Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repository9.3.3.4 Demonstration of the validity of the principle chosen by a workshop testThe process of putting C packages in place described above is the subject of two full-scale validationtests.The first test validated the principle of ceramic sliding runnersFigure 9.3.14). The tests confirmed that these runners would reduce the friction coefficient betweenthe disposal package and the cell sleeve and made it possible to define their shapes and dimensions.(cf. § 4.2.4.2)Figure 9.3.14Mock-up C Waste Disposal Package Used for Demonstration ModelsThe purpose of the second test is to validate the principle of emplacement in a cell by a pusher robot.This test is conducted as part of the ESDRED European project coordinated by Andra.A demonstration model was developed comprising a tube of about fifteen metres long simulating thecell sleeve, a mock-up package equipped with ceramic sliding runners (of the same weight anddimensions as a real disposal package) and a prototype pusher robot. The systems that support therobot on the wall of the sleeve are made up of two ring-shaped chambers that can be inflated with air.This solution makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the immobilisation effort overthe entire periphery of the sleeve wall and reduces the length of the robot by approximately 30 cmcompared with the solution of an entirely hydraulic robot with hydraulically powered jaws). Figure9.3.15 shows the prototype robot in its retracted and deployed configurations.Tests carried out to date have demonstrated the robustness of the runners in the event of faults in theassembly of sections of the sleeve as well as the efficiency of the robot and its support system.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM357/495