Headquarters Daily Report
APRIL 16, 1999
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REPORT NEGATIVE NO INPUT
ATTACHED INPUT RECEIVED RECEIVED
HEADQUARTERS X
REGION I X
REGION II X
REGION III X
REGION IV X
PRIORITY ATTENTION REQUIRED MORNING REPORT - REGION II APRIL 16, 1999
Licensee/Facility: Notification:
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. MR Number: 2-99-0010
Summer 1 Date: 04/16/99
Jenkinsville,South Carolina
Dockets: 50-395
PWR/W-3-LP
Subject: POTENTIAL FUEL ASSEMBLY TOP NOZZLE DEFECT
Discussion:
On April 13, while removing fuel assemblies from the reactor core, the
licensee noted that a fuel assembly, which was withdrawn about eleven
feet, was not properly latched. Refueling activities were suspended and
personnel not associated with refueling activities exited the reactor
building. The partially withdrawn fuel assembly was placed into a vacant
core position which would allow for a better visual inspection of the
assembly. The licensee had also been unsuccessful in latching the
previously discharged fuel assembly which was in the upender in the spent
fuel pit.
A video camera inspection revealed an approximately one-eighth inch gap
between the hold down spring block assembly and the top nozzle. The
licensee hypothesizes that with the hold down spring block assembly
raised slightly, the fuel handling tool reference and stop pins may be
preventing the handling tool from properly latching the fuel assemblies.
Also, through video camera inspections, the licensee has identified gaps
on other Westinghouse fuel assemblies which were loaded in the same core
cycle.
The spent fuel pit handling tool was modified to remove the reference and
stop pins and the fuel assembly in the upender has been placed in the
spent fuel pit. The licensee did not perform the same modification on
the fuel handling tool in the reactor building. Since the licensee was
successful in removing eleven similar fuel assemblies (loaded in the same
core cycle) before the above problems occurred, the licensee believed
core offload could resume by utilizing a video camera to verify proper
latching. Since the restart of defueling activities at 3:45 a.m. on
April 19, the licensee has been successful in latching and moving fuel
assemblies.
The licensee is considering replacement of the entire top nozzle on those
fuel assemblies scheduled to be reloaded that have a gap between the hold
down spring block assembly and the top nozzle. A Westinghouse
representative is onsite. The reason for the gaps is presently not known.
The licensee is evaluating this event for Part 21 reporting
applicability.
Regional Action:
The resident inspectors are following core offload activities. One area
that will receive focused attention is the use of the video camera to
verify proper latching of the fuel handling tool to the fuel assemblies.
Contact: L. GARNER (404)562-4552
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REGION III MORNING REPORT PAGE 2 APRIL 16, 1999
Licensee/Facility: Notification:
Commonwealth Edison Co. MR Number: 3-99-0028
Braidwood 2 Date: 04/16/99
Braceville,Illinois SRI/RI PC
Dockets: 50-457
PWR/W-4-LP
Subject: Change in status of Braidwood Unit 2
Discussion:
The Unit 2 turbine tripped causing a reactor scram at 4:33 a.m. on April
14. The cause of the turbine trip appeared to be a faulty voltage
regulator card. The licensee restarted Unit 2 and went critical at 11:07
p.m. on April 14. However, due to problems with the rod control system
the licensee tripped Unit 2 from 12 percent power at 1:01 p.m. on April
15. The start up was observed by the resident inspectors. The resident
inspectors responded to the site after the reactor trip and observed the
Unit 2 startup on April 14 and subsequent reactor trip on April 15. The
licensee repaired the rod control system, restarted Unit 2 and went
critical at 5:53 a.m. on April 16.
Regional Action:
Resident Inspector followup.
Contact: Michael Jordan (630)829-9637
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REGION III MORNING REPORT PAGE 3 APRIL 16, 1999
Licensee/Facility: Notification:
Illinois Power Co. MR Number: 3-99-0029
Clinton 1 Date: 04/16/99
Clinton,Illinois Licensee Press Release
Dockets: 50-461
BWR/GE-6
Subject: Announcement of interim sell agreement of Clinton Power Station
to AmerGen
Discussion:
Illinois Power announced that an interim sell agreement has been made
with AmerGen Energy Company. Both parties expect finalization of the sale
by June 15, 1999. PECO Energy, which contracted with Illinois Power for
management services at Clinton, will continue to manage the station
pending the parties reaching a final agreement and closing a sale.
Regional Action:
None, information only.
Contact: T. Kozak, Chief DRP (630)829-9866
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