Prototype of source package to dispose of in the Aube repository

The Aube facility managed by the ANDRA is a surface repository devoted to the disposal of low and medium-level radwastes. An agreement is under negotiation between the CEA and the ANDRA to dispose of some low-level short-lived spent sources in the Aube facility. The source package is based on an existing grouted package. As sources are small objects, a frame of distribution was designed to guarantee the final distribution of sources in the grouted package. To demonstrate the feasibility of the source package and to ensure that this package won't threaten the global safety of the Aube facility, the Safety Authorities required the constitution of a prototype of 995 sources. As the CEA collected thousands of sources up to now to abide by its legislative obligations of source maker, the sources to introduce in the package have to be identified and picked up among the stock of spent sources stored at the CEA. This paper describes the design of the packing, the tests of grouting to carry out on a test package, and the identification and sorting of the sources to introduce in the prototype. (author)