The integrity verification tests and analyses of a 48Y cylinder for transportation of natural uranium hexafluoride

Natural Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) has been transported to the demonstration enrichment plant (DP), operated by Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC), at Ningyo-Pass in Okayama Prefecture since April 1988. Natural UF6 will be also transported to the commercial enrichment plant (CP) after its completion, which is under construction at Rokkasho-mura in Aomori Prefecture. In this study the authors conducted the following tests and analyses to verify the safety of natural UF6 transportation: (i) a free drop test and analysis, (ii) a fire resistance test and analysis, (iii) a water immersion test. Since a 48Y Cylinder containing natural UF6 is classified as a non-fissile Type A package under Japanese Regulations, they conducted a free drop test, and its analysis in order to verify that it conforms to the requirements of a non-fissile Type A package. The test item (ii) and (iii) are not required for a non-fissile Type A package according to Japanese Regulations