STANDARD FOR URANIUM ORE CONCENTRATE TRANSPORT DRUM

A large number of mines located throughout the world provide only few converters with uranium ore concentrate (UOC). Worldwide UOC transport, which uses multiple modes, employs conventional commercial lines to optimize transportation costs. To comply with regulations of both mining and conversion facilities, UOC is often packaged in 210-L steel drums stowed in dry sea ISO containers. A drum’s technical features and stowage system vary widely relative to the country of origin. Transport efficiency varies as well in terms of: o Transportation costs: drum stacking – a very efficient way to reduce cost – is not widely used. o Internal contamination: transportation conditions are rough on the drums, thus the containment of UOC powder is challenged. o Environmental impact and decommissioning: some producers use 800 kg of wood per container to restrain drums; this material needs to be decommissioned at the arrival site. Since 2007, AREVA has been reviewing its transport of UOC on its most difficult route from the mines in Niger to the conversion sites in France. The purpose of this article is to share AREVA experience in this field. After a presentation of the transportation constraints and current practices in the industry, this article will focus on the technical solution defined for drums and stowage inside the 20-foot ISO container. It will also include the description of the validation process which involved both laboratory and field tests. This proven solution could be considered as a reference for optimizing UOC transportation and eventually become an industry-wide standard.