Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a welded joint for at least three components of a multiple butt joint. In order to create the welded joint in the multiple butt-joint by welding from one side only, and to allow components to be fitted very securely to the completely covered face, the multiple butt-joint is created in such a way that at least a first and second of these components which can be welded together are positioned with a gap along their common seam; both the said components are provided with a recess in the region of the seam, said recess being bounded by both components in the direction of shrinkage at opposing surfaces; the abutting end of the third component is inserted into the recess where it fits positively; and once this jointing process is completed, the first and second components are joined by a weld seam. It is proposed that the process should be used in the production of a transport and storage container for spent nuclear fuel holders.

Abstract: The invention concerns an underground storage facility for the initial storage of waste transported in containers (34, 36), in particular radioactive waste such as spent fuel elements. The store has transport galleries (10) giving access to storage galleries (12) for storage of the waste. In order to ensure, among other things, safe storage and ease of introduction and transfer of the waste, the invention proposes that the storage gallery (12) runs underneath the transport gallery (10) and is separated from it by a floor (14), designed for the transport of the waste, with closable openings (18) for the introduction and removal of the waste.

Abstract: There is provided a shock absorber for containers for the transportation and/or storage of radioactive materials consisting of one or more radially or axially arranged chambers which are filled with shock absorbing material characterized by the shock absorber containing cup spring shaped sheets having a curvature directed away from the container.

Abstract: A device for the handling and protection of canisters for storing radioactive materials is described, which are encapsulated by a shock sensitive corrosion resistant cladding hull. The lower and upper edge areas of the canisters are covered by guard caps which are held in place during handling by lifting bars connected to a lifting plate.

Abstract: An improved container for transportation or storage of radioactive substances, especially spent nuclear fuel elements, has a cylindrical open-top thick-wall metallic body for shielding gamma radiation. A liner for the container has a top peripheral flange engaged with the bottom of a counterbore in the container open top. A thick gamma-ray shielding cover for the lining is disposed in the counterbore and screw means detachably secure both the lining flange and the cover to the body independently. The body has exterior generally parallel spaced cooling fins transversely intersected by flanges of lesser height to minimize fin cracks extending into the body. Neutron shielding is disposed in the exterior spaces between the fins and the flanges.

Abstract: A transportation container for radioactive materials, especially for irradiated fuel elements, has a cylindrical body of a material to shield gammaradiation. The exterior of the body is provided with spaced cooling ribs. In order to avoid the continuation of the crack into the container body occasioned by damage to the cooling ribs, as by a fall, the body is provided with spaced flanges, of lesser height than the ribs, extending transversely of and to and between the ribs so that any cracking or breaking off of a cooling rib will not occur at its base.

Abstract: An improved cushioning or shock absorbing device attachable to the ends of a generally cylindrical container for transporting or storing radioactive material, especially spent nuclear fuel elements, has a substantially uniform dampening or cushioning characteristic even for different impact directions. The device is cap-shaped, having an annular part with a plug part in the outer end thereof. The annular part includes a strong rigid inner sleeve extending from the open end of the device partly between the two parts. The inner end of the plug part has a sheet metal disc-like inner cover secured to the sleeve for detachment on impact. Both parts are divided into a plurality of interior chambers by sheet metal plates, the chambers being filled with cushioning material.