Conceptual designs for the AT-400MO package

Currently, Pantex handles and stores weapons pits in AT-400A packages. The Department of Energy currently plans to oversee the conversion of weapon pits into plutonium metal or oxide. These products will then be stored, and perhaps transported at a later time, to other DOE sites. If DOE assigns the pit conversion process to Pantex, it makes sense to store the resulting Pu metal or oxide at Pantex, utilizing existing facilities, equipment, processes, and personnel. The four conceptual designs presented herein substitute the current AT-400A containment vessel, designed for weapon pits, with a vessel designed to store and/or ship Pu metal or oxides. These new designs utilize the existing AT-400A overpack system consisting of the drum assembly and radial impact limiters and likewise employ existing AT-400A production operations