Year
2010
File Attachment
Abstract
Natural uranium ore concentrates (UOC) have safely been transported in open-head steel drums for over 50 years. These drums are appropriate and meet the regulatory requirements for the packaging and transport of natural uranium ore concentrates. However, a review of the current practices has not been done for some time. The UOC transport industry recognises that there are many forms of bulk powders shipped all over the world and believe it to be timely, relevant and aligned with the concept of product stewardship to benchmark current practices against best practices for transporting bulk high density industrial based powders. In order to ensure sustainable shipment of uranium concentrate, the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) commissioned a study on the current methods used for the transport of bulk powders. The study covered the shipment of powders in bulk by shipping lines, the use of ISO containers, bags, big bags, intermediate bulk containers, tote boxes, drums, special containers and pressurized tank containers. This paper summarizes the results of Mr. Bill Brassington’s study on Current Practices and Experience of Shipping Bulk Powders in Freight Containers1 and how this relates to the transport of UOC.