Year
2015
Abstract
The Modular Concrete Canister (MCC) was developed in 2010 by Dufrane Nuclear Shielding Inc. (DNSI), at the request of the client, to meet the need for a containerized waste system at the client’s newly constructed Low Level Radioactive Waste burial site in West Texas. The MCC can be configured as either a round or rectangular “high attenuation” shielded canister. Constructed from high density reinforced concrete, internal dimensions of the cylindrical MCC is nearly 7 feet in diameter and over 9 feet tall. Of three rectangular configurations, the largest is over 21 feet long, nearly 8 feet wide, and over 14 feet tall. The canisters allow for waste to be in bulk or non-bulk form, as long as the original container fits within the MCC. Due to its enormous size, weight and strength, the MCC also functions as a barrier to support compliance with the site’s performance assessment (PA). For this West Texas client, the MCCs were a “key” element in meeting the licensed site performance assessment under 10 CFR Part 61 (NRC), the site WAC, and the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Authority. This paper provides an overview of: the design criteria, mobilization to Odessa, Texas for offsite construction, transportation challenges, and final placement of the MCCs on the client’s property. The paper will also illustrate the great success experienced through this client / vendor teaming agreement.