Year
1998
File Attachment
77.PDF1.51 MB
Abstract
In order to conform to the new requirements from the IAEA, it is necessary for the large-scale UF6 containers to comply with the fire resistance requirement imposed for type B packages. The thermohydraulic characteristics of UF6, which now are defined, and the calculation models, which arc validated, have revealed major risks of rupture of the container. The purpose of the present programme is to define the strength limits of the materials at the moment of rupture of the wall under the conditions of the fire test. Three industrial containers, of different grades, are heated after being previously equipped and insulated, and are pressurised by the injection of nitrogen until rupture takes place. Two of the containers are filled with dry sand. After preliminary tests performed to validate the measurement chains and the data acquisition system, the 3 tests are carried out in a large open area which affords the required safety against the effects of the bursting of the cylinder.