Year
2018
Abstract
The SAVY-4000™ is used at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a DOE Manual M441.1-1 compliant container. The SAVY-4000™ has been approved for use since 2013 and 3912 containers have been manufactured to date. The SAVY-4000™ is an innovative and creative design demonstrated by the fact that it can be opened and closed in a few seconds without torque wrenches or other tools; has a built-in, fire-rated filter that prevents the build-up of hydrogen gas, yet retains 99.97% of plutonium particulates, and prevents release of material even in a 12 foot drop. Finally, it has been fire then drop tested and will reduce the risk to the public in the event of an earthquake/fire scenario. This will allow nuclear facilities to credit the container towards source term Material at Risk (MAR) reduction. Over the course of the use of the container, improvements, new sizes, and life-time extension efforts have continued. The life-time extension efforts initially revolved around the polymer components and a 40-year design life is established. The surveillance activities performed as part of the M441.1-1 requirements led to the investigation of the effect of corrosion on the stainless steel components of the container. The investigation is on-going. The membrane used to keep the container water-tight is a PTFE material. The PTFE material does not withstand heat or radiation well, and as the SAVY-4000™ has been used in ways that were not intended in the initial design scope, a new water resistant filter was developed. The filter consists of a PFOTS treated ceramic fiber filter. This filter has been seen to remain hydrophobic up to 450 degrees Celsius and an improvement to gamma and alpha radiation resistance. A new container size was also developed to optimize the storage in certain locations. A new bag-out bag material is being proposed as well as a new in-glovebox container to the overall storage package.