Mechanical design assessment approaches of actual spent fuel and HLW transport package designs

German approach and feedback on experience of transportability of SNF packages after interim storage

“…This suitability evaluation is supplemented by the specification of a system of periodic inspections (after 15 transports but not later than 3 years, after 60 transports but not later than 6 years, before one time transport after interim storage), which should guarantee that the package complies the specifications before transport on public routes. 10 The safety demonstration of a design can be accomplished by using the results of tests performed with prototypes or models of appropriate scale, by reference to previous satisfactory demonstrations of a sufficiently similar nature, by calculation, when the calculation procedures are generally agreed to be suitable and conservative or by a combination of these test methods.…”

“…The experiences and involvement of the competent authority in this field in Germany are described by Wille. 10 All specifications must be considered by the user of the package to ensure the loading, the transport, the operation and the periodic inspections according to regulatory requirements. Up to now, the design assessment was determined by the evaluation of the materials used with regard to their properties and compatibilities for short periods (transport periods).…”

“…In detail, BAM carries out the safety assessment with respect to the mechanical and thermal design, the release of radioactive material and quality assurance. 9 Required tests with prototypes, models or single components are performed by BAM.…”