Transport assembly, in particular for transporting uranium hexafluoride, comprising an outer container with an at least two-part upper shell

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport arrangement (1), in particular for the transport of uranium hexafluoride UF6. The invention further relates to an outer container (20) for such a transport arrangement (1). The transport arrangement (1) comprises: - an inner container (10), wherein the inner container (10) has a first inner container end wall (11), a second inner container end wall (12) opposite the first inner container end wall (11) in a longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10), and an inner container shell (13) extending between the first inner container end wall (11) and the second inner container end wall (12); - a multi-part outer container (20) accommodating the inner container (10), wherein the multi-part outer container (20) has a lower shell (30) with a lower shell section, and wherein the outer container (20) has an upper shell (40, 50) formed in at least two parts.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport arrangement, in particular for the transport of uranium hexafluoride UF6. However, the transport arrangement is not limited to the application of transporting uranium hexafluoride. Furthermore, the invention relates to an outer container for such a transport device.

[0002] Enriched uranium hexafluoride is typically transported in internationally standardized primary containers of type 30B (according to ISO 7195 or the largely identical US standard ANSI N14.1). These primary containers are preferably made of carbon steel and are designed as pressure vessels. For filling, the primary containers are generally equipped with a valve, preferably located on one end of the primary container. A plug is often provided on the opposite end to facilitate maintenance. For transport, these primary containers are placed with their longitudinal axis in a horizontal orientation inside an outer container, often referred to as an overpack, which protects the primary container and its contents during transport.The so-called package consisting of outer container, primary container and contents of the primary container must preferably comply with the internationally applicable IAEA SSR-6 regulations and the derived international and national legal regulations under routine, normal and accident transport conditions.

[0003] Under routine transport conditions, the transport arrangements ensure, in particular, secure lashing to the means of transport and ease of handling. Under normal transport conditions, the transport arrangements should guarantee the integrity of the primary container under the stresses defined in SSR-6, such as a free fall from a height of 1.2 m. Under accident transport conditions, the transport arrangements should guarantee the protection objectives of "tight containment" and criticality safety under the stresses defined in SSR-6: a free fall from a height of 9 m, a fall from a height of 1 m onto a solid steel spike followed by an accident fire lasting 30 minutes.

[0004] When designing the transport arrangement, the protection of valves and / or plugs is particularly relevant. The following aspects are important with regard to mechanical and thermal stresses: Avoidance of force acting on the valve and / or plug under normal and accident transport conditions; limitation of the force acting on the primary container by limiting the delays in the drop tests defined for normal and accident transport conditions; limitation of the temperature rise of contents and primary container in accident fire to permissible values ​​to avoid impermissible internal pressure or to avoid failure of the sealing point between valve / plug and primary container.

[0005] The necessary protective function can be provided by an outer container that completely surrounds the primary container filled with uranium hexafluoride. In this context, the primary container is generally referred to as the inner container. The outer container typically has a sheet metal casing that incorporates shock absorption and thermal insulation, e.g., made of technical shock-absorbing and thermally insulating materials.

[0006] Currently used outer containers generally consist of two half-shells that, when closed, completely enclose the primary container. For example, DE 10 2016 000 071 B3 describes such an outer container composed of two half-shells. EP 2 335 251 B1 also describes an outer container composed of two half-shells. With such outer containers, for loading and unloading the primary container, the upper half-shell, also referred to as the top shell, is lifted from the lower shell, also referred to as the bottom shell. The primary container is then placed into the lower half-shell of the outer container with its longitudinal axis in a horizontal orientation, and the outer container is then closed by placing the upper half-shell on top. The upper and lower half-shells of the outer container are then usually locked together, for example, by means of locking bolts.

[0007] Various transport arrangements are known from the prior art, comprising an inner container and an outer container that encloses or receives the inner container. Protecting the valve of the inner container from mechanical forces is a particularly critical aspect of the outer container. For example, EP 2 335 251 B1 discloses that a shock-absorbing element extends movably from the lower half-shell of the outer container or from the valve-side skirt of the inner container. When the inner container is properly positioned relative to the lower half-shell, this shock-absorbing element can be moved into a position covering the valve of the inner container. Furthermore, in the case of a closed outer container that receives the inner container, the shock-absorbing element is covered on the outside by at least one of the two half-shells of the outer container.A disadvantage of this design is the additional manual handling effort, the need to prevent the inner container from rotating relative to the outer container, and the risk of injury to operating personnel from the heavy components. According to current technology, the plug is protected by a recess in the lower half-shell into which the plug can retract in the event of an impact. Here, too, a locking mechanism is required to maintain the relative positioning of the plug and the recess.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a transport arrangement which, with easy handling of the outer container, enables particularly good protection of the inner container, preferably in order to reduce the dwell time of operating personnel in the vicinity of the inner container through easy handling, in particular in order to reduce the dose exposure for the operating personnel in the case of an inner container filled with uranium hexafluoride.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The transport arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable for transporting uranium hexafluoride. The transport arrangement comprises: an inner container, wherein the inner container has a first inner container end wall, a second inner container end wall opposite the first inner container end wall in a longitudinal direction of the inner container and an inner container shell extending between the first inner container end wall and the second inner container end wall, a multi-part outer container receiving the inner container, wherein the multi-part outer container has a lower shell with a lower shell section, and wherein the outer container has an upper shell formed of at least two parts.

[0011] The upper shell, which consists of at least two parts, comprises a first upper shell part and a second upper shell part, wherein the first upper shell part has a first end wall and a first upper shell section connected to the first end wall, wherein the second upper shell part has a second end wall and a second upper shell section connected to the second end wall, wherein the first end wall has a first spacer on its side facing the inner container, the first spacer projecting towards the first inner container end wall.

[0012] The two-part upper shell facilitates handling, particularly when assembling the outer container to achieve a closed state in which the inner container is completely enclosed. The two-part upper shell is especially advantageous with regard to the first spacer, as the spacer and the two upper shell parts can be designed such that the clear width between the first spacer and the second end wall, when the outer container is closed, can be smaller than the longitudinal extent of the inner container. The two-part upper shell also allows it to be connected to the lower shell with the inner container already inserted inside.If the upper shell were not at least two-part, but rather a single piece, it could not be fitted onto the inner container when the lower shell is inserted, due to the protruding first spacer. This is because the inner container's insufficient clearance would prevent the upper shell from fitting properly. By providing the first and second upper shell parts, these two parts can be positioned so that the clearance is initially sufficient to fit the two upper shell parts onto the lower shell, and then shifted relative to each other to bring them into a closed position, in which the upper shell, together with the lower shell, completely encloses the inner container.However, it is also quite conceivable that first one of the two upper shell parts is placed on the lower shell and then the other of the two upper shell parts is placed on the lower shell.

[0013] If the inner container moves relative to the outer container in the longitudinal direction, the inner container can be supported by the first spacer via its first end wall. This secures the inner container in its longitudinal position, particularly to prevent mechanical forces from acting on a valve located on the first end wall of the inner container, especially in the event of an accident.

[0014] Preferably, the first inner container end wall and / or the second inner container end wall are curved outwards.

[0015] Preferably, the first inner container end wall and / or the second inner container end wall are formed by a dished end.

[0016] Preferably, the inner container has a longitudinal extent of 1000 mm to 3000 mm, in particular of 2000 mm to 2100 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the inner container is a standardized container, in particular according to ISO 7195:2020 or ANSI N14.1-2023.

[0018] Preferably, the first spacer is positioned on the first end wall such that the first spacer is offset in a radial direction from a valve or plug formed on the first inner container end wall.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second end wall has a second spacer on its side facing the inner container, wherein the second spacer protrudes in the direction of the second inner container end wall.

[0020] When the first inner container end wall is curved, it is considered advantageous for the first spacer to be adapted to this curvature. For example, if the first inner container end wall is convex, the first spacer will have a concave curvature. Similarly, when the second inner container end wall is curved, it is considered advantageous for the second spacer to be adapted to this curvature. For example, if the second inner container end wall is convex, the second spacer will have a concave curvature.

[0021] It is considered particularly advantageous if the first upper shell section and the second upper shell section are each shaped like a trough.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lower section of the mantle is designed in a trough shape.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that in a closed state of the outer container, the first upper shell part is arranged such that the first end wall rests against an end face of the lower shell section.

[0024] Preferably, in the closed state, the second end wall of the second upper shell part also rests against one of the end faces of the lower shell section opposite the other end face of the lower shell section in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] It is considered particularly advantageous if, in the closed state of the upper shell, the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part are arranged in such a way that the first upper shell part section and the second upper shell part section are in contact with each other.

[0026] It is considered particularly advantageous if the inner container has a first skirt, wherein the first skirt projects in a direction away from the first inner container end wall in a direction opposite the second inner container end wall, and / or wherein the inner container has a second skirt, wherein the second skirt projects in a direction away from the second inner container end wall in a direction opposite the first inner container end wall. The inner container can be supported against the first and second end walls, respectively, by means of the first and second skirts, respectively, thereby securing the inner container in its longitudinal position within the outer container, and in particular limiting relative movements of the inner container within the outer container along the longitudinal direction.Thus, the inner container can be supported against the outer container in the longitudinal direction via the respective apron and the corresponding end wall as well as the respective inner container end wall and the respective spacer, thereby achieving a particularly safe, stable and resilient positioning.

[0027] It is considered particularly advantageous if, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the first spacer and the first inner container end wall and the distance between the first skirt and the first end wall are equal or substantially equal. "Substantially equal" in this context refers specifically to differences in distance of up to 15 mm. This ensures that, in the event of a fall, the inner container is supported by both the first skirt and the first inner container end wall against the first outer shell.

[0028] It is considered particularly advantageous if, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the second spacer and the second inner container end wall and the distance between the second skirt and the second end wall are equal or substantially equal. "Substantially equal" in this context refers specifically to differences in distance of up to 15 mm. This ensures that, in the event of a fall, the inner container is supported by both the second skirt and the second inner container end wall against the second outer shell.

[0029] The inner container can also be supported in the longitudinal direction by the first spacer and / or the second spacer against the corresponding inner container end wall, thereby securing the inner container in the outer container in the longitudinal direction of the inner container.

[0030] An inner container used will typically exhibit certain manufacturing tolerances. To accommodate these tolerances and ensure the insertion of an inner container with tolerances into the outer container, a preferred embodiment provides that the inner dimensions of the outer container are selected such that an inner container with a longitudinal extent at the upper limit of the tolerance range can be inserted into the outer container. Therefore, it is quite conceivable, for example, if an inner container with a longitudinal extent at the lower limit of the tolerance range is inserted into the outer container, that the first spacer is spaced from the first end wall of the inner container and / or the second spacer is spaced from the second end wall of the inner container. The respective distance in the longitudinal direction can, for example, be from 1 mm to 25 mm, and in particular from 3 mm to 21 mm.

[0031] Furthermore, it is quite conceivable, for example, if an inner container with a longitudinal extent at the lower limit of the tolerance range is inserted into the outer container, that the first end wall is spaced away from the first skirt and / or the second end wall is spaced away from the second skirt. The respective distance in the longitudinal direction can, for example, be from 1 mm to 25 mm, and in particular from 3 mm to 21 mm.

[0032] However, it is also conceivable that the first spacer rests against the first inner container end wall and / or the second spacer rests against the second inner container end wall.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a valve and / or a plug is formed on the first inner container end wall, wherein the valve and / or the plug projects beyond the first inner container end wall, and / or wherein a valve and / or a plug is formed on the second inner container end wall, wherein the valve and / or the plug projects beyond the second inner container end wall. A protective space for the valve or plug formed on the first inner container end wall is created by the first spacer projecting towards the inner container and the first end wall of the first outer shell part, particularly if a first skirt is also formed on the inner container. Such a protective space ensures that there is no mechanical contact between the valve or plug and the outer container.This prevents any mechanical force from being exerted on the valve or plug during transport of the transport assembly. The same applies to the second spacer and the second end wall of the second upper shell section.

[0034] Preferably, the first end wall has a first recess surrounding the first spacer. This creates an additional longitudinal clearance for the valve or plug formed on the first inner container end wall, into which the valve and / or plug can immerse in the event of deformation. Preferably, a valve is formed on the first inner container end wall so that the valve can immerse in this additional clearance in the event of deformation.

[0035] Preferably, the second end wall has a second recess surrounding the second spacer. This creates an additional longitudinal clearance for the valve or plug formed on the second inner container end wall, into which the valve and / or plug can immerse in the event of deformation. Preferably, a plug is formed on the second inner container end wall so that the plug can immerse in this additional clearance in the event of deformation.

[0036] It is considered particularly advantageous if, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the first spacer and the first inner container end wall is greater than the distance between the valve and / or the plug and the first end wall. This prevents mechanical contact between the valve or plug and the first end wall.

[0037] It is considered particularly advantageous if, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the second spacer and the second inner container end wall is greater than the distance between the valve and / or the plug and the second end wall. This prevents mechanical contact between the valve or plug and the second end wall.

[0038] It is considered particularly advantageous if the first spacer is arranged such that, when the inner container rotates about its longitudinal axis, the spacer is positioned outside the circular ring described by the valve or plug during rotation of the inner container. This design has the advantage that a rotation lock for the inner container within the outer container is unnecessary, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming, precise alignment of the inner container within the outer container and subsequent rotation lock. This simplifies the process of arranging the inner container within the outer container, saving time and thus reducing the potential exposure of operating personnel.The above statements regarding the first spacer and the rotation of the inner container apply accordingly to the second spacer.

[0039] It is considered particularly advantageous if the valve and / or the plug is arranged in a radial direction between the first spacer and the first skirt and / or the valve and / or the plug is arranged in a radial direction between the second spacer and the second skirt.

[0040] It is considered particularly advantageous if the outer shell is designed in exactly two parts, insofar as the outer shell comprises only the first and second outer shell parts and no further outer shell part is provided that would need to be positioned, for example, between the first and second outer shell parts. This reduces the number of outer shell parts and the assembly steps required to put the outer container together.

[0041] It is considered particularly advantageous with regard to the assembly of the outer container if the first upper shell section of the first upper shell part has a first lower edge extending along the longitudinal direction of the inner container with which the first upper shell part rests on an upper edge of the lower shell section, wherein the first upper shell part is displaceable along the upper edge relative to the lower shell, and / or wherein the second upper shell section of the second upper shell part has a second lower edge extending along the longitudinal direction of the inner container with which the second upper shell part rests on an upper edge of the lower shell section, wherein the second upper shell part is displaceable along the upper edge relative to the lower shell.This allows the respective upper shell section to first be placed onto the lower shell section and then moved longitudinally to close the upper shell until the closed position is reached. The upper shell sections can be placed one after the other or simultaneously. A crane or forklift can be used for this purpose. The upper shell sections can certainly be placed simultaneously. Preferably, the first and second upper shell sections are designed such that they are supported without tilting moments after being placed onto the lower shell. This can be achieved, for example, by a suitable weight distribution. However, it is considered particularly preferred if the first and second upper shell sections are connected to each other and placed onto the lower shell together.The first and second upper shell parts are preferably in a separated position to allow placement despite the first spacer, and in particular despite the first and second spacers, and the inner container positioned in the lower shell. After the first and second upper shell parts have been placed, preferably vertically, they can be pushed together to close the shell and thus close it longitudinally.

[0042] To achieve the precise positioning of the first or second upper shell section on the lower shell in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is considered advantageous if the upper edge has a guide structure and the first or second lower edge has a corresponding counter-structure. The guide structure and the counter-structure can, for example, comprise a groove and a web corresponding to the groove.

[0043] To secure the first upper shell part and / or the second upper shell part to the lower shell in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is considered advantageous if the upper edge has a securing contour and the first lower edge has a first securing counter-contour, wherein the first upper shell part is displaceable along its upper edge relative to the lower shell in the longitudinal direction into a closed position in which the securing contour and the first securing counter-contour are engaged, such that the first upper shell part is secured to the lower shell in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner container, and / or wherein the upper edge has a securing contour and the second lower edge has a second securing counter-contour, wherein the second upper shell part is displaceable along its upper edge relative to the lower shell in the longitudinal direction into a closed position.in which the securing contour and the second securing counter-contour are engaged, such that the second upper shell part is secured to the lower shell in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner container.

[0044] In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if one of the locking contour and the first locking counter-contour has a web with a plurality of protruding bolts, preferably five to twenty bolts, and the other of the locking contour and the first locking counter-contour has a groove corresponding to the web with a plurality of widened receiving sections, preferably five to twenty receiving sections, for inserting the bolts along the vertical direction.

[0045] It is considered particularly advantageous if the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part are attached to one another in such a way that an assembly unit is formed, wherein the first end wall and the second end wall are opposite each other in a longitudinal direction of the upper shell, and wherein the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part are slidable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the upper shell from an open position to the retracted closed position and vice versa. Particularly in connection with the locking contour and the locking counter-contour, it is considered advantageous if the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part are positioned in the open position such that the locking contour and the locking counter-contour are disengaged, thus preventing the assembly unit from lifting off the lower shell in the vertical direction.This allows the mounting unit to be placed on the lower shell along the vertical direction.

[0046] As already explained, it is considered particularly advantageous if, in the initial position, the upper shell can be lifted off the lower shell in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upper shell.

[0047] It is considered particularly advantageous if the upper shell has a drive mechanism for moving the first and second upper shell sections relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the upper shell. Because the drive mechanism is already integrated into the upper shell and / or the assembly unit, the movement can be performed particularly easily and quickly. In particular, it is not necessary to provide separate tools or machines, such as one or more forklifts, for moving the first and second upper shell sections. The drive mechanism can, for example, be a spindle drive. In particular, the drive mechanism has an electric drive. The drive mechanism can also be used to lock the upper shell sections in the longitudinal direction, for example, by making the drive mechanism self-locking.For this purpose, the drive mechanism can have a self-locking gearbox. Preferably, the drive mechanism has a linear drive.

[0048] In connection with the drive mechanism, it is considered particularly advantageous if the drive mechanism can be controlled by a control device, whereby this control device enables remote control of the drive mechanism. This allows the operating time of the personnel at the transport arrangement to be further reduced and / or the distances between the operating personnel and the transport arrangement to be increased, which is considered advantageous with regard to reducing the dose exposure.

[0049] It is quite conceivable that one or more sensor devices are attached to the outer container, with one or more sensor devices being configured to detect the closed state of the upper shell. This achieves a particularly high level of security and allows for simple documentation of the closed state of the outer container.

[0050] It is considered particularly advantageous if the inner container shell is shaped like a circular cylinder.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that, in a closed state of the outer container, the inner container is mounted in the outer container without any anti-rotation device with regard to its rotation about its longitudinal axis, and in particular is not fixed.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, centering aids, in particular centering plates, are attached to the end faces of the lower shell section for longitudinally centering the inner container inserted into the lower shell. The centering aids can be made of relatively thin-walled sheets, since they are not subjected to particularly high mechanical stress and the protection of the inner container is not provided by the centering aids themselves, but rather by the first and second end walls. Therefore, it is considered particularly advantageous if the centering aids are covered on their outer surface facing away from the inner container by the first and second end walls, respectively.

[0053] For reasons of particularly high safety, it is considered advantageous if the transport arrangement has a locking device, wherein the locking device is configured to lock the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part together longitudinally in a locking position, and / or the locking device is configured to lock the first upper shell part and the second upper shell part to the lower shell longitudinally, wherein the locking device can be moved manually or electromechanically from an unlocking position to the locking position. A locking device can, for example, have one or more screws that are tightened, for example, with a predetermined torque that can be verifiably documented if necessary.

[0054] The locking device preferably has at least one locking bolt, for example one that can be inserted manually.

[0055] However, it is also conceivable that the first front wall rests against the first apron and / or the second front wall rests against the second apron.

[0056] The invention further relates to an outer container for the transport arrangement according to the invention.

[0057] The statements regarding the transport arrangement, its advantages and advantageous embodiments apply accordingly to the outer container as such, and vice versa.

[0058] The following figures explain the invention in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, without being limited to this embodiment. They show: Fig. 1 an inner container of a transport arrangement in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the inner container according to Fig. 1 in another perspective view, Fig. 3the transport arrangement with a multi-part outer container in a closed state, Fig. 4 the transport order according to Fig. 3 in a longitudinal section Fig. 5 the transport order according to Fig. 3 with an upper shell of the outer container comprising two upper shell parts, in an open position in a side view, Fig. 6 a lower shell of the outer container with the inner container inserted therein in a perspective view, Fig. 7 the order according to Fig. 6 in a frontal view, Fig. 8 the order according to Fig. 6 in another frontal view, Fig. 9 the upper shell of the outer container in a closed position in a perspective view, Fig. 10 the upper shell of the outer container in the open position in a perspective view, Fig. 11 the upper shell of the outer container in the open position in another perspective view, Fig. 12The lower shell of the outer container in a perspective view.

[0059] The Figures 1 to 12 Figure 1 shows a transport arrangement 1 according to the invention, or components of the transport arrangement 1. The transport arrangement 1 is used for transporting uranium hexafluoride. The transport arrangement 1 has an inner container 10, which is cylindrical. The inner container 10 is made of carbon steel or predominantly of carbon steel. The inner container 10 has a first inner container end wall 11, a second inner container end wall 12 opposite the first inner container end wall 11 in a longitudinal direction X of the inner container 10, and an inner container shell 13 extending between the first inner container end wall 11 and the second inner container end wall 12. The respective inner container end walls 11 and 12 are convexly curved outwards. The inner container 10 serves to hold the uranium hexafluoride.

[0060] For filling the inner container 10 with uranium hexafluoride, the inner container 10 has a valve 16 formed on the first inner container end wall 11. Uranium hexafluoride can be added to and removed from the inner container 10 via this valve 16. A plug 17 is formed on the opposite second inner container end wall 12. The inner container 10 is accessible for maintenance purposes via the plug 17.

[0061] The inner container 10 has welded skirts 14, 15 in the area of ​​the respective inner container end walls 11, 12. A first skirt 14 projects outwards in the longitudinal direction X relative to the first inner container end wall 11. A second skirt 15 projects outwards in the longitudinal direction X relative to the second inner container end wall 12. The skirts 14, 15 can, for example, be welded to the inner container shell 13. The first skirt 14 projects in the longitudinal direction X relative to the valve 16. The second skirt 15 projects in the longitudinal direction X relative to the plug 17. The inner container 10 is a standardized container with a length of 2070 mm including the skirts 14, 15, with a tolerance of ±12 mm. In particular, the inner container 10 is a container according to ISO 7195:2020.

[0062] The transport arrangement 1 comprises an outer container 20, which is designed to receive and completely enclose the inner container 10. The outer container 20 is multi-part and includes a lower shell 30. This lower shell 30 has a trough-shaped lower section 31, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the inner shell 13 of the inner container 10. The lower section 31 is therefore designed in the form of a half-shell, as shown in particular by the Figures 7, 8 and 12 To insert the inner container 10 into the lower shell 30, the inner container 10 is aligned with its longitudinal axis X in a horizontal orientation and then placed into the lower shell section 31 in a vertical direction, which in this case corresponds to the vertical direction Z. This placement can be carried out, for example, using a crane or a forklift.

[0063] In the vertical direction, i.e., in the vertical direction Z, a frame 60 is attached to the lower shell 30 below the lower shell section 31. The frame 60 ensures, firstly, that the lower shell 30 stands stably on a surface, such as the floor or the loading platform of a transport vehicle. Secondly, the frame 60 facilitates handling of the lower shell 30 and the entire outer container 20. For example, the frame 60 has several insertion openings 61, which are designed to allow a forklift fork to be inserted into them. Furthermore, handling lugs 62 are provided for attaching, for example, a crane hook.

[0064] Circular segment-shaped centering plates 36 are attached to the end face of the lower shell section 31. These centering plates 36 serve to center the inner container 10, which is inserted into the lower shell 30, in the longitudinal direction X via the skirts 14, 15.

[0065] The outer container 20 has a two-part upper shell 40, 50. In a closed state, the lower shell 30 and the upper shell 40, 50 enclose a receiving chamber of the outer container 20 in which the inner container 10 is arranged. In the closed state, the lower shell 30 and the upper shell 40, 50 completely enclose the inner container 10. This closed state is described in the Figures 3 and 4 depicted.

[0066] The two-part upper shell 40, 50 comprises a first upper shell part 40 and a second upper shell part 50. The first upper shell part 40 has a first end wall 41 and a first upper shell section 42 connected to the first end wall 41 in the form of a half-shell. The second upper shell part 50 has a second end wall 51 and a second upper shell section 52 connected to the second end wall 51 in the form of a half-shell. The first upper shell part 40 and the second upper shell part 50 are essentially identical and arranged symmetrically to form the upper shell 40, 50. When the upper shell 40, 50 is closed, the shell sections 42, 52 abut each other in the longitudinal direction X and, together with the lower shell section 31, enclose the inner container 10 completely and thus radially.The first end wall 41 and the second end wall 51 each cover the inner container 10 at their ends when closed. When closed, the first end wall 41 and the second end wall 51 each rest against the lower shell section 31 at their ends.

[0067] How especially the Figures 3 and 5As can be seen, the first upper shell section 40 and the second upper shell section 50 are attached to each other via a connecting rod 70 that runs in the longitudinal direction X. This attachment of the first upper shell section 40 to the second upper shell section 50 forms a single, manageable assembly unit. Eyelets 71 are attached to the connecting rod 70. A lifting device can be attached to the connecting rod 70 via the eyelets 71 to handle the upper shell sections 40 and 50 with a crane or similar equipment. The first end wall 41 and the second end wall 51 are positioned opposite each other in the longitudinal direction X. The first upper shell section 40 and the second upper shell section 50 are attached to each other in such a way that the upper shell sections 40 and 50 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction X.This allows the upper shell parts 40, 50 to be moved from the open position, in which the upper shell parts 40, 50 are separated from each other, to the closed position, in which the upper shell parts 40, 50 are pushed together and in which the shell section sections 42, 52 are abutting each other end-to-end. The . Figures 10 and 11 The upper shells 40 and 50 are shown in the spread-apart position and the open position, respectively. In the Figures 3, 4 and 9In contrast, the upper shell parts 40, 50 are in the closed position. To move the upper shell parts 40, 50 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, they are connected to each other via three shafts 80, each of which can be driven by a linear actuator integrated into the upper shell parts 40, 50. Each shaft 80 can be part of a spindle drive. However, more or fewer than three shafts 80 can also be provided, for example, one shaft 80 or two shafts 80.

[0068] How especially the Figures 4 and 11As can be seen, the first end wall 41 has a radially centrally formed first spacer 43 on its side facing the inner container 10, wherein the first spacer 43 projects in the direction of the first inner container end wall 11 in the assembled state of the transport arrangement 1, as can be seen in particular from the Figures 9 and 10The second end wall 51 has a second spacer 53, radially centered on its side facing the inner container 10, with the second spacer 53 projecting towards the second inner container end wall 12 when the transport arrangement 1 is assembled. The respective spacers 43, 53 are adapted to the curvature of the respective inner container end walls 11, 12. When the upper shell 40, 50 is closed, the first spacer 43 rests approximately against the first inner container end wall 11 in the longitudinal direction X, and the second spacer 53 rests approximately against the second inner container end wall 12 in the longitudinal direction X.The first spacer 43 and the second spacer 53 have different dimensions in the longitudinal direction X and are adapted to the dimensions of the overhang of the respective skirt 14, 15 from the respective inner container end wall 11, 12, such that, in the closed state of the transport arrangement 1, the respective skirt 14, 15 rests approximately against the respective end wall 41, 51 and the respective spacer 43, 53 rests approximately against the respective inner container end wall 11, 12. In this context, "approximately resting" refers in particular to an arrangement in which there is a small gap, for example, from 1 mm to 25 mm, between the respective structures, for example, the first spacer 43 and the first inner container end wall 11.

[0069] In the closed state of the transport arrangement 1, the spacers 43, 53 protrude inwards relative to the respective skirts 14, 15. Accordingly, the upper shell 40, 50 can only be opened in its open position, i.e., in the spread-apart position, as shown in the Figure 5 As shown, the upper shell 40, 50 is placed on the lower shell 30 in the vertical direction Z, provided the inner container 10 is already positioned in the lower shell 30. Following the placement of the separated upper shell 40, 50, the first upper shell part 40 and the second upper shell part 50 are pushed together, thus moving into the closed position. The reverse procedure must be followed to remove the upper shell 40, 50 from the lower shell 30.

[0070] The first upper shell section 42 of the first upper shell section 40 has a first lower edge 44 extending along the longitudinal direction X of the inner container 10, with the first upper shell section 40 resting with this first lower edge 44 on an upper edge 32 of the lower shell section 31. The first lower edge 44 and the upper edge 32 are designed such that the first upper shell section 40 is allowed to slide along the upper edge 32 relative to the lower shell 30 in the longitudinal direction X. The second upper shell section 52 of the second upper shell section 50 also has a second lower edge 54 extending along the longitudinal direction X of the inner container 10, with which the second upper shell section 50 rests on the upper edge 32 of the lower shell section 31.The second lower edge 54 and the upper edge 32 are designed such that the second upper shell part 50 is displaceable along the upper edge 32 relative to the lower shell 30 in the longitudinal direction X. This allows the first upper shell part 40 and the second upper shell part 50 to be moved relative to each other when placed on the lower shell 30, in order to move the upper shell parts 40 and 50 from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

[0071] The upper edge 32 has two upper edge sections running parallel in the longitudinal direction X and spaced apart in the transverse direction Y, each with a locking contour 33. The transverse direction Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The first lower edge 44 has two lower edge sections running parallel in the longitudinal direction X and spaced apart in the transverse direction Y, each with a first locking counter contour 45 for securing the first upper shell part 40 to the lower shell 30 in the vertical direction Z in the closed position. Each locking contour 33 has a web 34 extending along the longitudinal direction X, the web 34 being provided with a plurality of bolts 35 projecting in a transverse direction Y, namely ten bolts 35.The first locking counter-contour 45 has a groove 46 corresponding to the web 34 with a plurality of widened receiving sections 47, namely four widened receiving sections 47, wherein the bolts 35 can be guided through the receiving sections 47 in the vertical direction Z in the area of ​​the receiving sections 47 to lift the first upper shell part 40 from the lower shell 30 in the vertical direction Z or to place the first upper shell part 40 onto the lower shell 30 in the vertical direction Z. After the first upper shell part 40 has been placed onto the lower shell 30, the bolts 35 can be brought into engagement with the groove 46, which in this case has a T-shaped cross-section, by moving the first upper shell part 40 along the upper edge 32 with respect to the lower shell 30 in the longitudinal direction X into the closed position, wherein in the closed position the bolts 35 engage with the T-shaped groove 46 in are involved in the vertical direction Z.The second lower edge 54 has two lower edge sections running parallel in the longitudinal direction X and spaced apart in the transverse direction Y, each with a second locking contour 55, wherein the second locking contour 55 accordingly also has a groove 56 with a plurality of widened receiving sections 57, namely also four widened receiving sections 57, for inserting the bolts 35 along the vertical direction Z.

[0072] Furthermore, axially extending locking bolts 81 are formed on the end walls 41, 51. The lower part has corresponding receiving holes 82 for the locking bolts 81. In the closed position, the locking bolts 81 are retracted into the receiving holes 82.

[0073] It is considered advantageous if the two upper shell parts 40, 50 are each locked to the lower shell 30 in the longitudinal direction X by means of an additional locking device. The locking via the locking device can be provided in addition to any locking via actuators. This locking device can be, for example, manually operated via insertable locking bolts or electromechanically actuated locking bolts. The position of the locking bolts, and thus the locking mechanism, can be detected, for example, by limit switches and / or sensors.

[0074] It is quite conceivable that one or more sensor devices are attached to the outer container 20, with the one or more sensor devices being configured to detect the closed state of the upper shell parts 40, 50. This achieves a particularly high level of security and enables simple documentation of the closed state of the outer container 20.

[0075] In contrast to transport arrangements 1 known from the prior art, the transport arrangement 1 shown in the figures does not have a rotation lock to secure the inner container 10 against rotation about its longitudinal axis X in the outer container 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure a specific angular orientation of the inner container 10 within the outer container 20 or the lower shell 30 of the outer container 20 when arranging it, so that a rotation lock, for example via a locking pin, can be achieved. This simplifies the insertion of the inner container 10 into the lower shell 30 of the outer container 20.Accordingly, when the outer container 20 is closed, i.e., when the upper shell parts 40, 50 are placed on the lower shell 30 and are in the closed position, the inner container 10 is mounted in the receiving space without any anti-rotation device and is therefore fundamentally rotatable about its longitudinal axis X. When the inner container 10 is rotated about its longitudinal axis X relative to the outer container 20, mechanical contact between the valve 16 or the plug 17 and components of the outer container 20 is prevented by positioning the respective spacer 43 or 53 such that the valve 16 or the plug 17 is arranged radially between the respective skirt 14, 15 and the respective spacer 43, 53.If the inner container 10 were to rotate about its longitudinal axis X, the valve 16 and the plug 17 would each describe a circular ring, with the respective spacer 43, 53 being positioned outside the respective circular ring, namely being radially offset inwards to the circular ring, thus avoiding mechanical contact.

[0076] In the present case, the first end wall 41 has a circular first recess 48 surrounding the first spacer 43. This creates an additional clearance in the longitudinal direction X for the valve 16 formed on the first inner container end wall 11, into which the valve 16 can immerse itself in the event of deformation.

[0077] In this case, the second end wall 51 has a second annular recess 58 surrounding the second spacer 53. This creates an additional clearance in the longitudinal direction X for the plug 17 formed on the second inner container end wall 12, into which the plug 17 can plunge in the event of deformation. Reference symbol list

[0078] 1 Transport arrangement 10 Inner container 11 First inner container end wall 12 Second inner container end wall 13 Inner container shell 14 First skirt 15 Second skirt 16 Valve 17 Plug 20 Outer container 30 Lower shell 31 Lower shell section 32 Top edge 33 Safety contour 34 Web 35 Bolt 36 Centering plate 40 First upper shell section 41 First end wall 42 First upper shell section 43 First spacer 44 First lower edge 45 First safety contour 46 Groove 47 Receiving section 48 First recess 50 Second upper shell section 51 Second end wall 52 Second upper shell section 53 Second spacer 54 Second lower edge 55 Second safety counter contour 56 Groove 57 Receiving section 58 Second recess 60 Frame 61 Insertion opening 62 Handling tabs 70 Connecting rod 71 Eyelet 80 Shaft 81 Locking bolt 82 Mounting hole X Longitudinal direction Y Transverse direction Z Vertical direction

Claims

1. Transport arrangement (1), in particular for the transport of uranium hexafluoride, comprising: - an inner container (10), wherein the inner container (10) has a first inner container end wall (11), a second inner container end wall (12) opposite the first inner container end wall (11) in a longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10), and an inner container shell (13) extending between the first inner container end wall (11) and the second inner container end wall (12), - a multi-part outer container (20) receiving the inner container (10), wherein the multi-part outer container (20) has a lower shell (30) with a lower shell section (31), and wherein the outer container (20) has an upper shell (40, 50) formed in at least two parts, wherein the upper shell (40, 50) comprises a first upper shell part (40) and a second upper shell part (50),wherein the first upper shell part (40) has a first end wall (41) and a first upper shell section (42) connected to the first end wall (41), wherein the second upper shell part (50) has a second end wall (51) and a second upper shell section (52) connected to the second end wall (51), wherein the first end wall (41) has a first spacer (43) on its side facing the inner container (10), the first spacer (43) projecting in the direction of the first inner container end wall (11).

2. Transport arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second end wall (51) has a second spacer (53) on its side facing the inner container (10), wherein the second spacer (53) protrudes in the direction of the second inner container end wall (12).

3. Transport arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner container (10) has a first skirt (14), wherein the first skirt (14) projects towards the first inner container end wall (11) in a direction away from the second inner container end wall (12), and / or wherein the inner container (10) has a second skirt (15), wherein the second skirt (15) projects towards the second inner container end wall (12) in a direction away from the first inner container end wall (11).

4. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first spacer (43) is spaced apart from the first inner container end wall (11) and / or the second spacer (53) is spaced apart from the second inner container end wall (12) and / or wherein the first end wall (41) is spaced apart from the first skirt (14) and / or the second end wall (51) is spaced apart from the second skirt (15).

5. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a valve (16) and / or a plug (17) is formed on the first inner container end wall (11), wherein the valve (16) and / or the plug (17) protrudes from the first inner container end wall (11) and / or wherein a valve (16) and / or a plug (17) is formed on the second inner container end wall (12), wherein the valve (16) and / or the plug (17) protrudes from the second inner container end wall (12).

6. Transport arrangement (1) according to claims 3 and 5, wherein the valve (16) and / or the plug (17) is arranged in a radial direction between the first spacer (43) and the first skirt (14) and / or the valve (16) and / or the plug (17) is arranged in a radial direction between the second spacer (53) and the second skirt (15).

7. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first upper shell section (42) of the first upper shell section (40) has a first lower edge (44) extending along the longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10) with which the first upper shell section (40) rests on an upper edge (32) of the lower shell section (31), wherein the first upper shell section (40) is displaceable along the upper edge (32) with respect to the lower shell (30) and / or wherein the second upper shell section (52) of the second upper shell section (50) has a second lower edge (54) extending along the longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10) with which the second upper shell section (50) rests on an upper edge (32) of the lower shell section (31), wherein the second upper shell section (50) is displaceable along the upper edge (32) with respect to the lower shell (30) It is movable.

8. Transport arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein the upper edge (32) has a locking contour (33) and the first lower edge (44) has a first locking counter contour (45), wherein the first upper shell part (40) is displaceable along the upper edge (32) with respect to the lower shell (30) in the longitudinal direction (X) into a closed position in which the locking contour (33) and the first locking counter contour (45) are engaged, such that the first upper shell part (40) is secured to the lower shell (30) in a vertical direction (Z) formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10), and / or wherein the upper edge (32) has a locking contour (33) and the second lower edge (54) has a second locking counter contour (55), wherein the second upper shell part (50) is displaceable along the upper edge (32) with respect to the lower shell (30) in the longitudinal direction (X) can be moved into a closed position,in which the securing contour (33) and the second securing counter contour (55) are engaged, such that the second upper shell part (50) is secured to the lower shell (30) in a vertical direction (Z) formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the inner container (10).

9. Transport arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein one of the securing contour (33) and the first securing counter contour (45) has a web (34) with a plurality of protruding bolts (35) and the other of the securing contour (33) and the first securing counter contour (45) has a groove (46) corresponding to the web (34) with a plurality of widened receiving sections (47) for inserting the bolts (35) along the vertical direction (Z).

10. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first upper shell part (40) and the second upper shell part (50) are attached to one another in such a way that an assembly unit is formed, wherein the first end wall (41) and the second end wall (51) are opposite each other in a longitudinal direction (X) of the upper shell (40, 50), wherein the first upper shell part (40) and the second upper shell part (50) are displaceable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (X) of the upper shell (40, 50) from a separated position to a pushed-together position and vice versa.

11. Transport arrangement (1) according to claim 10, wherein the upper shell (40, 50) has a drive mechanism for moving the first upper shell part (40) and the second upper shell part (50) relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (X) of the upper shell (40, 50).

12. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in a closed state of the outer container (20) the inner container (10) is mounted in the outer container (20) without rotation protection with regard to rotation about its longitudinal axis (X).

13. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein centering aids, in particular centering plates (36), are attached to the end face of the lower shell section (31) for centering the inner container (10) inserted into the lower shell (30) in the longitudinal direction (X).

14. Transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the transport arrangement (1) having a locking device, wherein the locking device is configured to lock the first upper shell part (40) and the second upper shell part (50) together in the longitudinal direction (X) in a locking position, and / or the locking device is configured to lock the first upper shell part (40) and the second upper shell part (50) with the lower shell (30) in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the locking device has at least one locking bolt, wherein the locking device can be moved manually or electromechanically from an unlocking position to the locking position.

15. Outer container (20) for a transport arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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