NIREX REPORT N/007

WASTE PACKAGE SPECIFICATION FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WASTE

S V Barlow, N A Carr and S J Wisbey

May 2000 United Kingdom Nirex Limited 2000

PREFACE The role of Nirex is to provide environmentally sound options for the long-term management of radioactive waste generated by the nations commercial, medical, research and defence activities. In order to assist waste producers who wish to package intermediate level wastes in accordance with the principles of passive safety, Nirex has prepared documentation specifying the standards to be met. This report sets out the Waste Package Specification for intermediate level waste prepared by Nirex. Its purpose is to define the Nirex standard packages and to outline the requirements for packaged wastes to be compatible with plans for interim storage, transport, handling and potential disposal. This document has been produced by Nirex for publication. The information in the document has been verified under procedures in accordance with ISO 9001. These procedures have included independent peer review and internal review within Nirex.

CONTENTS

1. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 3. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 5. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 5.7. 6. 6.1. 6.2. 7. 7.1. 7.2. 8. 9. 10.

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 1 Background ............................................................................................................................. 1 Structure of Report.................................................................................................................. 1 Purpose of Waste Package Specification ................................................................................ 2 PACKAGING STANDARDS FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WASTE ...................... 3 Scope of Waste Package Specification ................................................................................... 3 Waste Management Phases ..................................................................................................... 3 Waste Package Types.............................................................................................................. 5 Non-standard Packages ........................................................................................................... 6 WASTE PACKAGE SPECIFICATION GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................. 11 General Requirements ........................................................................................................... 11 Quality Assurance ................................................................................................................. 14 Data Requirements ................................................................................................................ 14 WASTE PACKAGE SPECIFICATION........................................................................... 15 500 litre Drum Waste Package .............................................................................................. 15 3m3 Box Waste Package........................................................................................................ 16 3m3 Drum Waste Package..................................................................................................... 17 4 metre Box........................................................................................................................... 18 WASTEFORM SPECIFICATION.................................................................................... 20 Immobilisation of Radionuclides .......................................................................................... 20 Mechanical and Physical Properties ..................................................................................... 21 Chemical Containment.......................................................................................................... 22 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................. 22 Degradation Processes and Wasteform Stability................................................................... 22 Gas Generation...................................................................................................................... 23 Nuclear Properties................................................................................................................. 23 WASTE PACKAGE PRODUCTION PROCESS............................................................ 24 Quality Assurance for Waste Package Production................................................................ 24 Data Requirements ................................................................................................................ 26 OBTAINING PACKAGING ADVICE FROM NIREX.................................................. 32 Advice and Letters of Comfort.............................................................................................. 32 Initiating Packaging Advice.................................................................................................. 32 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 33 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................................... 34 ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................. 42

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1.

Background

The role of United Kingdom Nirex Limited (Nirex) is to provide the UK with environmentally sound options for the long-term management of radioactive waste generated by the nations commercial, medical, research and defence activities. This will include all intermediate level waste and some low level waste (ILW and LLW). In support of this role, Nirex has defined packaging standards in the form of this specification, which is issued to permit waste producers to package intermediate level wastes in accordance with the principles of passive safety. The approach adopted and promulgated by nuclear industry regulators, is for radioactive wastes to be converted into a passively safe form as soon as is reasonably practicable [1]. In the case of ILW, this generally involves conditioning of wastes by their incorporation into a solid, usually cementitious, matrix within a standard waste container: this is the process of waste packaging. Following packaging, wastes will be maintained in interim storage, pending decisions on the preferred long-term waste management option [2]. This report has been prepared in order to define the waste packaging standards developed by Nirex to facilitate a standard approach to waste packaging. The document is intended for waste producers, regulators, Government Departments and all with an interest in radioactive waste management. Throughout this report the general term waste producer is used. This is taken to mean the organisation that has responsibility for the packaging of waste; this may not always be the organisation with ultimate liability for the waste. 1.2. Structure of Report

The remainder of this introductory section explains the reasons for providing this Waste Package Specification, the underlying principles that have been used in its preparation and its relationship with eventual Waste Acceptance Criteria that may be issued by the operator of a disposal facility. Section 2 provides an overview of the waste management phases that may be applicable to waste packages and which must as a consequence be covered by the Specification and describes the standard range of containers defined by Nirex for intermediate level waste. Sections 3 through to 6 cover the Waste Package Specification itself. Section 3: general requirements applicable to all packages; Section 4: detailed requirements for specific waste package types; Section 5: physical and chemical requirements to be met by the wasteform; Section 6: quality arrangements covering the production and management of waste packages.

Section 7 provides a description of the mechanism by which waste producers may obtain advice from Nirex and Section 8 contains a list of the references. A glossary of terms used throughout this document has been included in Section 9 and abbreviations used in the report are defined in Section 10. For further explanation of the rationale and derivation of the contents of this Waste Package Specification, a companion derivation report is also published [3].

1.3.

Purpose of Waste Package Specification

The Waste Package Specification has been developed by Nirex to define appropriate packaging standards for intermediate level wastes. The Specification is comprehensive and covers key aspects of the package including dimensions, handling and other features, performance requirements, wasteform characteristics, quality assurance and data recording requirements. The Waste Package Specification is not specific to a particular waste management option, but is derived from generic requirements for safe storage, transport, handling and potential disposal. In addition the Specification also takes account of relevant international and national legislation, regulatory advice and other guidance and industry best practice. The Waste Package Specification therefore facilitates the production of waste packages that are consistent with the principles of passive safety and that are suitable for all phases of waste management. Being generically based, the Waste Package Specification is designed to offer a robust envelope against which waste producers may develop packaging proposals. Nirex assists waste producers in this and is prepared to provide advice and endorsement of particular packages. A formalised system for the provision of advice and endorsement has been established and is described later. The Waste Package Specification will be subject to periodic review as scientific knowledge of package performance increases, or when the bounding envelopes that support the Specification become superseded by specific site and design information. It is envisaged that the act of becoming site and design specific may lead to the removal of some of the conservatism from Specification criteria, as margins arising from current uncertainties are removed. From the foregoing it is evident that the Waste Package Specification must be treated with sufficient flexibility to permit it to evolve with time. It cannot therefore be entirely mandatory although certain provisions are, notably those for quality assurance and package identification. The Waste Package Specification in essence is guidance, which is why the interaction between waste producer and Nirex is a key element of the process leading to the production of conditioned waste packages.

2.

PACKAGING STANDARDS FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WASTE

2.1.

Scope of Waste Package Specification

In order to define packaging standards for intermediate level waste, it is necessary to have an understanding of the phases of waste management that packaged waste may experience. Following its production, a waste package may be expected to undergo some, or all of the following phases: Interim storage, usually at the site of arising. Transport to a disposal or storage facility. Handling and emplacement at the storage or disposal facility. Disposal1, where the package will provide the first barrier to release of activity.

Each phase will place its own demands on the waste package. These can be summarised as follows.

2.2.

Waste Management Phases

Interim storage Interim storage of packaged waste is the responsibility of the waste producer. During this phase, packages are maintained within appropriate arrangements to ensure compliance with site licence conditions and associated safety requirements. Packages are kept in a manner so that future transport, handling and potential disposal requirements will not be compromised. Transport Although the siting and design of future long-term waste management facilities have yet to be finalised, the requirements and design of the transport system needed to transfer packaged waste between stores or to any future facilities are well understood. Nirex has defined two generic types of waste package: unshielded packages, which owing either to radiation levels or containment requirements, require remote handling and must be transported in a reusable shielded transport container; shielded packages, which have built-in shielding and contain low-activity materials, so that the packages can be handled using conventional techniques and are transport packages in their own right.

Decisions on the preferred long-term waste management option for intermediate level waste will not be made until after completion of Government consultation [2].

The transport system, which may involve both road and rail transportation (and potentially sea transport should the disposal facility be located on an off-shore island) is required to be able to accommodate both the above types of waste package. The transport system will need to meet all UK regulations for transport of radioactive materials, which like almost every other country are based on International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Transport Regulations 2 [4]. A further description of the standard waste packages and transport containers is given in Section 2.3. Handling and Emplacement Although the design of any future storage and/or disposal facility will not be completed until the preferred waste management option is identified, such a facility can be described in terms of the following generic elements and operations: receipt of transport packages, which will either be the re-usable shielded transport container type or the shielded package type; handling of the transport packages at surface facilities, which will comprise facilities for receiving and checking of transport packages as well as management, administrative and other support functions; transfer of transport packages to underground facilities via shaft or drift tunnel (assuming an underground facility is being considered); in the case of packages transported inside re-usable shielded transport containers, the unloading of waste packages in a shielded inlet cell; emplacement of waste packages in shielded vaults where operations will permit monitoring and retrieval as necessary.

Disposal One concept extensively researched and developed by Nirex is based on isolating packaged wastes in vaults excavated at depth in a stable geological environment. The concept makes use of engineered and natural barriers, working in conjunction, to achieve the necessary degree of long-term waste isolation and containment. This multiple-barrier approach to containment takes credit for the fact that wastes are immobilised in an appropriate matrix, the immobilised wastes are packaged in metallic or concrete containers and are emplaced in underground vaults. The vaults will be backfilled with a cementitious grout material at an appropriate stage before sealing and backfilling accesses from the surface. In addition to these engineered barriers, the host rock will provide additional natural barriers, both physically and chemically, to the transport of radioactive material back to the human environment. Following cessation of repository operations, it is expected that the waste packages will experience;

The Waste Package Specification for Intermediate Level Waste currently references IAEA Safety Series No. 6 [4]. This is this version of the Transport Regulations that are incorporated into UK legislation. When the more recently issued version, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. ST-1 [5] is adopted, the Specification will be revised accordingly.

a period of care and maintenance under institutional control, prior to final closure; backfilling of the disposal vaults with a specially formulated cementitious grout mixture to provide chemical conditioning and sorption of key radionuclides.

2.3.

Waste Package Types

Nirex has defined a limited range of standard waste containers that are intended to be suitable for packaging the variety of ILW that arises in the UK. Standardisation is important as it enables handling and transport operations to be optimised around a limited number of variants, with consequent benefits in safety, logistics and economics throughout all the phases of waste management. The four standard containers currently defined by Nirex for packaging ILW are listed in Table 2.1 Table 2.1: Nirex Standard Containers Waste Container 500 litre Drum 3m3 Box Typical Contents The normal container for most operational ILW A larger container for solid wastes A larger container for in-drum mixing and solidification of liquid and sludge type wastes For large items of waste, especially from decommissioning operations Overall Dimensions 800 mm diameter x 1200 mm height 1720 mm x 1720 mm plan x 1225 mm height 1720 mm diameter x 1225 mm height 4013 mm x 2438 mm plan x 2200 mm high Gross Mass3 2,000 kg 12,000 kg 12,000 kg 65,000 kg Figure 2.1 2.2

3m3 Drum

2.3

4 metre Box

2.4

Note. When filled with conditioned waste, the above are described as standard packages.

maximum mass of package filled with conditioned waste

2.3.1. Unshielded packages The 500 litre Drum, 3m3 Box and 3m3 Drum are typically manufactured from stainless steel. They are not designed to provide any radiation shielding in themselves hence when filled with waste these are known as unshielded packages. Handling and storage of these packages require remote handling facilities. For transport through the public domain, the unshielded waste packages will generally be placed within a shielded reusable transport container to form a Type B package as defined in the Transport Regulations of the IAEA [4]. The shielded reusable transport containers are designed to contain either four 500 litre Drums within a transport stillage, a single 3m3 Box or a single 3m3 Drum. 2.3.2. Shielded packages The 4 metre Box is designed to meet the requirements for an Industrial Package freight container as specified in the IAEA Transport Regulations [4]. The box is manufactured from stainless steel and is provided with a concrete lining that can be varied in thickness to suit the radioactivity of the contents. The radioactivity content is restricted to that which can be classed as Low Specific Activity (LSA) or Surface Contaminated Objects (SCO) [as defined in 4] at the time of transport in the public domain. No additional transport container is required for the 4 metre Box because shielding is provided by the package itself in the form of the concrete liner. The box when filled with waste is described as a shielded package since it can be handled by conventional means; the dose rate external to the box is restricted consistent with its classification as an Industrial Package. 2.4. Non-standard Packages

A limited number of non-standard packages will also require transport, handling and potential disposal. These non-standard packages are specifically designed by the waste producers, for wastes that cannot be packaged into standard waste containers. These designs may pre-date the establishment of Nirex standards or may be developed to fulfil a specialised role. Non-standard packages will have to satisfy the safety requirements to an equivalent level of safety to that provided by the standard packages.

Figure 2.1 500 litre Drum waste package

Figure 2.2 - 3 m3 Box waste package

Figure 2.3 - 3 m3 Drum waste package

Figure 2.4 - 4 metre Box

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3.

WASTE PACKAGE SPECIFICATION GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Waste Package Specification should be used as the initial basis for developing packaging strategies for discussion with Nirex. Consistent with the principles stated in Section 1.3, the Specification is not specific to a particular waste management option, but is derived from consideration of generic requirements for safe storage, transport, handling and potential disposal. For clarity, general criteria applicable to all packages are given in this section; criteria for specific Nirex standard packages are given in Section 4 and criteria for the wasteform are given in Section 5. Within the Specification both should and shall are used to preface criteria. When used in the Specification they have the following meaning: shall denotes a criterion which is derived from consideration of a regulatory requirement and/or which forms the basis for package standardisation; should denotes a criterion which is considered as a target, and for which variations may be possible following discussion with Nirex. 3.1. General Requirements

This section covers general criteria that are applicable to all ILW packages. They should be read in conjunction with the package-specific requirements described in Section 4. 3.1.1. Activity content The activity level of the waste package contents shall not exceed that for ILW, as described in the Government White Paper on radioactive waste management policy [1] (i.e. waste with a radioactivity content which exceeds either the alpha or beta/gamma upper limits for LLW, but with a lower radioactivity and heat output than High Level Waste (HLW) ). In the case of shielded packages (the 4 metre Box), the contents shall be demonstrated to be solid non-fissile LSA or SCO material, as defined in the IAEA Transport Regulations [4]. The quantity of LSA material or SCO in a single box shall be so restricted that the external radiation level at 3 m from the unshielded material does not exceed 10 mSv/h. 3.1.2. Dose rate No external dose rate limit is specified for unshielded waste packages. Limitations are however imposed on the external dose rate from the transport package by the IAEA Transport Regulations [4]. The dose rate at 1 m from the surface of the transport package shall not exceed 0.1 mSv/h and the dose rate on its external surface shall not exceed 2 mSv/h; the above criteria being applicable at the time of transport.

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3.1.3. Heat output The heat output from a waste package shall be limited to a value that will prevent excessive temperature rise within the waste package during the stages of interim storage, transport or disposal. Heat output limits for individual packages are given in Section 4. 3.1.4. Surface contamination The non-fixed surface contamination, averaged over an area of 300 cm2 of any part of the surface of any waste package, should not exceed the following: 4.0 Bq/cm2 0.4 Bq/cm2 3.1.5. Venting Waste packages, which contain material that leads to gas generation and which may be susceptible to significant over-pressurisation, shall be vented. If a vent is fitted it should be designed to retain significant particulate activity. 3.1.6. Integrity Waste packages shall be capable of being moved and handled safely prior to final emplacement within a storage and/or disposal facility. The container should be designed so that: following a period of storage on the waste-producing site, the waste container material, its thickness and corrosion properties and the sealing system of the waste package shall meet the requirements for transport and for subsequent operations at a future facility; following emplacement in a facility, the mechanical integrity of the waste container shall be capable of being maintained for the duration of the operational period. - beta, gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters - all other alpha emitters.

Best Practicable Means (BPM) shall be used to provide containment for soluble radionuclides thereafter. This will place a requirement for the waste container to maintain its integrity for at least 50 years in interim storage and for a further 50 years beyond that. The BPM requirement reflects the need for package integrity to be robust to a range of waste management options including disposal in an underground repository. 3.1.7. Properties of the wasteform In providing a wasteform, all reasonable measures shall be taken to: ensure that radionuclides in the waste are immobilised and loose particulate material is minimised; exclude free liquids;

12

minimise the presence and volume of voids (such as ullage, holes or spaces) within the waste package; and control the fissile material content of the waste packages to ensure that it does not present a criticality hazard.

See Section 5 for a more detailed specification. 3.1.8. Impact performance Requirements on impact performance of the unshielded waste package are as follows: the unshielded waste package shall be capable of being dropped in any attitude from a height of 0.3m onto a flat unyielding surface, whilst retaining its radioactive contents, and remain suitable for safe handling, transport and disposal; the unshielded waste package shall be capable of being dropped in any attitude from a height of 10m onto a flat unyielding surface with the loss of contents, in the form of particles smaller than 40 micrometre, no greater than that specified in Section 4; the unshielded waste package should be capable of being dropped in any attitude from a height of 25m onto a flat unyielding surface with the loss of contents, in the form of particles smaller than 100 micrometre, no greater than that specified in Section 4.

The limits of loss of content are defined in terms of A2, which is a measure of activity linked to possible exposure pathways defined in the IAEA Transport Regulations. See the Glossary for the definition of A2. The impact performance of the shielded package is controlled by virtue of its classification as an Industrial Package and consequential restrictions on the form of the contents [4]. 3.1.9. Fire performance The unshielded waste package should be capable of withstanding a fully engulfing, 1000oC pool fire of 1 hour duration, with the release of contents no greater than that specified in Section 4. The fire performance of the shielded package is controlled by virtue of its classification as an Industrial Package and consequential restrictions on the form of the contents [4]. 3.1.10. Stackability The waste package should be capable of being stacked six-high. The stacking load on the package is to be calculated as that resulting from its support of five similar packages, each at the maximum gross mass defined for the package type in Section 4. Under this load the waste package should not exhibit any permanent deformation or abnormality that would render it incompatible with any other requirements defined in the Specification.

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3.1.11. Identification The waste package shall be marked with a unique alpha-numeric identifier in a format specified by Nirex. Requirements on waste package identification are as follows: the identifier shall be marked at the locations specified in Section 4; the identifier shall consist of ten alphanumeric characters arranged in a horizontal sequence from left to right; the characters shall be 6-10 mm high; the characters shall be of the Optical Character Recognition type A (OCR-A) format [6]. They shall be capable of being read on receipt at the repository and throughout its operational period. Quality Assurance

3.2.

Quality Assurance arrangements shall be applied to all aspects of the packaging of radioactive wastes that affect product quality. These arrangements shall be agreed with Nirex prior to the start of the activities to which they relate. Specific requirements for Quality Assurance are described in Section 6.1. 3.3. Data Requirements

Information shall be recorded for each waste package and supplied to Nirex. Specific requirements for the data to be recorded are described in Section 6.2.

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4.

WASTE PACKAGE SPECIFICATION

The General Requirements for the Waste Package Specification are described in Section 3 above. This section defines the specific requirements applicable to the four standard ILW packages. 4.1. 500 litre Drum Waste Package

4.1.1. Heat output The heat output from a 500 litre Drum waste package should not exceed 50 watts. 4.1.2. Dimensions Overall dimensions of the 500 litre Drum waste package shall be: Height Diameter 4.1.3. Lifting feature The 500 litre Drum shall incorporate a lifting feature in the form of a recessed flange. The flange is to be located on the top face of the drum and provide access to locate claws of a lifting attachment. A 500 litre Drum waste package shall be capable of being lifted using the lifting feature, with contact at no more than three equi-spaced points, without exhibiting any permanent deformation under a weight load equivalent to twice the gross mass limit of such packages. 4.1.4. Mass The gross mass of a 500 litre Drum waste package should not exceed 2,000 kg. 4.1.5. Impact performance The release of contents, in particles smaller than 40 micrometre shall be no greater than 5 A2 in the event that a 500 litre Drum is dropped from 10m onto a flat unyielding surface (see Glossary for explanation of A2). The release of contents, in particles smaller than 100 micrometre should be no greater than 20 A2 in the event that a 500 litre Drum is dropped from 25m onto a flat unyielding surface. 4.1.6. Fire performance The release of contents should be no greater than 20 A 2 in the event that a 500 litre Drum waste package is engulfed in a 1000C pool fire, for a duration of 1 hour.
+ 3mm 1200 mm 15mm 0mm 800 mm + 6mm

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4.1.7. Location of identifier Each 500 litre Drum shall be marked with its unique identifier specified in Section 3.1.11 at four equally spaced positions on the vertical edge of the drum lifting feature. 4.2. 3m3 Box Waste Package

4.2.1. Heat output The heat output from a 3m3 Box waste package should not exceed 200 watts. 4.2.2. Dimensions Overall dimensions of the 3m3 Box waste package shall be: Height Plan Corner Radius 4.2.3. Lifting features The 3m3 Box shall incorporate four equally spaced lifting points in the form of twistlock apertures. These shall be positioned on the top face of the 3m3 Box, mid-way along the sides. A 3m3 Box waste package shall be capable of being lifted using any three of these twistlock apertures, without exhibiting any permanent deformation under a weight load equivalent to twice the gross mass limit for such packages. 4.2.4. Mass The gross mass of a 3m3 Box waste package should not exceed 12,000 kg. 4.2.5. Impact performance The release of contents, in particles smaller than 40 micrometre shall be no greater than 20 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Box is dropped from 10m onto a flat unyielding surface (see Glossary for explanation of A2). The release of contents, in particles smaller than 100 micrometre should be no greater than 80 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Box is dropped from 25m onto a flat unyielding surface. 4.2.6. Fire performance The release of contents, should be no greater than 80 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Box waste package is engulfed in a 1000C pool fire, for a duration of 1 hour.

1225 mm
1720 mm 430 mm

+ 3 mm - 3 mm
+ 0 mm - 10 mm +20 mm - 0 mm

1720 mm

+ 0 mm -10 mm

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4.2.7. Location of identifier Each 3m3 Box shall be marked with its unique identifier as specified in Section 3.1.11, on each of the four sides of the box, at a mid-point and 50mm from the top edge. 4.3. 3m3 Drum Waste Package

4.3.1. Heat output The heat output from a 3m3 Drum waste package should not exceed 200 watts. 4.3.2. Dimensions Overall dimensions of the 3 m3 Drum waste package shall be: Height Diameter 4.3.3. Lifting features The 3m3 Drum shall incorporate four equally spaced lifting points in the form of twistlock apertures. These shall be positioned on the top face of the 3m3 Drum, on mutually orthogonal radii. A 3m3 Drum waste package shall be capable of being lifted using any three of these twistlock apertures, without exhibiting any permanent deformation under a weight load equivalent to twice the gross mass limit for such packages. 4.3.4. Mass The gross mass of a 3m3 Drum waste package should not exceed 12,000 kg. 4.3.5. Impact performance The release of contents, in particles smaller than 40 micrometre shall be no greater than 20 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Drum is dropped from 10m onto a flat unyielding surface (see Glossary for explanation of A2). The release of contents, in particles smaller than 100 micrometre should be no greater than 80 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Drum is dropped from 25m onto a flat unyielding surface. 4.3.6. Fire performance The release of contents should be no greater than 80 A2 in the event that a 3m3 Drum waste package is engulfed in a 1000C pool fire, for a duration of 1 hour. 1225 mm 1720 mm
+ 3 mm - 3 mm + 0 mm - 10 mm

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4.3.7. Location of identifier Each drum shall be marked with its unique identifier as specified in Section 3.1.11, at four equally spaced positions on the side of the drum, 50 mm from the top edge. 4.4. 4 metre Box

4.4.1. Heat output The heat output from a 4 metre Box waste package should not exceed 200 watts. 4.4.2. Dimensions Overall dimensions of the 4 metre Box shall be: Length Width Height 4.4.3. Lifting features To allow lifting, handling and restraint during transport, corner fittings suitable for the box mass and based on the British and International Standards for Freight Containers [7], shall be provided at the eight corners of the box. 4.4.4. Mass The gross mass of a 4 metre Box waste package shall not exceed 65,000 kg. 4.4.5. Impact performance Minimum performance requirements are not specified for the 4 metre Box, as impact performance will be controlled by virtue of its classification as an IAEA Industrial Package and consequential restriction to the carriage of material which can be classed as LSA or SCO [4]. 4.4.6. Fire performance Minimum performance requirements are not specified for the 4 metre Box, as fire performance will be controlled by virtue of its classification as an IAEA Industrial Package and consequential restriction to the carriage of material which can be classed as LSA or SCO [4].
0 mm 4013 mm + 6 mm 0 mm 2438 mm + 5 mm 0 mm 2200 mm + 5 mm

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4.4.7. Location of identifier Each 4 metre Box shall be marked with its unique identifier as specified in Section 3.1.11, on each of the four sides of the box, at the midpoint, along the bottom edge. Each 4 metre Box shall also comply with the marking, labelling and placarding requirements of the IAEA Transport Regulations [4], and with the marking and labelling requirements for a freight container [8]. 4.4.8. Transport Regulations The 4 metre Box is intended to be a transport package and, as such, shall comply with the IAEA Transport Regulations [4] for an Industrial Package Type 2 (IP-2) designed to conform to the British and International Standards for Freight Containers [9], excluding dimensions and ratings.

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5.

WASTEFORM SPECIFICATION

This section provides the Specification for the wasteform to augment the key requirements specified in Section 3.1.7. 5.1. Immobilisation of Radionuclides

The wasteform shall be designed to immobilise radionuclides such that the containment provided by the waste package should not be compromised by conditions or events that it may encounter. 5.1.1. Immobilisation of radionuclides and particulates All reasonable measures shall be taken to ensure that radionuclides in the waste are immobilised and loose particulate material is minimised. 5.1.2. Response to an impact accident The design and production of the wasteform should ensure that the quantity of potentially mobile radionuclides present within a waste package at the time of an impact accident, including those generated as a result of the impact accident, is commensurate with the waste package meeting the relevant radioactivity release limits specified in Section 4. Impact performance of the 4 metre Box contents is controlled by its classification as an IAEA Industrial Package restricted to carriage of LSA material or SCO [4]. 5.1.3. Response to a fire accident The design and production of the wasteform for the unshielded packages, should ensure that the quantity of potentially mobile radionuclides present within a waste package at the time of a fire accident, including those generated as the result of a fire accident, is commensurate with the waste package meeting the relevant radioactivity release limits specified in Section 4. In addition the wasteform should not burn or otherwise support combustion. Fire performance of the 4 metre Box contents is controlled by its classification as an IAEA Industrial Package restricted to carriage of LSA material or SCO [4]. 5.1.4. Free liquids All reasonable measures shall be taken to exclude free liquids from the wasteform and the waste package.

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5.2.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

The wasteform shall be designed to provide the mechanical and physical properties necessary to ensure appropriate long-term performance of the waste package under storage, transport and disposal conditions. It must be demonstrable that these mechanical and physical properties will not be compromised by conditions that may be encountered by the waste package. 5.2.1. Strength The wasteform shall provide sufficient mechanical strength to allow the waste package to be transported and handled, under normal and accident conditions, without affecting the ability of the waste package to meet all the requirements of the Waste Package Specification. 5.2.2. Voidage The design and production of the wasteform should ensure that the volume of voidage within the wasteform and the waste package (such as ullage, holes or spaces) is minimised. 5.2.3. Mass-transport properties The wasteform shall be sufficiently permeable to allow gases generated by the wasteform to be released without changes that would cause it to fail to meet the requirements for immobilisation of radionuclides. The permeability, diffusivity and porosity of the wasteform shall meet the requirement to provide best practicable means for containment of mobile radionuclides within the waste package during the operational and post-closure phases of the repository. 5.2.4. Homogeneity/uniformity Local concentrations of materials within the wasteform which may compromise any aspect of the Waste Package Specification should be avoided. 5.2.5. Mass The combined mass of the wasteform and container, including all internal packaging components, should not exceed the gross mass specified in Section 4. 5.2.6. Thermal conductivity The thermal conductivity of the wasteform shall be sufficient to dissipate any heat generated within the package when emplaced in a backfilled repository without unacceptable temperature rise. Normally wasteforms with a thermal conductivity of 0.5 Wm-1K-1 or greater will meet the envisaged design requirements.

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5.3.

Chemical Containment

The wasteform shall be compatible with the dual physical and chemical barriers for containment of radionuclides and hazardous materials. 5.4. Hazardous Materials

The wasteform shall not contain, or have the potential to generate, hazardous materials unless the packaging of the wasteform makes them safe. The means by which any of these materials is made safe shall be demonstrable under all conditions that may be encountered by the waste package. 5.5. Degradation Processes and Wasteform Stability

The wasteform should not degrade to a degree that will affect the ability of the waste package to meet all the requirements of the Waste Package Specification. 5.5.1. Cementitious wasteform dimensional stability Dimensional changes of the wasteform should not compromise any aspects of the Waste Package Specification. 5.5.2. Corrosion Any volume increase of the wasteform due to formation of solid corrosion products should not compromise any aspects of the Waste Package Specification. 5.5.3. Radiation stability The effect of absorbed dose from self-irradiation and irradiation from surrounding waste packages under storage and disposal conditions should not compromise any aspects of the Waste Package Specification. 5.5.4. Thermal effects The heat generated by a wasteform shall be sufficiently low to allow the heat generated within a stack of packages to be dissipated without excessive temperature rise. In addition, the effects of localised heat sources within a wasteform should not degrade the package to the extent that would compromise any aspects of the Waste Package or Wasteform Specification.

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5.6.

Gas Generation

The total extent of gas generation by the wasteform should not compromise the capacity of the wasteform to immobilise radionuclides. Radioactive gas generation within the wasteform should not compromise the ability of the package or transport container to meet radioactivity release restrictions under normal and accident conditions of handling, storage and transport, or to meet release restrictions subsequent to emplacement in the repository. 5.7. Nuclear Properties

5.7.1. External dose rate The radionuclide content and nature of the wasteform should ensure that waste package external dose rate limits as specified in Section 3.1.2 are complied with. 5.7.2. Criticality The fissile material content of the waste shall ensure that a waste package does not present a criticality hazard during transport or during the operational phase of a disposal facility, and that criticality shall not be a significant concern after repository closure. The 4 metre Box contents shall comply with the requirements of the IAEA Transport Regulations [4] for solid non-fissile radioactive material packages.

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6.

WASTE PACKAGE PRODUCTION PROCESS

In the role of future waste facility operator and specifier of packaging standards, Nirex needs to be confident that each waste package being produced will meet the agreed packaging intentions and will be acceptable following interim storage, for subsequent transport, handling and potential disposal. The Quality Assurance (QA) and Data Recording requirements given in this Section are intended to provide this assurance. These aspects need to be addressed from the outset of the waste packaging process, as it is not possible to apply QA and many aspects of data recording retrospectively. 6.1. Quality Assurance for Waste Package Production

It is a requirement of the Nirex Quality Policy and of the Regulators that Quality Assurance arrangements be applied to the packaging of radioactive wastes that may be disposed of in a deep waste repository. The purpose of the QA arrangements is to provide confidence that the packaged waste has the characteristics ascribed to it. This will enable Nirex to be assured that the characteristics of the packaged waste are as specified and can then be used in assessment for compliance against safety case criteria for transport, operation and disposal once these are finalised. 6.1.1 Quality assurance arrangements

The waste producer shall establish and implement formal arrangements for all aspects associated with the packaging of waste which comply with the requirements of the appropriate ISO 9000 standard. ISO 9000 is specified because it is an International Standard dealing with quality system requirements for both external and internal quality assurance purposes and represents current best practice in the nuclear and non-nuclear industries. ISO 9000 addresses contract review which is a key area in the relationship between Nirex as the ultimate disposer of the waste and the waste producer organisations. Other key areas such as independent verification, traceability, the need for external audit arise from ISO 9000 as well as the need for a documented Quality Management System which identifies Quality Assurance Programmes, Quality Plans, procedures and records. QA arrangements should cover all stages of the waste packaging process that can affect the quality of the waste package. This includes waste characterisation, container design, process development, aspects of plant design, plant testing, commissioning and operations. QA arrangements should be established and implemented at the earliest practicable time and be consistent with the progress in establishing the processes for packaging waste. Nirex requires the provision of objective evidence that QA arrangements are being developed and implemented.

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6.1.2 Waste product specification The waste producer shall establish, and provide to Nirex, Waste Product Specification(s). The purpose of Waste Product Specifications is to describe the quality (properties and composition) and performance characteristics of each waste package type. These should be submitted as part of the documentation to demonstrate effectiveness. 6.1.3 Demonstration of effectiveness

The waste producer shall demonstrate to Nirex that the Quality Management System employed is effective and that waste is being packaged in compliance with it. Nirex in its role of potential waste facility operator and therefore the ultimate receiver of the packaged wastes, needs assurance that the quality of the products being produced for disposal are compliant with its requirements. Therefore in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Quality Management System, the waste producer shall provide to Nirex appropriate documentation and establish a system of verification for all activities that have a bearing on the quality of the packaged waste. 6.1.4 Assessment by Nirex

The waste producer shall provide, upon reasonable request, access for Nirex or its agreed agents to conduct assessment(s) of those activities affecting the quality of waste packages. The purpose of such assessments is to enable Nirex independently to establish that the QA arrangements in place, for activities affecting packaged waste quality, are consistent with the requirements of the specified Quality Assurance systems. The nature, extent and scope of the assessments shall be sufficient to provide Nirex with the necessary assurance.

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6.1.5

Method of compliance

Verification of the effective implementation of the Quality Management System and its compliance with this specification shall be demonstrated through the provision of objective evidence such as by assessment. Assessments may be by means of a review of documentation, by surveillance of activities at the works locations and/or by formal audits. Assessments may be performed by Nirex or by a Nirex approved third party.

6.2.

Data Requirements

This Section identifies the information that may need to be made available by the waste producer for waste packages. The required information will be generated throughout the various phases of waste management, from package conception, through package production, storage, transport and eventual disposal. 6.2.1. Aims The Specification for waste package data is required to facilitate demonstration of conformance with relevant legislation and guidance, and to endeavour to ensure that waste packages individually, in numbers and collectively can be shown to meet the requirements for safe and cost effective storage, transport, handling and eventual disposal. What needs to be recorded, therefore, are appropriate data that can be used to establish, infer or predict package properties and performance under relevant circumstances.

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A summary of general waste package data recording requirements is given below: i) ii) Data shall be recorded for each waste package. Each waste package shall be readily identifiable and be linked to data recorded for it. The recorded data shall: facilitate waste package tracking; provide verification of conformance of a package with the relevant Waste Product Specification or identify areas of non-conformance; enable demonstration of conformance with the IAEA Transport Regulations (as implemented by UK legislation); meet the transport documentation requirements for special waste where the radioactive waste is also special waste; enable assessment of the safety of handling and storage; meet the requirements of international safeguards; enable demonstration of conformance with, and permit revision of the repository operational safety assessment; enable demonstration of conformance with the repository site licence and discharge authorisations; enable demonstration of conformance with, and permit revision of the repository post-closure safety assessment; enable demonstration of conformance with the repository disposal authorisations; enable demonstration of conformance with the Waste Acceptance Criteria for disposal which will, in turn, be substantially based on safety assessments (including criticality) covering the repository operational and post-closure phases; facilitate provision of the disposal record.

iii)

iv)

Of particular significance is a realistic and justifiable record of the nature and content of each package which: covers the physical, chemical and radionuclide element; identifies or enables prediction of package properties and performance; allows prediction of the evolution of the package characteristics with time, and of the effect of interactions with other packages and repository components.

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6.2.2. Implementation Each distinct type of packaged waste requires separate consideration in order to allow the development of a tailored system for data acquisition and recording. The system needs to cover the history of the packaged waste from the time of waste arising, through initial waste characterisation, package conception and development, to package production, storage, transport and deep disposal. The data which is to be available for each package is as follows:

a) Waste Package Identifier Unique waste package identifier.

b) Waste - Description of raw waste. - Relevant UK Inventory Waste Stream Identifier. - Origin of the waste. - Identity of storage facility for raw waste (if applicable).

c) Waste Container - Type of waste container. - Waste container specification, including: manufacturing drawings; dimensions; material specifications; container storage conditions.

d) Encapsulant, Capping and Conditioning Material Encapsulant, capping and conditioning material specification (as applicable), including: chemical components; relevant physical properties; material storage conditions.

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e) Wasteform Formulation Wasteform formulation, including (as applicable): ratios of waste to encapsulant and conditioning materials; ratios of components of the encapsulant, capping and conditioning materials.

f) Process Conditions Process conditions, including (as applicable); component temperatures; component addition regime; mixing regime; in-process movement times; process verification steps.

g) Nature of the Waste Package Documentation providing evidence of package properties and performance, including (as applicable): demonstration of conformance with the requirements for impact and fire performance; thermal conductivity; macro-voidage; thermal, chemical, radiation and mechanical stability; corrosion rates of waste package materials; gas generation and migration; mobility of radionuclides; compatibility with alkaline disposal environment; stability of filters and seals.

h) Waste Package Radionuclide Inventory - Activities (TBq per package) of radionuclides present in significant quantities at a given reference date. - Methodology statement describing the establishment of package activities. - Form of radionuclides.

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i) Wasteform Component Inventory - Description of wasteform. - Declaration that wasteform is free of proscribed materials or that hazardous materials have been made safe. - Inventory of components present in significant quantities, including (as applicable): radioactive material in particulate form; encapsulant, capping and conditioning materials; metals; organic materials; inorganic materials; irradiated graphite. - Methodology statement describing the establishment of wasteform component inventories.

j) Waste Package Properties - Waste package classification. - Gross mass (kg). - Surface dose rate (mSv/h). - Non-fixed surface contamination levels (Bq/cm2 ) - Heat output (watts), including non-radiogenic heat output.

k) Waste Product Specification - Waste Product Specification and supporting documentation. - Declaration of conformance or non-conformance with the Waste Product Specification. - Verification of conformance or non-conformance with the Waste Product Specification. - Details of remedial action taken in respect of a waste package initially deemed nonconforming with the Waste Product Specification. - Details of non-conformance with Waste Product Specification.

l) Waste Package History - Date of production. - Identity of waste packaging plant(s). - Identify of waste package store(s). - Dates on which the waste package was placed in and removed from store(s). - Storage conditions. - Checks on the condition of the waste package in store. - Any abnormal occurrences or incidents involving waste package. - Any remedial action taken in respect of a waste package that becomes non-conforming.

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m) Criticality Safety - Criticality compliance assurance documentation and appropriate short and long-term criticality safety cases. - Declaration of compliance or non-compliance with the criticality compliance assurance documentation. - Verification of compliance or non-compliance with the criticality compliance assurance documentation. - Details of remedial action taken to establish as compliant a waste package initially deemed non-compliant with the criticality compliance assurance documentation. - Details of non-compliance with the criticality compliance assurance documentation.

n) Administrative - Customer contact. - Customer authorisation and agreement for transfer of waste package for disposal.

o) Transport - Consignment documentation covering transport of package. [see 10, 11].

p) International Safeguards [see ref. 12] - Safeguards category (safeguarded, non-safeguarded or exempt). - Measurement basis. - Batch designation. - Number of items. - Material description. - Weight of elements. - Uranium category. - Weight of fissile isotopes. - Obligation code. - Intended use of the material. - Date and time of movement, and identity of issuing and receiving material balance area.

q) Special Wastes (if applicable) [see ref. 13] - Consignment documentation.

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7.

OBTAINING PACKAGING ADVICE FROM NIREX

7.1.

Advice and Letters of Comfort

Waste producers are encouraged to discuss their detailed waste packaging plans with Nirex at an early stage, in order to obtain independent advice on particular packaging proposals. Nirex is prepared to give advice on specific applications based on its knowledge of waste package behaviour and performance requirements under storage, transport, handling and disposal conditions and from its experience obtained during the research and development of systems for the transportation, handling and disposal of radioactive waste. This advice normally takes the form of one or more Letters of Advice, which are reports issued by Nirex following assessment of a waste packaging proposal. The advice identifies further information requirements, or may highlight issues that need further development before an assurance can be given. Nirex is also prepared to provide assurances that the proposed waste packages are consistent with the envisaged transport and disposal system. This assurance is provided in the form of an endorsement known as a Letter of Comfort. The Letter of Comfort signifies that the proposal has been subject to a systematic evaluation to confirm that it is consistent with foreseen requirements for interim storage, transport, handling and potential disposal.

7.2.

Initiating Packaging Advice

Waste producers wishing to develop plans for the packaging of ILW are advised to establish contact with Nirex at an early stage. Nirex advice will assist in the identification of an optimum solution and the provision of a Letter of Comfort will demonstrate that the future waste management phases have been considered and meet Nirex requirements. Further information on Nirex packaging advice and the role of the Letter of Comfort is given in the Nirex publication, The Packaging of Waste for Safe Long-Term Management [14].

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8. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

REFERENCES H M Government. Review of Radioactive Waste Management Policy - Final Conclusions. Command 2919, 1995. H M Government. Response to the House of Lords Select Committee Report on the Management of Nuclear Waste. 25 October 1999. United Kingdom Nirex Limited. Derivation of Waste Package Specification for Intermediate Level Waste. Nirex Report N/008. International Atomic Energy Agency. Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. Safety Series No. 6, 1985 Edition (as amended 1990). International Atomic Energy Agency. Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material. Safety Standards Series No. ST-1, 1996 Edition. British Standard Institution. Character Set OCR-A, Shapes and Dimensions of the Printed Image. BS 5464 Part 1: 1977 (1984). British Standard Institution. British Standard Freight Containers, Specification for Corner Fittings for Series 1 Freight Containers. BS 3951: Part 1: Section 1.2: 1985 - Also published as ISO 1161:1984. HM Government, Health and Safety. Convention) Regulations 1984. SI 1890. The Freight Containers (Safety

8. 9.

British Standard Institution. British Standard Freight Containers, Specification and Testing of Series 1 Freight Containers - General Cargo Containers for General Purposes. BS 3951: Part 2: Section 2.1: 1991 - Also published as ISO 1496/1:1990. HM Government. The Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996. SI 1996 No. 1350. HM Government. The Packaging, Labelling and Carriage of Radioactive Material by Rail Regulations 1996. SI 1996 No. 2090. European Commission. Commission Regulation (Euratom) No. 3227/76 of 19 October 1996 concerning the application of the provisions on Euratom Safeguards. HM Government. The Special Waste Regulations 1996. SI 1996 No. 972. United Kingdom Nirex Limited. The Packaging of Waste for Safe Long-Term Management. Nirex Report N/006.

10. 11. 12.

13. 14.

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9. A2

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

A2 is a measure of activity linked to possible exposure pathways defined in IAEA Transport Regulations. It is used by IAEA to set contents limits for Type A packages and to limit the maximum allowable activity release from a Type B package. A2 is used within the Waste Package Specification to define maximum releases from unshielded packages under impact and fire conditions. Activity Activity is the rate of nuclear transformations or transitions occurring in a radioactive source. The SI unit of activity is becquerel (Bq). Alpha emitter An alpha emitter is a radionuclide that decays through emission of alpha radiation. Alpha radiation Alpha radiation consists of streams of alpha particles, which are positively-charged atoms of helium. Becquerel (Bq) Becquerel is the SI unit for radioactivity. One becquerel is the activity of a quantity of radioactive material in which one radionuclide decays per second. Beta emitter A beta emitter is a radionuclide that decays through emission of beta radiation. Beta radiation Beta radiation consists of streams of beta particles, which are high-speed electrons. Best Practicable Means (BPM) Best Practicable Means is that level of management and engineering control that minimises, as far as practicable, the radiological impact of the option whilst taking account of a wider range of factors, including cost-effectiveness, technological status, operational safety, and social and environmental factors. Conceptual stage Conceptual Stage is the phase during which the waste producer is initially developing the packaging concept for a specific waste stream.

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Conditions for Acceptance (CfA) Those criteria relevant to the acceptance of waste packages for handling, storage and disposal. Also known as Waste Acceptance Criteria. Criticality Criticality is a state in a radioactive substance, which contains a sufficiently large quantity of fissile material, in which a self-sustaining neutron chain reaction occurs. Decommissioning Actions taken at the end of the useful life of a nuclear facility in retiring it from service, with adequate regard for the health and safety of workers and members of the public, and protection of the environment. Decommissioning waste Radioactive waste from decommissioning activities. Dose equivalent Dose equivalent is a measure of the biological effect of radiation, i.e. it takes into account the different effectiveness of the various radiations in causing harm to body tissues. The SI unit of dose equivalent is Sievert (Sv). Dose rate Dose rate is the quantity of radiation, or dose, received within the body per unit time. When a dose rate relates to a dose equivalent received over a known period of time, the SI unit for dose rate is sievert/hour (Sv/h). External radiation level - see dose rate Fissile material Fissile material is a material that undergoes fission under neutron irradiation. Fission Fission is the splitting of an atom into two (or more) radionuclides of approximately the same mass. The fission process results in the release of energy, mainly in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments, which is rapidly converted into thermal energy. Gamma emitter A gamma emitter is a radionuclide that decays through emission of gamma radiation.

35

Gamma radiation Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic radiation emitted after nuclear reactions or during radioactive decay. Gross mass The gross mass of a waste package is the combined mass of the wasteform and waste container, including all internal packaging components. Half-life Radioactive half-life is the time required for half the number of atoms of a radioactive substance to decay. High Level Waste (HLW) Waste produced from reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel. It contains over 95% of the radioactivity in all waste arising from nuclear power generation. High level wastes are of relatively small volume but have considerable heat output. Independent Verification Independent Verification provides independent reviews confirming that activities which may affect product quality, have been properly carried out and have been recorded. Industrial Package An Industrial Package (IP) is one category of transport package defined by IAEA Transport Regulations. Industrial Packages may be Type 1 (IP-1), Type 2 (IP-2) or Type 3 (IP-3). Industrial packages are restricted to the carriage of LSA or SCO material. Immobilisation Radioactivity present in waste is generally immobilised by converting the waste to a solid form. This reduces the potential for migration or dispersion of the activity by natural processes during storage, transport, handling and disposal. Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Waste with a radioactivity content which exceeds either of the upper limits for Low Level Waste, but having a lower radioactivity and heat output than High Level Waste. Letter of Advice (LoA) A Letter of Advice is a document prepared by Nirex following the assessment of a waste packaging proposal submitted by a waste producer. The LoA gives advice on the packaging proposal, identifies further information requirements and/or highlights issues that need further development.

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Letter of Comfort (LoC) A Letter of Comfort is a document, prepared by Nirex, which provides assurances to the waste producer that the waste package proposed is compatible with Nirex plans, as currently foreseen, for the repository and associated transport system. Low Level Waste (LLW) Waste with a radioactivity content, which does not exceed 4x109 Bq/t of alpha radioactivity or 12x109 Bq/t of beta/gamma radioactivity, other than that acceptable for disposal with household refuse (Very Low Level Waste). Low Specific Activity (LSA) material Radioactive material which by its nature has a limited specific activity (i.e. activity per unit mass of material), or radioactive material for which limits of estimated average specific activity apply. LSA is a material classification defined by IAEA Transport Regulations. Low toxicity alpha emitter The low toxicity alpha emitters are: natural uranium, depleted uranium, natural thorium, uranium-235 or uranium-238, thorium-232, thorium-228 and thorium-230 when contained in ores and physical or chemical concentrates, and alpha emitting radionuclides with a half-life less than 10 days. Micrometre One micrometre is a millionth of the SI unit of length, metre (m). mSv/h One milli-sievert per hour is a thousandth of the SI unit of dose rate, Sv/h. Non-standard waste container A container, designed by the waste producer, to package wastes that cannot be packaged into one of the standard waste containers. The non-standard containers may pre-date the establishment of Nirex standards or may be developed to fulfil a specialised role. Operational waste Radioactive waste produced during the normal operations of a nuclear facility. Packaging The preparation of radioactive waste for safe storage, transportation, handling and disposal by means of enclosing a conditioned wasteform in a suitable container. Passive Safety A passively safe form is one in which the waste is chemically and physically stable and stored in containment and a manner which minimises the need for safety mechanisms,

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maintenance, monitoring and human intervention, and which facilitates retrieval for final disposal. Permeability Permeability is a measure of the rate at which a gas or a liquid moves under a pressure gradient through a porous material. Porosity The ratio of the aggregate volume of interstices or porous media to total volume. Pre-operational stage Pre-Operational Stage is the phase during which the waste producer is building the plant for packaging a specific waste stream. The plant design will have been developed during the Project Pre-Commitment Stage. Project pre-commitment stage Project Pre-Commitment Stage is the phase during which the waste producer is designing the packaging process for a specific waste stream. The packaging process will be based on the packaging concept developed during the Conceptual Stage. Quality Assurance Programme A Quality Assurance Programme provides a description of the overall quality management system which provides quality assurance for a particular project at any stage in its life cycle. Quality Management System A quality management System is the overall system by which an organisation determines, implements and ensures quality. Quality Plan A Quality Plan describes or identifies technical requirements and the means by which documentation of items, processes or services will be controlled. Radioactive decay Radioactive decay is the transformation of an unstable substance into a more stable form, usually accompanied by alpha or beta and/or gamma radiation. Radionuclide A radionuclide is an isotope of an element that is unstable and undergoes radioactive decay.

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Shielded waste package A shielded package is one which either has in-built shielding or contains low activity materials and may be handled by conventional techniques. In all cases shielded packages are also transport packages in their own right. Shielding Shielding is the protective use of materials to reduce radiations so that the dose rate outside the shielding material is kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). The amount of shielding required will therefore depend on the type of radiation, the activity of the source and on the dose rate which is acceptable outside the shielding material. Sievert (Sv) Sievert is the SI unit of dose equivalent. Special Waste In general terms, special wastes are those which are dangerous or difficult to handle because they include hazardous or toxic materials. The Special Waste Regulations 1996 implement the European Hazardous Waste Directive 91/689/EEC, are intended to provide an effective system for the control of such wastes from their production to their final disposal or recovery. Standard waste container A container designed to be consistent with a Nirex Waste Package Specification. Nirex has specified four standard waste packages for Intermediate Level Waste. Stillage A stillage is a metal frame designed to hold four 500 litre Drums so that they can be handled and stacked as a single unit. Surface Contaminated Object (SCO) A solid object which is not itself radioactive but which has radioactive material distributed on its surfaces. SCO is a material classification defined by IAEA Transport Regulations. Thermal conductivity Thermal conductivity is a measure of the flow rate of thermal energy through a material in the presence of a temperature gradient. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is Wm-1K-1.

39

Transport container A reusable container into which waste packages are placed for transport, the whole then qualifying as a transport package under the IAEA Transport Regulations. Transport package The complete assembly of the radioactive material and its outer packaging as defined in the IAEA Transport Regulations. Type A package A Type A package may contain an activity up to A1 or A2 and must comply with the requirements for Type A packages given in the IAEA Transport Regulations. A Type A package simply shall provide containment for its radioactive contents during normal transport conditions (i.e. where an incident resulting in minor mishaps of the package may occur). Type B package A Type B package may contain an activity that exceeds the A1 and A2 limits for Type A packages and must comply with the requirements for Type B packages as given in the IAEA Transport Regulations. Unshielded package An unshielded package is one which, owing either to radiation levels or containment requirements, requires remote handling and is transported in a reusable transport container. Waste Acceptance Criteria Those criteria relevant to the acceptance of waste packages for handling, storage and disposal. See also Conditions for Acceptance. Waste container The vessel which remains in direct contact with the wasteform and is disposed of along with the wasteform. Wasteform The waste in the physical and chemical form in which it will be disposed of, including any conditioning media but not including the waste container. Waste package The wasteform and its waste container as prepared for storage and disposal.

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Waste Product Specification A document prepared by the waste producer which describes the quality (properties and composition) and performance characteristics of each distinct type of waste package produced in a waste packaging plant. Waste producer In the context of the Waste Package Specification, the waste producer is the organisation that packages the waste. In some cases, the waste producer may also be the organisation that produces the waste to be packaged.

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10.

ABBREVIATIONS

Bq CfA IAEA ISO HLW ILW K kg LLW LoA LoC LSA m mm cm QA QMS SCO SI unit Sv t W WAC

bequerel Conditions for Acceptance International Atomic Energy Agency International Organisation for Standardisation High Level Waste Intermediate Level Waste degree Kelvin kilogram Low Level Waste Letter of Advice Letter of Comfort Low Specific Activity metre millimetre centimetre Quality Assurance Quality Management Systems Surface Contaminated Objects 'Systeme Internationale' unit sievert metric tonne watt Waste Acceptance Criteria

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