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Solid Radioactive Waste Strategy Report.pdf - UK EPR

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<strong>EPR</strong> <strong>UK</strong><br />

N° NESH-G/2008/en/0123<br />

REV. A PAGE 237 / 257<br />

FIGURE 99: WELDING MACHINE<br />

The canister external docking area is checked for possible spread of contamination with a<br />

smear sample after completion of the welding operation.<br />

The canister conditioning operations (evacuation of the air within the canister and filling with<br />

inert gas) are then performed. After checking the weld tightness, the fuel assembly canisters<br />

are transferred to the storage vault.<br />

Note: As the canister provides a containment barrier, there is no need to check cladding<br />

integrity at the receipt of fuel assemblies. Leaking fuel, if any, are placed in canister in the<br />

same way as intact fuel<br />

13.3.4.2.1Handling and storage of fuel assemblies<br />

This part of the facility provides the main storage function for the spent fuel assemblies. It<br />

includes all the handling equipment required to place the canisters into the vault and to<br />

retrieve canisters and return them to the unloading cell (e.g. for final disposal).<br />

a) Fuel assemblies canisters storage operations<br />

All storage canisters are placed into vault storage wells using a handling machine. Each well<br />

is closed with a lid and a shielding plug. This ensures the radiological protection of the facility<br />

operators. Up to two storage canisters may be stacked into a single storage well. The<br />

storage wells are cooled by natural convection of air driven around their external surfaces by<br />

the decay heat of the spent fuel.<br />

b) Storage well preparation<br />

Storage wells are fitted with a tight lid and a shielded plug. The lid has two seals to ensure an<br />

airtight seal and the shielding plug ensures the radiological shielding function for personnel<br />

entering in the handling hall. A protective plate creates a flat and uniform area on the whole<br />

slab.

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