Development of Specific Requirements for the Transport of Large Components

There is an increasing demand in many countries for transporting large radioactive objects, such as equipment from decommissioning or refurbishment activities at nuclear facilities (steam generators, pressurizers, reactor pressure vessels and heads, coolant pumps, etc.). However, many nuclear reactor components are difficult to package because of their large size and weight, making it challenging or impractical to meet standard packaging requirements. This often requires them to be shipped under special arrangement. Over a hundred shipments of these types of components from replacement or dismantlement of nuclear facilities have been conducted under special arrangement around the world. Many countries have gained experience with the transport of these large components and this paper will outline the experience acquired, focusing on the regulatory challenges associated with these shipments. Technical, economic and social aspects related to these shipments are also discussed. The advisory material from the IAEA Regulations includes specific guidance for the transport of large components under special arrangement. However, as experience with this type of transport has grown and is becoming more routine, specific regulatory requirements are needed to allow the movement of large radioactive objects without the need for special arrangement. A set of standard provisions for transport of large components, based on the IAEA “performance package” concept, are being developed for possible incorporation into the international regulations. The approach to the development of such international regulations is discussed, and specific provisions for the shipment of large components are proposed.