Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repositoryThe cycle of transferring the protective transfer casks containing the disposal packages from thesurface installations to the disposal cells consists of the four following stages:- loading the transfer cask at the surface,- transferring the transfer cask into the shaft,- transferring the transfer cask through the drifts,- docking the transfer cask at the head of the cell.The diagram in Figure 9.2.1 illustrates the main operations needed for conducting this cycle.Figure 9.2.1General diagram of the transfer of disposal packages to the cell9.2.2 The radiological protection transfer casks9.2.2.1 Functions of and definition of radiological protection transfer casksThe radiological protection transfer casks used for transferring the disposal packages are designed soas to only contain a single disposal package. They are dimensioned to meet two requirements.- The transfer transfer casks for B, C and CU packages have a radiological protection function oflimiting the exposure of personnel to below the limits of the annual dose fixed by Andra(5 mSv/year).- The transfer cask must also contribute to maintaining the confinement of the radionuclides if thetransfer cask is dropped in the descent shaft. The dynamic simulation of such a scenario has shownthat the degree of deceleration that the transfer cask is subjected to can be limited (see chapter 11).A transfer cask consists of a handling frame with a shielded container on top. The container itself isequipped with a shielded door for loading and unloading the packages from the side. The dimensionsof the frames of the three types of transfer cask are similar so as to standardise their handling frombelow.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM337/495