Croft - White Papers
Helicopter drop testing of Type B packages in UK
Testing was carried out in UK in 1986 to demonstrate the ability of two type B packages designed to pass the 9 m drop test criteria in the IAEA SS6 1985 transport regulations, to provide a high degree of containment even under an extended drop test as might result from a package being released from an aircraft in a mid air incident at high altitude. The tests showed that the contents would be completely contained within the containment vessel of the package. The present paper is presented to document these tests, on packages used for the transport of radioactive materials, which have not been reported elsewhere. These data serve as a useful addition to the literature of extra regulatory testing that has been carried out on an international basis. Download Helicopter drop testing of Type B packages white paper here
R. Vaughan and L. M. Farrington
Design and Licensing of the UKAEA IP 2m Box for Intermediate Level Waste Storage and Disposal
Croft was contracted by UKAEA, Winfrith in 2006 to design, manufacture, test and license an ILW IP transport packaging (UKAEA 2m Box Design No 3954) for decommissioning waste from the Dragon and SGHWR reactors at Winfrith. The package had to meet the requirements of the existing NDA (Nirex) 2m Box specification. The UKAEA 2m Box is intended for on-site storage at Winfrith and possibly another site for 50 years and subsequent transport to the NDA repository without further processing. The design of the box closure includes a leak testable sealing system which is capable of being replaced at a later date (eg before shipment), by the removal of the lid and replacement of seals remote from the box location. Initially the specification for the UKAEA 2m Box called for rating for gross weight of 40t, but this was raised to 50t as it was realised that the efficient use of the capacity of the box would result in a 50t gross weight. Two prototype 2m Boxes were produced with one being provided with 100mm of concrete shielding and the other without any shielding. This shielded box was filled with simulated waste and a concrete grout cap fitted and the 50t package was dropped onto the massive target at Winfrith from a height of 300mm (this being the regulatory test height). The test showed that the box performed as expected; meeting all requirements. In particular: there was no loss of shielding and no effect on the containment system that would reduce its effectiveness. Download Design and Licensing of the UKAEA IP 2m Box white paper here
R P Hows, S Marshall and R A Vaughan
IP-2 Package Containing Plutonium Contaminated Slag Pots
Croft Associates were approached by PC Richardson to carry out the licensing of an IP2 package containing Plutonium contaminated slag pots. This project provided several unique challenges for all those involved. The slag pots belonged to Outokumpu a steel company based in Sheffield. During use, sampling indicated a high level of plutonium in the form of Pu 238 was present in a slag pot. Further sampling identified that 4 slag pots were contaminated with Pu 238 and required disposal. The source of the Pu-238 contamination was believed to be a single heart pacemaker present in scrap that was melted down for reuse. All 4 slag pots weighed between 50 to 60 tonnes and 3 had large patched cracks. The size and nature of the contamination prevented the slag pots being broken up therefore they had to be packaged and transported intact. REMAC designed a steel box to package the slag pots. It was the responsibility of Croft to license this package. Several challenges were faced when licensing: firstly the weight, size and contents prevented any physical drop testing of the package. Secondly the box was to be assembled around the slag pot, limiting the leak testing that could be carried out. All drop testing was therefore carried out by finite element analysis by AMEC NNC. This approach was also used to check the tie down and lifting systems. Leak testing was carried out via the soap bubble method on the assembled box prior to grouting. The transportation box, once assembled and licensed, was transported to Drigg from Sheffield by road. Download IP-2 Package white paper here
R P Hows, S H Marshall and R A Vaughan
Croft's containers, packaging, packages and transport solutions are suitable for the following materials:
radioactive, nuclear, isotope, source, waste, sample, intermediate level waste, ILW, low level waste, LLW, Type A radioactive, Type B radioactive, IP radioactive, Type A fissile, Type B fissile, DOT 7A, 20WC, DOT Spec.
Croft has an extensive and a total capacity in the following areas: Standard Products, Customised Design, Manufacturing and Testing of Prototypes, Competent Authority Approvals, Supply of Containers, Maintenance of Containers, Supervision of Container Manufacture, Regulatory Testing, Project Management, Consultancy, Option Studies, Feasibility Studies.
