IAEA REGULATIONS TS-R-1 AND PACKAGES FOR UF6

The new IAEA regulations TS-R-1 (ST-1 Revised, 1996) include specific requirements for packages which are used to transport uranium hexafluoride (UF6) such as a drop test and a thermal test. Under auspices of the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI), an industry working group was formed at the end of 1999. This HEX Transport (HEXT) working group has since its formation been evaluating the new requirements against the current practice of transports, and the packages used for the transport of non-fissile UF6. The working group has initially concentrated its efforts on the issue of compliance with the drop test requirement in TS-R-1 and a special project on this subject was started. During this project, a new valve protection for 48 inch cylinders was developed and its positive performance successfully demonstrated by finite element calculation and by actual tests. Early March 2001 an application for H(M) approval for loaded 48 inch cylinders was sent to the competent authority. Work on the thermal test requirement is another important issue. Also UF6 Cylinder Standard issues, i.e. compliance with ISO 7195 and ANSI N14.1 are dealt with in the HEXT working group. This paper describes the valve protection device and its testing; the application for approval of 48 inch cylinders fully loaded and with heels; and the status of work concerning the thermal protection.