Leak tightness of O-rings for transport of radioactive material

Abstract

A recurrent concern in the design and safety analysis of packaging for the transport of radioactive material is to characterise the leak tightness of elastomeric O-rings at low and high temperatures. Indeed, the literature and most O-ring suppliers specify data but these ones are imprecise and are not sufficient to address all safety issues for nuclear applications.

Thus, this is the reason why TN International (subsidiary of AREVA Group) has launched a programme of qualification including many tests on the different rubber grades used in its casks and has developed a method for the assessment of the seal efficiency.

Keywords:

• Leak tightness
• Permeation Leak
• Interfacial leak
• Gas permeability
• Ageing

The leak tests presented in this paper were realised by the CETIM of Nantes. The authors wish to express their appreciation to the sealing technology department of CETIM of Nantes for their contributions.