Tome Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

4 - General architecture of the repository in a granite mediumPackage transfer shaftThe package transfer shaft is reserved exclusively for lowering disposal packages in the shieldingcasks from the surface to the underground installations and returning the empty casks to the surface.There are two reasons for this exclusive use: i) the kind of the packages being transferred, ii) the dailypackage throughput is close to maximum shaft capacity.This shaft offers a useful diameter of 11-12 metres. The diameter results directly from the size of thepackage transfer equipment and the auxiliary equipment (personnel emergency cage for themaintenance and inspection staff).In addition the shaft has an independent ventilation system. It is connected to the surface andunderground installations by airlocks (dual-gate system).Figure 4.2.2Diagram of the equipment layout in the package transfer shaftThe shaft equipment and its safety devices are dimensioned for a 110-tons net load transfer (whichmeans a total suspended load of 300 tons) at reduced speed (of about 1 m/s). The suspended load ofabout 300 tons is spread over some ten cables, giving a load of about 30 tons per cable.Table 4.2.1 presents shafts data with comparable mass transfer capacities.Table 4.2.1References of shafts transporting heavy loadsLocationUseDepth(m)Loadsuspendedper cable(tons)Number ofcablesSweden Ore extraction, Kiruna mine 802 32 6 17Poland Mining extraction, Pniowek 1160 57 4 18Germany Nuclear waste repository project, Gorleben 870 27 8 5UnitedStates WIPP nuclear waste repository 698 20 6 2.5Speed(m/s)Dossier 2005 Granite - ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY63/228