Demonstration of new handling equipment configurations for the overpacking of thorium materials

A remote handling system has been designed for the removal and overpacking of thorium materials currently stored at the Feed Materials Production Center (FMPC). The FMPC is the Department of Energy (DOE) designated interim storage location for thorium materials. The nature of thorium materials indicated that a system to reduce exposure, assure environmental protection, and provide positive identification of the materials be devised. The result of this was the development and implementation of a remote handling system utilizing existing technologies but integrating them into a system that had previously not been used. The equipment used involves: remote controlled cranes, conveyers, sensing equipment and overpacks; a computer based central control and processing system that also provides cross data correlation; a shielded handling unit with multiple articulation capability and an environmentally isolated work area; and significant shielding at the operators station while the operator works in an enclosed, but mobile environment. These measures were prompted by both As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) considerations for the employees and protection for the environment. The overpacking is required due to the environmental deterioration that is occurring to both the building and containers resulting in the need for this operation to be initiated to assure the continued safe storage of these materials