Thermal tests of a CP5.2 packaging system: Prototype and experimental test description

Managing radioactive waste must be carried out within a strict framework and with a constant requirement to protect human beings and the environment. A safety management of the radioactive material or waste (RAM or RW) unavoidably involves transportation activities by using robust safe and reliable packaging system. The integrity is a crucial aspect in the design of these systems; to certify it packages should demonstrate to withstand loads, that could occur under normal and accident conditions, and to meet the safety requirements in terms of performances of containment and radiation protection, like the IAEA ones. This study deals with the thermal performances of an Italian CP5.2 packaging system aimed at the transportation of bituminised wastes, which have been evaluated by executing experimental tests in the fire scenario as specified in the IAEA regulations (i.e. engulfing fire of 800 °C for 30 min). To the purpose a dedicated small scale mock-up has been designed and built at the Dept. DICI of the University of Pisa. The experimental test allowed to set up the test procedure to be adopted for the fire tests of a large scale system in consideration of risk related to the stowed bituminised wastes. The results of the thermal test are presented and discussed. They showed that after half an hour of exposure at 800 °C the temperature in the bituminised waste package is about 100 °C (below that of auto-ignition), and the maximum temperature at the cement mortar is below 400 °C. Analysing the measured temperatures and caused effects it is possible to conclude that the overall integrity of the packaging system is assured.