TY - CONF A1 - Weber, Mike A1 - Zencker, Uwe A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Völzke, Holger A1 - Schulze, Dietmar T1 - Numerical simulation of the behaviour of elastomer seals under consideration of time dependent effects T2 - RAMTRANSPORT 2015 - International conference on the radioactive materials transport and storage (Proceedings) N2 - Due to delays in the site-selection procedure to establish a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel and high level waste and in construction of the already licensed Konrad-repository for low and intermediate level waste without heat generation, extended periods of interim storage become more relevant in Germany. BAM is involved in most of the cask licensing procedures and especially responsible for the evaluation of cask-related long-term safety issues. The long-term performance of elastomer seals for lid Systems of transport and storage casks whether used as auxiliary seals in spent fuel caslcs or as primary seals for low and intermediate level waste packages is an important issue in this context (Jaunich, 2013; Jaunich, 2014; Kömmling, 2015). The polymeric structure of these seals causes a complex mechanical behaviour with time-dependent elasticity reduction and loss of elastic recovery. The paper presents first results of a comprehensive test Programme consisting of several static and dynamic mechanical short- and long-term tests which have been carried out at BAM on specimens made of representative types of elastomers, fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The investigation of the test results used to identify material models and their Parameters as well as the development of two finite element models for the numerical Simulation of tension and compression tests using the finite element code ABAQUS® are described. The calculation results are presented in comparison to the test results. The influence of important material and test parameters was investigated and discussed in sensitivity analyses. T2 - RAMTRANSPORT 2015 - International conference on the radioactive materials transport and storage CY - Oxford, UK DA - 19.05.2015 KW - Numerical analysis KW - Extended interim storage KW - Elastomer seals PY - 2015 SP - Session 4, Paper 28, 1 EP - 9 AN - OPUS4-33832 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Weber, Mike A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Zencker, Uwe A1 - Völzke, Holger A1 - Schulze, Dietmar A1 - Probst, Ulrich T1 - Testing and Numerical Simulation of Elastomers - From Specimen Tests to Simulation of Seal Behavior under Assembly Conditions T2 - Proceedings-CD, ASME 2017 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2017) N2 - Due to delays in the siting procedure to establish a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel and high level radioactive waste as well as in construction of the already licensed Konrad repository for low and intermediate level radioactive waste, extended periods of interim storage become more relevant in Germany. BAM is involved in most of the cask licensing procedures and especially responsible for the evaluation of cask-related long-term safety issues. The long-term performance of elastomer seals for lid systems of transport and storage casks, whether used as auxiliary seals in spent fuel casks or as primary seals for low and intermediate level waste packages, is an important issue in this context. The polymeric structure of these seals causes a complex mechanical behavior with time-dependent sealing force reduction. The results of a comprehensive purpose-designed test program consisting of basic compression and tension tests as well as relaxation tests on unaged specimens of representative types of elastomers (fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM)) at different temperatures and strain rates are presented. They were used to identify the constitutive behavior and to obtain parameters for finite element material models provided by the computer code ABAQUS®. After estimating the influence of uncertainties such as Poisson’s ratio and friction coefficient by sensitivity analyses, the chosen parameters had to prove their suitability for the finite element simulation of the specimen tests themselves. Based on this preliminary work the simulation of a specific laboratory test configuration containing a typical elastomer seal with circular cross section is presented. The chosen finite element material model and the implemented parameters had to show that they are able to represent not only the specimen behavior under predominantly uniaxial load but also the more complex stress states in real components. Deviations between the measured and calculated results are pointed out and discussed. For the consideration of long-term effects in the simulation of elastomer behavior, test results of aged specimens are needed. First information about a new test program, started recently and planned to provide these data, are given. T2 - ASME 2017 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2017) CY - Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA DA - 16.07.2017 KW - Time dependent effects KW - Low temperature behavior KW - Elastomeric seals KW - Aging KW - Simulation KW - Testing PY - 2017 SN - 978-0-7918-5802-8 VL - 7 SP - Article UNSP V007T07A035, 1 EP - 8 AN - OPUS4-41841 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Weber, Mike A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Zencker, Uwe A1 - Völzke, Holger A1 - Schulze, Dietmar T1 - Testing and numerical simulation of elastomeric seals under consideration of time dependent effects T2 - Proceedings-CD, ASME 2016 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2016) N2 - Due to delays in the siting procedure to establish a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel and high level waste and in construction of the already licensed Konrad repository for low and intermediate level waste, extended periods of interim storage will become more relevant in Germany. BAM is involved in most of the cask licensing procedures and is responsible for the evaluation of cask-related long-term safety issues. Elastomeric seals are widely used as barrier seals for containers for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. In addition they are also used as auxiliary seals in spent fuel storage and transportation casks (dual purpose casks (DPC)). To address the complex requirements resulting from the described applications, BAM has initiated several test programs for investigating the behavior of elastomeric seals. These include experiments concerning the hyperelastic and viscoelastic behavior at different temperatures and strain rates, the low temperature performance down to -40°C, the influence of gamma irradiation and the aging behavior. The first part of the paper gives an overview of these tests, their relevant results and their possible impact on BAM’s work as a consultant in the framework of approval and licensing procedures. The second part presents an approach of the development of a finite element model using the finite element code ABAQUS®. The long-term goal is to simulate the complex elastomeric behavior in a complete lid closure system under specific operation and accident conditions. T2 - ASME 2016 Pressure Vessels & Piping Conference (PVP2016) CY - Vancouver, BC, Canada DA - 17.07.2016 KW - Elastomeric seals KW - Testing KW - Low temperature behavior KW - Aging KW - Simulation KW - Time dependent effects PY - 2016 SN - 978-0-7918-5045-9 VL - 7 SP - Paper 63192, 1 EP - 10 AN - OPUS4-37046 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Simbruner, Kai A1 - Grelle, Tobias A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Zencker, Uwe A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Orellana Pérez, Teresa A1 - Völzke, Holger T1 - Research at BAM for evaluating long term safety of container systems and components T2 - Annual Meeting on Nuclear Technology N2 - Safety of long term containment and storage of radioactive waste is an essential issue, which is increasingly gaining international attention. Extending interim storage beyond initial license periods is one of the major challenges worldwide. BAM has been involved in all kinds of radioactive waste container safety evaluation for storage and transportation including their long term performance from the very beginning. Today, all work related to the safe management of radioactive waste is linked by the activity field “Nuclear Waste Management” within the Focus Area “Energy” at BAM and in conjunction with a research strategy and agenda. Most recently, the working group “Long Term Safety of Container Systems and Components” was established to launch and perform research projects related to safety issues concerning the extended interim storage of radioactive waste. For example, within our project LaMEP, we investigate ageing effects of metal and elastomer seals as well as polymeric neutron shielding materials, which are container components that fulfil major safety functions. The results of the experiments help to understand the long term behaviour of these components. Likewise, our project BRUZL started at BAM in 2018 with the aim of developing a fracture mechanics approach to understand and describe a potential brittle failure mechanism of fuel cladding during long-term interim storage. BAM also contributes to the GRS project “Development of methods and models and international exchange for safety evaluation in the frame of interim storage of radioactive waste”. Additionally, BAM is involved in several international research programmes dealing with extended interim storage, such as the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD), the Extended Storage Collaboration Program (ESCP) and IAEA Coordinated Research Projects. The present contribution provides a comprehensive overview of BAM research activities contributing to national and international gap analyses and to filling knowledge gaps regarding the safe long term management of radioactive waste. T2 - Annual Meeting on Nuclear Technology 2019 CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 07.05.2019 KW - Radioactive Waste KW - Long-term safety PY - 2019 SN - 978-3-926956-95-8 SP - 1 EP - 5 AN - OPUS4-51486 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Weber, Mike A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Zencker, Uwe A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Völzke, Holger T1 - Performance of elastomer seals in transport and storage casks T2 - International conference on management of spent fuel from nuclear power reactors: An integrated approach to the back end of the fuel cycle N2 - Elastomer seals are widely used as barrier seals in containers for low and intermediate level radioactive waste and for spent fuel transportation casks. In addition, they are also used for spent fuel storage and transportation casks (dual purpose casks (DPC)) as auxiliary seals to allow leakage rate measurements of metal barrier seals for demonstration of their proper assembling conditions. Depending on the area of use, the rubber materials have to demonstrate proper sealing performance with regard to mechanical, thermal, and environmental conditions as well as irradiation during the entire operation period. Concerning DPC, degradation effects should be limited in a way that, for example, effects from potentially released decomposition elements may not harm e.g. metal barrier seals. Leakage rate measurements should be possible also after long interim storage periods prior to subsequent transportation. Because of the complex requirements resulting from the various applications of containers for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, BAM has initiated several test programmes for investigating the behaviour of elastomer seals. In this contribution the current status is described and first results are discussed. T2 - International conference on management of spent fuel from nuclear power reactors: An integrated approach to the back end of the fuel cycle CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 15.06.2015 KW - Ageing KW - Elastomer KW - Glass-rubber transition KW - Irradiation KW - Material model PY - 2015 SP - 1 EP - 8 AN - OPUS4-33553 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Horn, Jutta A1 - Völzke, Holger A1 - Wolff, Dietmar T1 - Long-Term Performance of Elastomer seals - From Aging Tests to Lifetime Estimations T2 - Proceedings of the ASME 2018 Pressure Vessels an Piping Conference N2 - Elastomers show a high versatility which makes them ideal materials for sealing applications in various fields. Especially under changing application conditions the high recovery potential of this class of material is beneficial to compensate temperature or pressure fluctuation, and geometrical changes resulting from mechanical loads in e.g. accident conditions. Out of these reasons elastomers are also used in containers for low and intermediate level radioactive waste and for spent fuel transportation casks. In casks designed for low and intermediate level waste elastomer seals can act as primary seal responsible for the containment function whereas in spent fuel storage and transportation casks (dual purpose casks (DPC)) elastomer seals are used as auxiliary seals to allow leakage rate measurements of metal barrier seals. An inherent prerequisite for this kind of application is the Long time-scale of operation without or with limited possibility of seal replacement. In Germany an interim storage license for DPC`s is typically issued for 40 years, a timeframe which might increase in the future due to challenges of the final repository siting procedure. For low and intermediate level waste, also long time periods are required before final disposal can be achieved. Therefore, the performance of elastomer seals over extended time periods is, as for other applications, of high importance. A typical approach to ensure long-term functionality is to perform accelerated aging tests to calculate an estimated lifetime by assuming e.g. Arrhenius like equations for the timetemperature relationship. This approach requires a suitable end of life criterion considering the application of interest. This often can represent a challenge on its own. As BAM is involved in most of the cask licensing procedures and especially responsible for the evaluation of cask-related long-term safety issues we initiated several test programs for investigating the behavior of elastomer seals. Experiments concerning the low temperature performance down to -40 °C and the influence of gamma irradiation have been started first. Currently the thermal aging behavior of elastomer seals, which is the topic of this contribution, is examined. For our aging investigations we use a broad approach to first determine the property changes in different elastomer materials due to thermo-oxidative aging at elevated temperatures and secondly, we test how the typical methods of lifetime extrapolation can be applied to these results. This Approach enables us to detect and exclude undesired side effects which very often influence lifetime estimations. In this contribution, our recent results are extended. The results show that lifetime estimation based on single material properties can be misleading and therefore a combination of several methods is recommended. T2 - ASME 2018 Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference CY - Prague, Czech Republic DA - 15.07.2018 KW - Seal performance KW - Rubber KW - Ageing PY - 2018 VL - PVP2018 SP - 84631-1 EP - 84631-8 AN - OPUS4-46346 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Hagenow, Peter A1 - Kasparek, Eva Maria A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Noack, Volker A1 - Völzke, Holger A1 - Wolff, Dietmar T1 - Requirements for the use of elastomer seals in casks for final disposal of low and intermediate level waste T2 - KONTEC 2017 N2 - Elastomer seals are widely used as barrier seals in containers for low and intermediate level radioactive waste and in some countries for spent fuel transportation casks. Depending on the area of use, the rubber materials have to demonstrate proper sealing performance with regard to mechanical, thermal and environmental conditions as well as irradiation during the entire operation period. In Germany the low and intermediate level radioactive waste is planned to be disposed in the Konrad repository in standardized containers. Many of these containers use an elastomer seal between lid and container body. Depending on the radiactive inventory and a possible containment of the waste in inner barrels and/or concrete structures, such containers may require a specific leak tightness. In such cases, specified leakage rates are shall not be exceeded by the the seals to keep potential activity releases from the inventories well below defined limits. Generally, all waste containers have to fulfill the waste acceptance criteria for the Konrad repository as defined by the reports BfS SE-IB-29/08 and SE-IB-30/08. From these criteria several requirements for seal performance are derived. The seals have to: - ensure full functionality until final container disposal, - maintain its function in case of a thermal or mechanical accident, - ensure encapsulation also at -20 °C. This combination of requirements is challenging especially as a seal exchange, which is typical for many other applications, is hardly possible and thus a sound understanding of how to perform safety evaluation of containers is required. Therefore BAM has initiated investigations on elastomer seal behaviour. This work focuses on low temperature behaviour and sealing performance concerning static conditions as well as partial loss of compression and ageing of elastomer seals. Concerning ageing, property changes caused by long-term thermooxidative conditions as well as gamma irradiation are investigated. This contribution presents an overview and explanation of the aims of the ongoing research and gives an update of the most relevant results. T2 - 13th Internationales Symposium "Konditionierung radioaktiver Betriebs- und Stillegungsabfälle CY - Dresden, Germany DA - 22.03.2017 KW - Disposal KW - Konrad repository KW - Seal PY - 2017 SP - 595 EP - 601 AN - OPUS4-39870 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Jaunich, Matthias A1 - Grelle, Tobias A1 - Kömmling, Anja A1 - Wolff, Dietmar A1 - Völzke, Holger ED - Stuke, M. T1 - Long-term evaluation of sealing systems for radioactive waste packages T2 - Proceedings of the 3rd Workshop on Safety of Extended Dry Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel N2 - The investigation of the long-term performance of sealing systems employed in containers for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel is one research focus area for division 3.4 “Safety of Storage Containers” at the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM). Our investigations comprise investigations on metallic and elastomeric seals and covers experimental investigations to get a database on the component/material behaviour, work on analytical descriptions and numerical analysis. Our aim is to understand the long-term behaviour of the sealing systems for evaluation of their performance during possible extended interim storage and subsequent transportation. T2 - 3rd Workshop on Safety of Extended Dry Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel CY - Garching, Germany DA - 05.06.2019 KW - Seal performance KW - Rubber seal KW - Metallic seal KW - Ageing PY - 2019 SP - 57 EP - 62 AN - OPUS4-48225 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -