Radioactive waste transportation package development by a utility

Due to the unique nature of the CANDU reactor system, transportation package design has evolved in a slightly different direction from that of the US in a few key areas. The authors fuel bundles are ∼ 102-mm (4.03-in.) diam and 495 mm (19.5 in.) long; therefore, their used-fuel casks are much different in configuration from the cigar-shaped US casks. Since Canadian reactors are heavy-water moderated, casks have had to be developed to handle large quantities of tritiated heavy water. Canadian licensing requirements are virtually identical to US requirements since both sets of regulations have a common heritage, i.e., the International Atomic Energy Agency's Safety Series 6. The paper discusses design, computer analysis, and testing for fire and impact accidents