Proposed ASME code changes for storage and disposal containments

An informative discussion of proposed changes to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Code rules for containments used for transportation and storage, including disposal, of spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive material and waste. ASME Codes and Standards committees are preparing a new Subsection WC that provides rules for commercial spent fuel storage containments, Rules for other containments, including those used for disposal, will be developed later or handled as a Code Case. Enabling changes to the general requirements of Subsection WA are also proposed. This discussion is intended to provide insight to Owners, designers and fabricators about the proposed changes. (author)