Offshore Towable Storage System for Radioactive Materials
This project centers on the design and fabrication of a self-contained, towable storage system for radioactive materials, optimized for offshore deployment. It ensures safe, compliant, and flexible interim storage near offshore facilities (e.g., oil platforms, wind farms).
Objectives
Mobility
Enable rapid repositioning by tug or support vessel.
Safety
Provide multi-layer shielding, containment, and active cooling.
Compliance
Meet IAEA Type B package standards and local maritime regulations.
Scope of Work
- Conceptual and detailed design
- Fabrication of modular storage casks and barge structure
- Integration of shielding, cooling, and monitoring systems
- Sea-trial testing and certification
Design Features
Modular Casks
Heavy-wall stainless steel with lead/concrete layers.
Shielding Walls
Surround casks on three sides, integrated into the barge deck.
Containment Barrier
Secondary sealed enclosure with leak-detection sensors.
Active Cooling
Air- or seawater-based heat exchangers to dissipate decay heat.
Monitoring & Controls
Real-time radiation detectors, temperature sensors, and remote telemetry.
Fabrication Details
Phase 1Module Preparation
- Machine inner stainless-steel liners.
- Cast concentric lead shielding and pour high-density concrete.
- Seal casks to Class 1 weld standards.
Phase 2Structural Assembly
- Retrofit a 30 m × 10 m barge with reinforced deck plates.
- Weld vertical shielding panels; install containment canopy.
- Mount cooling skid and electrical/mechanical control cabin.
Phase 3Final Integration
- Bolt casks to deck mounts; connect cooling loops and power.
- Calibrate monitoring systems; perform hydrostatic and radiological tests.
Safety & Redundancy
Primary Shielding
≥ 0.5 m lead equivalent on all sides.
Backup Systems
Dual-pump cooling, redundant power supplies.
Emergency Protocols
Automated safe-shutdown on sensor trip; remote-controlled isolation valves.
Materials & Procurement
| Shielding | Lead alloys, high-density concrete (> 5.6 g/cm³). |
|---|---|
| Structure | Marine-grade steel (A36 or equivalent). |
| Ancillaries | Seismic-qualified containment seals, marine-rated piping. |
Deployment & Transportation
- Towable via standard offshore support tugs.
- Mooring fittings for single-point or spread-mooring systems.
- Capable of 5 knots transit in up to Sea State 4 conditions.
Offshore Integration
- Designed to interface with platform cranes or gangways.
- Compatible with dynamic positioning vessels for precise station-keeping.
Regulatory Compliance
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