General Plastics to Showcase Time-Tested Foam Systems
Polyurethane pioneer will demonstrate impact resistance of nuclear material casings and shipping containers, debut nuclear-industry sample kits
TACOMA, Wash. – General Plastics Manufacturing Company, which has protected nuclear transportation packages from fire and collision for four decades, will be exhibiting at the 2013 Waste Management Conference February 24-28 in Phoenix, Arizona. Considered the premier international conference focused on the management and disposition of radioactive material, this event attracts more than 2,000 participants from around the world. General Plastics will spotlight its built-to-spec shipping containers and nuclear package liner foams at Booth #532 in the Phoenix Convention Center.
The company's rigid, closed-cell polyurethane LAST-A-FOAM® FR-3700 Performance Core Series foam products combine exceptional impact resistance with excellent fire protection properties. General Plastics produces turnkey container liners that are CNC-machined and assembled to customers' exact specifications. It can also supply FR-3700 Series foam for customers who prefer to build their own liners for Type A and Type B nuclear containers.
Optimal properties for radioactive material (RAM) transportation packages
The LAST-A-FOAM® FR-3700 Series outperforms wood and other polymeric materials in nuclear material applications. It offers proven long-term performance as an energy-absorbing and fire-insulation liner in radioactive transport or packaging containers. Conference attendees will be able to observe live drop tests demonstrating the material’s energy-absorption capabilities at the General Plastics booth.
This material is rare in mitigating both mechanical and thermal energy, and fully satisfies RAM package regulations for energy absorption and exposure to fire in accident conditions. The formulation is specially designed to allow predictable impact-absorption performance under dynamic loading. At the same time, it provides an intumescent char layer that insulates and protects hazardous materials, even when exposed to pool-fire conditions.
General Plastics custom-builds protective LAST-A-FOAM® FR-3700 liners for the following types of radioactive waste containers:
• Drum containers
• MAP-12, OPUS
• Travellers
• TruPact I II III
• UX-30 containers
• Impact limiters
Enduring physical performance
This product provides long-term performance without loss of physical properties. When a sample of 20-year old LAST-A-FOAM® 3720 was irradiated and tested, there was no change in compressive strength or fire retardancy. The material is stable, inert and resistant to most chemicals and solvents. It does not swell, crack or split when exposed to water. LAST-A-FOAM® 3700 is CFC-free, and is available in densities ranging from four to 40 pounds per cubic foot.
"Customers all over the world have relied on the unique properties, performance, quality and lifecycle traceability of our FR-3700 series to protect and transport their nuclear waste," said General Plastics President Bruce Lind. "After 40-plus years of successful use, this material has clearly proven to be the most effective and enduring protective liner for these applications."
General Plastics introduces new nuclear sample kits
WM2013 attendees will also have the first opportunity to examine and order the company's new sample kit of materials for use in radioactive waste containment vessels. Company representatives will be available to answer questions about the company's custom CNC-machined and pour in place foam products themselves.
"Whether customers represent the energy, defense or medical industries, our specialists are knowledgeable and eager to assist them in selecting the right foam density for their specific container transport needs," Lind said.
For more information about General Plastics' radioactive material shipping containers, download our reference guide.
About General Plastics Manufacturing Company
Tacoma, Washington-based General Plastics has been a leading innovator in the plastics industry for more than 70 years. The company develops and manufactures rigid and flexible polyurethane foam products, which include its signature LAST-A-FOAM® brand series and build-to-print composite parts. Through its network of distributors, General Plastics exports products to 25-plus countries for the aerospace and defense, nuclear containment, composite core, prototype and modeling, construction, dimensional signage, testing, marine, and renewable energies industries. General Plastics is certified to ISO 9001:2008/AS9100C and meets such demanding quality systems as NQA-1, Mil-I-45208A and Boeing Company D6-82479. Visit www.generalplastics.com.
Media Contact:
Ed Stan
Marketing Director
General Plastics Mfg. Co.
253-330-7782
ed_stan@generalplastics.com
