Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device (1) for storing and transporting nuclear fuel assemblies, the device comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments, each having a lateral wall and being capable of receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the lateral walls being made using notched structural units (6a, 6b) that are stacked and crisscrossed. According to the invention, each unit (6a, 6b) comprises two spaced-apart flats (16, 18) made of a neutrophage material, as well as an intermediate structure (119) situated between the flats (16, 18) and in contact with them.

Abstract: Transport and storage of nuclear fuel assemblies may require double confinement depending on the circumstances. A device and a method are described to perform this double conditioning without the need of a hot containment, and in which the loading and pre-positioning steps can take place in a pool. The device (10) includes a metallic inner leak tight conditioning receptacle (20) and a metallic outer leak tight receptacle (30). When the inner receptacle (20) is located in the outer receptacle (30), a passage (15, 25) remains free between the two receptacles, from the open end to the bottom of the outer receptacle. The outer receptacle (30) can be drained through this passage, particularly by a dip tube (33).

Abstract: The invention concerns a neutron shielding material for maintaining sub-criticality based on unsaturated polymer: Said material comprises an unsaturated polyester resin, at least an inorganic boron compound, and at least a hydrogenated inorganic compound, in amounts such that the boron concentration is 4.1021 to 25.1021 atoms per cm3 and the hydrogen concentration is 3.1022 to 5.5.1022 atoms per cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding wall (12) with a puncture-resistant shield for a container (1), said wall (12) comprising support means (20) as well as the following respective stacked elements (24, 26, 28, 30, 32): an outer plate (24); a first dampening layer (26); an intermediate plate (28); a second dampening layer (30); an inner plate (32). According to the invention, the intermediate plate (28) is positioned non-rigidly with respect to the support means (20). The invention likewise relates to a container (1) comprising at least one shielding wall (12) such as the one described above. Application to the field of transporting/storing nuclear materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device (1) for storing and transporting nuclear fuel assemblies, the device comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments, each having a lateral wall and being capable of receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the lateral walls being made using notched structural units (6a, 6b) that are stacked and crisscrossed. According to the invention, each unit (6a, 6b) comprises two spaced-apart flats (16, 18) made of a neutrophage material, as well as an intermediate structure (119) situated between the flats (16, 18) and in contact with them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for neutron shielding and for maintaining sub-criticality, and a process for preparation of this material and applications of the said material. The material comprises a matrix based on a vinylester resin, at least one polyamide and an inorganic filler capable of slowing and absorbing neutrons. Applications: manufacturing of neutron shields in packagings for transport, interim storage and/or ultimate storage of radioactive materials, particularly packagings for new nuclear fuels.

Abstract: A method and device for blocking a fuel assembly in a housing of a transport basket. An attachment system is placed between an upper end piece of a fresh fuel assembly that it is to be transported and the open end of a housing in which the assembly is placed, to make a rigid connection between them. The attachment system holds the lower end piece of the assembly far from the bottom of the housing and puts the upper end piece in contact laterally with the corner of the housing designed to face downwards during subsequent transport of the assembly in the horizontal position. Furthermore, the lower end piece of the assembly is maintained laterally by a part of the housing with a smaller section.

Abstract: Transport and storage of nuclear fuel assemblies may require double confinement depending on the circumstances. A device and a method are described to perform this double conditioning without the need of a hot containment, and in which the loading and pre-positioning steps can take place in a pool. The device (10) includes a metallic inner leak tight conditioning receptacle (20) and a metallic outer leak tight receptacle (30). When the inner receptacle (20) is located in the outer receptacle (30), a passage (15, 25) remains free between the two receptacles, from the open end to the bottom of the outer receptacle. The outer receptacle (30) can be drained through this passage, particularly by a dip tube (33).

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: This invention relates to a composite material for neutron shielding and maintenance of sub-criticality comprising a matrix based on vinylester resin and an inorganic filler capable of slowing and absorbing neutrons. The vinylester resin may be an epoxymethacrylate resin and the inorganic filler may contain a zinc borate and an alumina hydrate or magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement device (1) for the storage and/or transport of nuclear fuel assemblies, the device (1) comprising a plurality of compartments (2) capable of receiving at least one nuclear fuel assembly, each compartment (2) being made of a plurality of wall elements (6, 8, 10) that form the sidewall of the compartment (2), at least one connection between two elements (6, 8) of the compartment (2) wall being made using one engagement portion (12) and a complementary engagement portion (14), respectively formed on said two wall elements (6, 8) of the compartment (2). According to the invention, the engagement portion (12) and the complementary engagement portion (14) each contain a dovetail-shaped part that fits into the other, along a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis (4) of the compartment.