ML20247A146
| ML20247A146 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 05/12/1988 |
| From: | Zech L NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Udall M HOUSE OF REP., INTERIOR & INSULAR AFFAIRS |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20247A062 | List: |
| References | |
| OWENS-880512, NUDOCS 8903290051 | |
| Download: ML20247A146 (2) | |
Text
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Rep. Owens QUEST 10N_3:
Please comment on the' safety problems associated with gas generation within TRU waste shipping containers and the' potential'for explosions.
ANSWER:
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l DOE plans to ship a large variety of waste forms in TRU waste shipping containers.
Some of these wastes generate hydrogen and other gases as a result of radiolytic and thermal 1
decomposition.
DOE is currently studying the rates at which j
hydrogen and other gases would be generated within the TRU 1
shipping container for various waste forms.
The results of these studies would form the basis for defining an acceptable contents for the TRU shipping package.
It is NRC's intent to limit the hydrogen concentration generated within the TRU waste shipping container to 5%.
This is the lower flammable limit for hydrogen in air, and hydrogen i
at this concentration would not detonate.
Similar limits would be imposed on other flammable or explosive gases which are i
determined to be present in any of the waste forms.
I 8903290051 80070f PDR COMMS NRCC CORRESPONDENCE PDR
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s' Rep. Owens OVEST10N 3.
(Continued)- The normal shipping time for a TRU waste shipment from a DOE site to;the WIPP facility is about four days.-
DOE is designing.
the container and limiting the contents so that the hydr 6 gen concentration generated within a TRU shipping container would not exceed 5%.in a sixty day period.
This design should assure j
,e that the hydrogen concentration would not exceed safe limits during shipments.
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