Packaging and method for transporting drums containing radioactive material

Abstract

Packaging and method for transporting drums containing radioactive material. Transport packaging intended for transporting drums containing radioactive material, comprising: a body (6) forming an internal volume dimensioned to house drums containing radioactive material, the body having a main opening (10); a main lid (7) configured to close the main opening; and a tray (11) having receiving areas configured to receive the drums; the main lid (7) having a secondary opening (16) for the passage of a drum;The platform (11) is mounted for rotation such that a rotation of the platform (11) selectively brings the receiving areas into view of the secondary opening (16), the packaging includes a lifting system (20) configured to move a drum, through the secondary opening (16), in translation along a principal direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and the packaging includes a secondary cover (8) configured to close the secondary opening (16). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig.1;

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging and method for transporting drums containing radioactive material Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the transport of drums containing radioactive material, and more particularly to the loading and unloading of such drums contained in a package. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The field of transport packaging is subject to very strict regulations to ensure the transport of radioactive materials in compliance with safety rules with regard to the public, workers and the environment, both in routine situations and in the event of an incident or accident.

[0003] Transport packaging containing radioactive substances must fulfil the following safety functions: - provide protection against ionizing radiation emitted by these substances, for example by means of shielding which greatly attenuates this radiation; - prevent the release of these substances outside the packaging, thanks to an outer envelope and a closing system ensuring tightness against ionizing radiation; - prevent the occurrence of a nuclear chain reaction if its contents consist of fissile materials, in particular by limiting the contents and ensuring the packaging is watertight, in particular liquid-tight because water facilitates the start of these reactions; - where appropriate, ensure protection against significant heat release from the contents; - where appropriate, ensure protection against chemical risks presented by the contents.

[0004] The regulations therefore define, depending on the level of radioactivity of the substances contained, tests which simulate incidents or accidents, at the end of which the packaging must maintain its safety functions. In particular, it must withstand a fall onto a non-deformable surface, from a height which varies depending on the mass it contains (between 0.30 and 1.20 m).

[0005] These packages are used to move drums containing these radioactive substances, also called waste drums, generally by truck, from a temporary facility where they have been stored to a facility where they will be en- permanently stored.

[0006] Transport packaging is a large container generally equipped with several cells to accommodate as many sealed waste drums. It is closed by a lid covered with a shock-absorbing cover designed to maintain the safety functions in the event of a fall, by absorbing the shock wave.

[0007] In order to extract the drums during unloading operations, once the truck has reached the final installation, the shock-absorbing hood must first be removed. The cover must then be removed and the sealed waste drums extracted, always maintaining safety and radiation protection regulations.

[0008] For example, patent application GB1220027 discloses a transport packaging for holding drums in a horizontal position. However, this packaging requires complex horizontal extraction systems to prevent a drum from falling during horizontal extraction.

[0009] In order to minimize personnel exposure to radiological risk, the solutions provided until now have consisted of separating the lid into a main lid and a secondary lid, in order to limit access and the resulting exposure to a single drum at a time. Examples include patent applications US5533075 and EP0978848, which disclose access to the drums by rotating the main lid. However, sealing, particularly against ionizing radiation and liquids, at the main lid is difficult to implement. In addition, the drums have to be extracted one by one using a dedicated device (suction cup, pliers, etc.), which requires sufficient space around the drum to allow its extraction (and therefore limits the number of drums that can be contained in the packaging).

[0010] We can also cite patent application US2514909 which discloses a package having an upper main opening through which barrels are introduced, and a secondary opening located at the lower end of the package, for extracting the barrels while keeping the main opening closed by a complex closing system. In this case, it is necessary to guarantee the sealing of both the main and secondary openings.

[0011] However, the solutions implemented to comply with the regulations must be compatible with the reality of their operation. Indeed, for the specific needs of an installation with a low ceiling height and receiving transport packaging transported by truck, it is a question of designing transport packaging allowing the loading and unloading of sealed, i.e. leakproof, waste drums as quickly as possible, while maintaining a high level of safety and limiting the number of truck movements.

[0012] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose means for overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above, and in particular, to propose means for facilitate the loading and unloading of packaging in order to be able to transport as many drums as possible as quickly as possible.

[0013] Another object is to improve the sealing of packaging to secure the transport of drums.

[0014] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0015] To achieve this objective, a transport packaging is proposed for transporting drums containing radioactive material, comprising: - a body forming an internal volume sized to accommodate drums containing radioactive material, the body having a main opening; - a main cover configured to close the main opening; and - a tray having receiving areas configured to receive the drums.

[0016] The main cover has a secondary opening for the passage of a barrel; the tray is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation inside the body so that a rotation of the tray selectively brings the receiving zones opposite the secondary opening; the packaging comprises a lifting system configured to move a barrel, in line with the secondary opening, in translation in a main direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and the packaging comprises a secondary cover configured to close the secondary opening.

[0017] Thus, a package is provided having the same opening for loading or unloading drums. The drum extraction zone can be limited to one opening to simplify the drum loading and unloading operations, to speed up the operating times. It is also possible to limit the exposure of personnel to radiation from the drums during the loading, unloading and transport phases. It is also possible to facilitate the automation of the unloading and loading of the drums, which makes it possible to speed up the transport process, and to ensure safe transport. The dimension of the interface with the exterior of the package to be sealed is also reduced. Advantageously, the sealing of the package is improved, in particular the liquid sealing.

[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising the packaging defined above as well as a plurality of drums housed inside the body. The lifting system is configured to at least partially remove the drum from the secondary opening when the lifting system lifts this drum. Thus, it is easy to grasp the drum, for example by a robotic arm, without having to enter the packaging.

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of transporting drums containing radioactive material, comprising: - a loading, within a package as defined above, of several drums containing radioactive material; - transport of the packaging; and - unloading of the drums outside the packaging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a package;

[0022] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a sectional view of a method of placing implementation of loading / unloading of drums;

[0023] [Fig.3]

[0024] [Fig.4]

[0025] [Fig.5]

[0026] [Fig.6] Figures 3 to 6 schematically illustrate perspective views of the main steps of a method of implementing loading / unloading of drums

[0027] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a top view of a package;

[0028] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a mode of rea installation of a lifting system;

[0029] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a perspective view of another method of implementing loading / unloading of drums; and

[0030] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a mode of implementation of a transport of barrels.

[0031] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments and implementations of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0033] According to one example, the main cover is fixed relative to the body.

[0034] According to one example, the secondary opening is fixed relative to the body.

[0035] According to one example, the lifting system is configured to move a drum through the secondary opening. Preferably, the lifting system is configured to at least partially move the drum out of the secondary opening.

[0036] According to one example, the lifting system is configured to lift the barrel, i.e. by moving it vertically.

[0037] According to one example, the secondary opening is configured to allow the passage of a single barrel at a time.

[0038] According to one example, a receiving area comprises a compartment, forming a guide for guiding a drum in translation along the main direction. This ensures safe removal of the drums from the packaging, in particular by preventing the drums from falling into the packaging.

[0039] According to one example, the lifting system comprises, for each receiving zone, a plate intended to support a barrel, this plate being mounted to move in translation in the main direction.

[0040] According to one example, the lifting system comprises an actuator configured to move a plate, and the tray comprises orifices respectively located at the right of the receiving zones and sized for the passage of part of the actuator.

[0041] According to one example, the lifting system comprises a single actuator for all the plates.

[0042] According to one example, the packaging is configured so that the rotation of the tray places a plate in line with the actuator. Thanks to such packaging, a single drive device is used for several drums housed in the packaging. This makes it possible to transport a greater number of drums while providing simple means to implement.

[0043] According to one example, the actuator is a linear actuator, preferably a cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

[0044] According to one example, the actuator is a pneumatic bellows cylinder. Such a choice of cylinder ensures a return to the initial position of the plate in the event of a malfunction of the cylinder, and makes it possible to close the packaging in order to be able to extract drums from another packaging.

[0045] According to one example, the package includes a main connection configured to connect the actuator to a main power supply located outside the package, the main power supply enabling activation of the actuator.

[0046] According to one example, the package includes a device for rotating the tray and a secondary connection configured to connect the device for rotating to a motor located outside the package.

[0047] According to one example, the main and secondary connections respectively comprise two orifices opening outside the packaging, the packaging comprising first and second plugs configured to seal, in a liquid-tight and air-tight manner, the orifices of the main and secondary connections respectively.

[0048] According to one example, the loading comprises removing the secondary cover, housing the drums, one by one, within the internal volume, passing each drum through the secondary opening and after rotating the tray, and after housing the drums, closing the secondary cover so as to close the secondary opening.

[0049] According to one example, the unloading comprises, a removal of the secondary cover, a removal of the drums, one by one, outside the packaging, passing each drum through the secondary opening and after rotating the tray.

[0050] According to one example, the package comprises a main connection connected to the package drive device, and a secondary connection connected to the package rotation device, and the unloading comprises, before the secondary cover is removed, a connection comprising a connection of a power supply, located outside the package, to the main connection, and a connection of a motor, located outside the package, to the rotation device.

[0051] According to one example, the connection is carried out, in a chamber, by an operator present in the chamber, and the removal of the secondary cover is carried out by a remote control without the presence of an operator in the chamber.

[0052] Figures 1 to 10 show a transport package 1 intended to transport drums 2 to 5 containing radioactive material. The package 1 comprises a body 6, a main cover 7 and a secondary cover 8. The body 6 forms an internal volume 9 sized to accommodate the drums containing radioactive material. The body 6 further has a main opening 10. The main cover 7 is configured to close the main opening 10.

[0053] In particular, the secondary cover 8 is removed from the main cover 7 in order to be able to access the internal volume 9 and to be able to load or unload the drums from the packaging 1. The operations of loading and unloading the drums are also called handling operations. The removal of the secondary cover 8 can be carried out using a suction cup. Alternatively, a so-called handling flange 60 can be used, configured to be removably mounted on the secondary cover 8, as illustrated in [Fig. 9]. Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], a clamp 61 can be used to grip the flange 60 and thus remove the cover 8. Advantageously, a flange 60 is provided having the same dimensions as the heads 62 of the drums 2 to 5. Thus, the same clamp 61 can be used to grip the flange 60 and to grip the drums by their heads 62.

[0054] Advantageously, the package 1 may comprise a cover 50 configured to cover the main cover 7. Such a cover 50 makes it possible to absorb shocks in the event of a package 1 being dropped, for example during transport or in the event of a drop onto a punch such as a steel bar. The cover 50 comprises a shock-absorbing material, for example wood, phenolic foam, etc. In addition, the cover 50 is configured to provide sealing and radiation protection when mounted on the main cover 7. The cover 50 comprises a main part 51 and a secondary part 52. The secondary part 52 is configured to be removably mounted on the main part 51. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the secondary part 52 fits into the main part 51 by sliding it. The secondary part 52 can then be extracted horizontally.Generally, the secondary part 52 is removably mounted on the body 6 or on the main cover 7 of the packaging 1. Outside of handling operations, the secondary part 52 is kept in contact with the body 6, or the main cover 7, by screws, preferably assembled over the secondary part 52, for example at the level of a perforated collar for the passage of the screws and fixed to the body 6 or to the main cover 7. The secondary part 52 is not fixedly mounted on the main part 51.

[0055] The cover 50 is configured so that when the secondary part 52 is removed, the secondary cover 8 can be accessed.

[0056] More particularly, the main cover 7 has a secondary opening 16 configured for the passage of a barrel. Advantageously, the secondary opening 16 is configured for the passage of a single barrel. The secondary cover 8 is configured to close the secondary opening 16.

[0057] Furthermore, the packaging comprises a tray 11 having receiving zones 12 to 15 configured to receive the drums.

[0058] Furthermore, the plate 11 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation X inside the body 6 so that a rotation of the plate 11 selectively brings the receiving zones 12 to 15 opposite the secondary opening 16. In other words, the rotation of the plate 11 makes it possible to bring a receiving zone 12 to 15 in line with the secondary opening 16.

[0059] The packaging 1 also comprises a lifting system 20 configured to move a barrel, through the secondary opening 16, in translation in a main direction PL. Preferably, the main direction PI is parallel to the axis of rotation X. In particular, the lifting system is configured to raise or lower a barrel 2 to 5 in the main direction PL.

[0060] Thus, a package 1 is equipped with a lifting system 20 which makes it easier to load and unload the drums within the package. Loading times are considerably reduced, for example by a few minutes or seconds, for each barrel, which represents, for thousands of barrels, a significant saving in time and cost.

[0061] Advantageously, the main cover 7 is mounted fixed relative to the body 6. Thus, the secondary opening 16 is fixed relative to the body 6.

[0062] According to another advantage, the secondary opening 16 is configured to allow the passage of a single drum at a time. For example, the maximum dimension of the secondary opening 16 (typically the diameter of the secondary opening 16), contained in a plane perpendicular to the main direction PI is less than or equal to the maximum dimension of the drums (typically the maximum diameter of the drums).

[0063] Preferably, at least one receiving zone 12 to 15, preferably each receiving zone, comprises a compartment 21 forming a guide so as to guide a drum in translation along the main direction PI. This ensures safe removal or loading of the drums from the packaging 1, in particular by avoiding blocking the loading or removal process by the incorrect positioning of a drum in its receiving zone. In other words, a compartment 21 makes it possible to guide the drums 2 to 5 so that they can only move while remaining perfectly upright, a slight tilting risking blocking their movement and the rotation of the plate 11.

[0064] Advantageously, the lifting system 20 comprises, for each receiving zone, a plate 22 intended to support a barrel, this plate being mounted to move in translation along the main direction PI. This makes it possible to lift or lower a barrel without risking damaging the bottom of the barrel.

[0065] For example, the lifting system 20 comprises an actuator 23 configured to move a plate 22. Furthermore, the tray 11 may comprise orifices 24 respectively located at right angles to the receiving zones 12 to 15 and sized for the partial passage of the actuator 23.

[0066] The lifting system 20 may comprise a single actuator 23 configured to move each of the plates 22, preferably one by one. For example, the actuator 23 may be mounted on the body 6 and inside the internal volume 9. When the packaging 1 comprises a single actuator 23, the latter is therefore located at a fixed position within the packaging 1. In this way, a rotation of the plate selectively brings an orifice 24, in particular a plate 22, in line with the actuator 23, the latter then being able to move the plate 22 in translation in the main direction PL. Thanks to such a packaging 1, a single actuator 23 is used for several drums housed in the packaging 1. This makes it possible to transport a larger number of drums while providing simple means to implement.

[0067] For example, the actuator 23 may be a linear actuator, preferably a cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder. More preferably, the actuator 23 is a pneumatic bellows cylinder. Such a pneumatic bellows cylinder provides a return in initial position of the plate 22 in the event of a malfunction of the cylinder, and allows the packaging 1 to be closed in order to be able to extract drums from another packaging 1. The choice of a bellows cylinder also makes it possible to maximize the number of drums per packaging.

[0068] Furthermore, the package 1 may comprise a main connection 25 configured to connect the actuator 23 to a main power supply 26, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The main power supply 26 may be a compressed air circuit. The main connection 25 is further coupled to the actuator 23 by a connection 27. The main power supply 26 is located outside the package 1 and allows the activation of the actuator 23. The package 1 may also comprise a device 30 for rotating the plate 11, for example a barrel, and a secondary connection 31 configured to connect the rotating device 30 to a motor 32 located outside the package 1. The secondary connection 31 is coupled to the rotating device 30 by a connection 33. The motor 32 is configured to activate the rotating device 30.

[0069] For example, the main 25 and secondary 31 connections respectively comprise two orifices opening outside the packaging to allow connection of the main power supply 26 and the motor 32 to the connections 27, 33. Advantageously, the packaging comprises first and second plugs 34, 35, such as tapes used to plug the two orifices, configured to close, in a liquid-tight and ionizing radiation-tight manner, respectively the orifices of the main and secondary connections 25, 31.

[0070] Figures 1 to 10 also show the main steps of transporting drums containing radioactive material. The method comprises loading, within a package 1, several drums 2 to 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In particular, the loading is carried out at an initial location, for example a temporary storage location for the drums, or a shipping facility. Then, the method comprises transporting the package 1, preferably several packages 1, for example using a motor vehicle 40, such as a truck, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. Then, after transporting the package 1, the method comprises unloading the drums outside the package 1, in particular in a final storage location, for example a receiving facility, located at a distance from the initial location.

[0071] When the packaging includes a cover 50, the loading and unloading of the drums includes a removal of the secondary part 52 in order to be able to access the secondary cover 8 to remove it. Thus, it is not necessary to remove the main part 51 from the cover 50 to carry out the handling operations. In other words, the main part 51 is fixedly mounted on the main cover 7 during the handling operations. The main part 51 retains a role shock absorber during handling operations. The secondary part 52 is removed during the handling steps. Advantageously, several screws can be used to keep the main part 51 fixed to the main cover 7, and only a few screws, for example two screws, can be used to keep the secondary part 52 removably mounted on the main part 51 and fixed by screws to the main cover 7 or to the body 6. Thus, to remove the secondary part 52, the number of screws to be removed or replaced is reduced. This makes it possible to increase the rate of handling operations by reducing the number of screws to be removed. According to another advantage, the secondary cover 8 can be removably mounted on the main cover 7 by a reduced number of screws. The mass of the parts to be handled is therefore much lower.Rotating and lifting or lowering the drums also saves time and allows for greater precision with automated handling, as the movements are always the same. It also saves time on leak testing, as the secondary cover 8 is smaller than the main cover 7.

[0072] For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the transport packages 1 are secured in groups of three copies at most on the trailer of a truck 40 which comes to receive the drums 2 to 5 in the dispatching installation. The distribution of the packages 1 on the trailer is not done in an equidistant manner in order to facilitate the removal of the secondary parts 52 of the covers 50. Inside the dispatching installation, in a truck airlock provided for the truck, the secondary part 52 is removed from each package 1 by means of a spreader connected to the bridge of the truck airlock. Then the trailer of the truck is moved into a loading / unloading hall, also called a chamber, where the screws holding the secondary covers 8 are removed. The handling flanges 60 are then fixed on the secondary covers 8 in order to be able to remove the secondary covers 8 by means of the clamp 61 of the loading bridge.

[0073] The plugs 34, 35 are then removed from the secondary orifices of the connections 25, 31 of each of the packages.

[0074] This makes it possible to connect the external motor 32 to the main connection 25 and the main power supply 26 to the secondary connection 31:

[0075] Loading the drums includes removing the secondary cover 8, then housing the drums, one by one, within the internal volume 9. For each housing of a drum, the drum passes through the secondary opening 16. In addition, for each other drum, the tray 11 is rotated. After housing the drums within the internal volume 9, the secondary cover 8 is closed so as to close the secondary opening 16.

[0076] For example, the actuator 23 is activated and the plate 22 is put in the high position by means of the main power supply 26, then a first barrel 2 is loaded into the packaging 1, by means of the clamp 61 of the bridge, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. The plate is then put in the low position to allow the rotation of the tray 11, for example by a quarter turn when the tray has four receiving zones 12 to 15. The rotation of the tray 11 is carried out by means of the external motor 32. The same operations are repeated, starting by raising a second plate 22 to the high position, using the actuator 23, to accommodate a second drum 3, then continuing until all the drums 2 to 5 are loaded.

[0077] As soon as a package 1 is full, the secondary cover 8 is put in place to be screwed on later.

[0078] Once all the packages 1 have been filled and all the secondary covers 8 have been put in place, an operator can intervene in the dispatching installation to disconnect the external motor 32 and the main power supply 26, then screw on the secondary covers 8 and the plugs 34, 35. The operator can carry out a leak-tightness test on each package (on the covers and on the two plugs).

[0079] Then, the truck trailer heads towards the truck airlock where the secondary part 52 of the hood 50 is put in place and screwed onto each main cover 7 of each package 1. The truck 40 can then leave for its destination to unload the drums 2 to 5.

[0080] Generally, the unloading of the drums comprises a removal of the secondary cover 8, then a removal of the drums, one by one, outside the packaging 1. In particular, each removal of a drum consists of passing the drum through the secondary opening 16 and after a rotation of the plate 11.

[0081] Preferably, the unloading of the drums comprises, before the removal of the secondary cover 8, a connection comprising a connection of a power supply located outside the packaging to the main connection, and a connection of a motor located outside the packaging to the rotation device.

[0082] For example, the connection can be made in the chamber, by an operator present in the chamber as long as the secondary cover 8 remains in place. Then, the removal of the secondary cover 8 can be carried out in the chamber by a remote control without the presence of an operator in the chamber.

[0083] Preferably, during unloading, the packages 1 remain secured to the trailer of the truck 40. For example, the same steps can be carried out as during loading, in reverse order.

[0084] Thus, at a truck lock of the receiving facility, the secondary part 52 of the cover 50 is removed from each package by means of a lifting beam connected to the bridge of the truck lock (after removal of the screws holding the secondary part 52). Then the truck trailer is moved from the truck lock to the unloading hall of the receiving facility.

[0085] The screws are removed from each secondary cover 8 and a handling flange 60 compatible with the clamp 61 of the drum loading bridge is placed on each secondary cover 8. The secondary covers 8 remain in place while the operators are working. Then, the external motors 32 and the main power supplies 26 are connected by each operator to each package. After the operators leave the unloading hall, i.e. the chamber, the drum unloading operations are carried out by remote control: the secondary covers 8 are removed one by one as the packages are unloaded.

[0086] Using the remotely controlled gripper 61, and in the unloading hall without the presence of operators, the secondary cover 8 is removed from the first packaging and the drums are extracted one by one. The drums are extracted by actuating the tray 11 and using the actuator 23 to move each plate 22 placed in line with the actuator 23, to release each drum from its receiving zone 12 to 15. Then, using the gripper 61, or a suction cup to handle the drums, each drum is extracted one by one, and after rotation of the tray, from the packaging 1 through the secondary opening 16. The drums are then placed, one by one, on a trolley. The secondary cover 8 is then put back in position on the main cover 7 of each packaging 1.

[0087] The same operations are carried out on each of the packages until all the barrels are extracted.

[0088] The external motors and the main power supplies are disconnected by the operators in the unloading hall. Then, the screws of the secondary covers 8 are replaced as well as the plugs 34, 35 screwed to close the orifices of the main and secondary connections 25, 31. The handling flanges are also removed.

[0089] The operator can then carry out the leak tests on the packaging 1. Then, the trailer is transported to the truck airlock where the secondary parts 52 are replaced on the main parts of the hoods 50 to condition the packaging.

[0090] The packaging just described is particularly suitable for an installation with a low ceiling height and receiving transport packaging transported by truck. This packaging provides high safety for operators while limiting the number of truck movements.

Claims

Claims

1. Transport packaging intended to transport drums containing radioactive material, comprising: - a body (6) forming an internal volume sized to accommodate drums containing radioactive material, the body having a main opening (10); - a main cover (7) configured to close the main opening; and - a tray (11) having reception areas configured to receive the drums; characterized in that: - the main cover (7) has a secondary opening (16) for the passage of a drum;- the tray (11) is mounted in rotation about an axis of rotation inside the body (6) so that a rotation of the tray (11) selectively brings the receiving zones opposite the secondary opening (16), - the packaging comprises a lifting system (20) configured to move a barrel, in line with the secondary opening (16), in translation in a main direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and - the packaging comprises a secondary cover (8) configured to close the secondary opening (16).;

2. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the main cover (7) is fixed relative to the body (6).

3. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary opening (16) is fixed relative to the body (6).

4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary opening (16) is configured to allow the passage of only one drum at a time.

5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a receiving zone comprises a compartment (21), forming a guide for guiding a barrel in translation in the main direction.

6. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lifting system (20) comprises, for each receiving zone, a plate (22) intended to support a barrel and mounted to move in translation in the main direction.

7. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the lifting system (20) comprises an actuator (23) configured to move a plate (22), and the tray comprises orifices respectively located at the right of the receiving zones and sized for the partial passage of the actuator (23).

8. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the lifting system (20) comprises a single actuator (23) for all the plates (22).

9. Packaging according to any one of claims 7 to 8, configured so that the rotation of the tray (11) places a plate (22) in line with the actuator (23).

10. Packaging according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the actuator (23) is a linear actuator, preferably a cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

11. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the actuator (23) is a pneumatic bellows cylinder.

12. A package according to any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising a main connection configured to connect the actuator (23) to a main power supply located outside the package, the main power supply enabling activation of the actuator (23).

13. Packaging according to the preceding claim, comprising a device (30) for rotating the tray (11) and a secondary connection configured to connect the device (30) for rotating to a motor (32) located outside the packaging.

14. Packaging according to the preceding claim, in which the main and secondary connections respectively comprise two orifices opening to the outside of the packaging, the packaging comprising first and second plugs (34, 35) configured to close, in a liquid-tight and air-tight manner, respectively the orifices of the main and secondary connections.

15. An assembly comprising a package according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of drums housed inside the body (6), the lifting system (20) being configured to at least partially remove the drum from the secondary opening (16) when the lifting system (20) lifts this barrel.

16. Method for transporting drums containing radioactive material, comprising: - loading, within a package according to one of claims 1 to 14, several drums containing radioactive material; - transporting the package; and - unloading the drums outside the package.

17. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the loading comprises removing the secondary cover, housing the drums, one by one, within the internal volume, passing each drum through the secondary opening and after rotating the tray, and after housing the drums, closing the secondary cover so as to close the secondary opening.

18. A method according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the unloading comprises, removing the secondary cover, removing the drums, one by one, from the packaging, passing each drum through the secondary opening and after rotating the tray.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the packaging comprises a main connection connected to the packaging drive device, and a secondary connection connected to the packaging rotation device, and the unloading comprises, before the removal of the secondary cover, a connection comprising a connection of a power supply, located outside the packaging, to the main connection, and a connection of a motor, located outside the packaging, to the rotation device.

20. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the connection is carried out, in a chamber, by an operator present in the chamber, and the removal of the secondary cover is carried out by a remote control without the presence of an operator in the chamber.

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