Development of a composite polyethylene - fiberglass reinforced plastic high integrity container for disposal of low-level radioactive waste

Bondico, Inc. has received numerous industry requests for a high integrity container (HIC) for the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes (LLW) that has excellent chemical resistance as well as structural stability. As a result Bondico has initiated a design and development program to utilize its unique technology used for making hazardous waste containers, to provide a HIC of composite construction with an inner layer of polyethylene (PE) and an outer casing of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) that has improved volumetric efficiency and integrity. Two sizes of HIC are planned initially for containing 7 ft/sup 3/ and 10 ft/sup 3/ of waste. Future development of larger size units to about 200 ft/sup 3/ capacity is planned. Each HIC has a full opened lid which is sealed remotely after filling by means of a high integrity polyethylene weld. To date handmade prototype units have been fabricated, loaded, sealed and tested to the most demanding NRC and state requirements. In many cases the HIC prototypes have exceeded key requirements by about 100%. A comprehensive materials testing program to cover physical strength properties, creep characteristics, performance under thermal cycle conditions, performance after gamma and ultraviolet radiation, resistance to biodegradation, and resistance to interior and exterior chemical exposures is in progress. Concurrently production methods and equipment are being finalized. Production units will be produced and subjected to full-scale testing conditions. Based upon this development program, a topical report will be submitted to NRC for review and approval later this year