Engineering Task Plan for the Development of Footclamp

The Rotary Mode Core Sampling Trucks (RMCSTs) currently use a footclamp that utilizes a wedge design to secure the drill string. On June 18, 1998, a problem occurred while core sampling operations were being conducted. Approximately 28 ft. of drill string was inadvertently dropped into tank 241-SX-102. The root cause of this occurrence was determined to be inadequate or defective design of the footclamp being used. The footclamp in use during this occurrence relied on a wedge-type design that gripped the drill string tighter as the weight of the drill string was increased. The MAXIDRILL Model 3030 Footclamp does not rely on a wedge effect to hold the drill string; it uses spring force to engage the jaws with the drill string. The use of the MAXIDRILL Model 3030 Footclamp should eliminate any further problems of this nature and allow corrective action 2 in section 26 of the related occurrence report (RT-PHMC-TANKFARM-1998-0064) to be completed. Modifications of the base of the MAXIDRILL Model 3030 Footclamp are necessary to decrease the possibility of an injury due to the exposed jaws. Also, the plan for sampling tank 241-2-361 calls for a footclamp that will allow for total containment when the footclamp is connected to a tank riser. The need for a footclamp with total containment capabilities, and the design of a safer base for the MAXIDRILL Model 3030 Footclamp can be satisfied in the same task, The re-design of the base of the footclamp will allow for total containment while still being suitable for ''normal'' RMCS operations and improving the safety of the footclamp. This Engineering Task Plan (ETP) is the management plan document for accomplishing the identified tasks. Any changes in scope of the ETP shall require formal direction by the Characterization Engineering manager