Lifetime Extension of the Stainless-Steel Components of the SAVY-4000 Storage Container - 18572
Surveillance of vented, stainless-steel Hagan and SAVY-4000 storage containers with some plutonium materials have revealed evidence of corrosion inside the container. There are ∼3000 items stored in Hagan containers and ∼600 items currently stored in SAVY-4000 containers at TA-55. The Hagan is made of 304L steel while the SAVY is made of 316L and should be less susceptible to corrosion. Given the relatively thin body wall of these containers (nominally 0.762 millimeters), it is essential to understand the effects of corrosion on the lifetime of the containers to ensure worker safety. Studies are being conducted on both container types to determine the relative susceptibility of the two containers to corrosion. This paper will describe the potential cause of the corrosion, the extent of corrosion, the types of corrosion observed, along with the results of accelerating aging experiments. The combined results of the surveillance and lifetime extension studies will be used to predict the container lifetime. (authors)