Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repositoryTable 9.2.1References to shafts equipped with a "Koepe Pulley" systemLocation Use depth(m)suspendedload(tonnes)*No. ofcablesloadsuspendedper cable(tonnes)speed(m/s)Sweden Ore hoisting, Kiruna mine 802 192 6 32 17Poland Ore hoisting, Pniowek 1 160 229 4 57 18USA WIPP nuclear waste698 120 6 20 2,5repositorySwitzerland Access to the St. Gothardtunnel, Sedrun796 117 4 29 18Germany Radioactive waste repository 870 214 8 27 5project in GorlebenFrance Study presented by Andra 500 300 10 30 1* The suspended load is the sum of the rated load of the cage, the mass of the cage and the mass of its cables.• Description of the equipment and the safety systemsThe "Koepe" friction system consists of a motorised pulley, aroundwhich are suspended two mobile units (the cage transporting thepayload and the counterweight) by means of suspension ropes. Forthe envisaged configuration, 10 cables of 70 mm diameter would beneeded. Tail ropes, connected to the bottom of the cage and to thebottom of the counterweight, complete the arrangement. A smallindependent safety cage ensures the safety of personnel conductingmaintenance operations. The diagram in illustrates this principle.The Koepe pulley is installed at the top of a tower about fifty metreshigh. It is driven by variable speed electric motors and equipped witha system of disc brakes.The system is dimensioned to allow the transfer of a load of110 tonnes at a speed of 1 m/s.The shaft also has an independent ventilation system. It is connectedto the surface and bottom installations by airlocks.Figure 9.2.5 shows the Koepe pulley that equips the packagesdescent shaft of the WIPP installation (USA).Figure 9.2-4 Principle of the"Koepe pulley" friction systemDOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM340/495