DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 4
Strongback
The strongback, weighing approximately 300 lbs (136 kg), is a 10 in (25.4 cm) I-beam, 72 in (189 cm)
long forklift fixture with two forklift openings in the web of the beam (Figure 4.2-27) . The strongback
is used to lift and handle a shield plug. Swivel hooks and shackles are bolted to each end of the
strongback to allow the use of fabric slings to hold the shield plug.
Control Console
The control console for the HERE provides all the controls and information displays necessary to operate
the waste transfer equipment. The console is connected by 25 ft (7.62 cm) long plug-in disconnect cables
and is mounted on a moveable platform truck to facilitate relocation. The length of the cables allow
locating the console a sufficient distance from the HERE to ensure radiation doses to the console operator
are kept ALARA.
Portable Power Cable
The portable power cable is used to electrically connect the HERE to a 480 volt, 3 phase, 60 Hz power
source.
Transport Equipment
The transport equipment consists of wheel assemblies that convert the leveling platform to a trailer like
configuration used to move the waste transfer machine assembly from one location to another. The
assembly can be towed by a forklift or tractor.
Shield Plugs
Shield plugs are 29 inches in diameter and approximately 70 inches long, including the pintle. The pintle
is a standardized configuration, used for handling and for interfacing with the HERE.
The majority of the shielding material in a shield plug is at the end closest to the emplaced canister (away
from the open end of the borehole). There are two different types of shield plugs. One uses concrete for
shielding and has a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) jacket. The other uses cast iron for shielding and
has a steel jacket.
Concrete shield plugs have concrete shielding material at both ends. The end closest to the canister has
approximately 20 inches of concrete, while the pintle end has about 12 inches. Both sections of concrete
are cast in the HDPE jacket around a length of pipe that goes through the center of the shield plug. Plates
are attached to the pipe to secure the two sections of concrete. Concrete shield plugs weigh
approximately 2,000 pounds.
Metal shield plugs have a minimum of 5-1/8 inch thick cast iron shielding at the end closest to the
canister. A pipe attached to the cast iron shielding extends through the center of the shield plug. It is
also attached to the steel jacket. Metal shield plugs weigh about 1,500 pounds.
Shield plugs are transported by a forklift using the strongback and slings. Figure 4.2-28 shows the waste
canister and shield plug inside the storage borehole.
4.2-18 January 28, 2003