RD26 packaging: new solution for plutonium transportation

Abstract

In the 1990s, TN International designed the RD26 package to transport waste, principally α emitters, from various nuclear plants. The RD26 packaging essentially comprises a cylindrical body, a lid, a shock absorber cover and a handling pallet; the cavity (diameter, 513 mm; length, 780 mm) can receive a 120 L drum. The overall dimensions are roughly equivalent to a 1 m cube; the weight of the empty package is 460 kg, and the weight of the loaded package is 610 kg. The RD26 can be handled by a forklift. The RD26 package is approved as a type B(M) package containing fissile materials under International Atomic Energy Agency regulations. The package’s ease of use has allowed several other types of content to be added in the RD26 approval, to facilitate different types of transportation between CEA plants and AREVA plants. Within the framework of transport optimisation, specific internals have been designed with a second leak tight container to improve the safety margins and reduce the dose rates. With these internals, the RD26 packaging is suitable for shipments with PuO₂ powder. TN international uses its high security vehicles to transport this package: 10 RD26 packages can be transported per CB9 caisson and up to 16 RD26 per CB10 caisson. TN International provides all equipment needed to use and handle the RD26 packaging. This new logistic solution offered for plutonium transport is compliant with most loading/unloading facilities.

Keywords:

• Plutonium
• Radioactive materials packaging
• Spent fuel transport
• Package design