Type A packages are used for the transport of relatively small, but significant, quantities of radioactive material. Since it is assumed that this type of package theoretically could be damaged in a severe accident and that a portion of their contents may be released, the number of radionuclides they can contain is limited by the IAEA Regulations. In the event of a release, these limits ensure that the risks from external radiation or contamination are very low. Type A packages are required to maintain their integrity during normal transport conditions and therefore are subjected to tests simulating these conditions (see below). Type A packages are used to transport radioisotopes for medical diagnosis or teletherapy, technetium, generators used to assist in the diagnosis of certain cancers, and also for some nuclear fuel cycle materials. Type A Packages
Type B Packages
Type B packages are required for the transport of highly radioactive material. These packages must withstand the same normal transport conditions as Type A packages, but because their contents exceed the Type A limits, it is necessary to specify additional resistance to release of radiation or radioactive material due to accidental damage. The concept is that this type of package must be capable of withstanding expected accident conditions, without breach of its containment or an increase in radiation to a level which would endanger the general public and those involved in rescue or clean-up operations. The adequacy of the package to this requirement is demonstrated by stringent accident conditions testing. Type B packages are used to transport material such as spent nuclear fuel and vitrified high-level waste.
Type A Package Requirements
Type B Package Requirements
Criteria
Requirements
Criteria
Requirements
General requirements for all packages. Additional pressure and temperature requirements if transported by air Type A additional requirements (seals, tie-downs, temperature, containment, reduced pressure, valves).
Design requirements
General requirements for all packages. Additional pressure and temperature requirements if transported by air Type A additional requirements (seals, tie-downs, temperature, containment, reduced pressure, valves).
Design requirements
Each of the following tests must be preceded by a water spray test: Free drop (from 0.3 – 1.2 metres, depending on the mass
Test requirements - normal transport conditions
Each of the following tests must be preceded by a water spray test: Free drop (from 0.3 – 1.2 metres, depending on the mass
of the package) Stacking or compression Penetration (6kg bar dropped from 1 metre).
Test requirements - normal transport conditions
of the package) Stacking or compression Penetration (6kg bar dropped from 1 metre).
Cumulative effects of: Free drop from 9 metres or dynamic crush test (drop of a 500kg mass from 9 metres onto a specimen), Puncture test, Thermal test (fire of 800°C intensity for 30 minutes), Immersion (15 metres for 8 hours), Enhanced immersion test for packages carrying a large amount of radioactive material (200 metres for 1 hour).
Test requirements - accidental transport conditions
Gamma ray source projectors are an example of a Type A Package
A SAFPAK is an example of a Type A package and can hold samples, liquids and solids.
An Introduction to Waste Management at Sellafield Ltd 24
An Introduction to Waste Management at Sellafield Ltd 25
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