Package for packaging and transport of radioactive waste

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package for packaging and transport of low specific activity (LSA) radioactive waste, made of linear polyethylene suitable for the physical, chemical, biological and radiological characteristics of this type of radioactive waste and comprising a base (1) and a lid (2), both substantially rectangular in shape, with a pressure closure system that ensures the package is leak-proof during packaging and transport of the radioactive waste.

Description

[0001] "PACKAGING FOR THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE"

[0002]

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging for the containment and transport of low specific activity (LSA) radioactive waste, manufactured from linear polyethylene suitable for the physical, chemical, biological and radiological characteristics of this type of material, comprising a base and a lid, both substantially rectangular in shape, with a pressure-closing system that ensures the airtightness of the packaging during the containment and transport of the radioactive waste.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0002] There is a wide variety of packaging / containers for the storage and transport of radioactive materials, each designed according to the type and activity of the contents, with low specific intensity (LSI) radioactive waste being classified as radioactive materials that have limited specific activity, yet they still require special care in handling, storage and transport.

[0005]

[0003] In the vast majority of cases, the packaging and transport of radioactive waste is carried out in metal drums, containers and / or over packaging (spill drums), which must be configured to have good mechanical resistance to withstand impacts, and also be leak-proof, in order to prevent the material from leaking into the environment.

[0006]

[0004] Various types of packaging / containers in general, manufactured from various materials, are known in the state of the art, aimed at safely containing radioactive materials during transport and storage operations, so as not to cause damage to the environment.

[0007]

[0005] US patent document 20240249854 discloses an assembly comprising a package for transporting and / or storing radioactive materials, as well as a removable handling structure designed to be removablely coupled to the first axial end of a lateral package body, the handling structure comprising a support device as well as at least two separate package handling members. The first end includes one or more axial retention elements of the handling structure, while the handling structure includes at least one gripping device comprising an axial coupling member to the first axial end. Furthermore, in the coupled configuration of the handling structure, each axial coupling member is in contact with, or axially facing, an axial stopping surface of the axial retention element.

[0006] Document JP2017142263 refers to a method and a cylindrical container for storing radioactive contaminant comprising a bottom made of a porous molded concrete body that includes reinforcing fiber and air bubbles in a dispersed state and has a specific gravity, wherein the radioactive contaminant is stored directly or in a state accommodated in a flexible container bag without using a metal drum. The container is closed by a lid member made of a porous molded concrete body, wherein the radioactive contaminant is stored statically in an intermediate storage location.

[0008]

[0007] Document CN203673838 discloses a special radioactive waste storage drum for the nuclear industry comprising a metal drum threaded into a sealed drum lid, wherein the metal drum is divided into a first area and a second area from top to bottom, the first area being a first sealing area, and the second area comprising a storage chamber and a second sealing area, wherein the storage chamber and the second sealing area are connected to the metal lid by means of high-strength bolts. A threaded lifting ring hole is formed on the main surface of the sealed drum lid, and radiation shields are arranged on the metal drum and the sealed drum lid.

[0008] The packaging / containers described in the documents above have constructive characteristics that differ fundamentally from the packaging of the present invention, and they also lack means to facilitate the movement of the packaging / containers by forklifts to the storage and transport location. Additionally, these packaging / containers do not allow for safe stacking in storage and transport locations.

[0009]

[0009] A simplified summary of the embodiments described in the present invention will be presented below, which is not an extensive overview of all embodiments contemplated herein. It is not intended to identify fundamental or critical elements, nor to delineate the scope of such embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the embodiments described in simplified form, as an introduction to the more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0010] The present invention relates to packaging for the containment and transport of low specific activity (LSA) radioactive waste, manufactured from linear polyethylene suitable for the physical, chemical, biological and radiological characteristics of this type of material, comprising a base and a lid, both substantially rectangular in shape, with a pressure-closing system, and also providing a removable tray located on the inside of the bottom of the base, which allows for proper cleaning of the packaging.

[0012]

[0011] One of the objectives of the invention is to provide packaging for accommodating and transporting radioactive waste with good mechanical resistance and sealing, which guarantees the integrity of the cargo and prevents any type of leakage into the environment.

[0013]

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to facilitate the movement of the packaging by forklifts to the storage and transport location, increasing the number of palletized packages, while ensuring safety in stacking.

[0014]

[0013] Another objective is to provide packaging that optimizes the use of space intended for the storage and transport of packages, reducing freight costs.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016]

[0014] The characteristics, nature and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when read in conjunction with the drawings, in which the same references refer to the same elements, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 - Perspective view of the open packaging for the storage and transport of radioactive waste, the subject of the present invention; Figure 2 - Perspective view of the closed packaging for the storage and transport of radioactive waste, the subject of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 - Front view of the closed packaging for the storage and transport of radioactive waste, the subject of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 - Side view in section of the closed packaging for the storage and transport of radioactive waste, object of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 - Cross-sectional view illustrating a container with several packages for the storage and transport of radioactive waste stored inside;

[0021] Figure 6 - Cross-sectional view illustrating a storage facility with various containers for the packaging and transport of radioactive waste stored inside.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023]

[0015] In accordance with what is illustrated in the attached figures, the PACKAGING FOR THE CONDITIONING AND TRANSPORT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE manufactured in linear polyethylene, comprises a base (1) and a lid (2), both in rectangular shape, with a pressure closure system. Preferably the packaging has a height of 0.90 cm, a length of 1.040 cm and a width of 0.725 cm.

[0016] The base (1) comprises longer sides (8), shorter sides (9), and a bottom (10), whose walls form an internal compartment preferably 0.70 cm high, with structural columns (11) provided at the vertices of the longer and shorter sides (8, 9), respectively.The walls of the longer sides (8) have a thickness that varies from 0.45 cm to 0.55 cm, preferably 0.50 cm, the walls of the shorter sides (9) have a thickness that varies from 0.35 cm to 0.45 cm, preferably 0.40 cm, and the thickness of the bottom (10) varies from 0.15 cm to 0.25 cm, preferably 0.20 cm.

[0024]

[0017] The base ( 1 ) also consists of feet ( 5 ) between which openings ( 5 ' ) are provided, in addition to a removable tray ( 7 ) located on the inside of the bottom ( 10 ), and a pressure latch ( 3 ) located on the upper outside of the front wall on the larger side ( 8 ), it being possible to install a seal ( 4 ) on the pressure latch ( 3 ), after closing the base ( 1 ) by the lid ( 2 ).

[0025]

[0018] The pressure latch (3) is equipped with a pressure spring (not shown) and consists of an inverted "U" shaped horizontal support bar (3') coupled to a movable inclined rod (3'') that projects above the height limit of the base (1). Thus, when the lid (2) is lowered, the movable inclined rod (3'') is pressed down against the horizontal support bar (3'), providing a perfect closure and seal for the packaging.

[0026]

[0019] The lid (2) has on its outer surface, slightly recessed areas (6) sized to align with the feet (5) of the base (1), when the packages are stacked, and a nitrile rubber strip (22) is provided on the inner perimeter of the lid (2) to provide adequate sealing of the package.

[0027]

[0020] The openings (5') provided between the feet (5) of the base (1) have the function of allowing the forks of a forklift to be inserted for moving and transporting the packages in a warehouse, facilitating palletization.

[0028]

[0021] The structural columns ( 11 ) provide greater rigidity, increasing mechanical resistance to deformation, allowing the stacking of packages to be done safely and stably, in addition to contributing to optimization in terms of space occupation and weight distribution during storage and transport.

[0029]

[0022] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the packaging according to the present invention is dimensioned to allow balanced stacking, generating maximum space utilization inside transport units and storage areas.

[0023] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the preceding description. These modifications should be considered as included within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the particular embodiments described in detail above are only illustrative and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which should be given the full extent of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 - Packaging for the containment and transport of radioactive waste consisting of a base (1) and a lid (2), both rectangular in shape, the base (1) comprising longer sides (8), shorter sides (9), and a bottom (10), whose walls form an internal compartment, in addition to the packaging having feet (5), characterized by being manufactured from linear polyethylene, and the base (1) additionally comprises structural columns (11) at the vertices of the longer and shorter sides (8, 9), openings (5') arranged between the feet (5), a removable tray (7) arranged on the inside of the bottom (10), and a pressure latch (3) arranged on the upper outside of the front wall of the longer side (8), and the cover (2) comprises recessed areas (6) on its outer surface, and a nitrile rubber strip (22) arranged on the inner perimeter. 2 - Packaging for the containment and transport of radioactive waste, according to claim 1, characterized in that the walls of the longer sides (8) have a thickness of 0.45 cm to 0.55 cm, preferably 0.50 cm, the walls of the shorter sides (9) have a thickness of 0.35 cm to 0.45 cm, preferably 0.40 cm, and the thickness of the bottom (10) is 0.15 cm to 0.25 cm, preferably 0.20 cm. 3 - Packaging for the containment and transport of radioactive waste, according to claim 1, characterized in that the snap-fit ​​closure (3) is fitted with a spring spring and consists of an inverted "U" shaped horizontal support bar (3') coupled to a movable inclined rod (3'') that projects above the height limit of the base (1), so that when the lid (2) is lowered, the movable inclined rod (3'') is pressed down against the horizontal support bar (3'), closing the packaging. 4 - Packaging for the containment and transport of radioactive waste, according to claim 1, characterized by a seal (4) being installed on the pressure-fit closure (3), after the packaging is closed. 5 - Packaging for the containment and transport of radioactive waste, according to claim 1, characterized in that the recessed areas (6) of the lid (2) are dimensioned to align with the feet (5) of the base (1), when the packages are stacked.

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