ARC/SPAR sealing system - Preliminary field evaluation

The ARC/SPAR sealing system, based on an ultra-sonic signature and designed for sealing CANDU-type spent fuel, has been undergoing field evaluation at Gentilly-2 600 MW Reactor for the last ten months. The test was designed to evaluate the hardware and software of the system, the effort required for the application and verification of the containment and seals, the interference with operator, the procedures and the false- and missed alarm rates. Routine use conditions were emphasized throughout the test. In the course of the trial the entire content of the spent fuel in the pond was sealed. Preliminary results indicate that the system is acceptable. Hardware, software and procedures except for the transducer worked well. Transducer failure occurred too frequently at an unacceptable rate. The problem was identified and will hopefully be overcome. Level of intrusion with operations could be considered acceptable. Inspectors carrying out seal application and verification were adequately trained and performed satisfactorily. Auto- and crosscorrelations are reported. Recommendations are made for the improvement of equipment and procedures. The test will continue until the end of this year