The TN-GEMINI: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO ALPHA WASTE TRANSPORT OPERATION MANAGEMENT

Alpha wastes are generated in fuel cycle facilities such as those involved in reprocessing, manufacturing of MOX fuel, as well as by research laboratories. If a significant amount of waste has to be transported, then a Type B packaging is required. Developed by Transnucléaire, the TN GEMINI container enables nuclear facility operators to further optimize their alpha waste transport management. The TN GEMINI container is a rectangular packaging similar to an ISO 20 foot container in terms of total weight, size, handling devices and tie-down capability. It provides a large internal usable volume available for a 5.8 tons payload and enables the transport of alpha wastes conditioned in drums or big contaminated boxes. TN GEMINI has been licensed in France since 1997 and two packages are currently operated in Europe. After a general description of the TN GEMINI container, the paper will describe its capabilities, the process for the transport licensing, the main operational feed back from the existing units already in operation in Europe and the latest developments.