Type B Shipping Packages

DOE-HDBK-1129-99

approximately 15 packages that meet 49 CFR 178.350 for the transportation of Type A quantities

of liquid or gases. Additionally, several commercial manufacturers will design packages that meet

these radioactive materials shipping criteria.

6.1.2 Type B Shipping Packages

Tritium in Type B quantities (> 1,080 curies) is shipped in the form of uranium tritide in the WSRC-

developed Hydride Transport Vessel (HTV). If the tritium is in gaseous form, it is shipped in the

WSRC-developed Product Vessel (PV). LP50 containers are no longer used. The HTV and PV

can be packaged for shipment in the Type B, UC-609 shipping package. Primary containers other

than the HTV and PV can also be shipped in the UC-609. However, if tritium is ordered from or is

to be returned to a DOE facility, it is generally shipped in an HTV or PV if packaged inside the UC-

609. For design and analysis purposes, the storage vessel receives no credit for tritium

containment. The package can be transported as non-exclusive (i.e., with other than radioactive

cargo) use by highway, rail, water, or air.

Type B quantities may also be transported from one DOE site to another in the Sandia-designed

H1616 shipping package. DOE authorization is required before using the H1616 package. The

primary tritium container enclosed inside the H1616 must meet the Sandia National Laboratory

(SNL) specification SS393217. The HTV is qualified for shipment in the H1616 packaging and

meets the SNL specification [33]. Of the two H1616 variations, H1616-1 and H1616-2,

qualification for transport in the H1616-1 automatically includes qualification for transport in the

H1616-2. The next revision to this handbook is planned to include relevant information on the

H1616 design, operational procedures, packaging and shipping requirements, and limitations on

use.

Caution should be exercised when shipping "empty" HTVs, as the residual heel may contain

> 1080 curies, thereby requiring a Type B shipment for the "empty" HTV.

6.2 Product Containers

6.2.1 WSRC, Product Vessel

The WSRC PV is designed for use with the UC-609 to ship up to 10 grams of gaseous tritium in a

single valve, 21L-volume container at pressures up to 1,200 torr. The PV is designed to meet the

requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, 1991

Addenda, Lethal Service, Full Vacuum to 8.5 psig (1,200 torr) at 77oF.

Although the PV is designed to meet ASME code requirements, the PV is not ASME code

stamped. The vessel is equipped with a single valve, Nupro SS-4HS-TW valve, 316 SS body

and is closed with a male Cajon SS-4-VCR-4 nut and a Cajon SS-4-VCR-CP cap.

6.2.2 WSRC, Hydride Transport Vessel

The HTV [33] can be loaded with a maximum of 3 moles (18 grams) of tritium as uranium tritide.

The main body of the HTV is fabricated from two four-inch Schedule 40 pipe caps, welded together

and contains a free volume of approximately 690 cubic centimeters. The HTV weighs 9.3 pounds,

has a maximum outside diameter of 4.560 inches, and is 9.980 inches high. The HTV is equipped

with two ports with a single Nupro SS-4HS-TW closure valve on each port. Both ports are

equipped with 2-micron nominal pore size, cup shaped, porous stainless steel filters welded on the