ORGDP Container Test and Development Program Fire Tests of UF6-Filled Cylinders

Fire tests of bare, UF{sub 6}-filled shipping cylinders were conducted at the ORGDP Rifle Range during October 1965 as part of the AEC-ORO Container Test and Development Program presently under way at the ORGDP. The multi purpose effort was to determine if the cylinders would hydrostatically or explosively rupture; the time available for fire fighting before either incident occurred; and the degree of contamination as related to the type of UF{sub 6} release, wind velocity, and terrain. In addition to the cylinder fire tests, other tests were made for further evaluation of the fire-resistant BOX foam plastic. These included a newly designed shipping drum for 5-in.-diam cylinders, and 15B-type wood shipping boxes for small containers. In one case, the latter contained a UF{sub 6}-filled Harshaw cylinder. The test times ranged from 45 to 95 min. In no instance did temperatures exceed 200 F These tests are discussed under Part B. Our Nuclear Engineering Department was responsible for site preparation and the test program. The Safety and Health Physics Departments Mr. A. F. Becher, head, provided primary assistance in the conductance of the tests and was additionally responsible for the environmental monitoring and sampling. Personnel of the Plant Shift Operations and Security, Fabrication and Maintenance, and Technical Divisions provided further support in the various operations. Mr. J. E. Wescott of the AEC-ORO and Mr. J. W. Edwards, ORGDP, were in charge of the motion and still photography. Two each of the following types of cylinders were tested: 3.5 in. diam x 7.5 in. Monel Harshaw, 5.0 in, diam x 30 in. Monel, and 8 in. diam x 48 in. nickel. Fill limits were 5, 55, and 250 lb of UF{sub 6} respectively, at an enrichment level of 0.22%. The larger cylinders were tested individually, with and without their metal valve covers. In the case of the small Harshaw cylinders and the uncapped 5-in.-diam cylinder, UF{sub 6} releases occurred as a result of valve failure; the remaining cylinders ruptured explosively in a time interval of 8.5 to 11.0 min. The general type of test and results obtained are shown