Castor® containers: Ultrasonic sealing system for dry applications

Abstract

New ultrasonic reading heads have been designed at SILab. The heads include a new motor drive with an encoder for precise feedback on the reading positions. The software and acquisition data system were developed as well. The heads are suitable both for dry and underwater applications. The head for dry reading includes a water reservoir to allow the coupling with the ultrasonic bolt. Also the weight and dimensions of the heads were reduced to ease transport and handling. One prototype was fabricated at SILab for each system. On request of DG-TREN, a new ultrasonic sealing system for dry applications is under development. It is based on the characteristics of the CASTOR® containers (dimensions, ambient and condition of operations). It includes a new upgraded ultrasonic sealing bolt, the reading head and a remote positioning system to reduce to a minimum the dose to the inspectors. The seal itself incorporates several innovative elements to avoid tampering with. A full scale mock up is under fabrication.JRC.G.7-Traceability and vulnerability assessmen