Abstract: A method for underwater packaging of radioactive materials includes creating a vacuum in a cavity of a cleaning device to automatically cause a portion of the cleaning device to move upward to actuate the cleaning device from an open position to a closed position; mounting the cleaning device inside a safe containment area of a transportation and/or storage device; placing the transportation and/or storage device in a pool after filling the safe containment area with water; loading a radioactive material into the safe containment area; closing the transportation and/or storage device using at least one cover; extracting the transportation and/or storage device from the pool; draining the water inside the safe containment area; and creating a pressure differential in the safe containment area to dry the safe containment area, wherein the pressure differential causes the cleaning device to automatically actuate from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) intended for transport/storage of radioactive materials, the container comprising a container body (2) and at least one handling device (8) mounted using attachment screws (38) in a base housing (30) delimited by a base housing wall (32). According to the invention, a sealing plate (50) covering the attachment screws is installed removably in a plate housing (52) delimited by a plate housing wall (56) provided on the handling device and by a portion (58) of the base housing wall. Furthermore a seal (66) is provided inserted between a peripheral wall (60) external to the plate and the portion (58) of the base housing wall, and a seal (74) inserted between a peripheral wall (68) external to the plate and the plate housing wall (56).

Abstract: Device for checking the tightness of covers on a heavy metal container for transport and/or storage of radioactive materials, the said container comprising a cavity for nuclear materials delimited by a thick cylindrical shell closed at one end by means of a bottom fixed so that it is leaktight, and at the other end by at least two thick removable superposed covers, characterized in that the said covers are in contact with a shoulder formed in the shell, through flanges fitted with at least two concentric seals, that at least two ducts pass through the shell at each cover, leading through a first inspection orifice to the outside surface of the shell close to the cover in an accessible location, and through a second orifice, one into the space between the cover concentric seals, and the other into the space between the said cover, the shell and the immediately superposed cover, each inspection orifice optionally being connected to a tightness measurement and inspection circuit.