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

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 5
Ç The exposure rate inside of one (1) 10-160B cask will be no greater than 1000 Rem/hr. For
conservative analysis, it is assumed that one (1) drum contains all 1000 Rem/hr. Remaining drums
contain none.
Ç There is no criticality concern related to disposal of 10-160B cask TRU waste at the WIPP site
provided that the facility canister meets the following requirements:
Ç The maximum fissile loading will be no greater than 325 grams per facility canister.
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The facility canister in the Transfer Cell will remain sub-critical under all normal and
abnormal conditions. 29
The facility canisters are to be stored in horizontal positions in the walls of the Underground
storage area. The boreholes shall not be placed any closer together than 30 inches,
center-to-center. 29
Ç The maximum radioactivity of one (1) 10-160B cask is 20 Pu-239 equivalent curies (PE-Ci). For
events involving a breach of one (1) drum, it is assumed that all 20 PE-Ci are released.
Ç All drums in a 10-160B are vented; the vents will be functional under normal and abnormal
conditions.
Ç Verification of 10-160B waste drums identification in the Hot Cell will be done remotely.
Ç The consequences of a radiological release from a 10-160B waste container ( cask, facility canister
or drum) are significantly greater than the toxicological consequences. Therefore, any toxicological
consequences resulting from a release of material from a 10-160B waste container are considered to
be bounded by the radiological consequences.
Ç 10-160B cask waste handling operations will be performed only in the areas described in Section
2.2 of WSMS-WIPP-00-0006. 5
Ç Facility cask will shield 7,000 Rem/hr to 200 mrem/hr on contact. 25
Ç The facility cask will maintain its containment and shielding function when dropped in a horizontal
orientation from a height of 48 in (1.2 m).
Ç Based on the design features of the facility cask, it is assumed that the facility cask will maintain its
structural integrity and containment function if it is impacted by the forklift or if it is involved in a
collision with another vehicle while it is being transported by a forklift.
Ç RH storage locations are filled before CH waste is introduced to the disposal room.
Ç The exposure rate at the surface of a72-B cask , a 10-160B cask, or facility cask will be no greater
than 200 mrem/hr (2 mSv/hr). 27
HAZOP Results and Conclusions
The HAZOP Team reviewed the WIPP RH TRU Waste Handling System to identify hazards associated
with the process, and deviations from the intended design and operation that could result in adverse
consequences to the public, the worker, and the environment.
5.1-15 January 22, 2003