First tests with a new portable ultrasonic sealing system for PuO2 transport containers

In May 1995, the present equipment -- which has been developed by JRC-Ispra in the framework of a contract with PNC (Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation) -- was displayed and demonstrated for the first time at ESARDA 17th Annual Meeting in Aachen, Germany. This is an Ultrasonic Sealing System based on the technology developed and implemented previously for the safeguarding of Underwater Spent Fuel Containers, such as the MEB (MultiElement Bottles) used at the BNFL (British Nuclear Fuels Plc) Facility of THORP (Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant), Sellafield (UK). It is new to the extent that it is for use in dry conditions and works with a new portable Reading Equipment now limited to a portable Reading Head and a Laptop computer incorporating newly developed electronic/ultrasonic boards. It is also innovative, because new MK5-CLm ''Clamping Seals'' are proposed which are attached to the FS-47 (COGEMA PuO2 Casks) shock absorber (covers) and can be fastened in few seconds and verified in a few minutes. The authors think that a practical and easy-to-use technique is offered for the safeguarding and inspections of nuclear transport containers, allowing fast installation/removal operations for the Ultrasonic Seals and a user-friendly Seal Verification procedure. Several MK5-CLm seals will be installed on actual casks in one place at the Facility and then transported to another location inside the site area and reverified prior to being removed. The complete sequence will be reported and illustrated with the verification results