Container Construction - std301320040044

DOE-STD-3013-2004

A.6.2.2

Container Construction

1. Use of low-carbon stainless steels, such as 304 L and 316 L, is recommended with

316 L being preferable to 304 L because of its greater corrosion resistance. Both

materials are justified on the basis of extensive experience in this and similar types

of service. Stainless steels 301, 302, and 303 are not recommended due to their

relatively low concentrations of alloying additions. The use of higher alloyed

materials is probably beneficial to container failure resistance, but given the less

thorough analysis of these alloys in the literature, it may be prudent to avoid their

use at this time.

A recent report on corrosion [Kolman 1999] strongly recommends low carbon grades

of stainless steel to avoid sensitization to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The report

also notes the importance of welding techniques that will not sensitize the steel to

SCC. More information from Kolman's report can be found in Section A.6.3.3.3 of this

appendix.

2. The Assessment Report [DOE 1994a, 1994c] describes radiolytic effects with plastics,

hydrogenous compounds, and organic materials during storage of plutonium-bearing

materials. Prolonged plutonium storage necessitates exclusion of such materials from

sealed containers because radiolysis and thermolysis of organic material can produce

combustible and corrosive gases and increase pressure within sealed containers.

Radiation and heat also can potentially change the composition of organic materials

so that they no longer perform their intended packaging function. Therefore, such

materials should not be used in fabricating the inner or outer containers.

Elastomeric seals on food-pack cans have been used for storage of plutonium.

Although such containers have been used successfully with little or no significant seal

degradation, this Standard conservatively excludes them from use.

3. The outer container is sized to fit into existing certified or currently proposed

shipping containers (primarily the 9975 and SAFKEG packages). This design will

minimize future handling and avoid unnecessary additional personnel exposure,

operational risk, and waste generation.

A.6.2.3

Container Testing Criteria

1. Design Qualification Testing