Year
2009
Abstract
A special panel discussion was held to discuss storage and transportation containments as they relate to the ASME Boiler & Pressure Code, Section III, Division 3 (NUPACK). The focus was centered on ASME Code development, industry applications, relationship to licensing and future code rules. The panel consisted of: • Dr. Robert E. Nickell – Applied Science & Technology • Stuart Horowitz, PE – AREVA • Cecil G. May – Savannah River National Laboratory • Dr. Doug Ammerman – Sandia National Laboratory • Garrick J. Solovey, PE – Precision Custom Components (Panel Chairman) After introductions were made, Dr. Nickell provided a history of NUPACK activities from its inception in 1979 thru 1985. With the beginning of numerous shipments of spent fuel and high level waste in the 1970’s, new requirements of 10CFR71 and Reg. Guide 7.6 were introduced. ASME agreed to develop new Code rules under NUPACK. Dr. Nickell discussed the sequence of events leading up to 1985 and the interactions between the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and ASME NUPACK. Mr. Horowitz continued the presentations with an overview of the current status of Section III, Division 3. He provided comparisons of the similarities (and differences) between Division 1 and Division 3. Further discussion was focused on the US NRC review process for the eventual adoption of Division 3 stressing how the current budget constraints have impacted the review progress. Continuing efforts on Code development were offered noting new rules for internal structures, accidental drop analyses and strain based acceptance criteria. Finally, the discussion moved to acceptance in the industry to adopt Division 3 for their components. Mr. May reviewed the requirements for the DOE Packaging Certification Program (PCP)(49CFR173.7) and the activities currently underway at the Savannah River National Laboratory. He introduced the audience to the RAMPAC-PCP website (www.rampac.energy.gov) and the information it contains. Further discussion was based upon meeting the requirements of 49CFR100-185 and 10CFR71. He also provided videos of actual testing being performed to certify packagings. There was continued discussion on the PCP review process and review teams established within the DOE. The presentation concluded with how the rewrite of Division 3 has made it appropriate for new packaging construction. Dr. Ammerman presented the last topic related to Structural Analysis – Strain Based Criteria. This is a subject of future Code rules that are being currently developed. He reviewed elastic and inelastic analysis as to its applicability to storage and transportation packagings. It was noted that for energy-limited events associated with packaging design, a strain-based philosophy is more appropriate. A discussion followed with regard to material behavior, calculation of failure strain, and application of strain limits. An example of both elastic and in-elastic analysis was presented as a means of comparison. Dr. Ammerman emphasized that the proposed ASME allowable strain-based acceptance criteria is intended for strains that are confined to a small area and should not be applied for gross strains in casks with impact limiters. He concluded with the remaining actions being taken by the ASME to complete this effort. There were numerous questions and interchanges between the audience and the panel concerning current code activities and future code rules development. Certainly, the key focus was, “How do we use Division 3 in the design, fabrication, examination and testing of our packagings?”