Copper canister with cast inner component. Amendment to project on Alternative Systems Study (PASS), SKB TR 93-04

摘要

This report describes a recently developed design for the inner component of the composite, steel and copper, canister which is the main alternative in the KBS-3-model. A cast insert with inner walls eliminates the need for a stabilizing filler in the canister and guarantees that the fuel remains sub-critical during sufficient time in the repository. The cast insert is judged, to, in comparison with the steel tube alternative, lead to a considerably simplified process in the encapsulation plant and lower development and investment cost. Positive side effects of the design are that the mechanical strength is improved by a factor 2-3 and that the difficult filling operation is avoided in the encapsulation process. The drawbacks are higher weight and probably higher unit price for the empty canister. (Atomindex citation 26:071933)