The Use of Aluminum as a Structural Component in a Radioactive Material Package

Year
2014
Author(s)
G. A. Abramczyk - Savannah River National Laboratory
B. M. Loftin - Savannah River National Laboratory
J. S. Bellamy - Savannah River National Laboratory
Charles A. McKeel - Savannah River National Laboratory
Abstract
The metal components of packaging certified for the transportation of DOT Hazard Class 7 – Radioactive Material, that meets the requirements of 10 CFR 71, must be in compliance with NRC Nuclear Regulatory Guide NUREG/CR-3854, Fabrication Criteria for Shipping Containers. In the requirements of NUREG/CR-3854, the components of a RAM packaging that are used for shielding or criticality control must be fabricated in accordance with ASME Section III Subsection NG (criticality) or NF (shielding). ASME Code Case N-519 was issued, and subsequently retired, that approved the use of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 aluminum in the construction of ASME Section III, Division 1, Class 1 welded pressure vessels applications at temperatures up to 300 °F. This paper discusses the need for and justifies the use of aluminum as shielding and criticality control components in applications within Type B radioactive material packages.