EP0871180A1 - Packaging for shipment of hazardous parcels such as containing high activity nuclear substances - Google Patents

Packaging for shipment of hazardous parcels such as containing high activity nuclear substances Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0871180A1
EP0871180A1 EP98400853A EP98400853A EP0871180A1 EP 0871180 A1 EP0871180 A1 EP 0871180A1 EP 98400853 A EP98400853 A EP 98400853A EP 98400853 A EP98400853 A EP 98400853A EP 0871180 A1 EP0871180 A1 EP 0871180A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging according
packaging
cover
cells
face
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
EP98400853A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0871180B1 (en
Inventor
Annie Contrepois
Jean-Claude Argoud
Camille Bochard
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Robatel SLPI SA
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Original Assignee
Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA
Robatel SLPI SA
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Publication of EP0871180A1 publication Critical patent/EP0871180A1/en
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Publication of EP0871180B1 publication Critical patent/EP0871180B1/en
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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
    • G21F5/06—Details of, or accessories to, the containers
    • G21F5/12—Closures for containers; Sealing arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a packaging designed to allow safe transport of packages dangerous requiring extreme, safe containment, reliable and controllable.
  • the packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for parcel transport high-activity nuclear materials whose watertightness is not not sure. It can however be used for transport dangerous packages of a different nature, especially from the chemical industry.
  • Nuclear laboratories and factories produce waste which is classified according to their activity level, before being transported to their respective storage sites. To facilitate their transportation and subsequent storage, each category are packaged in barrels, to constitute "nuclear packages". The conditions in which the packaging takes place tightness of random and uncertain packages.
  • nuclear waste are sorted into low, medium and high waste activities, which are packaged separately to form three types of nuclear packages.
  • These three types of nuclear packages are transported in packaging different, which must meet requirements all the more severe as the activity of the parcels transported is high.
  • the packaging is designed to receive a number as well as large a package as possible, in order to limit the number journeys between the waste production site and the storage site.
  • all packaging intended for transporting nuclear packages include several dwellings, called "cells", intended for receive one or two packages each.
  • the external dimensions packaging is independent of the nature of the packages transported and fixed by the maximum gauge authorized during transport.
  • the number of alveoli and the number of packages each of them can receive therefore decrease when the activity of waste increases.
  • the thickness of the biological protection is significantly less in the cases of low-level waste than in the case of high level waste.
  • a transport packaging with four juxtaposed cells each of which is sized to receive a single nuclear package.
  • These alveoli are formed in a cylindrical body mainly made of a protective material organic, coated with a steel envelope over its entire external surface as well as inside the cells.
  • the cells all open onto the upper side, substantially flat, of the body and they are normally closed by individual caps containing also a biological protection material. All the caps are generally covered by a cover single, detachably attached to the upper side of the packaging body. A cover, ensuring the shock protection and heat dissipation, overlapping the entire upper surface of the body on which the cover was fixed.
  • the containment is ensured mainly by the envelope interior of the cells and by two seals neighbors, who simultaneously surround all the plugs and are interposed between the cover covering these last and the corresponding face of the body of packaging.
  • the containment is controlled by connecting the space located between the seals to means of depression. We then monitors, for a relatively long time, the evolution of the pressure in this space, in order to determine the leak rate.
  • This containment control technique dictated by the design of the transport packaging has the disadvantage of being particularly long. In addition, it is reflected, during the tests sealing, by a transfer of contamination to the outside all the more important as the rate of leakage is high.
  • this current technique of containment check does not detect a possible leakage in the lower part of alveoli.
  • the lack of control at this level is all the more regrettable as the inner envelope in steel, which delimits the cells, presents a solder constituting a possible source of leaks.
  • the high nuclear package transport packaging activity are currently without a shock absorber background.
  • the gripping organs which are mounted on the steel outer casing of the body the packaging are located opposite the cells and are relatively rigid. The risk that containment of the alveoli is broken in the event of a fall of the packaging on one of these grips is therefore not totally excluded.
  • the main object of the invention is a transport packaging for dangerous packages, including original design allows control rapid containment, avoiding any transfer of contamination to the outside when control is performed.
  • a package transport package dangerous characterized in that it comprises a body internally defining at least one alveolus which opens onto the same face of the body, plugs individual obturation of each cell, and a cover covering the plugs and cooperating with said face by external seals, middle and inner which simultaneously encircle all the plugs, the cover being provided with a first fitting, suitable for being connected to a source of tracer gas under pressure and opening between the seals interior and intermediate sealing, and a second fitting, able to be connected to means of depression and detection of the tracer gas, and opening between the intermediate seals and outside.
  • This arrangement allows a rapid control of containment, without risk of transfer of contamination to the outside since the space under vacuum, is separated from the alveoli by two seals in series.
  • the presence of three seals in series significantly improves the quality of containment.
  • the limit leak rate can be lowered to 10 -8 Pa.m 3 / s.
  • each cell is preferably delimited by a metallic envelope interior, usually steel, with at least a weld, lined with a metallic envelope exterior, usually copper.
  • the double envelope thus formed around of each cell can then be used to locate the cell (s) with a weld defective, when the overall containment check, made using the two fittings placed on the cover, reveals an unacceptable leak.
  • the body of the packaging is then externally equipped with third fittings suitable for being connected to a source of tracer gas under pressure and piping connect each of the third connections to the outer metal casing of one of the cells, so as to lead into the vicinity of the welding of the interior metallic envelope.
  • the third fittings are preferably mounted on the above-mentioned face of the body, beyond the cover.
  • lid In this case, special tools, suitable for be connected to means of depression and tracer gas detection, can be mounted instead of lid.
  • outer metal casings preferably in copper, neighboring cells are connected to each other to others by heat dissipation sheets made of the same metal.
  • the confinement is preserved in the event of a fall or accident, by equipping the packaging of a removable shock absorbing hood on the face body and a removable shock absorbing bottom on its opposite side.
  • the removable shock absorber cover as well that the removable shock absorbing bottom are formed at least partly balsa stacked. They can also understand honeycomb structures progressive.
  • the body of the packaging presents generally a cylindrical shape, given axis, and the alveoli are regularly distributed around this axis.
  • the grippers of the packaging are then preferably mounted on a peripheral wall of the body, in planes passing through the axis of this last and located between the alveoli. This provision prevents the cells from being damaged by if the packaging falls onto one of the gripping.
  • the aforementioned side of the packaging body is partly formed on a metal flange which surrounds the cells and on which the lid.
  • the peripheral wall of the body is further materialized by a metallic shirt with an edge, placed on the aforementioned face of the body, is connected to the flange by a deformable sheet in the event of impact. This again helps to preserve the containment of the packaging in the event of a fall or accident.
  • the packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for the transport of high activity nuclear packages, even whether it can be used to transport packages dangerous of different kinds such as packages from the chemical industries.
  • body and plugs include a biological protection in lead, which completely surrounds the alveoli. Biological protection of the body is then separated from its peripheral wall by a space filled with concrete.
  • FIGs 1 and 2 there is shown schematically an embodiment preferential of a parcel transport packaging high activity nuclear reactors according to the invention.
  • the essential characteristics of this packaging can be taken back in order to transport other types of hazardous products such as certain products chemical, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the transport packaging illustrated on the Figure 1 mainly comprises a body 10, a cover removable shock absorber 12 and a removable shock absorber bottom 14.
  • the body 10 of the packaging has a cylindrical shape, centered on an axis intended to be oriented substantially in a vertical direction when of transportation.
  • the peripheral wall and the bottom of the body 10 are materialized by a metal jacket 16, in mechanically welded stainless steel.
  • the upper face 17, substantially flat, the body 10 is materialized in part by a metal flange 18, also made of steel stainless.
  • the peripheral edge of this flange 18 is spaced from the top edge of the shirt 16 and connected to it edge by a deformable sheet 20, also made of steel mechanically welded.
  • the metal flange 18 encircles a disc metallic 19, which has four openings circular. These openings form the passages access to four juxtaposed cells 22, designed to house four high activity nuclear packages in inside the body 10.
  • the cells 22 form cylindrical housings of the same dimensions, whose axes are parallel to the axis of the body 10 and regularly distributed at the same distance from it as shown in Figure 2.
  • Each of the cells 22 is delimited by sealed by an internal metal casing 24, stainless steel.
  • This metallic envelope inner 24 is formed by a peripheral sheet 24a and a bottom sheet 24b welded together by a solder 26 ( Figure 4).
  • the upper edge of the peripheral sheet of the inner metal casing 24 is welded to the disc 19.
  • Each of the cells 22 is normally closed by an individual closure plug 28.
  • Each of the plugs 28 is made of a material of protection such as lead, coated with stainless steel.
  • a closing plate 30 is fixed on the central part of the disc 19, so as to keep in places the plugs 28 in their closed position.
  • the plate closure 30 is fixed to the flange 18 by a screw 32 arranged along the axis of the body 10.
  • a cover 34 completely covers the plugs 28 and the closing plate 30 on the face upper body 10. More specifically ( Figure 3), the cover 34 is fixed by screws 36 on the flange 18 materializing the upper face 17 of the body 10, and it cooperates tightly with this face 17, by three concentric circular seals, which simultaneously encircle all the plugs 28, so to ensure overall containment of the cells 22.
  • the screws 36 are arranged outside the seals sealing, relative to the axis of the body 10.
  • the three seals include a seal outside 38, an intermediate seal 40 and a seal interior 42.
  • the seals 38, 40 and 42 are o-rings which are received in grooves concentric formed on the face of the cover 34 intended to be applied against the upper face 17 body 10.
  • the cover 34 carries a first connection 44, accessible on its upper face, and which opens out in an annular space 47 formed between the seal inner seal 42 and the seal intermediate 40.
  • This first connection 44 is provided for be connected to an external source (not shown) a pressurized tracer gas such as helium.
  • the cover 34 also carries a second connection 46, accessible from its upper face, which opens into an annular space 48 defined between the intermediate seal 40 and the seal outer seal 38.
  • This second connector 47 is designed to be connected to external means (not depicted) of depression of space annular 48 and tracer gas detection.
  • the inner metal casing 24 is lined by an outer metal casing 50, manufactured in copper.
  • the presence of this metallic envelope exterior 50 significantly improves the control of the containment of packages, compared to existing packaging.
  • the outer metal casing 50 also makes it possible to detect a possible leak of the metal casing 24, for example at the level of the solder 26, using connected external devices at fittings 44 and 46. In particular, the presence of the outer metal casing 50 allows determine the defective cell (s).
  • third fittings 52 are implanted on the upper face of the body 10, beyond the peripheral edge of the cover 34, by example on deformable sheet 20.
  • Each of the fittings 52 is mounted at a first end of a pipe 54, the opposite end of which is connected to the outer metal casing 50 of the cell 22 corresponding, so as to lead between this outer metal casing and the casing inner metal 24, near the weld 26 (figure 4).
  • Each of the third fittings 52 is provided to be connected to an external source (not shown) of a pressurized tracer gas such as helium.
  • cover 34 when one wishes to locate the alveolus 22 defective using the third fittings 52, we replaces cover 34 with special tools (not shown) which is not part of the packaging.
  • This tool consists of a part similar to cover 34, connected to external means (not shown) of depression of the cells 22 and tracer gas detection.
  • the outer metal envelopes 50 made of copper, adjacent cells 22, are connected two to two by heat dissipation plates 56.
  • these sheets 56 are made of preferably copper. They span the whole height of the outer metal envelopes 50 and are located approximately on a centered cylinder on the axis of the body 10 of the packaging and tangent externally to the envelopes 50.
  • the sheets 56 facilitate evacuation to the outside of packaging, heat given off by packages high activity nuclear cells housed in the cells 22.
  • the body 10 of the packaging has a biological protection 58, made of lead, which surrounds totally the alveoli on their periphery and in the bottom of the body 10.
  • This biological protection 58 is separated from the metal jacket 16, which materializes the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the body 10, by a space filled with concrete 60.
  • the central part of the body 10 also includes a concrete core 62, in the region between the cells 22.
  • grips 64 of the packaging are mounted on the annular part of the metal jacket 16, materializing the wall peripheral body 10. As shown in Figure 2, these gripping members 64 are placed in planes passing through the axis of the body 10 and located between the adjacent cells 22. In case of packaging fall on one of the gripping members 64, this arrangement avoids breaking the containment alveoli 22.
  • each of the gripping members 64 is formed by two disjointed metal plates, parallel to the above-mentioned plane, the extreme parts of which turned outwards are partially folded towards each other with respect to this plane, to be welded to each other at their ends.
  • This configuration accelerates the deformation of the organs of grip 64 in case of fall of the packaging. She therefore also helps to avoid any risk of rupture of the containment of the cells 22.
  • the hood removable shock absorber 12 is provided to be fixed on the body 10 by screws 66. More specifically, the screws 66 cross a flange formed on the metal jacket 16, near its upper end, and they are screwed into an outer metal casing of the cover 12.
  • the outer shell of the shock absorber cover removable 12 is filled with stacked balsa. This structure allows the hood to absorb shocks by distorting.
  • the shock absorbing bottom 14 is fixed so removable under the bottom of the body 10, for example at means of bolts 68. More specifically, the bolts 68 simultaneously cross a flange formed at the bottom of the metal jacket 16 and a flange formed in the top of shock absorber bottom 14.
  • the removable shock absorbing bottom 14 is produced in substantially the same manner as the removable shock absorber cover 12. So it is consisting mainly of a stack of balsa, enclosed in a metal outer casing.
  • part balsa in which the cover 12 and the bottom are formed 14 can be replaced by nest structures progressive bees.
  • the bottom 14 also fulfills a function shock absorber.
  • the leakage rate obtained using the packaging according to the invention is approximately 10 -8 Pa.m 3 / s.
  • the control equipment is dismantled and the removable damper cover 12 is put in place. The packaging can then be transported.
  • each of the fittings 52 to a helium source, in order to determine the interior metal envelope (s) 24 which are not waterproof.
  • the repair may be either by the interior of the cell or by outside. In the latter case, a disassembly almost total packaging is required.
  • the addition of the removable damper cover 12 and the removable shock absorbing bottom 14 preserves the containment of the alveoli in all circumstances accidental.
  • the body 10 of the package can usually be reused, replacing the cover and / or the bottom damaged by the fall.
  • the sheet 20 can deform and thus contributes to preserving the containment of cells 22.
  • the shape and arrangement of the gripping members 64 also avoid any risk of breakage of the containment of alveoli 22 in the event of a fall packaging on one of these organs.
  • the transport packaging according to the invention can be used to transport all dangerous packages other than high activity nuclear packages.
  • the biological protection of the body 10 and plugs 28 can be removed or changed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The container comprises a housing with at least one inner cell, each with a separate stopper (28). A cover (34) goes over the stoppers and is equipped with outer (38), intermediate (40) and inner (42) seals which encircle all the stoppers at the same time. The cover also has a first coupling (44) for connecting to a source of a pressurised tracer gas, e.g. helium, and linked to the space between the inner and intermediate seals. It has a second coupling (46) which is connected to a vacuum source and tracer gas detector, linked to the space between the intermediate and outer seals.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention concerne un emballage conçu pour permettre le transport en toute sécurité de colis dangereux nécessitant un confinement extrême, sûr, fiable et contrôlable.The invention relates to a packaging designed to allow safe transport of packages dangerous requiring extreme, safe containment, reliable and controllable.

L'emballage selon l'invention est particulièrement adapté pour le transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité dont l'étanchéité n'est pas certaine. Il peut toutefois être utilisé pour transporter des colis dangereux de nature différente, issus notamment de l'industrie chimique.The packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for parcel transport high-activity nuclear materials whose watertightness is not not sure. It can however be used for transport dangerous packages of a different nature, especially from the chemical industry.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Les laboratoires et usines nucléaires produisent des déchets qui sont classés selon leur niveau d'activité, avant d'être transportés jusqu'à leurs sites de stockage respectifs. Pour faciliter leur transport et leur stockage ultérieurs, les déchets de chaque catégorie sont conditionnés dans des fûts, pour constituer des "colis nucléaires". Les conditions dans lesquelles s'effectue le conditionnement rendent l'étanchéité des colis aléatoire et incertaine.Nuclear laboratories and factories produce waste which is classified according to their activity level, before being transported to their respective storage sites. To facilitate their transportation and subsequent storage, each category are packaged in barrels, to constitute "nuclear packages". The conditions in which the packaging takes place tightness of random and uncertain packages.

Le transport des colis nucléaires de leurs sites de production jusqu'à leurs sites de stockage s'effectue dans des emballages, généralement appelés "châteaux de transport", qui doivent assurer à la fois un confinement efficace des matières nucléaires transportées et la protection biologique des personnes et de l'environnement. Ces emballages doivent aussi présenter une résistance aux chocs et au feu permettant de préserver le confinement en toutes circonstances c'est- à-dire, notamment en cas d'accident lors du transport de l'emballage et en cas de chute lors de sa manutention. Les emballages doivent aussi assurer une évacuation efficace de la chaleur dégagée par les matières nucléaires.The transport of nuclear packages from their production sites to their storage sites takes place in packages, generally called "transport castles", which must ensure both efficient containment of nuclear material transported and the biological protection of people and the environment. These packages must also have a shock and fire resistance allowing to preserve confinement in all circumstances that is to say, in particular in the event of an accident during the transport of the packaging and in the event of a fall during its handling. The packaging must also ensure efficient evacuation of the heat given off by nuclear material.

Dans la pratique, les déchets nucléaires sont triés en déchets de faible, moyenne et haute activités, qui sont conditionnés séparément pour former trois types de colis nucléaires. Ces trois types de colis nucléaires sont transportés dans des emballages différents, qui doivent répondre à des exigences d'autant plus sévère que l'activité des colis transportés est élevée.In practice, nuclear waste are sorted into low, medium and high waste activities, which are packaged separately to form three types of nuclear packages. These three types of nuclear packages are transported in packaging different, which must meet requirements all the more severe as the activity of the parcels transported is high.

Quel que soit le type de colis transporté, les emballages sont conçu pour recevoir un nombre aussi grand que possible de colis, afin de limiter le nombre de trajets entre le site de production des déchets et le site de stockage. A cet effet, tous les emballages destinés à transporter des colis nucléaires comprennent plusieurs logements, appelés "alvéoles", destinés à recevoir chacun un ou deux colis.Whatever type of package is transported, the packaging is designed to receive a number as well as large a package as possible, in order to limit the number journeys between the waste production site and the storage site. For this purpose, all packaging intended for transporting nuclear packages include several dwellings, called "cells", intended for receive one or two packages each.

Par ailleurs, les dimensions extérieures des emballages sont indépendantes de la nature des colis transportés et fixées par le gabarit maximal autorisé lors du transport. Le nombre des alvéoles et le nombre de colis que chacune d'entre elles peut recevoir vont donc en diminuant lorsque l'activité des déchets augmente. En effet, l'épaisseur de la protection biologique est sensiblement moindre dans le cas de déchets de faible activité que dans le cas de déchets de haute activité.In addition, the external dimensions packaging is independent of the nature of the packages transported and fixed by the maximum gauge authorized during transport. The number of alveoli and the number of packages each of them can receive therefore decrease when the activity of waste increases. Indeed, the thickness of the biological protection is significantly less in the cases of low-level waste than in the case of high level waste.

Dans le cas le plus délicat du transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité, on utilise par exemple habituellement un emballage de transport présentant quatre alvéoles juxtaposées dont chacune est dimensionnée pour recevoir un seul colis nucléaire. Ces alvéoles sont formées dans un corps cylindrique principalement réalisé en un matériau de protection biologique, revêtu d'une enveloppe d'acier sur toute sa surface extérieure ainsi qu'à l'intérieur des alvéoles. Les alvéoles débouchent toutes sur la face supérieure, sensiblement plane, du corps et elles sont normalement fermées par des bouchons individuels contenant également un matériau de protection biologique. Tous les bouchons sont coiffés globalement par un couvercle unique, fixé de façon démontable sur la face supérieure du corps de l'emballage. Un capot, assurant la protection aux chocs et l'évacuation de la chaleur, recouvre de façon débordante toute la face supérieure du corps sur laquelle a été fixé le couvercle.In the most delicate case of the transport of high activity nuclear packages, we use example usually a transport packaging with four juxtaposed cells each of which is sized to receive a single nuclear package. These alveoli are formed in a cylindrical body mainly made of a protective material organic, coated with a steel envelope over its entire external surface as well as inside the cells. The cells all open onto the upper side, substantially flat, of the body and they are normally closed by individual caps containing also a biological protection material. All the caps are generally covered by a cover single, detachably attached to the upper side of the packaging body. A cover, ensuring the shock protection and heat dissipation, overlapping the entire upper surface of the body on which the cover was fixed.

Dans cet emballage existant, destiné au transport des colis nucléaires de haute activité, le confinement est assuré principalement par l'enveloppe intérieure des alvéoles et par deux joints d'étanchéité voisins, qui encerclent simultanément tous les bouchons et sont interposés entre le couvercle coiffant ces derniers et la face correspondante du corps de l'emballage.In this existing packaging, intended for transport of high activity nuclear packages, the containment is ensured mainly by the envelope interior of the cells and by two seals neighbors, who simultaneously surround all the plugs and are interposed between the cover covering these last and the corresponding face of the body of packaging.

Dans un emballage existant de ce type, le confinement est contrôlé en reliant l'espace situé entre les joints à des moyens de mise en dépression. On surveille ensuite, pendant un temps relativement long, l'évolution de la pression dans cet espace, afin de déterminer le taux de fuite.In an existing package of this type, the containment is controlled by connecting the space located between the seals to means of depression. We then monitors, for a relatively long time, the evolution of the pressure in this space, in order to determine the leak rate.

Cette technique de contrôle du confinement, dictée par la conception de l'emballage de transport existant, a pour inconvénient d'être particulièrement longue. De plus, elle se traduit, au moment des tests d'étanchéité, par un transfert de contamination vers l'extérieur d'autant plus important que le taux de fuite est élevé.This containment control technique, dictated by the design of the transport packaging has the disadvantage of being particularly long. In addition, it is reflected, during the tests sealing, by a transfer of contamination to the outside all the more important as the rate of leakage is high.

Par ailleurs, cette technique actuelle de contrôle de confinement ne permet pas de détecter une fuite éventuelle dans la partie inférieure des alvéoles. L'absence de contrôle à ce niveau est d'autant plus regrettable que l'enveloppe intérieure en acier, qui délimite les alvéoles, y présente une soudure constituant une source éventuelle de fuites.Furthermore, this current technique of containment check does not detect a possible leakage in the lower part of alveoli. The lack of control at this level is all the more regrettable as the inner envelope in steel, which delimits the cells, presents a solder constituting a possible source of leaks.

Il est à noter, en outre, que les emballages de transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité sont actuellement dépourvus d'amortisseur de fond. De plus, les organes de préhension qui sont montés sur l'enveloppe extérieure en acier du corps de l'emballage sont situés en face des alvéoles et sont relativement rigides. Le risque pour que le confinement des alvéoles soit rompu en cas de chute de l'emballage sur l'un de ces organes de préhension n'est donc pas totalement exclu.It should also be noted that the high nuclear package transport packaging activity are currently without a shock absorber background. In addition, the gripping organs which are mounted on the steel outer casing of the body the packaging are located opposite the cells and are relatively rigid. The risk that containment of the alveoli is broken in the event of a fall of the packaging on one of these grips is therefore not totally excluded.

Exposé de l'inventionStatement of the invention

L'invention a principalement pour objet un emballage de transport de colis dangereux, dont la conception originale permet d'effectuer un contrôle rapide du confinement, en évitant tout transfert de contamination vers l'extérieur lorsque le contrôle est effectué.The main object of the invention is a transport packaging for dangerous packages, including original design allows control rapid containment, avoiding any transfer of contamination to the outside when control is performed.

Conformément à l'invention, ce résultat est obtenu au moyen d'un emballage de transport de colis dangereux, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un corps délimitant intérieurement au moins une alvéole qui débouche sur une même face du corps, des bouchons d'obturation individuelle de chaque alvéole, et un couvercle recouvrant les bouchons et coopérant avec ladite face par des joints d'étanchéité extérieur, intermédiaire et intérieur qui encerclent simultanément tous les bouchons, le couvercle étant muni d'un premier raccord, apte à être relié à une source de gaz traceur sous pression et débouchant entre les joints d'étanchéité intérieur et intermédiaire, et d'un deuxième raccord, apte à être relié à des moyens de mise en dépression et de détection du gaz traceur, et débouchant entre les joints d'étanchéité intermédiaire et extérieur.According to the invention, this result is obtained by means of a package transport package dangerous, characterized in that it comprises a body internally defining at least one alveolus which opens onto the same face of the body, plugs individual obturation of each cell, and a cover covering the plugs and cooperating with said face by external seals, middle and inner which simultaneously encircle all the plugs, the cover being provided with a first fitting, suitable for being connected to a source of tracer gas under pressure and opening between the seals interior and intermediate sealing, and a second fitting, able to be connected to means of depression and detection of the tracer gas, and opening between the intermediate seals and outside.

Cet agencement permet d'effectuer un contrôle rapide du confinement, sans risque de transfert de contamination vers l'extérieur puisque l'espace mis en dépression, est séparé des alvéoles par deux joints d'étanchéité en série.This arrangement allows a rapid control of containment, without risk of transfer of contamination to the outside since the space under vacuum, is separated from the alveoli by two seals in series.

De plus, la présence de trois joints d'étanchéité en série améliore sensiblement la qualité du confinement. A titre d'illustration, le taux de fuite limite peut être abaissé à 10-8 Pa.m3/s.In addition, the presence of three seals in series significantly improves the quality of containment. As an illustration, the limit leak rate can be lowered to 10 -8 Pa.m 3 / s.

Par ailleurs, afin d'améliorer le contrôle global du confinement des alvéoles, chaque alvéole est de préférence délimitée par une enveloppe métallique intérieure, généralement en acier, comportant au moins une soudure, doublée par une enveloppe métallique extérieure, généralement en cuivre.Furthermore, in order to improve control overall containment of the cells, each cell is preferably delimited by a metallic envelope interior, usually steel, with at least a weld, lined with a metallic envelope exterior, usually copper.

La double enveloppe ainsi constituée autour de chaque alvéole peut alors être utilisée pour localiser la ou les alvéoles présentant une soudure défectueuse, lorsque le contrôle global du confinement, réalisé à l'aide des deux raccords placés sur le couvercle, révèle un défaut d'étanchéité inacceptable.The double envelope thus formed around of each cell can then be used to locate the cell (s) with a weld defective, when the overall containment check, made using the two fittings placed on the cover, reveals an unacceptable leak.

A cet effet, le corps de l'emballage est alors équipé extérieurement de troisièmes raccords aptes à être reliés à une source de gaz traceur sous pression et des tuyauteries relient chacun des troisièmes raccords à l'enveloppe métallique extérieure de l'une des alvéoles, de façon à déboucher à proximité de la soudure de l'enveloppe métallique intérieure. Les troisièmes raccords sont montés de préférence sur la face précitée du corps, au-delà du couvercle.For this purpose, the body of the packaging is then externally equipped with third fittings suitable for being connected to a source of tracer gas under pressure and piping connect each of the third connections to the outer metal casing of one of the cells, so as to lead into the vicinity of the welding of the interior metallic envelope. The third fittings are preferably mounted on the above-mentioned face of the body, beyond the cover.

Dans ce cas, un outillage spécial, apte à être relié à des moyens de mise en dépression et de détection du gaz traceur, peut être monté à la place du couvercle. En injectant le gaz traceur successivement dans chacun des troisièmes raccords, il est ainsi possible de déterminer l'alvéole dont l'enveloppe métallique intérieure peut être en défaut. Selon la cas, cette alvéole ne sera plus utilisée, ou elle sera réparée.In this case, special tools, suitable for be connected to means of depression and tracer gas detection, can be mounted instead of lid. By injecting the tracer gas successively in each of the third fittings it is so possible to determine the cell whose envelope interior metal may be faulty. According to case, this cell will no longer be used, or it will be fixed.

Pour faciliter l'évacuation de la chaleur, les enveloppes métalliques extérieures, de préférence en cuivre, des alvéoles voisines sont reliées les unes aux autres par des tôles de dissipation thermique réalisées dans le même métal.To facilitate the evacuation of heat, outer metal casings, preferably in copper, neighboring cells are connected to each other to others by heat dissipation sheets made of the same metal.

Dans une forme de réalisation préférentielle de l'invention, le confinement est préservé en cas de chute ou d'accident, en équipant l'emballage d'un capot amortisseur amovible sur la face précitée du corps et d'un fond amortisseur amovible sur sa face opposée. Le capot amortisseur amovible ainsi que le fond amortisseur amovible sont formés au moins en partie de balsa empilé. Ils peuvent également comprendre des structures en nids d'abeilles progressives.In one embodiment preferential of the invention, the confinement is preserved in the event of a fall or accident, by equipping the packaging of a removable shock absorbing hood on the face body and a removable shock absorbing bottom on its opposite side. The removable shock absorber cover as well that the removable shock absorbing bottom are formed at least partly balsa stacked. They can also understand honeycomb structures progressive.

Le corps de l'emballage présente généralement une forme cylindrique, d'axe donné, et les alvéoles sont régulièrement réparties autour de cet axe. Les organes de préhension de l'emballage sont alors montés, de préférence, sur une paroi périphérique du corps, dans des plans passant par l'axe de ce dernier et situés entre les alvéoles. Cette disposition permet d'éviter que les alvéoles soient endommagées en cas de chute de l'emballage sur l'un des organes de préhension.The body of the packaging presents generally a cylindrical shape, given axis, and the alveoli are regularly distributed around this axis. The grippers of the packaging are then preferably mounted on a peripheral wall of the body, in planes passing through the axis of this last and located between the alveoli. This provision prevents the cells from being damaged by if the packaging falls onto one of the gripping.

Afin de réduire encore ce risque, on rend les organes de préhension déformables en les incurvant au moins en partie par rapport aux plans dans lesquels ils sont montés.To further reduce this risk, we make the deformable gripping members by bending them at least in part compared to the plans in which they went up.

La face précitée du corps de l'emballage est formée en partie sur une bride métallique qui encercle les alvéoles et sur laquelle est fixé le couvercle. La paroi périphérique du corps est en outre matérialisée par une chemise métallique dont un bord, placé sur la face précitée du corps, est relié à la bride par une tôle déformable en cas de choc. Cet agencement contribue, là encore, à préserver le confinement de l'emballage en cas de chute ou d'accident. The aforementioned side of the packaging body is partly formed on a metal flange which surrounds the cells and on which the lid. The peripheral wall of the body is further materialized by a metallic shirt with an edge, placed on the aforementioned face of the body, is connected to the flange by a deformable sheet in the event of impact. This again helps to preserve the containment of the packaging in the event of a fall or accident.

Comme on l'a déjà observé, l'emballage selon l'invention est particulièrement adapté pour le transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité, même s'il peut être utilisé pour transporter des colis dangereux de natures différentes tels que des colis issus des industries chimiques.As we have already observed, the packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for the transport of high activity nuclear packages, even whether it can be used to transport packages dangerous of different kinds such as packages from the chemical industries.

Dans l'application au transport de colis nucléaires, le corps et les bouchons incluent une protection biologique en plomb, qui entoure totalement les alvéoles. La protection biologique du corps est alors séparée de sa paroi périphérique par un espace rempli de béton.In the application to package transport nuclear, body and plugs include a biological protection in lead, which completely surrounds the alveoli. Biological protection of the body is then separated from its peripheral wall by a space filled with concrete.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

On décrira à présent, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, une forme de réalisation préférentielle de l'invention, en se référant aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale qui représente schématiquement un emballage de transport conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue à plus grande échelle qui représente un détail de l'emballage ; et
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe représentant un autre détail de l'emballage selon l'invention.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view which schematically shows a transport packaging according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing a detail of the package; and
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view showing another detail of the packaging according to the invention.

Exposé détaillé d'une forme de réalisation préférentielle.Detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

Sur les figures 1 et 2, on a représenté de façon schématique une forme de réalisation préférentielle d'un emballage de transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité conforme à l'invention. Les caractéristiques essentielles de cet emballage peuvent être reprises afin de transporter d'autres types de produits dangereux tels que certains produits chimiques, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.In Figures 1 and 2, there is shown schematically an embodiment preferential of a parcel transport packaging high activity nuclear reactors according to the invention. The essential characteristics of this packaging can be taken back in order to transport other types of hazardous products such as certain products chemical, without departing from the scope of the invention.

L'emballage de transport illustré sur la figure 1 comprend principalement un corps 10, un capot amortisseur amovible 12 et un fond amortisseur amovible 14.The transport packaging illustrated on the Figure 1 mainly comprises a body 10, a cover removable shock absorber 12 and a removable shock absorber bottom 14.

Le corps 10 de l'emballage présente une forme cylindrique, centrée sur un axe prévu pour être orienté sensiblement selon une direction verticale lors du transport. La paroi périphérique et le fond du corps 10 sont matérialisés par une chemise métallique 16, en acier inoxydable mécanosoudé. La face supérieure 17, sensiblement plane, du corps 10 est matérialisée en partie par une bride métallique 18, également en acier inoxydable. Le bord périphérique de cette bride 18 est espacé du bord supérieur de la chemise 16 et relié à ce bord par une tôle déformable 20, également en acier mécanosoudé.The body 10 of the packaging has a cylindrical shape, centered on an axis intended to be oriented substantially in a vertical direction when of transportation. The peripheral wall and the bottom of the body 10 are materialized by a metal jacket 16, in mechanically welded stainless steel. The upper face 17, substantially flat, the body 10 is materialized in part by a metal flange 18, also made of steel stainless. The peripheral edge of this flange 18 is spaced from the top edge of the shirt 16 and connected to it edge by a deformable sheet 20, also made of steel mechanically welded.

La bride métallique 18 encercle un disque métallique 19, qui présente quatre ouvertures circulaires. Ces ouvertures forment les passages d'accès à quatre alvéoles juxtaposées 22, conçues pour loger quatre colis nucléaires de haute activité à l'intérieur du corps 10.The metal flange 18 encircles a disc metallic 19, which has four openings circular. These openings form the passages access to four juxtaposed cells 22, designed to house four high activity nuclear packages in inside the body 10.

De façon plus précise, les alvéoles 22 forment des logements cylindriques de mêmes dimensions, dont les axes sont parallèles à l'axe du corps 10 et régulièrement répartis à une même distance de celui-ci comme l'illustre la figure 2. More precisely, the cells 22 form cylindrical housings of the same dimensions, whose axes are parallel to the axis of the body 10 and regularly distributed at the same distance from it as shown in Figure 2.

Chacune des alvéoles 22 est délimitée de façon étanche par une enveloppe métallique intérieure 24, en acier inoxydable. Cette enveloppe métallique intérieure 24 est formée d'une tôle périphérique 24a et d'une tôle de fond 24b soudées entre elles par une soudure 26 (figure 4). De plus, le bord supérieur de la tôle périphérique de l'enveloppe métallique intérieure 24 est soudé au disque 19.Each of the cells 22 is delimited by sealed by an internal metal casing 24, stainless steel. This metallic envelope inner 24 is formed by a peripheral sheet 24a and a bottom sheet 24b welded together by a solder 26 (Figure 4). In addition, the upper edge of the peripheral sheet of the inner metal casing 24 is welded to the disc 19.

Chacune des alvéoles 22 est normalement obturée par un bouchon 28 d'obturation individuelle. Chacun des bouchons 28 est réalisé en un matériau de protection tel que du plomb, revêtu d'acier inoxydable.Each of the cells 22 is normally closed by an individual closure plug 28. Each of the plugs 28 is made of a material of protection such as lead, coated with stainless steel.

Une plaque de fermeture 30 est fixée sur la partie centrale du disque 19, de façon à maintenir en place les bouchons 28 dans leur position fermée. Dans la forme de réalisation représentée, la plaque de fermeture 30 est fixée sur la bride 18 par une vis 32 disposée selon l'axe du corps 10.A closing plate 30 is fixed on the central part of the disc 19, so as to keep in places the plugs 28 in their closed position. In the embodiment shown, the plate closure 30 is fixed to the flange 18 by a screw 32 arranged along the axis of the body 10.

Un couvercle 34 recouvre en totalité les bouchons 28 et la plaque de fermeture 30 sur la face supérieure du corps 10. Plus précisément (figure 3), le couvercle 34 est fixé par des vis 36 sur la bride 18 matérialisant la face supérieure 17 du corps 10, et il coopère de façon étanche avec cette face 17, par trois joints d'étanchéité circulaires concentriques, qui encerclent simultanément tous les bouchons 28, de façon à assurer un confinement global des alvéoles 22. Les vis 36 sont disposés à l'extérieur des joints d'étanchéité, par rapport à l'axe du corps 10.A cover 34 completely covers the plugs 28 and the closing plate 30 on the face upper body 10. More specifically (Figure 3), the cover 34 is fixed by screws 36 on the flange 18 materializing the upper face 17 of the body 10, and it cooperates tightly with this face 17, by three concentric circular seals, which simultaneously encircle all the plugs 28, so to ensure overall containment of the cells 22. The screws 36 are arranged outside the seals sealing, relative to the axis of the body 10.

Comme l'illustre plus en détail la figure 3, les trois joints d'étanchéité comprennent un joint extérieur 38, un joint intermédiaire 40 et un joint intérieur 42. Les joints d'étanchéité 38, 40 et 42 sont des joints toriques qui sont reçus dans des gorges concentriques formées sur la face du couvercle 34 prévue pour être appliquée contre la face supérieure 17 du corps 10.As illustrated in more detail in the figure 3, the three seals include a seal outside 38, an intermediate seal 40 and a seal interior 42. The seals 38, 40 and 42 are o-rings which are received in grooves concentric formed on the face of the cover 34 intended to be applied against the upper face 17 body 10.

Le couvercle 34 porte un premier raccord 44, accessible sur sa face supérieure, et qui débouche dans un espace annulaire 47 formé entre le joint d'étanchéité intérieur 42 et le joint d'étanchéité intermédiaire 40. Ce premier raccord 44 est prévu pour être relié à une source extérieure (non représentée) d'un gaz traceur sous pression tel que de l'hélium.The cover 34 carries a first connection 44, accessible on its upper face, and which opens out in an annular space 47 formed between the seal inner seal 42 and the seal intermediate 40. This first connection 44 is provided for be connected to an external source (not shown) a pressurized tracer gas such as helium.

Le couvercle 34 porte également un deuxième raccord 46, accessible depuis sa face supérieure, qui débouche dans un espace annulaire 48 défini entre le joint d'étanchéité intermédiaire 40 et le joint d'étanchéité extérieur 38. Ce deuxième raccord 47 est prévu pour être relié à des moyens extérieurs (non représentés) de mise en dépression de l'espace annulaire 48 et de détection des gaz traceurs.The cover 34 also carries a second connection 46, accessible from its upper face, which opens into an annular space 48 defined between the intermediate seal 40 and the seal outer seal 38. This second connector 47 is designed to be connected to external means (not depicted) of depression of space annular 48 and tracer gas detection.

Dans sa partie située en dessous du bouchon 28 d'obturation individuelle de chacune des alvéoles 22, l'enveloppe métallique intérieure 24 est doublée par une enveloppe métallique extérieure 50, fabriquée en cuivre. La présence de cette enveloppe métallique extérieure 50 permet d'améliorer sensiblement le contrôle du confinement des colis, par rapport aux emballages existants. L'enveloppe métallique extérieure 50 permet aussi de détecter une éventuelle fuite de l'enveloppe métallique 24, par exemple au niveau de la soudure 26, à l'aide des dispositifs extérieurs reliés aux raccords 44 et 46. En particulier, la présence de l'enveloppe métallique extérieure 50 permet de déterminer la ou les alvéoles défectueuses. In its part located below the cap 28 individual shutters for each cell 22, the inner metal casing 24 is lined by an outer metal casing 50, manufactured in copper. The presence of this metallic envelope exterior 50 significantly improves the control of the containment of packages, compared to existing packaging. The outer metal casing 50 also makes it possible to detect a possible leak of the metal casing 24, for example at the level of the solder 26, using connected external devices at fittings 44 and 46. In particular, the presence of the outer metal casing 50 allows determine the defective cell (s).

A cet effet, quatre troisième raccords 52 sont implantés sur la face supérieure du corps 10, au-delà du bord périphérique du couvercle 34, par exemple sur la tôle déformable 20. Chacun des raccords 52 est monté à une première extrémité d'une tuyauterie 54, dont l'extrémité opposée est raccordée sur l'enveloppe métallique extérieure 50 de l'alvéole 22 correspondante, de façon à déboucher entre cette enveloppe métallique extérieure et l'enveloppe métallique intérieure 24, à proximité de la soudure 26 (figure 4).For this purpose, four third fittings 52 are implanted on the upper face of the body 10, beyond the peripheral edge of the cover 34, by example on deformable sheet 20. Each of the fittings 52 is mounted at a first end of a pipe 54, the opposite end of which is connected to the outer metal casing 50 of the cell 22 corresponding, so as to lead between this outer metal casing and the casing inner metal 24, near the weld 26 (figure 4).

Chacun des troisièmes raccords 52 est prévu pour être relié à une source extérieure (non représentée) d'un gaz traceur sous pression tel que de l'hélium.Each of the third fittings 52 is provided to be connected to an external source (not shown) of a pressurized tracer gas such as helium.

Comme on le verra plus en détail par la suite, lorsqu'on désire localiser l'alvéole 22 défectueuse en utilisant les troisièmes raccords 52, on remplace le couvercle 34 par un outillage spécial (non représenté) qui ne fait pas partie de l'emballage. Cet outillage est constitué par une pièce analogue au couvercle 34, raccordée à des moyens extérieurs (non représentés) de mise en dépression des alvéoles 22 et de détection du gaz traceur.As will be seen in more detail by the continuation, when one wishes to locate the alveolus 22 defective using the third fittings 52, we replaces cover 34 with special tools (not shown) which is not part of the packaging. This tool consists of a part similar to cover 34, connected to external means (not shown) of depression of the cells 22 and tracer gas detection.

Comme l'illustre notamment la figure 2, les enveloppes métalliques extérieures 50, réalisées en cuivre, des alvéoles 22 adjacentes, sont reliées deux à deux par des tôles 56 de dissipation thermique. Comme les enveloppes 50, ces tôles 56 sont réalisées de préférence en cuivre. Elles s'étendent sur toute la hauteur des enveloppes métalliques extérieures 50 et sont situées approximativement sur un cylindre centré sur l'axe du corps 10 de l'emballage et tangent extérieurement aux enveloppes 50. Les tôles 56 facilitent l'évacuation, vers l'extérieur de l'emballage, de la chaleur dégagée par les colis nucléaires de haute activité logés dans les alvéoles 22.As illustrated in particular in Figure 2, the outer metal envelopes 50, made of copper, adjacent cells 22, are connected two to two by heat dissipation plates 56. As envelopes 50, these sheets 56 are made of preferably copper. They span the whole height of the outer metal envelopes 50 and are located approximately on a centered cylinder on the axis of the body 10 of the packaging and tangent externally to the envelopes 50. The sheets 56 facilitate evacuation to the outside of packaging, heat given off by packages high activity nuclear cells housed in the cells 22.

Comme l'illustrent notamment les figures 1 et 2, le corps 10 de l'emballage comporte une protection biologique 58, en plomb, qui entoure totalement les alvéoles à leur périphérie et dans le fond du corps 10. Cette protection biologique 58 est séparée de la chemise métallique 16, qui matérialise la paroi périphérique et la paroi de fond du corps 10, par un espace rempli de béton 60. La partie centrale du corps 10 comprend également un noyau de béton 62, dans la région située entre les alvéoles 22.As illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the body 10 of the packaging has a biological protection 58, made of lead, which surrounds totally the alveoli on their periphery and in the bottom of the body 10. This biological protection 58 is separated from the metal jacket 16, which materializes the peripheral wall and the bottom wall of the body 10, by a space filled with concrete 60. The central part of the body 10 also includes a concrete core 62, in the region between the cells 22.

Quatre organes de préhension 64 de l'emballage sont montés sur la partie annulaire de la chemise métallique 16, matérialisant la paroi périphérique du corps 10. Comme le montre la figure 2, ces organes de préhension 64 sont placés dans des plans passant par l'axe du corps 10 et situés entre les alvéoles 22 adjacentes. En cas de chute de l'emballage sur l'un des organes de préhension 64, cette disposition permet d'éviter la rupture du confinement des alvéoles 22.Four grips 64 of the packaging are mounted on the annular part of the metal jacket 16, materializing the wall peripheral body 10. As shown in Figure 2, these gripping members 64 are placed in planes passing through the axis of the body 10 and located between the adjacent cells 22. In case of packaging fall on one of the gripping members 64, this arrangement avoids breaking the containment alveoli 22.

De plus, chacun des organes de préhension 64 est formé de deux plaques métalliques disjointes, parallèles au plan précité, dont les parties extrêmes tournées vers l'extérieur sont partiellement repliées l'une vers l'autre par rapport à ce plan, pour être soudées l'une à l'autre à leurs extrémités. Cette configuration accélère la déformation des organes de préhension 64 en cas de chute de l'emballage. Elle contribue donc également à éviter tout risque de rupture du confinement des alvéoles 22.In addition, each of the gripping members 64 is formed by two disjointed metal plates, parallel to the above-mentioned plane, the extreme parts of which turned outwards are partially folded towards each other with respect to this plane, to be welded to each other at their ends. This configuration accelerates the deformation of the organs of grip 64 in case of fall of the packaging. She therefore also helps to avoid any risk of rupture of the containment of the cells 22.

Comme le montre la figure 1, le capot amortisseur amovible 12 est prévu pour être fixé sur le corps 10 par des vis 66. Plus précisément, les vis 66 traversent une bride formée sur la chemise métallique 16, à proximité de son extrémité haute, et elles sont vissées dans une enveloppe métallique extérieure du capot 12. L'enveloppe extérieure du capot amortisseur amovible 12 est remplie de balsa empilé. Cette structure permet au capot d'amortir les chocs en se déformant.As shown in Figure 1, the hood removable shock absorber 12 is provided to be fixed on the body 10 by screws 66. More specifically, the screws 66 cross a flange formed on the metal jacket 16, near its upper end, and they are screwed into an outer metal casing of the cover 12. The outer shell of the shock absorber cover removable 12 is filled with stacked balsa. This structure allows the hood to absorb shocks by distorting.

Le fond amortisseur 14 est fixé de façon démontable sous le fond du corps 10, par exemple au moyen de boulons 68. Plus précisément, les boulons 68 traversent simultanément une bride formée dans le bas de la chemise métallique 16 et une bride formée dans le haut du fond amortisseur 14.The shock absorbing bottom 14 is fixed so removable under the bottom of the body 10, for example at means of bolts 68. More specifically, the bolts 68 simultaneously cross a flange formed at the bottom of the metal jacket 16 and a flange formed in the top of shock absorber bottom 14.

Par ailleurs, le fond amortisseur amovible 14 est réalisé sensiblement de la même manière que le couvercle amortisseur amovible 12. Ainsi, il est constitué principalement par un empilement de balsa, enfermé dans une enveloppe extérieure métallique.In addition, the removable shock absorbing bottom 14 is produced in substantially the same manner as the removable shock absorber cover 12. So it is consisting mainly of a stack of balsa, enclosed in a metal outer casing.

Il est à noter qu'en variante, une partie du balsa dans lequel sont formés le capot 12 et le fond 14 peut être remplacée par des structures en nids d'abeilles progressives.It should be noted that as a variant, part balsa in which the cover 12 and the bottom are formed 14 can be replaced by nest structures progressive bees.

Le fond 14 remplit également une fonction d'amortisseur de choc.The bottom 14 also fulfills a function shock absorber.

Lorsqu'on désire utiliser l'emballage de transport qui vient d'être décrit, le capot 12, le couvercle 34, la plaque de maintien 30 et les bouchons individuels 28 sont démontés à tour de rôle. On place ensuite dans chacune des alvéoles 22 l'un des colis nucléaires de haute activité à transporter.When you want to use the packaging of transport which has just been described, the cover 12, the cover 34, holding plate 30 and plugs 28 are taken apart in turn. We place then in each of the cells 22 one of the packages high activity nuclear to transport.

Lorsque les quatre alvéoles 22 sont remplies, on remet en place les bouchons individuels 28, la plaque de maintien 30 et le couvercle 34.When the four cells 22 are filled, we replace the individual caps 28, the holding plate 30 and the cover 34.

On procède alors au contrôle de l'étanchéité du joint intermédiaire 40, en reliant le premier raccord 44 à une source d'hélium sous pression et en reliant le deuxième raccord 46 à un circuit comprenant des moyens de mise en dépression de l'espace annulaire 48 ainsi que des moyens de détection d'hélium. On obtient ainsi rapidement une mesure du taux de fuite, représentative de la qualité du confinement obtenu.We then proceed to control the seal of the intermediate seal 40, by connecting the first connection 44 to a pressurized helium source and by connecting the second fitting 46 to a circuit comprising means for depressurizing the space annular 48 as well as detection means helium. A measurement of the leak rate, representative of the quality of the containment obtained.

En l'absence de problème particulier, le taux de fuite obtenu à l'aide de l'emballage conforme à l'invention est d'environ 10-8 Pa.m3/s.In the absence of any particular problem, the leakage rate obtained using the packaging according to the invention is approximately 10 -8 Pa.m 3 / s.

Si la valeur du taux de fuite mesurée est inférieure ou égale à un seuil réglementaire, fixé actuellement à 10-7 Pa.m3/s, l'appareillage de contrôle est démonté et le capot amortisseur amovible 12 est mis en place. Le transport de l'emballage peut alors être effectué.If the value of the measured leakage rate is less than or equal to a regulatory threshold, currently set at 10 -7 Pa.m 3 / s, the control equipment is dismantled and the removable damper cover 12 is put in place. The packaging can then be transported.

Si le contrôle de fuite à l'hélium fournit un résultat non satisfaisant, malgré plusieurs démontages et nettoyages successifs des surfaces assurant l'étanchéité entre le couvercle 34 et le corps 10, le couvercle 34 est démonté, ainsi que la plaque de maintien 30 et les bouchons 28, et les alvéoles 22 sont vidées.If the helium leak control provides an unsatisfactory result, despite several successive dismantling and cleaning of surfaces sealing between the cover 34 and the body 10, the cover 34 is removed, as well as the plate holding 30 and the plugs 28, and the cells 22 are emptied.

On place ensuite sur le corps 10 vide l'outillage spécial permettant de mettre en dépression simultanément toutes les alvéoles 22. Lorsque la dépression désirée est obtenue, on relie à tour de rôle chacun des raccords 52 à une source d'hélium, afin de déterminer la ou les enveloppes métalliques intérieures 24 qui ne sont pas étanches.Then place on the empty body 10 the special tool allowing to put in depression simultaneously all the alveoli 22. When the desired depression is obtained, one connects in turn each of the fittings 52 to a helium source, in order to determine the interior metal envelope (s) 24 which are not waterproof.

Lorsque la ou les fuites ont été localisées, on peut décider à volonté soit d'utiliser l'emballage de façon partielle en laissant vides la ou les alvéoles non étanches, soit de réparer la ou les soudures défectueuses.When the leak (s) have been we can decide at will either to use the packaging in a partial way, leaving the unsealed cells, either to repair the defective welds.

Dans ce dernier cas, la réparation peut se faire soit par l'intérieur de l'alvéole, soit par l'extérieur. Dans ce dernier cas, un démontage presque total de l'emballage est nécessaire.In the latter case, the repair may be either by the interior of the cell or by outside. In the latter case, a disassembly almost total packaging is required.

Lors du transport, il est à noter que l'adjonction du capot amortisseur amovible 12 et du fond amortisseur amovible 14 permet de préserver le confinement des alvéoles dans toutes les circonstances accidentelles. De plus, si une chute se produit, le corps 10 de l'emballage peut généralement être réutilisé, en remplaçant le capot et/ou le fond endommagé par la chute.During transport, it should be noted that the addition of the removable damper cover 12 and the removable shock absorbing bottom 14 preserves the containment of the alveoli in all circumstances accidental. In addition, if a fall occurs, the body 10 of the package can usually be reused, replacing the cover and / or the bottom damaged by the fall.

Il est à noter qu'en cas de chute, la tôle 20 peut se déformer et contribue ainsi à préserver le confinement des alvéoles 22.It should be noted that in the event of a fall, the sheet 20 can deform and thus contributes to preserving the containment of cells 22.

Par ailleurs et comme on l'a déjà observé, la forme et l'agencement des organes de préhension 64 permettent également d'éviter tout risque de rupture du confinement des alvéoles 22 en cas de chute de l'emballage sur l'un de ces organes.Furthermore and as we have already observed, the shape and arrangement of the gripping members 64 also avoid any risk of breakage of the containment of alveoli 22 in the event of a fall packaging on one of these organs.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la forme de réalisation qui vient d'être décrite. En particulier, l'emballage de transport selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour transporter tous colis dangereux autres que des colis nucléaires de haute activité. Dans ce cas, la protection biologique du corps 10 et des bouchons 28 peut être supprimée ou modifiée.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described. In particular, the transport packaging according to the invention can be used to transport all dangerous packages other than high activity nuclear packages. In in this case the biological protection of the body 10 and plugs 28 can be removed or changed.

Claims (15)

Emballage de transport de colis dangereux, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un corps (10) délimitant intérieurement au moins une alvéole (22) qui débouche sur une même face (17) du corps, des bouchons (28) d'obturation individuelle de chaque alvéole, et un couvercle (34) recouvrant les bouchons et coopérant avec ladite face (17) par des joints d'étanchéité extérieur (38), intermédiaire (40) et intérieur (42) qui encerclent simultanément tous les bouchons, le couvercle étant muni d'un premier raccord (44), apte à être relié à une source de gaz traceur sous pression et débouchant entre les joints d'étanchéité intérieur (42) et intermédiaire (40), et d'un deuxième raccord (46), apte à être relié à des moyens de mise en dépression et de détection du gaz traceur, et débouchant entre les joints d'étanchéité intermédiaire (40) et extérieur (38).Package transport packaging dangerous, characterized in that it comprises a body (10) internally defining at least one cell (22) which opens onto the same face (17) of the body, plugs (28) for individual sealing of each cell, and a cover (34) covering the plugs and cooperating with said face (17) by outer (38), intermediate (40) seals and interior (42) which simultaneously encircle all caps, the cover being provided with a first connector (44), capable of being connected to a source of tracer gas under pressure and opening between the seals inner (42) and intermediate (40) sealing, and a second connector (46), capable of being connected to means of depression and gas detection tracer, and emerging between the seals intermediate (40) and external (38). Emballage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque alvéole (22) est délimitée par une enveloppe métallique intérieure (24) comportant au moins une soudure (26), doublée par une enveloppe métallique extérieure (50).Packaging according to claim 1, in which each cell (22) is delimited by a inner metal casing (24) comprising at less a weld (26), doubled by an envelope metallic exterior (50). Emballage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le corps (10) est équipé extérieurement de troisièmes raccords (52) aptes à être reliés à une source de gaz traceur sous pression, des tuyauteries (54) reliant chacun des troisièmes raccords (52) à l'enveloppe métallique extérieure (50) de l'une des alvéoles, de façon à déboucher à proximité de ladite soudure (26) . Packaging according to claim 2, in which the body (10) is externally equipped with third fittings (52) able to be connected to a source of pressurized tracer gas, piping (54) connecting each of the third fittings (52) to the outer metal casing (50) of one of the alveoli, so as to open near said solder (26). Emballage selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les troisièmes raccords (52) sont montés sur ladite face (17) du corps (10), au-delà du couvercle (34).Packaging according to claim 3, in which the third fittings (52) are mounted on said face (17) of the body (10), beyond the cover (34). Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 et 4, dans lequel un outillage spécial, apte à être relié à des moyens de mise en dépression et de détection du gaz traceur, peut être monté à la place du couvercle (34).Packaging according to any one of claims 3 and 4, in which a tool special, able to be connected to means of setting depression and tracer gas detection, can be mounted in place of the cover (34). Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, dans lequel les enveloppes métalliques extérieures (50) des alvéoles (22) voisines sont reliées les unes aux autres par des tôles (56) de dissipation thermique.Packaging according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the envelopes metallic exterior (50) of the neighboring cells (22) are connected to each other by sheets (56) of thermal dissipation. Emballage selon la revendication 6, dans lequel les enveloppes métalliques extérieures (50) et les tôles (56) de dissipation thermique sont en cuivre.Packaging according to claim 6, in which the outer metallic envelopes (50) and the heat dissipation sheets (56) are made of copper. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un capot amortisseur amovible (12) et un fond amortisseur amovible (14) sont montés respectivement sur ladite face (17) et sur une face opposée du corps.Packaging according to any one of previous claims, wherein a cover removable shock absorber (12) and a shock absorbing bottom removable (14) are respectively mounted on said face (17) and on an opposite face of the body. Emballage selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le capot amortisseur amovible (12) et le fond amortisseur amovible (14) sont formés, au moins en partie, de balsa empilé.Packaging according to claim 8, in which the removable shock absorber cover (12) and the bottom removable shock absorber (14) are formed, at least in part, balsa stacked. Emballage selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le capot amortisseur amovible (12) et le fond amortisseur amovible (14) comprennent également des structures en nids d'abeilles progressives.Packaging according to claim 9, wherein the removable shock absorber cover (12) and the removable shock absorber bottom (14) also includes progressive honeycomb structures. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le corps (10) présente une forme cylindrique, d'axe donné, et les alvéoles (22) sont régulièrement réparties autour de cet axe, et dans lequel des organes de préhension (64) de l'emballage sont montés sur une paroi périphérique du corps (10), dans des plans passant par l'axe de ce dernier et situés entre les alvéoles (22).Packaging according to any one of previous claims, wherein the body (10) has a cylindrical shape, with a given axis, and the cells (22) are regularly distributed around this axis, and in which gripping members (64) of the packaging are mounted on a peripheral wall of the body (10), in planes passing through the axis of the latter and located between the cells (22). Emballage selon la revendication 11, dans lequel les organes de préhension (64) sont au moins partiellement incurvés par rapport aux plans dans lesquels ils sont montés.Packaging according to claim 11, in which the gripping members (64) are at least partially curved with respect to the planes in which they are mounted. Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 et 12, dans lequel ladite face (17) du corps (10) est formée en partie sur une bride métallique (18) qui encercle les alvéoles (22) et sur laquelle est fixé le couvercle (34), la paroi périphérique du corps étant matérialisée par une chemise métallique (16) dont un bord, placé sur ladite face du corps (10), est relié à la bride (18) par une tôle déformable (20).Packaging according to any one of claims 11 and 12, in which said face (17) of the body (10) is partly formed on a metal flange (18) which encircles the cells (22) and on which the cover is fixed ( 34), the peripheral wall of the body being materialized by a metal jacket (16), one edge of which, placed on said face of the body (10), is connected to the flange (18) by a deformable sheet (20). Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel le corps (10) et les bouchons (28) incluent une protection biologique (58), qui entoure totalement les alvéoles, la protection biologique (58) du corps (10) étant séparée de sa paroi périphérique par un espace rempli de béton (60).Packaging according to any one of claims 11 to 13, in which the body (10) and the plugs (28) include a biological protection (58), which completely surrounds the cells, the biological protection (58) of the body (10) being separated from its peripheral wall by a space filled with concrete (60). Emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, appliqué au transport de colis nucléaires de haute activité.Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, applied to the transport of high activity nuclear packages.
EP98400853A 1997-04-10 1998-04-08 Packaging for shipment of hazardous parcels such as containing high activity nuclear substances Expired - Lifetime EP0871180B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9704418 1997-04-10
FR9704418A FR2762132B1 (en) 1997-04-10 1997-04-10 TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE FOR DANGEROUS PACKAGES, SUCH AS HIGH-ACTIVITY NUCLEAR PACKAGES

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EP0871180A1 true EP0871180A1 (en) 1998-10-14
EP0871180B1 EP0871180B1 (en) 2003-09-03

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EP (1) EP0871180B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4149557B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69817654T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2206860T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2762132B1 (en)

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Also Published As

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EP0871180B1 (en) 2003-09-03
US6114710A (en) 2000-09-05
JPH10339797A (en) 1998-12-22
FR2762132A1 (en) 1998-10-16
JP4149557B2 (en) 2008-09-10
ES2206860T3 (en) 2004-05-16
DE69817654D1 (en) 2003-10-09
DE69817654T2 (en) 2004-06-24
FR2762132B1 (en) 1999-06-18

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