Preparation for MOX powder sea transport by JAEA

Ouchi, Yuichiro ; Kitamura, Takafumi; Shibata, Kan; Take, Tokuo*; Kamino, Yoshikazu*; Kawahara, Yasuhiro*

JAEA is planning to procure MOX powder from the Rokka-sho Reprocessing Plant (RRP) of the JNFL in Aomori prefecture, as raw material to fabricate reloaded-fuel for the prototype fast breeder reactor "MONJU" and the experimental reactor "JOYO" at about 2014. A development of new packaging and a preparation of specialized transport system for responding to requirements of Category I nuclear materials have been implemented. The design of the new packaging started in 2002. A series of prototype tests using a prototype packaging has been con-ducted: heat convection test, handling test in RRP, and regulation tests according to the requirements for Type B(U)F package specified in the TS-R-1 of the IAEA safe transport regulations. The design of the dedicated transport container was conducted to accommodate as many packages as possible, based on an ISO 20-foot container. An assessment of sea transport for MOX powder was also conducted, as part of the safety assessment during transport by ship.