[en] This report describes further design issues concerning remote maintenance of torus vacuum pumping systems options for ITER. The key issues under investigation in this report are flask support systems for valve seal exchange operations for the compound cryopump scheme and remote maintenance of a proposed multiple turbomolecular pump (TMP) system, an alternative ITER torus exhaust pumping option. Previous studies have shown that the overhead support methods for seal exchange flask equipment could malfunction due to valve/flask misalignment. A floor-mounted support system is described in this report. This scheme provides a more rigid support system for seal exchange operations. An alternative torus pumping system, based on the use of multiple TMPs, is studied from a remote maintenance standpoint. In this concept, centre distance spacing for pump/valve assemblies is too restrictive for remote maintenance. Recommendations are made for adequate spacing of these assemblies based on commercially-available 0.8 m and 1.0 m diameter valves. Fewer pumps will fit in this arrangement, which implies a need for larger TMPs. Pumps of this size are not commercially available. Other concerns regarding the servicing and storage of remote handling equipment in cells are also identified. (9 figs.)

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[en] This report describes design issues concerning remote maintenance of the ITER torus vacuum pumping system. The key issues under investigation are the valve seal exchange concept under inert gas and an alternative on-line vacuum option; flask handling support methods; flask handling/pump cell access interfacing; and valve seal inspection feasibility. The horizontal exchange of moving parts (seals/disc) for a 1.5 m regeneration isolation gate valve appears technically feasible. However, it is recommended that other commercially available valves that are lighter and narrower be examined with a view to reducing the overall size of the flask and simplifying maintenance tasks. A variant of this scheme appears feasible where the seals are replaced while the torus is under vacuum using two slit valves within the body of the main valve. This approach offers reduced cost, minimized remote handling requirements, and possibly increased plant availability. Remote handling of the flask and valve moving parts by overhead support methods is studied analytically. The forces and moments acting on the flask and resulting deflections during seal exchange operations show that a more rigid support of the flask is required than can be supplied using a crane. An alternative floor-mounted support method is proposed. Pump cell access is developed from the standpoint of the handling and transfer of a seal exchange flask as well as other pump room components. A tool for in-situ inspection of regeneration-isolation valve seats appears feasible. The concept could be developed for vacuum use as well as for in-situ repair of the seats. (21 figs.)

[en] This report describes design issues concerning remote maintenance of the ITER torus vacuum pumping system. Key issues under investigation in this report are bearings for inert gas operation, transporter integration options, cryopump access, gate valve maintenance frequency, tritium effects on materials, turbomolecular pump design, and remote maintenance. Alternative bearing materials are explored for inert gas operation. Encapsulated motors and rotary feedthroughs offer an alternative option where space requirements are restrictive. A number of transporter options are studied. The preferred scheme depends on the shielded reconfigured ducts to prevent streaming and activation of RH (remote handling) equipment. A radiation mapping of the cell is required to evaluate this concept. Valve seal and bellow life are critical issues and need to be evaluated, as they have a direct bearing on the provision of adequate RH equipment to meet scheduled and unscheduled maintenance outages. The limited space on the inboard side of the cryopumps for RH equipment access requires a reconfigured duct and manifold. A modified shielded duct arrangement is proposed, which would provide more access space, reduced activation of components, and the potential for improved valve seal life. Work at Mound Laboratories has shown the adverse effects of tritium on some bearing lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants should be avoided. (11 refs., 2 tabs., 31 figs.)

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[en] The Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) recently completed a Topical Safety Analysis Report (TSAR) for a Phase 1 non site specific Centralized Interim Storage Facility (CISF). The TSAR will be used in licensing the CISF when and if a site is designated. The combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 CISF will provide federal storage capability for 40,000 metric tons of uranium (MTU) Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) under the oversight of the DOE. The Phase 1 TSAR was submitted to the NRC on May 1, 1997 and is currently under review having been docketed on June 10, 1997. This paper generally describes the Phase 1 CISF design and its operations as presented in the CISF TSAR