Mobile Onshore Interim Storage Unit for Radioactive Materials
Design and fabrication of a self-contained, towable onshore unit for interim storage of radioactive materials. The unit is optimized for rapid deployment to construction sites, temporary facilities, and remote work areas, ensuring safe handling until permanent disposal or long-term storage is available.
Objectives
Mobility
Permit road transport via standard heavy-duty trailers.
Safety
Provide multi-layer radiation shielding, secondary containment, and active cooling.
Compliance
Conform to IAEA Type B package requirements and national land-transport regulations.
Scope of Work
- Conceptual and detailed engineering design
- Fabrication of modular shielded modules and support chassis
- Integration of cooling, containment, and monitoring subsystems
- Factory acceptance testing and on-site commissioning
Design Features
Shielded Storage Modules
Cylindrical stainless-steel liners encased in lead and high-density concrete.
Chassis & Enclosure
Reinforced steel frame on a 20 ft flat-bed trailer, with weather-proof steel canopy.
Secondary Containment
Fully sealed inner vault with leak-detection sensors.
Active Thermal Control
Air-cooled heat exchangers and thermostatically-controlled fans.
Monitoring & Control
Embedded gamma sensors, temperature probes, and remote telemetry link.
Fabrication Details
Phase 1Module Manufacture
- Precision-machining of stainless-steel liners.
- Layered casting of lead shielding; pour and cure of high-density concrete.
- Weld seams to Class 1 radiographic quality standards.
Phase 2Chassis Assembly
- Installation of reinforced subframe on heavy-duty trailer.
- Mounting of shielded modules into precision-aligned cradles.
- Construction of steel canopy with integrated access hatches and lift points.
Phase 3Systems Integration
- Plumbing of cooling air ducts and installation of fan-driven heat exchangers.
- Wiring of power, control, and telemetry harnesses into sealed junction boxes.
- Calibration of sensors; perform pressure- and leak-tests on containment barriers.
Safety & Redundancy
Primary Shielding
Minimum 0.4 m lead equivalent around all module surfaces.
Backup Cooling
Dual-fan arrangement with automatic fail-over.
Emergency Response
Automated unit lockdown and alarm on threshold exceedance; remote isolation of power and ventilation.
Materials & Procurement
| Shielding Components | Lead alloy ingots; high-density concrete mix (> 5.5 g/cm³). |
|---|---|
| Structural Elements | A514 marine-grade steel for frame and canopy. |
| Ancillaries | Radiation-resistant seals, road-legal lighting and signage, heavy-duty lifting eyebolts. |
Deployment & Transportation
- Compatible with C-Class commercial highways under special-load permit.
- Trailer hitch and hydraulic leveling jacks for rapid site setup.
- Designed for 80 km/h transport; road vibration dampening via shock-mounts.
Site Integration
- Flat, leveled pad required (e.g., compacted gravel or concrete slab).
- Forklift pockets and integrated crane-lift points for off-trailer placement.
- Optional modular ramp for direct access to module hatches.
Regulatory Compliance
Project Gallery
