REPLACEMENT OF THE 6M SHIPPING CONTAINER: THE ES-3100, A NEW GENERATION, TYPE B SHIPPING CONTAINER FOR BULK HIGHLY ENRICHED URANIUM AND OTHER FISSILE MATERIALS

摘要

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is shipping bulk quantities of surplus fissile materials, primarily highly enriched uranium (HEU), over the next 15 to 20 years for disposition purposes. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) specification 6M container is the package of choice for most of these Type B shipments. However, the 6M does not conform to the Type B packaging requirements in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Code of Federal Regulations (10CFR71) and, for that reason, is being phased out for use in the secure transportation system of DOE. The phase out will be complete by January 2007. BWXT Y-12 is currently developing a container to replace the DOT 6M container for HEU shipping campaigns. The new container is based on state-of-the-art, proven, and patented insulation technologies that have been successfully applied in the design of other containers. The new container, designated the ES-3100, will have a 50% greater capacity for HEU than the 6M and will be easier to use. This new container will be available for use by January 2006. Future users should endeavor to begin preparation for use during 2005, if possible. Prototype ES-3100 containers and tools are available for use in developing operating stations and procedures. This presentation will focus on the latest design, licensing, and production information for this new, state-of-the-art, shipping container.