Nuclear Waste Container
The Nuclear Waste Container NWC1 is a lead-shielded storage solution designed for low-level waste (LLW) and intermediate-level waste (ILW) applications. Engineered for long-term storage with a design life of 50–100 years, this container serves as both a direct disposal vessel and an overpack for existing 200-liter waste drums.
Multi-layer containment system
The NWC1 incorporates five distinct containment and protection layers to ensure long-term integrity:
- Radiation-resistant rubber seal — James Walker Shieldseal 663 radiation-grade gasket fully seals the container lid
- High-density PE drum baskets — Secondary containment for each drum prevents cross-contamination
- 20 mm steel inner box — Robust primary structural containment
- Sealed lead shielding — Configurable from 0–50 mm for dose rate compliance
- Multi-layer coating system — Primer, undercoat, final paint, and optional flexible life-extending topcoat
This layered approach provides defense-in-depth against leakage, corrosion, and mechanical damage throughout the container’s service life.
Product description
Configurable lead shielding
The NWC1 is available with lead shielding thicknesses from 0 to 50 mm, allowing you to match radiation attenuation to your specific waste activity levels and regulatory requirements. Shielding calculations are referenced against IAEA dose rate limits for transport packaging: 2 mSv/h at the surface for non-exclusive use, and 10 mSv/h for exclusive use.
| Lead Thickness | Tare Weight | Inside Dimensions (W × D × H) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 mm | ±3,750 kg | 1,545 × 1,545 × 978 mm |
| 10 mm | ±5,100 kg | 1,521 × 1,521 × 956 mm |
| 20 mm | ±6,300 kg | 1,501 × 1,501 × 946 mm |
| 30 mm | ±7,500 kg | 1,481 × 1,481 × 936 mm |
| 40 mm | ±8,700 kg | 1,461 × 1,461 × 926 mm |
| 50 mm | ±9,900 kg | 1,441 × 1,441 × 916 mm |
Contact Nuclear Shields for detailed shielding calculations based on your waste inventory and isotope mix. A comprehensive case study document with Co-60 activity limits is available on request.
Flexible radioactive waste storage configurations
Nuclear Shields designed the NWC1 to accommodate multiple waste storage methods. The container accepts direct disposal of radioactive materials—optionally with concrete fill for additional stability and shielding—or serves as an overpack for up to four standard 200-liter drums using the integrated drum handling system.
The optional drum handling system (DHS) enables quick and efficient overpacking of aged or damaged drums. Waste drums are placed into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) baskets, strapped securely to the handling frame, and lowered into the container by crane. This system streamlines cleanup operations while maintaining worker dose rates at safe levels.
Handling and stacking
The container base incorporates forklift pockets on all four sides, providing maximum flexibility for facility logistics. For crane operations, ISO-standard corner castings accept lifting lugs, while screwable lifting eyes can be attached to the lid and drum handling system for overhead manipulation.
NWC1 containers stack three-high using optional stacking cones that lock into the corner castings. This vertical storage configuration maximizes facility floor space utilization while maintaining safe access for monitoring and retrieval.
Corrosion protection for decades of service
The multi-layer coating system is engineered for a 50–100 year service life in typical storage environments. The coating sequence—primer, undercoat, and final paint in RAL 1003 signal yellow—provides excellent corrosion resistance. An optional flexible topcoat further extends life expectancy in demanding conditions.
Inside the container, protective bumpers on the drum handling system prevent coating damage during loading operations, maintaining the corrosion barrier throughout service.
Pressure and fluid management
The NWC1 includes provisions for pressure equalization and fluid drainage:
- Pressure relief hole — Located in the container lid, with shielded tungsten plug, allows safe venting when required
- Fluid drain hole — Positioned in the container base wall, with tungsten plug, enables controlled drainage of any accumulated liquids
Both penetrations are sealed with tungsten plugs that maintain shielding integrity when not in use.
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