be of the | |||
The applicant contends that since the 11 Recirculation Loop is not expected to be isolated, the associated temperature monitor would be representative of the RCS heatup/cooldown rate. The applicant bases his contention on a NOTE in the Reactor Recirculation System | average RCS temperature. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 30 (page 3 of 3) | |||
recirculation loop cooldown at the same rate as the reactor vessel cooldown. | The applicant contends that since the 11 Recirculation Loop is not expected to be isolated, | ||
the associated temperature monitor would be representative of the RCS heatup/cooldown rate. | |||
This would permit only a small fraction of the flow through the RPV to be diverted through the loop. | The applicant bases his contention on a NOTE in the Reactor Recirculation System operating | ||
Even if the discharge valve were to be fully opened, the flow in the 11 Recirculation Loop would be in the reverse direction through the discharge piping and would be restricted by the Jet Pump nozzle openings and the idle pump. The majority of the flow from the RPV would be drawn through the 11 Recirculation Loop suction line to the 12 RHR Pump suction. | procedure that states: The pump suction and discharge valves are to be left open to facilitate | ||
Additionally, as stated in the question stem, the plant is already in Mode 4, the plant cooldown is complete, and the concern addressed by the referenced NOTE is of minor concern since the temperature difference between the RCS and the un-isolated Recirculation system loop will be minor. | recirculation loop cooldown at the same rate as the reactor vessel cooldown. However the step | ||
Section IV of procedure C.3 (Shutdown Procedure) specifies the minimum requirements necessary to ensure that proper | immediately following the NOTE only partially opens (three second stroke; a small fraction of the | ||
Reactor conditions are maintained in MODES 4 and 5, and includes guidance for monitoring key reactor parameters | total stroke time) the discharge valves. This would permit only a small fraction of the flow | ||
. The guidance for monitoring Reactor Water Temperature specifies that: | through the RPV to be diverted through the loop. Even if the discharge valve were to be fully | ||
If neither Recirculation Pump is running | opened, the flow in the 11 Recirculation Loop would be in the reverse direction through the | ||
discharge piping and would be restricted by the Jet Pump nozzle openings and the idle pump. | |||
1) If RHR Shutdown Cooling is in service, Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RHR Heat Exchanger inlet temperature. | The majority of the flow from the RPV would be drawn through the 11 Recirculation Loop | ||
2) If the RWCU system is in service, Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RWCU inlet temperature. | suction line to the 12 RHR Pump suction. Additionally, as stated in the question stem, the plant | ||
Knowledge of the physical relationships and interactions discussed above, as well as the procedure guidance contained in C.3 (Shutdown Procedure), clearly support that answer choice | is already in Mode 4, the plant cooldown is complete, and the concern addressed by the | ||
The contention by the applicant that answer choice | referenced NOTE is of minor concern since the temperature difference between the RCS and | ||
While the | the un-isolated Recirculation system loop will be minor. | ||
Section IV of procedure C.3 (Shutdown Procedure) specifies the minimum requirements | |||
necessary to ensure that proper Reactor conditions are maintained in MODES 4 and 5, and | |||
includes guidance for monitoring key reactor parameters. The guidance for monitoring Reactor | |||
Water Temperature specifies that: | |||
If neither Recirculation Pump is running. | |||
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from one of the following: | |||
1) If RHR Shutdown Cooling is in service, | |||
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RHR Heat Exchanger inlet | |||
temperature. | |||
2) If the RWCU system is in service, | |||
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RWCU inlet temperature. | |||
Knowledge of the physical relationships and interactions discussed above, as well as the | |||
procedure guidance contained in C.3 (Shutdown Procedure), clearly support that answer choice | |||
C is the correct answer. The contention by the applicant that answer choice A is the only | |||
correct answer, or that it is also correct is not support by information provided above. While the | |||
Recirculation Loop temperature may trend similarly, the temperature information will not be | |||
truly representative of conditions with the RPV. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 33 | |||
An ATWS event has occurred and the OATC has initiated SBLC from C-05. | |||
An ATWS event has occurred and the OATC has initiated SBLC from C | Complete the statements below. | ||
-05. Complete the statements below | Forced circulation is __(1)__ to ensure adequate dispersion of the boron solution into the core. | ||
RWCU pumps __(2)__ receive an automatic trip signal. | |||
is __(1)__ to ensure adequate dispersion of the boron solution into the core. | A. (1) required | ||
RWCU pumps __(2)__ receive an automatic trip signal | (2) will | ||
B. (1) required | |||
(2) will NOT | |||
C. (1) NOT required | C. (1) NOT required | ||
(2) will | |||
D. (1) NOT required | |||
Answer: | (2) will NOT | ||
: [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides | Answer: C | ||
adequate dispersion of the solution into the core | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
: [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides | |||
: [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides | adequate dispersion of the solution into the core. | ||
adequate dispersion of the solution into the core | (2) Correct | ||
: [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides | |||
interlocks are bypassed per the EOP | adequate dispersion of the solution into the core. | ||
. | (2) Incorrect, RWCU pumps trip on SBLC system actuation unless the isolation | ||
interlocks are bypassed per the EOP. | |||
. | C. Correct | ||
POST EXAM | D. (1) Correct | ||
(2) Incorrect, RWCU pumps trip on SBLC system actuation unless the isolation | |||
interlocks are bypassed per the EOP. | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 33 (page 2 of 3) | |||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice | The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice A is also a correct answer. | ||
Candidate understood | Candidate understood forced circulation to include [either] natural or motor driven | ||
In either case, a force must be imposed on the water, whether this force is from a difference in density or driven by a pump, there always exists a force on the water, or it would not move. | circulation. In either case, a force must be imposed on the water, whether this force is | ||
Therefore, in order to distribute the Boron the operator | from a difference in density or driven by a pump, there always exists a force on the | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | water, or it would not move. Therefore, in order to distribute the Boron the operator | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | forces circulation by changing level. | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
Procedure | Procedure B.03.05-05 (SBLC): The difference between forced recirculation and natural | ||
B.03.05-05 (SBLC): | circulation is defined as follows: "Without a Recirculation pump running, natural | ||
The difference between forced recirculation and natural circulation is defined as follows: | circulation provides adequate dispersion of the solution into the core." | ||
Procedure C.5.1-2007 (Failure to Scram): With natural circulation flow reduced, the | |||
1-2007 (Failure to Scram): | boron injected by SBLC may simply collect in the lower plenum and not reach the core | ||
With natural circulation flow reduced, the boron injected by SBLC may simply collect in the lower plenum and not reach the core until flow is reestablished. | until flow is reestablished. However, once enough boron is injected, RPV water level is | ||
However, once enough boron is injected, RPV water level is raised to reestablish natural circulation | raised to reestablish natural circulation flow and distribute the boron throughout the core | ||
flow and distribute the boron throughout the core region. MNGP originally revised this question to state "Recirc flow is | region. | ||
MNGP originally revised this question to state "Recirc flow is" and the NRC requested | |||
Question Acceptable as Written | it be changed back to "Forced circulation is..." | ||
Clarification on the meaning of "Forced Circulation" was not requested during the | |||
B.03.05-05 (SBLC) C.5.1-2007 (Failure to Scram) | administration of the exam. | ||
Question Acceptable as Written. | |||
Reference: | |||
B.03.05-05 (SBLC) | |||
C.5.1-2007 (Failure to Scram) | |||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
Knowledge and usage of the Thermal Hydraulic terms | Knowledge and usage of the Thermal Hydraulic terms natural circulation and forced | ||
circulation are fundamental principles that applicants are expected to be very familiar with. The | |||
term forced circulation is generally understood to be circulation that is driven by mechanical | |||
forces, as opposed natural forces such as gravity and buoyancy. The applicants statement that | |||
they understood forced circulation to be flow driven by any force is inconsistent with generic | |||
operating fundamental knowledge. | operating fundamental knowledge. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 33 (page 3 of 3) | ||
C.5.1-2007 (Failure to SCRAM) describes the strategies for mitigating an ATWS event. | |||
This initial response includes, termination of forced circulation (runback and trip of the Reactor | |||
Recirculation pumps) and lowering of RPV level, to reduce sub-cooling and increase voiding | |||
C.5.1-2007 (Failure to SCRAM) describes the strategies | within the core to rapidly reduce power, until control rod insertion and/or Boron injection can be | ||
implemented to shutdown the reactor. Forced circulation is not restored until after the C.5-2007 | |||
This initial response includes, termination of | is exited. If Boron is injected, RPV water level is maintained low until enough Boron has been | ||
-cooling and increase voiding within the core to rapidly reduce power, until control rod insertion and/or Boron injection can be implemented to shutdown the reactor. | injected to maintain hot shutdown conditions within the reactor. RPV level is then slowly raised | ||
Forced circulation is not restored until after the C.5 | to establish natural circulation for mixing and circulating the borated reactor coolant within the | ||
-2007 is exited. | core while additional Boron is injected until cold shutdown conditions are achieved. | ||
If Boron is injected, RPV water level is maintained low until enough Boron has been injected to maintain hot shutdown conditions within the reactor. | The applicants contention cannot be supported, given the fundamental nature of the terms | ||
RPV level is then slowly raised to establish | discussed above and the information provided in the EOP basis. | ||
The | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 39 | ||
The plant was at rated conditions with HPCI out of service when a Group I Isolation occurred. | |||
Given the following: | |||
The plant was at rated conditions with HPCI out of service when a Group I Isolation | * RCIC received an auto initiation signal on RPV Low-Low Level. | ||
occurred. Given the following: | minutes later: | ||
RCIC received an auto initiation signal on RPV Low | * The RCIC pump flow signal input to the flow controller failed HIG | ||
-Low Level. | : [[contact::H. | ||
The RCIC pump flow signal input to the flow controller failed | Assuming that no operator action has been]], or will be taken, complete the following statement | ||
. Assuming that no operator action has been, or will be taken, complete the following statement describing the RCIC system response. | describing the RCIC system response. | ||
The RCIC turbine speed will... | The RCIC turbine speed will... | ||
A. remain relatively constant | A. remain relatively constant. | ||
B. Lower to approximately 2000 rpm. | |||
C. Rise to approximately 4500 rpm and will subsequently trip on high RPV water level. | |||
D. Rise until the mechanical overspeed trips the turbine. | |||
In automatic flow control mode, the RCIC system flow controller compares the pump flow with the controller | Answer: B | ||
-setpoint and generates a signal proportional to the difference. Controller output | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
of 4 mA to 20 mA corresponds to turbine speeds of 2000 rpm to 4500 rpm, respectively. | In automatic flow control mode, the RCIC system flow controller compares the pump flow with | ||
In this condition, the RCIC turbine speed would decrease due to the high flow signal and continue to operate at 2000 rpm. | the controller-setpoint and generates a signal proportional to the difference. Controller output | ||
The mechanical overspeed would not be reached (5625 RPM). | of 4 mA to 20 mA corresponds to turbine speeds of 2000 rpm to 4500 rpm, respectively. In this | ||
condition, the RCIC turbine speed would decrease due to the high flow signal and continue to | |||
. | operate at 2000 rpm. The mechanical overspeed would not be reached (5625 RPM). High | ||
: [[contact::A. Incorrect]], plausible if the applicant believes the controller is normally in manual | water level would not be reached because the RCIC turbine is operating at minimum speed. | ||
. | : [[contact::A. Incorrect]], plausible if the applicant believes the controller is normally in manual. | ||
: [[contact:: | B. Correct | ||
. | : [[contact::C. Incorrect]], this would occur if the signal failed low. | ||
: [[contact::D. Incorrect]], rpm is limited to 4500 by the governor, which did not fail. | : [[contact::D. Incorrect]], rpm is limited to 4500 by the governor, which did not fail. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 39 (page 2 of 2) | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice | The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice C is also a correct answer. | ||
IAW B.02.03 | IAW B.02.03-02; a loss of Flow signal will allow RCIC to drive to 4500 RPM, a failed high | ||
-02; a loss of Flow signal will allow RCIC to drive to 4500 RPM, a failed high flow indication will indeed drive RCIC to 2000 RPM; without knowing the size of the leak or even if one exists; RCIC will indeed trip on high level with MSIVs closed and no leak. Given the stated conditions; it could also continue to run at 2000 RPM. | flow indication will indeed drive RCIC to 2000 RPM; without knowing the size of the leak | ||
Indication or the leak rate could help alleviate confusion. | or even if one exists; RCIC will indeed trip on high level with MSIVs closed and no leak. | ||
While choice is offered between RPMs, it is entirely probable that the turbine will trip on high level. | Given the stated conditions; it could also continue to run at 2000 RPM. Indication or the | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | leak rate could help alleviate confusion. While choice is offered between RPMs, it is | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | entirely probable that the turbine will trip on high level. | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
A leak is not stated to be occurring in the question and would not have any effect on RCIC operation. | A leak is not stated to be occurring in the question and would not have any effect on | ||
The correct answer does not address the long term effects of RCIC operation only that RCIC turbine speed will lower to 2000 rpm. | RCIC operation. The correct answer does not address the long term effects of RCIC | ||
Question clarification not requested during exam administration | operation only that RCIC turbine speed will lower to 2000 rpm. | ||
Question clarification not requested during exam administration. | |||
Question acceptable as written. | |||
B.02.03-02 (RCIC) NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | Reference: B.02.03-02 (RCIC) | ||
The applicant contends that eventually RCIC will trip on high [RPV water] level and assumes that a leak must be occurring that will eventually lead to RCIC injection. | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
As stated in the Facility Response, the stem does not indicate whether the Group 1 (MSIV) Isolation was due to a steam | The applicant contends that eventually RCIC will trip on high [RPV water] level and assumes | ||
leak, nor if a leak is continuing after the isolation. Regardless, a Reactor Coolant System leak will not affect how the RCIC flow controller responds to a high failure of the flow input signal. | that a leak must be occurring that will eventually lead to RCIC injection. As stated in the Facility | ||
Response, the stem does not indicate whether the Group 1 (MSIV) Isolation was due to a steam | |||
Speed will not stay the same (answer choice | leak, nor if a leak is continuing after the isolation. Regardless, a Reactor Coolant System leak | ||
Even if RPV conditions were such that RCIC were capable of injecting into the RPV, that does not change the fact that RCIC turbine speed would lower. | will not affect how the RCIC flow controller responds to a high failure of the flow input signal. As | ||
Only answer choice | acknowledged by the applicant, and confirmed by the Facility, a high failure of the flow channel | ||
input to the controller will cause the RCIC turbine speed to lower to minimum controller setting | |||
(2000 rpm). Speed will not stay the same (answer choice A), nor will it rise (answer choices C | |||
and D). Even if RPV conditions were such that RCIC were capable of injecting into the RPV, | |||
that does not change the fact that RCIC turbine speed would lower. Only answer choice C | |||
states that RCIC turbine speed would lower. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 47 | |||
The plant is operating at 100% power when a sudden pressure fault condition occurred in the | |||
The plant is operating at 100% power when a sudden pressure fault condition occurred in the generator main transformer (Sudden Pressure Relay , SPR-63 , actuates) Which of the following completes the statements below? | generator main transformer (Sudden Pressure Relay, SPR-63, actuates) | ||
Which of the following completes the statements below? | |||
This condition DIRECTLY actuates the __(1)__. | This condition DIRECTLY actuates the __(1)__. | ||
The field breaker trips open __(2)__. | The field breaker trips open __(2)__. | ||
A. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T) | A. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T) | ||
(2) immediately | |||
B. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T) | B. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T) | ||
(2) once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open | |||
C. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G) | C. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G) | ||
(2) immediately | |||
D. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G) | D. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G) | ||
(2) once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open | |||
Answer: | Answer: C | ||
: [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
: [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by the generator lockout | |||
: [[contact::G. (2) Correct]], generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker | relay286/ | ||
. | : [[contact::G. | ||
: [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by the generator lockout relay 286/G when. | (2) Correct]], generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker. | ||
: [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by the generator lockout | |||
relay 286/G when. | |||
(2) Incorrect, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker. | |||
Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout. | Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout. | ||
: [[contact::C. (1) Correct]], SPR-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault | : [[contact::C. (1) Correct]], SPR-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault | ||
in the generator transformer and operation of this | in the generator transformer and operation of this relay will cause the generator | ||
relay will cause the generator lockout relay 286/G to trip | lockout relay 286/G to trip. | ||
(2) Correct, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker. | |||
. | : [[contact::D. (1) Correct]], SPR-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault | ||
: [[contact::D. (1) Correct]], SPR | in the generator transformer and operation of this relay will cause the generator | ||
-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault | lockout relay 286/G to trip. | ||
in the generator transformer and operation of this relay will cause the generator lockout relay 286/G to trip | (2) Incorrect, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker. | ||
Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout. | Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 47 (page 2 of 3) | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices | The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices C and D. | ||
IAW B.09.02 | IAW B.09.02-02; when the 286/G trips; the Turbine Lockout Relay 286/T actuates | ||
-02; when the 286/G trips; the Turbine Lockout Relay 286/T actuates causing the Field Breaker to open after 8N7 and 8N8. | causing the Field Breaker to open after 8N7 and 8N8. The Field breaker is also listed as | ||
The Field breaker is also listed as a Trip and Lockout when the286/G Trip occurs. | a Trip and Lockout when the286/G Trip occurs. There is no mention as to whether this | ||
There is no mention as to whether this is immediate for SPR | is immediate for SPR-63 actuation rather that [it] occurs and thus is assumed. Because | ||
-63 actuation rather that [it] occurs and thus is assumed. | they occur so closely together, it is operationally insignificant. However, as it is written, | ||
there is no verbiage in the procedure that specifically cites [the] Field Breaker Trip as | |||
However, as it is written, there is no verbiage in the procedure that specifically cites [the] Field Breaker Trip as immediate. | immediate. There are potentially two correct answers as the actuation of the SPR does | ||
There are potentially two correct answers as the actuation of the SPR does cause 286/T to occur which does cite specifically that the Field Breaker open[s] once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open. | cause 286/T to occur which does cite specifically that the Field Breaker open[s] once | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open. | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
The | The Facilitys position is that there is no correct answer. | ||
From the logic prints, Main Transformer SPR directly causes a 286/G Main Generator Lockout. A 286/G directly causes the Field Breaker to trip | From the logic prints, Main Transformer SPR directly causes a 286/G Main Generator | ||
A 286/G directly causes 8N7 and 8N8 to trip open | Lockout. | ||
A 286/G directly causes a | * A 286/G directly causes the Field Breaker to trip | ||
286/T Main Turbine Lockout | * A 286/G directly causes 8N7 and 8N8 to trip open | ||
A 286/T directly causes the Field Breaker to open if 8N7 & 8N8 are open | * A 286/G directly causes a 286/T Main Turbine Lockout | ||
All of the above occur in less than 1 second and could be considered "immediate." | * A 286/T directly causes the Field Breaker to open if 8N7 & 8N8 are open | ||
All of the above occur in less than 1 second and could be considered "immediate." They are | |||
also directly tied via the logic and could be considered "direct" actions from the SPR. | |||
This would make both options for part 1 of the answer choices correct. | This would make both options for part 1 of the answer choices correct. | ||
"The field breaker trips open..." once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open is a true statement | |||
The correct answer for [part 2] should state "directly from a 286/G | since the question doesn't ask which occurs first. The correct answer for [part 2] should | ||
state "directly from a 286/G [actuation]" not just "immediately." This makes both options | |||
Question clarification not requested during exam administration | for part 2 of the answer choices correct. | ||
Question clarification not requested during exam administration. | |||
There is no incorrect answer. | |||
POST EXAM | Reference: | ||
B.09.02-02 | |||
NE-36013-2 | |||
NE-36442-2/3/10 | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 47 (page 3 of 3) | |||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The focus of this question is not so much on the time it takes to trip the Main Generator and Main Turbine trips to occur, but the sequence of events and how that sequence differs between a | The focus of this question is not so much on the time it takes to trip the Main Generator and | ||
The 286/G (Generator Lockout) relay protects the Main Generator and Main Transformer from electrical faults (including the Main Transformer Sudden Pressure Relay , SPR-63). The actuation of the 286/G relay immediately (and directly) trips and locks out the generator output | Main Turbine trips to occur, but the sequence of events and how that sequence differs between | ||
breakers (8N7 and 8N8) | a Generator trip and a Turbine trip. | ||
as well as the generator field breaker to ensure that the electrical are | The 286/G (Generator Lockout) relay protects the Main Generator and Main Transformer | ||
de-energized to isolate the electrical fault. | from electrical faults (including the Main Transformer Sudden Pressure Relay, SPR-63). The | ||
Additionally, the 286/G relay actuation immediately initiates a Main Turbine trip by tripping the 286/T (Turbine Lockout) | actuation of the 286/G relay immediately (and directly) trips and locks out the generator output | ||
relay. The Main Turbine is tripped because the complete loss of electrical load will cause the turbine speed to increase leading to a potentially dangerous overspeed condition. | breakers (8N7 and 8N8) as well as the generator field breaker to ensure that the electrical are | ||
de-energized to isolate the electrical fault. Additionally, the 286/G relay actuation immediately | |||
initiates a Main Turbine trip by tripping the 286/T (Turbine Lockout) relay. The Main Turbine is | |||
tripped because the complete loss of electrical load will cause the turbine speed to increase | |||
leading to a potentially dangerous overspeed condition. | |||
The 286/T (Turbine Lockout) relay primarily protects the Main Turbine from conditions or | The 286/T (Turbine Lockout) relay primarily protects the Main Turbine from conditions or | ||
malfunctions that could damage the Main Turbine. | malfunctions that could damage the Main Turbine. The 286/T relay also provides protection for | ||
The 286/T relay also provides protection for the Main Generator from conditions that are not an immediate threat to the Main Generator, but | the Main Generator from conditions that are not an immediate threat to the Main Generator, but | ||
that if allowed to continue could lead to generator damage. | that if allowed to continue could lead to generator damage. Actuation of the 286/T relay without | ||
Actuation of the 286/T relay without actuation of the 286/G relay does not immediately de | actuation of the 286/G relay does not immediately de-energize the Main Generator; the Main | ||
-energize the Main Generator; the Main Generator remains energized until the Generator Anti | Generator remains energized until the Generator Anti-Motor relay is actuated (approximately | ||
-Motor relay is actuated (approximately | seconds after the turbine trip) which trips the generator output breakers (8N7 and 8N8), which | ||
seconds after the turbine trip) which trips the generator output breakers (8N7 and 8N8), which in turn causes the Generator Field breaker to trip. | in turn causes the Generator Field breaker to trip. | ||
Neither the discussion above nor a review of the electrical prints provided support the | Neither the discussion above nor a review of the electrical prints provided support the facilitys | ||
position that the Turbine Lockout Relay (286/T) | position that the Turbine Lockout Relay (286/T) is DIRECTLY actuated by the Main Transformer | ||
is DIRECTLY actuated by the Main Transformer Sudden Pressure Relay (SPR-63). Whether or not the chain of events occurs in less than | Sudden Pressure Relay (SPR-63). Whether or not the chain of events occurs in less than | ||
second is immaterial. | second is immaterial. Therefore and contrary to the facilitys position, only the 286/G option | ||
Therefore and contrary to the | for part 1 of the answer choices (specifically choices C and D) is correct. | ||
If the part 2 statement is removed from the context of the question, then the completion of the | If the part 2 statement is removed from the context of the question, then the completion of the | ||
statement with the phrase, | statement with the phrase, once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open, could be considered a true | ||
However, when the statement is completed given the context of the question, and as discussed in the preceding paragraphs and as supported by a review of the provided | statement. However, when the statement is completed given the context of the question, and | ||
electrical drawings, the trip of the field breaker, for the scenario given by the question stem (SPR-63 actuation), is NOT dependent upon the position of the | as discussed in the preceding paragraphs and as supported by a review of the provided | ||
generator output breakers (8N7 and 8N8). | electrical drawings, the trip of the field breaker, for the scenario given by the question stem | ||
Therefore, part 2 of answer choices | (SPR-63 actuation), is NOT dependent upon the position of the generator output breakers | ||
(8N7 and 8N8). Therefore, part 2 of answer choices B and D is clearly not true in the | |||
context of the question. | |||
The only answer choice that contains the phrases that correctly completes both statements in | The only answer choice that contains the phrases that correctly completes both statements in | ||
the question stem, is choice | the question stem, is choice C. | ||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, that there is a correct answer, and that the original answer is the only correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, that there is a correct answer, and that the original | |||
POST EXAM | answer is the only correct answer. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 48 | |||
The plant | The plant is at rated conditions when the following occurs: | ||
8-A-29 (DIV II INVERTER Y | * 8-A-29 (DIV II INVERTER Y-81 TROUBLE) is received | ||
-81 TROUBLE) is received | * The FUSE BLOWN indicator is illuminated on UPS Inverter Panel Y-81 | ||
The FUSE BLOWN indicator is illuminated on UPS Inverter Panel Y | * The Division II 120 VAC UPS System has responded as expected | ||
-81 | Which of the following describes how the above conditions will impact components, if at all, | ||
Which of the following | associated with the Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS)? | ||
A. PCIS will be UNAFFECTED. | |||
impact components, if at all, associated with the Primary Containment Isolation System | B. A partial RWCU Group 3 Isolation will occur. | ||
C. The SBGT System will start and Secondary Containment will isolate. | |||
D. The High Temperature Isolation of the RWCU System will be blocked. | |||
Answer: A | |||
Secondary Containment will isolate | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
A. Correct: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power | |||
Answer: | to the distribution panels will not be lost. Additionally, placing the MBS in Bypass is | ||
A. Correct: | Make-Before-Break. Since power is not lost to the distribution panels, components | ||
to the distribution panels will not be lost. | associated with the Containment Isolation System will NOT be affected. | ||
Additionally, placing the MBS in Bypass is Make-Before-Break. Since power is not lost to the distribution panels, components associated with the Containment Isolation System will NOT | B. Incorrect: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to | ||
the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were lost to Y-80, a partial RWCU system | |||
The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were lost to Y | isolation would occur. | ||
-80, a partial RWCU system isolation would occur. | C. Incorrect: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to the | ||
C. Incorrect: | distribution panels will not be lost; if power were to be lost to Y-80, the SBGT System | ||
The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to the distribution panels will not be lost; | would start and the Secondary Containment would isolate. | ||
if power were to | D. Incorrect: There is no loss of sync and the inverters will transfer to the alternate source | ||
be lost to Y-80, the SBGT System would start and the Secondary Containment would isolate. | automatically and power to the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were to be | ||
D. Incorrect: | lost to Y-30, automatic isolation of the RWCU System on High Filter/Demineralizer Inlet | ||
There is no loss of sync and the inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were to be lost to Y-30, automatic isolation of the RWCU System on High Filter/Demineralizer Inlet Temperature will be blocked due to loss of power to logic relay. | Temperature will be blocked due to loss of power to logic relay. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 48 (page 2 of 2) | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that there are impacts on PCIS, and that answer choice | The applicant contends that there are impacts on PCIS, and that answer choice C is the | ||
The loss of Y | correct answer. | ||
-80 C.4-B.09.13.G specifies the very first Operational Implication as SBGT Starts and Secondary Containment Isolates. | The loss of Y-80 C.4-B.09.13.G specifies the very first Operational Implication as SBGT | ||
The question does not give a specific circuit loss or a total loss, therefore PCIS implications IAW the C.4 | Starts and Secondary Containment Isolates. The question does not give a specific | ||
-B.09.13.G for SBGT and Secondary containment Isolations are applicable unless confirmed to not exist. | circuit loss or a total loss, therefore PCIS implications IAW the C.4-B.09.13.G for SBGT | ||
and Secondary containment Isolations are applicable unless confirmed to not exist. The | |||
-008 -A-14 does not necessarily void SBGT start; is simply states that there is a circuit issue and not a total loss of Y | omission of C.6-008 -A-14 does not necessarily void SBGT start; is simply states that | ||
-80. A Group III signal is also plausible to valves MO-2398 and MO | there is a circuit issue and not a total loss of Y-80. A Group III signal is also plausible to | ||
-2399 IAW the C.4 for | valves MO-2398 and MO-2399 IAW the C.4 for loss of Y-80. There is no definitive | ||
loss of Y-80. There is no definitive conditions in the question that rules out SBGT, Secondary Containment, and RWCU | conditions in the question that rules out SBGT, Secondary Containment, and RWCU | ||
affects as written. | affects as written. | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
Question stem states "The Division II 120VAC UPS System has responded as expected." | Question stem states "The Division II 120VAC UPS System has responded as | ||
-30 and Y-80 would not lose power. | expected." lf the system responds as expected for an Inverter Blown Fuse, Y-30 | ||
RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment would be unaffected. | and Y-80 would not lose power. RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment would | ||
be unaffected. | |||
Question clarification not requested during exam administration. | Question clarification not requested during exam administration. | ||
Question acceptable as written | Question acceptable as written. | ||
Reference: | |||
8-A-29 B.09.13-02 NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | 8-A-29 | ||
The applicant concluded that there was a partial or complete loss of UPS AC Distribution Panel Y-80. As the facility response indicates, IF the Division II 120VAC UPS System responds as expected for an Inverter Blown Fuse, Y | B.09.13-02 | ||
-30 and Y-80 would not lose power | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The applicant concluded that there was a partial or complete loss of UPS AC Distribution | |||
Panel Y-80. As the facility response indicates, IF the Division II 120VAC UPS System | |||
responds as expected for an Inverter Blown Fuse, Y-30 and Y-80 would not lose power | |||
and PCIS, RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment components would be unaffected. | and PCIS, RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment components would be unaffected. | ||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 49 | |||
The plant is at rated conditions. | The plant is at rated conditions. | ||
If ALL AC power is lost to | If ALL AC power is lost to LC-107 and LC-108; Complete the following statements: | ||
LC-107 and | D71 (250 VDC DISTRIBUTION PANEL) is powered from __(1)__. | ||
D71 (250 VDC DISTRIBUTION PANEL) is powered | With no operator action, Y91 (480 VAC UPS) will supply all Y94 (480 VAC DISTRIBUTION | ||
from __(1)__. | PANEL) loads for __(2)__ minutes. | ||
With no operator action, Y91 (480 VAC UPS) | A. (1) Battery #17 ONLY | ||
will supply all Y94 (480 VAC DISTRIBUTION PANEL) loads for __(2)__ minutes. | (2) 30 | ||
A. (1) Battery #17 ONLY | B. (1) Battery #17 ONLY | ||
(2) 60 | |||
C. (1) Battery #17 AND Y-91 | |||
-91 (2) 30 | (2) 30 | ||
-91 (2) 60 Answer: | D. (1) Battery #17 AND Y-91 | ||
(2) 60 | |||
-91, the process computer panel supplies are | Answer: A | ||
shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC Battery 17. | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
: [[contact::C. (1) Incorrect]], the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC | A. (1) Correct | ||
-108 to Y-91, LC-107 | (2) Correct | ||
-91s output to Y | B. (1) Correct | ||
-94. (2) Correct | (2) Incorrect, on a loss of AC power to Y-91, the process computer panel supplies | ||
: [[contact::D. (1) Incorrect]], the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC | are automatically shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC | ||
-108 to Y-91, LC-107 it | Battery 17. | ||
-91s output to Y | : [[contact::C. (1) Incorrect]], the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC-108 to Y-91, LC-107 | ||
-94. (2) Incorrect, on a loss of AC power to Y | it the alternate supply to Y-91s output to Y-94. | ||
-91, the process computer panel supplies are automatically shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC Battery 17. | (2) Correct | ||
: [[contact::D. (1) Incorrect]], the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC-108 to Y-91, LC-107 it | |||
POST EXAM | the alternate supply to Y-91s output to Y-94. | ||
(2) Incorrect, on a loss of AC power to Y-91, the process computer panel supplies | |||
are automatically shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC | |||
Battery 17. | |||
3) APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
Although not specifically stated in the | QUESTION No. 49 (page 2 of 3) | ||
If there is a Loss of Power (AC) to D71, Battery 17 and Y | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
-91 will supply power to the loads. From [Technical Manual] NX | Although not specifically stated in the applicants comment, based on the applicants original | ||
-17211 page 43 (attached), | answer to the question, the applicant contends that answer choice C is the correct answer. | ||
-Charger (Y | If there is a Loss of Power (AC) to D71, Battery 17 and Y-91 will supply power to the | ||
-91) or the Battery Bank (during emergency operation) is used as input power the Inverter section of the UP | loads. From [Technical Manual] NX-17211 page 43 (attached), The DC power supplied | ||
: [[contact::S. | by either the Rectifier-Charger (Y-91) or the Battery Bank (during emergency operation) | ||
So the true]], technically correct answer is that [the] #17 battery and Y91 power the bus.Y | is used as input power the Inverter section of the UP | ||
-91 is a Rectifier and Inverter. | : [[contact::S. So the true]], technically correct | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | answer is that [the] #17 battery and Y91 power the bus.Y-91 is a Rectifier and Inverter. | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
The first part of the question ONLY asks where D71 is powered from. | The first part of the question ONLY asks where D71 is powered from. With no AC power | ||
With no AC power being provided, Battery 17 is the only power source supplying D71. | being provided, Battery 17 is the only power source supplying D71. | ||
Battery 17 and Y | Battery 17 and Y-91 will supply the loads for 30 minutes, but that is NOT what the first | ||
-91 will supply the loads for 30 minutes, but that is NOT what the first part of the question is asking. | part of the question is asking. | ||
Clarification was not requested during administration of the exam. | Clarification was not requested during administration of the exam. | ||
Question Acceptable as Written | Question Acceptable as Written. | ||
. | Reference: B.09.09-02 (UPS) | ||
Reference: | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
B.09.09-02 (UPS) NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | Based on the applicants comment, the applicant has an apparent misunderstanding of what | ||
Based on the | power (AC or DC) is supplied to distribution panel D-71 as well as how USP Y-91 functions. | ||
applicant has an apparent misunderstanding of what power (AC or DC) is supplied to distribution panel D | D-71 is a 250 VDC distribution panel and not AC as indicated in the first sentence of the | ||
-71 as well as | applicants comments. | ||
how USP Y-91 functions. | Device Y-91 is a 480 VAC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capable of providing continuous | ||
D-71 is a 250 VDC distribution panel and not AC as indicated in the first sentence of the | transient free AC power to 480 VAC Distribution Panel Y-94. The major elements of Y-91 are: | ||
Device Y-91 is a 480 VAC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capable of providing continuous transient free AC power to 480 VAC Distribution Panel Y | a) The Rectifier-Charger section which converts AC power to DC power which is then | ||
-94. The major elements of Y | supplied to the Inverter section of the UPS, as well as to DC Distribution Panel D-71 | ||
-91 are: a) The Rectifier | and Battery 17. The Rectifier-Charger is capable of providing full load support (via | ||
-Charger section which converts AC power to DC power which is then supplied to the Inverter section of the UPS, as well as to | the Inverter section) of 480 AC Distribution Panel Y-94, the DC load connected to | ||
DC Distribution Panel D | DCDistribution Panel D-71, and charging of 250 VDC Battery 17. | ||
-71 and Battery 17. | b) The Inverter section which converts DC power, supplied from either the | ||
The Rectifier | Rectifier-Charger output (Normal DC Supply) or Battery 17 via distribution panel D-71 | ||
-Charger is capable of providing full load support (via the Inverter section) of 480 AC Distribution Panel Y | (Alternate DC Supply), to 480 VAC power which is then supplied to 480 AC Distribution | ||
-94, the DC load connected to DCDistribution Panel D | Panel Y-94 via the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker. | ||
-71, and charging of 250 VDC Battery 17. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
b) The Inverter section which converts DC power, supplied from either the Rectifier-Charger output (Normal DC Supply) or Battery 17 via distribution panel D | QUESTION No. 49 (page 3 of 3) | ||
-71 (Alternate DC Supply), to 480 VAC power which is then supplied to 480 AC Distribution Panel Y-94 via the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker. | a) Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section which routes 480 VAC power to 480 AC | ||
Distribution Panel Y-94 from either output of the Inverter section (Normal AC Supply) or | |||
POST EXAM | 480 VAC load center LC-107 (Alternate AC Supply). When a malfunction of the Inverter | ||
section is sensed, the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section automatically | |||
transfers the supply to Y-94 from the Inverter section to the Alternate AC Supply | |||
(LC-107). | |||
a) Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section which routes 480 VAC power to 480 AC Distribution Panel Y | The DC output from UPS Y-91 to D-71 is only available when 480 VAC power is being | ||
-94 from either output of the Inverter section (Normal AC Supply) or 480 VAC load center LC | supplied to the Rectifier-Charger section from 480 VAC load center LC-108. When LC-108 is | ||
-107 (Alternate AC Supply). | de-energized there is no output from the Rectifier-Charger section of UPS Y-91 and the only | ||
When a malfunction of the Inverter section is sensed, the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section automatically transfers the supply to Y | DC power supply to D-71 will be Battery 17; the answer to part 1 of the question. | ||
-94 from the Inverter section to the Alternate AC Supply | As stated in the DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS for the question, and confirmed by the facility | ||
response, when all AC input power is lost to UPS Y-91, power to ALL 480 AC Distribution Panel | |||
-91 to D-71 is only available when 480 VAC power is being supplied to the Rectifier | Y-94 loads is continuously maintained for 30 minutes by the UPS Y-91 Inverter output, with the | ||
-Charger section from 480 VAC load center LC | Inverter being supplied from Battery 17 (via D-71). Thirty minutes after power is lost to both | ||
-108. When LC-108 is de-energized there is no output from the Rectifier | LC-107 and LC-108, EDG 13 load shed circuits will trip the Y-94 feeds to the computer | ||
-Charger section of UPS Y | distribution panels; the answer to part 2 of the question. | ||
-91 and the only | The only answer choice which correctly completes both question statements is choice A. | ||
DC power supply to D | |||
-71 will be Battery 17; the answer to part 1 of the question. | |||
As stated in the DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS for the question, and confirmed by the facility response, when all AC input power is lost to UPS Y | |||
-91, power to ALL 480 AC Distribution Panel | |||
Y-94 loads is continuously maintained for 30 minutes by the UPS Y | |||
-91 Inverter output, with the Inverter being supplied from Battery 17 (via D | |||
-71). Thirty minutes after power is lost to both | |||
LC-107 and LC | |||
-108, EDG 13 load shed circuits will trip the Y | |||
-94 feeds to the computer distribution panels; the answer to part 2 of the question. The only answer choice which correctly completes both question statements is choice | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 62 | |||
A plant startup is continuing following completion of Turbine-Generator roll to 1800 rpm. Prior to | |||
A plant startup is continuing following completion of Turbine | Turbine-Generator synchronization, turbine speed lowers and stabilizes at 1550 rpm. | ||
-Generator roll to 1800 rpm. | Without further operator action what is an anticipated response, if any? | ||
Prior to Turbine-Generator synchronization, turbine speed lowers and stabilizes at | A. 7-B-33 (TURBINE VIBRATION HIGH) will alarm. | ||
1550 rpm. Without further operator action what is an anticipated response, if any? | B. Auxiliary Oil Pump will auto start on low oil pressure. | ||
A. 7-B-33 (TURBINE VIBRATION | : [[contact::C. No response]], this is an expected operating characteristic. | ||
D. 7-B-31/32 (TURB DIFF EXPANSION LONG/SHORT ROTOR) will alarm. | |||
on low oil pressure | Answer: B | ||
. | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
: [[contact::C. No response]], this is an expected operating characteristic | A. Incorrect: this is not considered a vibration-sensitive speed; continuous operation near | ||
the turbines critical speeds of 1150, 1200 and 1400 rpm is not permitted (acceleration | |||
ROTOR) will alarm. Answer: | should be constant in these regions), as vibrations are expected to be a concern. | ||
A. Incorrect: | B. Correct: the turbine is designed for 1800 rpm. If turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm | ||
this is not considered a vibration | the Main Shaft Oil Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil | ||
-sensitive speed; continuous operation near the | requirements so the Auxiliary Oil Pump will start at this time (AOP is placed in AUTO | ||
during startup when shaft speed gets above 1600 rpm). | |||
If turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm the Main Shaft Oil Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil requirements so the Auxiliary Oil Pump will start at this time (AOP is placed in AUTO during startup when shaft speed gets above 1600 rpm). | : [[contact::C. Incorrect: decreasing to 1550 rpm is NOT an expected operational occurrence]], the | ||
C. Incorrect: | normal operation of the turbine is 1800 rpm. | ||
decreasing to 1550 rpm is NOT an expected operational occurrence, the normal operation of the turbine is 1800 rpm. | D. Incorrect: a DECREASE in the turbine speed should NOT affect the general precaution | ||
D. Incorrect: | temperature limit (HP turbine first stage bowl temperature rate of change should NOT | ||
a DECREASE in the turbine speed should NOT affect the general precaution | exceed 150°F/hr) so differential expansion is not a concern; differential expansion is | ||
temperature limit (HP turbine first stage bowl temperature rate of change should NOT exceed 150°F/hr) so differential expansion is not a concern; differential expansion is | |||
more of a concern during startup. | more of a concern during startup. | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, answer choices | The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, answer choices A and | ||
IAW the 2167 Plant Startup Procedure, step 114 has the Operator raise the speed of the turbine in preparation for Synchronization (Completing Turbine | : [[contact::B. | ||
-Generator Roll). | IAW the 2167 Plant Startup Procedure]], step 114 has the Operator raise the speed of the | ||
This step precedes step 116 which has the Operator place P | turbine in preparation for Synchronization (Completing Turbine-Generator Roll). This step | ||
-61 in Stop and then auto. | precedes step 116 which has the Operator place P-61 in Stop and then auto. It also | ||
It also specifically cites increased turbine Vibrations at 1800 RPM and No Load that could cause | specifically cites increased turbine Vibrations at 1800 RPM and No Load that could cause | ||
Turbine component damage as well as the associates C.6 | Turbine component damage as well as the associates C.6-007-B-33 turbine high vibrations | ||
-007-B-33 turbine high vibrations though not expressly stated. | though not expressly stated. If one were at this step vice steps 119 and above, then this is | ||
If one were at this step vice steps 119 and above, then this is the correct answer. | the correct answer. No specific declaration of step in the 2167 is cited. Thus, there are | ||
No specific declaration of step in the 2167 is cited. | (2) correct answers depending upon where in the 2167 the operator is at. | ||
Thus, there are (2) correct answers depending upon where in the 2167 the operator is at. | a) C.6-007-B-33 Turbine Vibrations as a precaution specifically cited above step 114 | ||
a) C.6- | in the 2167. | ||
in the 2167. b) Auxiliary Oil Pump auto start if past step 116 | b) Auxiliary Oil Pump auto start if past step 116. | ||
. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 62 (page 2 of 4) | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility agrees with the applicant that both answer choices A and B should be accepted | |||
4) FACILITY RESPONSE | |||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility agrees with the applicant that both answer choices | |||
as correct answers. | as correct answers. | ||
Correct answer justification: | Correct answer justification: lf turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm the Main Shaft Oil | ||
lf turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm the Main Shaft Oil Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil requirements so the AOP will auto start on low oil pressure (AOP is placed in AUTO during startup when shaft speed gets above 1600 rpm). | Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil requirements so the AOP will | ||
The above justification is correct; however, Procedure 2167 (PLANT STARTUP) doesn't specifically state to place the AOP to AUTO from RUN until after the Main | auto start on low oil pressure (AOP is placed in AUTO during startup when shaft speed | ||
gets above 1600 rpm). | |||
The turbine would have reached 1800 rpm during performance of Step 114. | The above justification is correct; however, Procedure 2167 (PLANT STARTUP) doesn't | ||
If the AOP is still in RUN it will not AUTO start. | specifically state to place the AOP to AUTO from RUN until after the Main Turbine | ||
It is not unreasonable for a candidate to assume that Step 116 had NOT been performed yet. In this case, Choice B would not be correct. | reaches 1800 rpm (Step 116). The turbine would have reached 1800 rpm during | ||
Additionally, the caution between steps 113 and 114 provides justification that increased vibration could occur. | performance of Step 114. If the AOP is still in RUN it will not AUTO start. | ||
In this case, Choice A would be correct. | It is not unreasonable for a candidate to assume that Step 116 had NOT been performed | ||
Question clarification not requested during | yet. In this case, Choice B would not be correct. | ||
Additionally, the caution between steps 113 and 114 provides justification that increased | |||
vibration could occur. In this case, Choice A would be correct. | |||
Procedure 2167 (Plant Startup) | Question clarification not requested during administration. | ||
Accept both choices A and B as correct. | |||
Reference: Procedure 2167 (Plant Startup) | |||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
The initial conditions, stated in the first sentence of the question stem, are that | The initial conditions, stated in the first sentence of the question stem, are that A plant startup | ||
-Generator to 1800 rpm, including placement of the Turbine Auxiliary Oil Pump (AOP) in a standby configuration, had been completed and that activities associated with Turbine | is continuing following completion of Turbine-Generator roll to 1800 rpm. The unstated | ||
-Generator Synchronization were about to commence. | assumption of the question author and reviewers (both Facility and NRC reviewers) was that all | ||
Both the | the activities associated with rolling the Turbine-Generator to 1800 rpm, including placement of | ||
-Generator speed reaches 1800 rpm. | the Turbine Auxiliary Oil Pump (AOP) in a standby configuration, had been completed and that | ||
The | activities associated with Turbine-Generator Synchronization were about to commence. | ||
Since no single procedure can address every startup scenario that may be encountered, a degree of flexibility must be provided to address all potential configurations and | Both the applicants and the Facilitys response, take the position that returning the Turbine | ||
situations. | AOP to a standby configuration cannot be performed until after the Turbine-Generator speed | ||
Although the checklists and procedures associated with startup provide a specific sequence of steps for bringing the plant to full power, it may be prudent to perform certain steps simultaneously. | reaches 1800 rpm. The Purpose section of procedure 2167 contains the following discussion | ||
on usage of the procedure. | |||
POST EXAM | Since no single procedure can address every startup scenario that may be encountered, | ||
a degree of flexibility must be provided to address all potential configurations and | |||
situations. Although the checklists and procedures associated with startup provide a | |||
specific sequence of steps for bringing the plant to full power, it may be prudent to | |||
4) Reasonable flexibility in the sequence of steps is permissible provided all of the following are satisfied: | perform certain steps simultaneously. | ||
Steps are NOT omitted. | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
Steps are performed in the manner described. | QUESTION No. 62 (page 3 of 4) | ||
Steps that are called for at or prior to reaching specific operating conditions are | Reasonable flexibility in the sequence of steps is permissible provided all of the following | ||
are satisfied: | |||
* Steps are NOT omitted. | |||
* Steps are performed in the manner described. | |||
* Steps that are called for at or prior to reaching specific operating conditions are | |||
performed before passing beyond these conditions. | performed before passing beyond these conditions. | ||
From a technical standpoint, the Turbine System Description (B.06.01 | From a technical standpoint, the Turbine System Description (B.06.01-02) states that whenever | ||
-02) states that | the shaft speed is above 1600 rpm, the Shaft Oil Pump is capable of supplying the oil | ||
requirements. At that time, the Auxiliary Oil Pump may be shutdown and placed in the AUTO | |||
requirements. | mode to provide backup to the shaft pump, and will start automatically on a sensed decreasing | ||
At that time, the Auxiliary Oil Pump may be shutdown and placed in the AUTO mode to provide backup to the shaft pump | pressure in the operating oil header. | ||
, and will start automatically on a sensed decreasing pressure in the operating oil header. | While it is not incorrect to wait until the Turbine-Generator speed reaches 1800 rpm, both the | ||
While it is not incorrect to wait until the Turbine | procedural guidance and the system design, support the position that it would be permissible to align | ||
-Generator speed reaches 1800 rpm, both the procedural guidance and the system design, support the position that it would be permissible to align the AOP in its standby configuration while the Turbine | the AOP in its standby configuration while the Turbine-Generator was accelerating to 1800 rpm. | ||
-Generator was accelerating to 1800 rpm. | Applicants are briefed on the Policies and Guidelines for Taking NRC Examination (Appendix | ||
Applicants are briefed on the | E of NUREG 1021) prior to starting the examination. One of the guidelines addresses making | ||
E of NUREG 1021) prior to starting the examination. | assumptions and states in part: | ||
One of the guidelines addresses making assumptions and states in part: | * If you have any questions concerning the intent or the initial conditions of a question, | ||
If you have any questions concerning the intent or the initial conditions of a question, | do not hesitate to ask them before answering the question. | ||
do not hesitate to ask them | * Note that questions asked during the examination are taken into consideration during | ||
before answering the question. | the grading process and when reviewing applicant appeals. | ||
Note that questions asked during the examination | * When answering a question, do not make assumptions regarding conditions that are | ||
are taken into consideration during the grading process and when reviewing applicant appeals. | not specified in the question unless they occur as a consequence of other conditions | ||
When answering a question, do not make assumptions regarding conditions that are | that are stated in the question. | ||
not specified in the question unless they occur as a consequence of other conditions that are stated in the question. | |||
As stated above, if the applicant had any question about the initial conditions stated in the | As stated above, if the applicant had any question about the initial conditions stated in the | ||
question, they simply needed to ask the examination proctor. | question, they simply needed to ask the examination proctor. However, with that being stated, | ||
However, with that being stated, the initial conditions should | the initial conditions should have been stated more precisely. | ||
have been stated more precisely. | Regarding the caution statement related to running the Turbine-Generator unloaded, | ||
Regarding the | the purpose of the caution is to limit the amount of time that the Turbine-Generator is run | ||
-Generator is run unloaded, specifically at the rated speed of 1800 rpm. | unloaded, specifically at the rated speed of 1800 rpm. The flow of steam through the turbine | ||
The flow of steam through the turbine helps to maintain even heating of the internal components. | helps to maintain even heating of the internal components. It takes almost no steam flow to | ||
It takes almost no steam flow to maintain the unloaded Turbine | maintain the unloaded Turbine-Generator at set speed. Without the benefit of the added steam | ||
-Generator at set speed. | flow that comes with increasing the load, increased vibration can occur due to rubs and | ||
Without the benefit of the added steam flow that comes with increasing the load, increased vibration can occur due to rubs and localized heating of Turbine components. | localized heating of Turbine components. While the caution specifically address operation at | ||
While the | rated speed (1800 rpm), it would be equally applicable at the reduced speed specified in the | ||
be equally applicable at the reduced speed specified in the question. | question. Since the question stem did not mention any time frame associated with operation of | ||
Since the question stem did not mention any time frame associated with operation of the Turbine | the Turbine-Generator at the reduced speed, high vibrations (answer choice A) is a likely | ||
-Generator at the reduced speed, high vibrations (answer choice | outcome. | ||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 62 (page 4 of 4) | |||
CONCLUSION | |||
Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that both answer choices A and B are | |||
Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that both answer choices | acceptable answers to the question, and the answer key will be modified accordingly. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 83 | ||
A transient occurred resulting in the following conditions: | A transient occurred resulting in the following conditions: | ||
Drywell pressure is 58 psig and slowly rising | * Drywell pressure is 58 psig and slowly rising | ||
Torus water level is 10 ft. and steady | * Torus water level is 10 ft. and steady | ||
Drywell temperature is | * Drywell temperature is 320°F and slowly rising | ||
Drywell radiation is 10 R/hr and slowly rising | * Drywell radiation is 10 R/hr and slowly rising | ||
Attempts to spray the | * Attempts to spray the drywell have been unsuccessful | ||
drywell have been | * Significant fuel damage is anticipated | ||
unsuccessful | You have determined that it is necessary to vent the Primary Containment in accordance with | ||
Significant fuel damage is anticipated | C.5-3505 (VENTING PRIMARY CONTAINMENT). | ||
You have determined that it is necessary to vent the Primary Containment in accordance with C.5-3505 (VENTING PRIMARY CONTAINMENT). | |||
Given the above information, which one of the following choices identifies: | Given the above information, which one of the following choices identifies: | ||
(1) The recommended vent path? | |||
(2) The desired strategy for venting Primary Containment? | |||
A. (1) SBGT through the 18 inch torus vent (C.5 | A. (1) SBGT through the 18 inch torus vent (C.5-3505 PART C). | ||
-3505 PART C) | (2) Venting MUST be limited to ONLY the volume required to maintain pressure below | ||
the DW pressure limit. | |||
-3505 PART C) | B. (1) SBGT through the 18 inch torus vent (C.5-3505 PART C). | ||
(2) Venting MAY be extended for a period of time to reduce the amount of radioactivity | |||
C. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5 | that may have to be released once fuel damage occurs. | ||
-3505 PART A) | C. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5-3505 PART A). | ||
(2) Venting MUST be limited to ONLY the volume required to maintain pressure below | |||
D. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5 | the DW pressure limit. | ||
-3505 PART A) | D. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5-3505 PART A). | ||
(2) Venting MAY be extended for a period of time to reduce the amount of radioactivity | |||
Answer: | that may have to be released once fuel damage occurs. | ||
Answer: D | |||
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | |||
The preferred method for venting Primary Containment is through the Torus and SBGT so that | The preferred method for venting Primary Containment is through the Torus and SBGT so that | ||
the discharge will be filtered, scrubbed and elevated. | the discharge will be filtered, scrubbed and elevated. However, if SBGT ductwork is in jeopardy | ||
However, if SBGT ductwork is in jeopardy of rupturing due to high pressure in containment, >2.9 psig, then the Hard Pipe Vent should be | of rupturing due to high pressure in containment, >2.9 psig, then the Hard Pipe Vent should be | ||
used to minimize potential impacts on Reactor Building equipment from postulated ductwork failure. Early or extended | used to minimize potential impacts on Reactor Building equipment from postulated ductwork | ||
Primary Containment pressure reduction to limit radioactivity release may be appropriate if: | failure. | ||
Significant fuel damage is anticipated. | Early or extended Primary Containment pressure reduction to limit radioactivity release may be | ||
Reducing primary containment pressure while the primary containment atmosphere is still relatively clean increases the capacity of the containment to retain fission products. | appropriate if: Significant fuel damage is anticipated. Reducing primary containment pressure | ||
Later releases, after core damage has progressed, may thereby be avoided. | while the primary containment atmosphere is still relatively clean increases the capacity of the | ||
containment to retain fission products. Later releases, after core damage has progressed, may | |||
POST EXAM | thereby be avoided. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 83 (page 2 of 4) | |||
: [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], due to potential to impacts on reactor building equipment | : [[contact::A. (1) Incorrect]], due to potential to impacts on reactor building equipment | ||
(2) Incorrect, plausible as in general pressure should only be reduced to maintain | |||
below the DW pressure limit, but with significant fuel damage anticipated early or | |||
extended releases increase the capacity of containment to retain fission products. | |||
: [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], see A (1) | : [[contact::B. (1) Incorrect]], see A (1) | ||
(2) Correct | |||
C. (1) Correct | |||
D. (1) Correct (2) Correct APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | (2) Incorrect, see A (2) | ||
The applicant contends that answer choice | D. (1) Correct | ||
Understanding that Significant Fuel Damage is Anticipated; there is a paragraph above the one utilized for this answer in C.5 | (2) Correct | ||
-3505 Bases that states the following: | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that answer choice C is also a correct answer, and may be the only | |||
Release Rate Limits should be exceeded only to the extent necessary | correct answer. | ||
to prevent further degradation of plant conditions." Containment pressurized where it is, is contaminated with | Understanding that Significant Fuel Damage is Anticipated; there is a paragraph above | ||
R/hr as indicated on | the one utilized for this answer in C.5-3505 Bases that states the following: "If the | ||
Figure 7.1 (Containment Radiation Monitor Response Curves) of the Core Damage Assessment A.2 | containment atmosphere may be contaminated, the volume released should generally | ||
-208. Without trends as they pertain to the RPV and Containment; we cannot indiscriminately vent the primary per the overarching Bases of C.5 | be limited to that required to maintain primary containment pressure below the D'W | ||
-3505 and General Precaution that states the following: | pressure limit. Release Rate Limits should be exceeded only to the extent necessary | ||
to prevent further degradation of plant conditions." | |||
Containment pressurized where it is, is contaminated with 10 R/hr as indicated on | |||
Figure 7.1 (Containment Radiation Monitor Response Curves) of the Core Damage | |||
Not having defined values, one can infer that venting via the Hard Pipe vent could challenge the ODCM limits as referenced to those in 10 CFR 50 Appendix I; therefore, limiting venting is more than reasonable. | Assessment A.2-208. | ||
Without trends as they pertain to the RPV and Containment; we cannot indiscriminately | |||
POST EXAM | vent the primary per the overarching Bases of C.5-3505 and General Precaution that | ||
states the following: "If the containment atmosphere is contaminated, the volume | |||
release should be limited to that required to maintain primary containment pressure | |||
below the Drywell Pressure Limit (SPDS 81). Release rate limits should be exceeded | |||
FACILITY RESPONSE | only to the extent necessary to prevent further degradation of plant conditions." | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | In addition, the allowance of venting for an extended period of time to reduce the amount | ||
of radioactivity from fuel damage actually occurring is followed immediately after with: | |||
"may be appropriate while the Primary Containment atmosphere is still relatively clean." | |||
Not knowing the full range of effects from the transient, relatively can only be inferred; | |||
thus both answers could be correct. Not having defined values, one can infer that | |||
venting via the Hard Pipe vent could challenge the ODCM limits as referenced to | |||
those in 10 CFR 50 Appendix I; therefore, limiting venting is more than reasonable. | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 83 (page 3 of 4) | |||
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 1% Fuel Failure: | Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line | ||
DW Pressure ~60 psig | Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 1% Fuel Failure: | ||
DW Temperature ~320 F | * DW Pressure ~60 psig | ||
DW Contamination ~0.5 uCi/gm | * DW Temperature ~320°F | ||
Offsite Dose projection ~1 mr/hr at the site boundary | * DW Radiation ~10 R/hr | ||
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 10% Fuel Failure: | * DW Contamination ~0.5 uCi/gm | ||
DW Pressure ~60 psig | * Offsite Dose projection ~1 mr/hr at the site boundary | ||
DW Temperature ~320 F | Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line | ||
DW Contamination ~1.5 uCi/gm | Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 10% Fuel Failure: | ||
Offsite Dose projection ~10 mr/hr at the site boundary | * DW Pressure ~60 psig | ||
* DW Temperature ~320°F | |||
* DW Radiation ~40 R/hr | |||
* DW Contamination ~1.5 uCi/gm | |||
* Offsite Dose projection ~10 mr/hr at the site boundary | |||
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line | Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line | ||
Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 30% Fuel Failure: | Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 30% Fuel Failure: | ||
DW Pressure ~60 psig | * DW Pressure ~60 psig | ||
DW Temperature ~320 F | * DW Temperature ~320°F | ||
DW Contamination ~150 uCi/gm | * DW Radiation ~350 R/hr | ||
Offsite Dose projection ~40 mr/hr at the site boundary | * DW Contamination ~150 uCi/gm | ||
A judgment call would be made by the crew in these circumstances. | * Offsite Dose projection ~40 mr/hr at the site boundary | ||
Based on the information provided above if a small amount of fuel failure is currently occurring (1%) and a more significant amount of fuel failure is expected to occur (30%) the best course of action is to vent longer and earlier to prevent a large late release and thus lower the dose to the public. Extended venting is allowed if significant fuel damage is anticipated IAW C.5.1 | A judgment call would be made by the crew in these circumstances. Based on the | ||
-1200 , which is stated in the stem of the question. | information provided above if a small amount of fuel failure is currently occurring (1%) and a | ||
more significant amount of fuel failure is expected to occur (30%) the best course of action | |||
is to vent longer and earlier to prevent a large late release and thus lower the dose to the | |||
public. | |||
Extended venting is allowed if significant fuel damage is anticipated IAW C.5.1-1200, | |||
which is stated in the stem of the question. | |||
Question clarification not requested during administration. | Question clarification not requested during administration. | ||
Question acceptable as written | Question acceptable as written. | ||
Reference: | |||
C.5.1-1200 C.5-3505 A.2-208 | C.5.1-1200 | ||
POST EXAM | C.5-3505 | ||
A.2-208 | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
QUESTION No. 83 (page 4 of 4) | |||
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
Given the initial conditions stated in the question stem, there is no question that the Containment must be vented, only the manner in which the Containment will be vented. The answer to the first part of the question (recommended vent path) is not being challenged, therefore the following discussion will be focused on whether or not the venting duration is required to be limited. | Given the initial conditions stated in the question stem, there is no question that the | ||
Reducing primary containment pressure increases the capacity of the containment to retain fission products, thereby reducing the | Containment must be vented, only the manner in which the Containment will be vented. | ||
amount of radioactivity that may have to be released to the environment. | The answer to the first part of the question (recommended vent path) is not being challenged, | ||
If significant fuel damage is anticipated | therefore the following discussion will be focused on whether or not the venting duration is | ||
required to be limited. | |||
relatively clean. | Reducing primary containment pressure increases the capacity of the containment to retain | ||
The | fission products, thereby reducing the amount of radioactivity that may have to be released to | ||
The applicant contends that insufficient information is provided to make a judgement on the level of contamination. | the environment. If significant fuel damage is anticipated (as stated in the stem of the question), | ||
The primary factor affecting the amount of contamination within the Containment atmosphere is the amount of core damage that has taken place. Since there is no direct way to measure the amount of core damage, it must be determined from indirect methods. | early or extended venting may be appropriate while the primary containment atmosphere is still | ||
The degree of core damage is assessed through the measurement of fission product concentrations in water and gas samples taken from the RCS and Containment, as well as by Containment radiation dose rate measurements and measured Containment Hydrogen concentrations. | relatively clean. The applicants contention appears to be centered on the contamination level | ||
The easiest and quickest method available to Control Room decision makers to assess the degree of core damage, is by comparing the | of the Containment atmosphere. The applicant contends that insufficient information is provided | ||
Containment/Drywell radiation dose rate (given in the stem of the question) to the Containment Radiation Monitor Response Curve (Figure 7.1) | to make a judgement on the level of contamination. The primary factor affecting the amount of | ||
in emergency response procedure A.2 | contamination within the Containment atmosphere is the amount of core damage that has taken | ||
-208 (Core Damage Assessment). | place. Since there is no direct way to measure the amount of core damage, it must be | ||
While Figure 7.1 was not provided with the examination, the applicants are expected to have a general understanding of degree of core damage relative to indicated Containment radiation levels. | determined from indirect methods. The degree of core damage is assessed through the | ||
The Drywell radiation dose rate given in the stem of the question (10R/hr) is indicative of a very low level of core damage (also supported by the | measurement of fission product concentrations in water and gas samples taken from the RCS | ||
scenario information provided in the Facility response), and is consistent with a Dose Equivalent Iodine concentration in the reactor coolant that is within or just above the Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) limit of Technical Specifications. | and Containment, as well as by Containment radiation dose rate measurements and measured | ||
Given the discussion in the previous paragraph, as well as the initial condition in the stem stating, | Containment Hydrogen concentrations. The easiest and quickest method available to Control | ||
Room decision makers to assess the degree of core damage, is by comparing the | |||
With the Containment atmospheric contamination being low | Containment/Drywell radiation dose rate (given in the stem of the question) to the Containment | ||
and the statement that | Radiation Monitor Response Curve (Figure 7.1) in emergency response procedure A.2-208 | ||
(Core Damage Assessment). While Figure 7.1 was not provided with the examination, the | |||
applicants are expected to have a general understanding of degree of core damage relative to | |||
indicated Containment radiation levels. The Drywell radiation dose rate given in the stem of the | |||
question (10R/hr) is indicative of a very low level of core damage (also supported by the | |||
scenario information provided in the Facility response), and is consistent with a Dose Equivalent | |||
Iodine concentration in the reactor coolant that is within or just above the Limiting Condition for | |||
Operation (LCO) limit of Technical Specifications. | |||
Given the discussion in the previous paragraph, as well as the initial condition in the stem | |||
stating, Significant fuel damage is anticipated (i.e. significant core damage has not yet | |||
occurred), it is readily apparent that the Containment atmosphere is relatively clean. | |||
With the Containment atmospheric contamination being low and the statement that Significant | |||
fuel damage is anticipated, the applicants concern, that extended venting could be more | |||
detrimental to the public, is unsupportable. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that the original answer choice (D) is the correct, and only correct answer, to the question. | Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that the original answer choice (D) is the | ||
correct, and only correct answer, to the question. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 97 | |||
An EOP Flowchart change to C.5-1200 is being developed IAW 4-AWI-08.16.01 (MONTICELLO | |||
An EOP Flowchart change to C.5 | EOP AND BEYOND-DESIGN-BASIS GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM) due to a recent | ||
-1200 is being developed IAW | change in the BWROG EPGs. | ||
4-AWI-08.16.01 (MONTICELLO EOP AND BEYOND | IAW 4-AWI-08.16.01, complete the statements below? | ||
-DESIGN-BASIS GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM) due to a recent change in the BWROG EPGs | (1) The performance of a 10 CFR 50.59 __(1)__ is required for all EOP changes. | ||
(2) EOP Verification and Validation is required to be performed __(2)__ PORC review. | |||
A. (1) screening | |||
CFR 50.59 __(1)__ is required for all EOP changes. | (2) before | ||
B. (1) screening | |||
Validation is required to be performed __(2)__ PORC review. | (2) after | ||
A. (1) screening (2) before | C. (1) evaluation | ||
4-AWI-08.16.01 requires a 10 | (2) before | ||
CFR 50.59 screening to be performed for all EOP changes and verification and validation SHALL be performed prior to submitting the flowchart revision to PORC for review. | D. (1) evaluation | ||
(2) after | |||
: [[contact::C. (1) Incorrect]], screening is required by procedure | Answer: A | ||
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | |||
: [[contact::D. (1) Incorrect]], screening is required by procedure | 4-AWI-08.16.01 requires a 10 CFR 50.59 screening to be performed for all EOP changes and | ||
verification and validation SHALL be performed prior to submitting the flowchart revision to | |||
PORC for review. | |||
A. Correct | |||
B. (1) Correct | |||
(2) Incorrect, the verification and validation is required prior to PORC review to ensure | |||
technical accuracy and usability. | |||
: [[contact::C. (1) Incorrect]], screening is required by procedure. | |||
(2) Correct | |||
: [[contact::D. (1) Incorrect]], screening is required by procedure. | |||
(2) Incorrect, the verification and validation is required prior to PORC review to ensure | |||
technical accuracy and usability. | technical accuracy and usability. | ||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
POST EXAM | QUESTION No. 97 (page 2 of 2) | ||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant | The applicant contends that specific knowledge of the contents in the referenced procedure is | ||
contends that specific knowledge of the contents in the referenced procedure is beyond the level required to be memorized by the applicants. | beyond the level required to be memorized by the applicants. | ||
While 4 AWI | While 4 AWI-08.16.01 does call out that all EOPs will be 50.59 Screened, a | ||
-08.16.01 does call out that all EOPs will be 50.59 Screened, a screening/evaluation is described in Part III of the QF0022 as it pertains to EOPs in the Site Emergency Plan. | screening/evaluation is described in Part III of the QF0022 as it pertains to EOPs in the | ||
The question requires memorization of 4 AWI | Site Emergency Plan. The question requires memorization of 4 AWI-08.16.01 whereas | ||
-08.16.01 whereas knowledge of associated procedures conflicts potential answers given. | knowledge of associated procedures conflicts potential answers given. | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
All EOP changes require a 10 | All EOP changes require a 10 CFR 50.59 screening. | ||
CFR 50.59 screening. | |||
EOP changes that affect EAL classifications for the Site Emergency Plan require a | EOP changes that affect EAL classifications for the Site Emergency Plan require a | ||
CFR 50.54 (q) review. | CFR 50.54 (q) review. | ||
Question acceptable as written | Question acceptable as written. | ||
. | |||
Reference: | Reference: | ||
4-AWI-08.16.01 QF0022 NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | 4-AWI-08.16.01 | ||
Question does not require specific knowledge of the AWI. | QF0022 | ||
The applicant is expected to | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
have a working knowledge of the requirements for performing 10 CFR 50.59 | Question does not require specific knowledge of the AWI. The applicant is expected to have a | ||
This includes having knowledge of types of document changes that must be screened. | working knowledge of the requirements for performing 10 CFR 50.59 screenings and full safety | ||
The applicant is also expected to know the purpose/role of the PORC in the procedure change and approval process. | evaluation. This includes having knowledge of types of document changes that must be | ||
screened. The applicant is also expected to know the purpose/role of the PORC in the | |||
procedure change and approval process. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 100 | |||
Which of the following is an INITIAL Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) for a | |||
General Emergency Classification made in the Control Room NOT due to a loss of | |||
a loss of the containment barrier? | the containment barrier? | ||
A. Evacuate a 2 mile | A. Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 mile down wind. All others monitor and | ||
radius and 2 | prepare. | ||
-5 mile down wind. | B. Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-10 mile down wind. All others monitor and | ||
All others monitor and prepare. B. Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2 | prepare. | ||
-10 mile down wind. | C. Contact the State Planning Chief or State Duty Officer if State EOC is not | ||
All others monitor and prepare. C. Contact the State Planning Chief or State Duty Officer if State EOC is not | activated. | ||
activated. D. No protective action recommendation is appropriate when projected plume dose rates do NOT exceed 1000 mrem (TEDE) OR 5000 mrem (CDE) thyroid dose. | D. No protective action recommendation is appropriate when projected plume dose | ||
Answer: | rates do NOT exceed 1000 mrem (TEDE) OR 5000 mrem (CDE) thyroid dose. | ||
A. Correct: | Answer: A | ||
-204, declaration of a General Emergency requires timely initial protective action recommendations (PARs) to off | DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS | ||
-site agencies. | : [[contact::A. Correct: According to A.2-204]], declaration of a General Emergency requires timely | ||
Under these circumstances, NO dose projections are required for formulating the initial off | initial protective action recommendations (PARs) to off-site agencies. Under these | ||
-site protection action recommendation UNLESS there is a Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident. | circumstances, NO dose projections are required for formulating the initial off-site | ||
A Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident is a General Emergency (GE) with rapid loss of containment integrity (emergency action levels indicate containment barrier loss) and loss of ability to cool the core. | protection action recommendation UNLESS there is a Rapidly Progressing Severe | ||
Thus, since this GE is NOT due to loss of containment barrier per the EAL, the applicant shall conclude a GE exists WITHOUT a Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident. | Accident. A Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident is a General Emergency (GE) with | ||
Figure 7.3.A of A.2 | rapid loss of containment integrity (emergency action levels indicate containment barrier | ||
-204 is used. The applicant should conclude the initial PAR is to | loss) and loss of ability to cool the core. Thus, since this GE is NOT due to loss of | ||
-5 miles downwind. All others monitor and prepare | containment barrier per the EAL, the applicant shall conclude a GE exists WITHOUT a | ||
B. Incorrect: | Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident. Figure 7.3.A of A.2-204 is used. The applicant | ||
2-10 miles downwind is not the initial PAR distance if a Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident does NOT exist (there is not a loss of containment barrier) | should conclude the initial PAR is to Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 miles downwind. | ||
All others monitor and prepare. | |||
This action is taken AFTER the recommendation is | B. Incorrect: 2-10 miles downwind is not the initial PAR distance if a Rapidly Progressing | ||
Severe Accident does NOT exist (there is not a loss of containment barrier). | |||
Initial PARs for a General Emergency involving loss of physical control or core damage require immediate evacuation of the general public and are justified without | C. Incorrect: This action is taken AFTER the recommendation is made. | ||
dose projection; recommending off | D. Incorrect: Initial PARs for a General Emergency involving loss of physical control or core | ||
-site protective actions shall not be | damage require immediate evacuation of the general public and are justified without | ||
dose projection; recommending off-site protective actions shall not be delayed. | |||
POST EXAM | POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | ||
QUESTION No. 100 (page 2 of 3) | |||
100 (page 2 of 3) | |||
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION | ||
The applicant contends that no protective action recommendation (PAR) is appropriate (answer choice | The applicant contends that no protective action recommendation (PAR) is appropriate (answer | ||
choice D) since the conditions stated in the question stem do not indicate that any radiological | |||
release is occurring or projected to occur. | release is occurring or projected to occur. | ||
PARs without a loss of containment barrier does not meet the definition for evacuation | PARs without a loss of containment barrier does not meet the definition for evacuation | ||
in procedure A.2 | in procedure A.2-204: "Evacuation is the removal of people from an area to avoid or | ||
-204: | reduce high-level, short term exposure, from a plume or from deposited activity." | ||
-level, short term exposure, from a plume or from deposited activity." | A.2-204 Definition second paragraph: "Initial PARs for a General Emergency involving | ||
A.2-204 Definition second paragraph: | loss of physical control or core damage are based on NRC Response Technical Manual | ||
RTM-93, Vol 1, Rev. 3, Section I. Immediate evacuation of the general public is justified | |||
without dose projection." | |||
Immediate evacuation of the general public is justified without dose projection." | Thus, without a loss of a containment barrier to include Primary, Fuel, or RCS and | ||
no further information indicative of loss of control, loss of Secondary Containment or that a release is in progress; one cannot justify evacuation, a basis for the General emergency must be declared to evacuate as the evacuation itself could be more dangerous to the public. | no further information indicative of loss of control, loss of Secondary Containment or | ||
A more clear indication such as the actual emergency is required to justify evacuation. | that a release is in progress; one cannot justify evacuation, a basis for the General | ||
Recommend adding basis for the General Emergency | emergency must be declared to evacuate as the evacuation itself could be more | ||
dangerous to the public. A more clear indication such as the actual emergency is | |||
required to justify evacuation. Recommend adding basis for the General Emergency | |||
to satisfy the definition of the evacuation. | to satisfy the definition of the evacuation. | ||
FACILITY RESPONSE | FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | ||
AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION | |||
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written. | ||
A General Emergency declaration requires lnitial PARs. | A General Emergency declaration requires lnitial PARs. lf a rapidly progressing severe | ||
lf a rapidly progressing severe accident does not exist then the PAR would be to evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2 | accident does not exist then the PAR would be to evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 miles | ||
-5 miles downwind. | downwind. All others monitor and repair. | ||
All others monitor and repair. | |||
Question clarification was requested by candidate as follows: | Question clarification was requested by candidate as follows: | ||
Question: | Question: "What does NOT due to a loss of containment barrier imply?" | ||
Response: Re-read stem to candidate as written. | |||
. | Question acceptable as written. | ||
Reference: | Reference: A.2-204 | ||
A.2-204 NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION | ||
In accordance with the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant (MNGP) Emergency Plan and the associated implementing procedures, whenever a General Emergency (GE) is declared, regardless of the reason for the GE declaration, Protective Action Recommendations (PARs) shall be made to Local and State authorities. | In accordance with the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant (MNGP) Emergency Plan and the | ||
associated implementing procedures, whenever a General Emergency (GE) is declared, | |||
POST EXAM | regardless of the reason for the GE declaration, Protective Action Recommendations (PARs) | ||
shall be made to Local and State authorities. | |||
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS | |||
100 (page 3 of 3) | QUESTION No. 100 (page 3 of 3) | ||
In accordance with Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure A.2 | In accordance with Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure A.2-204 (Off-Site Protective Action | ||
-204 (Off-Site Protective Action Recommendations), Control Room decision makers are given two choices (see answer choices | Recommendations), Control Room decision makers are given two choices (see answer choices | ||
The only difference between the two choices is the outer radius of the downwind sector to be evacuated. | A and B) to select from. The only difference between the two choices is the outer radius of the | ||
The selection is based on the determination of whether or a not the emergency event is a | downwind sector to be evacuated. The selection is based on the determination of whether or a | ||
not the emergency event is a Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident, which is defined as a | |||
General Emergency (GE) with rapid loss of containment integrity (emergency action levels | |||
indicate containment barrier loss) and loss of ability to cool the core. The question stem clearly | |||
states that there has not been any loss of the containment barrier, therefore the event is NOT a | |||
Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident, the PAR is as stated in answer choice A. | |||
CONCLUSION | CONCLUSION | ||
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes | ||
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer. | |||
SIMULATION FACILITY FIDELITY REPORT | SIMULATION FACILITY FIDELITY REPORT | ||
Facility Licensee: | Facility Licensee: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant | ||
Facility Docket No: 50-263 | |||
Operating Tests Administered: November 14 through 17, 2016 | |||
The following documents observations made by the NRC examination team during the initial | |||
operator license examination. These observations do not constitute audit or inspection findings | |||
and are not, without further verification and review, indicative of non-compliance with Title 10 of | |||
the Code of Federal Regulations 55.45(b). These observations do not affect NRC certification | |||
or approval of the simulation facility other than to provide information which may be used in | |||
future evaluations. No licensee action is required in response to these observations. | |||
During the conduct of the simulator portion of the operating tests, the following items were | |||
observed: | |||
ITEM DESCRIPTION | |||
None | |||
P. Gardner -3- | |||
Letter to Peter | |||
: [[contact::A. Gardner from Robert J. Orlikowski dated February 7]], 2017 | |||
SUBJECT: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant - NRC INITIAL LICENSE EXAMINATION | |||
REPORT 05000263/2016301 | |||
cc: Distribution via LISTSERV | |||
: [[contact::P. Kissinger]], Training Manager, | |||
Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant | Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 07:51, 30 October 2019
| ML17038A527 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Monticello |
| Issue date: | 02/07/2017 |
| From: | Robert Orlikowski Operations Branch III |
| To: | Gardner P Northern States Power Company, Minnesota |
| Shared Package | |
| ML15274A427 | List: |
| References | |
| IR 2016301 | |
| Download: ML17038A527 (46) | |
Text
UNITED STATES ary 7, 2017
SUBJECT:
MONTICELLO NUCLEAR GENERATING PLANT - NRC INITIAL LICENSE EXAMINATION REPORT 05000263/2016301
Dear Mr. Gardner:
On December 29, 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) completed the initial operator licensing examination process for license applicants employed at your Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant. The enclosed report documents the results of those examinations. Preliminary observations noted during the examination process were discussed on November 17, 2016, with you and other members of your staff. An exit meeting was conducted by telephone on January 5, 2017, between Mr. G. Allex of your staff and Mr. D. Reeser, Chief Operator Licensing Examiner, to review the proposed final grading of the written examination for the license applicants. During the telephone conversation, NRC resolutions of the stations post examination comments, initially received by the NRC on December 2, 2016, were discussed.
The NRC examiners administered an initial license examination operating test during the week of November 14, 2016. The written examination was administered by NRC examiners and Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant department personnel on November 18, 2016.
Four Senior Reactor Operator and one Reactor Operator applicants were administered license examinations. The results of the examinations were finalized on December 29, 2016. One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial letter. Four applicants passed all sections of their respective examinations and two were issued senior operator licenses and one was issued an operator license. In accordance with NRC policy, the license for one senior operator license applicant is being withheld pending the outcome of any written examination appeal that may be initiated.
The administered written examination and operating test, as well as documents related to the development and review (outlines, review comments and resolution, etc.) of the examination will be withheld from public disclosure until January 1, 2019. However, if an applicant received a proposed license denial letter due to unsatisfactory performance on one or more portions of the examination, that applicant will receive a copy of the applicable portions of the examination.
For examination security purposes, your staff should consider those examination materials uncontrolled and exposed to the public. This letter, its enclosure, and your response (if any) will be made available for public inspection and copying at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html and at the NRC Public Document Room in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 2.390, Public Inspections, Exemptions, Requests for Withholding.
Sincerely,
/RA/
Robert J. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety Docket No. 50-263 License No. DPR-22
Enclosures:
1. OL Examination Report 05000263/2016301 2. Post Exam Comments, Evaluation, and Resolutions 3. Simulation Facility Fidelity Report
REGION III==
Docket No: 50-263 License No: DPR-22 Report No: 05000263/2016301 Licensee: Northern States Power Company, Minnesota Facility: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Location: Monticello, MN Dates: November 14, through December 29, 2016 Inspectors: D. Reeser, Operations Engineer; Chief Examiner R. Baker, Operations Engineer; Examiner B. Palagi, Senior Operations Engineer; Examiner Approved by: R. Orlikowski, Chief Operations Branch Division of Reactor Safety Enclosure 1
SUMMARY
Examination Report 05000263/2016301; 11/14/2016 - 12/29/2016; Northern States Power
Company, Minnesota, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant; Initial License Examination Report.
The announced initial operator licensing examination was conducted by regional Nuclear Regulatory Commission examiners in accordance with the guidance of NUREG-1021,
Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Revision 10.
Examination Summary Four of five applicants passed all sections of their respective examinations. Two applicants were issued senior operator licenses and one applicant was issued an operator license.
One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial. The license for the remaining applicant is being held and may be issued pending the outcome of any written examination appeal. (Section 4OA5.1).
REPORT DETAILS
4OA5 Other Activities
.1 Initial Licensing Examinations
a. Examination Scope
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) examiners and members of the facility licensees staff used the guidance prescribed in NUREG-1021, Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, Revision 10, to develop, validate, administer, and grade the written examination and operating test. NRC examiners prepared the outline and developed the written examination and operating test. The NRC examiners validated the proposed examination during the week of October 17, 2016, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff. During the on-site validation week, the examiners audited one license application for accuracy. The NRC examiners, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff, administered the operating test, consisting of job performance measures (JPMs) and dynamic simulator scenarios, during the period of November 14 through 17, 2016. The NRC examiners, with the assistance of members of the facility licensees staff, administered the written examination on November 18, 2016.
b. Findings
- (1) Written Examination During the validation of the written examination, several questions were modified or replaced. Changes made to the written examination were documented on Form ES-401-9, Written Examination Review Worksheet, which will be available in 24 months electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS).
On December 2, 2016, the licensee submitted documentation noting that there were 12 post-examination comments for consideration by the NRC examiners when grading the written examination. The post-examination comments and the NRC resolution for the post-examination comments are included as Enclosure 2 to the report. The proposed NRC-developed written examination, the written examination outlines and worksheets, as well as the final as-administered examination and answer key (ADAMS Accession Number ML17023A123), will be available electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of NRC's ADAMS in January 2019.
The NRC examiners graded the written examination on December 29, 2016, and conducted a review of each missed question to determine the accuracy and validity of the examination questions.
- (2) Operating Test During the validation of the operating test, minor modifications were made to several JPMs, and some minor modifications were made to the dynamic simulator scenarios.
Changes made to the operating test, documented in a document titled, Operating Test Comments, the proposed NRC-developed dynamic simulator scenarios, JPMs, and associated operating test outlines, as well as the final as-administered dynamic simulator scenarios and JPMs, will be available electronically in the NRC Public Document Room or from the Publicly Available Records component of NRC's ADAMS in January 2019.
The NRC examiners completed operating test grading on December 29, 2016.
- (3) Examination Results Four applicants at the Senior Reactor Operator level and one applicant at the Reactor Operator level were administered written examinations and operating tests. Three applicants passed all portions of their examinations and were issued their respective operating licenses on December 29, 2016.
One applicant failed one or more sections of the administered examination and was issued a proposed license denial. One applicant passed all portions of the license examination, but received a written test grade below 82 percent. In accordance with NRC policy, the applicants license will be withheld until any written examination appeal possibilities by other applicants have been resolved. If the applicants grade is still equal to or greater than 80 percent after any appeal resolution, the applicant will be issued an operating license. If the applicants grade has declined below 80 percent, the applicant will be issued a proposed license denial letter and offered the opportunity to appeal any questions the applicant feels were graded incorrectly.
.2 Examination Security
a. Scope
The NRC examiners reviewed and observed the licensee's implementation of examination security requirements during the examination validation and administration to assure compliance with Title10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 55.49, Integrity of Examinations and Tests. The examiners used the guidelines provided in NUREG-1021, "Operator Licensing Examination Standards for Power Reactors, to determine acceptability of the licensees examination security activities.
b. Findings
None
4OA6 Management Meetings
.1 Debrief
The chief examiner presented the examination team's preliminary observations and findings on November 17, 2016, to Mr. P. Gardner, Senior Vice President, and other members of the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Operations and Training Department staff.
.2 Exit Meeting
The chief examiner conducted an exit meeting on January 5, 2017, with Mr. G. Allex, General Supervisor Operation Training by telephone. The NRCs final disposition of the stations post-examination comments were disclosed and discussed with Mr. Allex during the telephone discussion. The examiners asked the licensee whether any of the material used to develop or administer the examination should be considered proprietary. No proprietary or sensitive information was identified during the examination or debrief/exit meetings.
ATTACHMENT:
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
Licensee
- M. Peterson, Xcel Fleet Training
- B. Koenig, Operations Shift Manager/ILT Supervisor
- G. Allex, General Supervisor Operations Training
- C. Peterson, Operations Training Supervisor
- P. Kissinger, Training Manager
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- P. Zurawski, Senior Resident Inspector
- D. Krause, Resident Inspector
- D. Reeser, Chief Examiner
- R. Baker, Examiner
- B. Palagi, Examiner
ITEMS OPENED, CLOSED, AND DISCUSSED
Opened, Close, and Discussed
None
LIST OF ACRONYMS USED
ADAMS Agencywide Document Access and Management System
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 8
The plant is at rated conditions when an event occurs resulting in the common
Service/Instrument air header pressure slowly lowering.
Assuming the common air header pressure continues to lower; which of the following alarms
would be the FIRST to be received that ALSO requires entry into an AOP (Abnormal Operating
Procedure)?
A. ROD DRIFT (5-A-27)
B. INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS (6-B-34)
C. SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS (6-B-35)
D. SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS (5-B-22)
Answer: B
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
- A. Incorrect: at <60 psigProperty "Contact" (as page type) with input value "A. Incorrect: at " contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., the control rods will start to drift and the reactor must be
manually scrammed; but AOP shall be entered prior to.
HEADER LOW PRESS) will alarm. ARP 6-B-34 directs AOP C.4-B.08.04.01 entry.
Per AOP C.4-B.08.04.01, Table 1, if the IA pressure is reduced to 85 psig this is the
first time operator AOP action will be required.
- C. Incorrect: at 82 psig, Annunciator 6-B-35 (SERVICE AIR HEADER LOW PRESS)
alarms and CV-1474, Serv Air Isol CV valve, closes; AOP entry is not directly required.
D. Incorrect: Annunciator 5-B-22 (SCRAM PILOT HEADER HI/LO PRESS) alarms at
psig. AOP entry would not be required until control rods start to drift.
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices A and B.
While alarm C.6-006-B-34 does direct entry into the AOP for Loss of Instrument Air;
the question specifies an entry into an AOP; Rod Drift which is not expected until < 60#
could not only occur prior to the Loss of Instrument Air, but is also a different AOP Entry
from the initial AOP as the initial Conditions State that we are in a Loss of Instrument Air
AOP; inferred as already in a loss of Instrument Air and therefore an additional AOP
entry could be actuated. Rod Drifting (C.6-005-A -27) for any other reason is a correct
answer as it directs entry into Control Rod Drifting AOP C.4-B.01.03.
- C. Thus, there are
(2) correct answers:
a) Rod Drift C.6-005-A-27 directing entry into C.4-B.01.03.C, and
b) Inst Air Header Low Press C.6-006-B-34 directs entry into C.4-B.08.04.01'A
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 8 (page 2 of 3)
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
Candidate should assume instrument air header pressure is at the normal value from the
initial conditions in the stem. If air header pressure started at normal system pressure
and continues to lower, 6-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS) would be received at
psig and 5-A-27 (ROD DRIFT) would be received at approximately 60 psig. Both
would require entry into an AOP but 6-B-34 would occur FIRST.
Entry into the loss of instrument air AOP would be allowed at the discretion of the CRS
with a lowering instrument air header pressure prior to receipt of the alarm. As stated
above the first annunciator expected to be received on lowering pressure is 6-B-34
(INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS). lf the intellectual jump is made that the question
requires discarding the first annunciator received as a correct answer because the AOP
was already discretionarily entered (though not stated in the stem) then answer choice A
would be the next annunciator that is expected to be received that requires entry into a
different AO
- P.
With the assumptions made by the candidateProperty "Contact" (as page type) with input value "P.</br></br>With the assumptions made by the candidate" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., answer choice A is a partially correct
answer, however, the question asks "entry into an AOP..." not entry into the next AOP
or an AOP that has not already been entered. Thus, the best answer is still answer
choice B.
Clarification not requested during exam administration.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference:
6-B-34 (INST AIR HEADER LOW PRESS)
5-A-27 (ROD DRIFT)
C.4-B.08.04.01.A (LOSS OF INSTRUMENT AIR)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The applicants interpretation of the initial conditions, given in the first sentence of the question
stem, is not supported by the information provided. The only factual information that can be
inferred from the provided information is that: (a) the common Service/Instrument air header
pressure prior to the event was at rated conditions (i.e. normal); and (b) the common
Service/Instrument air header pressure, after the event, is at a lower value and continuing to
lower slowly. As stated in the facilitys response, early entry into the Loss of Instrument Air
abnormal response procedure (AOP) is permissible, that decision would be based on the
current air header pressure and trend information; neither were provided, nor can be inferred
by the provided information; therefore, to assume that the AOP has already been entered is
unsupportable. Additionally, the question does not ask which AOP will be entered, but which
of the listed alarms would be the FIRST to be received, that would ALSO require entry into an
- P. As stated above, the first alarm that is expected to be received is 6-B-34.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 8 (page 3 of 3)
The associated alarm response procedure (ARP) directs the operator to enter C.4-B.08.04.01.A
(Loss of Instrument Air). The associated alarm is also listed in the AOP as an indication (i.e.
entry condition) of a loss of Instrument Air. Alarm 6-B-35 is also listed in the AOP as an
indication of a Loss of Instrument Air, but is not expected to be received until after 6-B-34.
The ARP for 6-B-35 does not specifically direct entry into the Loss of Instrument Air AOP.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the only correct
answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 13
The plant was at rated conditions when a SBO and ELAP event occurred. Given the following:
- The Heat Capacity Limit has been exceeded
- The CRS has entered C.5-2002 (EMERGENCY DEPRESSURIZATION)
During the depressurization, the CRS directs a pressure band of 150-200 psig.
Is the directed pressure band correct? Why or why not?
A. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to maintain core cooling.
B. CORRECT; >150 psig is required to mitigate primary containment challenges.
C. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to maintain core cooling.
D. INCORRECT; full depressurization is required to mitigate primary containment
challenges.
Answer: A
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
- A. Correct: Under circumstances requiring ED, it is generally desirable to full depressurize
the RP
- V. However, while RPV pressure reductions will tend to increase flow from
motor-driven pumps, full depressurization will result in loss of steam driven injection
sources. RPV pressure reduction must be coordinated with core cooling strategies.
Full depressurization is only appropriate if adequate core cooling will not be sacrificed as
a result. In the ELAP condition, HPCI and RCIC will be the only injection sources so
RPV pressure is to be maintained > 150 psig.
B. Incorrect: The pressure band is not for containment concerns.
C. Incorrect: Full depressurization not required.
D. Incorrect: The pressure band is not for containment concerns and full depressurization
not required.
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that there is no correct answer.
The choices offered don't offer the prescribed pressure band of 150 - 300 # IAW
C.5-4000. Further, the assumption must be made that there is an Emergency
Depressurization in progress which does offer the override to maintain pressure > 150 #,
but one can assume that we are Depressurizing IAW the Center Leg of C.5-1100.
Part H of C.5-1100 directs a blowdown when Low Capacity Injection Systems are lined
up and High Capacity Injection Sources are Unavailable; thus, we would not blowdown if
RCIC was in service and Injecting. Instead, we would maintain -40" to +100" and 150 -
300# using RCIC and Alternate Depressurization Methods per C.5-1100. In either case;
the band IAW C.5-4000 is 150 - 300#; thus, no correct answer exists.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 13 (page 2 of 4)
- In further review of the question, the blowdown is prescribed for exceeding the Heat
Capacity Limit; while important; this is contrary to the guidance in the C.5-4000 which
prescribes a Blowdown when:
a) RCIC and HPCI are no longer available, or
b) Diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection, or
c) ELAP declared, do not wait for RPV level to reach -126".
Additionally, Primary Containment venting addresses Torus temperature>2I2F
and > 10# Drywell pressure respectively.
Given the initial conditions and the directed band of 150 - 200#, there is no correct
answer per C.5-4000, C.5-1100, or C.5-1200.
One would require more parameters such as RPV water level, status of other injection
sources, as well as if there was other EOP entries that may require a blowdown to
establish a basis as the Blowdown for Heat Capacity Limit is defined per C.5.1-1200
ensures the highest Torus Temperature that a Blowdown will not exceed Torus Design
Temperature, or Drywell Pressure Limit. Therefore, the Blowdown precludes Loss of
Primary containment Integrity and Pressure suppression Function.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
When Emergency Depressurization is required during an ELAP with only HPCI and
RCIC maintaining RPV level, the vessel should not be fully depressurized. RPV
pressure should be controlled as low as possible >150 psig using Alternate
Depressurization Systems (RCIC & HPCI) while maintaining adequate core cooling.
ELAP HPCI Only Pressure Band: 150-1000 psig (C.5-4000)
ELAP RCIC & HPCI Pressure Band: 150-300 psig (C.5-4000)
The pressure band listed in the stem of the question does not exactly match the bands
stated above in C.5-4000, however, it is fully within the above bands and though difficult
to maintain it would be acceptable pressure band for the indicated conditions.
The question specifically asks if the pressure band is "...correct..." and thus an
interpretation had to be made as to whether an "acceptable" pressure band is also a
"correct" pressure band. This could lead to some confusion on the part of the candidate.
However, the second part of both answer choices C & D is absolutely incorrect as it
states that full depressurization is required. This contradicts the reason for believing that
the initial pressure band was incorrect; the upper limit was not high enough (300 vs. the
listed 200). Answer choices A & B both state that pressure be maintained >150 psig
which is the most limiting factor in this plant condition.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 13 (page 3 of 4)
Question clarification was not requested during administration.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference:
C.5-4000 (SBO)
C.4-B.09.02-A (SBO)
C.5-1200 (Primary Containment Control)
C.5-2002 (Emergency RPV Depressurization)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The applicants contention initially tried to make the argument that the depressurization,
mentioned in the second paragraph of the question stem (i.e. the sentence following the initial
conditions) could be assumed, to be due to actions being taken in accordance with C.5-1100,
and that actions required by C.5-2002 had not yet been initiated. The question stem clearly
states that the CRS had entered C.5-2002. The very first item in C.5-2002 is a NOTE which
includes the statement: This procedure overrides the RPV pressure control actions in:
C.5-1100, RPV Control (Pressure section); [and] C.5-2007, Failure to Scram (Pressure
section). Therefore, the applicants assumption is not supported by the information contained
in the question stem, nor by the direction provided in C.5-2002.
In the second paragraph of the applicants contention, the applicant implies: that the guidance
in C.5-4000 supersedes the direction, in C.5-1200, to enter C.5-2002 due to the inability to
maintain Torus temperature below the Heat Capacity Temperature Limit; and that the only time
that C.5-2002 should be entered is when: (a) RCIC and HPCI are no longer available; or (b) a
diesel driven pump lined up and ready for injection. The guidelines contained in C.5-4000,
are provided to supplement the EOPs, not replace them. The EOP Strategies in C.5-4000
are provided to assist the operator in maintaining the availability of the steam driven injection
sources, until AC power is available, other injection sources (e.g., diesel driven pumps) of
sufficient capacity are available. If the EOPs direct entry into, and implementation of,
C.5-2002, the procedure is required to be implemented, with the understanding that the full
depressurization will be terminated if necessary to preserve core cooling. C.5.1-2002 states:
Full depressurization and cooldown is appropriate only if adequate core cooling will not be
sacrificed as a result. Loss of adequate core cooling would compound the plant challenges
requiring emergency depressurization and increase any resulting radioactivity release. Core
cooling is thus prioritized over other EOP objectives. If, at any time during RPV
depressurization, it is anticipated that continued pressure reduction will result in loss of injection
flow required for adequate core cooling, the depressurization is terminated. Pressure is then
controlled as low as practicable but above the minimum value at which the required injection
flow can be sustained.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 13 (page 4 of 4)
The RPV pressure and level control bands, specified in C.5-4000 and C.4-B.09.02A,
are guidelines similar to the control bands specified in OWI-03.06 (Strategies for Successful
Transient Mitigation). The OWI defines Operations personnel mitigation strategy expectations
to ensure consistent implementation of Operator fundamentals for an effective response. The
guidance contained in that instruction compliments operating procedures. It is NOT intended to
replace or supersede approved operating procedures. The OWI identifies several control bands
which vary depending on particular circumstances. The OWI also recognizes that the control
bands may need to be adjusted dependent upon the specific conditions created by the transient.
The pressure control band specified for the ELAP mitigation strategy is based on:
(1) performing a controlled cooldown/depressurization to facilitate RPV water level control
actions and reduce the containment heat-up if a blowdown is later required; (2) maintaining
availability of steam driven injection systems (150 psig minimum pressure) as long as possible;
and (3) prioritizing the desire to ensure that adequate core cooling is maintained, even if other
EOP objectives have to be sacrificed. As mentioned earlier, the loss of adequate core cooling
would compound the plant challenges requiring EOP entry and increase any resulting
radioactivity release. While the pressure band given in the stem of the question does not
exactly match the recommended control band given in C.5-4000 or C.4-B.09.02.A and may not
be optimum, it falls within the bounding requirements identified above and is therefore
acceptable.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 30
The plant is in MODE 4 with the 12 RHR Pump operating in a Normal Shutdown Cooling Mode.
The desired RCS temperature control band is 120-140°F.
- Both Reactor Recirculation pumps are OFF
Time Recirc Loop A Recirc Loop B 12 RHR HX RWCU Inlet
Suction Suction Inlet Temperature
Temperature Temperature Temperature
0900 141 139 140 139
0915 140 139 138 140
0930 140 138 137 139
0945 139 139 135 139
1000 138 138 134 140
Give the above information, what is the RCS Heatup/Cooldown rate.
A. Cooling down at 3°F/hr
B. Cooling down at 1°F/hr
C. Cooling down at 6°F/hr
D. Heating up at 1°F/hr
Answer: C
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
A, B, and D are incorrect but plausible variations of actions in order to decrease the recirculation
loop temperature at a slower rate (i.e., decrease cooldown rate).
- A. Incorrect: There may be some back-flow through the 11 RR Loop, but the temperature
of the loop will not be representative of the RCS temperature.
B. Incorrect: With the 12 RR Loop suction or discharge valve shut there will be no flow
through the loop and the indicated temperature will not be representative of the RCS
temperature.
C. Correct: The coolant flowing throught the in-service RHR train will be representative
of the RCS temperature.
D. Incorrect: With the RWCU system shutdown there will be no flow through the system
and the indicated temperatue will not be representative of the RCS temperature.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 30 (page 2 of 3)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that answer choice A is the correct answer.
I believe Question 30 should accept Answer A (cooling down at 3°F/hr) as the correct
answer. Per [procedure] 0118 (Reactor Vessel Temperature Monitoring) Recirc Loop A
is included as an acceptable method when verifying cooldown rates.
- Since idle loop injection is occurring, the 12 Recirc [Pump] Disch valve will be closed
(see B.03.04-05, page 36)
- Since both Recirc pumps are secured, normal system shutdown of both Recirc pumps
will have implemented. This procedure indicates that the suction and discharge valves
for 11 Recirc will be open to have the same cooldown rate as the vessel
(see B.01.04-05, page 57).
- Also the 0118 indicates that RPV-508 (RPV rate of change), which only includes input
from RHR, is to be used to aid in assuring cooldown rates; implying that actual cooldown
should be used from loop A temperature.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
IAW 2204 (PLANT SHUTDOWN); RPV coolant change in temperature on Screen 505
and Computer points RPV508 (RPV Rate of Change) and RPV802 (RPV Temperature)
from Special Log 15 are the representative data points for monitoring coolant
temperature rate of change as required by Tech Specs.
Based on the way that Screen 505 and Computer point RPV802 are validated, once
shutdown cooling is put in service 100% of the temperature input is from RHR. With
Recirc Pumps secured, Recirc loop temperatures no longer provide input to RPV802.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference: 2204 (Plant Shutdown)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The focus of the question is on whether or not the applicant understands the physical processes
of how temperature instrumentation, remotely located in fluid systems connected to the Reactor
Pressure Vessel, can be used to indirectly measure Reactor Coolant System (RCS)
temperature. The question does not provide for specific computer point, recorder, or other
indicator names or identification numbers, nor does it ask for that information. The key element
to answering the question is the knowledge that for a temperature instrument to provide an
output that is representative of the RCS temperature, there has to be a flow path from the RCS,
past the temperature element in the connected system. The higher the circulation flow rate
through the RPV and the connected system, the more representative the indication will be of the
average RCS temperature.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 30 (page 3 of 3)
The applicant contends that since the 11 Recirculation Loop is not expected to be isolated,
the associated temperature monitor would be representative of the RCS heatup/cooldown rate.
The applicant bases his contention on a NOTE in the Reactor Recirculation System operating
procedure that states: The pump suction and discharge valves are to be left open to facilitate
recirculation loop cooldown at the same rate as the reactor vessel cooldown. However the step
immediately following the NOTE only partially opens (three second stroke; a small fraction of the
total stroke time) the discharge valves. This would permit only a small fraction of the flow
through the RPV to be diverted through the loop. Even if the discharge valve were to be fully
opened, the flow in the 11 Recirculation Loop would be in the reverse direction through the
discharge piping and would be restricted by the Jet Pump nozzle openings and the idle pump.
The majority of the flow from the RPV would be drawn through the 11 Recirculation Loop
suction line to the 12 RHR Pump suction. Additionally, as stated in the question stem, the plant
is already in Mode 4, the plant cooldown is complete, and the concern addressed by the
referenced NOTE is of minor concern since the temperature difference between the RCS and
the un-isolated Recirculation system loop will be minor.
Section IV of procedure C.3 (Shutdown Procedure) specifies the minimum requirements
necessary to ensure that proper Reactor conditions are maintained in MODES 4 and 5, and
includes guidance for monitoring key reactor parameters. The guidance for monitoring Reactor
Water Temperature specifies that:
If neither Recirculation Pump is running.
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from one of the following:
1) If RHR Shutdown Cooling is in service,
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RHR Heat Exchanger inlet
temperature.
2) If the RWCU system is in service,
Then coolant temperature should be obtained from the RWCU inlet temperature.
Knowledge of the physical relationships and interactions discussed above, as well as the
procedure guidance contained in C.3 (Shutdown Procedure), clearly support that answer choice
C is the correct answer. The contention by the applicant that answer choice A is the only
correct answer, or that it is also correct is not support by information provided above. While the
Recirculation Loop temperature may trend similarly, the temperature information will not be
truly representative of conditions with the RPV.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 33
An ATWS event has occurred and the OATC has initiated SBLC from C-05.
Complete the statements below.
Forced circulation is __(1)__ to ensure adequate dispersion of the boron solution into the core.
RWCU pumps __(2)__ receive an automatic trip signal.
A. (1) required
(2) will
B. (1) required
(2) will NOT
C. (1) NOT required
(2) will
D. (1) NOT required
(2) will NOT
Answer: C
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
- A. (1) Incorrect, without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides
adequate dispersion of the solution into the core.
(2) Correct
- B. (1) Incorrect, without a recirculation pump running, natural circulation provides
adequate dispersion of the solution into the core.
(2) Incorrect, RWCU pumps trip on SBLC system actuation unless the isolation
interlocks are bypassed per the EOP.
C. Correct
D. (1) Correct
(2) Incorrect, RWCU pumps trip on SBLC system actuation unless the isolation
interlocks are bypassed per the EOP.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 33 (page 2 of 3)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice A is also a correct answer.
Candidate understood forced circulation to include [either] natural or motor driven
circulation. In either case, a force must be imposed on the water, whether this force is
from a difference in density or driven by a pump, there always exists a force on the
water, or it would not move. Therefore, in order to distribute the Boron the operator
forces circulation by changing level.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
Procedure B.03.05-05 (SBLC): The difference between forced recirculation and natural
circulation is defined as follows: "Without a Recirculation pump running, natural
circulation provides adequate dispersion of the solution into the core."
Procedure C.5.1-2007 (Failure to Scram): With natural circulation flow reduced, the
boron injected by SBLC may simply collect in the lower plenum and not reach the core
until flow is reestablished. However, once enough boron is injected, RPV water level is
raised to reestablish natural circulation flow and distribute the boron throughout the core
region.
MNGP originally revised this question to state "Recirc flow is" and the NRC requested
it be changed back to "Forced circulation is..."
Clarification on the meaning of "Forced Circulation" was not requested during the
administration of the exam.
Question Acceptable as Written.
Reference:
B.03.05-05 (SBLC)
C.5.1-2007 (Failure to Scram)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
Knowledge and usage of the Thermal Hydraulic terms natural circulation and forced
circulation are fundamental principles that applicants are expected to be very familiar with. The
term forced circulation is generally understood to be circulation that is driven by mechanical
forces, as opposed natural forces such as gravity and buoyancy. The applicants statement that
they understood forced circulation to be flow driven by any force is inconsistent with generic
operating fundamental knowledge.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 33 (page 3 of 3)
C.5.1-2007 (Failure to SCRAM) describes the strategies for mitigating an ATWS event.
This initial response includes, termination of forced circulation (runback and trip of the Reactor
Recirculation pumps) and lowering of RPV level, to reduce sub-cooling and increase voiding
within the core to rapidly reduce power, until control rod insertion and/or Boron injection can be
implemented to shutdown the reactor. Forced circulation is not restored until after the C.5-2007
is exited. If Boron is injected, RPV water level is maintained low until enough Boron has been
injected to maintain hot shutdown conditions within the reactor. RPV level is then slowly raised
to establish natural circulation for mixing and circulating the borated reactor coolant within the
core while additional Boron is injected until cold shutdown conditions are achieved.
The applicants contention cannot be supported, given the fundamental nature of the terms
discussed above and the information provided in the EOP basis.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 39
The plant was at rated conditions with HPCI out of service when a Group I Isolation occurred.
Given the following:
minutes later:
- The RCIC pump flow signal input to the flow controller failed HIG
- H.
Assuming that no operator action has beenProperty "Contact" (as page type) with input value "H.</br></br>Assuming that no operator action has been" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., or will be taken, complete the following statement
describing the RCIC system response.
The RCIC turbine speed will...
A. remain relatively constant.
B. Lower to approximately 2000 rpm.
C. Rise to approximately 4500 rpm and will subsequently trip on high RPV water level.
D. Rise until the mechanical overspeed trips the turbine.
Answer: B
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
In automatic flow control mode, the RCIC system flow controller compares the pump flow with
the controller-setpoint and generates a signal proportional to the difference. Controller output
of 4 mA to 20 mA corresponds to turbine speeds of 2000 rpm to 4500 rpm, respectively. In this
condition, the RCIC turbine speed would decrease due to the high flow signal and continue to
operate at 2000 rpm. The mechanical overspeed would not be reached (5625 RPM). High
water level would not be reached because the RCIC turbine is operating at minimum speed.
- A. Incorrect, plausible if the applicant believes the controller is normally in manual.
B. Correct
- C. Incorrect, this would occur if the signal failed low.
- D. Incorrect, rpm is limited to 4500 by the governor, which did not fail.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 39 (page 2 of 2)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant implies in their comment that answer choice C is also a correct answer.
IAW B.02.03-02; a loss of Flow signal will allow RCIC to drive to 4500 RPM, a failed high
flow indication will indeed drive RCIC to 2000 RPM; without knowing the size of the leak
or even if one exists; RCIC will indeed trip on high level with MSIVs closed and no leak.
Given the stated conditions; it could also continue to run at 2000 RPM. Indication or the
leak rate could help alleviate confusion. While choice is offered between RPMs, it is
entirely probable that the turbine will trip on high level.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
A leak is not stated to be occurring in the question and would not have any effect on
RCIC operation. The correct answer does not address the long term effects of RCIC
operation only that RCIC turbine speed will lower to 2000 rpm.
Question clarification not requested during exam administration.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference: B.02.03-02 (RCIC)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The applicant contends that eventually RCIC will trip on high [RPV water] level and assumes
that a leak must be occurring that will eventually lead to RCIC injection. As stated in the Facility
Response, the stem does not indicate whether the Group 1 (MSIV) Isolation was due to a steam
leak, nor if a leak is continuing after the isolation. Regardless, a Reactor Coolant System leak
will not affect how the RCIC flow controller responds to a high failure of the flow input signal. As
acknowledged by the applicant, and confirmed by the Facility, a high failure of the flow channel
input to the controller will cause the RCIC turbine speed to lower to minimum controller setting
(2000 rpm). Speed will not stay the same (answer choice A), nor will it rise (answer choices C
and D). Even if RPV conditions were such that RCIC were capable of injecting into the RPV,
that does not change the fact that RCIC turbine speed would lower. Only answer choice C
states that RCIC turbine speed would lower.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 47
The plant is operating at 100% power when a sudden pressure fault condition occurred in the
generator main transformer (Sudden Pressure Relay, SPR-63, actuates)
Which of the following completes the statements below?
This condition DIRECTLY actuates the __(1)__.
The field breaker trips open __(2)__.
A. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T)
(2) immediately
B. (1) turbine lockout relay (286/T)
(2) once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open
C. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G)
(2) immediately
D. (1) generator lockout relay (286/G)
(2) once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open
Answer: C
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
- A. (1) Incorrect, the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by the generator lockout
relay286/
- G.
(2) CorrectProperty "Contact" (as page type) with input value "G.</br></br>(2) Correct" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker.
- B. (1) Incorrect, the turbine lockout relay 286/T is actuated by the generator lockout
relay 286/G when.
(2) Incorrect, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker.
Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout.
- C. (1) Correct, SPR-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault
in the generator transformer and operation of this relay will cause the generator
lockout relay 286/G to trip.
(2) Correct, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker.
- D. (1) Correct, SPR-63; Generator transformer sudden pressure will operate for fault
in the generator transformer and operation of this relay will cause the generator
lockout relay 286/G to trip.
(2) Incorrect, generator lockout relay 286/G trips and locks out the field breaker.
Would be correct for any turbine trip not caused by a generator lockout.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 47 (page 2 of 3)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, choices C and D.
IAW B.09.02-02; when the 286/G trips; the Turbine Lockout Relay 286/T actuates
causing the Field Breaker to open after 8N7 and 8N8. The Field breaker is also listed as
a Trip and Lockout when the286/G Trip occurs. There is no mention as to whether this
is immediate for SPR-63 actuation rather that [it] occurs and thus is assumed. Because
they occur so closely together, it is operationally insignificant. However, as it is written,
there is no verbiage in the procedure that specifically cites [the] Field Breaker Trip as
immediate. There are potentially two correct answers as the actuation of the SPR does
cause 286/T to occur which does cite specifically that the Field Breaker open[s] once
8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The Facilitys position is that there is no correct answer.
From the logic prints, Main Transformer SPR directly causes a 286/G Main Generator
Lockout.
- A 286/G directly causes the Field Breaker to trip
- A 286/G directly causes 8N7 and 8N8 to trip open
- A 286/G directly causes a 286/T Main Turbine Lockout
- A 286/T directly causes the Field Breaker to open if 8N7 & 8N8 are open
All of the above occur in less than 1 second and could be considered "immediate." They are
also directly tied via the logic and could be considered "direct" actions from the SPR.
This would make both options for part 1 of the answer choices correct.
"The field breaker trips open..." once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open is a true statement
since the question doesn't ask which occurs first. The correct answer for [part 2] should
state "directly from a 286/G [actuation]" not just "immediately." This makes both options
for part 2 of the answer choices correct.
Question clarification not requested during exam administration.
There is no incorrect answer.
Reference:
B.09.02-02
NE-36013-2
NE-36442-2/3/10
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 47 (page 3 of 3)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The focus of this question is not so much on the time it takes to trip the Main Generator and
Main Turbine trips to occur, but the sequence of events and how that sequence differs between
a Generator trip and a Turbine trip.
The 286/G (Generator Lockout) relay protects the Main Generator and Main Transformer
from electrical faults (including the Main Transformer Sudden Pressure Relay, SPR-63). The
actuation of the 286/G relay immediately (and directly) trips and locks out the generator output
breakers (8N7 and 8N8) as well as the generator field breaker to ensure that the electrical are
de-energized to isolate the electrical fault. Additionally, the 286/G relay actuation immediately
initiates a Main Turbine trip by tripping the 286/T (Turbine Lockout) relay. The Main Turbine is
tripped because the complete loss of electrical load will cause the turbine speed to increase
leading to a potentially dangerous overspeed condition.
The 286/T (Turbine Lockout) relay primarily protects the Main Turbine from conditions or
malfunctions that could damage the Main Turbine. The 286/T relay also provides protection for
the Main Generator from conditions that are not an immediate threat to the Main Generator, but
that if allowed to continue could lead to generator damage. Actuation of the 286/T relay without
actuation of the 286/G relay does not immediately de-energize the Main Generator; the Main
Generator remains energized until the Generator Anti-Motor relay is actuated (approximately
seconds after the turbine trip) which trips the generator output breakers (8N7 and 8N8), which
in turn causes the Generator Field breaker to trip.
Neither the discussion above nor a review of the electrical prints provided support the facilitys
position that the Turbine Lockout Relay (286/T) is DIRECTLY actuated by the Main Transformer
Sudden Pressure Relay (SPR-63). Whether or not the chain of events occurs in less than
second is immaterial. Therefore and contrary to the facilitys position, only the 286/G option
for part 1 of the answer choices (specifically choices C and D) is correct.
If the part 2 statement is removed from the context of the question, then the completion of the
statement with the phrase, once 8N7 and 8N8 are sensed open, could be considered a true
statement. However, when the statement is completed given the context of the question, and
as discussed in the preceding paragraphs and as supported by a review of the provided
electrical drawings, the trip of the field breaker, for the scenario given by the question stem
(SPR-63 actuation), is NOT dependent upon the position of the generator output breakers
(8N7 and 8N8). Therefore, part 2 of answer choices B and D is clearly not true in the
context of the question.
The only answer choice that contains the phrases that correctly completes both statements in
the question stem, is choice C.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, that there is a correct answer, and that the original
answer is the only correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 48
The plant is at rated conditions when the following occurs:
- 8-A-29 (DIV II INVERTER Y-81 TROUBLE) is received
- The FUSE BLOWN indicator is illuminated on UPS Inverter Panel Y-81
- The Division II 120 VAC UPS System has responded as expected
Which of the following describes how the above conditions will impact components, if at all,
associated with the Primary Containment Isolation System (PCIS)?
A. PCIS will be UNAFFECTED.
B. A partial RWCU Group 3 Isolation will occur.
C. The SBGT System will start and Secondary Containment will isolate.
D. The High Temperature Isolation of the RWCU System will be blocked.
Answer: A
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
A. Correct: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power
to the distribution panels will not be lost. Additionally, placing the MBS in Bypass is
Make-Before-Break. Since power is not lost to the distribution panels, components
associated with the Containment Isolation System will NOT be affected.
B. Incorrect: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to
the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were lost to Y-80, a partial RWCU system
isolation would occur.
C. Incorrect: The inverters will transfer to the alternate source automatically and power to the
distribution panels will not be lost; if power were to be lost to Y-80, the SBGT System
would start and the Secondary Containment would isolate.
D. Incorrect: There is no loss of sync and the inverters will transfer to the alternate source
automatically and power to the distribution panels will not be lost; if power were to be
lost to Y-30, automatic isolation of the RWCU System on High Filter/Demineralizer Inlet
Temperature will be blocked due to loss of power to logic relay.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 48 (page 2 of 2)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that there are impacts on PCIS, and that answer choice C is the
correct answer.
The loss of Y-80 C.4-B.09.13.G specifies the very first Operational Implication as SBGT
Starts and Secondary Containment Isolates. The question does not give a specific
circuit loss or a total loss, therefore PCIS implications IAW the C.4-B.09.13.G for SBGT
and Secondary containment Isolations are applicable unless confirmed to not exist. The
omission of C.6-008 -A-14 does not necessarily void SBGT start; is simply states that
there is a circuit issue and not a total loss of Y-80. A Group III signal is also plausible to
valves MO-2398 and MO-2399 IAW the C.4 for loss of Y-80. There is no definitive
conditions in the question that rules out SBGT, Secondary Containment, and RWCU
affects as written.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
Question stem states "The Division II 120VAC UPS System has responded as
expected." lf the system responds as expected for an Inverter Blown Fuse, Y-30
and Y-80 would not lose power. RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment would
be unaffected.
Question clarification not requested during exam administration.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference:
8-A-29
B.09.13-02
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The applicant concluded that there was a partial or complete loss of UPS AC Distribution
Panel Y-80. As the facility response indicates, IF the Division II 120VAC UPS System
responds as expected for an Inverter Blown Fuse, Y-30 and Y-80 would not lose power
and PCIS, RWCU, SBGT and Secondary Containment components would be unaffected.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 49
The plant is at rated conditions.
If ALL AC power is lost to LC-107 and LC-108; Complete the following statements:
D71 (250 VDC DISTRIBUTION PANEL) is powered from __(1)__.
With no operator action, Y91 (480 VAC UPS) will supply all Y94 (480 VAC DISTRIBUTION
PANEL) loads for __(2)__ minutes.
A. (1) Battery #17 ONLY
(2) 30
B. (1) Battery #17 ONLY
(2) 60
C. (1) Battery #17 AND Y-91
(2) 30
D. (1) Battery #17 AND Y-91
(2) 60
Answer: A
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
A. (1) Correct
(2) Correct
B. (1) Correct
(2) Incorrect, on a loss of AC power to Y-91, the process computer panel supplies
are automatically shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC
Battery 17.
- C. (1) Incorrect, the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC-108 to Y-91, LC-107
it the alternate supply to Y-91s output to Y-94.
(2) Correct
- D. (1) Incorrect, the AC source that supplies the battery is from LC-108 to Y-91, LC-107 it
the alternate supply to Y-91s output to Y-94.
(2) Incorrect, on a loss of AC power to Y-91, the process computer panel supplies
are automatically shed after 30 minutes to extend the availability of 250 VDC
Battery 17.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 49 (page 2 of 3)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
Although not specifically stated in the applicants comment, based on the applicants original
answer to the question, the applicant contends that answer choice C is the correct answer.
If there is a Loss of Power (AC) to D71, Battery 17 and Y-91 will supply power to the
loads. From [Technical Manual] NX-17211 page 43 (attached), The DC power supplied
by either the Rectifier-Charger (Y-91) or the Battery Bank (during emergency operation)
is used as input power the Inverter section of the UP
- S. So the true, technically correct
answer is that [the] #17 battery and Y91 power the bus.Y-91 is a Rectifier and Inverter.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
The first part of the question ONLY asks where D71 is powered from. With no AC power
being provided, Battery 17 is the only power source supplying D71.
Battery 17 and Y-91 will supply the loads for 30 minutes, but that is NOT what the first
part of the question is asking.
Clarification was not requested during administration of the exam.
Question Acceptable as Written.
Reference: B.09.09-02 (UPS)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
Based on the applicants comment, the applicant has an apparent misunderstanding of what
power (AC or DC) is supplied to distribution panel D-71 as well as how USP Y-91 functions.
D-71 is a 250 VDC distribution panel and not AC as indicated in the first sentence of the
applicants comments.
Device Y-91 is a 480 VAC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capable of providing continuous
transient free AC power to 480 VAC Distribution Panel Y-94. The major elements of Y-91 are:
a) The Rectifier-Charger section which converts AC power to DC power which is then
supplied to the Inverter section of the UPS, as well as to DC Distribution Panel D-71
and Battery 17. The Rectifier-Charger is capable of providing full load support (via
the Inverter section) of 480 AC Distribution Panel Y-94, the DC load connected to
DCDistribution Panel D-71, and charging of 250 VDC Battery 17.
b) The Inverter section which converts DC power, supplied from either the
Rectifier-Charger output (Normal DC Supply) or Battery 17 via distribution panel D-71
(Alternate DC Supply), to 480 VAC power which is then supplied to 480 AC Distribution
Panel Y-94 via the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 49 (page 3 of 3)
a) Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section which routes 480 VAC power to 480 AC
Distribution Panel Y-94 from either output of the Inverter section (Normal AC Supply) or
480 VAC load center LC-107 (Alternate AC Supply). When a malfunction of the Inverter
section is sensed, the Static Switch/Bypass Circuit Breaker section automatically
transfers the supply to Y-94 from the Inverter section to the Alternate AC Supply
(LC-107).
The DC output from UPS Y-91 to D-71 is only available when 480 VAC power is being
supplied to the Rectifier-Charger section from 480 VAC load center LC-108. When LC-108 is
de-energized there is no output from the Rectifier-Charger section of UPS Y-91 and the only
DC power supply to D-71 will be Battery 17; the answer to part 1 of the question.
As stated in the DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS for the question, and confirmed by the facility
response, when all AC input power is lost to UPS Y-91, power to ALL 480 AC Distribution Panel
Y-94 loads is continuously maintained for 30 minutes by the UPS Y-91 Inverter output, with the
Inverter being supplied from Battery 17 (via D-71). Thirty minutes after power is lost to both
LC-107 and LC-108, EDG 13 load shed circuits will trip the Y-94 feeds to the computer
distribution panels; the answer to part 2 of the question.
The only answer choice which correctly completes both question statements is choice A.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 62
A plant startup is continuing following completion of Turbine-Generator roll to 1800 rpm. Prior to
Turbine-Generator synchronization, turbine speed lowers and stabilizes at 1550 rpm.
Without further operator action what is an anticipated response, if any?
A. 7-B-33 (TURBINE VIBRATION HIGH) will alarm.
B. Auxiliary Oil Pump will auto start on low oil pressure.
- C. No response, this is an expected operating characteristic.
D. 7-B-31/32 (TURB DIFF EXPANSION LONG/SHORT ROTOR) will alarm.
Answer: B
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
A. Incorrect: this is not considered a vibration-sensitive speed; continuous operation near
the turbines critical speeds of 1150, 1200 and 1400 rpm is not permitted (acceleration
should be constant in these regions), as vibrations are expected to be a concern.
B. Correct: the turbine is designed for 1800 rpm. If turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm
the Main Shaft Oil Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil
requirements so the Auxiliary Oil Pump will start at this time (AOP is placed in AUTO
during startup when shaft speed gets above 1600 rpm).
normal operation of the turbine is 1800 rpm.
D. Incorrect: a DECREASE in the turbine speed should NOT affect the general precaution
temperature limit (HP turbine first stage bowl temperature rate of change should NOT
exceed 150°F/hr) so differential expansion is not a concern; differential expansion is
more of a concern during startup.
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that there are two correct answers, answer choices A and
- B.
IAW the 2167 Plant Startup ProcedureProperty "Contact" (as page type) with input value "B.</br></br>IAW the 2167 Plant Startup Procedure" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process., step 114 has the Operator raise the speed of the
turbine in preparation for Synchronization (Completing Turbine-Generator Roll). This step
precedes step 116 which has the Operator place P-61 in Stop and then auto. It also
specifically cites increased turbine Vibrations at 1800 RPM and No Load that could cause
Turbine component damage as well as the associates C.6-007-B-33 turbine high vibrations
though not expressly stated. If one were at this step vice steps 119 and above, then this is
the correct answer. No specific declaration of step in the 2167 is cited. Thus, there are
(2) correct answers depending upon where in the 2167 the operator is at.
a) C.6-007-B-33 Turbine Vibrations as a precaution specifically cited above step 114
in the 2167.
b) Auxiliary Oil Pump auto start if past step 116.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 62 (page 2 of 4)
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility agrees with the applicant that both answer choices A and B should be accepted
as correct answers.
Correct answer justification: lf turbine speed is less than 1600 rpm the Main Shaft Oil
Pump will be ineffective and cannot supply the proper oil requirements so the AOP will
auto start on low oil pressure (AOP is placed in AUTO during startup when shaft speed
gets above 1600 rpm).
The above justification is correct; however, Procedure 2167 (PLANT STARTUP) doesn't
specifically state to place the AOP to AUTO from RUN until after the Main Turbine
reaches 1800 rpm (Step 116). The turbine would have reached 1800 rpm during
performance of Step 114. If the AOP is still in RUN it will not AUTO start.
It is not unreasonable for a candidate to assume that Step 116 had NOT been performed
yet. In this case, Choice B would not be correct.
Additionally, the caution between steps 113 and 114 provides justification that increased
vibration could occur. In this case, Choice A would be correct.
Question clarification not requested during administration.
Accept both choices A and B as correct.
Reference: Procedure 2167 (Plant Startup)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
The initial conditions, stated in the first sentence of the question stem, are that A plant startup
is continuing following completion of Turbine-Generator roll to 1800 rpm. The unstated
assumption of the question author and reviewers (both Facility and NRC reviewers) was that all
the activities associated with rolling the Turbine-Generator to 1800 rpm, including placement of
the Turbine Auxiliary Oil Pump (AOP) in a standby configuration, had been completed and that
activities associated with Turbine-Generator Synchronization were about to commence.
Both the applicants and the Facilitys response, take the position that returning the Turbine
AOP to a standby configuration cannot be performed until after the Turbine-Generator speed
reaches 1800 rpm. The Purpose section of procedure 2167 contains the following discussion
on usage of the procedure.
Since no single procedure can address every startup scenario that may be encountered,
a degree of flexibility must be provided to address all potential configurations and
situations. Although the checklists and procedures associated with startup provide a
specific sequence of steps for bringing the plant to full power, it may be prudent to
perform certain steps simultaneously.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 62 (page 3 of 4)
Reasonable flexibility in the sequence of steps is permissible provided all of the following
are satisfied:
- Steps are NOT omitted.
- Steps are performed in the manner described.
- Steps that are called for at or prior to reaching specific operating conditions are
performed before passing beyond these conditions.
From a technical standpoint, the Turbine System Description (B.06.01-02) states that whenever
the shaft speed is above 1600 rpm, the Shaft Oil Pump is capable of supplying the oil
requirements. At that time, the Auxiliary Oil Pump may be shutdown and placed in the AUTO
mode to provide backup to the shaft pump, and will start automatically on a sensed decreasing
pressure in the operating oil header.
While it is not incorrect to wait until the Turbine-Generator speed reaches 1800 rpm, both the
procedural guidance and the system design, support the position that it would be permissible to align
the AOP in its standby configuration while the Turbine-Generator was accelerating to 1800 rpm.
Applicants are briefed on the Policies and Guidelines for Taking NRC Examination (Appendix
E of NUREG 1021) prior to starting the examination. One of the guidelines addresses making
assumptions and states in part:
- If you have any questions concerning the intent or the initial conditions of a question,
do not hesitate to ask them before answering the question.
- Note that questions asked during the examination are taken into consideration during
the grading process and when reviewing applicant appeals.
- When answering a question, do not make assumptions regarding conditions that are
not specified in the question unless they occur as a consequence of other conditions
that are stated in the question.
As stated above, if the applicant had any question about the initial conditions stated in the
question, they simply needed to ask the examination proctor. However, with that being stated,
the initial conditions should have been stated more precisely.
Regarding the caution statement related to running the Turbine-Generator unloaded,
the purpose of the caution is to limit the amount of time that the Turbine-Generator is run
unloaded, specifically at the rated speed of 1800 rpm. The flow of steam through the turbine
helps to maintain even heating of the internal components. It takes almost no steam flow to
maintain the unloaded Turbine-Generator at set speed. Without the benefit of the added steam
flow that comes with increasing the load, increased vibration can occur due to rubs and
localized heating of Turbine components. While the caution specifically address operation at
rated speed (1800 rpm), it would be equally applicable at the reduced speed specified in the
question. Since the question stem did not mention any time frame associated with operation of
the Turbine-Generator at the reduced speed, high vibrations (answer choice A) is a likely
outcome.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 62 (page 4 of 4)
CONCLUSION
Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that both answer choices A and B are
acceptable answers to the question, and the answer key will be modified accordingly.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 83
A transient occurred resulting in the following conditions:
- Drywell pressure is 58 psig and slowly rising
- Torus water level is 10 ft. and steady
- Drywell temperature is 320°F and slowly rising
- Drywell radiation is 10 R/hr and slowly rising
- Attempts to spray the drywell have been unsuccessful
- Significant fuel damage is anticipated
You have determined that it is necessary to vent the Primary Containment in accordance with
C.5-3505 (VENTING PRIMARY CONTAINMENT).
Given the above information, which one of the following choices identifies:
(1) The recommended vent path?
(2) The desired strategy for venting Primary Containment?
A. (1) SBGT through the 18 inch torus vent (C.5-3505 PART C).
(2) Venting MUST be limited to ONLY the volume required to maintain pressure below
the DW pressure limit.
B. (1) SBGT through the 18 inch torus vent (C.5-3505 PART C).
(2) Venting MAY be extended for a period of time to reduce the amount of radioactivity
that may have to be released once fuel damage occurs.
C. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5-3505 PART A).
(2) Venting MUST be limited to ONLY the volume required to maintain pressure below
the DW pressure limit.
D. (1) Hard Pipe Vent (C.5-3505 PART A).
(2) Venting MAY be extended for a period of time to reduce the amount of radioactivity
that may have to be released once fuel damage occurs.
Answer: D
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
The preferred method for venting Primary Containment is through the Torus and SBGT so that
the discharge will be filtered, scrubbed and elevated. However, if SBGT ductwork is in jeopardy
of rupturing due to high pressure in containment, >2.9 psig, then the Hard Pipe Vent should be
used to minimize potential impacts on Reactor Building equipment from postulated ductwork
failure.
Early or extended Primary Containment pressure reduction to limit radioactivity release may be
appropriate if: Significant fuel damage is anticipated. Reducing primary containment pressure
while the primary containment atmosphere is still relatively clean increases the capacity of the
containment to retain fission products. Later releases, after core damage has progressed, may
thereby be avoided.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 83 (page 2 of 4)
- A. (1) Incorrect, due to potential to impacts on reactor building equipment
(2) Incorrect, plausible as in general pressure should only be reduced to maintain
below the DW pressure limit, but with significant fuel damage anticipated early or
extended releases increase the capacity of containment to retain fission products.
- B. (1) Incorrect, see A (1)
(2) Correct
C. (1) Correct
(2) Incorrect, see A (2)
D. (1) Correct
(2) Correct
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that answer choice C is also a correct answer, and may be the only
correct answer.
Understanding that Significant Fuel Damage is Anticipated; there is a paragraph above
the one utilized for this answer in C.5-3505 Bases that states the following: "If the
containment atmosphere may be contaminated, the volume released should generally
be limited to that required to maintain primary containment pressure below the D'W
pressure limit. Release Rate Limits should be exceeded only to the extent necessary
to prevent further degradation of plant conditions."
Containment pressurized where it is, is contaminated with 10 R/hr as indicated on
Figure 7.1 (Containment Radiation Monitor Response Curves) of the Core Damage
Assessment A.2-208.
Without trends as they pertain to the RPV and Containment; we cannot indiscriminately
vent the primary per the overarching Bases of C.5-3505 and General Precaution that
states the following: "If the containment atmosphere is contaminated, the volume
release should be limited to that required to maintain primary containment pressure
below the Drywell Pressure Limit (SPDS 81). Release rate limits should be exceeded
only to the extent necessary to prevent further degradation of plant conditions."
In addition, the allowance of venting for an extended period of time to reduce the amount
of radioactivity from fuel damage actually occurring is followed immediately after with:
"may be appropriate while the Primary Containment atmosphere is still relatively clean."
Not knowing the full range of effects from the transient, relatively can only be inferred;
thus both answers could be correct. Not having defined values, one can infer that
venting via the Hard Pipe vent could challenge the ODCM limits as referenced to
those in 10 CFR 50 Appendix I; therefore, limiting venting is more than reasonable.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 83 (page 3 of 4)
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line
Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 1% Fuel Failure:
- DW Pressure ~60 psig
- DW Temperature ~320°F
- DW Radiation ~10 R/hr
- DW Contamination ~0.5 uCi/gm
- Offsite Dose projection ~1 mr/hr at the site boundary
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line
Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 10% Fuel Failure:
- DW Pressure ~60 psig
- DW Temperature ~320°F
- DW Radiation ~40 R/hr
- DW Contamination ~1.5 uCi/gm
- Offsite Dose projection ~10 mr/hr at the site boundary
Similar conditions were established as follows in the simulator using a Large Steam Line
Rupture with loss of Pressure Suppression and 30% Fuel Failure:
- DW Pressure ~60 psig
- DW Temperature ~320°F
- DW Radiation ~350 R/hr
- DW Contamination ~150 uCi/gm
- Offsite Dose projection ~40 mr/hr at the site boundary
A judgment call would be made by the crew in these circumstances. Based on the
information provided above if a small amount of fuel failure is currently occurring (1%) and a
more significant amount of fuel failure is expected to occur (30%) the best course of action
is to vent longer and earlier to prevent a large late release and thus lower the dose to the
public.
Extended venting is allowed if significant fuel damage is anticipated IAW C.5.1-1200,
which is stated in the stem of the question.
Question clarification not requested during administration.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference:
C.5.1-1200
C.5-3505
A.2-208
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 83 (page 4 of 4)
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
Given the initial conditions stated in the question stem, there is no question that the
Containment must be vented, only the manner in which the Containment will be vented.
The answer to the first part of the question (recommended vent path) is not being challenged,
therefore the following discussion will be focused on whether or not the venting duration is
required to be limited.
Reducing primary containment pressure increases the capacity of the containment to retain
fission products, thereby reducing the amount of radioactivity that may have to be released to
the environment. If significant fuel damage is anticipated (as stated in the stem of the question),
early or extended venting may be appropriate while the primary containment atmosphere is still
relatively clean. The applicants contention appears to be centered on the contamination level
of the Containment atmosphere. The applicant contends that insufficient information is provided
to make a judgement on the level of contamination. The primary factor affecting the amount of
contamination within the Containment atmosphere is the amount of core damage that has taken
place. Since there is no direct way to measure the amount of core damage, it must be
determined from indirect methods. The degree of core damage is assessed through the
measurement of fission product concentrations in water and gas samples taken from the RCS
and Containment, as well as by Containment radiation dose rate measurements and measured
Containment Hydrogen concentrations. The easiest and quickest method available to Control
Room decision makers to assess the degree of core damage, is by comparing the
Containment/Drywell radiation dose rate (given in the stem of the question) to the Containment
Radiation Monitor Response Curve (Figure 7.1) in emergency response procedure A.2-208
(Core Damage Assessment). While Figure 7.1 was not provided with the examination, the
applicants are expected to have a general understanding of degree of core damage relative to
indicated Containment radiation levels. The Drywell radiation dose rate given in the stem of the
question (10R/hr) is indicative of a very low level of core damage (also supported by the
scenario information provided in the Facility response), and is consistent with a Dose Equivalent
Iodine concentration in the reactor coolant that is within or just above the Limiting Condition for
Operation (LCO) limit of Technical Specifications.
Given the discussion in the previous paragraph, as well as the initial condition in the stem
stating, Significant fuel damage is anticipated (i.e. significant core damage has not yet
occurred), it is readily apparent that the Containment atmosphere is relatively clean.
With the Containment atmospheric contamination being low and the statement that Significant
fuel damage is anticipated, the applicants concern, that extended venting could be more
detrimental to the public, is unsupportable.
CONCLUSION
Based on the above discussion, the NRC concludes that the original answer choice (D) is the
correct, and only correct answer, to the question.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 97
An EOP Flowchart change to C.5-1200 is being developed IAW 4-AWI-08.16.01 (MONTICELLO
EOP AND BEYOND-DESIGN-BASIS GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM) due to a recent
IAW 4-AWI-08.16.01, complete the statements below?
(1) The performance of a 10 CFR 50.59 __(1)__ is required for all EOP changes.
(2) EOP Verification and Validation is required to be performed __(2)__ PORC review.
A. (1) screening
(2) before
B. (1) screening
(2) after
C. (1) evaluation
(2) before
D. (1) evaluation
(2) after
Answer: A
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
4-AWI-08.16.01 requires a 10 CFR 50.59 screening to be performed for all EOP changes and
verification and validation SHALL be performed prior to submitting the flowchart revision to
PORC for review.
A. Correct
B. (1) Correct
(2) Incorrect, the verification and validation is required prior to PORC review to ensure
technical accuracy and usability.
- C. (1) Incorrect, screening is required by procedure.
(2) Correct
- D. (1) Incorrect, screening is required by procedure.
(2) Incorrect, the verification and validation is required prior to PORC review to ensure
technical accuracy and usability.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 97 (page 2 of 2)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that specific knowledge of the contents in the referenced procedure is
beyond the level required to be memorized by the applicants.
While 4 AWI-08.16.01 does call out that all EOPs will be 50.59 Screened, a
screening/evaluation is described in Part III of the QF0022 as it pertains to EOPs in the
Site Emergency Plan. The question requires memorization of 4 AWI-08.16.01 whereas
knowledge of associated procedures conflicts potential answers given.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
All EOP changes require a 10 CFR 50.59 screening.
EOP changes that affect EAL classifications for the Site Emergency Plan require a
CFR 50.54 (q) review.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference:
4-AWI-08.16.01
QF0022
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
Question does not require specific knowledge of the AWI. The applicant is expected to have a
working knowledge of the requirements for performing 10 CFR 50.59 screenings and full safety
evaluation. This includes having knowledge of types of document changes that must be
screened. The applicant is also expected to know the purpose/role of the PORC in the
procedure change and approval process.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 100
Which of the following is an INITIAL Protective Action Recommendation (PAR) for a
General Emergency Classification made in the Control Room NOT due to a loss of
the containment barrier?
A. Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 mile down wind. All others monitor and
prepare.
B. Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-10 mile down wind. All others monitor and
prepare.
C. Contact the State Planning Chief or State Duty Officer if State EOC is not
activated.
D. No protective action recommendation is appropriate when projected plume dose
rates do NOT exceed 1000 mrem (TEDE) OR 5000 mrem (CDE) thyroid dose.
Answer: A
DISTRACTOR ANALYSIS
- A. Correct: According to A.2-204, declaration of a General Emergency requires timely
initial protective action recommendations (PARs) to off-site agencies. Under these
circumstances, NO dose projections are required for formulating the initial off-site
protection action recommendation UNLESS there is a Rapidly Progressing Severe
Accident. A Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident is a General Emergency (GE) with
rapid loss of containment integrity (emergency action levels indicate containment barrier
loss) and loss of ability to cool the core. Thus, since this GE is NOT due to loss of
containment barrier per the EAL, the applicant shall conclude a GE exists WITHOUT a
Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident. Figure 7.3.A of A.2-204 is used. The applicant
should conclude the initial PAR is to Evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 miles downwind.
All others monitor and prepare.
B. Incorrect: 2-10 miles downwind is not the initial PAR distance if a Rapidly Progressing
Severe Accident does NOT exist (there is not a loss of containment barrier).
C. Incorrect: This action is taken AFTER the recommendation is made.
D. Incorrect: Initial PARs for a General Emergency involving loss of physical control or core
damage require immediate evacuation of the general public and are justified without
dose projection; recommending off-site protective actions shall not be delayed.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 100 (page 2 of 3)
APPLICANT COMMENT/CONTENTION
The applicant contends that no protective action recommendation (PAR) is appropriate (answer
choice D) since the conditions stated in the question stem do not indicate that any radiological
release is occurring or projected to occur.
PARs without a loss of containment barrier does not meet the definition for evacuation
in procedure A.2-204: "Evacuation is the removal of people from an area to avoid or
reduce high-level, short term exposure, from a plume or from deposited activity."
A.2-204 Definition second paragraph: "Initial PARs for a General Emergency involving
loss of physical control or core damage are based on NRC Response Technical Manual
RTM-93, Vol 1, Rev. 3,Section I. Immediate evacuation of the general public is justified
without dose projection."
Thus, without a loss of a containment barrier to include Primary, Fuel, or RCS and
no further information indicative of loss of control, loss of Secondary Containment or
that a release is in progress; one cannot justify evacuation, a basis for the General
emergency must be declared to evacuate as the evacuation itself could be more
dangerous to the public. A more clear indication such as the actual emergency is
required to justify evacuation. Recommend adding basis for the General Emergency
to satisfy the definition of the evacuation.
FACILITY RESPONSE AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
The facility response states that the question is acceptable as written.
A General Emergency declaration requires lnitial PARs. lf a rapidly progressing severe
accident does not exist then the PAR would be to evacuate a 2 mile radius and 2-5 miles
downwind. All others monitor and repair.
Question clarification was requested by candidate as follows:
Question: "What does NOT due to a loss of containment barrier imply?"
Response: Re-read stem to candidate as written.
Question acceptable as written.
Reference: A.2-204
NRC EVALUATION/RESOLUTION
In accordance with the Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant (MNGP) Emergency Plan and the
associated implementing procedures, whenever a General Emergency (GE) is declared,
regardless of the reason for the GE declaration, Protective Action Recommendations (PARs)
shall be made to Local and State authorities.
POST EXAM COMMENTS, EVALUATION, AND RESOLUTIONS
QUESTION No. 100 (page 3 of 3)
In accordance with Emergency Plan Implementing Procedure A.2-204 (Off-Site Protective Action
Recommendations), Control Room decision makers are given two choices (see answer choices
A and B) to select from. The only difference between the two choices is the outer radius of the
downwind sector to be evacuated. The selection is based on the determination of whether or a
not the emergency event is a Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident, which is defined as a
General Emergency (GE) with rapid loss of containment integrity (emergency action levels
indicate containment barrier loss) and loss of ability to cool the core. The question stem clearly
states that there has not been any loss of the containment barrier, therefore the event is NOT a
Rapidly Progressing Severe Accident, the PAR is as stated in answer choice A.
CONCLUSION
Based the information provided and a review of the applicable references, the NRC concludes
that the question is acceptable as written, and that the original answer is the correct answer.
SIMULATION FACILITY FIDELITY REPORT
Facility Licensee: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant
Facility Docket No: 50-263
Operating Tests Administered: November 14 through 17, 2016
The following documents observations made by the NRC examination team during the initial
operator license examination. These observations do not constitute audit or inspection findings
and are not, without further verification and review, indicative of non-compliance with Title 10 of
the Code of Federal Regulations 55.45(b). These observations do not affect NRC certification
or approval of the simulation facility other than to provide information which may be used in
future evaluations. No licensee action is required in response to these observations.
During the conduct of the simulator portion of the operating tests, the following items were
observed:
ITEM DESCRIPTION
None
P. Gardner -3-
Letter to Peter
SUBJECT: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant - NRC INITIAL LICENSE EXAMINATION
REPORT 05000263/2016301
cc: Distribution via LISTSERV
- P. Kissinger, Training Manager,
Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant