Essential transport

摘要

Transport is intrinsic to the nuclear fuel cycle. Most people are familiar with the graphics typically used to display the fuel cycle: beginning with the uranium mine site, the arrows carry the eye around the circle from refinement, conversion, enrichment, reconversion and fabrication facilities to reactor site. And then, in the case of reprocessing, the cycle spins off on another round; ultimately carrying spent fuel through the reprocessing cycle back once more to the reactor site. There are, of course, off-ramps to the cycle, carrying radioactive residues away for treatment, storage and disposal. The nuclear transport industry plays a vital role in supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) objective of accelerating and enlarging the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. One of the founding articles of the IAEA ― Article III ― authorises the IAEA to make provision to meet the needs of research, development and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, including the production of electric power, with due consideration for the needs of the underdeveloped areas of the world. If nuclear power is to play its part in meeting the energy and clean air needs of peoples everywhere, it must be able to transport its materials to where they are needed.