Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repository9.3.2.4 Description of the process of installation in the cellThe disposal cycle of B packages (illustrated by the diagram in Figure 9.3.5) takes place in four stages.Figure 9.3.5Diagram of the installation of B packages in the cellAs a first stage, the transfer cask is docked by the shuttle at the docking gate of the cell chamber. Thedisposal truck can then extract the disposal package.As a second stage, after closure of the docking door, the moveable floor rotates the disposal truckthrough 180° and moves it to face the selected disposal row.As a third stage, the sliding doors are opened and the disposal truck then enters the cell. During thetravel in the disposal chamber, the package is in the low position to prevent any risk of falling and tomake the moving truck and package stable. When it arrives next to the front of the packages alreadydisposed, the disposal truck gradually slows so that the operations of placing the package can begin.The package is lifted to the height at which it is to be deposited which can be as high as 4.50 m. Thedisposal truck advances very slowly and positions the package just above the disposal level constitutedby the package below. The package is then deposited very slowly. The operations of installing thepackages is illustrated by Figure 9.3.6 andFigure 9.3.7. Finally as a last stage, the disposal truck reverses and returns to the airlock whose slidingdoors are shut again.The time taken to complete a whole cycle of installing a package over a distance of about 120 metresis estimated to be about 2 hours from the extraction of the package from the transfer cask to the returnof the empty disposal truck to the airlock.The design of equipment related to the emplacement of the packages is based on the principle of theredundancy of motorisations and their associated commands. In case of breakdown, the disposal truckis designed to set down its load passively. A winch system would be used to return it to the airlock.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM350/495