ML20052A012
| ML20052A012 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/07/1982 |
| From: | Johnson T NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Browning R NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| References | |
| REF-WM-3 NUDOCS 8204260437 | |
| Download: ML20052A012 (4) | |
Text
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Division of Waste Management
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Timothy C. Johnson C/ <
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Division of Waste Managemen?.
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SUBJECT:
PLASTIDRUM MEETIfiG REPORT D
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Enclosed is a copy of the meeting report for my visit to Piastidrum' \\ l$
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Corporation in Lockport, Illinois on March 25, 1982.
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Timothy C. Johnson Low-Level Waste Licensing Branch Division of Waste Management
Enclosure:
Meeting report 820425Q W
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APR 7 1982 PLASTIDRUM MEETING REPORT 1.
Purpose:
The purpose of this meeting was to:
a.
Discuss the technical aspects of polyethylene containers b.
Review the results of the Specification 7A transportation tests performed on the Plastidrum PR-55 drum c.
Observe the fabrication techniques utilized in drum blow molding 2.
Attendees:
T. Johnson, NRC R. Barletta, BNL M. Kaysen, Plastidrum L. Troise, Plastidrum K. Bennert, NEN D. Edling, Mound D. Hobart, CNSI P. Gilbert, Chemplex 3.
Location & Date:
Lockport, Illinois March 25, 1982 4.
Discussion:
Plastidrum is marketing a polyethylene container as a replacement for the standard carbon steel 55 gal drum and is alsc considering the viability of manufacturing high integrity containers.
The Plastidrum PR-55 drum made of high density, high molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE) has successfully undergone DOT Specification 7A testing to qualify it as a Type A package. The testing was performed by D. Edling at Mound Laboratories.
D. Edling discussed the testing and results and showed pictures of the testing. He indicated that a test report would be completed in approximately one month and he would send copies to the attendees.
M. Kaysen indicated that Plastidrum was retooling to modify the PR-55 to an open head drum.
This would be accomplished by cutting out the top of the drum and fitting an extrusion molded lid on the top. This lid would be applied in a similar manner as the lifting ring on the PR-55.
Plastidrum was also planning a modification to provide a 4 inch opening instead of the two 2 inch openings on the PR-55. This modification would be intended to adapt the drum to the stock equipment solidification system at Dresden. This application would simply be a replacement-for the 17C carbon steel drum currently used.
At Dresden the drum was tested for adaptability with the stock compactor.
A drum was loaded with 750 lb of DAW. This application used anti-spring back discs.
M. Kaysen estimated that the discs and drum could be marketed for approximately $44. The normal PR-55 drum costs $28.50. These costs are comparable to standard 17C and 17H drum prices.
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2 Modifications to the drum would require an evaluation to ascertain if Specification 7A testing needs to be redone.
In discussions with P. Gilbert of Chemplex, he indicated that he would transmit technical data sheets for the 570lG resin used by Plastidrum.
He stated that he was unaware if radiation or microbial degradation testing has been performed on the 570lG resin.
In a tour of the plant we observed the blow molding techniques used i
to fabricate the PR-55 drums. Each drum is pneumatically tested to 10 psi and checked for material thickness.
In order to meet DOT Specification 34 requirements a minimum wall thickness of 0.125 inches is required. The container has been designed for a min' mum wall thickness of 0.15 inches.
Tests were performed to confirm the handling compatibility with standard 17C and 17H drums. A parakeet beak lift device was used. Some difficulty was noted attaching the lifting device to a drum with a modified top.
These difficulties appear to be resolvable. No difficulty was observed using the standard PR-55 drum.
Two drop tests were performed for our observation. One was a 4 foot drop of a water-filled drum on its side.
The other was a 14 foot drop of another water-filled container onto the top edge.
Neither drum ruptured or leaked.
M. Kaysen indicated that a 1350 lb drum of concrete had been dropped from 4 feet with no rupture. We observed the drum to confirm its integrity.
Plastidrum routinely drop tests several drums per day.
Once a week drums exposed to 10 F temperatures for up to a week are also dropped.
These tests are part of Plastidrum's normal quality assurance program.
M. Kaysen indicated that about one drum in 50 or 60 will break in a 18 foot drop test. None have broken in 10 foot tests.
M. Kaysen indicated that the containers had a 2 to 2-1/2 year outdoor shel f-l i fe. This was applicable to drums with or without added carbon black.
I was concerned about the effects of creep during waste storage.
L. Troise indicated that Marathon Oil has stored 700 lb PR-55 drums, with lifting rings on the top and bottom, three high for up to 18 months without rupture.
This potential problem needs to be evaluated since many utilities are considering 5 year storage facilities.
The open head drum will utilize a closure device which will not be removable.
This could present some difficulty if inspection of the drum contents is required at the disposal site.
For this case the drum would have to be destroyed and the contents repackaged.
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Plastidrum indicated that their blow nolding technique was capable of producing drums with wall thicknesses up to 0.5 inches.
M. Kaysen indicated that the blow molding technique produced a drum with lower residual stresses than with the rotational cast method.
Rotational casting is performed at higher temperatures which could effect the resin over the long term.
M. Kaysen stated that a blow molded drum with a thinner wall might have better long term stability than a rotationally cast drum.
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Conclusion:==
Overall, the presentation and the fabrication ter%'iques were very interesting.
I was surprised that the drums coult urvive the 14 foot drop test.
I believe that from the disposal perspective the HDPE drum is a much better choice than the standard carbon steel drums. However, in order to address utility concerns, additional creep or stack testing needs to be performed to assure that waste drums can be stored without rupture.
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