EP2700077A1 - Thermally conductive element enabling an improvement in the manufacture of packaging for the transport and/or storage of radioactive material - Google Patents

Thermally conductive element enabling an improvement in the manufacture of packaging for the transport and/or storage of radioactive material

Info

Publication number
EP2700077A1
EP2700077A1 EP12711181.3A EP12711181A EP2700077A1 EP 2700077 A1 EP2700077 A1 EP 2700077A1 EP 12711181 A EP12711181 A EP 12711181A EP 2700077 A1 EP2700077 A1 EP 2700077A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
package
thermal conduction
radiological protection
cavity
casting
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
EP12711181.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2700077B1 (en
Inventor
Hervé RIPERT
Emmanuel Mercier
Sylvain LAURET
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
TN International SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TN International SA filed Critical TN International SA
Publication of EP2700077A1 publication Critical patent/EP2700077A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2700077B1 publication Critical patent/EP2700077B1/en
Active 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
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/10—Heat-removal systems, e.g. using circulating fluid or cooling fins
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated 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
    • G21F5/008—Containers for fuel elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of transportation and / or storage of radioactive materials, such as fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies.
  • the invention relates to a packaging of radioactive materials, of the type comprising thermal conduction elements arranged in contact with a lateral body, and delimiting in pairs cavities filled with radiological protection blocks, in particular intended to form a barrier effective against neutrons.
  • storage devices are used, also called “basket” or “rack” storage.
  • These storage devices usually of cylindrical shape and of substantially circular section, have a plurality of adjacent housings each adapted to receive a nuclear fuel assembly.
  • the storage device is intended to be housed in the housing cavity of a package in order to form jointly with it a container for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies, wherein the radioactive material is perfectly confined.
  • the aforementioned housing cavity is generally defined by a lateral body extending in a longitudinal direction of the package, this lateral body being for example formed by a metal ferrule.
  • the lateral body is surrounded by a plurality of thermal conduction elements contacting it.
  • radiological protection blocks are arranged between these conduction elements, in particular to form a barrier against neutrons emitted by the fuel assemblies housed in the cavity.
  • each heat conduction element comprises an inner part intended to be in contact with the lateral body of the package, and an outer portion intended to form a portion of an outer envelope of the package, this outer portion retaining the blocks. protection in the external radial direction.
  • an intermediate portion is arranged between the inner and outer portions to maintain them relative to each other.
  • the inner, outer and intermediate parts are made of copper or one of its alloys.
  • the outer parts are assembled end-to-end, by welding their copper ends.
  • the corrosion resistance of these copper / copper welds is low, while the packaging can be subjected to strong corrosive atmospheres, especially when stored on sites exposed to sea air, or during the operations of loading spent fuel into the packaging, when these operations are carried out under water.
  • the outer surface of the multiple welds must therefore undergo a treatment capable of imparting an anti-corrosion function. It may be the application of a nickel layer, or a heat treatment type HVOF (English High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Thermal Spray Process). In either case, the treatment operated makes the manufacturing process more complex, which penalizes it in terms of time and cost.
  • the placing of the radiological protection blocks on the packaging is therefore usually performed after the welding of the copper ends. This creates a constraint of sequencing of steps in the process of manufacturing the package.
  • the introduction of the radiological protection material is effected by casting into the cavities defined by the conduction elements already welded end to end, from one and / or the other of the longitudinal ends of these cavities, the Visual control of the quality of the blocks after solidification is extremely difficult to achieve.
  • the invention therefore aims to at least partially overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, relating to the achievements of the prior art.
  • the subject of the invention is a thermal conduction element for packaging for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, comprising:
  • the inner, outer and intermediate parts being made of copper or one of its alloys.
  • said external portion is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with a welding connection zone to another thermal conduction element, each connection zone being made of steel.
  • connection areas are made of stainless steel, it is no longer necessary to proceed with nickel treatment or heat treatment of the HVOF type of the welds made, since the anti-corrosion function is provided by the very nature of the welding.
  • the manufacturing process of the packaging comprising such thermal conduction elements is thereby simplified and therefore less expensive.
  • the design adopted generally facilitates the manufacturing process of the packaging, while retaining most of these conduction elements in copper or in one of its alloys, in order to fulfill its primary function of heat transfer to the outside the package.
  • connection zones The steel-steel welding of the connection zones is generally carried out around 180 ° C., at which temperature there is only a very slight risk of degradation of the radiological protection material retained by the conduction elements to be welded.
  • the invention makes it possible not only to eliminate the preheating step of the elements of thermal conduction, but also allows the establishment of radiological protection blocks on the packaging before welding the steel zones. This removes the sequencing constraint of the steps of the package manufacturing method encountered in the prior art.
  • the introduction of the radiological protection material is no longer necessarily performed by the longitudinal ends of these cavities. It can in fact be carried out at several points spaced longitudinally at the level of the provisionally open face of the cavity concerned, with the packaging oriented horizontally, which limits the risk of defects in filling.
  • each connection zone is made of carbon steel, or even more preferably of stainless steel.
  • the thermal conduction element has a cross section of overall shape in U or S.
  • each connection zone extends over a circumferential length of between 5 and 15% of the circumferential length of its associated external part.
  • the inner, outer and intermediate parts are made in one piece, or from at least two portions connected by welding.
  • the invention also relates to a packaging for the transport and / or storage of radioactive materials, comprising a lateral body and a plurality of thermal conduction elements of the type described above, the internal parts of which are arranged in contact with said lateral body, and whose external parts form part of said outer casing of said package which retains radiological protection means, said outer casing being completed by said connection zones equipping said external parts, as well as by welds connecting these connection areas two to two.
  • any two elements of any thermal conduction and directly consecutive define, in particular with their welded connection areas, a cavity housing a radiological protection block, preferably made by casting or a prefabricated block.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a package for the transport and / or storage of radioactive materials as described above, comprising, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the casting a radiological protection material in one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is to be housed, said casting being carried out with this thermal conduction element assembled on one package.
  • the method comprises the following successive steps:
  • the visual control of the block becomes very easily achievable over its entire free surface to be subsequently covered by the other heat conduction element.
  • the introduction of the radiological protection material can be carried out at several points spaced longitudinally at the level of the face temporarily open the cavity concerned, which limits the risk of defects in filling.
  • said assembly step on the package of the other of said two thermal conduction elements comprises the fixing of its inner part on the lateral body, for example by welding or by screwing. It also comprises steel-steel welding, from its dedicated connection zone, with the connection zone of the first element already fixed on the packaging and housing the radiological protection block.
  • said assembly step on the packaging of the other of said two heat conduction elements could comprise only the aforementioned steel-steel weld, so that its internal part is only in contact with the lateral body, without to be fixed on the latter.
  • said cavities are successively filled, preferably one by one, with said package oriented horizontally, and introducing the radiological protection material from above.
  • This provides a great ease of implementation of the process, in particular of its step of casting the radiological protection material, whose Associated risks of filling defects are extremely low.
  • the casting of the radiological protection material takes place directly in said one of said two thermal conduction elements intended to define the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed.
  • the visual inspection after the casting is very easily achievable, over the entire length of the cavities. Once this inspection is performed, the cavity is closed by mounting the other of the two heat conduction elements on the package.
  • the casting of the radiological protection material is carried out through at least one orifice provided on a tool mounted above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed, the other of said two thermal conduction elements being assembled on the package after removal of said tooling.
  • the tooling can be easily designed to visually verify the proper placement of the radiological protection material in the cavity, for example by means of overflow orifices distributed in the longitudinal direction of the package.
  • the casting of the radiological protection material is carried out through at least one orifice provided on the intermediate portion of said other of said two conduction elements. thermal, provisionally mounted above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed, the other of said two thermal conduction elements being then removed and reassembled permanently on the package.
  • Disassembly and reassembly of the second conduction element makes it possible to operate, between these two steps, the visual control of the quality of the block.
  • This third embodiment simply consists in replacing the tooling of the second mode with the second conduction element.
  • This third embodiment could alternatively be implemented by casting the radiological protection material through at least one orifice provided on the intermediate portion of said other one of said two heat conduction elements, mounted permanently on the packaging above. above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is to be housed. This alternative is particularly adopted when no visual control of the blocks must be achieved. This second element of thermal conduction therefore does not have to be temporarily mounted, disassembled, then reassembled permanently on the packaging.
  • the welding of the two-to-two connection zones is preferably carried out after all the radiological protection blocks of the packaging have been poured into their associated cavity.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies, including a package according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a more detailed perspective view of one of the thermal conduction elements of the packaging, also object of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 represents a cross-sectional view showing part of the package shown in FIG. 1;
  • Figures 3a to 3c show various steps of a method of manufacturing the package shown in the preceding figures, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 4a to 4c show different stages of a manufacturing process of the package shown in Figures 1 to 3, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 5a and 5b show various steps of a method of manufacturing the package shown in Figures 1 to 3, according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a view similar to that of Figure 5a, according to an alternative embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 a container 1 for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies. It is recalled in this respect that the invention is in no way limited to the transport / storage of this type of nuclear material.
  • the container 1 generally comprises a packaging 2 object of the present invention, inside which there is a storage device 4, also called storage basket.
  • the device 4 is intended to be placed in a housing cavity 6 of the package 2, as shown in FIG. 1, in which it is also possible to see the longitudinal axis 8 of this package, coinciding with the longitudinal axes of the package. storage device and housing cavity.
  • longitudinal should be understood as parallel to the longitudinal axis 8
  • transverse should be understood as orthogonal to the same longitudinal axis 8.
  • the storage device 4 comprises a plurality of adjacent housings arranged parallel to the axis 8, the latter being each adapted to receive at least one fuel assembly of square or rectangular section, and preferably only one.
  • the container 1 and this device 4 have been shown in a vertical loading / unloading position of the fuel assemblies, different from the horizontal / recumbent position usually adopted during the transportation of the assemblies.
  • the package 2 firstly has a bottom 10 on which the device 4 is intended to rest in a vertical position, a cover 12, and a lateral body 14 extending around and according to the longitudinal axis 8, parallel to the longitudinal direction.
  • the bottom 10 and the cover 12 are thus spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the package, parallel to the axis 8.
  • the lateral body 14 which defines the housing cavity 6, with the aid of a lateral internal surface of substantially cylindrical shape and of circular section, and of axis coinciding with the axis 8.
  • the lateral body 14 can take the form of a thick metal ferrule, preferably made of steel.
  • the bottom 10, which defines the bottom of the cavity 6 open at the cover 12, can be made in one piece with at least a portion of the lateral body 14, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the package 2 further comprises, surrounding and contacting the outer surface of the lateral body 14, a plurality of heat conduction members 20 extending radially outwardly, as well as along a major portion of the length of the housing. this body 14, in the direction of the axis 8.
  • the elements 20 are profiles specific to the present invention, which will be detailed below with reference to the following figures. They make it possible to evacuate the heat released by the fuel assemblies present in the storage basket 4 towards the outside of the package.
  • the blocks are preferably obtained by casting, as will be explained below, and made of any material deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art, such as a resin.
  • the heat conduction elements 20 also participate in forming an outer casing 24 of the package, centered on the axis 8.
  • this casing can be equipped with fins to promote exchanges thermal with the surrounding air.
  • the package is also provided with damping hoods (not shown) respectively covering the cover 12 and the bottom 10 of this package, as well as two damping rings 60 surrounding the lateral body 14, and arranged respectively at the longitudinal ends of the These crowns 60 protrude radially outwards with respect to the envelope 24, so as to constitute preferred impact zones in the event of an accidental fall, when the packaging is oriented horizontally.
  • one of the heat conduction elements 20 taking the form of a generally U-shaped section section lying on one of its two branches for contacting the surface outer side body of the package.
  • the branch of the U in question forms an inner radial portion 30 of the element 20. It is connected at one of its ends to an end of an intermediate portion 32 forming the base of the U, the other end of which is connected to an outer portion 34 forming the other leg of the U.
  • This outer portion 34 is intended to form a portion of the outer casing of the package, mentioned above.
  • each element 20 are made of copper or one of its alloys, for example in one piece.
  • each connection zone 36 is made of steel, preferably stainless steel.
  • Each zone 36 takes the form of a bar extending over the entire length of the profile 20, a circumferential length much smaller than that of the outer portion.
  • the circumferential length "1" of each zone 36 is between 5 and 15% of the circumferential length "L" of the outer portion 34.
  • connection areas 36 extends the free end of the U branch 34, while the other zone 36 extends from the angle formed by the same branch 34 and the base of the U.
  • the heat conduction elements 20 are fixed to the lateral packaging body 14 by their internal part 30, for example by welding or by bolting, a surface contact here being privileged so as to obtain good heat transfer.
  • the elements 20 are also attached end to end by welding the connecting zones 36 facing each other.
  • the welds 40 obtained are steel-steel type, made at a temperature of about 180 ° C. Preferably, no anti-corrosion treatment is required on these welds 40, particularly when the zones 36 are made of stainless steel.
  • the outer casing 24 of the package consists of the external parts 34, the connection zones 36, and the welds 40.
  • the heat conduction elements 20 define in pairs cavities in which the radiological protection blocks 22 are housed. specifically, each cavity 50 is delimited radially inwardly by the inner portion 30 of a first member 20 and a portion of the outer surface of the body 14 of the package. It is delimited radially outwards by the outer portion 34 of this same first element 20, as well as by the connection zone 36 provided at the free end of this branch 34. The radially outward delimitation is also provided by the connection zone 36 of a second conduction element 20, and by the weld 40 connecting it to the aforementioned zone 36 belonging to the first element. Each cavity 50 is further delimited in the circumferential direction 52, in both directions, respectively by the intermediate portions 32 of the first and second conduction elements 20.
  • the cavities 50 are filled successively, one by one and from above, with the packaging 2 oriented horizontally.
  • the package is then positioned so that the last conduction element 20a which has just been assembled on the lateral body 14 is open. substantially vertically upwards, the U being substantially straight. At this time shown in Figure 3a, the cavity 50, open upwards, is empty. On the other hand, the other conduction element, intended to close this cavity, is not yet assembled on the package.
  • the cavity 50 is then filled by casting a neutron protection material, such as resin.
  • a neutron protection material such as resin.
  • This casting shown schematically by the arrow 64 of FIG. 3b, takes place directly in the volume delimited by the first element 20a and by the damping crowns of the package, by placing the casting machine (not shown) above this volume to fill.
  • the material leaving the machine can therefore flow directly, by gravity, into the dedicated volume, passing through the opening defined between the two free ends of the branches of the U.
  • This casting is preferably carried out at several injection points. material, distributed along the longitudinal direction of the package.
  • the casting is stopped when the desired level of filling is reached in the cavity 50, this level being preferably on or near the upper connection zone 36 of the element 20a.
  • the casting machine is then removed, while the cast material solidifies by polymerization in the cavity 50.
  • the solid block obtained it is easily possible to operate its visual control over its entire length, at the upper surface. free of the block, oriented horizontally upwards.
  • the visual check of the quality of the neutron protection material consists, for example, in checking, after solidification, that there are no emerging cracks in the material, these cracks possibly coming from a polymerization problem related to a poor control. temperature during the casting step, a problem of proportion of the mixture of the material.
  • the second conduction element 20b is assembled on the package, by screwing or welding its inner portion 30 on the lateral body, as can be seen in FIG. 3c. Its intermediate portion 32 closes the cavity 50, and its lower connection zone 36 comes opposite the upper connection zone 36 of the first element 20a, a contact possibly operating between these two zones.
  • the package is then rotated about its axis 8 so as to properly orient the second conduction element 20b, so as to operate its filling in a manner identical to that just described.
  • This succession of operations is then repeated as many times as necessary to cover the entirety of the lateral packaging body 14 with the conduction elements 20 and the blocks 22. It is moreover preferably only after the formation of all the blocks 22 that the welding of the connection zones 36 is made, two by two. This allows in particular to make the welds in one order different from that in which they follow each other in the circumferential direction.
  • the first step is always to position the package so that the last conduction element 20a which has just been assembled on the lateral body 14 is open substantially vertically upwards, the U being substantially straight. At this time shown in Figure 4a, the cavity 50, open upwards, is empty. On the other hand, the other conduction element, intended to close this cavity, is not yet assembled on the package.
  • the cavity 50 is then filled, either by direct casting in the volume delimited by the first element 20a, but by passing through orifices 70 made through a tool 72 mounted above the element 20a, for example by resting on the upper connection area 36, as shown schematically in Figure 4b.
  • the casting machine thus makes it possible to introduce the material into the cavity provisionally closed by the tool, by the orifices 70 made in this tool 72, preferably distributed in the longitudinal direction.
  • the casting shown schematically by the arrow 64 of FIG. 4b, is stopped when the desired level of filling is reached in the cavity 50.
  • other orifices may be made through the tooling 72, so as to constitute "overflow" orifices allowing visually indicate to the operator when filling is complete.
  • the second conduction element 20b is assembled on the package, by screwing or welding its inner part 30 to the lateral body, as can be seen in FIG. 4c, in a manner similar to that described for the first preferred embodiment.
  • the tooling is replaced by the second conduction element 20b, which is therefore temporarily installed on the package 2 during casting 64, which is carried out at through orifices 70 provided in the intermediate portion 32 of this conduction element 20b.
  • the second member 20b is disassembled, for example after having been provisionally mounted by partial bolting on the lateral body 14, then the inspection of the block is made. Then, the second conduction element 20b is reassembled permanently on the lateral body, always by bolting or welding.
  • the thermal conduction elements 20 take a section of overall shape of S, and no longer U. This variant is shown in FIG.
  • various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described, solely by way of non-limiting examples.

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermally conductive element (20) for packaging for the transport and/or storage of radioactive materials, including: an inner portion (30) which is to contact a lateral body (14) of the packaging; an outer portion (34) which is to constitute a portion of an outer casing (24) of the packaging and retain radiological protection means (22); an intermediate portion (32) arranged between the inner and outer portions, the inner, outer, and intermediate portions being made of copper or of one of the alloys thereof. According to the invention, the outer portion (34) is provided, at each of the two opposite ends thereof, with an area (36) for connecting to another thermally conductive element (20) by welding, each connection area (36) being made of steel.

Description

ELEMENT DE CONDUCTION THERMIQUE PERMETTANT D'AMELIORER LA FABRICATION D'UN EMBALLAGE DE TRANSPORT ET/OU D'ENTREPOSAGE DE MATIERES RADIOACTIVES  THERMAL CONDUCTION ELEMENT FOR IMPROVING THE MANUFACTURE OF A TRANSPORT AND / OR STORAGE PACKAGING OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
DOMAINE TECHNIQUE TECHNICAL AREA
La présente invention se rapporte au domaine du transport et/ou de l'entreposage de matières radioactives, tels que des assemblages de combustible nucléaire, frais ou irradiés.  The present invention relates to the field of transportation and / or storage of radioactive materials, such as fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies.
De préférence, l'invention concerne un emballage de matières radioactives, du type comprenant des éléments de conduction thermique agencés au contact d'un corps latéral, et délimitant par paires des cavités remplies de blocs de protection radiologique, en particulier destinés à former une barrière efficace contre les neutrons.  Preferably, the invention relates to a packaging of radioactive materials, of the type comprising thermal conduction elements arranged in contact with a lateral body, and delimiting in pairs cavities filled with radiological protection blocks, in particular intended to form a barrier effective against neutrons.
ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTERIEURE STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
Classiquement, pour assurer le transport et/ou l'entreposage d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire, il est utilisé des dispositifs de rangement, également appelés « panier » ou « râtelier » de rangement. Ces dispositifs de rangement, habituellement de forme cylindrique et de section sensiblement circulaire, disposent d'une pluralité de logements adjacents chacun apte à recevoir un assemblage de combustible nucléaire. Le dispositif de rangement est destiné à être logé dans la cavité de logement d'un emballage afin de former con ointement avec celui-ci un conteneur pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire, dans lequel la matière radioactive est parfaitement confinée. Conventionally, for the transportation and / or storage of nuclear fuel assemblies, storage devices are used, also called "basket" or "rack" storage. These storage devices, usually of cylindrical shape and of substantially circular section, have a plurality of adjacent housings each adapted to receive a nuclear fuel assembly. The storage device is intended to be housed in the housing cavity of a package in order to form jointly with it a container for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies, wherein the radioactive material is perfectly confined.
La cavité de logement précitée est généralement définie par un corps latéral s' étendant selon une direction longitudinale de l'emballage, ce corps latéral étant par exemple formé par une virole métallique .  The aforementioned housing cavity is generally defined by a lateral body extending in a longitudinal direction of the package, this lateral body being for example formed by a metal ferrule.
Le corps latéral est entouré d'une pluralité d'éléments de conduction thermique le contactant. De plus, des blocs de protection radiologique sont agencés entre ces éléments de conduction, en particulier pour former une barrière contre les neutrons émis par les assemblages de combustible logés dans la cavité.  The lateral body is surrounded by a plurality of thermal conduction elements contacting it. In addition, radiological protection blocks are arranged between these conduction elements, in particular to form a barrier against neutrons emitted by the fuel assemblies housed in the cavity.
Plus précisément, chaque élément de conduction thermique comprend une partie interne destinée à être au contact du corps latéral de l'emballage, et une partie externe destinée à former une portion d'une enveloppe externe de l'emballage, cette portion externe retenant les blocs de protection dans le sens radial externe. En outre, une partie intermédiaire est agencée entre les parties interne et externe, afin de les maintenir l'une par rapport à l'autre. Ces éléments de conduction thermique sont des profilés qui cheminent sur toute ou partie de la longueur de l'emballage. Ils présentent généralement une section transversale de forme globale en U ou en S .  More specifically, each heat conduction element comprises an inner part intended to be in contact with the lateral body of the package, and an outer portion intended to form a portion of an outer envelope of the package, this outer portion retaining the blocks. protection in the external radial direction. In addition, an intermediate portion is arranged between the inner and outer portions to maintain them relative to each other. These elements of thermal conduction are sections that run over all or part of the length of the package. They generally have a cross section of overall shape U or S.
Habituellement, les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire sont réalisées en cuivre ou dans l'un de ses alliages. Lorsque les éléments de conduction thermique sont montés sur le corps latéral, les parties externes sont assemblées bout-à-bout, par soudage de leurs extrémités en cuivre. Usually, the inner, outer and intermediate parts are made of copper or one of its alloys. When the elements of Heat conduction are mounted on the lateral body, the outer parts are assembled end-to-end, by welding their copper ends.
La mise en œuvre du soudage cuivre-cuivre conduit à l'obtention de soudures dont la qualité n'est pas toujours facile à garantir.  The implementation of copper-copper welding leads to obtaining welds whose quality is not always easy to guarantee.
De plus, la résistance à la corrosion de ces soudures cuivre/cuivre est faible, alors que l'emballage peut être soumis à de fortes ambiances corrosives, notamment lorsqu'il est entreposé sur des sites exposés à de l'air marin, ou encore lors des opérations de chargement du combustible usé dans l'emballage, lorsque ces opérations s'effectue sous eau. La surface extérieure des multiples soudures doit donc subir un traitement capable de conférer une fonction anticorrosion. Il peut s'agir de l'application d'une couche de nickel, ou encore d'un traitement thermique du type HVOF (de l'anglais « High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Thermal Spray Process ») . Dans l'un et l'autre des cas, le traitement opéré complexifie le procédé de fabrication, ce qui le pénalise en termes de temps et de coût.  In addition, the corrosion resistance of these copper / copper welds is low, while the packaging can be subjected to strong corrosive atmospheres, especially when stored on sites exposed to sea air, or during the operations of loading spent fuel into the packaging, when these operations are carried out under water. The outer surface of the multiple welds must therefore undergo a treatment capable of imparting an anti-corrosion function. It may be the application of a nickel layer, or a heat treatment type HVOF (English High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Thermal Spray Process). In either case, the treatment operated makes the manufacturing process more complex, which penalizes it in terms of time and cost.
Par ailleurs, pour la mise en œuvre du soudage cuivre-cuivre, il est requis un préchauffage des profilés autour de 350-400°C. De telles températures étant susceptibles de dégrader le matériau de protection radiologique retenu par les éléments de conduction à souder, la mise en place des blocs de protection radiologique sur l'emballage est de ce fait habituellement réalisée après le soudage des extrémités en cuivre. Cela engendre donc une contrainte de séquencement des étapes dans le procédé de fabrication de l'emballage. De plus, lorsque l'introduction du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue par coulée dans les cavités délimitées par les éléments de conduction déjà soudés bout à bout, depuis l'une et/ou l'autre des extrémités longitudinales de ces cavités, le contrôle visuel de la qualité des blocs après solidification est extrêmement difficile à réaliser. Furthermore, for the implementation of the copper-copper welding, it is required a preheating of the profiles around 350-400 ° C. Since such temperatures are liable to degrade the radiological protection material retained by the conduction elements to be welded, the placing of the radiological protection blocks on the packaging is therefore usually performed after the welding of the copper ends. This creates a constraint of sequencing of steps in the process of manufacturing the package. In addition, when the introduction of the radiological protection material is effected by casting into the cavities defined by the conduction elements already welded end to end, from one and / or the other of the longitudinal ends of these cavities, the Visual control of the quality of the blocks after solidification is extremely difficult to achieve.
EXPOSÉ DE L' INVENTION STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
L'invention a donc pour but de remédier au moins partiellement aux inconvénients mentionnés ci- dessus, relatifs aux réalisations de l'art antérieur.  The invention therefore aims to at least partially overcome the disadvantages mentioned above, relating to the achievements of the prior art.
Pour ce faire, l'invention a pour objet un élément de conduction thermique pour emballage de transport et/ou d'entreposage de matières radioactives, comprenant :  To do this, the subject of the invention is a thermal conduction element for packaging for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, comprising:
une partie interne destinée à être au contact d'un corps latéral de l'emballage ;  an inner part intended to be in contact with a lateral body of the package;
- une partie externe destinée à former une portion d'une enveloppe externe dudit emballage, retenant des moyens de protection radiologique ;  an outer portion intended to form a portion of an outer envelope of said package, retaining means of radiological protection;
une partie intermédiaire agencée entre les parties interne et externe,  an intermediate portion arranged between the inner and outer portions,
les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire étant réalisées en cuivre ou dans l'un de ses alliages.  the inner, outer and intermediate parts being made of copper or one of its alloys.
Selon l'invention, ladite partie externe est équipée, à chacune de ses deux extrémités opposées, d'une zone de raccordement par soudage à un autre élément de conduction thermique, chaque zone de raccordement étant réalisée en acier. L' invention permet donc de réaliser des opérations de soudage du type acier-acier entre les parties externes des éléments de conduction, ce qui confère les avantages suivants. According to the invention, said external portion is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with a welding connection zone to another thermal conduction element, each connection zone being made of steel. The invention thus makes it possible to carry out welding operations of the steel-steel type between the external parts of the conduction elements, which confers the following advantages.
Tout d'abord, la mise en œuvre du soudage acier-acier est moins complexe et moins onéreuse que celle du soudage cuivre-cuivre. De plus, elle conduit à l'obtention de soudures de bien meilleure qualité que celles obtenues avec du soudage cuivre-cuivre.  First, the implementation of steel-steel welding is less complex and less expensive than that of copper-copper welding. In addition, it leads to obtaining welds of much better quality than those obtained with copper-copper welding.
Par ailleurs, en particulier lorsque les zones de raccordement sont en acier inoxydable, il n'est plus nécessaire de procéder au traitement par nickel ou par traitement thermique du type HVOF des soudures réalisées, puisque la fonction anticorrosion est assurée par la nature même de la soudure. Le procédé de fabrication de l'emballage comportant de tels éléments de conduction thermique s'en trouve simplifié, donc moins coûteux.  Furthermore, especially when the connection areas are made of stainless steel, it is no longer necessary to proceed with nickel treatment or heat treatment of the HVOF type of the welds made, since the anti-corrosion function is provided by the very nature of the welding. The manufacturing process of the packaging comprising such thermal conduction elements is thereby simplified and therefore less expensive.
La conception retenue facilite globalement le procédé de fabrication de l'emballage, tout en conservant l'essentiel de ces éléments de conduction en cuivre ou dans l'un de ses alliages, afin de pouvoir remplir sa fonction première de transfert de chaleur vers l'extérieur de l'emballage.  The design adopted generally facilitates the manufacturing process of the packaging, while retaining most of these conduction elements in copper or in one of its alloys, in order to fulfill its primary function of heat transfer to the outside the package.
Le soudage acier-acier des zones de raccordement s'effectue généralement autour de 180°C, température à laquelle il n'existe que de très faibles risques de dégradation du matériau de protection radiologique retenu par les éléments de conduction à souder. Ainsi, l'invention permet non seulement de supprimer l'étape de préchauffage des éléments de conduction thermique, mais autorise également la mise en place des blocs de protection radiologique sur l'emballage avant le soudage des zones en acier. Cela supprime la contrainte de séquencement des étapes du procédé de fabrication de l'emballage rencontrée dans l'art antérieur. The steel-steel welding of the connection zones is generally carried out around 180 ° C., at which temperature there is only a very slight risk of degradation of the radiological protection material retained by the conduction elements to be welded. Thus, the invention makes it possible not only to eliminate the preheating step of the elements of thermal conduction, but also allows the establishment of radiological protection blocks on the packaging before welding the steel zones. This removes the sequencing constraint of the steps of the package manufacturing method encountered in the prior art.
A cet égard, puisqu'il est offert la possibilité de mettre en place les blocs de protection radiologique avant d'effectuer le soudage acier-acier des extrémités des éléments de conduction, il est également possible d'assurer la coulée de chaque bloc dans seulement l'un des deux éléments de conduction qui défini la cavité dans laquelle le bloc doit être logé, puis d'assembler le second élément seulement après l'obtention de ce bloc. Par conséquent, avant l'assemblage de ce second élément de conduction, le contrôle visuel du bloc, lorsqu'il est requis, s'avère très facilement réalisable, sur toute sa surface libre destinée à être ultérieurement recouverte par ce second élément de conduction thermique.  In this respect, since it is offered the possibility of setting up the radiological protection blocks before performing the steel-steel welding of the ends of the conduction elements, it is also possible to ensure the casting of each block in only one of the two conduction elements which defines the cavity in which the block is to be housed, then to assemble the second element only after obtaining this block. Therefore, before the assembly of this second conduction element, the visual control of the block, when it is required, proves very easy to achieve over its entire free surface intended to be subsequently covered by this second heat conduction element. .
Dans un tel cas, l'introduction du matériau de protection radiologique ne s'effectue plus nécessairement par les extrémités longitudinales de ces cavités. Il peut en effet s'effectuer en plusieurs points espacés longitudinalement au niveau de la face provisoirement ouverte de la cavité concernée, avec l'emballage orienté à l'horizontale, ce qui limite les risques de défauts de remplissage.  In such a case, the introduction of the radiological protection material is no longer necessarily performed by the longitudinal ends of these cavities. It can in fact be carried out at several points spaced longitudinally at the level of the provisionally open face of the cavity concerned, with the packaging oriented horizontally, which limits the risk of defects in filling.
De préférence, chaque zone de raccordement est réalisée en acier carbone, ou encore plus préférentiellement en acier inoxydable. De préférence, l'élément de conduction thermique présente une section transversale de forme globale en U ou en S . Preferably, each connection zone is made of carbon steel, or even more preferably of stainless steel. Preferably, the thermal conduction element has a cross section of overall shape in U or S.
De préférence, chaque zone de raccordement s'étend sur une longueur circonférentielle comprise entre 5 et 15 % de la longueur circonférentielle de sa partie externe associée.  Preferably, each connection zone extends over a circumferential length of between 5 and 15% of the circumferential length of its associated external part.
De préférence, les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire sont réalisées d'une seule pièce, ou bien à partir d'au moins deux portions reliées par soudage .  Preferably, the inner, outer and intermediate parts are made in one piece, or from at least two portions connected by welding.
L'invention a également pour objet un emballage pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage de matières radioactives, comprenant un corps latéral ainsi qu'une pluralité d'éléments de conduction thermique du type de celui décrit ci-dessus, dont les parties internes sont agencées au contact dudit corps latéral, et dont les parties externes forment une partie de ladite enveloppe externe dudit emballage qui retient des moyens de protection radiologique, ladite enveloppe externe étant complétée par lesdites zones de raccordement équipant lesdites parties externes, ainsi que par des soudures reliant ces zones de raccordement deux à deux .  The invention also relates to a packaging for the transport and / or storage of radioactive materials, comprising a lateral body and a plurality of thermal conduction elements of the type described above, the internal parts of which are arranged in contact with said lateral body, and whose external parts form part of said outer casing of said package which retains radiological protection means, said outer casing being completed by said connection zones equipping said external parts, as well as by welds connecting these connection areas two to two.
De préférence, deux éléments de conduction thermique quelconques et directement consécutifs définissent, notamment avec leurs zones de raccordement soudées, une cavité logeant un bloc de protection radiologique, de préférence réalisé par coulée ou par un bloc préfabriqué. L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un emballage pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage de matières radioactives tel que décrit ci-dessus, comprenant, pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique, la coulée d'un matériau de protection radiologique dans l'un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé, ladite coulée étant effectuée avec cet élément de conduction thermique assemblé sur 1 ' emballage . Preferably, any two elements of any thermal conduction and directly consecutive define, in particular with their welded connection areas, a cavity housing a radiological protection block, preferably made by casting or a prefabricated block. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a package for the transport and / or storage of radioactive materials as described above, comprising, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the casting a radiological protection material in one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is to be housed, said casting being carried out with this thermal conduction element assembled on one package.
De préférence, pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique, le procédé comprend les étapes successives suivantes :  Preferably, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the method comprises the following successive steps:
- la coulée d'un matériau de protection radiologique dans l'un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé, ladite coulée étant effectuée avec cet élément de conduction thermique assemblé sur l'emballage ; puis  casting of a radiological protection material in one of said two thermal conduction elements intended to define the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed, said casting being carried out with this heat conduction element assembled on the packaging ; then
l'assemblage sur l'emballage de l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique.  the assembly on the package of the other of said two thermal conduction elements.
Comme évoqué ci-dessus, en procédant de la sorte, le contrôle visuel du bloc devient très facilement réalisable, sur toute sa surface libre destinée à être ultérieurement recouverte par l'autre élément de conduction thermique.  As mentioned above, in doing so, the visual control of the block becomes very easily achievable over its entire free surface to be subsequently covered by the other heat conduction element.
De plus, l'introduction du matériau de protection radiologique peut s'effectuer en plusieurs points espacés longitudinalement au niveau de la face provisoirement ouverte de la cavité concernée, ce qui limite les risques de défauts de remplissage. In addition, the introduction of the radiological protection material can be carried out at several points spaced longitudinally at the level of the face temporarily open the cavity concerned, which limits the risk of defects in filling.
Ce séquencement particulier d'étapes est autorisé par la possibilité de réaliser la soudure bout à bout des éléments de conduction après la formation des blocs dans leur cavité, sans risque de détérioration de ces blocs, et ce en raison de la composition en acier des zones de raccordement à souder .  This particular sequencing of steps is authorized by the possibility of making the butt weld of the conduction elements after the formation of the blocks in their cavity, without risk of deterioration of these blocks, and this because of the steel composition of the zones. solder connection.
De préférence, ladite étape d'assemblage sur l'emballage de l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique comprend la fixation de sa partie interne sur le corps latéral, par exemple par soudage ou par vissage. Il comprend également la soudure acier- acier, de sa zone de raccordement dédiée, avec la zone de raccordement du premier élément déjà fixé sur l'emballage et logeant le bloc de protection radiologique . Alternativement, ladite étape d'assemblage sur l'emballage de l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique pourrait ne comprendre que la soudure acier-acier précitée, en faisant en sorte que sa partie interne soit seulement en contact avec le corps latéral, sans être fixée sur ce dernier.  Preferably, said assembly step on the package of the other of said two thermal conduction elements comprises the fixing of its inner part on the lateral body, for example by welding or by screwing. It also comprises steel-steel welding, from its dedicated connection zone, with the connection zone of the first element already fixed on the packaging and housing the radiological protection block. Alternatively, said assembly step on the packaging of the other of said two heat conduction elements could comprise only the aforementioned steel-steel weld, so that its internal part is only in contact with the lateral body, without to be fixed on the latter.
De préférence, lesdites cavités sont remplies successivement, de préférence une à une, avec ledit emballage orienté à l'horizontale, et en introduisant le matériau de protection radiologique par le dessus. Cela procure une grande facilité de mise en œuvre du procédé, en particulier de son étape de coulée du matériau de protection radiologique, dont les risques associés de défauts de remplissage s'avèrent extrêmement faibles. Preferably, said cavities are successively filled, preferably one by one, with said package oriented horizontally, and introducing the radiological protection material from above. This provides a great ease of implementation of the process, in particular of its step of casting the radiological protection material, whose Associated risks of filling defects are extremely low.
Différents modes de réalisation préférés peuvent alors être envisagés.  Various preferred embodiments can then be envisaged.
Selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré, pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique, la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue directement dans ledit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé.  According to a first preferred embodiment, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the casting of the radiological protection material takes place directly in said one of said two thermal conduction elements intended to define the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed.
Ici, l'inspection visuelle après la coulée est très facilement réalisable, sur toute la longueur des cavités. Une fois cette inspection réalisée, la cavité est fermée par montage de l'autre des deux éléments de conduction thermique sur l'emballage.  Here, the visual inspection after the casting is very easily achievable, over the entire length of the cavities. Once this inspection is performed, the cavity is closed by mounting the other of the two heat conduction elements on the package.
Selon un second mode de réalisation préféré, pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique, la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue au travers d'au moins un orifice prévu sur un outillage monté au-dessus dudit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé, l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique étant assemblé sur l'emballage après le retrait dudit outillage.  According to a second preferred embodiment, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the casting of the radiological protection material is carried out through at least one orifice provided on a tool mounted above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed, the other of said two thermal conduction elements being assembled on the package after removal of said tooling.
Ici, l'outillage peut être facilement conçu pour vérifier visuellement la bonne mise en place du matériau de protection radiologique dans la cavité, par exemple à l'aide d'orifices de débordement répartis selon la direction longitudinale de l'emballage. Selon un troisième mode de réalisation préféré, pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique, la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue au travers d'au moins un orifice prévu sur la partie intermédiaire dudit autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique, monté provisoirement au-dessus dudit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé, cet autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique étant ensuite retiré puis réassemblé définitivement sur 1 ' emballage . Here, the tooling can be easily designed to visually verify the proper placement of the radiological protection material in the cavity, for example by means of overflow orifices distributed in the longitudinal direction of the package. According to a third preferred embodiment, for at least one of said radiological protection blocks, the casting of the radiological protection material is carried out through at least one orifice provided on the intermediate portion of said other of said two conduction elements. thermal, provisionally mounted above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed, the other of said two thermal conduction elements being then removed and reassembled permanently on the package.
Le démontage puis le réassemblage du second élément de conduction permet d'opérer, entre ces deux étapes, le contrôle visuel de la qualité du bloc. Ce troisième mode de réalisation consiste simplement à remplacer l'outillage du second mode par le second élément de conduction.  Disassembly and reassembly of the second conduction element makes it possible to operate, between these two steps, the visual control of the quality of the block. This third embodiment simply consists in replacing the tooling of the second mode with the second conduction element.
Ce troisième mode de réalisation pourrait alternativement être mis en œuvre en effectuant la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique au travers d'au moins un orifice prévu sur la partie intermédiaire dudit autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique, monté définitivement sur l'emballage au-dessus dudit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé. Cette alternative est notamment retenue lorsqu' aucun contrôle visuel des blocs ne doit être réalisé. Ce second élément de conduction thermique n'a donc plus à être monté provisoirement, démonté, puis remonté définitivement sur l'emballage. This third embodiment could alternatively be implemented by casting the radiological protection material through at least one orifice provided on the intermediate portion of said other one of said two heat conduction elements, mounted permanently on the packaging above. above said one of said two thermal conduction elements for defining the cavity in which said block is to be housed. This alternative is particularly adopted when no visual control of the blocks must be achieved. This second element of thermal conduction therefore does not have to be temporarily mounted, disassembled, then reassembled permanently on the packaging.
Quel que soit le mode de réalisation envisagé, le soudage des zones de raccordement deux à deux est préférentiellement réalisé après que tous les blocs de protection radiologique de l'emballage aient été coulés dans leur cavité associée.  Whatever the embodiment envisaged, the welding of the two-to-two connection zones is preferably carried out after all the radiological protection blocks of the packaging have been poured into their associated cavity.
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description détaillée non limitative ci-dessous.  Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the detailed non-limiting description below.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Cette description sera faite au regard des dessins annexés parmi lesquels ;  This description will be made with reference to the appended drawings among which;
la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un conteneur pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire, comprenant un emballage selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention ;  Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies, including a package according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
la figure 2 représente une vue plus détaillée en perspective de l'un des éléments de conduction thermique de l'emballage, également objet de la présente invention ;  Figure 2 shows a more detailed perspective view of one of the thermal conduction elements of the packaging, also object of the present invention;
- la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe transversale montrant une partie de l'emballage montré sur la figure 1 ;  FIG. 3 represents a cross-sectional view showing part of the package shown in FIG. 1;
les figures 3a à 3c représentent différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication de l'emballage montré sur les figures précédentes, selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ;  Figures 3a to 3c show various steps of a method of manufacturing the package shown in the preceding figures, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
- les figures 4a à 4c représentent différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication de l'emballage montré sur les figures 1 à 3, selon un second mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ; FIGS. 4a to 4c show different stages of a manufacturing process of the package shown in Figures 1 to 3, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;
les figures 5a et 5b représentent différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication de l'emballage montré sur les figures 1 à 3, selon un troisième mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ; et  Figures 5a and 5b show various steps of a method of manufacturing the package shown in Figures 1 to 3, according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention; and
- la figure 6 représente une vue similaire à celle de la figure 5a, selon une alternative de réalisation.  - Figure 6 shows a view similar to that of Figure 5a, according to an alternative embodiment.
EXPOSÉ DÉ TAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PRÉFÉRÉS  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Tout d'abord en référence à la figure 1, on voit un conteneur 1 pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage d'assemblages de combustible nucléaire. II est à cet égard rappelé que l'invention n'est aucunement limitée au transport/entreposage de ce type de matière nucléaire. Firstly, with reference to FIG. 1, there is seen a container 1 for transporting and / or storing nuclear fuel assemblies. It is recalled in this respect that the invention is in no way limited to the transport / storage of this type of nuclear material.
Le conteneur 1 comprend globalement un emballage 2 objet de la présente invention, à l'intérieur duquel se trouve un dispositif de rangement 4, également dénommé panier de rangement. Le dispositif 4 est prévu pour être placé dans une cavité de logement 6 de l'emballage 2, comme le montre la figure 1 sur laquelle il est également possible d'apercevoir l'axe longitudinal 8 de cet emballage, confondu avec les axes longitudinaux du dispositif de rangement et de la cavité de logement.  The container 1 generally comprises a packaging 2 object of the present invention, inside which there is a storage device 4, also called storage basket. The device 4 is intended to be placed in a housing cavity 6 of the package 2, as shown in FIG. 1, in which it is also possible to see the longitudinal axis 8 of this package, coinciding with the longitudinal axes of the package. storage device and housing cavity.
Dans toute la description, le terme « longitudinal » doit être compris comme parallèle à l'axe longitudinal 8, et le terme « transversal » doit être compris comme orthogonal à ce même axe longitudinal 8. Throughout the description, the term "longitudinal" should be understood as parallel to the longitudinal axis 8, and the term "transverse" should be be understood as orthogonal to the same longitudinal axis 8.
De manière classique, le dispositif de rangement 4 comprend une pluralité de logements adjacents disposés parallèlement à l'axe 8, ces derniers étant chacun apte à recevoir au moins un assemblage de combustible de section carrée ou rectangulaire, et de préférence un seul. Le conteneur 1 et ce dispositif 4 ont été montrés dans une position verticale de chargement/déchargement des assemblages de combustible, différente de la position horizontale/couchée habituellement adoptée durant le transport des assemblages.  In a conventional manner, the storage device 4 comprises a plurality of adjacent housings arranged parallel to the axis 8, the latter being each adapted to receive at least one fuel assembly of square or rectangular section, and preferably only one. The container 1 and this device 4 have been shown in a vertical loading / unloading position of the fuel assemblies, different from the horizontal / recumbent position usually adopted during the transportation of the assemblies.
De façon générale, l'emballage 2 dispose tout d'abord d'un fond 10 sur lequel le dispositif 4 est destiné à reposer en position verticale, d'un couvercle 12, et d'un corps latéral 14 s' étendant autour et selon l'axe longitudinal 8, parallèle à la direction longitudinale. Le fond 10 et le couvercle 12 sont ainsi espacés l'un de l'autre selon la direction longitudinale de l'emballage, parallèle à l'axe 8.  In general, the package 2 firstly has a bottom 10 on which the device 4 is intended to rest in a vertical position, a cover 12, and a lateral body 14 extending around and according to the longitudinal axis 8, parallel to the longitudinal direction. The bottom 10 and the cover 12 are thus spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the package, parallel to the axis 8.
C'est ce corps latéral 14 qui définit la cavité de logement 6, à l'aide d'une surface intérieure latérale de forme sensiblement cylindrique et de section circulaire, et d'axe confondu avec l'axe 8. Le corps latéral 14 peut prendre la forme d'une virole métallique épaisse, de préférence réalisée en acier.  It is this lateral body 14 which defines the housing cavity 6, with the aid of a lateral internal surface of substantially cylindrical shape and of circular section, and of axis coinciding with the axis 8. The lateral body 14 can take the form of a thick metal ferrule, preferably made of steel.
Le fond 10, qui définit le fond de la cavité 6 ouverte au niveau du couvercle 12, peut être réalisé d'une seule pièce avec une partie au moins du corps latéral 14, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. L'emballage 2 comporte en outre, entourant et contactant la surface extérieure du corps latéral 14, une pluralité d'éléments de conduction thermique 20 s' étendant radialement vers l'extérieur, ainsi que le long d'une grande partie de la longueur de ce corps 14, selon la direction de l'axe 8. The bottom 10, which defines the bottom of the cavity 6 open at the cover 12, can be made in one piece with at least a portion of the lateral body 14, without departing from the scope of the invention. The package 2 further comprises, surrounding and contacting the outer surface of the lateral body 14, a plurality of heat conduction members 20 extending radially outwardly, as well as along a major portion of the length of the housing. this body 14, in the direction of the axis 8.
Les éléments 20 sont des profilés spécifiques à la présente invention, qui seront détaillés ci-après en référence aux figures suivantes. Ils permettent d'évacuer la chaleur dégagée par les assemblages de combustible présents dans le panier de rangement 4, vers l'extérieur de l'emballage.  The elements 20 are profiles specific to the present invention, which will be detailed below with reference to the following figures. They make it possible to evacuate the heat released by the fuel assemblies present in the storage basket 4 towards the outside of the package.
Ils participent également au logement et la retenue des blocs de protection radiologiques 22, essentiellement conçus pour former une barrière contre les neutrons. Les blocs sont de préférence obtenus par coulée, comme cela sera exposé ci-après, et réalisés dans un matériau quelconque jugé approprié par l'homme du métier, comme une résine.  They also participate in housing and retaining the radiological protection blocks 22, essentially designed to form a barrier against neutrons. The blocks are preferably obtained by casting, as will be explained below, and made of any material deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art, such as a resin.
Les éléments de conduction thermique 20 participent également à former une enveloppe extérieure 24 de l'emballage, centrée sur l'axe 8. De plus, bien que cela n'ait pas été représenté, cette enveloppe peut être équipée d'ailettes favorisant les échanges thermiques avec l'air environnant.  The heat conduction elements 20 also participate in forming an outer casing 24 of the package, centered on the axis 8. In addition, although this has not been shown, this casing can be equipped with fins to promote exchanges thermal with the surrounding air.
L'emballage est également pourvu de capots amortisseurs (non représentés) recouvrant respectivement le couvercle 12 et le fond 10 de cet emballage, ainsi que de deux couronnes d'amortissement 60 entourant le corps latéral 14, et agencées respectivement aux extrémités longitudinales des profilés 20 et des blocs 22. Ces couronnes 60 font saillie radialement vers l'extérieur par rapport à l'enveloppe 24, afin de constituer des zones d'impact privilégiées en cas de chute accidentelles, lorsque l'emballage est orienté horizontalement. The package is also provided with damping hoods (not shown) respectively covering the cover 12 and the bottom 10 of this package, as well as two damping rings 60 surrounding the lateral body 14, and arranged respectively at the longitudinal ends of the These crowns 60 protrude radially outwards with respect to the envelope 24, so as to constitute preferred impact zones in the event of an accidental fall, when the packaging is oriented horizontally.
En référence à présent à la figure 2, on peut voir l'un des éléments de conduction thermique 20, prenant la forme d'un profilé de section en forme générale de U couché sur l'une de ses deux branches destinée à contacter la surface extérieure du corps latéral de l'emballage.  Referring now to Figure 2, one can see one of the heat conduction elements 20, taking the form of a generally U-shaped section section lying on one of its two branches for contacting the surface outer side body of the package.
La branche du U en question forme une partie radiale interne 30 de l'élément 20. Elle est reliée à l'une de ses extrémités à une extrémité d'une partie intermédiaire 32 formant la base du U, dont l'autre extrémité est reliée à une partie externe 34 formant l'autre branche du U. Cette partie externe 34 est destinée à former une portion de l'enveloppe externe de l'emballage, mentionnée ci-dessus.  The branch of the U in question forms an inner radial portion 30 of the element 20. It is connected at one of its ends to an end of an intermediate portion 32 forming the base of the U, the other end of which is connected to an outer portion 34 forming the other leg of the U. This outer portion 34 is intended to form a portion of the outer casing of the package, mentioned above.
Les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire de chaque élément 20 sont réalisées en cuivre ou dans l'un de ses alliages, par exemple d'une seule pièce.  The inner, outer and intermediate parts of each element 20 are made of copper or one of its alloys, for example in one piece.
L'une des particularités de la présente invention réside dans le fait que la partie externe 34 est équipée, à chacune de ses deux extrémités opposées, d'une zone 36 de raccordement par soudage à un autre élément de conduction thermique, chaque zone de raccordement 36 étant réalisée en acier, de préférence en acier inoxydable. Chaque zone 36 prend la forme d'une barrette s' étendant sur toute la longueur du profilé 20, sur une longueur circonférentielle largement inférieure à celle de la partie externe. Ainsi, il est préférentiellement prévu que la longueur circonférentielle « 1 » de chaque zone 36 soit comprise entre 5 et 15 % de la longueur circonférentielle « L » de la partie externe 34. One of the peculiarities of the present invention resides in the fact that the outer part 34 is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with a zone 36 for connection by welding to another element of thermal conduction, each connection zone 36 being made of steel, preferably stainless steel. Each zone 36 takes the form of a bar extending over the entire length of the profile 20, a circumferential length much smaller than that of the outer portion. Thus, it is preferentially provided that the circumferential length "1" of each zone 36 is between 5 and 15% of the circumferential length "L" of the outer portion 34.
L'une des deux zones de raccordement 36 prolonge l'extrémité libre de la branche du U 34, tandis que l'autre zone 36 s'étend à partir de l'angle formé par cette même branche 34 et la base du U.  One of the two connection areas 36 extends the free end of the U branch 34, while the other zone 36 extends from the angle formed by the same branch 34 and the base of the U.
En référence à la figure 3, on peut apercevoir que les éléments de conduction thermique 20 sont fixés au corps latéral d'emballage 14 par leur partie interne 30, par exemple par soudage ou par boulonnage, un contact surfacique étant ici privilégié de manière à obtenir un bon transfert de chaleur. Les éléments 20 sont également fixés bout à bout par soudage des zones de raccordement 36 en regard. Les soudures 40 obtenues sont du type acier-acier, réalisées à une température d'environ 180°C. De préférence, aucun traitement anticorrosion n'est requis sur ces soudures 40, en particulier lorsque les zones 36 sont réalisées en acier inoxydable.  With reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the heat conduction elements 20 are fixed to the lateral packaging body 14 by their internal part 30, for example by welding or by bolting, a surface contact here being privileged so as to obtain good heat transfer. The elements 20 are also attached end to end by welding the connecting zones 36 facing each other. The welds 40 obtained are steel-steel type, made at a temperature of about 180 ° C. Preferably, no anti-corrosion treatment is required on these welds 40, particularly when the zones 36 are made of stainless steel.
Ainsi, l'enveloppe externe 24 de l'emballage est constituée par les parties externes 34, les zones de raccordement 36, et les soudures 40.  Thus, the outer casing 24 of the package consists of the external parts 34, the connection zones 36, and the welds 40.
Les éléments de conduction thermique 20 définissent par paires des cavités dans lesquelles sont logés les blocs de protection radiologique 22. Plus précisément, chaque cavité 50 est délimitée radialement vers l'intérieur par la partie interne 30 d'un premier élément 20 et par une partie de la surface extérieure du corps 14 de l'emballage. Elle est délimitée radialement vers l'extérieur par la partie externe 34 de ce même premier élément 20, ainsi que par la zone de raccordement 36 prévue à l'extrémité libre de cette branche 34. La délimitation radiale vers l'extérieur est également assurée par la zone de raccordement 36 d'un second élément de conduction 20, et par la soudure 40 la reliant à la zone 36 précitée appartenant au premier élément. Chaque cavité 50 est par ailleurs délimitée dans la direction circonférentielle 52, dans les deux sens, respectivement par les parties intermédiaires 32 des premier et second éléments de conduction 20. The heat conduction elements 20 define in pairs cavities in which the radiological protection blocks 22 are housed. specifically, each cavity 50 is delimited radially inwardly by the inner portion 30 of a first member 20 and a portion of the outer surface of the body 14 of the package. It is delimited radially outwards by the outer portion 34 of this same first element 20, as well as by the connection zone 36 provided at the free end of this branch 34. The radially outward delimitation is also provided by the connection zone 36 of a second conduction element 20, and by the weld 40 connecting it to the aforementioned zone 36 belonging to the first element. Each cavity 50 is further delimited in the circumferential direction 52, in both directions, respectively by the intermediate portions 32 of the first and second conduction elements 20.
Enfin, les cavités 50 sont fermées à leurs extrémités longitudinales par la structure des couronnes d'amortissement 60 représentées sur la figure 1.  Finally, the cavities 50 are closed at their longitudinal ends by the structure of the damping rings 60 shown in FIG.
En référence à présent aux figures 3a à 3c, il est représenté différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication de l'emballage 2 décrit ci-dessus, selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.  Referring now to Figures 3a to 3c, there are shown various steps of a method of manufacturing the package 2 described above, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, ainsi que dans les suivants, les cavités 50 sont remplies successivement, une à une et par le dessus, avec l'emballage 2 orienté à l'horizontale.  In this first embodiment, as well as in the following, the cavities 50 are filled successively, one by one and from above, with the packaging 2 oriented horizontally.
L'emballage est alors positionné de sorte que le dernier élément de conduction 20a qui vient d'être assemblé sur le corps latéral 14 soit ouvert sensiblement verticalement vers le haut, le U étant donc sensiblement droit. A cet instant représenté sur la figure 3a, la cavité 50, ouverte vers le haut, est vide. D'autre part, l'autre élément de conduction, destiné à fermer cette cavité, n'est pas encore assemblé sur l'emballage. The package is then positioned so that the last conduction element 20a which has just been assembled on the lateral body 14 is open. substantially vertically upwards, the U being substantially straight. At this time shown in Figure 3a, the cavity 50, open upwards, is empty. On the other hand, the other conduction element, intended to close this cavity, is not yet assembled on the package.
La cavité 50 est ensuite remplie par coulée d'un matériau de protection neutronique, tel que de la résine. Cette coulée, schématisée par la flèche 64 de la figure 3b, s'effectue directement dans le volume délimité par le premier élément 20a et par les couronnes d'amortissement de l'emballage, en plaçant la machine de coulée (non représentée) au-dessus de ce volume à remplir. Le matériau sortant de la machine peut donc s'écouler directement, par gravité, dans le volume dédié, en traversant l'ouverture définie entre les deux extrémités libres des branches du U. Cette coulée s'effectue préférentiellement en plusieurs points d'injection de matériau, répartis le long de la direction longitudinale de l'emballage.  The cavity 50 is then filled by casting a neutron protection material, such as resin. This casting, shown schematically by the arrow 64 of FIG. 3b, takes place directly in the volume delimited by the first element 20a and by the damping crowns of the package, by placing the casting machine (not shown) above this volume to fill. The material leaving the machine can therefore flow directly, by gravity, into the dedicated volume, passing through the opening defined between the two free ends of the branches of the U. This casting is preferably carried out at several injection points. material, distributed along the longitudinal direction of the package.
La coulée est stoppée lorsque le niveau souhaité de remplissage est atteint dans la cavité 50, ce niveau étant préférentiellement sur ou à proximité de la zone de raccordement supérieure 36 de l'élément 20a.  The casting is stopped when the desired level of filling is reached in the cavity 50, this level being preferably on or near the upper connection zone 36 of the element 20a.
La machine de coulée est ensuite retirée, tandis que le matériau coulé se solidifie par polymérisation dans la cavité 50. Une fois le bloc solide obtenu, il est facilement possible d'opérer son contrôle visuel sur toute sa longueur, au niveau de la surface supérieure libre du bloc, orientée horizontalement vers le haut. Le contrôle visuel de la qualité du matériau de protection neutronique consiste par exemple à vérifier, après solidification, qu'il n'y a pas de fissures débouchantes dans le matériau, ces fissures pouvant provenir d'un problème de polymérisation lié à une mauvaise maîtrise de la température lors de l'étape de coulée, d'un problème de proportion du mélange du matériau. The casting machine is then removed, while the cast material solidifies by polymerization in the cavity 50. Once the solid block obtained, it is easily possible to operate its visual control over its entire length, at the upper surface. free of the block, oriented horizontally upwards. The visual check of the quality of the neutron protection material consists, for example, in checking, after solidification, that there are no emerging cracks in the material, these cracks possibly coming from a polymerization problem related to a poor control. temperature during the casting step, a problem of proportion of the mixture of the material.
Après l'inspection du bloc, le second élément de conduction 20b est assemblé sur l'emballage, par vissage ou soudage de sa partie interne 30 sur le corps latéral, comme cela est visible sur la figure 3c. Sa partie intermédiaire 32 vient fermer la cavité 50, et sa zone de raccordement inférieure 36 vient en regard de la zone de raccordement supérieure 36 du premier élément 20a, un contact s' opérant éventuellement entre ces deux zones.  After inspection of the block, the second conduction element 20b is assembled on the package, by screwing or welding its inner portion 30 on the lateral body, as can be seen in FIG. 3c. Its intermediate portion 32 closes the cavity 50, and its lower connection zone 36 comes opposite the upper connection zone 36 of the first element 20a, a contact possibly operating between these two zones.
L'emballage est ensuite mis en rotation autour de son axe 8 afin d'orienter convenablement le second élément de conduction 20b, de manière à pouvoir opérer son remplissage d'une manière identique à celle qui vient d'être décrite.  The package is then rotated about its axis 8 so as to properly orient the second conduction element 20b, so as to operate its filling in a manner identical to that just described.
Cette succession d'opérations est alors réitérée autant de fois que nécessaire pour recouvrir l'intégralité du corps latéral d'emballage 14 avec les éléments de conduction 20 et les blocs 22. Ce n'est d'ailleurs préférentiellement qu'après la formation de tous les blocs 22 que le soudage des zones de raccordement 36 est réalisé, deux à deux. Cela permet en particulier de réaliser les soudures dans un ordre différent de celui dans lequel elles se succèdent selon la direction circonférentielle . This succession of operations is then repeated as many times as necessary to cover the entirety of the lateral packaging body 14 with the conduction elements 20 and the blocks 22. It is moreover preferably only after the formation of all the blocks 22 that the welding of the connection zones 36 is made, two by two. This allows in particular to make the welds in one order different from that in which they follow each other in the circumferential direction.
En référence à présent aux figures 4a à 4c, il est représenté différentes étapes d'un procédé de fabrication de l'emballage 2 décrit ci-dessus, selon un second mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.  Referring now to Figures 4a to 4c, there are shown various steps of a method of manufacturing the package 2 described above, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.
La première étape consiste toujours à positionner l'emballage de sorte que le dernier élément de conduction 20a qui vient d'être assemblé sur le corps latéral 14 soit ouvert sensiblement verticalement vers le haut, le U étant donc sensiblement droit. A cet instant représenté sur la figure 4a, la cavité 50, ouverte vers le haut, est vide. D'autre part, l'autre élément de conduction, destiné à fermer cette cavité, n'est pas encore assemblé sur l'emballage.  The first step is always to position the package so that the last conduction element 20a which has just been assembled on the lateral body 14 is open substantially vertically upwards, the U being substantially straight. At this time shown in Figure 4a, the cavity 50, open upwards, is empty. On the other hand, the other conduction element, intended to close this cavity, is not yet assembled on the package.
La cavité 50 est ensuite remplie, non plus par coulée directe dans le volume délimité par le premier élément 20a, mais en traversant des orifices 70 pratiqués à travers un outillage 72 monté au-dessus de l'élément 20a, par exemple en reposant sur la zone de raccordement supérieure 36, comme schématisé sur la figure 4b. La machine de coulée permet donc d' introduire le matériau dans la cavité provisoirement fermée par l'outillage, par les orifices 70 pratiqués dans cet outillage 72, de préférence répartis selon la direction longitudinale. La coulée, schématisée par la flèche 64 de la figure 4b, est stoppée lorsque le niveau souhaité de remplissage est atteint dans la cavité 50. A cet égard, d'autres orifices peuvent être pratiqués à travers l'outillage 72, de manière à constituer des orifices de « trop plein » permettant d'indiquer visuellement à l'opérateur le moment auquel le remplissage est achevé. The cavity 50 is then filled, either by direct casting in the volume delimited by the first element 20a, but by passing through orifices 70 made through a tool 72 mounted above the element 20a, for example by resting on the upper connection area 36, as shown schematically in Figure 4b. The casting machine thus makes it possible to introduce the material into the cavity provisionally closed by the tool, by the orifices 70 made in this tool 72, preferably distributed in the longitudinal direction. The casting, shown schematically by the arrow 64 of FIG. 4b, is stopped when the desired level of filling is reached in the cavity 50. In this respect, other orifices may be made through the tooling 72, so as to constitute "overflow" orifices allowing visually indicate to the operator when filling is complete.
La machine de coulée et l'outillage sont ensuite retirés, tandis que le matériau coulé se solidifie dans la cavité 50. Une fois le bloc solide obtenu, et son contrôle visuel effectué, le second élément de conduction 20b est assemblé sur l'emballage, par vissage ou soudage de sa partie interne 30 sur le corps latéral, comme cela est visible sur la figure 4c, d'une manière analogue à celle décrite pour le premier mode de réalisation préféré.  The casting machine and the tooling are then removed, while the cast material solidifies in the cavity 50. Once the solid block obtained, and its visual control performed, the second conduction element 20b is assembled on the package, by screwing or welding its inner part 30 to the lateral body, as can be seen in FIG. 4c, in a manner similar to that described for the first preferred embodiment.
Enfin, dans le troisième mode de réalisation préféré représenté sur les figures 5a et 5b, l'outillage est remplacé par le second élément de conduction 20b, qui est donc installé provisoirement sur l'emballage 2 durant la coulée 64, qui s'effectue au travers des orifices 70 prévus dans la partie intermédiaire 32 de cet élément de conduction 20b.  Finally, in the third preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the tooling is replaced by the second conduction element 20b, which is therefore temporarily installed on the package 2 during casting 64, which is carried out at through orifices 70 provided in the intermediate portion 32 of this conduction element 20b.
A la fin de la coulée 64, le second élément 20b est démonté, par exemple après avoir été monté provisoirement par un boulonnage partiel sur le corps latéral 14, puis l'inspection du bloc est opérée. Ensuite, le second élément de conduction 20b est réassemblé définitivement sur le corps latéral, toujours par boulonnage ou soudage.  At the end of the casting 64, the second member 20b is disassembled, for example after having been provisionally mounted by partial bolting on the lateral body 14, then the inspection of the block is made. Then, the second conduction element 20b is reassembled permanently on the lateral body, always by bolting or welding.
Selon une variante de ce troisième mode de réalisation, également applicable au second mode, les éléments de conduction thermique 20 prennent une section de forme globale de S, et non plus de U. Cette variante est représentée sur la figure 6. Bien entendu, diverses modifications peuvent être apportées par l'homme du métier à l'invention qui vient d'être décrite, uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. According to a variant of this third embodiment, also applicable to the second mode, the thermal conduction elements 20 take a section of overall shape of S, and no longer U. This variant is shown in FIG. Of course, various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described, solely by way of non-limiting examples.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Elément de conduction thermique (20) pour emballage de transport et/ou d'entreposage de matières radioactives, comprenant : A heat conduction element (20) for transport and / or storage packaging of radioactive materials, comprising:
- une partie interne (30) destinée à être au contact d'un corps latéral (14) de l'emballage ;  an inner portion (30) intended to be in contact with a lateral body (14) of the package;
- une partie externe (34) destinée à former une portion d'une enveloppe externe (24) dudit emballage, retenant des moyens de protection radiologique (22) ;  an outer portion (34) intended to form a portion of an outer envelope (24) of said package, retaining radiological protection means (22);
une partie intermédiaire (32) agencée entre les parties interne et externe,  an intermediate portion (32) arranged between the inner and outer portions,
les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire étant réalisées en cuivre ou dans l'un de ses alliages,  the inner, outer and intermediate parts being made of copper or one of its alloys,
caractérisé en ce que ladite partie externe (34) est équipée, à chacune de ses deux extrémités opposées, d'une zone (36) de raccordement par soudage à un autre élément de conduction thermique (20), chaque zone de raccordement (36) étant réalisée en acier.  characterized in that said outer portion (34) is provided, at each of its two opposite ends, with a zone (36) for connection by welding to another heat conduction element (20), each connection zone (36). being made of steel.
2. Elément de conduction thermique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque zone de raccordement (36) est réalisée en acier carbone ou en acier inoxydable. 2. Thermal conduction element according to claim 1, characterized in that each connecting zone (36) is made of carbon steel or stainless steel.
3. Elément de conduction thermique selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente une section transversale de forme globale en U ou en S . 3. Thermal conduction element according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it has a cross section of overall shape U or S.
4. Elément de conduction thermique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque zone de raccordement (36) s'étend sur une longueur circonférentielle (1) comprise entre 5 et 15 % de la longueur circonférentielle (L) de sa partie externe associée. 4. Thermal conduction element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connection zone (36) extends over a circumferential length (1) of between 5 and 15% of the circumferential length (L) of its associated external part.
5. Elément de conduction thermique selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce les parties interne, externe et intermédiaire sont réalisées d'une seule pièce, ou bien à partir d'au moins deux portions reliées par soudage. 5. Thermal conduction element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner, outer and intermediate parts are made in one piece, or from at least two portions connected by welding.
6. Emballage (2) pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage de matières radioactives, comprenant un corps latéral (14) ainsi qu'une pluralité d'éléments de conduction thermique (20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dont les parties internes (30) sont agencées au contact dudit corps latéral (14), et dont les parties externes (34) forment une partie de ladite enveloppe externe (24) dudit emballage qui retient des moyens de protection radiologique (22), ladite enveloppe externe étant complétée par lesdites zones de raccordement (36) équipant lesdites parties externes, ainsi que par des soudures (50) reliant ces zones de raccordement deux à deux. Packing (2) for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, comprising a lateral body (14) and a plurality of thermal conduction elements (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner parts (30) are arranged in contact with said lateral body (14), and whose external parts (34) form part of said outer envelope (24) of said package which retains radiological protection means (22), said envelope external being completed by said connection areas (36) equipping said external parts, and by welds (50) connecting these connection areas in pairs.
7. Emballage selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que deux éléments de conduction thermique (20) quelconques et directement consécutifs définissent, notamment avec leurs zones de raccordement soudées (36), une cavité (50) logeant un bloc de protection radiologique (22) . 7. Packaging according to claim 6, characterized in that any two elements of thermal conduction (20) any directly and directly define, in particular with their connection areas welded (36), a cavity (50) housing a radiological protection block (22).
8. Procédé de fabrication d'un emballage (2) pour le transport et/ou l'entreposage de matières radioactives selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique (22), il est réalisé la coulée d'un matériau de protection radiologique dans l'un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20a) destinés à définir la cavité (50) dans laquelle ledit bloc (22) est destiné à être logé, ladite coulée étant effectuée avec cet élément de conduction thermique (20a) assemblé sur l'emballage. 8. A method of manufacturing a package (2) for the transport and / or storage of radioactive materials according to the preceding claim, characterized in that for at least one of said radiological protection blocks (22), it is casting a radiological protection material in one of said two thermal conduction elements (20a) for defining the cavity (50) in which said block (22) is intended to be housed, said casting being carried out with this thermal conduction element (20a) assembled on the package.
9. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique (22), il est réalisé les étapes successives suivantes : 9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that for at least one of said radiological protection blocks (22), the following successive steps are carried out:
- la coulée d'un matériau de protection radiologique dans l'un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20a) destinés à définir la cavité (50) dans laquelle ledit bloc (22) est destiné à être logé, ladite coulée étant effectuée avec cet élément de conduction thermique (20a) assemblé sur l'emballage ; puis  casting a radiological protection material in one of said two thermal conduction elements (20a) intended to define the cavity (50) in which said block (22) is intended to be housed, said casting being carried out with this thermal conduction element (20a) assembled on the package; then
l'assemblage sur l'emballage de l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20b) .  the assembly on the package of the other of said two thermal conduction elements (20b).
10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdites cavités (50) sont remplies successivement, de préférence une à une, avec ledit emballage orienté à l'horizontale, et en introduisant le matériau de protection radiologique par le dessus. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said cavities (50) are filled successively, preferably one by one, with said package oriented horizontally, and introducing the radiological protection material from above.
11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique (22), la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue directement dans ledit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20a) destinés à définir la cavité dans laquelle ledit bloc est destiné à être logé. 11. The method of claim 10, characterized in that for at least one of said radiological protection blocks (22), the casting of the radiological protection material is carried out directly in said one of said two thermal conduction elements (20a). intended to define the cavity in which said block is intended to be housed.
12. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique (22), la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue au travers d'au moins un orifice (70) prévu sur un outillage (72) monté au-dessus dudit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20a) destinés à définir la cavité (50) dans laquelle ledit bloc (22) est destiné à être logé, l'autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20b) étant assemblé sur l'emballage après le retrait dudit outillage (72) . 12. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that for at least one of said radiological protection blocks (22), the casting of the radiological protection material is effected through at least one orifice (70) provided on a tool (72) mounted above one of said two thermal conduction elements (20a) for defining the cavity (50) in which said block (22) is to be housed, the other of said two thermal conduction elements (20b) being assembled on the package after removal of said tool (72).
13. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que pour au moins l'un desdits blocs de protection radiologique (22), la coulée du matériau de protection radiologique s'effectue au travers d'au moins un orifice (70) prévu sur la partie intermédiaire (32) dudit autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20b) , monté provisoirement au-dessus dudit un desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20a) destinés à définir la cavité (50) dans laquelle ledit bloc (22) est destiné à être logé, cet autre desdits deux éléments de conduction thermique (20b) étant ensuite retiré puis réassemblé définitivement sur 1 ' emballage . 13. The method of claim 10, characterized in that for at least one of said radiological protection blocks (22), the casting of the radiological protection material is effected through at least one orifice (70) provided on the intermediate portion (32) of said other one of said two conduction elements thermal device (20b), provisionally mounted above said one of said two thermal conduction elements (20a) for defining the cavity (50) in which said block (22) is to be housed, this other of said two thermal conduction elements (20b) being then removed and reassembled definitively on the package.
14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé en ce que le soudage des zones de raccordement (36) deux à deux est réalisé après que tous les blocs de protection radiologique (22) de l'emballage aient été coulés dans leur cavité associée ( 50 ) . Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the welding of the connection areas (36) in pairs is carried out after all the radiological protection blocks (22) of the package have been cast. in their associated cavity (50).
EP12711181.3A 2011-04-18 2012-03-30 Thermally conductive element enabling an improvement in the manufacture of packaging for the transport and/or storage of radioactive material Active EP2700077B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1153329A FR2974228B1 (en) 2011-04-18 2011-04-18 THERMAL CONDUCTION ELEMENT FOR IMPROVING THE MANUFACTURE OF A TRANSPORT AND / OR STORAGE PACKAGING OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
PCT/EP2012/055776 WO2012143224A1 (en) 2011-04-18 2012-03-30 Thermally conductive element enabling an improvement in the manufacture of packaging for the transport and/or storage of radioactive material

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EP2700077A1 true EP2700077A1 (en) 2014-02-26
EP2700077B1 EP2700077B1 (en) 2015-10-07

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US (1) US9040946B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2700077B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6018175B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101996318B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103460300B (en)
ES (1) ES2557564T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2974228B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012143224A1 (en)

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FR3080705B1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2020-10-30 Tn Int TRANSPORT AND / OR STORAGE PACKAGING OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS ALLOWING EASY MANUFACTURING AS WELL AS AN IMPROVEMENT OF THERMAL CONDUCTION

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ES2557564T3 (en) 2016-01-27
KR101996318B1 (en) 2019-07-04
KR20140007921A (en) 2014-01-20
US20140035196A1 (en) 2014-02-06
CN103460300B (en) 2016-01-20
FR2974228B1 (en) 2013-06-07
FR2974228A1 (en) 2012-10-19
JP6018175B2 (en) 2016-11-02
WO2012143224A1 (en) 2012-10-26
JP2014515830A (en) 2014-07-03
EP2700077B1 (en) 2015-10-07
CN103460300A (en) 2013-12-18
US9040946B2 (en) 2015-05-26

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