Some aspects regarding the qualifications tests of packages used for transport and storage of radioactive waste (low activity) in INR Pitesti

Radioactive wastes generated by TRIGA INR research reactor are packaged according to the national and international standards and to the IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials and Advisory Material for the Application of the IAEA Transport Regulations. The technology for packaging and treatment of Radioactive wastes used in our institute can be applied, in perspective, also at the Nuclear Power Plant Cernavoda, after commissioning. This paper describes the qualifications tests (type tests) for packages used for transport and storage (for a long period of about 30 years) of radioactive wastes (low activity, up to 0.5068x1010 Bq/drum, 0.164 Ci/drum, respectively). The package used is a drum manufactured by Romanian industry (according to the national standard 7683-79) of 1 mm thick mild steel with the following dimensions: height: 915 ± 10 mm, diameter: 600 ± 5 mm, volume: 220 liters, approximately. There are presented the type tests carried-out, e.g. compression, penetration, free fall, lixiviation, safety in utilizing (biological protection), checking of chemical and mechanical characterization and the effect of the product on the environment, the results, interpretation and conclusions. The performing of the above mentioned tests and other additional ones, the results obtained, prove that our technology for treatment and packaging of radioactive wastes is in accordance with IAEA Regulations in the field. (author). 6 refs, 6 figs