Criticality Safety Review of 2 1/2-, 10-, and 14-Ton UF(Sub 6) Cylinders

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/814254· OSTI ID:814254

Broadhead, B L

Currently, UF{sub 6} cylinders designed to contain 2 1/2 tons of UF{sub 6} are classified as Fissile Class II packages with a transport index (TI) of 5 for the purpose of transportation. The 10-ton UF{sub 6} cylinders are classified as Fissile Class I with no TI assigned for transportation. The 14-ton cylinders, although not certified for transport with enrichments greater than 1 wt % because they have no approved overpack, can be used in on-site operations for enrichments greater than 1 wt %. The maximum 235U enrichments for these cylinders are 5.0 wt % for the 2 1/2-ton cylinder and 4.5 wt % for the 10- and 14-ton cylinders. This work reviews the suitability for reclassification of the 2 1/2-ton UF{sub 6} packages as Fissile Class I with a maximum {sup 235}U enrichment of 5 wt %. Additionally, the 10- and 14-ton cylinders are reviewed to address a change in maximum {sup 235}U enrichment from 4.5 to 5 wt %. Based on this evaluation, the 2 1/2-ton UF{sub 6} cylinders meet the 10 CFR.71 criteria for Fissile Class I packages, and no TI is needed for criticality safety purposes; however, a TI may be required based on radiation from the packages. Similarly, the 10- and 14-ton UF{sub 6} packages appear acceptable for a maximum enrichment rating change to 5 wt % {sup 235}U.

• Research Organization: ORNL Oak Ridge National Laboratory (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: URANIUM ENRICHMENT, DOE (US); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 814254
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-11947
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CRITICALITY
ENRICHED URANIUM
GAS CYLINDERS
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
SAFETY ANALYSIS
SIZE
TRANSPORT
URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE