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RE: Type A transport containers
Some companies will supply documentation showing the packages passed all of
the required tests. As an example, the DOT Type A casks that used to fall
under the NRC, now come with a binder of about 200 pages which demonstrate
compliance. There is absolutely no way a cask user is going to attempt the
DOT tests.
A company which provides good documentation is Skolnik. We use their 10,
30, 55, and 85 gallon drums. Their documentation describes the applicable
tests and provides the results. They also provide good detail as to what
the shipper's responsibilities are with respect to using the package within
the design specifications. I believe their drums run from $25-45. This
seems inexpensive when you consider what you're getting. I've seen some of
these fancy box packagings for hazardous materials and I don't believe the
costs are any better.
If the company does not have the documentation to certify that a package can
meet the Type A tests, then I'd look for another supplier.
Sincerely,
Glen Vickers
glen.vickers@ucm.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jerry Wiza [SMTP:ramservices@lsol.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 8:56 AM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: Re: Type A transport containers
>
> One additional practical point to take into consideration. When we had a
> container tested for Type-A certification by a commercial vendor, they
> required 10 prototypes of each container. This included not only the
> package, but as Mr. Lipton notes, simulated contents as well. We
> concocted
> simulated lab trash - pipette tips, tubes, petri dishes, etc., and this
> proved the real expense for the test. While the Type-A tests for solids
> are
> not terribly stressful on the package, we also had containers tested for
> liquids. These tests will generally not leave the packaging in re-usable
> condition (they require a Type-B drop test).
>
> Also note that the back of the IATA guide contains a global listing of
> testing laboratories qualified to perform testing to IATA specs.
>
> Don Jordan
> RAM Services, Inc.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Don Edling <dedling@home.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 10:31 PM
> Subject: Re: Type A transport containers
>
>
> > This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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> > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> >
> > First a brief summary of my background:
> >
> > I initiated the DOE's Type A testing program in 1975 (at Mound Lab.),
> > conducted all of the DOE's Type A testing for the next 22 years and
> > published the Type A packaging catalogs (the "Red Book") until I retired
> > and the program went to Hanford. Thus, I know as much about Type A
> > packaging testing and certification as anyone in the world.
> >
> > Response to your questions:
> >
> > Without further information it is difficult to answer your questions,
> > but, I will generalize for a bit. Within the next week I will respond in
> > more detail.
> >
> > Question: Is it possible to repair Type A transport containers?
> > Response: "Yes" at times.
> >
> > Question: Is it possible to repair Type A transport containers
> > (drums)that have small rust holes in them.
> > Response: From a practical standpoint, "No."
> >
> > Question: Would the container have to be re-certified?
> > Response: "Yes"
> > Discussion: This re-certification could be by any of the means
> > given in 173.461 - prototype testing, actual
> > testing, testing of models, reference to similar
> > testing, calculations, etc. And, this
> > must be documented and made part of the
> > documentation required per 173.415(a).
> >
> > The difficult part to address in this
> > re-certification would be, "What is the condition
> > of the rest of the drum, the parts that have not
> > rusted through as yet?" And, "How do I know!!"
> > Plus the obvious question, "How do I know my
> > repairs to the "rusted" areas are as strong as the
> > original steel?"
> >
> > Remember, when one introduces this "refurbished"
> > or any Type A package into commerce, as the
> > shipper, one is saying that "It meets or exceeds
> > the ability of the original test package to comply
> > with the DOT Type A performance requirements!"
> >
> > The shipper has to be able to logically defend the
> > above position/statement. Try convincing a
> > concerned person from the public, an inspector
> > from the DOT or the NRC or the State or the DOE
> > that a rusty, patched-up steel drum is as good as
> > the new drum/package and would perform as well in
> > actual testing.
> >
> > The fact that the epoxy resin might not spill out
> > is not of any significance. One would have to be
> > concerned abut water getting into the drum and
> > corroding the steel from the inside - undetected
> > until a hole opens.
> >
> > Other information of interest - the type of drum closure, is the AmBe
> > source certified as Special Form, how old are these packagings?
> >
> > Just some thoughts, but I think it will be cheaper to buy new packagings
> > than to try fix & patch & re-certify. As long as you did this work in
> > compliance with the intent of the DOT regulations.
> >
> > Don Edling
> > CROFT Inc.
> >
> > andrew neil wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear radsafers,
> > >
> > > Is it possible to repair Type A transport containers
> > > that have small rust holes in them. Would the
> > > container have to be re-certified.
> > >
> > > The container was puchased from a vendor who certified
> > > it as a Type A transport container. The container is
> > > cylindrical in shape and measures 21"x19"x19".
> > >
> > > The Am241Be source is secured by screwing it into the
> > > middle of the container. The shielding material
> > > inside the metal container consists of polypropelene
> > > beads which are solidified together in an epoxy resin
> > > and therefore designed not to spill out of any holes.
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
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> > >
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