Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repositoryFigure 9.1.7Preparation cycle for spent fuel disposal packagesThe main operations for preparing the spent fuel disposal packages are similar to the C waste disposalpackages.Some additional operations are, however, necessary. The need for vacuum in the lid weldingenvironment means that a plate has to be welded beforehand to the top of the spent fuel emplacements,to limit the volume that will be depressurised.In addition, there is a difference between the electron beam welding station and that planned for the Cpackages. In fact the huge size of the spent fuel disposal package means that only the head and the lidare placed inside the vacuum chamber. This constraint forces loading from above (see Figure 9.1.8).DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM335/495