1. Regional Training Course on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material in the Caribbean Module Transport Package Types and Material Classification
June Panama
Paul Gray

2. Overview
The classification and selection of materials and package types
The main requirements for package types
Flow diagram for classification of radioactive material into appropriate UN number
4. Summary 2

3. “Packaging” and “Packages” are terms of vital importance in Transport Regulations
Package - The packaging with its radioactive contents as presented for transport
Packaging - The assembly of components necessary to enclose the radioactive contents completely + =
PACKAGING
PACKAGE
RADIOACTIVE
CONTENTS
Key Points:
IAEA definitions and any related requirements and testing procedures must not be confused with terminology developed for operational or other regulatory requirements such as storage or handling of radioactive materials or wastes.
A PACKAGE is defined (TS-R-1 §230 ) as a PACKAGING with its RADIOACTIVE CONTENTS as presented for transport.
There are 8 basic PACKAGE types defined in TS-R-1 §230 There are only simple requirements relating to the PACKAGING component of the PACKAGES in the transport regulations (§606 - §616 TS-R-1).
However, the transport regulations have a comprehensive graded series of requirements and tests for all PACKAGES (SECTIONS VI and VII of TS-R-1).
The Type B(U), B(M) and Type C packages are tested to withstand extremely severe accidents without loss of contents. They are Competent Authority approved and normally licensed to carry a large RADIOACTIVE CONTENT.
The other PACKAGE types listed in § 230 are only tested to withstand routine and normal conditions of transport (§106 TS-R-1).
Consequently their RADIOACTIVE CONTENTS are limited so that any losses under accident conditions will present no significant hazard to workers or the general public.

4. Package Type Options for Transporting Radioactive Material
Excepted packages
Industrial packages Types IP-1, IP-2, IP-3
Type A packages
Type B packages
Type C packages
Other (Fissile, UF6)
Key Points:
Explain that the package types, including unpackaged materials, addressed in this slide are discussed, in order, in this module.
Briefly state the following:
- Unpackaged materials are applicable to solids which qualify as LSA-I materials or SCO-I
- Excepted packages are limited to a very restrictive activity, usually associated with limited quantities
- Industrial packages are designed and tested to carry qualified, e.g., LSA materials and SCO, radioactive contents
- Type A packages are restricted to carry contents up to a maximum of A1 or A2.
- Type B(U) and B(M) packages are generally for contents with activities >A1 or >A2.
- Type C packages are for transport of high content activity by air
- UF6 packages are unique only to UF6 materials
- Fissile material packages are specifically designed for the fissile material content and may include IPs, Type A, Type B, Type C and UF6 packages.
Objective(s):
None
References:
Module 7
Exercises:
None at this point
RAM classified as LSA-I or SCO-I
may also be transported unpackaged
- This presentation will focus on Type A packages

5. GRADED APPROACH TO TRANSPORT
Package integrity is a function of the potential hazard of the contents and the response of a package under
routine conditions of transport (incident free) – represented by general design requirements for all package types,
normal conditions of transport (including minor mishaps) represented by Type A tests and
accident conditions of transport (severe accidents) represented by Type B tests
to assure the same level of safety for all types of packages
Excepted Package
Type A Package
Type B Package

6. Hazards of the radioactive Material Safety functions of the Packaging
Basic safety functions of packages for radioactive material
Hazards of the radioactive Material
Safety functions of the Packaging
Radiation
(α, β, γ, n-Radiation)
Shielding
Radiotoxicity
(Contamination,
Incorporation)
Containment
Heat release
Heat transfer
Criticality
Criticality Safety 6

7. Concept of a Safe Package – Graded Approach The greater the hazard the stronger the package
(Paras of IAEA Regulations TS-R-1, 2009)

8. Excepted Package
Radioactive material in limited quantity (fractions of A1/A2) representing low hazard
meets general design requirements to withstand routine conditions of transport
Surface dose rate ≤ 5 μSv/h
Only marking with UN number, consignor/consignee (mass > 50 kg)
No competent authority (CA) approval necessary but the consignor must , on request, make available for inspection by the relevant CA, documentary evidence of the compliance of the package design with all applicable requirements

9. General Design Requirements for Excepted Packages
Designed in relation to its mass, volume and shape to be easily and safely transported and properly secured during transport
Only external features intended for lifting are available during handling
The external surfaces can be easily decontaminated
The external surfaces shall not retain water
Capable of withstanding the effects of acceleration, vibration and vibration resonance which may arise under routine conditions of transport
Materials of construction, components and structures shall be physically and chemically compatible
All valves should be protected against unauthorized operation
The design shall take into account ambient temperatures and pressures that are likely to be encountered in routine conditions of transport
Medical radioisotope
excepted package 9

10. Industrial Package Type IP-1, IP-2, IP-3
Mainly used for radioactive waste transport
Radioactive material must be classified as Low Specific Activity (LSA) material or Surface Contaminated Objects (SCO)
design requirements for excepted packages + parts of design requirements to withstand normal conditions of transport (Type A package)
Surface dose rate ≤ 2 mSv/h (dose rate at 2 m distance ≤ 0.1mSv/h)
Dose rate at 3 m distance from unshielded LSA/SCO contents ≤ 10 mSv/h
All marking and labelling requirements applicable
No competent authority (CA) approval necessary but the consignor must , on request, make available for inspection by the relevant CA, documentary evidence of the compliance of the package design with all applicable requirements

11. Type A and Type B Packages
Type A Package
small volume of radioisotope
small package dimension and weight
transported by air and locally by truck
Hospitals, clinics, health centers primary customers
Type B Package
larger dimensions, weight and radioisotope volume
Radiopharmaceuticals to radiopharmacies or intermediate processors who prepare unit doses
- air shipments primarily but also road

12. Type A Package Radioactive contents ≤ A1 or A2
meets Type A package design requirements to withstand normal conditions of transport
Surface dose rate ≤ 2 mSv/h (dose rate at 2 m distance ≤ 0.1mSv/h)
All marking and labelling requirements applicable
No competent authority (CA) approval necessary but the consignor must , on request, make available for inspection by the relevant CA, documentary evidence of the compliance of the package design with all applicable requirements

13. Type A packages for shipping smaller amounts of medical isotopes, such as individual formulations
~80% of all medical isotope shipments shipped in Type A packages

14. Layers of protection (Type A)
Security tape
Packing tape
Cardboard box
Styrofoam for impact and penetration protection
Lead pot for shielding
Absorbent material
Vial

15. Basic Radionuclide Values for Transport of Radioactive Material
The basic radionuclide values are to be found in Table 2 of SSR-6. For example:
A1 for special form radioactive material (Special Form Certificate)
A2 for all other forms

16. Design Requirements for Type A Package
Type IP-3 for solids, plus
If designed to contain liquid radioactive material, the free drop test will be from a height of 9m onto an unyielding target followed by a penetration test from an increased height of 1.7m
The design shall include sufficient absorbent material to absorb twice the volume of liquid contents, or must have a containment system composed of a primary inner and secondary outer containment components designed to enclose and retain the liquid contents
For packages designed to contain gases, the package shall prevent loss or dispersal (tritium and noble gases are excepted)
When subjected to water spray test, followed by free drop test, stacking test and penetration test (normal conditions of transport), loss or dispersal of contents would be prevented and no more than 20% increase in the maximum surface dose rate at any external surface
Type A package
(after 9m drop test) 16

17. Type A Tests to Simulate Normal Conditions of Transport
Water spray test
Free drop test on unyielding target
Stacking test
Penetration test
Resulting in the most
damaging effect to the
package
Key Points:
Detailed discussion on design and testing of packages should be addressed in Module 8, “Package Requirements & Test Procedures.” At this time, simply recite the information on the slide and add minimal information as deemed appropriate.
Objective(s):
Obj. 3 and 4
References:
TS-R-1, ¶ 620
Exercises:
None

18. Water Spray Test for Type A packages
Simulates rainfall at rate of 50 mm/h
Applied for one hour
Package allowed to soak to maximum extent prior to next test
Intended for packages utilizing fiberboard
May be omitted (reasoned argument) if package materials are clearly not vulnerable to this test
Para. 721

19. Free Drop Test for Type A Packages
Simulates drops during normal transport
Specimen dropped so as
to cause maximum damage
Dropped onto flat,
unyielding target
Height of drop is graded
1.2 m if package <5000 kg
0.9 m if package > 5000 kg, < kg
0.6 m if package > kg, < kg
0.3 m if package > kg
Para. 722

20. Stacking Test for Type A Packages
Intended to ensure effectiveness of package in static compression loading
Specimen required to withstand for 24 h
5 times package weight stacked on top, or
13 kPa (0.13 kgf/cm2) multiplied by the vertically-projected area of the package
whichever is greater
Para. 723

21. Penetration Test for Type A Packages
Uses a 6 kg non-deformable bar with 32 mm diameter hemispherical head
Dropped onto package from height of 1 m
Direction/point of impact must assure maximum potential damage
Simulates objects falling onto package, impact from loading hooks or forklifts, without loss of contents
Para. 724

22. Type B Package
For large quantities of radioactive material as approved by the CA
meets Type B package design requirements to withstand accident conditions of transport
Surface dose rate ≤ 2 mSv/h (dose rate at 2 m distance ≤ 0.1mSv/h)
All marking and labelling requirements applicable
Subject to CA approval and package design approval certificate as Type B(U) or Type B(M) package issued by CA
Type B tests to simulate accident conditions of transport

23. Type B Packages (F-458) (Nuclear Medicine Shipments)
Type B(U) container can weigh 125 kg kg.
Shipping molybdenum-99, used ultimately in some 80% of all nuclear medicine or diagnostic scans. Also used for I-131

24. Transport Packaging (Nuc. Med.)
19.4”
10” 4”
2.75
7.25”
Shielding Vessel
15.8”
Leak Proof Insert
Overpack
Radioactive shielding
Containment of isotope
Thermal and impact protection
some shielding

25. Layers of protection (Type B) (Nuc. Med.)

26. Cobalt - 60
Cobalt-60 pencils emit gamma radiation - this energy is harnessed to eliminate pathogens and microbes
Cobalt-60:
- A solid metal
- Non-fissionable
- Non-soluble
- Non-dispersible
- Non-flammable
- Long half life
- Large quantities per container
- Sources and containers
licensed
year half-life

27. Special Form Requirements
Special form radioactive material shall mean either an indispersible solid radioactive material or a sealed capsule containing radioactive material
At least one dimension not less than 5mm
No break or shatter under
Impact test – free drop from a height of 9m
Percussion test – drop a 25mm diameter bar, 1.4 kg mass, from 1m height
Bend test – minimum length 10cm, rigidly clamped in horizontal position with half length exposed
No melting or dispersal in the heat test – 800 ºC for 10 minutes
Example: Special Form in a Type A package
A2 (0.6 TBq Cs137)
A1 (2 TBq Cs137 Special Form) 27

28. Sea Freight Container Handling
Containers must be able to withstand worst-case potential accident conditions

29. F-168: Type B(U) Package
Large dimensions, weight and radioisotope holding capacity
Cobalt-60 to sterilization facilities:
- ports for export to overseas destinations
- road/ocean/rail shipments

30. F-168 Package: Layers of Protection
Steel-covered insulated fire shields for thermal protection
Steel fins dissipate heat during normal conditions of transport and provide impact protection
11 inches (270 mm) of lead shielding, encased in steel for radiation protection
Cage containing double-encapsulated sealed sources
Weight: 5,445 kg (12,000 lbs)

31. F-168 Container Design – Shielding

32. F-168 Container Design - Plug

33. Design Requirements for Type B Package
Type B content limits
The content limit is as defined in the package design safety case which is submitted to the competent authorities for assessment and approval
Type B package requirements
Type A, plus
Capable of operating in ambient temperatures of -40ºC to +38 ºC
Be capable of being left unattended for one week in an ambient of 38ºC plus insolation at equilibrium thermal conditions
with the heat generated by radioactive contents
package continues to meet its applicable requirements for
containment,
shielding, and
criticality control (fissile contents) 33

34. Design Requirements for Type B Package (cont.)
Restrict the loss of radioactive contents to 10-6A2 per hour when subjected to Type A tests
Restrict the loss of radioactive contents to A2 in a week when subjected to Type B tests:
A free drop test from 9m onto an unyielding target
A penetration test
A fully engulfing fire test of 800ºC for 30 minutes
A water immersion test of 15m for a minimum of 8 hours
A water immersion test of 200m for 1 hour ( >105 A2 )
A maximum normal operating pressure of 700 kPa (gauge) 34

35. Type B Tests - Accident Conditions of Transport
Tests for Type B Packages are designed to simulate extremely severe accidents in surface transport modes

36. Mechanical Tests for Type B Packages
Drop from 9m onto unyielding target
Drop from 1m onto flat top face of steel bar of 150 mm diameter mounted on unyielding surface
Para. 727

37. Thermal Test for Type B Packages
Package fully engulfed in thermal environment providing a heat flux equivalent to flames of at least 800°C from liquid hydrocarbon pool fire, for at least 30 minutes -
average flame emissivity > 0.9
surface absorptivity = 0.8
Para. 728

38. Immersion Test for Type B Packages
Package immersed under 15 m head of water for 8h in attitude leading to maximum structural damage (test may be conducted on separate specimen)
Enhanced water immersion test for packages containing more than 105 A2 under 200m head of water for not less than 1h
Paras. 729 and 730

39. Classification of Radioactive Material
Radioactive material should be classified and
assigned under the appropriate UN number and associated proper shipping name
The UN number assigned depends on
- the activity level of the radionuclides contained in the package,
- the fissile or non-fissile properties of these radionuclides,
- the type of package, and
the nature or form of the radioactive contents of the package, or
- on whether there are special arrangements governing
the transport operation. 39

40. Summary
Based on the safety concept of the IAEA transport regulations safety in transport is mainly assured by the package itself together with some control measures during transport and approval needs by the competent authority, where necessary
Optimal characterization of radioactive contents is an essential pre-requisite for optimal package selection
Package selection should take into consideration not only material type, but also contents limits and shipment constraints
By using the flow diagram for classification of radioactive material into appropriate UN number proper package selection can be supported
Key Points:
Summarize the information covered in this module. Expand as necessary.
Objective(s):
All objectives
References:
Module 7 materials
Exercises:
Perform exercise targeted to the optimal selection of a package.

41. Questions?
Thank you 41