FR3112020A1 - RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL TRANSPORT PACKAGING SUPPORT SYSTEM, CONFIGURED TO ALLOW ITS TILTING FROM A HORIZONTAL TRANSPORT POSITION TO A VERTICAL OPERATING POSITION - Google Patents

Abstract

A radioactive material transport package support system (30) configured to allow movement of the package (10) from a horizontal transport position to a vertical operating position, and comprising: - a lateral support frame (8) for the packaging, configured to support this packaging (10) when the latter is in the horizontal transport position; and - a tilting device (32) having means (58, 60) for mechanical coupling on an axial end of the packaging, as well as at least one tread (52) allowing the tilting of the packaging. Figure for abstract: Figure 6

Description

RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL TRANSPORT PACKAGING SUPPORT SYSTEM, CONFIGURED TO ALLOW IT TO BE SWITCHED FROM A HORIZONTAL TRANSPORT POSITION TO A VERTICAL OPERATING POSITION

The present invention relates to the field of transport and storage of radioactive materials. It relates more particularly to systems and methods for tilting a container for transporting radioactive materials from a horizontal transport position to a vertical operating position, the latter being usually required to carry out the loading or unloading operations of the radioactive materials. radioactive materials from the packaging.

PRIOR ART

Packaging intended to contain radioactive materials is generally transported in the so-called “lying down” position, in which the longitudinal axis of the packaging is oriented horizontally.

When unloading from the transport vehicle, the cask is usually brought from its horizontal position to a vertical position, to then be loaded or unloaded, for example, with the radioactive materials it contains, in a dedicated facility. For the passage from the horizontal transport position to the vertical operating position, there are solutions allowing the packaging to be rotated around handling devices placed near the bottom of this packaging. It is usually these same handling devices that allow the packaging to be supported on a frame in the horizontal position, and which are then used as pivot devices for moving the packaging to the vertical position.

However, these pivoting solutions become ineffective when the packaging is not equipped with such handling devices, also called handling pins.

There is therefore a need to arrive at a solution allowing the packaging to pass from the horizontal transport position to the vertical operating position, without the aid of handling pins arranged near the bottom of the packaging.

The object of the invention is therefore to meet the need identified above. To do this, the invention firstly relates to a packaging support system for the transport and/or storage of radioactive materials, the system being configured to allow the packaging to be moved from a horizontal transport position. in a vertical operating position, and comprising:
- A lateral support frame for the packaging, configured to support this packaging when the latter is in the horizontal transport position; And
- a tilting device having mechanical coupling means on an axial end of the packaging, as well as at least one tread allowing the tilting of the packaging from the horizontal position to the vertical position when this tilting device is attached to the axial end of the package.

Additionally, the system is configured so that the tipping device moves relative to the side support frame during tipping of the package.

Thanks to the implementation of the tilting device capable of being fixed reversibly on an axial end of the packaging, the invention provides a simple and effective solution, allowing the packaging to pass from the horizontal transport position. in the vertical operating position, without the aid of handling pins arranged near the bottom of the packaging.

The invention preferably has at least one of the following optional features, taken individually or in combination.

The tilting device comprises two identical and parallel treads. This reinforces the stability of the packaging during its tilting.

Said mechanical coupling means comprise at least one quick hook clamping device, preferably a clamp. Nevertheless, other types of mechanical coupling means can be implemented, such as bolts, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The tilting device comprises one or more axial support members for the axial end of the packaging, and preferably also one or more lateral support members for the axial end of the packaging.

The support system comprises at least one track on which said at least one tread of the tilting device is intended to roll, when the package passes from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The number of tracks is identical to the number of treads.

Preferably, each track is formed by a surface of a beam, preferably forming an integral part of the side support frame. In the latter case, the beam(s) of the lateral support frame are advantageously used to serve as a support for the tilting device, which makes it possible to have an assembly with reduced dimensions.

The support system preferably comprises means for fixing the tilting device in a first angular tilting position, relative to a tilting axis, said first angular position being intended to place the packaging in a vertical position. In this respect, it is indicated that the tilting axis to which reference is made may be an axis maintaining a fixed position during tilting, or else a mobile axis, preferably maintaining distinct but parallel positions. This last case is observed when the tread does not follow the contour of a single circle, but integrates for example parts of several circles of different diameters, or when the tread adopts a curvilinear shape with a radius of curvature variable.

This same first angular tilting position can also be adopted when the tilting device adopts an inactive transport position within the system, assuming that this tilting device is on board with the rest of the support system during transport of the 'packaging. Nevertheless, the tilting device may not be on board with the rest of the support system during transport of the packaging, but only stored at the operator.

Preferably, the tilting device is configured to be able to be moved longitudinally in the axial direction of the packaging, between an inactive transport position and an active tilting position in which it is intended to cooperate with the axial end of the packaging. This axial displacement can be effected by translation, by rotation, or by any other movement or combination of movements. In its inactive transport position, the tilting device rests for example on elements of the lateral support frame of the packaging.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a packaging for transporting radioactive materials, as well as such a packaging support system.

The invention also relates to a vehicle for transporting radioactive materials equipped with such a packaging support system, the vehicle comprising a platform on which is fixed the lateral support frame of the packaging. This fixing of the lateral support frame on the platform can be removable, in particular when it is desired to move the assembly formed by this frame and the packaging, from the platform of the vehicle to the ground, or vice versa.

Finally, the invention also relates to a method for moving a packaging for transporting radioactive materials using such a packaging support system, the method comprising the following steps:
- Fixing of the tilting device on an axial end of the package resting horizontally on the lateral support frame, with the tilting device occupying a second angular tilting position relative to a tilting axis;
- lifting and moving of the packaging using at least one handling member integral with the packaging and located in a part axially opposite to said axial end of the packaging, so as to cause the tilting of the device tilting supporting the packaging, thanks to the rolling of said at least one tread until this device adopts a first angular tilting position relative to the axis of tilting, said first angular position placing the packaging in a vertical position .

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear in the non-limiting detailed description below.

This description will be given with regard to the appended drawings, among which;

shows a side view of a vehicle for transporting radioactive materials, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

shows a perspective view of a tilting device, forming an integral part of a packaging support system fitted to the vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

shows a side view of the tilting device shown in Figure 2;

shows an enlarged perspective view of part of the tilting device shown in Figures 2 and 3;

is a view showing a step of a method for moving a package, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

shows another step in the method of moving the packaging, aiming to bring the tilting device into contact with the axial end of the packaging;

shows yet another step in the method of moving the packaging, aimed at locking the fixing of the tilting device on the axial end of the packaging; And

shows yet another step in the method of moving the packaging, aimed at tilting the packaging into a vertical position.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a vehicle 1 for transporting radioactive materials according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Vehicle 1 is here a road transport vehicle, but it could alternatively be a rail transport vehicle. It comprises a front traction unit 2, as well as a trailer 4 having a loading platform 6. On the platform, there is mounted a frame 8 for lateral support of a packaging 10 for transporting radioactive materials. The fixing of the frame 8 on the platform 6 is preferably removable, but alternatively, it could be made in a non-removable way, for example by welding or equivalent means.

The packaging 10 is formed by a side body 12, a bottom 13 and a cover 14 closing off an opening of the packaging axially opposite the bottom. The packaging has a longitudinal axis 16 centered with respect to the side body 12, and passing through the cover as well as the bottom of this same packaging. In Figure 1, the package 10 is shown in the horizontal transport position, also called the "lying" position, in which its longitudinal axis 8 is parallel to the platform 6 of the vehicle.

Conventionally, the packaging 10 forms an outer envelope of a package and defines a cavity used to house the radioactive materials, and possibly a storage basket. The radioactive materials can for example be waste canisters, or preferentially nuclear fuel assemblies.

At the two axial ends of the packaging 10, the latter comprises damping covers. This is a first damping cap 18a covering the lid 14, and a second damping cap 18b covering the bottom 13 of the packaging. These shock-absorbing covers 18a, 18b contribute to maintaining the integrity of the packaging in the event of a fall during transport. On the other hand, during the operations of loading or unloading radioactive materials from the packaging, these covers are usually removed.

The lateral support frame 8 of the packaging comprises longitudinal beams 20 (only one being visible in the side view of FIG. 1), arranged in parallel and fixed to the platform 6 of the vehicle. It also comprises two transverse cradles 22 fixed to the longitudinal beams 20, these two cradles being spaced from each other along the axis 16 so that a front cradle laterally supports a part of the lateral body 12 located close to the cover 14, and that a rear cradle laterally supports another part of the lateral body 12 located close to the bottom 13. In addition, the cradles 22 can cooperate with means 23 for holding the packaging on the frame 8, such as straps or similar elements passing around the packaging 10.

The invention relates not only to the vehicle 1, but also to a packaging support system 30 which comprises both the lateral support frame 8 of the packaging, and a device 32 serving to tilt the packaging. This tilting device 32 takes the form of a tilting wedge, also called a rocker. The device 32 is reversibly mounted on the platform 6 during transport of the package 10. Alternatively, the tilting device 32 could be mounted directly on the frame 8, preferably on the end portions of the beams 20 which are extend axially towards the rear, on the side of the bottom of the packaging. The tilting device 32 thus occupies in FIG. 1 an inactive transport position, at an axial distance from the packaging 10 provided with its shock-absorbing covers 18a, 18b.

In this preferred embodiment, the tilting device 32 of the support system 30 is thus carried on the vehicle during transport of the packaging. Nevertheless, this device 32 may not be on board the vehicle during transport of the packaging, but only stored at the operator's to ensure the loading/unloading of the packaging on the vehicle.

By way of indicative example, it is noted that in its inactive transport position, the tilting device 32 can occupy a first angular tilting position relative to a tilting axis 34 of this device, of fixed or changing position depending on the shape of the tread. This first angular tilting position may be the one intended to place the packaging in a vertical position, as will be described below.

Before detailing the design of the support system 30 and its operation, it is indicated that this system could be arranged on the ground or on any platform other than that of a transport vehicle, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the invention relates to the assembly 40 formed by the support system 30 of the packaging, and the packaging itself.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, there will be described the tilting device 32, forming here a separate element of the frame 8 lateral support of the package. In other words, the tilting device 32 is here independent of the side support, while being able to be temporarily coupled to it for the needs of tilting the packaging.

The device 32 thus takes the form of a tilting wedge, along the tilting axis 34. It comprises two opposite side flanks 44 each extending substantially orthogonally to the tilting axis 34, and connected by transverse reinforcements 46, 46a, 46b. Each side wall 44 has a double wall formed by an inner wall 48, and an outer wall 50. At one of the edges of each double wall, there is provided a tread 52 of rounded shape. This shape can be circular or substantially circular, extending for example over an angular sector of between 40 and 70°.

One and/or the other of the two inner 48 and outer 50 walls extends beyond the tread 52, so as to define a guide member 54 of the device 32, all along the tread. associated bearing 52. In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, the guide member 54 is an extension of the inner wall 48.

As will be detailed below, the two treads 52, identical and parallel, allow the packaging to tilt from the horizontal transport position of FIG. 1, to a vertical operating position.

One of the transverse reinforcements 46a, in the form of a plate, constitutes an axial support member for an axial end of the packaging, namely that including the bottom 13. This same axial end of the packaging can be supported laterally by several lateral support members 56, here two members carried respectively by two ends of the lateral flanks 44. These two ends are moreover connected to each other by one of the transverse reinforcements 46b, in the form of a round pivot .

At another end of the side flanks 44, the tilting device 32 comprises mechanical coupling means allowing its connection to the aforementioned axial end of the packaging, namely that including the bottom 13. On each side flank 44, there is provided a U-shaped hook 58 open outwards, or a possible double hook thanks to the realization of the side blank in double wall. Each of the U-shaped hooks 58 makes it possible to guide the tilting device on the bottom 13 of the packaging, the hooks being positioned on members 70 provided on the axial end of the packaging. To accompany each of the two hooks 58, the mechanical coupling means comprise a quick-release hook clamping device, of the grasshopper type 60, or any other similar device. The clamps 60 are thus designed to be connected to the members 70 so as to be able to bring the tilting device 32 closer to the axial end of the packaging, and thus ensure axial pressure of the axial end of the packaging. against the reinforcement 46a. Furthermore, at each of the two double hooks 58, the associated side wall 44 is equipped with a device 62 for placing the axial end of the packaging under lateral pressure, against the organs of lateral support 56. This device 62 can be a pressure screw, or any other similar device.

Finally, at yet another end of the lateral flanks 44, the tilting device 32 comprises means 64 for fixing this device in the first angular position relative to the tilting axis 34, intended to place the packaging in a vertical position. These means 64 can take the form of gripping pins, arranged projecting from the lateral sides in the direction of the tilting axis 34.

There will now be described a method of moving the package 10 from the horizontal transport position shown in Figure 1, to the vertical operating position.

First of all with reference to FIG. 5, the tilting device 32 is moved longitudinally from its inactive transport position, to an active tilting position in which it is intended to cooperate with the axial end of the packaging, including the bottom 13. This movement takes place using a bridge or any other handling device (not shown), which causes the tilting device 32 to slide in the direction of the packaging bottom 13, in the axial direction of this one. To achieve this sliding, the two treads 52 are in contact with the upper surfaces 66 of the longitudinal beams 20, belonging to the lateral support frame of the packaging. This is the part of the beams 20 which is located at the rear end of the frame 8, extended axially in this direction to cooperate with the treads 52 of the tilting device.

The surfaces 66 of the longitudinal beams 20 thus form tracks on which the strips 52 are intended to slide/roll.

Figure 6 shows a subsequent step, in which the tilting device is pivoted and pressed axially against the bottom of the packaging 13, by contact with the plate 46a forming the axial support member. During this axial contact, the tilting device 32 can slide and pivot via its armature 46b, in the form of a pivot ring resting on the tracks 66 of the beams 20.

This step is carried out so that two handling elements 70, in the form of an axis or a pawn, are respectively housed in the hollow of the two hooks 58. The two handling elements 70 are provided diametrically opposite on the bottom 13 or on the side body 12 close to this bottom, being fixed permanently or in a removable manner on the packaging.

Then, the activation of the pressure screws 62 makes it possible to slightly raise the tilting device 32, until the lateral support members 56 come into contact with the lateral body 12 of the packaging. This lateral pressurization leads to breaking the contact between the armature 46b in the form of a pivot circle, and the support tracks 66 of the beams 20.

Then, with reference to FIG. 7, the clamps 60 are activated to cooperate respectively with the two handling members 70, thus enabling locking of the tilting device 32 on the axial end of the packaging.

This activation of the clamps 70 therefore completes the fixing of the tilting device 32 on the axial end of the packaging resting horizontally on the lateral support frame 8. The tilting device 32 then occupies a second angular tilting position relative to the tilting axis 34, this second angular position being offset by 90° relative to the aforementioned first angular position.

Referring finally to Figure 8, there is shown a step of tilting the assembly formed by the package 10 and the tilting device 32. The diagrams (a), (b) and (c) of this Figure 8 represent the assembly in various positions observed successively during the tilting.

To perform this tilting, the packaging is lifted and moved using one or more handling members 80 integral with the packaging, and located on the side body 12 in an axial part of the packaging close to the lid 14. This movement is carried out using a bridge or any other handling device. In this respect, it is noted that the handling elements 80 are intended to remain permanently on the packaging, or else intended to be temporarily attached to the side body 12 near the cover, after removal of the shock absorber cover 18a.

At the start of tilting, the transverse frame 46b in the form of a pivot circle comes into contact with the tracks 66 on the longitudinal beams 20 of the frame 8, as shown in diagram (a). As the lifting and axial movement of the packaging head continues, the tilting device 32 supporting the packaging 10 continues its tilting, thanks to the rolling of the treads 52 on the tracks 66 on the beams longitudinal 20 of the frame 8, as shown in diagram (b). Thus, during tilting, the device 32 moves relative to the lateral support frame 8, on the longitudinal beams 20 of the latter. The beams 20 therefore perform the function of a rail supporting the treads 52 of the tilting device 32, guided by the guide members 56.

The tilting is stopped when the tilting device 32 returns to its first angular position relative to the tilting axis 34, allowing the package 10 to be placed in a vertical position. Moreover, as shown in the diagram (c), the device 32 is locked in the first angular position of tilting thanks to the pins 64, which cooperate with complementary fixing means integral with the beams 20, for example grasshoppers 78 or similar means.

Finally, once the fastening brackets 60 have been disconnected from the handling devices 70, the packaging 10 can be detached from the tilting device 32, in order then to be placed vertically on the ground, or in a dedicated installation, for example an installation allowing the loading or unloading of radioactive materials.

The tilting device 32 can itself be maintained in the first angular tilting position, ready to receive a package for a loading operation on the transport vehicle. In this respect, it is noted that the operations carried out for such a loading are the same as those which have just been described for the unloading of the packaging 10, with the difference that they are implemented in the reverse order. .

Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described, solely by way of non-limiting examples, and within the limit of the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

System (30) for supporting packaging for transporting radioactive materials, the system being configured to allow movement of the packaging (10) from a horizontal transport position to a vertical operating position,
characterized in that it comprises:
- a lateral support frame (8) for the packaging, configured to support this packaging (10) when the latter is in the horizontal transport position; And
- a tilting device (32) having means (58, 60) for mechanical coupling on an axial end of the packaging, as well as at least one tread (52) allowing the tilting of the packaging from the horizontal position to vertical position when this tilting device (32) is fixed on the axial end of the packaging,
and in that the system is configured such that the tipping device (32) moves relative to the side support frame (8) during tipping of the package. Packaging support system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tilting device (32) comprises two identical and parallel treads (52). Packaging support system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said mechanical coupling means comprise at least one hook quick-clamping device, preferably a toggle clamp (60). Packaging support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilting device comprises one or more axial support members (46a) for the axial end of the packaging, and preferably also one or several lateral support members (56) of the axial end of the package. Packaging support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one track (66) on which the said at least one tread (52) of the tilting device is intended to roll, during the passage of the package (10) from the horizontal position to the vertical position. Package support system according to claim 5, characterized in that each track (66) is formed by a surface of a beam (20), preferably forming an integral part of the side support frame (8). Packaging support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (64) for fixing the tilting device (32) in a first angular tilting position relative to a tilting axis ( 34), said first angular position being intended to place the packaging in a vertical position. Packaging support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilting device (32) is configured to be able to be moved longitudinally in an axial direction of the packaging, between an inactive transport position and a active tilting position in which it is intended to cooperate with the axial end of the packaging. An assembly (40) comprising a packaging (10) for transporting radioactive materials, as well as a packaging support system (30) according to any one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (1) for transporting radioactive materials equipped with a packaging support system (30) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, the vehicle comprising a platform (6) on which the chassis (8) is fixed side support of the packaging. A method of moving a radioactive material transport package (10) using a package support system (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the following steps:
- fixing of the tilting device (32) on an axial end of the package (10) resting horizontally on the lateral support frame (8), with the tilting device (32) occupying a second angular tilting position relative to a tilting axis (34);
- lifting and moving the packaging using at least one handling member (80) integral with the packaging (10) and located in a part axially opposite to said axial end of the packaging, so as to cause the tilting device (32) supporting the package to tilt, by rolling said at least one tread (52) until this device adopts a first angular tilting position relative to the tilting axis (34), said first angular position placing the package (10) in an upright position.