Part 21 Report - 2000-160

 

 

PECO PowerLabs SM	PECO Energy Company
Testing and Solutions Guaranteed.	175 North Cain Road
	Coatesville, PA 19320
Kenneth Peters	May 26, 2000
New York Power Authority
Indian Point # 3 Nuclear Power Plant
P.O. Box 315
Buchanan, NY 10511

Subject: 10CFR PART 21.21 (b) Notification

Reference: Telecon: F. Cebular and W.T. Baxter (PECO PowerLabs) to R. Burroni (IP3), May 25, 2000

Dear Mr. Peters:

On May 24, 2000 we identified a deviation within our operations regarding the calibration of VOTES (Valve Operation Test & Evaluation System) valve stem deflection system instrumentation. Calibration of the VOTES clamp, performed by a specific technician, was not completed in accordance with prescribed calibration requirements. This calibration process requires that 30 test points be measured through simulated application of load using the calibration fixture. These measurements (coefficient values) represent deflection and provide an indication of proper valve operation (e.g. seating).

The sensitivity of the VOTES clamp is determined by taking an average of the 30 test points. The stations verify valve operability using the calculated sensitivity.

It was established from review of calibration records and discussion with the noted technician that only 10 of 30 test points were measured for as-found data. Therefore the sensitivity of the VOTES probe was based on an average of ten rather than 30 test point readings as required by the calibration format.

The noted technician performed the most recent calibration of the following IP3 VOTES clamps:

IP3 M-1943-0005 Liberty Technology Model No. MCC-100

IP3 M-1943-0004 Liberty Technology Model No. MCC-100

IP3 M-1943-0002 Liberty Technology Model No. ECC-225

IP3 M-1965-0002 Liberty Technology Model No. ECC-225

PECO PowerLabs has taken immediate action in response to the identified deviation through our corrective action process, and determined the technical acceptability of the calibration performed by the noted technician on the basis of the following:

The technical adequacy of taking 10 readings as opposed to 30 readings was evaluated. The 30 readings provide an increased confidence level, but do not assure greater accuracy. As long as the 10 points taken were within the prescribed tolerance for the subject VOTES clamps, the accuracy of the system is within tolerance. Additional justification that the VOTES clamps are within the prescribed tolerance was provided by re-calibration of a random sample of such clamps previously calibrated by the noted technician.

While we cannot evaluate the impact of this deviation on your operation, the above information is provided for your assistance. Should you desire re-calibration of your equipment, we will provide this service in an expedited fashion at our expense.

As a follow-up to the referenced telecon, a draft copy of this letter was faxed to Rich Burroni - l&C Manager on 5/25/2000.

Should you have questions in regard to this matter, please contact Frank Cebular, Production Manager, (610)380-2423 or Tim Baxter, Quality Assurance Manager, (610) 380-2374.

Sincerely

George C. Bell

Director

Copy to:

David Helker

PECO Nuclear Licensing

H. J. Miller

USNRC

USNRC

Document Control Desk

PECO PowerLabs SM	PECO Energy Company
Testing and Solutions Guaranteed.	175 North Cain Road
	Coatesville, PA 19320
George Tasick	May 26, 2000
James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant
268 Lake Road
Lycoming, NY 13093

Subject: 10CFR PART 21.21 (b) Notification

Telecon: F. Cebular and W.T. Baxter (PECO PowerLabs) to Mike Reno (JAF), May 26, 2000

Dear Mr. Tasick:

On May 24, 2000 we identified a deviation within our operations regarding the calibration of VOTES (Valve Operation Test & Evaluation System) valve stem deflection system instrumentation. Calibration of the VOTES clamp, performed by a specific technician, was not completed in accordance with prescribed calibration requirements. This calibration process requires that 30 test points be measured through simulated application of load using the calibration fixture.These measurements (coefficient values) represent deflection and provide an indication of proper valve operation (e.g. seating).

The sensitivity of the VOTES clamp is determined by taking an average of the 30 test points. The stations verify valve operability using the calculated sensitivity.

It was established from review of calibration records and discussion with the noted technician that only 10 of 30 test points were measured for as-found data. Therefore the sensitivity of the VOTES probe was based on an average of ten rather than 30 test point readings required by the calibration format.

The noted technician performed the most recent calibration of the following J.A. Fitzpatrick VOTES clamps:

JAF E-181 Liberty Technology Model No. DCC-100

JAF E-244 Liberty Technology Model No. MUC-100

JAF E-221 Liberty Technology Model No. DCC-100

JAF E-300 Liberty Technology Model No. DCC-350

JAF E-132 Liberty Technology Model No. CCL-100

JAF E-148 Liberty Technology Model No. MCC-100

JAF E-219 Liberty Technology Model No. CCL-100

JAF E-299 Liberty Technology Model No. DCC-350

JAF E-360 Liberty Technology Model No. EMC-125

JAF E-180 Liberty Technology Model No. DCC-100

JAF E-182 Liberty Technology Model No. MUC-100

JAF E-1058 Liberty Technology Model No. VVC-100

JAF E-129 Liberty Technology Model No. UCL-100

JAF E-130 Liberty Technology Model No. UCL-100

JAF E-232 Liberty Technology Model No. UCL-100

JAF E-134 Liberty Technology Model No.MCC-100

JAF E-1018 Liberty Technology Model No.CCL-100

JAF E-133 Liberty Technology Model No.SCL-100

JAF E-297 Liberty Technology Model No.ECC-225

JAF E-2023 Liberty Technology Model No.CCL-100

JAF E-2025 Liberty Technology Model No. EMC-125

JAF E-147 Liberty Technology Model No.MUC-100

JAF E-296 Liberty Technology Model No. ECC-225

PECO PowerLabs immediately responded to the identified deviation through our corrective action process, and determined the technical acceptability of the calibration performed by the noted technician on the basis of the following:

The technical adequacy of taking 10 readings as opposed to 30 readings was evaluated. The 30 readings provide an increased confidence level, but do not assure greater accuracy. As long as the 10 points taken were within the prescribed tolerance for the subject VOTES clamps, the accuracy of the system is within tolerance. Additional justification that the VOTES clamps are within the prescribed tolerance was provided by re-calibration of a random sample of such clamps previously calibrated by the noted technician.

While we cannot evaluate the impact of this deviation on your operation, the above information is provided for your assistance. Should you desire re-calibration of your equipment, we will provide this service in an expedited fashion at our expense.

As a follow-up to the referenced telecon, a draft copy of this letter was faxed to Mike Reno - I&C Manager on 5/26/2000.

Should you have questions in regard to this matter, please contact Frank Cebular, Production Manager, (610) 380-2423 or Tim Baxter, Quality Assurance Manager, (610) 380-2374.

Sincerely,

George C. Bell

Director

Copy to:

David Helker

PECO Nuclear Licensing

H. J. Miller USNRC

USNRC Document Control Desk