Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repositoryFigure 9.3.15Pusher robot in retracted position (left) and in the deployed position (right)9.3.3.5 A similar solution developed abroadAt the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - USA) disposal facility it is envisaged that "remote handled"(RH) type high-level wastes are disposed in a similar configuration to that envisaged by Andra. Thedisposal packages of these wastes are in fact similar in terms of size and have a level of radioactivityrequiring a protective transfer cask. Furthermore the disposal cell is a short horizontal tunnel of smalldiameter. The equipment envisaged by US DOE, responsible for this facility, consists of a transfercask docked at the head of the cell and a hydraulic pusher installed in the axis of the transfer cask.HydraulicpusherTransfercaskFigure 9.3.16Transfer cask equipped with a hydraulic pusher for installing type RH wastes inhorizontal cells at the WIPP disposal facility.9.3.4 Description of the equipment and the process of installing spent fuel disposalpackagesThis section describes the justification of the choice of two different principles for installing packagesof four assemblies (type CU1; diameter about 1.25m) and packages of one assembly (type CU2;diameter about 0.60 m). The principle favoured for the type CU2 packages is similar to that describedfor C packages. A simple reminder will therefore be given and there will be no specific description.The principle chosen for type CU3 spent fuels is also identical to that adopted for C packages.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM358/495