EP1700315A2 - Device and method for packing nuclear fuel assemblies having a double containment barrier - Google Patents

Device and method for packing nuclear fuel assemblies having a double containment barrier

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Publication number
EP1700315A2
EP1700315A2 EP04805791A EP04805791A EP1700315A2 EP 1700315 A2 EP1700315 A2 EP 1700315A2 EP 04805791 A EP04805791 A EP 04805791A EP 04805791 A EP04805791 A EP 04805791A EP 1700315 A2 EP1700315 A2 EP 1700315A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
internal
external
passage
drainage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04805791A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1700315B1 (en
Inventor
René CHIOCCA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TN International SA
Original Assignee
Cogema Logistics SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cogema Logistics SA filed Critical Cogema Logistics SA
Publication of EP1700315A2 publication Critical patent/EP1700315A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1700315B1 publication Critical patent/EP1700315B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/005—Containers for solid radioactive wastes, e.g. for ultimate disposal
    • G21F5/008—Containers for fuel elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/005—Containers for solid radioactive wastes, e.g. for ultimate disposal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/12—Closures for containers; Sealing arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the packaging of nuclear fuel assemblies and more particularly to the devices allowing a double confinement of the assemblies, as well as to the conditioning procedure in the containers before a possible transport or storage.
  • Nuclear fuel assemblies require special procedures for their use, transport, and even as waste. Thus, after use, the spent nuclear fuel assemblies of nuclear power plants must be stored. Nuclear power plants certainly have a swimming pool in which these assemblies are kept, but this storage is temporary, and the nuclear fuel assemblies must then be evacuated to storage sites that are said to be “final or interim”, safe including in particular sealed metal enclosures protected by concrete storage modules. To transport them to their destination, it is necessary to place the sealed enclosures containing the nuclear fuel assemblies in “temporary” radiation protection containers. The rules safety which impose a confinement of nuclear fuel assemblies in a sealed metal container are met, the container itself being arranged in a package with radiation protective walls, said transfer package.
  • the metal container essentially comprises a hollow tubular body, of generally cylindrical shape with circular section, provided with a closed lower end and with a fully open upper end.
  • Document FR 2 805 655 gives an example of this technique.
  • the disadvantage of this method is the heaviness, and thereby the duration and the cost, both of the enclosure and of the manipulating tools and arms.
  • second confinement is necessary in addition to the confinement provided by the sealed metal container: an additional double enclosure must be put in place. Certain legislations moreover impose this double enclosure. In this case, the conditioning under water has not yet been operational, in particular due to the drainage problems of the second confinement enclosure in particular.
  • the invention proposes to solve the problems inherent in the drainage of double containers.
  • the invention relates to a device of double containers which makes it possible, thanks to its geometry, to ensure a drainage and an inert gas setting of the external container or to check the tightness. Thanks to the presence of a free passage between the two containers, which are also adjusted one inside the other, the drainage of the external container can be carried out, for example, by a dip tube which descends to the bottom of the container.
  • This has moreover, the advantage that all of the actions can take place on the same upper end of the containers, which is preferable for closing after partial exit from the pool, and thereby making the tools used lighter, increasing the safety of personnel.
  • the two containers can be a sealed metal container and its radioprotective packaging, but it is also possible that each of the containers is a sealed metallic container for packaging, the device possibly being itself integrated into a radioprotective packaging. Double confinement under water can thus be achieved without weighing down the packaging system by the presence of a dry confinement enclosure.
  • the internal container is a sealed metal container which has a central chimney, that is to say that it has, in section, an annular shape. The chimney will be used for the drainage and the placing under inert gas of the external container, and / or the control of the tightness.
  • a closure plate system makes it possible to ensure the tightness of the internal container before proceeding to the closing and the drainage of the external container. The same cover plate system can be used for the outer container.
  • the invention further relates to a method of draining a double container, as well as a method of packaging radioactive material using this drainage. These processes make it possible to condition the material under water.
  • two sealed metal containers are used, in order to ensure a double confinement of the radioactive material without weighing down the necessary material by the presence of a dry enclosure, each step being able to be carried out under water.
  • the invention also relates in another aspect to an internal sealed metal container, the shape of which makes it possible to facilitate current procedures, in particular as regards the emptying, and therefore the sealing, of the external container in which it will be by the suite conditioned.
  • the inner container composed of a conventional container with an irremovable bottom, also has a chimney which crosses the bottom and which leaves a free passage when the container is sealed. This passage allows the introduction of gas and / or aspiration into the surrounding container.
  • Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an internal metal container with baskets and closure.
  • Figure 2 shows an example of a drainage device.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows possible geometries for the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 schematically shows a drainage procedure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of the main components of a device for double sealed metal containers.
  • FIG. 6 shows an example of a block diagram of a device for double sealed metal containers.
  • FIG. 1 shows a metallic containment container (20), formed of a cylindrical container with side walls and loading opening, closed at its lower end by a non-removable bottom.
  • the metal container (20) is further crossed along its axis by a chimney (25) of circular section: the chimney therefore has walls along its length but remains open at its two ends.
  • the walls of the container that is to say both the side walls and those of the chimney, support the radioactivity but are not necessarily radioprotective. It is clear that these different forms and arrangements are preferred but not essential examples: for example a container of rectangular section, a lateral chimney and / or a chimney of another shape are other possibilities.
  • the containment container (20) Before loading the spent fuel assemblies (1), the containment container (20) is placed in the pool of the nuclear power plant. In the context of security measures and in particular of the methods according to the invention, most of the time, the container is previously introduced into another container, or even two, as will be described later. Inside the metal container, it is possible to place, preferably before immersion in the swimming pool, a basket (2) for nuclear fuel assemblies (1). Another possibility is the stacking of baskets. In this context, one can for example put the lower basket (3), fill after immersion the cells (5) of the basket with fuel, then repeat with the upper basket (4), the base of which is filtering. Note that in the present and preferred case, the chimney (25) takes the place of a cell (5) of the basket.
  • a filter plate (26) which makes it possible to retain the impurities in the baskets, without them reaching the closing system.
  • a drainage device (22) provided with two self-sealing orifices and a dip tube (23) is placed in the upper part of the container, the along the wall which is not that of the chimney; preferably, it is located above a space left free by the cells (5) and welded to the wall.
  • the dip tube (23) is connected, preferably by welding, to one of the two self-sealing orifices of the device (22); the second orifice (24) opens under the device and serves as a vent. It is also possible to weld the drainage device (22) with its dip tube (23) before placing the baskets (2, 3, 4). To ensure axial radiation protection during drainage and closing operations, a shielded plug (27) is placed above the filter plate.
  • This shielded plug however leaves access to the drainage device (22) equipped with the dip tube (23) free: the drainage and the placing under inert gas of the container will therefore be ensured. Thanks to the plug (27), it is then possible to remove the metal container (20), as well as the container (s) surrounding it, from the swimming pool, the latter ensuring radial radiological protection.
  • a primary closure plate (28) Level water is lowered into the container just below the level of the shielded plug (27). The primary sealing plate (28) is then put in place, for example by welding along the walls of the chimney (25), the metal container (20) and the drainage device (22). Then, the metal container can be emptied.
  • One of the methods used for emptying consists of injecting compressed air through the self-sealing orifice (24) or aspirating through the drainage tube (23). Then, the metal container (20) is drained and dried by vacuum suction; drying can be checked by a pressure rise test. Finally, an inert gas (N 2 or preferably He) is injected. Preferably, the upper end of the drainage device (22) is then closed by welding an orifice plate (28 ') (see FIG. 5).
  • a secondary closure plate (29) is provided in an annular shape, which is housed inside the walls of the metal container (20), above the primary plate (28), but which also covers the drainage device. (22), in order to make the metal container watertight, for example by welding.
  • this plate (29) By the presence of this plate (29), it is also possible to verify the tightness of the assembly formed beforehand by checking the gas exchange. It is noted that the fuel is now confined in the metal container (20) which forms a closed volume, with the exception of the chimney (25) which passes through the primary closure plates (28) and secondary (29), as well as the bottom of the container (20).
  • the chimney (25) is used for the drainage of the container surrounding the first metal confinement container: the chimney leaves a passage which will allow gas and liquid exchanges right through in the container (30, 40) surrounding the metal container (20).
  • the sealed metallic containment container (20) is usually located in a second container (30).
  • the two containers are adjusted: the space between them is preferably minimal; moreover, it is desirable to avoid movement between the two containers and to limit the volume of residual gas between the two containers which is harmful in view of the heat exchanges.
  • the space between them is preferably minimal; moreover, it is desirable to avoid movement between the two containers and to limit the volume of residual gas between the two containers which is harmful in view of the heat exchanges.
  • a clearance of a few millimeters (1 cm maximum) is usually tolerated between the two containers whose diameter is of the order of 1 m - 1.5 m (the usual length is 3 to 4.5 m, with a chimney of about 80 mm in diameter, the size of a fuel assembly).
  • the second container, or external container was present in the swimming pool under for example 10 m of water.
  • FIG. 3a shows the embodiment with chimney according to the invention, which is preferred because the symmetrical containers are easier to handle during automated welding procedures.
  • FIG. 3c can be recommended if, for example, the shape of the fuel baskets cannot be adapted to the "hole" necessary for the passage of the chimney.
  • a protrusion (35) on the outer container (30) fulfills the same function.
  • the drainage process is then as follows: the device (10) is prepared, with placement of the internal metal container (20) in the external container (30) and immersion in the loading pool (FIG. 4a). To facilitate and optimize future drainage procedures, it is preferable to leave a clearance at the bottom between the two containers, for example by means of spacers (37).
  • the internal metal container is filled and sealed, for example according to the procedure described above ( Figure 4b).
  • the external container is closed by means of a sealed cover (38) comprising, welded in the central part as part of the figure, a drainage device (32) similar to the device used to drain the internal container or as shown in FIG. 2 : the drainage device (32) is thus provided with a first self-sealing orifice to which a dip tube (33) is connected, and with a second self-sealing orifice (34) opening under the drainage device and acting as vent (see Figure 5).
  • the drainage device (32) is actually located opposite the passage (15) so that the dip tube (33) can enter the passage. It can then be drained (Figure 4c): compressed air is injected through the orifice (34) or we proceed by suction through the drainage tube (33) to remove the residual water.
  • a check of the tightness of the external container can preferably be carried out via the passage (15), for example by pressure rise test. Likewise, a possible control of the drying can be implemented by a pressure rise test. Finally, an inert gas (He or N 2 ) is injected. Then, the two self-sealing orifices are plugged, for example by welding an orifice plate (38 ′) above the drainage device (32) in order to ensure containment. As for the internal metal container, it is possible to ensure sealing using a second waterproof cover (39) which will be welded to the external envelope (30) (FIG. 4d), and to check this sealing, in particular by pressure rise in the space between the covers (38, 39).
  • He or N 2 inert gas
  • the external container (30) can be a storage and / or transfer package (40), the side walls of which are then radioprotective.
  • This packaging is closed at its lower end (in the direction of FIG. 4), removably or not, depending on the unloading procedure in the storage site. It has a cover (38) for its other end.
  • This cover can for example be screwed, but if long-term storage is planned, welding can be carried out.
  • the self-sealing orifices are closed by sealing with a pad and then a tap, before proceeding with the final sealing. Thanks to the device and drainage according to the invention, the closing process is simplified compared to existing procedures. In fact, compared to the device shown in document US Pat. No.
  • the cover (38) here has a drainage device (32) by which drainage and placing under inert gas are carried out and / or means for controlling the sealing; all actions subsequent to drainage and closing are carried out at this same end of the packaging. It is therefore not necessary to use a second system to close a side opening located at the bottom of packaging. Furthermore, the methods employing single-port transfer packaging used in the prior art require complex procedures to avoid the introduction of water between the two containers and means of control in order to ensure that the sealing was retained. Another advantage of the drainage method according to the invention is therefore the possibility of operating a double confinement. To this end, the external container is chosen as being a second metallic containment container (30).
  • Such a metal container has a non-removable bottom, and will normally be sealed “permanently”.
  • the bottom of the external metal container can be radioprotective, but this is not a necessity. It may include spacing pads (37).
  • the procedure for closing / draining the external metal container (30) resembles that described above for the internal metal container (20).
  • the radioprotective cap is not useful, the radiation protection being provided by the cap (27) of the internal metal container (20).
  • a second primary closure plate (38) is provided to close the second metal container (30); it has in its center a drainage device (32), provided with a dip tube (33) which penetrates into the chimney (25) which remains free, in order to ensure emptying and placing under inert gas of the second external metal container (30 ).
  • the primary closure plate (38) can be fixed by welding.
  • a second secondary sealing plate (39) in the context of this circular example, will make the second metal container leaktight (30), with possible leakage control. If the assembly (10) of the two metal containers (20, 30) is used for storage or transport, it is also possible to package the external metal container (30) in a transfer packaging (40) with radio walls. protective according to known methods.
  • each metal container (20, 30) can be carried out by any suitable technique, such as by manual welding.
  • automatic welding is proposed (see Figures 6a to 6f), particularly suitable in the context of the double confinement presented.
  • FIG. 6a the preparation of the packaging assembly can be seen, with the internal metal container (20) inserted in the external metal container (30), itself integrated into the transfer packaging (40) via a seal, here inflatable.
  • the nuclear fuel assemblies (1) are placed in the basket.
  • a shielded cap (27) is placed above a filter plate (26), and the full transfer package (40) is partially removed from the pool, and positioned in the zone of "preparation, welding".
  • the primary closure plate (38) of the external metal container (30) is also welded, with the location of its drainage device (32) opposite the chimney (25), thanks to the automatic welding machine previously positioned, before emptying and placing the external metal container (30) under inert gas. f. Finally, the secondary closure plate (39) of the external metal container is brought into position before welding to close the closure plate by virtue of the automatic welding machine previously positioned.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The transport and storage of nuclear fuel assemblies can necessitate a double containment according to the circumstances. The invention provides a device and a method that make it possible to provide this double containment without requiring a hot enclosure and/or the loading and pre-positioning steps can be effected in a pool. The device (10) comprises an inner sealed metal packing container (20) and an outer sealed container (30). When the inner container (20) is situated inside the outer container (30), a passage (5, 25) remains open between the two containers from the open end to the bottom of the outer container. Thanks to this passage, the drainage from the outer container (30) can be effected, in particular, by a dip tube (33).

Description

DISPOSITIF ET PROCEDE DE CONDITIONNEMENT D'ASSEMBLAGES DE COMBUSTIBLE NUCLEAIRE A DOUBLE BARRIERE DE CONFINEMENT DESCRIPTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLIES WITH DOUBLE CONTAINMENT BARRIER DESCRIPTION
DOMAINE TECHNIQUE La présente invention se rapporte au conditionnement d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire et plus particulièrement aux dispositifs permettant un double confinement des assemblages, ainsi qu'à la procédure de conditionnement dans les récipients avant un éventuel transport ou stockage .TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the packaging of nuclear fuel assemblies and more particularly to the devices allowing a double confinement of the assemblies, as well as to the conditioning procedure in the containers before a possible transport or storage.
ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTERIEURE Les assemblages de combustible nucléaire nécessitent des procédures particulières pour leur utilisation, leur transport, et même en tant que déchets. Ainsi, après usage, les assemblages de combustible nucléaire irradiés des centrales nucléaires doivent être stockés. Les centrales nucléaires disposent certes d'une piscine dans laquelle sont conservés ces assemblages, mais ce stockage est temporaire, et les assemblages de combustible nucléaire doivent ensuite être évacués vers des sites de stockage que l'on dit « définitif ou intérimaire », sûrs comprenant notamment des enceintes métalliques étanches protégées par des modules de stockage en béton. Pour les transporter à destination, il est nécessaire de placer les enceintes étanches contenant les assemblages de combustible nucléaire dans des récipients radioprotecteurs « temporaires ». Les règles de sûreté qui imposent un confinement des assemblages de combustible nucléaire dans un récipient métallique étanche sont donc respectées, le récipient étant lui- même disposé dans un emballage à parois radioprotectrices, dit emballage de transfert. Le récipient métallique comprend essentiellement un corps tubulaire creux, de forme généralement cylindrique à section circulaire, muni d'une extrémité inférieure obturée et d'une extrémité supérieure totalement ouverte. Le document FR 2 805 655 donne un exemple de cette technique. Pour positionner les assemblages de combustible nucléaire dans le récipient métallique et dans l'emballage de transfert, l'une des possibilités classiques est l'utilisation d'une enceinte radioprotectrice dite « sèche » ou « chaude », avec manipulations à distance des différents éléments par des bras manipulateurs : il est évident que le personnel ne peut se trouver à côté des éléments non radioprotégés . L'inconvénient de cette méthode en est la lourdeur, et par là, la durée et le coût, tant de l'enceinte que des outils et bras manipulateurs. L'eau étant un bon radioprotecteur et les centrales possédant toutes une piscine, il a été proposé de conditionner le matériau radioactif directement dans les piscines. Dans ce cadre, le récipient métallique de confinement est placé dans l'emballage de transfert, l'ensemble est immergé dans la piscine, et le combustible y est chargé. L'ouverture de chargement est alors obturée par un dispositif de fermeture radioprotecteur qui assure la protection pendant les étapes suivantes qui concernent la fermeture, le confinement et le transport, qui ont lieu à sec : voir par exemple FR 2 805 655. Cette technique est cependant plus restrictive car une partie a lieu sous immersion totale dans dix mètres d'eau ou plus. De plus, pour assurer un niveau de sûreté maximal, il est indispensable de supprimer tout résidu d'eau dans les récipients avant de les fermer, tant dans le récipient métallique de confinement que l'emballage de transfert. Or, il arrive qu'un confinement supplémentaire, par la suite appelé « deuxième confinement », soit nécessaire en supplément du confinement assuré par le récipient métallique étanche : une double enceinte supplémentaire doit être mise en place. Certaines législations imposent d'ailleurs cette double enceinte. Dans ce cas, le conditionnement sous eau n'est pas opérationnel jusqu'à présent, en raison des problèmes de drainage de la deuxième enceinte de confinement notamment.STATE OF THE PRIOR ART Nuclear fuel assemblies require special procedures for their use, transport, and even as waste. Thus, after use, the spent nuclear fuel assemblies of nuclear power plants must be stored. Nuclear power plants certainly have a swimming pool in which these assemblies are kept, but this storage is temporary, and the nuclear fuel assemblies must then be evacuated to storage sites that are said to be “final or interim”, safe including in particular sealed metal enclosures protected by concrete storage modules. To transport them to their destination, it is necessary to place the sealed enclosures containing the nuclear fuel assemblies in “temporary” radiation protection containers. The rules safety which impose a confinement of nuclear fuel assemblies in a sealed metal container are met, the container itself being arranged in a package with radiation protective walls, said transfer package. The metal container essentially comprises a hollow tubular body, of generally cylindrical shape with circular section, provided with a closed lower end and with a fully open upper end. Document FR 2 805 655 gives an example of this technique. To position the nuclear fuel assemblies in the metal container and in the transfer packaging, one of the classic possibilities is the use of a so-called “dry” or “hot” radioprotective enclosure, with remote manipulation of the various elements. by manipulative arms: it is obvious that the personnel cannot be near the non-radioprotected elements. The disadvantage of this method is the heaviness, and thereby the duration and the cost, both of the enclosure and of the manipulating tools and arms. Water being a good radioprotector and the power stations all having a swimming pool, it has been proposed to condition the radioactive material directly in swimming pools. In this context, the metal containment container is placed in the transfer packaging, the assembly is immersed in the pool, and the fuel is loaded there. The loading opening is then closed by a radioprotective closing device which provides protection during the following stages, which relate to closure, confinement and transport, which take place dry: see for example FR 2 805 655. This technique is however more restrictive since a part takes place under total immersion in ten meters of water or more. In addition, to ensure a maximum level of safety, it is essential to remove any residual water in the containers before closing them, both in the metal containment container and in the transfer packaging. However, it sometimes happens that additional confinement, subsequently called "second confinement", is necessary in addition to the confinement provided by the sealed metal container: an additional double enclosure must be put in place. Certain legislations moreover impose this double enclosure. In this case, the conditioning under water has not yet been operational, in particular due to the drainage problems of the second confinement enclosure in particular.
EXPOSE DE L'INVENTION L' invention se propose de résoudre les problèmes inhérents au drainage des doubles récipients. Sous un de ses aspects, l'invention concerne un dispositif de doubles récipients qui permet, grâce à sa géométrie, d'assurer un drainage et une mise sous gaz inerte du récipient extérieur ou de contrôler l' étanchéité . Grâce à la présence d'un passage libre entre les deux récipients, par ailleurs ajustés l'un dans l'autre, le drainage du récipient externe peut être effectué par exemple par un tube plongeur qui descend jusqu'au fond du récipient. Ceci a par ailleurs pour avantage que toutes les actions peuvent se dérouler sur la même extrémité supérieure des récipients, ce qui est préférable pour une fermeture après sortie partielle de la piscine, et ce qui allège d'autant les outillages utilisés, augmentant la sécurité des personnels. Les deux récipients peuvent être un récipient métallique étanche et son emballage radioprotecteur, mais il est également possible que chacun des récipients soit un récipient métallique étanche de conditionnement, le dispositif étant éventuellement lui-même intégré à un emballage radioprotecteur. Un double confinement sous eau peut ainsi être réalisé sans alourdir le système de conditionnement par la présence d'une enceinte de confinement à sec. Avantageusement, le récipient interne est un récipient métallique étanche qui comporte une cheminée centrale, c'est-à-dire qu'il a, en coupe, une forme annulaire. La cheminée sera utilisée pour le drainage et la mise sous gaz inerte du récipient externe, et/ou le contrôle de l' étanchéité . Avantageusement, un système de plaque d'obturation permet de s'assurer de l' étanchéité du récipient interne avant de procéder à la fermeture et au drainage du récipient externe. Le même système de plaque d'obturation peut être utilisé pour le récipient externe . Une autre possibilité, par exemple lorsque la forme du récipient interne est fixée, est la présence sur le récipient externe d'une protubérance qui délimitera le passage. L'invention concerne par ailleurs un procédé de drainage d'un double récipient, ainsi qu'un procédé de conditionnement de matériel radioactif utilisant ce drainage. Ces procédés permettent de conditionner le matériel sous eau. Avantageusement, deux récipients métalliques étanches sont utilisés, afin d'assurer un double confinement de la matière radioactive sans alourdir le matériel nécessaire par la présence d'une enceinte sèche, chaque étape pouvant être réalisée sous eau. L' invention se rapporte également sous un autre aspect à un récipient métallique étanche intérieur, dont la forme permet de faciliter les procédures actuelles, notamment en ce qui concerne la vidange, et donc l' étanchéification, du récipient extérieur dans lequel il sera par la suite conditionné. A cet effet, le récipient intérieur, composé d'un contenant classique à fond inamovible, possède en outre une cheminée qui traverse le fond et qui laisse un passage libre lorsque le récipient est étanchéifié. Ce passage permet l'introduction de gaz et/ou l'aspiration dans le récipient l'entourant. D'autres avantages découlant de l'invention et de quelques variantes préférentielles apparaîtront à la personne du métier grâce à la description qui suit .PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION The invention proposes to solve the problems inherent in the drainage of double containers. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a device of double containers which makes it possible, thanks to its geometry, to ensure a drainage and an inert gas setting of the external container or to check the tightness. Thanks to the presence of a free passage between the two containers, which are also adjusted one inside the other, the drainage of the external container can be carried out, for example, by a dip tube which descends to the bottom of the container. This has moreover, the advantage that all of the actions can take place on the same upper end of the containers, which is preferable for closing after partial exit from the pool, and thereby making the tools used lighter, increasing the safety of personnel. The two containers can be a sealed metal container and its radioprotective packaging, but it is also possible that each of the containers is a sealed metallic container for packaging, the device possibly being itself integrated into a radioprotective packaging. Double confinement under water can thus be achieved without weighing down the packaging system by the presence of a dry confinement enclosure. Advantageously, the internal container is a sealed metal container which has a central chimney, that is to say that it has, in section, an annular shape. The chimney will be used for the drainage and the placing under inert gas of the external container, and / or the control of the tightness. Advantageously, a closure plate system makes it possible to ensure the tightness of the internal container before proceeding to the closing and the drainage of the external container. The same cover plate system can be used for the outer container. Another possibility, for example when the shape of the internal container is fixed, is the presence on the outer container of a protuberance which will delimit the passage. The invention further relates to a method of draining a double container, as well as a method of packaging radioactive material using this drainage. These processes make it possible to condition the material under water. Advantageously, two sealed metal containers are used, in order to ensure a double confinement of the radioactive material without weighing down the necessary material by the presence of a dry enclosure, each step being able to be carried out under water. The invention also relates in another aspect to an internal sealed metal container, the shape of which makes it possible to facilitate current procedures, in particular as regards the emptying, and therefore the sealing, of the external container in which it will be by the suite conditioned. For this purpose, the inner container, composed of a conventional container with an irremovable bottom, also has a chimney which crosses the bottom and which leaves a free passage when the container is sealed. This passage allows the introduction of gas and / or aspiration into the surrounding container. Other advantages arising from the invention and from some preferential variants will appear to the person skilled in the art from the description which follows.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS L' invention sera mieux comprise par l'intermédiaire des figures annexées, qui ne sont cependant données qu'à titre indicatif et ne sont nullement limitatives. La figure 1 présente une forme de réalisation préférée d'un récipient métallique interne avec paniers et fermeture . La figure 2 représente un exemple de dispositif de drainage. La figure 3 montre schématiquement des géométries possibles pour le dispositif selon l'invention. La figure 4 présente schématiquement une procédure de drainage selon l'invention. La figure 5 montre la forme de réalisation préférée des principaux constituants d'un dispositif de doubles récipients métalliques étanches. La figure 6 présente un exemple de synoptique de fermeture d'un dispositif de doubles récipients métalliques étanches.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood through the appended figures, which are not however given for information only and are not limiting. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an internal metal container with baskets and closure. Figure 2 shows an example of a drainage device. FIG. 3 schematically shows possible geometries for the device according to the invention. Figure 4 schematically shows a drainage procedure according to the invention. FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of the main components of a device for double sealed metal containers. FIG. 6 shows an example of a block diagram of a device for double sealed metal containers.
EXPOSÉ DÉTAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PARTICULIERS La figure 1 montre un récipient métallique de confinement (20) , formé d'un récipient cylindrique avec parois latérales et ouverture de chargement, fermé à son extrémité inférieure par un fond inamovible. Le récipient métallique (20) est en outre traversé selon son axe par une cheminée (25) de section circulaire : la cheminée a donc des parois selon sa longueur mais reste ouverte à ses deux extrémités . Les parois du récipient, c'est-à-dire tant les parois latérales que celles de la cheminée, supportent la radioactivité mais ne sont pas nécessairement radioprotectrices . Il est clair que ces différentes formes et dispositions sont des exemples préférés mais non indispensables : par exemple un récipient de section parallélépipédique, une cheminée latérale et/ou une cheminée d'une autre forme sont d'autres possibilités. Avant de charger les assemblages de combustible irradié (1), le récipient de confinement (20) est placé dans la piscine de la centrale nucléaire. Dans le cadre des mesures de sécurité et notamment des procédés selon l'invention, la plupart du temps, le récipient est préalablement introduit dans un autre récipient, voire deux, tel qu'il sera décrit par la suite . A l'intérieur du récipient métallique, on peut placer, de préférence avant immersion dans la piscine, un panier (2) pour les assemblages de combustible nucléaire (1) . Une autre possibilité est la superposition de paniers. Dans ce cadre, on peut par exemple mettre le panier inférieur (3) , remplir après immersion les alvéoles (5) du panier par le combustible, puis réitérer avec le panier supérieur (4), dont la base est filtrante. On remarque que dans le cas présent et préféré, la cheminée (25) occupe la place d'une alvéole (5) du panier. Au-dessus du (des) panier (s) est ensuite de préférence placée une plaque filtre (26) qui permet de retenir les impuretés dans les paniers, sans qu'elles atteignent le système de fermeture. Après ce chargement du récipient métallique (20), effectué dans le cadre de l'invention en piscine, l'eau et tout gaz non inerte doivent être évacués pour le confinement . Pour faciliter la vidange du récipient métallique, l'une des options retenues est la présence de moyens pour drainer le récipient ; un exemple préféré de moyens de drainage est montré dans la figure 2. En l'occurrence, un dispositif de drainage (22) muni de deux orifices auto obturants et d'un tube plongeur (23) est placé en partie supérieure du récipient, le long de la paroi qui n'est pas celle de la cheminée ; de préférence, il est localisé au-dessus d'un espace laissé libre par les alvéoles (5) et soudé à la paroi. Le tube plongeur (23) est raccordé, de préférence par soudure, à l'un des deux orifices auto obturants du dispositif (22) ; le deuxième orifice (24) débouche sous le dispositif et sert d' évent . Il est également possible de souder le dispositif de drainage (22) avec son tube plongeur (23) avant mise en place des paniers (2, 3, 4) . Pour assurer la radioprotection axiale lors des opérations de drainage et fermeture, un bouchon blindé (27) est placé au-dessus de la plaque filtre. Ce bouchon blindé laisse cependant l'accès au dispositif de drainage (22) équipé du tube plongeur (23) libre : le drainage et la mise sous gaz inerte du récipient seront donc assurés. Grâce au bouchon (27), il est alors possible de sortir le récipient métallique (20) , ainsi que le (s) récipient (s) l'entourant, de la piscine, ce dernier assurant la protection radiologique radiale . Pour maintenir le bouchon blindé (27) en place, une des possibilités préférées est l'utilisation d'une plaque d'obturation primaire (28) . Le niveau d'eau est abaissé dans le récipient juste au dessous du niveau du bouchon blindé (27) . On met alors en place la plaque d'obturation primaire (28), par exemple par soudage le long des parois de la cheminée (25) , du récipient métallique (20) et du dispositif de drainage (22) . Ensuite, la vidange du récipient métallique peut être effectuée . L'une des méthodes utilisées pour la vidange consiste à injecter de l'air comprimé par l'orifice auto obturant (24) ou à aspirer par le tube de drainage (23) . Ensuite, le récipient métallique (20) est drainé et séché par aspiration au vide ; il peut y avoir contrôle du séchage par un test de remontée de pression. Enfin, un gaz inerte (N2 ou de préférence He) est injecté. De préférence, l'extrémité supérieure du dispositif de drainage (22) est alors obturée par soudage d'une plaque d'orifice (28') (voir figure 5). Une plaque d'obturation secondaire (29) est prévue de forme annulaire, qui se loge à l'intérieur des parois du récipient métallique (20) , au-dessus de la plaque primaire (28) , mais qui recouvre également le dispositif de drainage (22) , afin de rendre le récipient meta llique étanche , par exemple par soudage . Par la présence de cette plaque (29) , il est également possible de procéder à une vérification de l' étanchéité de l'ensemble formé au préalable par contrôle de l'échange de gaz. On note que le combustible est désormais confiné dans le récipient métallique (20) qui forme un volume fermé, à l'exception de la cheminée (25) qui traverse les plaques d'obturation primaire (28) et secondaire (29) , ainsi que le fond du récipient (20) . La cheminée (25) est utilisée pour le drainage du récipient entourant le premier récipient métallique de confinement : la cheminée laisse un passage qui va permettre les échanges de gaz et liquide de part en part dans le récipient (30, 40) entourant le récipient métallique (20) . En effet, tel qu'il a été indiqué précédemment, le récipient métallique étanche de confinement (20) est habituellement situé dans un deuxième récipient (30) . Les deux récipients sont ajustés : l'espace qui les sépare est de préférence minimal ; par ailleurs, il est souhaitable d'éviter le mouvement entre les deux récipients et de limiter le volume de gaz résiduels entre les deux récipients qui est préjudiciable au vu des échanges thermiques. A titre d'exemple, lorsque deux récipients métalliques étanches cylindriques (20, 30) sont considérés, on tolère de façon habituelle un jeu de quelques millimètres (1 cm maximum) entre les deux récipients dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 1 m - 1, 5 m (la longueur habituelle est de 3 à 4,5 m, avec une cheminée d'environ 80 mm de diamètre, soit la taille d'un assemblage de combustible) . Cependant, dans le cadre de l'invention et afin d'effectuer toutes les opérations sous eau, le deuxième récipient, ou récipient externe, était présent dans la piscine sous par exemple 10 m d'eau. Donc de l'eau reste entre les deux récipients, quel que soit l'ajustement entre les deux volumes, et le récipient externe doit être drainé. Si la cheminée est une solution préférée pour assurer les drainages pour un récipient cylindrique, en fait, il suffit qu'un passage (15) reste vide entre les deux récipients (20, 30) lorsqu'ils sont localisés l'un dans l'autre. Par exemple, si le récipient métallique de conditionnement interne ne possède pas de cheminée, il est cependant possible, par l'adaptation des géométries des deux récipients (20, 30) d'avoir un passage suffisant tout en respectant la tolérance d'ajustement de 1 % sur la plus grande partie de la superficie. On peut ainsi voir sur les figures 3a, 3b et 3c différents types de géométrie possibles pour atteindre ce résultat ; ces options font également partie de l'invention. La figure 3a reprend le mode de réalisation avec cheminée selon l'invention, qui est préféré car les récipients symétriques sont plus faciles à manipuler lors des procédures de soudage automatisé. La figure 3c peut être préconisée si par exemple la forme des paniers de combustible ne peut être adaptée au « trou » nécessaire au passage de la cheminée. Dans ce cas, une protubérance (35) sur le récipient externe (30) remplit la même fonction. Le procédé de drainage est alors le suivant : le dispositif (10) est préparé, avec placement du récipient métallique interne (20) dans le récipient externe (30) et immersion dans la piscine de chargement (figure 4a) . Pour faciliter et optimiser les procédures futures de drainage, il est préférable de laisser un jeu au fond entre les deux récipients, par exemple par l'intermédiaire de plots d'espacement (37). Le récipient métallique interne est rempli et étanchéifié, par exemple selon la procédure précédemment décrite (figure 4b) . Le récipient externe est fermé grâce à un couvercle étanche (38) comprenant, soudé en partie centrale dans le cadre de la figure, un dispositif de drainage (32) similaire au dispositif utilisé pour drainer le récipient interne ou tel que montré dans la figure 2 : le dispositif de drainage (32) est ainsi muni d'un premier orifice auto obturant auquel est raccordé un tube plongeur (33), et d'un deuxième orifice auto obturant (34) débouchant sous le dispositif de drainage et faisant office d' évent (voir figure 5) . Le dispositif de drainage (32) est en fait situé en face du passage (15) de sorte que le tube plongeur (33) peut pénétrer dans le passage. Il peut alors être drainé (figure 4c) : de l'air comprimé est injecté par l'orifice (34) ou on procède par aspiration par le tube de drainage (33) pour enlever l'eau résiduelle. Ensuite, il y a drainage et séchage par aspiration au vide. Un contrôle de l' étanchéité du récipient externe peut de préférence être effectué par l'intermédiaire du passage (15), par exemple par test de remontée de pression. De même, peut être mis en place un contrôle éventuel du séchage par un test de remontée de pression. Enfin, un gaz inerte (He ou N2) est injecté. Ensuite, on bouche les deux orifices auto obturants, par soudage par exemple d'une plaque d'orifice (38') au-dessus du dispositif de drainage (32) afin d'assurer le confinement. De même que pour le récipient métallique interne, il est possible d'assurer 1' étanchéité à l'aide d'un deuxième couvercle étanche (39) qui sera soudé à l'enveloppe externe (30) (figure 4d) , et de contrôler cette étanchéité, en particulier par remontée de pression de l'espace entre les couvercles (38, 39) . Le récipient externe (30) peut être un emballage de stockage et/ou transfert (40) , dont les parois latérales sont alors radioprotectrices . Cet emballage est fermé à son extrémité inférieure (dans le sens de la figure 4), de façon amovible ou non suivant la procédure de décharge dans le site de stockage. Il possède un couvercle (38) pour son autre extrémité. Ce couvercle peut par exemple être vissé, mais si un stockage à long terme est prévu, un soudage peut être effectué. De façon générale, dans le cas du vissage, la fermeture des orifice s auto obturants s'effect ue par obturation par un tampon puis une tape, avant de procéder à l' étanchéification définitive. Grâce au dispositif et drainage selon l'invention, le procédé de fermeture est simplifié par rapport aux procédures existantes. En effet, par rapport au dispositif montré dans le document US 4 780 269, seul le couvercle (38) possède ici un dispositif de drainage ( 32) par lequel sont effectués drainage et mise sous gaz inerte et/ou des moyens pour contrôler l' étanchéité ; toutes les actions consécutives au drainage et à la fermeture sont effectuées à cette même extrémité de l'emballage. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire d'avoir recours à un deuxième système pour fermer un orifice latéral situé en bas de l'emballage. Par ailleurs, les méthodes employant des emballages de transfert avec simple orifice utilisés dans l'état de la technique nécessitent des procédures complexes pour éviter l'introduction d'eau entre les deux récipients et des moyens de contrôle afin de s'assurer que l' étanchéification a été conservée. Un autre avantage du procédé de drainage selon l'invention est donc la possibilité d'opérer un double confinement. A cette fin, le récipient externe est choisi comme étant un deuxième récipient métallique de confinement (30) . Un tel récipient métallique possède un fond inamovible, et sera normalement étanchéifié de façon « définitive ». Sur la figure 5, on voit que 1 e fond du récipient métallique externe peut être radioprotecteur, mais ceci n'est pas une nécessité. Il peut comporter des plots d'espacement (37) . La procédure de fermeture/drainage du récipient métallique externe (30) ressemble à celle décrite précédemment pour le récipient métallique interne (20) . Le bouchon radioprotecteur n'est par contre ici pas utile, la radioprotection étant assurée par le bouchon (27) du récipient métallique interne (20) . Une seconde plaque d'obturation primaire (38) est prévue pour fermer le deuxième récipient métallique (30) ; elle possède en son centre un dispositif de drainage (32), muni d'un tube plongeur (33) qui pénètre dans la cheminée (25) restée libre, afin d'assurer vidange et mise sous gaz inerte du deuxième récipient métallique externe (30) . De la même façon, la plaque d'obturation primaire (38) peut être fixée par soudage. Enfin, après vidange et mise sous gaz inerte, une seconde pi aque d'obturation secondaire (39) , dans le cadre de cet exemple circulaire , rendra le deuxième récipient métallique étanche (30) , avec éventuel contrôle de l' étanchéité . Si l'ensemble (10) des deux récipients métalliques (20, 30) est utilisé pour un stockage ou un transport, il est possible en outre de conditionner le récipient métallique externe (30) dans un emballage de transfert (40) à parois radio protectrices selon des méthodes connues . L' étanchéification de chaque récipient métallique (20, 30) peut être effectuée par toutes les techniques appropriées, comme par soudage manuel. Afin d'augmenter encore la sécurité, un soudage automatique est proposé (voir figures 6a à 6f) , particulièrement adapté dans le cadre du double confinement présenté. a. En figure 6a, on voit la préparation de l'ensemble de conditionnement, avec le récipient métallique interne (20) inséré dans le récipient métallique externe (30), lui-même intégré à l'emballage de transfert (40) par l'intermédiaire d'un joint, ici gonflable. Les assemblages de combustible nucléaire (1) sont placés dans le panier. b. Une fois le récipient métallique (20) rempli, un bouchon blindé (27) est placé au dessus d'une plaque filtre (26), et l'emballage de transfert plein (40) est partiellement sorti de la piscine, et positionné en zone de « préparation, soudage ». Le niveau d'eau dans l'emballage de transfert (40) est abaissé, par aspiration grâce à des outils spécialisés, juste au-dessous du niveau du bouchon blindé (27) . c. Ensuite, la plaque d'obturation primaire (28) du récipient métallique interne (20) est mise en place. On effectue un soudage externe de la plaque sur la virole et sur le dispositif de drainage (22) et un soudage interne (sur la cheminée centrale (25) ) ; ce soudage est effectué grâce à une machine de soudage automatique préalablement positionnée. d. Ainsi que décrit précédemment, le récipient métallique interne (20) est mis sous gaz inerte grâce à un des deux orifices auto obturants du dispositif de drainage (22) , puis la plaque d'obturation secondaire (29) du récipient métallique interne est soudée, extérieurement (sur la virole) et intérieurement (sur la cheminée centrale) grâce à la machine de soudage automatique préalablement positionnée. e . La plaque d'obturation primaire (38) du récipient métallique externe (30) est elle aussi soudée, avec localisation de son dispositif de drainage (32) en face de la cheminée (25) , grâce à la machine de soudage automatique préalablement positionnée, avant vidange et mise sous gaz inerte du récipient métallique externe (30) . f. Enfin, la plaque d'obturation secondaire (39) du récipient métallique externe est mise en position avant soudage de fermeture de la plaque d'obturation grâce à la machine de soudage automatique préalablement positionnée. LISTE DES SIGNES DE REFERENCE assemblage de combustible radioactif panier pour assemblage,4 paniers superposables alvéole0 dispositif de conditionnement5 passage du dispositif0 récipient étanche interne2 dispositif de drainage avec orifices3 tube plongeur du récipient interne4 orifice auto obturant du dispositif de drainage5 cheminée6 plaque filtre supérieure7 bouchon blindé8 plaque d'obturation primaire du récipient interne8' plaque d'obturation du dispositif de drainage du récipient interne9 plaque d'obturation secondaire du récipient interne0 récipient externe2 dispositif de drainage pour le récipient externe3 tube plongeur du récipient externe4 orifice auto obturant du dispositif de drainage5 protubérance du récipient externe7 plot d'espacement8 plaque d'obturation primaire du récipient externe8' plaque d'obturation du dispositif de drainage du récipient externe9 plaque d'obturation secondaire du récipient externe0 emballage de transfert DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a metallic containment container (20), formed of a cylindrical container with side walls and loading opening, closed at its lower end by a non-removable bottom. The metal container (20) is further crossed along its axis by a chimney (25) of circular section: the chimney therefore has walls along its length but remains open at its two ends. The walls of the container, that is to say both the side walls and those of the chimney, support the radioactivity but are not necessarily radioprotective. It is clear that these different forms and arrangements are preferred but not essential examples: for example a container of rectangular section, a lateral chimney and / or a chimney of another shape are other possibilities. Before loading the spent fuel assemblies (1), the containment container (20) is placed in the pool of the nuclear power plant. In the context of security measures and in particular of the methods according to the invention, most of the time, the container is previously introduced into another container, or even two, as will be described later. Inside the metal container, it is possible to place, preferably before immersion in the swimming pool, a basket (2) for nuclear fuel assemblies (1). Another possibility is the stacking of baskets. In this context, one can for example put the lower basket (3), fill after immersion the cells (5) of the basket with fuel, then repeat with the upper basket (4), the base of which is filtering. Note that in the present and preferred case, the chimney (25) takes the place of a cell (5) of the basket. Above the basket (s) is then preferably placed a filter plate (26) which makes it possible to retain the impurities in the baskets, without them reaching the closing system. After this loading of the metal container (20), carried out in the context of the invention in a swimming pool, the water and any non-inert gas must be removed for containment. To facilitate the emptying of the metal container, one of the options retained is the presence of means for draining the container; a preferred example of drainage means is shown in FIG. 2. In this case, a drainage device (22) provided with two self-sealing orifices and a dip tube (23) is placed in the upper part of the container, the along the wall which is not that of the chimney; preferably, it is located above a space left free by the cells (5) and welded to the wall. The dip tube (23) is connected, preferably by welding, to one of the two self-sealing orifices of the device (22); the second orifice (24) opens under the device and serves as a vent. It is also possible to weld the drainage device (22) with its dip tube (23) before placing the baskets (2, 3, 4). To ensure axial radiation protection during drainage and closing operations, a shielded plug (27) is placed above the filter plate. This shielded plug however leaves access to the drainage device (22) equipped with the dip tube (23) free: the drainage and the placing under inert gas of the container will therefore be ensured. Thanks to the plug (27), it is then possible to remove the metal container (20), as well as the container (s) surrounding it, from the swimming pool, the latter ensuring radial radiological protection. To keep the shielded plug (27) in place, one of the preferred possibilities is the use of a primary closure plate (28). Level water is lowered into the container just below the level of the shielded plug (27). The primary sealing plate (28) is then put in place, for example by welding along the walls of the chimney (25), the metal container (20) and the drainage device (22). Then, the metal container can be emptied. One of the methods used for emptying consists of injecting compressed air through the self-sealing orifice (24) or aspirating through the drainage tube (23). Then, the metal container (20) is drained and dried by vacuum suction; drying can be checked by a pressure rise test. Finally, an inert gas (N 2 or preferably He) is injected. Preferably, the upper end of the drainage device (22) is then closed by welding an orifice plate (28 ') (see FIG. 5). A secondary closure plate (29) is provided in an annular shape, which is housed inside the walls of the metal container (20), above the primary plate (28), but which also covers the drainage device. (22), in order to make the metal container watertight, for example by welding. By the presence of this plate (29), it is also possible to verify the tightness of the assembly formed beforehand by checking the gas exchange. It is noted that the fuel is now confined in the metal container (20) which forms a closed volume, with the exception of the chimney (25) which passes through the primary closure plates (28) and secondary (29), as well as the bottom of the container (20). The chimney (25) is used for the drainage of the container surrounding the first metal confinement container: the chimney leaves a passage which will allow gas and liquid exchanges right through in the container (30, 40) surrounding the metal container (20). Indeed, as indicated above, the sealed metallic containment container (20) is usually located in a second container (30). The two containers are adjusted: the space between them is preferably minimal; moreover, it is desirable to avoid movement between the two containers and to limit the volume of residual gas between the two containers which is harmful in view of the heat exchanges. For example, when two sealed cylindrical metal containers (20, 30) are considered, a clearance of a few millimeters (1 cm maximum) is usually tolerated between the two containers whose diameter is of the order of 1 m - 1.5 m (the usual length is 3 to 4.5 m, with a chimney of about 80 mm in diameter, the size of a fuel assembly). However, within the framework of the invention and in order to carry out all the operations under water, the second container, or external container, was present in the swimming pool under for example 10 m of water. So water remains between the two containers, regardless of the fit between the two volumes, and the outer container must be drained. If the chimney is a preferred solution for ensuring the drainage for a cylindrical container, in fact, it suffices that a passage (15) remains empty between the two containers (20, 30) when they are located one in the other. For example, if the internal packaging metal container does not have a chimney, it is however possible, by adapting the geometries of the two containers (20, 30) to have a sufficient passage while respecting the adjustment tolerance of 1% over most of the area. We can thus see in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c different types of geometry possible to achieve this result; these options are also part of the invention. Figure 3a shows the embodiment with chimney according to the invention, which is preferred because the symmetrical containers are easier to handle during automated welding procedures. FIG. 3c can be recommended if, for example, the shape of the fuel baskets cannot be adapted to the "hole" necessary for the passage of the chimney. In this case, a protrusion (35) on the outer container (30) fulfills the same function. The drainage process is then as follows: the device (10) is prepared, with placement of the internal metal container (20) in the external container (30) and immersion in the loading pool (FIG. 4a). To facilitate and optimize future drainage procedures, it is preferable to leave a clearance at the bottom between the two containers, for example by means of spacers (37). The internal metal container is filled and sealed, for example according to the procedure described above (Figure 4b). The external container is closed by means of a sealed cover (38) comprising, welded in the central part as part of the figure, a drainage device (32) similar to the device used to drain the internal container or as shown in FIG. 2 : the drainage device (32) is thus provided with a first self-sealing orifice to which a dip tube (33) is connected, and with a second self-sealing orifice (34) opening under the drainage device and acting as vent (see Figure 5). The drainage device (32) is actually located opposite the passage (15) so that the dip tube (33) can enter the passage. It can then be drained (Figure 4c): compressed air is injected through the orifice (34) or we proceed by suction through the drainage tube (33) to remove the residual water. Then there is drainage and drying by vacuum suction. A check of the tightness of the external container can preferably be carried out via the passage (15), for example by pressure rise test. Likewise, a possible control of the drying can be implemented by a pressure rise test. Finally, an inert gas (He or N 2 ) is injected. Then, the two self-sealing orifices are plugged, for example by welding an orifice plate (38 ′) above the drainage device (32) in order to ensure containment. As for the internal metal container, it is possible to ensure sealing using a second waterproof cover (39) which will be welded to the external envelope (30) (FIG. 4d), and to check this sealing, in particular by pressure rise in the space between the covers (38, 39). The external container (30) can be a storage and / or transfer package (40), the side walls of which are then radioprotective. This packaging is closed at its lower end (in the direction of FIG. 4), removably or not, depending on the unloading procedure in the storage site. It has a cover (38) for its other end. This cover can for example be screwed, but if long-term storage is planned, welding can be carried out. Generally, in the case of screwing, the self-sealing orifices are closed by sealing with a pad and then a tap, before proceeding with the final sealing. Thanks to the device and drainage according to the invention, the closing process is simplified compared to existing procedures. In fact, compared to the device shown in document US Pat. No. 4,780,269, only the cover (38) here has a drainage device (32) by which drainage and placing under inert gas are carried out and / or means for controlling the sealing; all actions subsequent to drainage and closing are carried out at this same end of the packaging. It is therefore not necessary to use a second system to close a side opening located at the bottom of packaging. Furthermore, the methods employing single-port transfer packaging used in the prior art require complex procedures to avoid the introduction of water between the two containers and means of control in order to ensure that the sealing was retained. Another advantage of the drainage method according to the invention is therefore the possibility of operating a double confinement. To this end, the external container is chosen as being a second metallic containment container (30). Such a metal container has a non-removable bottom, and will normally be sealed “permanently”. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the bottom of the external metal container can be radioprotective, but this is not a necessity. It may include spacing pads (37). The procedure for closing / draining the external metal container (30) resembles that described above for the internal metal container (20). On the other hand, the radioprotective cap is not useful, the radiation protection being provided by the cap (27) of the internal metal container (20). A second primary closure plate (38) is provided to close the second metal container (30); it has in its center a drainage device (32), provided with a dip tube (33) which penetrates into the chimney (25) which remains free, in order to ensure emptying and placing under inert gas of the second external metal container (30 ). In the same way, the primary closure plate (38) can be fixed by welding. Finally, after emptying and placing under inert gas, a second secondary sealing plate (39), in the context of this circular example, will make the second metal container leaktight (30), with possible leakage control. If the assembly (10) of the two metal containers (20, 30) is used for storage or transport, it is also possible to package the external metal container (30) in a transfer packaging (40) with radio walls. protective according to known methods. The sealing of each metal container (20, 30) can be carried out by any suitable technique, such as by manual welding. In order to further increase safety, automatic welding is proposed (see Figures 6a to 6f), particularly suitable in the context of the double confinement presented. at. In FIG. 6a, the preparation of the packaging assembly can be seen, with the internal metal container (20) inserted in the external metal container (30), itself integrated into the transfer packaging (40) via a seal, here inflatable. The nuclear fuel assemblies (1) are placed in the basket. b. Once the metal container (20) is filled, a shielded cap (27) is placed above a filter plate (26), and the full transfer package (40) is partially removed from the pool, and positioned in the zone of "preparation, welding". Water level in transfer package (40) is lowered, by suction using specialized tools, just below the level of the shielded plug (27). vs. Then, the primary closure plate (28) of the internal metal container (20) is put in place. An external welding of the plate is carried out on the shell and on the drainage device (22) and an internal welding (on the central chimney (25)); this welding is carried out using an automatic welding machine previously positioned. d. As described above, the internal metal container (20) is put under inert gas by means of one of the two self-sealing orifices of the drainage device (22), then the secondary closure plate (29) of the internal metal container is welded, externally (on the shell) and internally (on the central chimney) thanks to the automatic welding machine previously positioned. e. The primary closure plate (38) of the external metal container (30) is also welded, with the location of its drainage device (32) opposite the chimney (25), thanks to the automatic welding machine previously positioned, before emptying and placing the external metal container (30) under inert gas. f. Finally, the secondary closure plate (39) of the external metal container is brought into position before welding to close the closure plate by virtue of the automatic welding machine previously positioned. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS assembly of radioactive fuel basket for assembly, 4 stackable baskets cell 0 conditioning device 5 passage of the device 0 internal sealed container 2 drainage device with orifices 3 dip tube of the internal container 4 self-sealing orifice of the drainage device 5 chimney 6 upper filter plate 7 shielded plug 8 plate primary closure of the inner container 8 'closure plate of the internal container drainage device 9 secondary closure plate of the internal container 0 external container 2 drainage device for the external container 3 dip tube of the external container 4 self-sealing opening of the drainage device 5 protrusion of the external container 7 spacing pad 8 primary cover plate of the external container 8 'cover plate of the drainage device of the external container 9 secondary cover plate of the external container 0 transfer packaging

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif (10) pour conditionner des assemblages de combustible nucléaire (1) comprenant un récipient métallique étanche interne de conditionnement des assemblages (20) et un récipient étanche externe (30) qui peut contenir le récipient interne (20) , le récipient externe étanche (30) au moins comprenant un fond et une extrémité ouverte, tel que lorsque le récipient interne (20) est situé dans le récipient externe (30) , un passage (15) reste libre entre les deux récipients, de l'extrémité ouverte jusqu'au fond du récipient externe, ledit passage comprenant des moyens pour drainer (32, 33, 34) le récipient externe et/ou contrôler l' étanchéité du récipient externe (30). 1. Device (10) for packaging nuclear fuel assemblies (1) comprising an internal sealed metal container for packaging the assemblies (20) and an external sealed container (30) which can contain the internal container (20), the external container watertight (30) at least comprising a bottom and an open end, such that when the internal container (20) is located in the external container (30), a passage (15) remains free between the two containers, from the open end to the bottom of the outer container, said passage comprising means for draining (32, 33, 34) the outer container and / or checking the tightness of the outer container (30).
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 où le récipient interne est ajusté dans le récipient externe . 2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the internal container is adjusted in the external container.
3. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2 où le passage (15) est une cheminée débouchant (25) localisée dans le récipient interne (20) . 3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the passage (15) is an open chimney (25) located in the internal container (20).
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3 dont le récipient interne (20) et la cheminée (25) sont cylindriques de section circulaire. 4. Device according to claim 3, the internal container (20) and the chimney (25) are cylindrical of circular section.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4 dont la cheminée (25) est localisée sur l'axe du récipient interne (20) . 5. Device according to claim 4, the chimney (25) of which is located on the axis of the internal container (20).
6. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2 dont le récipient interne (20) est cylindrique et le récipient externe (30, 40) comporte une protubérance (35) délimitant ledit passage (15) . 6. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, the internal container (20) is cylindrical and the external container (30, 40) comprises a protuberance (35) delimiting said passage (15).
7. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5 comprenant un bouchon blindé (27) qui peut être monté de façon étanche à l'extrémité ouverte du récipient interne (20) et tel que le passage (15) traverse le bouchon. 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a shielded plug (27) which can be mounted in leaktight manner at the open end of the internal container (20) and such that the passage (15) passes through the plug.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7 comprenant au moins une plaque d'obturation (28, 29) qui peut être montée telle que le récipient interne (20) est étanche. 8. Device according to claim 7 comprising at least one closure plate (28, 29) which can be mounted such that the internal container (20) is sealed.
9. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8 telle que le récipient externe (30) comprend un couvercle étanche (38) avec des moyens (32) pour drainer le récipient externe (30) et/ou contrôler son étanchéité aptes à être positionnés en face du passage (15) lorsque le récipient interne (20) est placé dans le récipient externe (30) . 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8 such that the outer container (30) comprises a tight cover (38) with means (32) for draining the outer container (30) and / or checking its tightness capable of being positioned opposite the passage (15) when the internal container (20) is placed in the external container (30).
10. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9 comprenant des moyens (32) pour drainer le récipient externe comportant un tube plongeur (33) . 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9 comprising means (32) for draining the external container comprising a dip tube (33).
11. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes dont le récipient externe est un emballage de stockage (40) dont les parois sont radioprotectrices . 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the external container of which is a storage package (40) whose walls are radioprotective.
12. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10 dont le récipient externe est un récipient métallique étanche de conditionnement d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire (30) . 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, the external container of which is a sealed metal container for packaging nuclear fuel assemblies (30).
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 12 comprenant en outre un emballage de transfert (40) dont les parois sont radioprotectrices et apte à contenir le récipient externe (30) . 13. Device according to claim 12 further comprising a transfer package (40) whose walls are radioprotective and capable of containing the external container (30).
14. Procédé de conditionnement d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire sous eau comprenant la mise en place des assemblages (1) dans le récipient métallique étanche interne (20) du dispositif (10) selon l'une des revendications l à 13 lui -même disposé dans le récipient externe (30, 40) . 14. A method of packaging nuclear fuel assemblies under water comprising the installation of the assemblies (1) in the internal sealed metal container (20) of the device (10) according to one of claims l to 13 itself arranged in the outer container (30, 40).
15. Procédé de conditionnement d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire sous eau comprenant la mise en place des assemblages (1) dans le récipient métallique étanche interne (20) du dispositif (10) selon la revendication 13 lui-même disposé dans le récipient métallique étanche externe (30) lui-même disposé dans l'emballage de transfert (40) . 15. A method of packaging nuclear fuel assemblies under water comprising the installation of the assemblies (1) in the internal sealed metal container (20) of the device (10) according to claim 13 itself disposed in the sealed metal container outer (30) itself disposed in the transfer package (40).
16. Procédé selon la revendication 15 dans lequel l' étanchéité entre le récipient externe (30) et l'emballage de transfert (40) est assurée par l'intermédiaire d'un joint. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the seal between the outer container (30) and the transfer package (40) is provided by means of a seal.
17. Procédé de drainage d'un récipient externe (30) pour matière radioactive (1) comprenant l'insertion d'un récipient métallique étanche interne (20) dans le récipient externe, un passage (15, 25, 35) étant laissé libre entre les deux récipients, le confinement de la matière radioactive dans le récipient étanche interne (20) , le drainage du récipient externe (30) par l'intermédiaire du passage (15, 25, 35) . 17. A method of draining an external container (30) for radioactive material (1) comprising inserting an internal sealed metal container (20) into the external container, a passage (15, 25, 35) being left free between the two containers, the confinement of the radioactive material in the internal sealed container (20), the drainage of the external container (30) via the passage (15, 25, 35).
18. Procédé selon la revendication 17 dont le drainage du récipient externe s'effectue par la même extrémité du récipient externe que le confinement du récipient interne. 18. The method of claim 17 in which the drainage of the external container is carried out by the same end of the outer container than the containment of the inner container.
19. Procédé selon la revendication 17 ou 18 dont le drainage est effectué par l'intermédiaire d'un tube plongeur (33) qui descend jusqu'au fond du récipient externe. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, the drainage is carried out via a dip tube (33) which descends to the bottom of the external container.
20. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 17 à 19 dont le confinement du récipient métallique étanche interne (20) est effectué par soudages d'au moins une plaque d'obturation (28, 29) . 20. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, the confinement of the internal sealed metal container (20) is carried out by welding of at least one closure plate (28, 29).
21. Procédé de double confinement de matière radioactive comprenant le procédé de drainage selon l'une des revendications 17 à 20 suivi du confinement du récipient externe. 21. A method of double confinement of radioactive material comprising the drainage method according to one of claims 17 to 20 followed by the confinement of the external container.
22. Procédé selon la revendication 21 où le récipient externe est un récipient métallique étanche externe (30) dont le confinement est assuré par soudages d'au moins une plaque d'obturation (37, 38) . 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the outer container is an outer sealed metal container (30) whose confinement is ensured by welding of at least one closure plate (37, 38).
23. Procédé selon la revendication 22 où le récipient externe (30) est intégré à un emballage de transfert (40) à parois radioprotectrices. 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the outer container (30) is integrated in a transfer package (40) with radiation protective walls.
24. Récipient métallique (20) pour conditionner des assemblages de combustible nucléaire (1) comprenant un fond inamovible et une extrémité ouverte, et comprenant en outre une cheminée (25) débouchant dans le fond inamovible, cheminée qui permet le drainage d'un récipient ajusté (30) le contenant. 24. Metal container (20) for packaging nuclear fuel assemblies (1) comprising a non-removable bottom and an open end, and further comprising a chimney (25) opening into the non-removable bottom, chimney which allows the drainage of a container fitted (30) container.
EP04805791A 2003-11-03 2004-10-28 Device and method for packing nuclear fuel assemblies having a double containment barrier Not-in-force EP1700315B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0350775A FR2861889B1 (en) 2003-11-03 2003-11-03 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLIES WITH DOUBLE BARRIER CONTAINMENT
PCT/FR2004/050548 WO2005045849A2 (en) 2003-11-03 2004-10-28 Device and method for packing nuclear fuel assemblies having a double containment barrier

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EP1700315B1 EP1700315B1 (en) 2009-12-09

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ATE451698T1 (en) 2009-12-15
WO2005045849A2 (en) 2005-05-19
FR2861889A1 (en) 2005-05-06
DE602004024583D1 (en) 2010-01-21
EP1700315B1 (en) 2009-12-09
JP2007510919A (en) 2007-04-26
ES2337363T3 (en) 2010-04-23
US20070274430A1 (en) 2007-11-29
FR2861889B1 (en) 2006-02-10
WO2005045849A3 (en) 2005-09-01
JP5291881B2 (en) 2013-09-18
US7781752B2 (en) 2010-08-24

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