Regulatory Testing and 3D Scanning Methodology of the DPP-1 Type Shipping Container for NCT and HAC Tests

Abstract The safe transportation of radioactive material using appropriately designed and certified transportation packages is important for protecting the public and environment. In the United States, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates all transportation of radioactive material with input from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. All packages that contain radioactive materials must be transported and regulated by the requirements set by the DOT Class 7 transportation of hazardous material. Federal regulations place strict administrative controls on the transport of radioactive materials. The two main goals for transporting radioactive materials are that (1) safety is primarily focused on the package because it is the first line of defense and (2) package integrity is directly related to the degree of the hazard of the radioactive material contents. The two-part goal ensures that the correct package is used. Type B packages are designed to transport radioactive materials with the highest level of radioactivity. Examples of material transported in Type B packaging include spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste, and high concentrations of other radioactive materials. The purpose of this test protocol was to determine the effects of structural and thermal testing on package performance in a Type B shipping package, Defense Program Package-1 (DPP-1).