Packaging for the transport of radioactive materials, offering improved shock absorption performance in case of a fall

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging (100) for the transport of radioactive elements (200), the packaging comprising a sealed outer packaging body (6), internally delimiting a storage space (17) for housing the radioactive elements, the storage space being defined in part by a cylindrical inner lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6), the latter also comprising, within the storage space (17), a support device (4) for the radioactive elements. According to the invention, the support device (4) comprises a piston-like centering portion (22), an outer cylindrical centering lateral surface (24) of which cooperates with the surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6), the centering portion (22) separating the storage space (17) into a first chamber (17a) and a second chamber (17b) filled with a fluid. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: PACKAGING FOR THE TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS, EXHIBITING PERFORMANCE IMPROVED SHOCK ABSORBING IN CASE OF A FALL technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transport of radioactive elements, and in particular to the management of shocks in the event of a fall of packages transporting these radioactive elements.

[0002] This therefore concerns the transport of radioactive elements falling within class 7, as defined by regulations developed at the international level, under the coordination of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Indeed, when the nature and quantity of the elements to be transported justify it, this Agency recommends that they be packaged in containers with performance adapted to the risks induced by radioactive elements, in order to guarantee protection against radiation, to prevent the dispersion of these elements, to ensure protection against the effects of the heat they release, and to exclude the conditions necessary for a fission chain reaction.

[0003] Preferably, the invention relates to the transport of radioactive elements of the type usually housed in glass ampoules or vials, also called crystals. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0004] From the prior art, it is known to transport radioactive elements within packages. A package is understood to mean an assembly comprising a transport package and the radioactive elements arranged within that package. The package generally includes a sealed outer container, internally enclosing a storage space for the radioactive elements. Within this storage space, the package may also include a support device for the radioactive elements, designed to support and center them within the storage space.

[0005] In certain embodiments, particularly for the transport of radioactive elements packaged in glass ampoules, the support device may take the form of simple packing particles, also known as "packing chips" and "air cushions". In this embodiment, the packing particles are arranged in the storage space defined by the outer, airtight packaging body. in order to fill as much of the space as possible around the light bulbs thus held within the package.

[0006] The cushioning particles are also intended to dampen the movement of radioactive elements within the storage space in the event of a fall. Indeed, during such a fall, the outer body of the packaging is the first to be stressed, due to the impact on the ground or any other external surface against which the package collides. However, a delayed impact is also possible, this time an internal impact of the radioactive elements against the outer body of the packaging. The cushioning particles therefore help to reduce the risks of such a delayed impact and to lessen its consequences should it occur.

[0007] However, the damping performance provided by the packing particles can still be improved. Furthermore, they must be replaced with each new transport, as they are considered nuclear waste after use. Description of the invention

[0008] To resolve at least partially the drawbacks relating to prior art achievements, the invention first of all relates to a packaging for the transport of radioactive elements, the packaging comprising an outer sealed packaging body, internally delimiting a storage space for housing the radioactive elements, the storage space being defined in part by a cylindrical inner lateral surface of the outer packaging body, centered on a longitudinal axis of the packaging, the latter also comprising, in the storage space, a support device for the radioactive elements.

[0009] According to the invention, the support device comprises a piston-forming centering part, the outer cylindrical lateral centering surface of which cooperates with the inner cylindrical lateral surface of the outer packaging body, the centering part separating the storage space into a first chamber and a second chamber filled with a fluid, the packaging being configured so as to allow, through a fluid passage restriction system, an exchange of fluid between the first and second chambers during a movement of the piston-forming centering part, in the storage space.

[0010] The invention is advantageous in that it provides for the implementation of a damping principle by piston displacement, which contrasts drastically with conventional damping solutions of the prior art.

[0011] Indeed, if the packaging is dropped, the radioactive element support device undergoes an acceleration which can cause it to move in the manner of a piston, within the storage space in which it is guided. This movement is made possible by the exchange of fluid between the first and second chambers within the storage space, this exchange occurring via a fluid flow restriction system. As the fluid passes through this system, its movement is impeded, and it is this resistance to the movement of the fluid, preferably air, that produces the damping effect through heating.

[0012] Consequently, in the event of a fall, the movement of the radioactive element support device within the outer packaging can be quickly stopped. This greatly reduces the risk of internal impact of this support device against the outer packaging in which it is housed.

[0013] Damping performance is thus advantageously improved. Moreover, this principle remains simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0014] In addition, the radioactive element support device can be reused for several transports, thus contrasting with prior art packing particles, which need to be replaced at each new transport.

[0015] Among other advantages, the piston-like centering portion not only provides the aforementioned beneficial damping effects, improving transport safety, but also ensures precise radial centering of the radioactive materials to be transported, even in the event of a fall. This feature facilitates the qualification of a package containing such packaging, when this qualification requires demonstrating that the centering of the radioactive materials is maintained, particularly after regulatory tests representative of normal transport conditions. For example, the centering must be maintained so as not to cause an increase of more than 20% in the dose equivalent rate at any point in the package after these regulatory tests.

[0016] Finally, it is noted that the support device, specific to the invention, can easily be adapted to a wide variety of dimensions of radioactive elements, as well as to a wide variety of packaging.

[0017] The invention also preferably has at least one of the following optional features, taken individually or in combination.

[0018] Preferably, the packaging is configured so that in a static vertical position of the packaging, with the longitudinal axis oriented vertically, the support device is held in place inside the storage space relative to the outer body of the packaging, in particular by means of a friction force between the outer cylindrical lateral centering surface of the centering part of the support device, and the inner cylindrical lateral surface of the outer body of the packaging.

[0019] This principle makes it possible to keep the support device in place, more or less centered in the storage space along its longitudinal axis, while preserving Thus, significant volumes are required for each of the first and second chambers. In the event of a drop of the packaging, the internal displacement of this support device, which guarantees the specific damping principle of the invention, can easily occur.

[0020] Preferably, the fluid flow restriction system comprises a fluid flow restriction delimited between the cylindrical outer lateral surface of the centering portion of the support device and the cylindrical inner lateral surface of the outer packaging body. Alternatively or simultaneously, this restriction system may include one or more reduced cross-sectional passages through the centering portion, and more generally through the support device, and / or one or more flexible valves that allow fluid movement between the two chambers with controlled resistance.

[0021] Preferably, the support device is equipped with a plastic deformation shock-absorbing element, this shock-absorbing element being arranged opposite an axial end of the outer packaging body, and preferably having a shape that narrows towards this axial end. This element is therefore capable of providing another type of damping for the internal displacement of the support device when the latter is located near an axial end of the lateral packaging body.

[0022] Preferably, the support device is equipped with a support part for the radioactive elements, this support part preferably having at least one well for housing the radioactive elements, the latter being for example packaged in glass ampoules or vials.

[0023] Preferably, the support part for the radioactive elements comprises several wells, and the shock-absorbing element is arranged between the wells, with reinforcing ribs preferentially connecting the shock-absorbing element to these wells.

[0024] Preferably, the support device is a thermoformed element, and preferably made from a bio-based and / or biodegradable material. This reduces the environmental impact and allows for waste reduction.

[0025] Preferably, the outer packaging body comprises, at its two opposite axial ends, a packaging base, as well as a removable packaging lid.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such packaging for the transport of radioactive elements, comprising a step of manufacturing the support device for the radioactive elements by thermoforming. This technology allows for simple, inexpensive, controlled, and rapid manufacturing.

[0027] Preferably, the thermoforming manufacturing step of the support device is carried out using a mold, formed by the prior assembly of several mold portions, including:

[0028] - a basic portion, preferably itself made up of two sub-portions of base assembled one to the other, the base portion of the mold being intended to form at least partially the centering part forming piston of the support device;

[0029] - one or more well sections, intended to form respectively one or several wells for housing radioactive elements.

[0030] To accentuate the modular nature of the mold, the thermoforming manufacturing step of the support device is carried out using the mold, preferably further formed by the prior assembly of the following mold portions:

[0031] - a portion of a plate, assembled onto the base portion and intended to form a axial surface of the centering portion of the support device, the portion of the plate being provided with one or more openings, each contributing to the retention of a portion of the well; and

[0032] - a damping portion held by the plate portion, and intended to to form a shock-absorbing element by plastic deformation of the support device.

[0033] Finally, the invention relates to a transport package for radioactive elements comprising packaging as described above, as well as radioactive elements loaded into the support device of the packaging.

[0034] Preferably, the package is configured so that, in a static vertical position with the longitudinal axis of the package oriented vertically, the support device loaded with the radioactive elements is held in place within the storage space relative to the outer packaging body, notably by means of friction between the cylindrical outer lateral centering surface of the centering portion of the support device and the cylindrical inner lateral surface of the outer packaging body. This principle, already described above for packaging with the support device in a vacuum, is therefore also sought when the latter is equipped with the radioactive elements to form the package.

[0035] Preferably, the package comprises glass ampoules containing the solid and / or liquid radioactive elements, the ampoules being housed in the packaging support device. Other packaging for the radioactive elements, such as vials, remains possible, however, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0036] Other advantages and features of the invention will appear in the detailed, non-limiting description below. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] This description will be made with reference to the attached drawings, among which;

[0038] [Fig.1] represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a package comprising packaging for the transport of radioactive elements, in a vertical position, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of part of the package shown on the [Fig.l];

[0040] [Fig.3] represents a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of [Fig.1];

[0041] [Fig.4] represents a partial cross-sectional view of the package shown in the figures previous ones, outlining its behavior in case of a fall;

[0042] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view analogous to that of [Fig.1], with the device of support for radioactive elements arranged differently within the outer packaging body;

[0043] [Fig.6] is a perspective view schematically illustrating a manufacturing process by thermoforming of the support device forming an integral part of the package shown in the previous figures;

[0044] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the modular mold used for the production of work of the process shown schematically in [Fig.6];

[0045] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the mold portions constituting the mold represented on [Fig.7];

[0046] [Fig.9] is a top view of a portion of the base of the mold, made by two sub- basic portions assembled together;

[0047] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the modular mold analogous to that of [Fig. 7], according to another embodiment; and

[0048] [Fig. 11] is a side view of certain portions of mold constituting the mold shown in [Fig. 10]. DETAILED EXPLANATION OF PREFERRED METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0049] With reference first to figures 1 to 3, a package 1 for the transport of radioactive elements is shown, comprising a package 100 for the transport of such elements, as well as these same radioactive elements 200 loaded into the package.

[0050] This package 1, also called the loaded package, therefore contains radioactive elements 200 belonging to class 7 as defined by the regulations developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These radioactive elements 200, in solid and / or liquid form, and for example in powder form, are preferably packaged in glass ampoules 2, or vials, also called crystals. By way of example, the mass of the radioactive elements 200 contained in each ampoule 2 can be on the order of 10 to 20 g. As will be detailed below, it should be noted that the glass ampoules 2 are housed in a support device 4 belonging to the packaging 100, and placed inside an outer packaging body 6.

[0051] It is noted that packaging 100 may or may not be an inner packaging as defined by IAEA regulations. Indeed, this packaging may, for example, be placed inside a cardboard box, a plastic crate, or a metal drum to enhance its resistance to mechanical stresses, representative of so-called "normal transport conditions" (which cover, for example, certain potential drops). In this case, the packaging is said to be combined, and it consists of an inner and an outer packaging. It is also possible to use only one packaging, which is called a simple packaging. Packaging 100 according to the invention can therefore be applied to both of these cases.

[0052] The package is shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a vertical position, with a longitudinal axis 8 of the packaging 100 and of the package 1 oriented vertically. In this vertical position, also referred to as the upright position, the longitudinal axis 8 is parallel to a direction of the height 10 of the package, also referred to as the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The outer packaging body 6 comprises an outer side body 12, extending around the axis 8. In addition, at its two opposite axial ends, the outer packaging body 6 includes a packaging base 14, as well as a removable packaging lid 16. In the vertical position, the lid 16 is located at the upper axial end of the body 6, while its base 14, preferably made in one piece with the outer side body 12, is located at the lower axial end of the body 6.

[0054] The outer packaging body 6 is leak-proof, implying the presence of suitable sealing means (not shown) between the outer side body 12 and the removable lid 16, for example, screwed onto the body 12. The elements 12, 14, 16 of the leak-proof outer packaging body 6 are preferably made of thermoplastic (co)polymers and / or elastomers and, specifically, of polymers from the polyethylene family (such as HDPE), polystyrenes, and copolymers comprising styrene repeating units and methane or butadiene repeating units. A particular example is HIPS polystyrene, which is a polystyrene comprising polybutadiene-type grafts.

[0055] The outer packaging body 6 internally delimits a storage space 17 for housing the radioactive elements 200. This storage space 17 is axially delimited by the lid 16 and the base 14, and laterally / radially delimited, with respect to the longitudinal axis 8, by an internal cylindrical lateral surface 20 of the outer lateral body 12. This cylindrical surface 20, preferably with a circular cross-section, is centered on the longitudinal axis 8 of the packaging. However, other cross-sections could be considered for this cylindrical surface 20, i.e., with a guiding curve other than a circle, without departing from the scope of the invention. The surface cylindrical 20 preferably extends all along the outer lateral body 12 along the direction 10, or substantially all along this body 12.

[0056] It is in the storage space 17 that the support device 4 for the radioactive elements 200 is housed, in a manner specific to the present invention.

[0057] Indeed, one of the particularities of the invention lies in the fact that this support device 4 comprises a centering portion 22, which forms a piston within the outer packaging body 6. To this end, the portion 22, centered on the axis 8, comprises an outer cylindrical lateral centering surface 24, which cooperates with the inner cylindrical lateral surface 20 of the outer packaging body 6. These two cylindrical surfaces 20, 24, of complementary shapes, thus allow a sliding, precise fit of the support device 4 in the outer packaging body 6, via its centering portion 22. This separates the storage space 17 into a first chamber 17a on the bottom side 14, and a second chamber 17b on the lid side 16. These two chambers 17a, 17b are filled with the same fluid, preferably air.Furthermore, as will be detailed later, the packaging 100 is configured to allow, through a fluid passage restriction system, an exchange of air between the first and second chambers 17a, 17b, during a movement of the centering part 22 in the storage space 17, in particular following a fall of the package.

[0058] The support device 4 is characterized by being made entirely from a thermoformed element, preferably made from a bio-based and / or biodegradable material. Its centering portion 22 comprises a cylindrical wall forming the cylindrical outer lateral centering surface 24, and a disc-shaped plate 26, orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axis 8, and arranged at an axial end of the cylindrical wall. A radius of connection may be provided between these two elements of the centering portion 22 to facilitate the demolding of the thermoformed part.

[0059] The support device 4 is also equipped with a support portion 28 for the radioactive elements 200, this support portion having several wells 30 for housing the radioactive elements 200. More precisely, here there are three wells 30, arranged at 120° around the axis 8, which project axially towards the bottom 14 from the plate 26. Of course, the arrangement and number of these wells 30 can vary depending on the radioactive elements 200 to be transported. Each of the wells 30 receives a glass ampoule 2 housing these radioactive elements 200, preferably keeping the ampoule away from the bottom of its well. This allows the bottom of the well to form a collection pocket for the radioactive elements in case the ampoule breaks. An absorbent may or may not be placed in this bottom to capture any leakage of liquid.At the opposite end, bulb 2 can protrude axially beyond the inlet of well 30, as shown schematically in figures 1 and 2.

[0060] Within the support portion 28 of the device 4, one or more plastic deformation shock-absorbing elements 32 are also provided. For example, this may be a single shock-absorbing element 32, centered on the axis 8, and extending axially from the plate 26, such that its opposite end is positioned opposite the bottom 14 of the outer packaging body. The shock-absorbing element 32 has a shape that tapers towards the bottom 14, for example, taking on a conical shape. The pointed end of this shock-absorbing element 32 projects axially beyond the bottom of the wells 30, towards the bottom 14 of the outer packaging body 6.

[0061] The support part 28 also includes reinforcing ribs 34 connecting the shock-absorbing element 32 to each of the wells 30. These ribs 34, extending axially, can be doubled due to the folding of the thermoplastic sheet during the production of the support device 4 by thermoforming.

[0062] Figures 1 and 2 show the support device 4, loaded with radioactive elements 200, which is held axially at a distance from both the bottom 14 and the lid 16. The package 1 is configured so that this position of the loaded support device, more or less centered in the storage space 17, is maintained during normal transport conditions, regardless of the package's orientation, and in particular in a static vertical position of the package. Such positioning of the support device 4 is ensured by pressure equalization between the first and second chambers 17a, 17b, as well as by a frictional force between the two fitted surfaces 20, 24. Indeed, in such a static position, the mass of the loaded device 4 is not sufficient to overcome the aforementioned frictional force, combined with the pressure force in the first chamber 17a.In this static position, the air trapped in the first chamber 17a does not reach a sufficiently high pressure to pass through the fluid passage restriction system to reach the second chamber 17b. In this preferred embodiment, this system is formed by a fluid passage restriction 36 delimited between the two fitted surfaces 20, 24; this restriction 36 therefore prevents air from passing between chambers 17a and 17b under the conditions described above. In this sense, the fluid passage restriction system is a semi-sealed, or partially sealed, system, as it can prevent air exchange between the two chambers 17a and 17b under normal transport conditions, while allowing such exchange in the event of a drop of the package.

[0063] Indeed, if the package 1 falls, the support device 4 undergoes acceleration in the storage space 17 after impact. As shown schematically in [Fig. 4], this causes the piston-like centering portion 22 to apply increased pressure in the first chamber 17a, sufficient to break the seal of the fluid passage restriction system. This acceleration is therefore high enough to overcome the aforementioned frictional force and force some of the air out of the The first chamber 17a passes into the second chamber 17b, via the fluid passage restriction 36, the seal of which is temporarily broken. As the air passes through this restriction 36, an annular passage corresponding to a very small gap between surfaces 20 and 24, its movement is impeded. This resistance to air movement produces a damping effect through heating, which is then dissipated in the material of the support device 4. Thus, the internal movement of the support device 4, loaded with radioactive elements 200, can be quickly stopped. For example, in the event of a fall of the package, such as a fall under the conditions described in the regulatory requirements for the transport of radioactive materials, the internal displacement distance of the device 4 within the storage space 17 can be on the order of only a few millimeters, for example, 10 mm.Advantageously, this greatly limits the risks of internal impact of this support device 4 against the base 14 or the lid 16 of the outer packaging body 6. The support device 4 can then stabilize itself again in the outer packaging body 6, by the same physical principle as previously mentioned.

[0064] Preferably, the damping of the movement of the support device 4 is conferred more by the air than by the friction force which remains at the interface between the piston 22 and the body 6.

[0065] By way of example, the air passage restriction system could be supplemented or replaced by other conventional means ensuring the same function, such as one or more flexible valves 33 equipping the piston-forming part 22.

[0066] It is also noted that if the displacement of the loaded support device 4 were more significant, even approaching the bottom 14 of the outer packaging body 6, its damping element 32 could also contribute to damping this displacement. Indeed, upon contacting the bottom 14, this element 32 deforms plastically, thus damping the acceleration of the loaded device 4. This principle of double damping, by air and by plastic deformation, is also encountered when the support device 4 rests on the bottom 14 by means of its damping element 32, under normal transport conditions. Such a situation, in which the support device 4 is intentionally loaded into the bottom of the storage space 17, is shown in [Fig. 5].

[0067] In the preceding text, the principle of cushioning in case of a fall has been described for package 1, with the support device 4 loaded with radioactive elements 200. This same principle is also observed on package 100 with its support device 4 in empty, having a lower mass due to the fact that it is not loaded with radioactive elements 200.

[0068] Furthermore, such a package is also capable of withstanding a fall when the package 100 is in an inverted vertical position, with the centering portion 22 facing downwards. In this case, which may result from incorrect positioning of the package, the centering portion 22 provides protection against impact in the event of a fall onto the lid 16. Consequently, regardless of the package's position, and even in the event of human error, the proper securing of the radioactive elements 200 is ensured, as is impact resistance in the event of a fall.

[0069] With reference now to [Fig.6], the manufacture of the aforementioned support device 4 is schematically represented, which is part of a broader manufacturing process for the packaging 100.

[0070] As mentioned above, the support device 4 is produced by thermoforming, using conventional tooling. To do this, a thermoplastic sheet 40 is fed into a heated thermoforming tool 42, of the press type, on which a modular mold 44 is placed, its shape complementary to that of the desired device 4. The sheet 40 can be made of various materials known for this type of application. The sheet 40 can be taken from a stack of sheets waiting to be produced, or cut from a roll.

[0071] Once the sheet 40 has been pressed onto the mold 44, still in a conventional manner, the thermoformed part 46 is extracted from the tooling 42, then it is cut so as to retain only the thermoformed part, constituting the support device 4.

[0072] As indicated above, the mold 44 is preferably modular, in particular to adapt the widths and depths of the housing wells for the glass bulbs to the requirements.

[0073] Thus, several mold portions are assembled beforehand to form the final mold 44, such as that shown in [Fig. 7]. The mold portions are described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0074] First, a base portion 50 is provided, preferably itself formed by two base sub-portions 50a, 50b, joined to each other at their opposite circumferential ends, as shown in [Fig. 9]. This facilitates demolding of the thermoformed part, especially in the absence of draft angles, which is the preferred embodiment. The base portion 50 is intended to partially form the centering portion 22 that forms the piston, and in particular the cylindrical wall forming the surface 24.

[0075] Several well sections 52 are also planned, each intended to form one of the wells 30 of the support device 4.

[0076] Each portion of the well 52 of the mold 44 comprises a support base 54, with a diameter adapted to be held in a correspondingly shaped orifice 56, provided on the base portion 50 of the mold. From this support base 54, each well portion 52 comprises a molding portion 58, corresponding to the part that will be externally visible on the assembled mold. The dimensions of the molding portions 58 are thus adapted to the dimensions of the wells 30 intended to be molded within the support device 4. These dimensions are thus adapted to the needs of each support device 4, whereas preferably, the dimensions of the support bases 54 remain identical, regardless of the desired well shapes.

[0077] The mold 44 is completed by a plate portion 60, assembled onto the base portion 50, and intended to form an axial surface of the plate 26 of the centering portion 22. The plate portion 60 is provided with several openings 62, each cooperating with the support base 54 of one of the well portions 52, to also contribute to retaining these portions within the modular mold 44. Together, the plate portion 60 and the base portion 50 are intended to form the centering portion 22 of the support device 4.

[0078] Finally, this mold 44 includes a damping portion 64, intended to form the shock-absorbing element 32. Preferably, the conical damping portion 64 is held by the plate portion 62, or made in one piece with it.

[0079] In this embodiment of figures 7 to 9, the three well sections 52 have the same shapes and dimensions, with a view to the creation of three identical wells 30.

[0080] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the molded portions 58 of the three well sections 52 differ in shape and / or dimensions, to form different wells 30, adapted to house bulbs of different types. However, the modular support base 54 of these three well sections 52 remains the same, so as to be able to adapt to the orifices and openings of the base and plate sections 50, 60.

[0081] 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, and whose scope is delimited by the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Packaging (100) for the transport of radioactive elements (200), the packaging comprising a sealed outer packaging body (6), internally delimiting a storage space (17) for housing the radioactive elements, the storage space being defined in part by an inner cylindrical lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6), centered on a longitudinal axis (8) of the packaging, the latter also comprising, in the storage space (17), a support device (4) for the radioactive elements, characterized in that the support device (4) comprises a piston-forming centering portion (22), the outer cylindrical centering lateral surface (24) of which cooperates with the inner cylindrical lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6), the centering portion (22) separating the storage space (17) into a first chamber (17a) and a second chamber (17b) filled with a fluid,the packaging being configured so as to allow, through a fluid passage restriction system (36), a fluid exchange between the first and second chambers (17a, 17b) during a movement of the centering part (22) forming a piston, in the storage space (17).

2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured so that in a static vertical position of the packaging, with the longitudinal axis (8) oriented vertically, the support device (4) is held in place inside the storage space (17) relative to the outer packaging body (6), in particular by means of a frictional force between the outer cylindrical lateral centering surface (24) of the centering part (22) of the support device (4), and the inner cylindrical lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6).

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid passage restriction system comprises a fluid passage restriction (36) delimited between the cylindrical outer lateral centering surface (24) of the centering part (22) of the support device (4), and the cylindrical inner lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6).

4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (4) is equipped with a shock-absorbing element (32) by plastic deformation, this shock-absorbing element being arranged opposite an axial end of the outer packaging body (6), and preferably having a shape which narrows towards this axial end.

5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (4) is equipped with a support portion (28) for the radioactive elements (200), this support portion (28) preferably comprising at least one well (30) for housing the radioactive elements (200).

6. Packaging according to claim 5, characterized in that the support part (28) of the radioactive elements has several wells (30), and in that the shock-absorbing element (32) is arranged between the wells (30), with reinforcing ribs (34) preferentially connecting the shock-absorbing element (32) to these wells (30).

7. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (4) is a thermoformed element, and preferably made from a bio-based and / or biodegradable material.

8. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer packaging body (6) comprises, at its two opposite axial ends, a packaging base (14), as well as a removable packaging lid (16).

9. Method of manufacturing a packaging (100) for the transport of radioactive elements (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of manufacturing the support device (4) for the radioactive elements, by thermoforming.

10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the thermoforming manufacturing step of the support device (4) is carried out from a mold (44), formed by the prior assembly of several mold portions, among which: - a base portion (50), preferably itself made up of two sub-base portions (50a, 50b) assembled together, the base portion (50) of the mold being intended to form at least partially the centering part (22) forming piston of the support device (4); - one or more well portions (52), intended to form respectively one or more wells (30) for housing the radioactive elements (200).

11. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the thermoforming manufacturing step of the support device (4) is carried out from the mold (44), further formed by the prior assembly of the following mold portions: - a plate portion (60), assembled on the base portion (50) and intended to form an axial surface of the centering portion (22) of the support device (4), the plate portion (60) being provided with one or more openings (62), each contributing to the retention of a well portion (52); and - a damping portion (64) retained by the plate portion (60), and intended to form a shock-absorbing element (32) by plastic deformation of the support device (4).

12. Package (1) for transporting radioactive elements comprising a package (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and radioactive elements (200) loaded into the support device (4) of the package.

13. Package according to claim 12, characterized in that it is configured so that in a static vertical position of the package, with the longitudinal axis (8) of the packaging (100) oriented vertically, the support device (4) loaded with the radioactive elements (200) is held in place inside the storage space (17) relative to the outer packaging body (6), in particular by means of a frictional force between the outer cylindrical lateral centering surface (24) of the centering part (22) of the support device (4), and the inner cylindrical lateral surface (20) of the outer packaging body (6).

14. Package according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises glass ampoules (2) containing the radioactive elements (200), solid and / or liquid, the ampoules (2) being housed in the support device (4) of the packaging (100).

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