Function test successfully implemented
The research neutron source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) carefully prepared the planned transports of the spent fuel elements from Garching to the interim storage in Ahaus. Staff members tested the handling of the CASTOR® MTR3 transport and storage cask and also the loading and unloading of the transport vehicle . The supervisory authorities and their experts were also present.
"Dummy fuel elements" were used for the functional tests to simulate the loading as realistically as possible. All work steps are monitored, evaluated and precisely recorded in real time. In addition, regular sampling is carried out by the radiation protection team.
Photo gallery
The empty CASTOR® MTR3 transport and storage cask is delivered. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
A heavy-duty trolley transports the cask into the reactor building. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
An employee checks the special tools for handling the cask. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
A crane, which is specially certified in accordance with the Atomic Law, maneuvers the cask through the ceiling hatch into the reactor hall on the upper floor. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
Here, the cask comes to rest on a specially marked area, next to the reactor pool. © FRM II / TUM
A mobile ring-shaped working platform around the cask guarantees that the employees can work safely at the cask. © FRM II / TUM
Well-trained specialists check all working materials, tools, and the cask in its individual parts for defects or deviations. © FRM II / TUM
The cask is positioned and loaded completely under water in the storage pool. The water provides schielding from the radiation. © FRM II / TUM
The spent fuel elements are stored in the adjacent storage pool. They are transferred individually under water to the five positions in the cask and precisely set down. © FRM II / TUM
The personnel mainly control the loading from a bridge above the reactor pool. © FRM II / TUM
With the help of a special, radiation-resistant underwater camera, the specialists can carry out the work with fine precision. © FRM II / TUM
Once the cask is successfully loaded, it is securely closed while still under water. © FRM II / TUM
The cask, tightly closed with the primary lid, is dried and monitored. © FRM II / TUM
Further cleaning and drying work is carried out on the cask. © FRM II / TUM
An inspection cover is mounted to perform moisture and leakage tests. © FRM II / TUM
This ensures that radioactive inventory remains in the cask. © FRM II / TUM
As a further protective barrier, a second lid is mounted and tightly closed afterwards. © FRM II / TUM
Employees inspect the cask according to a comprehensive protocol. © FRM II / TUM
Finally, a 1.6-ton pressure plate is mounted on the cask for transport. © FRM II / TUM
After the release measurements of the radiation protection, the cask can leave the reactor hall. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
For removal, the loaded and securely closed cask is maneuvered from the reactor hall back to the ground floor. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
The lower shock absorber is ready with the transport configuration on the heavy duty trolley. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
The cask is followed by the upper shock absorber from the reactor hall. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
After further measurements by radiation protection, the cask with the transport configuration can leave the reactor hall. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
The heavy-duty trolley transports the cask to the FRM II off-site transport vehicle. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
Employees check all work steps according to a comprehensive protocol. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
The cask is firmly anchored and secured on the transport vehicle. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
In the outside area, control measurements are carried out on the cask by the radiation protection team. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
Further measurements on and near the cask will follow. © Bernhard Ludewig, FRM II / TUM
The transport vehicle is ready to depart and leaves the FRM II site. © Wenzel Schürmann, FRM II / TUM
