Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

4 – Waste disposal PackagesMelted cast iron is directed into a ladle which tips over and pours it into the pouring basin.After cooling and machining of the container body ends, a dimensional inspection makes sure that theemplacements inside the insert are in compliance geometrically to receive the assemblies, as illustratedby the photographs in Figure 4.3.14 for demonstrators.Figure 4.3.14Dimensional inspectionsOn the left, there is a template with assembly dimensions for checking the clearance area of eachemplacement along its entire length; other dimensional inspections are carried out (on the right).Ultrasound testing confirms the slight clearance between the insert and steel shell.4.3.4.3 Welding of the bottom and associated non-destructive testingWelding of the bottom onto the shell and associated testing can be carried out in a similar way to lidwelding (electron beam).4.3.4.4 Disposal package assembly and closingThe next part of disposal package manufacture takes place in a shielded cell.The first operation consists of loading bare or clad assemblies into container emplacements.Functional clearances make it easy to load vertically.The closure plug can then be placed above the insert, the container is rotated and the plug is welded onfor an MIG type procedure using a welding robot. The lid is placed on the container body, then thewhole is partially inserted in an enclosure where the vacuum is effected, an operation required forelectron beam welding. The container is then rotated and orbital welding of the lid is carried out.Testing procedures are comparable to those used for C waste disposal packages (see section 4.2).The complete full scale welding of a cover was carried out in the context of the technologicaldemonstration programme. Figure 4.3.15 shows a polished cross-section of a sample taken from anoverlying zone. No macroscopic or microscopic fault was observed in the useful thickness of the bondarea between the shell and the lid.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM156/495