GB1417309A - Containers for the transport of radioactive materials - Google Patents

Abstract

1417309 Shielded containers ROBATEL SLPI 15 Nov 1973 [28 Dec 1972] 53139/73 Heading B4Q A shielded container for the transport of heat-evolving radioactive materials comprises a metallic outer casing 1 from which cooling fins or pins 2 project, a perforated peripheral wall 6 extending between end flanges 3, 4 of the casing 1 so as to form a rigid supporting surface for a protective, fluid-tight flexible covering sleeve 16. The container is normally used without the covering sleeve 16 (as in Fig. 2, not shown) when the perforated wall 6 does not hinder free circulation of ambient air between the pins 2 which thus effectively dissipate the heat generated by the radioactive materials within the container. Flange 3, which corresponds to the open end of the container, i.e. the upper end when the container is mounted vertically for unloading, carries three coupling elements 7, 8 and 9. Coupling element 7 is connected via conduits 10, 10a with inflatable clamping seals 11, 12 provided in peripheral grooves 3a, 4a of the end flanges 3, 4. Each flange 3, 4 is surrounded by a ring 13 removably secured to the flanges. Coupling element 8 communicates with an annular spray pipe 14 disposed against the inner side of the flange 3 so as to be capable of spraying the pins 2 with water. An outlet 4b in the flange 4 communicates with the coupling element 15 and coupling element 9 is adapted to receive air under pressure in order to expel water through outlet 4b and element 15. The unloading of the container is effected by first cooling the container to an appropriate temperature by means of the spray pipe 14, after which the rings 13 are removed and the sleeve 16 is disposed on the perforated wall 6, the rings 13 then being replaced and compressed air injected into element 7. Seals 11, 12 are thus inflated and clamp the ends of the sleeve 16 against the rings 13. Spraying of the pins 2 is then resumed and the container is immersed in the unloading pond. Once the unloading operation is completed, the container is lifted from the pond and sleeve 16 removed, whereupon it is only necessary to decontaminate the generally smooth end portions of the container and the outer sides of its end flanges 3, 4, the pins 2 in particular having been protected by the sleeve 16 from the contaminated water of the pond.