A New High-Efficiency LEU Oxide Package

Safe, efficient shipment of fissile uranium oxide used in the fabrication of fuel for electricity production is necessary to support the public demand for energy. Efficiency is necessary not only for economic reasons but also for enhanced safety margin. High efficiency packages result in fewer packages and fewer shipments in the public domain. This provides for increased focus and attention to detail, reduces the opportunity for accidents and reduces the overall risk. The Type A, Fissile Package, NPC (new powder container), recently introduced by Global Nuclear Fuel (GNF) addresses safety and efficiency as a design basis. The package is rectangular in geometry, which has been optimized for packing in transport devices. Detailed consideration was given to the weight of the package to maximize the amount of available payload while still meeting overall transportation weight restrictions. The package is constructed of stainless steel and polyurethane to be durable and near maintenance free. The efficiency is made possible by the unique patented nuclear design of the nine internal canisters. Currently the package is licensed in the United States and Japan for the transport of homogenous uranium oxide enriched to not more than 5%.