RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

Another important milestone will be reached at the end of 2009, when SKB proposes the
qualification sequence. SKB’s main line is that a qualification body should carry out the
qualifications. To prepare this point, SKB has initiated a project together with SQC to adapt the
prevailing qualification process to obtain a relevant qualification programme for the fabrication
and encapsulation processes. An important prerequisite for the programme to be implemented
is that the qualification body is approved by SKI. The qualification body must therefore acquire
expertise and the necessary instructions. SQC has been assigned the task of developing a
programme for the necessary preparations.
SKB also concurs with the authorities’ viewpoint that it is important to guarantee that the reliability
of the NDT methods meets the requirements at an early stage in order to avoid complications
in the encapsulation plant. We have therefore initiated a programme for determining these
requirements. In the first part of the programme, the NDT processes that have been developed at
the Canister Laboratory and that are planned to be used for inspection of the sealing process are
being evaluated. The programme is being carried out in cooperation with external expertise at
BAM, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung in Berlin, and is presented in section
6.4.
Programme
A report that describes the programme for qualification of NDT methods will be issued. Based
on a general structure (see Figure 7-2), the milestones in the project will be defined and requisite
activities described. According to plans, the report will be completed during 2004. A status
report will be submitted at the time of the application.
The reliability study for nondestructive testing of the sealing weld will, according to plans, be
completed during 2005. Reports describing execution, results and conclusions will be published.
A summarizing report will be issued no later than at the time of the application.
RD&D-Programme 2004 91