Irradiated Fissile Material Storage Facilities

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

To the extent practical, discrete processing steps should be performed in

individual process confinements to reduce the amount of hazardous

material that can be released by a single or local failure of the

confinement system. Process and auxiliary system differential pressure

should be maintained to inhibit back-flow of hazardous materials into

auxiliary systems.

Process operations that involve oxide powder or that can generate

powder or dust should be provided with special confinement to prevent

the spread of contamination. Facility design should preclude the handling

of uranium oxides in large open rooms.

Airborne radioactive wastes typically associated with UPHFs that should

be considered during the design include but are not limited to airborne

particulate material generated by fabrication processes (e.g., airborne

grinding dust). Nuclear criticality safety should be considered in the

design of the airborne effluent system.

When inert confinement system atmospheres are used, moisture removal

systems should be considered to maintain long-term stability of packaged

material. Small-volume process enclosures should be designed to

prevent the enclosed atmosphere from being pressurized by rapid

insertion of gloves into the enclosure.

IRRADIATED FISSILE MATERIAL STORAGE FACILITIES .

2.5

2.5.1

Introduction . IFMSFs are self-contained installations for storage of highly

radioactive fissile material (e.g., spent fuel and target elements) that has been

exposed to a neutron fluence, usually in a nuclear reactor. The irradiated

material should be properly clad or canned when received so that leakage from

the assemblies is minimized and remains within specified limits. The IFMSF

stores the material in a manner that ensures the integrity of the cladding or

canning. The stored material is shipped to facilities such as a hot laboratory or

high-level solid radioactive waste facility.

I-65