Packaging for the storage of radioactive materials, featuring an improved design for temperature monitoring of a seal associated with the packaging lid.

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) for the storage of radioactive materials, comprising a container body (8) defining a containment enclosure (10) and including a side container body (14), a base (16), and a lid (18) comprising a lid body (18a). The container includes a sealing gasket (22a, 22b) constrained between a first surface (S1) of the lid body (18a) and a second surface (S2) of an element (18b, 24) adjacent to the lid body (18a). The container includes a temperature sensor (30) for determining the temperature of the gasket, the sensor being mounted on a third or fourth external surface (S3, S4) of the container body (8), the third surface (S3) being an external surface of the lid (18), and the fourth surface (S4) being an external surface of the axial end portion (24). Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: PACKAGING FOR THE STORAGE OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS, FEATURING AN IMPROVED DESIGN FOR TRACKING THE TEMPERATURE OF A SEAL ASSOCIATED WITH THE PACKAGING LID technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging for the storage of radioactive materials. It relates more particularly to the problem of the long-term durability of the seals ensuring the airtightness of this packaging.

[0002] Radioactive materials intended to be stored in the packaging according to the invention are, for example, spent fuel assemblies, or any other radioactive material releasing residual thermal power. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Packaging for the storage of radioactive materials conventionally comprises a packaging body that internally defines a containment enclosure in which the radioactive materials are housed. The packaging body has various components, such as a side packaging body, a base, and a removable lid mounted on this side body.

[0004] To meet regulatory safety requirements, the containment enclosure must remain leak-proof throughout the storage period. To achieve this, one or more seals are generally fitted to the packaging, in particular between the lid and the side body of the packaging, or between different components of the lid.

[0005] These seals, usually metallic, are exposed to high temperatures of around 100°C, resulting from the heat released by the radioactive materials stored within the containment structure of the packaging. These seals, located in an internal area of ​​the packaging, are thus subject to thermal aging effects which, in particular, reduce the minimum compression ratio of the seals required to guarantee the level of sealing necessary for safety demonstrations.

[0006] To meet the aforementioned requirements, during the packaging design phase, safety studies are conducted to evaluate the temperature of the seals and demonstrate that their minimum compression ratio after aging remains above an permissible value defined in the safety demonstrations. These studies lead to to determine a theoretical lifespan for each seal in the packaging, this being dependent on the packaging's temperature profile and the duration of the seal's use during packaging operations when it is loaded with its radioactive contents. However, the conservative assumptions used in these studies mean that the actual lifespan of the seals is often longer than their theoretical lifespan derived from these studies.

[0007] However, the prior art has not yet provided any realistic and effective solution for fully exploiting these available margins. For example, the installation of a temperature sensor on the seal itself, or near the seal within the containment structure, has been considered. However, this solution remains problematic since the sensor must not compromise the containment function of the radioactive material, which could nevertheless be affected by the necessary passage of an instrumentation cable through the packaging. Furthermore, in the event of a sensor failure, its replacement would require opening the containment structure and unloading the radioactive material, which are very complex, time-consuming, and costly operations. These constraints remain too significant to consider implementing this solution.

[0008] Consequently, there remains a need to identify a reliable, simple, and inexpensive technical solution that could potentially extend the lifespan of a packaging seal beyond its theoretical lifespan. Since replacing such seals is a technically complex, costly, and time-consuming operation, extending the lifespan of a seal would consequently increase the storage time of radioactive materials without requiring seal replacement. Description of the invention

[0009] To meet this need, the invention first relates to a packaging for the storage of radioactive materials, the packaging comprising a packaging body defining a containment enclosure for the radioactive materials, the packaging body having a lateral packaging body extending around a longitudinal axis of the packaging, as well as a bottom and a removable lid spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis, the removable lid comprising a lid body fixed on an annular axial end portion of the lateral packaging body, the packaging comprising a sealing joint constrained between a first and a second facing surface belonging to the packaging body, the first surface being a surface of the lid body, and the second surface being a surface of an element of the packaging adjacent to the lid body.

[0010] According to the invention, the packaging also includes a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of said sealing gasket, the sensor being mounted on a third or fourth external surface of the packaging body, the third surface being an external surface of the lid, and the fourth surface being an external surface of the annular axial end portion of the lateral packaging body.

[0011] Numerical studies carried out by the inventors have indeed shown that the temperature of such a seal can be evaluated with low uncertainty from outside the packaging by measuring the temperature of the lid or the annular axial end portion of the side of the packaging. For example, numerical calculations have demonstrated a difference of only about 2 to 3°C between the actual temperature of a point of interest on the seal and a measurement point on one of the third and fourth surfaces mentioned above, outside the packaging.

[0012] The ability to determine, during storage, the actual temperature experienced by the sealing gasket from outside the packaging body reduces the conservatism of prior art theoretical studies. Therefore, the invention provides a simple, proven, inexpensive, and non-dosing solution that potentially extends the lifespan of the sealing gasket by monitoring its temperature during storage.

[0013] The invention also preferably has at least one of the following optional features, taken individually or in combination.

[0014] Preferably, at least a part of the sensor is arranged in a space internally delimited by a fictitious conical surface of revolution, having the following characteristics:

[0015] - a vertex corresponding to a point on the joint, where it is desired to measure the temperature ;

[0016] - an axis of revolution parallel to a radial direction or to a direction longitudinal of the packaging; and

[0017] - an angle A, defined between the axis of revolution and a generatrix of the fictitious surface conical, less than or equal to 70°.

[0018] With this arrangement, the determination of the temperature of the seal, from outside the packaging body, proves to be advantageously even more reliable.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor is arranged axially beyond the containment chamber, in the direction of the lid. This particular arrangement also improves the reliability of the measurement, in that it reduces calculation uncertainties. Indeed, beyond the containment chamber, the local temperature of the sensor is less dependent on the potential heterogeneity of the thermal load, and the The correction to be made to the external measurement is less sensitive to the thermal power profile of the content formed by radioactive materials.

[0020] Alternatively, the temperature sensor is a non-contact sensor, for example taking the form of an infrared temperature sensor.

[0021] Preferably, the sensor is connected to an automatic temperature recording device. Preferably, the packaging element adjacent to the lid body is the annular axial end portion of the side packaging body.

[0022] In this configuration, the annular axial end portion of the packaging side body preferably defines an axial recess for housing at least part of the lid body, and the first and second opposing surfaces are respectively an internal surface of the lid body and a bottom axial surface of the recess. A similar solution remains possible by placing the seal between radially opposing surfaces provided on these two elements, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] According to another possibility, the packaging element adjacent to the lid body is an element of the lid, corresponding to a sealing plug for a passage orifice through the lid body, for example a drainage orifice, and the first and second facing surfaces are respectively an external surface of the lid body, and an internal surface of the sealing plug.

[0024] In this case, the external surface of the lid body preferably has an axial recess for housing at least part of the sealing plug, and the first surface is the axial bottom surface of the recess.

[0025] Finally, the packaging preferably includes a protective cover in case of an air accident, the cover covering at least in part, axially and radially, the annular axial end portion of the lateral body of the packaging.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for determining the temperature of the sealing gasket in such packaging, comprising the following steps:

[0027] - measurement of a reference temperature using the temperature sensor;

[0028] - application of a correction to the reference temperature, in order to determine a joint temperature.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the temperature of the sealing gasket in such packaging, preferably during a period of storage of this packaging, the monitoring method being carried out by a reiterative implementation of the method for determining the temperature of the sealing gasket as presented above.

[0030] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the detailed, non-limiting description below. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] This description will be made with reference to the attached drawings, among which;

[0032] [Fig-1] represents a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a package for the storage of radioactive materials, in a vertical position, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] represents an enlarged view of part of the packaging shown in [Fig.1]

[0034] [Fig.3] is an enlarged schematic view of a part of that of the previous figure, showing more particularly a temperature sensor;

[0035] [Fig.4] is a view similar to the previous one, showing an alternative embodiment;

[0036] [Fig.5] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.2], according to an alternative embodiment;

[0037] [Fig.6] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.2], with the packaging presented in the form of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0038] [Fig.7] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.2], according to an alternative embodiment;

[0039] [Fig.8] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.2], with the packaging presented in the form of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.9] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.8], according to an alternative embodiment;

[0041] [Fig. 10] represents a view similar to that of [Fig.8], according to another alternative embodiment;

[0042] [Fig. 11] represents a schematic view of the packaging, presented in the form of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] [Fig. 12] is a schematic view representing steps of a process for monitoring the temperature of a sealing gasket in the packaging shown in the preceding figures. DETAILED EXPLANATION OF PREFERRED METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0044] With reference first to [Fig. 1], a container for the storage of radioactive materials, such as spent fuel assemblies, is shown. The container 1, shown in its vertical storage position in [Fig. 1], has a longitudinal axis 2 centered on the container and parallel to a longitudinal direction 4, also called the height direction or axial direction. The container also has a radial direction 6, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 4.

[0045] The packaging 1 comprises a packaging body 8, which defines a containment enclosure 10 for the radioactive materials 12, namely a sealed enclosure. The The packaging body 8 comprises a lateral packaging body 14, extending around the longitudinal axis. Its cross-section is, for example, circular, but it can alternatively be polygonal, for example hexagonal.

[0046] The packaging body 8 also includes a base 16 and a removable lid 18 spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 2. This lid 18 contributes to the delimitation of the containment enclosure 10, cooperating with a sealing gasket, as will be described below. In a known manner, a secondary lid may be added adjacent to the lid 18, this secondary lid preferably not contributing to the delimitation of the containment enclosure.

[0047] The cover 18 can be made of a single piece or of a multi-component design. In the first preferred embodiment of the invention, which is shown in [Fig. 1], the removable cover 18 comprises a cover body 18a, forming the vast majority of the cover. The latter also includes a plug 18b for a through-hole 20 through the cover body 18a, opening into the containment chamber 10. This is preferably a through-hole 20 for draining the containment chamber, used in particular after underwater loading of radioactive materials 12.

[0048] Apart from these drainage operations during which the passage 20 is traversed by a drainage tube from the enclosure 10, this passage is sealed by the sealing plug 18b, which ensures the seal of the orifice. In this sense, the plug 18b contributes to the delimitation of the containment enclosure 10, and therefore belongs to the packaging body 8. To meet safety requirements, a sealing gasket 22a is axially constrained between the plug 18b and the lid body 18a. Fasteners 27, shown only schematically in [Fig. 1] and corresponding, for example, to screws and / or bolts, allow the plug 18b to be assembled onto the lid body, and the desired force to be applied to the sealing gasket 22a.

[0049] The sealing gasket 22a, which is annular in shape and preferably eccentric with respect to the axis 2, is preferably metallic, for example of circular cross-section.

[0050] In addition, also for the purpose of meeting regulatory safety requirements, a sealing gasket 22b is axially constrained between the lid body 18a and an annular axial end portion 24 of the side packaging body 14. To apply the force required to obtain the correct level of compression of the gasket, the lid body 18a is removably fixed to the aforementioned annular axial end portion 24, for example using fasteners, preferably of the type screws and / or bolts 26 shown only schematically in [Fig. 1].

[0051] Alternatively, the lid body 18a can be indirectly fixed to the side body of the packaging. In this particular case, the fastening elements allow a flange to be fixed to the annular axial end portion 24 of the side packaging body 14, which then rests against the lid body 18a, in order to ensure that it remains in position on the side packaging body.

[0052] The sealing gasket 22b, which is annular in shape and centered on axis 2, is also preferably metallic, for example with a circular cross-section.

[0053] The components of the packaging body 8, such as the lid body 18a, are preferably made of steel, and more particularly of forged steel for the assembly formed by the base 16 and the side packaging body 14.

[0054] In addition, shock-absorbing covers 28 can cover the opposite annular axial end portions of the lateral body 14, as shown in [Fig. 1]. This coverage by each shock-absorbing cover 28, partial or total, is both axial and radial. These are preferably protective covers in the event of an aircraft accident.

[0055] The particularity of the invention lies in the fact of providing a sealing joint 22a, 22b constrained between a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 in relation belonging to the packaging body 8, the first surface SI being a surface of the lid body 18a, and the second surface S2 being a surface of an element of the packaging 18b, 24 adjacent to the lid body 18a. In addition, a temperature sensor 30 is used to determine the temperature of the sealing gasket 22a, 22b, this sensor being mounted on a third surface S3, or on a fourth external surface S4 of the packaging body 8. The third surface S3 is an external surface of the lid 18, and the fourth surface S4 is an external surface of the annular axial end portion 24 of the side packaging body 14. As an example, several sensors can be placed around the periphery to manage circumferential thermal gradients, for example every 90°.

[0056] In the first preferred embodiment of [Fig. 1], shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 4, it is the temperature of the seal 22b that is monitored / determined using the sensor 30. The aforementioned packaging element, adjacent to the lid body 18a, corresponds here to the annular axial end portion 24 of the side packaging body 14. This end portion 24 defines an axial recess 32 for housing, at least in part, the lid body 18a. Thus, the first surface S1 corresponds here to an internal surface of the lid body 18a, oriented towards the bottom 16 and the containment chamber 10, while the second surface S2, which is axially opposite it, corresponds to a bottom axial surface of the recess 32.

[0057] In this first preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 is fixed externally to the packaging body 8, and more specifically to the fourth surface S4 corresponds to the external surface, oriented radially outwards, of the annular axial end portion 24 of the lateral packaging body 14. Preferably, the sensor 30 is arranged lower than the upper shock-absorbing cover 28, so as not to be covered by the latter, although such an arrangement remains conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] In order to obtain increased reliability for determining the temperature of the seal 22b, using the sensor 30 arranged externally to the body 8, it is preferably arranged that at least a part of this sensor 30 is located in a space 34 delimited internally by a fictitious conical surface of revolution 36, shown in [Fig. 2]. This feature reflects the fact that the sensor 30 is located directly or substantially directly above the seal 22b, in the radial direction 6. Indeed, this fictitious conical surface 36 has an apex corresponding to a point 38 of the seal 22b, preferably its center in the longitudinal half-section of the packaging passing through the sensor 30, as shown in [Fig. 2].Furthermore, its axis of revolution 40 is parallel to the radial direction 6 of the packaging, while an angle A defined between the axis of revolution 40, and a generatrix 42 of the fictitious conical surface 36, remains less than or equal to 70°.

[0059] To further enhance the reliability of the temperature determination of the seal 30, at least a part of the sensor 30 is traversed by a fictitious axis passing through a point of the seal, and parallel to the radial direction 6. Typically, this fictitious axis corresponds to the aforementioned axis of revolution 40, passing through the center of the seal 22b in half-section.

[0060] In these cases, the small radial distance between the seal 22b and the sensor 30, as well as the material continuity within the annular axial end portion 24 of the lateral packaging body 14, combined with the good conductivity of the steel forming this portion, makes it possible to significantly limit the uncertainties in determining the seal temperature. Indeed, numerical calculations have demonstrated the existence of a small difference of approximately 2 to 3°C between the actual temperature of a point of interest on the sealing gasket 22b and the measurement point on the fourth surface S4 of the packaging body 8.

[0061] To further facilitate the correlation between these two temperatures, namely that measured at the surface S4 with the sensor 30, and that of the seal 22b to be determined, this sensor 30 is preferably arranged axially beyond the containment enclosure 10, in the direction of the cover 18. In this position, the local temperature of the sensor 30 is less subject to the potential heterogeneity of the thermal loading, and the correction to be applied to the external measurement by the sensor is less sensitive to the thermal power profile of the radioactive materials 12.

[0062] In this regard, it is noted that the invention can be implemented using a single sensor 30, or using several identical or similar sensors to the one described above. In the latter case, the sensors are preferably spaced circumferentially from one another, and also preferably all traversed by a fictitious plane, corresponding to a plane of the sealing gasket 22b.

[0063] The multiplicity of sensors allows for obtaining more precise data on the temperature of the seal to be determined, in particular because several angular sectors of this seal are temperature probed, always from outside the lateral body of packaging 14.

[0064] With reference to [Fig. 3], the temperature sensor 30 is preferably mounted magnetically on the fourth surface S4. To this end, it comprises a housing 44 equipped, on one of its open faces, with a permanent magnet 46 that contacts the fourth surface S4. Furthermore, inside the housing, the sensor 30 includes a sensitive element 48 that is forced into contact with the fourth surface S4 by a return spring 50 housed inside this housing 44.

[0065] According to an alternative shown in [Fig. 4], the temperature sensor 30 is a non-contact sensor, for example in the form of an infrared temperature sensor, equipped with a transmitter 52 and a receiver 54 held at a distance from the fourth surface S4, on which the temperature is measured. Alternatively, as a temperature sensor, a non-contact infrared thermometer could be used to remotely measure the temperature of a point of interest on the surface S4.

[0066] Figure 5 represents an alternative to the first preferred embodiment, in in which the sealing gasket 22b remains clamped between the same surfaces SI and S2 as before. Only the position of the temperature sensor 30 changes; it is mounted on the third surface S3, corresponding here to an external surface of the lid body 18a, oriented axially in the opposite direction to that of the containment chamber 10.

[0067] To further enhance the reliability of determining the temperature of the seal 22b using the sensor 30 arranged externally on the cover 18, it is preferably arranged so that at least a portion of this sensor 30 is located within a space 134 delimited internally by a fictitious conical surface of revolution 136, shown in [Fig. 5]. This feature reflects the fact that the sensor 30 is located directly or substantially directly above the seal 22b, in the axial direction 4. Indeed, this fictitious conical surface 136 has an apex corresponding to a point 138 of the seal 22b, preferably its center in the longitudinal half-section of the packaging passing through the sensor 30, as shown in [Fig. 5]. Furthermore, its axis of revolution 140 is parallel to the direction axial 4 of the packaging, while an angle A' defined between the axis of revolution 140, and a generatrix 142 of the fictitious conical surface 136, remains less than or equal to 70°.

[0068] To further enhance the reliability of the temperature determination of the seal 30, at least a part of the sensor 30 is crossed by a fictitious axis passing through a point of the seal, and parallel to the axial direction 4. Typically, this fictitious axis corresponds to the aforementioned axis of revolution 140, passing through the center of the seal 22b in half-section.

[0069] In these scenarios, the small axial distance between the seal 22b and the sensor 30, as well as the material continuity within the cover body 18a, combined with the good conductivity of the steel forming this body, significantly reduces uncertainties in determining the seal temperature. Indeed, numerical simulations have also demonstrated a small difference between the actual temperature of a point of interest on the sealing gasket 22b and the measurement point on the third surface S3 of the cover body 18a.

[0070] Fig. 6 represents a second preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the sealing gasket 22b is arranged radially between the first surface SI, corresponding here to a circumferential surface of the cover body 18a oriented radially outwards, and the second surface S2, corresponding here to an inner lateral surface of the recess 32 in the axial end portion 24. The surface S2 is oriented radially inwards.

[0071] In this second preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 is also fixed externally on the packaging body 8, and more specifically on the fourth surface S4 corresponding to the external surface, oriented radially outwards, of the annular axial end portion 24 of the side packaging body 14. Preferably, the sensor 30 is arranged directly or substantially directly opposite the seal 22b in the radial direction 6, in a manner identical or analogous to that shown with reference to [Fig.2].

[0072] According to the alternative of [Fig.7], only the position of the temperature sensor 30 changes, which is mounted on the third surface S3, corresponding here to the external surface of the cover body 18a, oriented axially in a direction opposite to that of the containment enclosure 10. Here again, preferably, the sensor 30 is arranged at the right or substantially at the right of the seal 22b in the axial direction 4, in a manner identical or analogous to that shown with reference to [Fig.5].

[0073] Figure 8 represents a third preferred embodiment of the invention, similar to the first preferred embodiment. The only change is the absence of the axial recess on the annular axial end portion 24 of the lateral packaging body 14.

[0074] On the alternative of [Fig.9], the only change is that the sensor is mounted on the third surface S3 which here corresponds to the circumferential surface of the lid body 18a, oriented radially outwards and which is no longer radially covered by the axial end portion 24 of the lateral packaging body 14.

[0075] On the other alternative of [Fig.10], the design is analogous to that of figures 5 and 7, with the temperature sensor 30 mounted on the third surface S3, corresponding here to the external surface of the lid body 18a, oriented axially in a direction opposite to that of the containment enclosure 10.

[0076] The [Fig. 11] represents a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the temperature is determined for the sealing gasket 22a of the [Fig. 1], axially constrained between the plug 18b of the cover 18a, and the cover body 18a.

[0077] The packaging element adjacent to the lid body 18a, in the sense previously indicated, is therefore the plug 18b for sealing the passage orifice 20, made through the lid body 18a.

[0078] It is noted that the external surface of the lid body 18a has an axial recess 58, for housing at least in part the sealing plug 18b, belonging to the lid 18.

[0079] In this fourth preferred embodiment, the first surface SI corresponds to an axial bottom surface of the recess 58, while the second surface S2, which is axially opposite it, corresponds to an internal surface of the sealing plug 18b, oriented axially towards the containment enclosure.

[0080] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 30 is mounted on the third surface S3, which here corresponds to an external surface of the sealing plug 18b, oriented axially opposite the containment chamber. The sensor 30 is also located directly above or substantially directly above the seal 22a, in the axial direction 4, in the aforementioned sense.

[0081] With the packaging design described above, the invention allows the implementation of a method for determining the temperature of any one of the two sealing joints 22a, 22b, or both, during the storage of radioactive materials, using the temperature sensor 30 arranged externally to the packaging body 8.

[0082] With reference to [Fig. 12] schematically illustrating the sequence of this process, a first step A1 consists of measuring a reference temperature using the temperature sensor 30 located near the seal 22a, 22b, external to the packaging body 8. Next, a step A2 consists of applying a correction to the reference temperature in order to determine a temperature for the seal 22a, 22b. This correction is previously determined by numerical simulations, which allow to determine the temperature difference between a point of interest on the seal and the point on the packaging body where the temperature is measured by sensor 30. This correction can depend on a large number of parameters, such as the precise geometry and materials of the components of the packaging body 8, or the thermal power profile of the contents. It can take the form of a temperature difference value to be added to the measured value, or it can result from the application of a more complex, predefined mathematical formula.

[0083] At step A3, the determined temperature of the seal can be stored and / or analyzed, in particular to assess the aging state of the seal in light of the storage time already endured. By thus exploiting the actual available margins of the seal's durability over time, through the measurement of an external temperature closely correlated with the actual temperature of the seal, the storage time of radioactive materials can advantageously be increased. For example, a gain of about ten degrees in the seal temperature can lead to an increase in storage time of several years, or even several decades.

[0084] To monitor the temperature of the sealing gasket 22a, 22b during the storage period of the packaging, the determination method just described can be repeated.

[0085] In this regard, it is noted that once loaded and positioned vertically in a stable environment such as a storage hall, the packaging adopts a steady-state thermal state that evolves very slowly, following the gradual reduction of the residual power of the radioactive materials. Due to this slow evolution, the measurement, even carried out on the outer surface at a distance from the seal, makes it possible to reliably and effectively monitor the temperature evolution of this seal.

[0086] Of course, various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art to the invention just described, solely by way of non-limiting examples. In particular, the characteristics of the different preferred embodiments described above, and of their alternatives, can be combined.

Claims

Demands

1. Packaging (1) for the storage of radioactive materials (12), the packaging comprising a packaging body (8) defining a containment enclosure (10) for the radioactive materials, the packaging body having a side packaging body (14) extending around a longitudinal axis (2) of the packaging, and a base (16) and a removable lid (18) spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (2), the removable lid comprising a lid body (18a) fixed to an annular axial end portion (24) of the side packaging body (14), the packaging comprising a sealing gasket (22a, 22b) constrained between a first and a second facing surface (S1, S2) belonging to the packaging body (8), the first surface (S1) being a surface of the lid body (18a), and the second surface (S2) being a surface of an element of the packaging (18b, 24) adjacent to the lid body (18a),characterized in that the packaging also comprises a temperature sensor (30) for determining the temperature of said sealing gasket (22a, 22b), the sensor being mounted on a third or fourth external surface (S3, S4) of the packaging body (8), the third surface (S3) being an external surface of the lid (18), and the fourth surface (S4) being an external surface of the annular axial end portion (24) of the side packaging body (14).

2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the sensor (30) is arranged in a space (34, 134) internally delimited by a fictitious conical surface of revolution (36, 136), having the following characteristics: - a vertex (38, 138) corresponding to a point of the joint; - an axis of revolution (40, 140) parallel to a radial direction (6) or to a longitudinal direction (4) of the packaging; and - an angle (A, A'), defined between the axis of revolution (40, 140) and a generatrix (42, 142) of the fictitious conical surface (36, 136), less than or equal to 70°.

3. 3. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (30) is arranged axially beyond the containment enclosure (10), in the direction of the lid.

4. 4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature sensor (30) is a non-contact sensor, for example taking the form of an infrared temperature sensor.

5. 5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said packaging element adjacent to the lid body (18a) is the annular axial end portion (24) of the side packaging body (14).

6. Packaging according to claim 5, characterized in that the annular axial end portion (24) of the side packaging body (14) defines an axial recess (32) for housing at least part of the lid body (18a), and in that the first and second facing surfaces (SI, S2) are respectively an internal surface of the lid body (18a), and a bottom axial surface of the recess (32).

7. 7. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said packaging element adjacent to the lid body (18a) is an element of the lid, corresponding to a plug (18b) for sealing a passage orifice (20) through the lid body (18a), for example a drainage orifice, and in that the first and second facing surfaces (SI, S2) are respectively an external surface of the lid body (18a), and an internal surface of the sealing plug (18b).

8. 8. Packaging according to claim 7, characterized in that the external surface of the lid body has an axial recess (58) for housing at least in part the sealing plug (18b), and in that the first surface (SI) is the axial bottom surface of the recess (58).

9. 9. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a protective cover (28) against an air accident, the cover covering at least in part, axially and radially, the annular axial end portion (24) of the lateral body of packaging (14).

10. 10. A method for determining the temperature of the sealing gasket (22a, 22b) in a package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - measurement of a reference temperature using the temperature sensor (30); - application of a correction to the reference temperature, in order to determine a seal temperature.

11. 11. Method for monitoring the temperature of the sealing gasket (22a, 22b) in a package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, preferably during a storage period of this package, the monitoring method being carried out by a reiterative implementation of the method for determining the temperature of the sealing gasket according to claim 10.

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