Abstract: A long-term storage facility has an array of storage packages receiving respective cases containing radioactive materials. Each storage package has a lateral body delimiting a housing for receiving a case, the package body being closed at its top end and at its low end respectively by a removable head cover, and by a package base. The package base has a removable base cover, allowing insertion of the case via the low end of the body. The packages can be moved inside the facility by a mechanical lift. The facility includes a pivoting frame for swinging a storage package from a horizontal orientation in which the storage package is loaded to a vertical position in which the storage package is stored.

Abstract: A horizontal storage module (HSM) assembly generally includes a base portion including a plurality of segments that are vertically layered on top of each other and a lid portion. A method of constructing an HSM assembly generally includes forming a plurality of segments for the base portion of the HSM assembly, and vertically stacking the segments.

Abstract: A horizontal storage module (HSM) assembly generally includes a base portion including a plurality of segments that are vertically layered on top of each other and a lid portion. A method of constructing an HSM assembly generally includes forming a plurality of segments for the base portion of the HSM assembly, and vertically stacking the segments.

Abstract: A composite basket assembly (10) for radioactive fuel containment includes a plurality of cask disks (20) disposed together in face-to-face relationship by connecting rods (40) extending through the disks. The disks are formed with interior cells (124) and a grid structure (122) to form discrete compartments for individual fuel assemblies. A neutron-absorbing material (34) is incorporated into the disks to absorb radioactive emissions from the stored fuel.

Abstract: A concrete storage module (26) is adapted to slideably receive a cylindrical canister assembly (12) therein. Heat dissipation fins (62) and a tubular heat shield (96) are disposed within the module to help dissipate heat emitted from the nuclear fuel assemblies stored in the canister to air flowing through the module. The canister assembly (12) is composed of a basket assembly (70) constructed from multi-layer structural plates disposed in cross-cross or egg carton configuration. A single port tool (106) is provided for draining water from the canister (12) and replacing the drain water with make-up gas. The single port tool is mounted in the cover (100) of the canister and is in fluid flow communication with the interior of the canister.

Abstract: A partition support assembly for a canister assembly generally includes at least one inner support ring configured to support one or more partitions for dividing the interior of the canister assembly for packaging contents to be received within the canister assembly, wherein the one or more partitions are configurable in a plurality of packaging orientations. A canister assembly and a method for containing packaging contents are also provided.

Abstract: A method of transferring radioactive material from a contaminated area to a container assembly generally includes acquiring radioactive material in a contaminated area, wherein the contaminated area includes at least one shielding wall, and moving the material in the substantially horizontal orientation through an aperture in a shielding wall into a container assembly. Other systems, methods, and components for transferring radioactive material are provided.

Abstract: A rack assembly for nuclear fuel assemblies generally includes a frame assembly and a container assembly including a plurality of individual fuel containers designed to contain individual fuel assemblies, wherein the individual fuel containers are received within and supported by the frame assembly. The rack assembly further includes a shielding assembly including at least one of an inner shielding assembly comprising a substantially continuous shield between the individual fuel containers and an outer shielding assembly comprising a substantially continuous shield around at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the rack assembly. A rack storage system generally includes a plurality of rack assemblies.

Abstract: An overall to long-term storage package intended to receive a case containing radioactive materials, the package comprising a lateral body delimiting a housing for receiving the case, the package body being closed at its top end and at its low end respectively by a removable head cover, and by a package base. According to the invention, the package base takes the form of a removable base cover, allowing insertion of the case via the low end of the body. The invention also relates to a process for transfer of such a case.

Abstract: A shipping container for transporting hazardous materials, for example toxic chemicals or low level radioactive waste materials, such as contaminated clothing worn by workers at nuclear power plants, is provided. The shipping container is a double-walled containment vessel which includes an inner container securably nesting within an outer container. Both the inner container and outer containers have thin metal walls which absorb energy from impacts by deforming. The shipping container has a port for sampling the atmosphere between the inner and outer containers in order to test for leakage of hazardous materials from the inner container. A heat shield at least partially surrounds the outer container. Wooden impact absorbers are also provided around both ends of the shipping container. The shipping container is light weight because of the relatively thin metallic walls and provides a leak-tight enclosure in which hazardous materials may be safely stored during transit to permanent disposal site.