Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that forms a basic integrated radiation shield for a PET isotope production system to create a safe environment. The apparatus and the system combine several subsystems to provide a high degree of integration and a nice aesthetic impression. The apparatus contains a cyclotron system and contains integrated target media handling for gas targets and water dispensing systems for water targets. A compartment including first and second additional radiation shields, respectively, that contains additional processing systems. The apparatus forms a closed radiation-proof system by means of a casing formed of four molded sections. A first and second section constitute a main body containing;the cyclotron system and a third and a fourth section constituting a pair of tight doors for encompassing the cyclotron into a sealed radiation shield. The first section additionally contains a Waste Gas Delay Line embedded in its shielding material.

Abstract: Spent nuclear fuel assemblies are stacked in a spent nuclear fuel assembly pool by structurally supporting a second tier nuclear fuel assembly storage rack in the spent nuclear fuel assembly pool over and independently of previously installed first nuclear fuel assembly racks. The spent fuel assemblies then are introduced into the second tier fuel assembly storage racks while vertically oriented. The spent nuclear fuel assemblies in some spent fuel pools are at least partially raised out of the spent nuclear fuel assembly pool before being introduced into in the storage racks. In zone loading practices, spent nuclear fuel assemblies from the lower tier nuclear fuel assembly racks are at least partially raised out of the pool and then introduced into in the second tier storage racks.

Abstract: A sealed operator is provided for operating an internal locking control element for a closure head for the inner container in a dual container hazardous waste storage system. The operator includes a cylindrical housing in which a bushing/operator element assembly is mounted for translational movement. The latter assembly includes a cylindrical bushing sealingly mounted in the housing, a spherical bearing assembly including an annular outer bearing press fit within the bushing and an annular inner bearing. An operator element is press fit within the inner surface of the inner bearing. The operator element includes a driving head which engages the locking control element for the closure head of the inner container.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

Abstract: A transport/storage container for spent nuclear-fuel elements has a vessel having a side wall with an inner surface defining an interior extending along an axis and a plurality of like basket sections forming a stack extending substantially a full axial length of the interior and forming a plurality of axial full-length rectangular-section wells adapted to receive the spent fuel elements. Each of the basket sections is formed of two long light-metal neutron-absorbing plates crossing each other, each having a pair of outer ends directly engaging the inner surface of the side wall in heat-transmitting contact therewith, and subdividing the interior at the respective section into a plurality of segments. A plurality of short light-metal neutron absorbing plates are fitted together in each of the segments and form with the main plates of the respective section rectangular-section axially throughgoing openings forming the wells with the plates of the other sections.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing system integral with a transport or storage container for radioactive material, characterised in that it comprises at least one casing (4,7) covering at least part of said container (1,2) and forming an enclosed space filled with a stack of elementary pieces (6) having at least three converging axes of symmetry whose symmetry in rotation is at least 3-fold, for example small, solid or hollow spheres.

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.