What is the pressure test specification for fissile material packaging?

• A. 0.5 MPa
• B. 0.8 MPa
• C. 1.4 MPa
• D. 2.0 MPa

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that fissile material packaging must prove it can withstand a hydrostatic pressure without leaking or deforming. This test checks the container’s structural integrity and containment under external pressure conditions it might encounter during transport or in an accident scenario, such as immersion or deep-water exposure. The standard hydrostatic test pressure for these packagings is 1.4 MPa (about 14 bar). Choosing this value provides a robust safety margin: it’s high enough to reveal weaknesses in the shell, closures, seals, and secondary containment, yet aligned with regulatory requirements for fissile material packages. Lower pressures wouldn’t prove adequate containment under stressed conditions, while a much higher pressure would not reflect the mandated test level and would add unnecessary testing burden.