EP3654351A1 - Verpackung von radioaktivem material, umfassend eine axiale keilvorrichtung mit formgedächtnismaterial - Google Patents

Verpackung von radioaktivem material, umfassend eine axiale keilvorrichtung mit formgedächtnismaterial Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3654351A1
EP3654351A1 EP19207260.1A EP19207260A EP3654351A1 EP 3654351 A1 EP3654351 A1 EP 3654351A1 EP 19207260 A EP19207260 A EP 19207260A EP 3654351 A1 EP3654351 A1 EP 3654351A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
package
axial
radioactive material
wedging device
packaging
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19207260.1A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Justo Garcia
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TN International SA
Original Assignee
TN International SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TN International SA filed Critical TN International SA
Publication of EP3654351A1 publication Critical patent/EP3654351A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/005—Containers for solid radioactive wastes, e.g. for ultimate disposal
    • G21F5/008—Containers for fuel elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21F—PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR
    • G21F5/00—Transportable or portable shielded containers
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/08—Shock-absorbers, e.g. impact buffers for containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a package for the transport, storage and / or storage of radioactive material, such as fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies. It relates in particular to the axial setting of the radioactive material relative to the packaging in the event of the package falling.
  • Certain packages of radioactive material include packaging for transporting and / or storing radioactive material, as well as rigid shims for wedging the radioactive material in the packaging. These wedges are for example located between the bottom of the packaging and the radioactive material.
  • Packages comprising rigid spacers have an axial clearance between the radioactive material and a cover, in particular due to the manufacturing tolerances of the packaging and differential expansions in the package.
  • Radioactive material examples include a package and an elastic member for axially securing the radioactive material in the package.
  • a package is known from the document US 2005/0056563 , in which the stiffness of the elastic element depends on the weight of the radioactive material.
  • the dimensioning of the elastic axial wedging elements can be complex. It is difficult to ensure axial contact between the radioactive material and the cover of the package with variable conditions of fall of the package.
  • the radioactive material can thus move in the cavity of the packaging due to this axial play.
  • the radioactive material can then violently impact the lid of the packaging and jeopardize its tightness.
  • the invention aims to at least partially solve the problems encountered in the solutions of the prior art.
  • the subject of the invention is a package comprising packaging for transporting, storing and / or storing radioactive material.
  • the package includes a side body, a cover, and a bottom which is spaced from the cover in an axial direction of the package.
  • the packaging defines a cavity which is delimited by the lateral body, the cover and the bottom.
  • the package includes at least one assembly containing the radioactive material which is housed in the cavity of the packaging.
  • the package comprises at least one device for axially wedging the assembly containing the radioactive material in the cavity of the packaging.
  • the axial wedging device comprises at least one actuator made of shape memory material which is configured to lengthen, when its temperature exceeds an activation temperature, by causing the wedging device to deploy in the axial direction.
  • the axial clearance between the assembly containing the radioactive material and the packaging is limited during a fall of the package on the cover side. Furthermore, the deployment of the wedging device tends to be independent of the conditions of fall of the packaging, which makes the wedging of the assembly containing the radioactive material relative to the packaging more reliable.
  • the axial wedging device is in at least partially retracted position when the radioactive material is inserted into the packaging, which guarantees the existence of a minimum axial clearance between the assembly containing the radioactive material and the packaging at when the package is closed. The risks of damaging the assembly containing the radioactive material during the fitting of the cover are then limited.
  • the assembly containing the radioactive material comprises in particular the radioactive material and possibly a basket or a case in which the radioactive material is housed.
  • the invention may optionally include one or more of the following characteristics, whether or not combined.
  • the axial wedging device extends axially between the cover and the assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the axial wedging device extends axially between the bottom and the assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the wedging device includes a first axial end and a second axial end which is axially opposite the first axial end.
  • the second axial end is located axially closer to the center of the package than the first axial end.
  • the first axial end is a fixed end which is rigidly secured to the packaging.
  • the second axial end is a free end which is axially movable relative to the first axial end.
  • the second axial end is a fixed end which is rigidly secured to the assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the first axial end is a free end which is axially movable relative to the second axial end.
  • the first axial end is fixed to the cover.
  • the first axial end is fixed to the bottom of the packaging or else the first axial end is in abutment against the bottom of the packaging.
  • the free end is configured to be at a distance from the assembly containing the radioactive material when the packaging is closed.
  • the free end is in particular the second axial end.
  • the free end is configured to be at a distance from the packaging, in particular from the lid or from the bottom of the packaging, when the packaging is closed.
  • the free end is in particular the first axial end.
  • the wedging device is configured to deploy axially, when the shape memory material exceeds its activation temperature, so that the free end comes into contact with the assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the activation temperature is reached relatively quickly once the cover has been put in place and the package is in normal conditions of transport, storage and / or storage of the radioactive material.
  • the timing of the radioactive material relative to the packaging tends to be improved, due to the mechanical contact between the axial timing device and the assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the wedging device is configured to deploy axially, when the shape memory material exceeds its activation temperature, so that the free end comes axially in contact with the packaging, in particular with the cover. or from the bottom of the package.
  • the timing of the assembly containing the radioactive material relative to the packaging tends to be improved, due to the mechanical contact between the axial wedging device and the packaging.
  • the actuator comprises an elastic biasing means made of shape memory material.
  • the elastic biasing means allows satisfactory wedging and limits the intensity of the axial forces exerted between the assembly containing the radioactive material and the packaging by means of the wedging device.
  • the actuator comprises a rod made of shape memory material.
  • the elastic biasing means comprises at least one spring.
  • the spring is for example a helical spring.
  • the spring works in particular in compression.
  • the shape memory material comprises a metallic material.
  • the activation temperature of the shape memory material is greater than or equal to 50 ° C.
  • the activation temperature is greater than or equal to 80 ° C.
  • the activation temperature is greater than or equal to 120 ° C.
  • the activation temperature is notably lower than the average temperature of the assembly containing the radioactive material once the cover has been closed, while being significantly higher than the ambient temperature.
  • the shape memory material is configured to extend reversibly when its temperature exceeds its activation temperature.
  • the shape memory material is then a standard shape memory material.
  • the packaging is in particular a packaging for transporting radioactive material.
  • the wedging device can be reused more easily, in particular with the same type of radioactive material.
  • the shape memory material is configured to elongate irreversibly when its temperature exceeds its activation temperature.
  • the shape memory material is a so-called single effect shape memory material.
  • the packaging is in particular a packaging for the storage / storage of radioactive material.
  • the axial setting of the assembly containing the radioactive material relative to the packaging is improved, in particular over long periods.
  • the free end comprises a support piece which at least partially has the form of a plate.
  • the mechanical forces exerted between the assembly containing the radioactive material and the packaging by means of the wedging device are better distributed.
  • the axial setting of the assembly containing the radioactive material relative to the packaging is improved.
  • the wedging device comprises at least one guide rod for the free axial end, which extends at least partially axially between the first axial end and the second axial end.
  • the wedging device comprises a force bypass device which is configured to transmit a mechanical force from the assembly containing the radioactive material to the packaging at least partially in derivation of the memory material of form, when the wedging device is deployed at least partially axially.
  • the shape memory material may have lower mechanical strength.
  • the force bypass device comprises a non-return device which is configured to limit the approach of the free end of the fixed end, when the wedging device is deployed at least partially axially .
  • the non-return device improves the axial setting of the assembly containing the radioactive material relative to the packaging, by limiting variations in the axial length of the actuator in the event of the package falling on the cover side.
  • the operation of the axial wedging device then approaches that of a rigid block, limiting the movement of the assembly containing the radioactive material in the cavity of the packaging. The stresses on opening the cover in the event of a fall are reduced.
  • the non-return device comprises at least one self-tightening jaw and / or a self-locking washer.
  • the packaging houses a basket which comprises a plurality of cells in which the radioactive material is housed.
  • the package includes at least one wedging device per cell containing radioactive material.
  • the axial wedging device is configured to wedge the radioactive material in the cells of the basket.
  • the calibration of the radioactive material relative to the packaging is improved by wedging it axially in each cell.
  • the invention also relates to a package for transporting, storing and / or storing radioactive material.
  • the package includes a side body, a cover, and a bottom which is spaced from the cover in an axial direction of the package.
  • the packaging defines a cavity which is delimited by the lateral body, the cover and the bottom. The cavity is intended to accommodate at least one assembly containing the radioactive material.
  • the packaging comprises at least one axial wedging device configured to axially wedge the assembly in the cavity of the packaging.
  • the axial wedging device comprises at least one actuator made of shape memory material which is configured to lengthen, when its temperature exceeds an activation temperature, by causing the wedging device to deploy in the axial direction.
  • the invention also relates to a method of transporting, storing and / or storing a radioactive material in a package to form a package as defined above.
  • the method includes a step of loading the radioactive material into the package, during which the shape memory material is at a temperature below its activation temperature.
  • the method comprises the axial wedging of the assembly containing the radioactive material in the packaging by the wedging device, following the increase in the temperature of the shape memory material above its activation temperature when the packaging has been closed.
  • the figure 1 represents a package 1 of radioactive material.
  • Package 1 includes a packaging 2 for transporting, storing and / or storing radioactive material 3.
  • the radioactive material 3 (not shown) comprises, for example, assemblies of fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel or vitrified radioactive waste.
  • Package 1 includes a basket 4 which is inside the package 2, the radioactive material 3 (not shown) which is housed in the basket 4, and axial wedging devices 8 (not shown) of the radioactive material 3 relative to packaging 2.
  • the package 2 comprises a lateral body 20 which extends along a longitudinal axis X-X of the package.
  • the longitudinal axis X-X of the package 2 is the longitudinal axis of the package 1.
  • the package 2 is closed on either side of the lateral body 20 in the longitudinal direction X-X by a cover 7 and by a bottom 6.
  • the lateral body 20 is delimited radially inwards by a steel ferrule 21 and radially outwards by an external metal wall 24.
  • the lateral body 20 comprises a neutron protection material 22 which is located radially between the internal ferrule 21 and the external wall 24.
  • the ferrule 21 delimits radially outward an internal cavity 5 of the packaging 2 inside which is housed the basket 4.
  • the internal cavity 5 is delimited axially on the one hand by the cover 7 and on the other hand from the bottom 6.
  • the adjective “axial” means substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the package
  • the adjective “radial” means oriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to this axis
  • the adjective “ transverse” means along a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis XX and intersecting with this axis.
  • the terms “lower” and “upper” are defined relative to the longitudinal axis XX of the package 2.
  • the basket 4 comprises a plurality of adjacent cells 41, the latter each extending along the longitudinal axis X-X of the basket.
  • the cells 41 are shaped to each receive a fuel assembly which has a shape complementary to that of the cell 41.
  • the cells 41 and the fuel assemblies are of square section.
  • package 1 comprises an axial wedging device 8 per cell 41 which contains radioactive material 3.
  • the axial wedging devices 8 each comprise a housing 84 which is fixed to the underside of the cover 7 vis-à-vis each of the cells 41.
  • the axial wedging devices 8 each extend axially between the cover 7 and the radioactive material 3.
  • Each of the axial wedging devices 8 is substantially symmetrical in revolution about a deployment axis YY which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the package 2. As such, an axial direction is also a direction substantially parallel to the deployment axis YY of each axial wedging device 8, unless otherwise specified in the rest of the description.
  • Each axial wedging device 8 comprises a housing 84, a first axial end 81a, a second axial end 81b which is axially opposite the first axial end 81a, at least one actuator 9, at least one rod 82 and self-tightening jaws 14 .
  • the housing 84 comprises a side wall 85 around the deployment axis YY, an upper wall 87 and a lower wall 86 which is axially opposite to the upper wall 87.
  • the side wall 85 extends axially from the upper wall 87 to 'to the bottom wall 86.
  • the top wall 87 and the bottom wall 86 are walls transverse to the axis of deployment YY.
  • the upper wall 87 is fixed to the packaging 2, in particular to the cover 7, and it forms the first axial end 81a of the wedging device 8.
  • the lower wall 86 is fixed to the side wall 85.
  • the actuator 9 comprises a plurality of helical springs made of shape memory material.
  • the shape memory material is a metallic material. It is configured to lie down in the direction of deployment YY when its temperature exceeds an activation temperature which is greater than or equal to 50 ° C and thus take a previously memorized form.
  • the activation temperature is typically greater than or equal to 120 ° C.
  • the helical springs extend axially in the direction of deployment YY from the upper wall 87 to a flange 89.
  • the springs which are connected to the wall 87, are means for biasing the flange 89.
  • the springs are configured to deform in the direction of deployment YY between their retracted position which is shown in the figure 3 and their deployed position which is shown in the figure 4 . In the retracted position, the springs are at a temperature below the activation temperature. In the deployed position, the springs are at a temperature higher than the activation temperature.
  • the flange 89 takes the form of a plate which has an upper surface and a lower surface axially opposite the upper surface.
  • the upper surface of the flange 89 is connected to the lower end of the springs of the actuator which are also integral with the flange 89.
  • the lower surface of the flange 89 is rigidly integral with the rod 82, for example by being fixed to the rod 82.
  • the rod 82 extends longitudinally substantially in the direction of deployment YY. It is connected at its upper end to the flange 89.
  • the rod 82 is configured to move in the direction of deployment YY relative to the housing 84 between a retracted position which is shown in the figure 3 and a deployed position which is shown in the figure 4 .
  • the axial length of the rod 82 is identical between its retracted position and its deployed position.
  • the wedging device comprises a plate 83 which extends substantially transversely to the direction of deployment. Its upper surface is rigidly secured to the rod 82 and it is flush with the lower surface of the lower wall 86, in the retracted position of the wedging device 8.
  • the lower surface of the plate 83 is intended to come into contact with the radioactive material 3 in a cell 41 of the basket in the deployed position.
  • the plate 83 is thus a support piece of the axial wedging device 8 against the radioactive material 3.
  • the plate 83 forms the second axial end 81b of the axial wedging device 8. It is a free end, since it is axially movable with respect to the housing 84 and with respect to the radioactive material 3 between the retracted position and the deployed position of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the self-clamping jaws 14 are located in a housing of the housing 84 which is delimited radially with respect to the deployment axis YY by a wall inclined radially outwards in the direction of the bottom wall 86. This housing is delimited axially by the lower wall 86.
  • Helical compression springs are arranged between the lower surface of the jaws and the upper surface of the wall 86.
  • the jaws 14 are located around the rod 82. Thanks to the inclined wall, the compression springs allow 'ensuring permanent contact of the jaws 14 on the rod 82.
  • the self-clamping jaws 14 are axially stationary relative to the housing 84.
  • the jaws 14 each have a notched internal surface for mechanically engaging the rod 82 by form cooperation. They are configured to grip the rod 82. They are configured to allow the rod 82 to deploy axially towards the radioactive material 3, and to prevent the axial return of the rod 82 towards the upper wall 87.
  • the self-tightening jaws 14 thus form a non-return device which is configured to limit the approach of the second axial end 81b of the first axial end 81a of the wedging device 8, when the wedging device 8 is deployed at least partially axially.
  • the axial displacement of the rod 82 relative to the jaws 14 is irreversible.
  • the self-tightening jaws 14 and the side wall 85 of the housing form a force bypass device of the wedging device in the event of the package 1 falling on the cover side 7. They are configured to transmit an axial mechanical force coming from the plate 83 up to the upper wall 87 of the housing at least partially bypassing the actuator 9.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the retracted position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the retracted position, their axial length is minimum.
  • the flange 89 is located axially near the upper wall 87.
  • the rod 82 is in the retracted position, being located inside the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 is flush with or is in contact with the lower wall 86.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the deployed position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the deployed position, their axial length is greater than in the retracted position and their shape corresponds to that previously stored at a temperature above the activation temperature.
  • the flange 89 is more axially distant from the upper wall 87.
  • the rod 82 is in the deployed position, being partially projecting axially from the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 is intended to be in contact with the radioactive material 3 in the package 2 .
  • the radioactive material 3 is loaded into the cells 41 of the basket 4 inside the internal cavity 5 of the packaging.
  • the axial wedging devices 8 are in the retracted position in the longitudinal direction X-X of the packaging, the shape memory material of their actuator 9 being at a temperature below that of its activation temperature.
  • the actuators 9 of the axial timing devices 8 deploy axially, following the increase in their temperature above the activation temperature .
  • the heat released by the radioactive material 3 in the internal cavity 5 of the package allows the axial deployment of the actuators 9.
  • the radioactive material 3 is axially wedged inside the package 2 once the axial wedging devices 8 are each in the deployed position.
  • the Figures 5 and 6 represent a package 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the radioactive material 3 is housed in a case.
  • the case is directly in contact with the bottom 6 and / or the side walls 20 of the package 2.
  • the package 1 comprises a single axial wedging device 8, disposed between the cover 7 and the radioactive material 3, which is configured to axially wedge the radioactive material 3 in the internal cavity 5 of the package 2.
  • the axial wedging device 8 of the second embodiment differs mainly from that of package 1 which is shown in the figure 2 , by its dimensions, in that it comprises several guide rods 82b, 82c, in that it is devoid of flange 89, and in that it comprises a self-locking washer 12 which is configured to cooperate with a central rod 82a to form the non-return device 10 of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the housing 84 of the axial wedging device 8 extends substantially over the entire lower surface of the cover 7. It comprises a housing for axially accommodating each of the guide rods 82b, 82c and of the central rod 82a in the retracted position of the wedging device 8.
  • the axial wedging device 8 comprises a first spring 9b of shape memory material which is located around a first guide rod 82b.
  • the axial wedging device 8 comprises a second spring 9c of shape memory material which is situated around a second guide rod 82c.
  • the springs 9b, 9c are each of the coil springs. They each comprise an upper axial end which bears on the lower wall of the housing 84 and a lower axial end which bears on the plate 83.
  • the activation temperatures of the shape memory materials of the springs 9b, 9c are substantially identical.
  • the springs 9b, 9c form the actuator 9 of the wedging device 8.
  • the first spring 9b is configured to request the deployment of the first guide rod 82b in a first deployment direction Y1-Y1 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the packaging.
  • the second spring 9c is configured to request the deployment of the second guide rod 82c in a second deployment direction Y2-Y2 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the package.
  • the springs 9b, 9c and the guide rods 82b, 82c are configured to axially urge the plate 83 towards the radioactive material 3.
  • the springs 9b, 9c are thus means for urging the plate 83.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are substantially identical. Their longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the package. They have an identical length in the retracted position and in the deployed position.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are configured to guide the movement of the plate 83 relative to the assembly containing the radioactive material 3.
  • the rods guide 82b, 82c limit the lateral movement of the plate 83 and the springs 9b, 9c relative to the lateral body 20 and thus limit the damage to the springs 9b, 9c.
  • the plate 83 extends substantially over the entire upper surface of the radioactive material 3. It is rigidly secured to the lower axial end of each of the guide rods 82b, 82c and the central rod 82a. It is at a distance from the radioactive material 3 in the retracted position which is shown in the figure 5 . It is in mechanical contact with the radioactive material 3 in the deployed position which is shown in the figure 6 , to axially wedge the radioactive material 3 relative to the cover 7 of the package 2.
  • the actuator 9 allows the axial displacement of the plate 83, which forms the second axial end, relative to the first axial end formed by the housing 84.
  • the longitudinal axis of the central rod 82a is parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the package, in particular being coincident with the longitudinal axis X-X of the package.
  • the central rod 82a has an identical length in the retracted position and in the deployed position, in particular a length identical to that of the guide rods 82b, 82c.
  • the self-locking washer 12 is integral with the housing 84 and surrounds the central rod 82a.
  • the washer 12 is for example a claw brake washer for smooth axes.
  • the self-locking washer 12 is configured to grip the central rod 82a. It is configured to allow the rod 82a to deploy axially towards the case and to prevent the axial return of the central rod 82a towards the cover 7, in particular in the event of the package 1 falling on the cover 7.
  • the axial displacement of the central rod 82a relative to the self-locking washer 82a is irreversible.
  • the self-locking washer 12, the central rod 82a, the plate 83 and the side wall of the housing 84 form a force bypass device of the wedging device. They are configured to transmit an axial mechanical force from the plate 83 to the cover 7 at least partially bypassing the actuator 9.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the retracted position.
  • the springs 9b, 9c are in the retracted position, their axial length is minimal.
  • Each of the guide rods 82b, 82c and the central rod 82a is in the retracted position.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the deployed position.
  • the springs 9b, 9c are in the deployed position, their axial length is greater than in the retracted position.
  • Each of the guide rods 82b, 82c and of the central rod 82a is in the deployed position, being partially projecting axially from the housing 84.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 represent an axial wedging device 8 for a package 1 according to a third embodiment which differs from the package wedging device according to the second embodiment by the structure of the non-return device 10.
  • the non-return device 10 comprises a central toothed rod 82d, a pawl 16 and a spring 17.
  • the central toothed rod 82d replaces the central rod 82a of the device for wedging the package according to the second embodiment. It has teeth which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of deployment YY and which are configured to engage by form cooperation the pawl 16.
  • the pawl 16 has a bevelled outer surface which is of shape complementary to that of the teeth of the central toothed rod 82d.
  • the pawl 16 is housed at least partially inside the side wall of the housing 84, extending transversely to the direction of deployment Y-Y.
  • the spring 17 is a helical spring which forms an elastic biasing means for the pawl 16. It is configured to bias the pawl 16 in translation out of its housing so that it mechanically engages the central toothed rod 82d.
  • the Figures 9 and 10 represent a package 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • the radioactive material 3 is housed in the cells 41 of a basket 4 of the package 2.
  • the package 1 includes an axial wedging device 8 per cell 41 which contains radioactive material 3, for axially wedging radioactive material 3 in relation to packaging 2.
  • Each axial wedging device 8 of the package 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs mainly from the axial wedging device 8 of the package according to the second embodiment by its dimensions, in that it comprises a single guide rod 82b, 82c and a single spring 9b, 9c to request the deployment of the guide rod, and in that it is devoid of device effort bypass.
  • the axial wedging devices 8 have neither central rod 82a nor self-locking washer 12.
  • each axial wedging device 8 comprises a housing for axially housing the guide rod 82b, 82c of the wedging device 8 in the retracted position of the wedging device 8.
  • the upper wall of the case 84 is rigidly secured to the cover 7, in particular being fixed to the cover 7.
  • Each axial wedging device 8 comprises a spring 9b, 9c of shape memory material which is situated around a guide rod 82b, 82c.
  • the spring 9b, 9c is a helical spring. It comprises an upper axial end which is integral with the lower wall of the housing and a lower axial end which is integral with a plate 83b, 83c carried by the guide rod 82b, 82c.
  • each guide rod 82b, 82c has an identical length in the retracted position and in the deployed position.
  • the actuator 9b, 9c allows the axial displacement of the plate 83b, 83c, which forms the second axial end, relative to the first axial end formed by the housing 84.
  • the Figures 11 and 12 represent a package 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • the radioactive material 3 is housed in a case which is placed in the packaging 2.
  • the case is directly in contact with the bottom 6 and / or side walls 20 of the package 2.
  • the package 1 comprises a single axial wedging device 8 which is configured to axially wedge the radioactive material 3 in the internal cavity 5 of the package 2.
  • Each axial wedging device 8 of the package 1 according to the fifth embodiment differs mainly from the axial wedging device 8 of the package according to the second embodiment by the structure of the actuator 9 which comprises a first actuator rod 9a and a second actuator rod 9d, in that it is devoid of guide rods 82b, 82c, and in that it is devoid of force bypass device.
  • the housing 84 of the axial wedging device 8 comprises a housing for axially partially housing each of the actuator rods 9a, 9d.
  • the upper wall of the housing 84 is rigidly secured to the cover 7, in particular being fixed to the cover 7.
  • Each actuator rod 9a, 9d is a rod of shape memory material which extends axially from the housing 84 to the plate 83.
  • the longitudinal direction Y1-Y1, Y2-Y2 of the actuator rods 9a, 9d is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction XX of the package.
  • the actuator rods 9a, 9d are substantially identical.
  • the activation temperatures of the shape memory materials of the actuator rods 9a, 9d are substantially identical.
  • the axial length of the actuator rods 9a, 9d varies between their retracted position which is shown in the figure 11 and their deployed position which is shown in the figure 12 .
  • the plate 83 is rigidly secured to the lower axial end of each of the actuator rods 9a, 9d. It is at a distance from the radioactive material 3 in the retracted position. It is in mechanical contact with the radioactive material 3 in the deployed position, to axially wedge the radioactive material 3 relative to the packaging 2.
  • the Figures 13 and 14 represent a package 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, the axial wedging device 8 differs from that of package 1 according to the second embodiment in that it is devoid of force bypass device.
  • the axial wedging device 8 has neither central rod 82a, nor self-locking washer 12.
  • the Figures 15 and 16 represent a package 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention whose axial wedging device 8 differs from that of package 1 according to the sixth embodiment in that the housing 84 of the wedging device is rigidly secured to the bottom 6 of the packaging, instead of being rigidly secured to the cover 7 of the packaging.
  • the housing 84 is in particular fixed or placed at the bottom 6 of the packaging. It projects from the bottom 6 of the packaging inside the internal cavity 5 of the packaging.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the retracted position.
  • the shape memory springs of the actuator 9 are in the retracted position, their axial length is minimum.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the retracted position, being located partially inside the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 is in contact with the radioactive material 3, being at a distance from the housing 84.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the deployed position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the deployed position, their axial length is greater than in the retracted position.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the deployed position. They have a substantially identical axial length in the retracted position and in the deployed position.
  • the plate 83 is in contact with the radioactive material 3, it is further from the bottom 6 of the case 84 than in the retracted position of the wedging device 8.
  • the method of transporting, storing and / or storing the radioactive material 3 in the package 2 to form the package 1 according to the seventh embodiment is described below.
  • the axial wedging device 8 in the retracted position is disposed at the bottom 6 of the package, the material with shape memory of the actuator 9 being at a temperature below that of its activation temperature. Then, the radioactive material 3 is loaded inside the internal cavity 5 of the packaging by coming to bear against the plate 83 of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the cover 7 axially closes the package 1 so that an axial clearance is arranged between the cover 7 and the radioactive material 3.
  • the actuator 9 of the axial timing device deploys axially, following the increase in its temperature above its activation temperature.
  • the radioactive material 3 is wedged axially inside the packaging 2, coming into abutment against the cover 7.
  • FIGs 17 and 18 represent a package 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention whose axial wedging device 8 differs from that of package 1 according to the seventh embodiment in that the radioactive material 3 is at a distance from the plate 83 of the device wedging 8 in the retracted position.
  • the plate 83 forms a free end of the axial wedging device 8, since it is movable axially relative to the housing 84 and relative to the radioactive material 3 between the retracted position and the deployed position of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the package 2 of the package according to the eighth embodiment differs from that according to the seventh embodiment in that the internal surface of the lateral body 20 comprises a shoulder 25 which serves as an axial stop for the radioactive material 3 towards the bottom 6 relative to the packaging 2.
  • the radioactive material 3 is intended to come into abutment against the shoulder 25 in the retracted position of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the retracted position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the retracted position, their axial length is minimum.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the retracted position, being located partially inside the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 is at a distance from the lower surface of the radioactive material 3 and from the housing 84.
  • the radioactive material 3 is in press against the shoulder 25 and it is at an axial distance from the cover 7.
  • the axial wedging device 8 is in the deployed position in which the springs of the actuator 9 are in the deployed position, their axial length being greater than in the retracted position.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the deployed position, having substantially the same axial length as in the retracted position.
  • the plate 83 is in contact with the lower surface of the radioactive material 3. The radioactive material 3 is lifted from the shoulder 25 and it is in axial abutment against the lower surface of the cover 7.
  • the Figures 19 and 20 represent a package 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention whose axial wedging device 8 differs from that of package 1 according to the seventh embodiment in that the housing 84 of the wedging device rests on the upper surface of the radioactive material 3, instead of being rigidly secured to the cover 7 of the package.
  • the case 84 is rigidly secured to the radioactive material 3 and for example fixed directly or indirectly to the radioactive material 3. It projects from the radioactive material 3 inside the internal cavity 5 of the packaging towards the cover. 7.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the retracted position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the retracted position, their axial length is minimum.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the retracted position, being located partially inside the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 is at a distance from the cover 7 and from the housing 84.
  • the plate 83 forms a free end of the axial wedging device 8, since it is axially movable relative to the housing 84 and relative to the radioactive material 3 between the retracted position and the deployed position of the axial wedging device 8.
  • the axial timing device 8 is in the deployed position.
  • the springs of the actuator 9 are in the deployed position, their axial length is greater than in the retracted position.
  • the guide rods 82b, 82c are in the deployed position. Since the plate 83 is in contact with the lower surface of the cover 7, it is further from the case 84 and from the radioactive material 3 than in the retracted position of the wedging device 8.
  • the method of transporting, storing and / or storing the radioactive material 3 in the package 2 to form the package 1 according to the ninth embodiment is described below.
  • the axial wedging device 8 is fixed or placed on the upper surface of the radioactive material 3.
  • the axial wedging device 8 is in position, retracted since the shape memory material is at a temperature below its activation temperature.
  • the radioactive material 3 is loaded inside the internal cavity 5 of the packaging by coming to bear against the bottom 6 of the packaging.
  • the radioactive material 3 is first loaded into the packaging 2 and then the wedging device 8 is placed on the upper surface of the radioactive material 3.
  • the cover 7 axially closes the package 1.
  • the actuator 9 of the axial timing device deploys axially, following the increase in its temperature above its activation temperature to bring the plate 83 into abutment against the lower surface of the cover 7 so that the radioactive material 3 is wedged axially inside the package 2.
  • each axial wedging device 8 is independent of the conditions of fall of the package 1, which tends to improve the wedging of the radioactive material 3 relative to the packaging 2 and therefore to reduce the forces applied to the underside of the cover 7 at the time of impact.
  • Each axial wedging device 8 is in at least partially retracted position when the radioactive material 3 is inserted into the packaging 2, making it possible to guarantee the existence of a minimum axial clearance between the radioactive material 3 and the packaging 2 at the time closing the package 1.
  • the plate 83, 83b, 83c of each axial wedging device 8 is configured to be at a distance from the radioactive material 3, when the actuator 9 is in the retracted position. This configuration prevents any damage to the radioactive material 3 during the fitting of the cover 7.
  • the plate 83 of the axial wedging device 8 is configured to be remote from the cover 7 of the package 2 when the actuator 9 is in the retracted position. This configuration prevents any damage to the radioactive material 3 during the fitting of the cover 7.
  • the plate 83, 83b, 83c of each axial wedging device 8 is configured to be in contact with the radioactive material 3, when the actuator 9 is in the deployed position.
  • the setting of the radioactive material 3 relative to the packaging 2 is improved, due to the mechanical contact between the axial setting device 8 and the radioactive material 3.
  • the plate 83 of the axial timing device 8 is in contact with the cover 7 of the package 2, when the actuator 9 is in the deployed position.
  • the calibration of the radioactive material 3 relative to the packaging 2 is improved, due to the mechanical contact between the axial wedging device 8 and the packaging 2.
  • each actuator 9 of the axial timing device 8 comprises at least one biasing means, in particular a spring 9b, 9c, which is made of shape memory material.
  • This biasing means allows satisfactory wedging of the radioactive material 3 relative to the package 2, while limiting the intensity of the axial forces exerted between the radioactive material 3 and the package 2 by means of the wedging device 8.
  • each axial wedging device 8 comprises a force bypass device, itself equipped with a non-return device 10.
  • the force bypass device limits the axial mechanical forces which are exerted on the actuator 9 by shape memory material in the event of the package falling 1.
  • the shape memory material of the actuator 9 can be chosen with less mechanical resistance.
  • each of the axial timing devices 8 is devoid of force bypass device.
  • These axial wedging devices 8 are less expensive to manufacture and rather easier to install. They are particularly advantageous when the shape memory material of the actuators 9 is a shape memory material known as single effect, that is to say that the shape memory material elongates irreversibly when its temperature exceeds its activation temperature.
  • Package 1 of the first embodiment which is shown in figures 1 to 4 and that of the fourth embodiment which is shown in figures 9 to 10 each comprise a basket 4 for housing the radioactive material 3, as well as an axial wedging device 8 per cell 41 which contains radioactive material 3.
  • the axial wedging of the radioactive material 3 relative to the package 2 is improved.
  • the fuel assemblies of the radioactive material 3 and / or the cells 41 of the basket 4 can also take other forms than a square shape, such as a hexagonal shape, in cross section.
  • the shape of the internal cavity 5 can also vary.
  • the internal cavity 5 is for example of hexagonal cross section rather than circular.
  • the outer contour of the basket 4 is of shape complementary to that of the internal surface of the packaging 2 which delimits the internal cavity 5.
  • At least one axial wedging device 8 can be configured to axially wedge the basket 4 relative to the package 2, in particular relative to the cover 7 and / or at the bottom 6 of the packaging.
  • each axial wedging device 8 can comprise other types of springs than a helical spring, for example a leaf spring.
  • the wedging device 8 can also be devoid of guide rod 82b, 82c.
  • the axial wedging device 8 can be devoid of guide rod 82b, 82c when it comprises a central rod 82a.
  • Each of the axial wedging devices 8 of the packages from the fifth to the ninth embodiment shown may comprise a non-return device 10 and a force bypass device, such as those from the first to the third embodiment shown.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
EP19207260.1A 2018-11-14 2019-11-05 Verpackung von radioaktivem material, umfassend eine axiale keilvorrichtung mit formgedächtnismaterial Withdrawn EP3654351A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1860510A FR3088474B1 (fr) 2018-11-14 2018-11-14 Colis de matiere radioactive, comprenant un dispositif de calage axial a materiau a memoire de forme

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3654351A1 true EP3654351A1 (de) 2020-05-20

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039457A1 (de) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Kanister zum aufnehmen von kernbrennstoff enthaltenden brennstäben
JPH11316297A (ja) * 1998-05-01 1999-11-16 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 使用済燃料輸送用容器と使用済燃料の輸送方法
JP2004101538A (ja) * 2003-11-25 2004-04-02 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 放射性物質用の金属密閉容器
JP2004144539A (ja) * 2002-10-23 2004-05-20 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 形状記憶ポリマーを用いた防汚方法及びそれに用いる装置
US20050056563A1 (en) 2003-08-01 2005-03-17 Roland Huggenberg Transport/storage container for radioactive elements
US20170125132A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Central Research Institute Of Electric Power Industry Cooling Air Amount Adjustment Device of Concrete Cask and Concrete Cask

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997039457A1 (de) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Kanister zum aufnehmen von kernbrennstoff enthaltenden brennstäben
JPH11316297A (ja) * 1998-05-01 1999-11-16 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 使用済燃料輸送用容器と使用済燃料の輸送方法
JP2004144539A (ja) * 2002-10-23 2004-05-20 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 形状記憶ポリマーを用いた防汚方法及びそれに用いる装置
US20050056563A1 (en) 2003-08-01 2005-03-17 Roland Huggenberg Transport/storage container for radioactive elements
JP2004101538A (ja) * 2003-11-25 2004-04-02 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 放射性物質用の金属密閉容器
US20170125132A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Central Research Institute Of Electric Power Industry Cooling Air Amount Adjustment Device of Concrete Cask and Concrete Cask

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FR3088474B1 (fr) 2020-12-04
FR3088474A1 (fr) 2020-05-15

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