Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repository9.1.2 Preparing B waste disposal packagesPreparing the B waste disposal packages takes place over the following stages:- The pre-fabricated container is taken from the storage warehouse to the conditioning line in aprimary package loading station. The primary packages are placed in the container using agripping system specific to each primary package.- Once the lid has been positioned, the container is then closed by pouring mortar under the controlof a robot. The mortar is transferred from the production unit and the volume of mortar depositedis controlled by technical systems.- The packages are stored temporarily for the mortar to dry up (24 hours). The containers are thenchecked (non-contamination control, then dimensional and weight control). The packages declarednon-conforming with the respect to the acceptability criteria, as yet to be defined, are transferredto a specific processing cell to recover the primary packages, so that they can be returned to thecell to be reconditioned.- Conforming packages are stored in a temporary storage room for at least 28 days to cure thesealing mortar. After this period, the containers may be transferred to the transfer cask loadingstation for transport into the underground installations.These operations are performed in a series of shielded cells illustrated by the diagram in Figure 9.1.5.Figure 9.1.5Preparation cycle for B waste disposal packagesThe average time to manufacture a waste B disposal package under the operations listed above isestimated at around 2½ hours. On this basis, two conditioning lines operating continuously will benecessary to produce an average six disposal packages per day, with a maximum of nine packages perday depending on the type of package to be manufactured.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM332/495