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Deluge System Activation Failure: Lessons from Pantex Incident on March 27, 2012

On March 27, 2012, Pantex facility workers reported a smoke smell, prompting an emergency response. The sole deluge system manual release failed to activate, despite the fire alarm functioning. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a solenoid valve obstruction was responsible for the failure. The solenoid, outdated and no longer sold since 1991, showed signs of corrosion. This incident highlighted critical issues in fire protection engineering and system operability assurance, and reinforced the need for updated testing protocols and personnel vigilance.

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Deluge System Activation Failure: Lessons from Pantex Incident on March 27, 2012

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Welcome to Deluge System Activation Failure Brian T. Rhodes, PXSO, SSO Fire Protection Randy Lanham, B&W Pantex, Fire Protection Program Manager

  2. Information Rich Event On 3-27-2012 around 1330 hours, facility workers smelled smoke • Stopped work and called the Emergency Service Dispatch Center • Using a Sitewide standard operating procedure, Dispatchers informed the occupants to activate the pull box and evacuate the facility.

  3. Information Rich Event • The only pull box in the bay was a manual deluge release. • After manual deluge release was activated the Deluge system did not release water. • Fire alarm functioned and transmitted alarm to dispatch.

  4. Information Rich Event • Reported as a system failure of an SSC when required to be operable • Uncovered more than a failed SSC

  5. Deluge System Activation Failure • The Fire Department was sent to the facility on the smell of smoke • They were told by dispatch that the manual pull station was activated • Upon arriving and sweeping the facility for signs of a fire, hot work was discovered as the issue of the smoke

  6. Troubleshooting • Fire Protection Engineering lead the effort of troubleshooting the failure. • It was determined to be the solenoid valve was obstructing flow and preventing system activation. • Solenoid has a torturous path for water flow

  7. Inside, Top of the Solenoid

  8. Inside, Bottom of Solenoid

  9. Solenoid Diaphragm and Pin (Suspect one on the left)

  10. Solenoid Diaphragm and Pin

  11. Troubleshooting • Troubleshooting included: • Strainer inspections • Electrical checks at the solenoid and releasing module • Suspect solenoid was removed and tried in another facility with similar results • Suspect solenoid diaphragm and pin were successfully tested in a different valve body

  12. Investigation Information • Solenoid valve model no longer sold by manufacture since 1991 • Solenoid had an operating pressure of 150 psi. System pressure normally higher approximately 155-165 psi • Valve still designed to operate with higher pressure, but might lead to premature diaphragm failure • Problem identified in the NRC Information Notice 99-07

  13. Investigation Information • First failure of a Deluge system solenoid valve at Pantex • During system impairment for underground water main upgrade the system was out of service for 2 months in January 2012. • Discovered corrosion on inside of solenoid valve which was the assumed failure of the valve.

  14. Lessons Learned • Fire system restoration procedures should provide assurance of system operability • Vendor testing information has changed (periodically to quarterly) • Personnel should have questioning attitudes.

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