Package Testing

Problem Statement:

When transporting radioactive materials, safety and security are top priorities. Regulations require that radioactive material packages pass rigorous performance tests, including those that simulate severe transportation accidents, to ensure that the public and the environment are protected from the hazardous nature of the cargo. 

Technical Approach:

The Package Evaluation Facility (PEF) performs required regulatory tests and subsequently evaluates the packages’ performance – ensuring that they contain the radioactive material and protect the public and environment by meeting regulatory requirements.  The PEF specializes in the testing of smaller drum-type Type B radioactive material packages and special form capsule testing and certification.

PEF staff is also involved in the development of standards for regulatory package testing as well as the development of unique testing solutions. 

Benefit:

Package design organizations will have the range of support and expertise needed for the development and certification of safe radioactive material transportation packages.

Sponsors:

Department of Energy-Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) Fuel Cycle Technologies, Nuclear Fuel Storage and Transportation Planning Project

National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Private Industry 

Researchers: 

Matthew R. Feldman, Oscar A. Martinez