V. C. Summer has been conducting the Shutdown and Control Rod Drop Timing Technical Specification required surveillance using the plant process computer since 1991.  Prior to that a strip chart recorder (Visicorder) was used to perform this test.  A condition report was recently initiated that asks whether or not this is an appropriate method of testing.  The Visicorder was a calibrated field standard while the plant computer is not.  We are now trying to determine how to demonstrate the timing accuracy of the plant computer for use in rod drop testing.

1. Does your plant use the plant computer or another computer for rod drop testing?  If yes do you perform any type of timing accuracy test for such a computer and how do you perform such a test.

2. If you do not use a computer to perform rod drop testing what method do you use to confirm you meet the required rod drop time?

Please email or call Bill Bell with your response to this survey.

William H. Bell, PE

Chemical Engineer

Reactor Engineering

V. C. Summer Station

South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.

803-345-4389