Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

Figure 10.4.2Cell filled with B packages at end of operation• Prior serviceability inspection process of the cell head sectionThe restoration phase required prior to the retrieval operations is limited to routinely checking thechamber equipment if the packages were retrieved a few years after emplacement, and to replacing thesame, possibly outdated, equipment if this operation were to be performed after several decades.The only mechanical unit inside the cell is the steel track-mounted bearing system. The functionalityof this unit during this phase is not compromised by the phenomenological evolution of the cell.• Package retrieval processThe equipment and process used to retrieve the packages from the cell–after the radiation chamber hasbeen restored–are strictly identical to the ones used for package emplacement. However, for safetypurposes, a check for possible fragmental debris resulting from a damaged lining shall be conductedusing a camera mounted on the forklift. A machine equipped with a manipulator arm may be usedwhere such debris is found.Management of the disposed packages may, at this stage, be performed as in a warehouse over 100-year to multi-century periods of time.10.4.1.3 Retrieval conditions at the “After cell closure” stageThe "After cell closure" stage corresponds to the configuration in which the cell is sealed by a plug ofswelling clay mechanically constricted by two concrete shells(Figure 10.4.3). At this stage, theconnecting drift remains accessible and retrieval of the packages is still technically feasible, althoughthis entails more complex operations than in the previous stage. Access to the packages requires priordismantling of the seal and reconditioning of the cell access drift and of the radiation chamber.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM421/495