RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

9 Transportation of encapsulated fuel
9.1 Introduction
The shipments of canisters from the encapsulation plant to the deep repository’s reception
building are described in this chapter. It is assumed that the encapsulation plant is situated
adjacent to Clab in Simpevarp, while the deep repository is situated on one of the sites that
are undergoing site investigations.
Conclusions in RD&D 2001 and its review
Compared with the account of canister shipments in RD&D 2001, there have been no major
changes. The reviewers made few comments, but their main point was that the description was
too cursory. Transportation of encapsulated fuel is therefore described in a separate chapter in
RD&D 2004.
SKI found in its review that the current transportation system for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear
waste has worked well and is practical.
Alternative modes of transport (rail) for the canisters are not of interest as long as the deep
repository is assumed to be situated near either Simpevarp or Forsmark. If another location
should be considered at a later time, alternative modes will be re-examined.
An exchange of experience is taking place in the field of transportation with other countries,
both in the context of the IAEA’s activities and in other contexts. SKB will continue to participate
actively in this work.
9.2 Transportation need
The operation of the deep repository and the encapsulation plant is based on a more or less
continuous circulation of canisters between the two facilities, see Figure 9-1.
Each transport cask (see section 9.3.3) holds one canister and weighs 70–75 tonnes, including
load, when it is transported. This is slightly less than the weight of the cask used to transport
fuel to Clab. The empty casks are returned and can be used over and over.
Since the encapsulation plant is designed for a production capacity of 200 canisters per year, the
transportation system must be able to transport approximately 200 transport casks per year back
and forth between the facilities.
9.2.1 Sea transport
If the deep repository is located in Forsmark, canisters will be transported by sea, with up to ten
or so canisters in each shipment.
The ship m/s Sigyn travels between Forsmark and Simpevarp today, carrying spent fuel to Clab
and waste To SFR. The trip is 250 nautical miles and takes about 20 hours. A future ship can be
expected to have roughly the same size and payload capacity.
If ten casks with canisters are carried per trip, 20 trips are required to transport the nominal
annual output. There is no obstacle to consolidation with waste or fuel transport casks and
containers during the period such shipments occur.
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