|
||||||||||||||
Answer to Question #1199 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Policy, Guidelines, and Regulations — Radiation Safety Issues The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
I understand that a Type A package is used for special-form radioactive materials, provided that activity does not exceed A1, and Type B for otherwise, provided A2 is not exceeded. Further, the maximum value of A2 is 27,000 Ci. Then, how can radionuclides with activity higher than 27,000 Ci be transported nationally or internationally? What type of packaging is required? I'm talking specifically about 90Sr source with 121,000 Ci, presumably shielded with some type of material.
A
Both the A1 and A2 quantities apply to type A packages. A Type A package is one that is not accident resistant, and A1 is the maximum quantity of special-form material that may be transported in a Type A package. A2 is the maximum amount of normal-form material that may be transported in a Type A package. Special-form material is material that is in the form of a sealed capsule, and so is assumed to be nondispersible, whereas normal-form material is assumed to be dispersible. Any special-form material above A1 and normal-form material above A2 must be transported in a Type B package. A Type B package is an accident-resistant package, and there are Type B packages available that are certified for the amount of 90Sr that the questioner would like to ship. A good place to search for a suitable Type B package is a U.S. Department of Energy Web site. The site lists all NRC- and DOE-certified Type B packages. Finally, IAEA TS-R-1, 1996 lists a new Type C package that is designed to withstand severe air crashes and may have to be used if the shipment is to be made internationally by air.
Sami Sherbini Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Answer posted on 19 October 2001. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
|
||||||||||||||
| This page last updated 18 December 2009. Ask Question | Search ATE | Site Map | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | Security Notice | Webmaster | ||||||||||||||
