Abstract: A system comprises an optical fiber, a manipulator assembly, and a control unit. The manipulator assembly comprises a chassis, an optical fiber cleaning assembly housed within the chassis, and a drive mechanism housed within the chassis. The optical fiber cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning tape, a first spool on which the cleaning tape is wound, and a second spool onto which the cleaning tape is drawn after use. The drive mechanism is configured to advance the cleaning tape from the first spool to the second spool such that a portion of the cleaning tape wipes a face of the optical fiber. The control unit is configured to control the drive mechanism to advance the cleaning tape.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Casks shield materials and passively remove heat via heat transport paths from deep inside to outside the cask. The transport path may be heat pipes and conductive rods that are non-linear so that radiation is always shielded by the cask. A damper may surround an end of the heat transport path to control heat loss from the cask. A jacket of fluid or meltable material that conducts heat by convection may surround stored materials ensure an even temperature within the cask, and the heat transport path may absorb heat from the jacket. Casks are useable to safely store, transport, and dispose of any sensitive or heat-generating material. Casks may be opened or closed to simultaneously load and offload materials at a consistent operating temperature provided by heaters in the cask.

Abstract: A passive containment cooling system (PCCS) condenser, for reducing some non-condensable gases in the PCCS, includes a first and a second stage condenser that each include channels in fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet header. The inlet header of the first stage condenser is configured to receive a fluid mixture through a first inlet opening. The channels are configured to condense water from the fluid mixture flowing through the channels from the inlet header to the outlet header, respectively, of the first and second stage condenser. The PCCS condenser includes a catalyst in at least one of the outlet header of the first stage condenser or the inlet header of the second stage condenser. The catalyst catalyzes a reaction for forming water from hydrogen and oxygen in the fluid mixture. The outlet header of the second stage condenser is in fluid communication with a combined vent-and-drain line.

Abstract: A method of handling spent nuclear fuel assemblies immerses the spent nuclear fuel assemblies in water in a relatively short time period when compared to traditional methods. A spent nuclear fuel assembly is removed from a nuclear reactor, an inert gas is applied to the fuel assembly, moisture content in the inert gas is gradually increased as it is applied to the fuel assembly, and the fuel assembly is immersed in water. The fuel assembly is immersed relatively quickly, within about 2 hours or less, which improves safety and allows normal processing and handling equipment to care for the fuel assembly. The fuel assembly may then be loaded into a cask for long-term storage and/or disposal.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.

Abstract: Casks shield materials and passively remove heat via heat transport paths from deep inside to outside the cask. The transport path may be heat pipes and conductive rods that are non-linear so that radiation is always shielded by the cask. A damper may surround an end of the heat transport path to control heat loss from the cask. A jacket of fluid or meltable material that conducts heat by convection may surround stored materials ensure an even temperature within the cask, and the heat transport path may absorb heat from the jacket. Casks are useable to safely store, transport, and dispose of any sensitive or heat-generating material. Casks may be opened or closed to simultaneously load and offload materials at a consistent operating temperature provided by heaters in the cask.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.

Abstract: Chimneys include several combinable parts useable in nuclear reactors. The parts are modular and removably joinable without destruction for use in directing flow in an operating nuclear reactor and directly fit in storage area during non-operation. Chimney parts are joinable through flanges and connecting structures. Chimney parts may include partitions that divide or direct energetic coolant flow from a nuclear core as well as steam separating and drying structures. The parts each individually fit within storage areas of the nuclear plant, including equipment or buffer pools in the refueling floor of the plant. Methods move the chimney parts between the reactor and storage areas, and multiple parts may be stacked or nested in such moves. Methods are useable underwater and with storage pools to prevent exposure of chimney parts during an outage. During operation, chimneys are useable in place of existing single-piece chimneys.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: A PCCS condenser may include a first and a second stage condenser. Each of the first and second stage condensers may include channels in fluid communication between an inlet and an outlet header. The inlet header of the first stage condenser may be configured to receive a fluid mixture through a first inlet opening. The channels may be configured to condense water from the fluid mixture flowing through the channels from the inlet header to the outlet header, respectively, of the first and second stage condenser. The PCCS condenser may include a catalyst in at least one of the outlet header of the first stage condenser or the inlet header of the second stage condenser. The catalyst may catalyze a reaction for forming water from hydrogen and oxygen in the fluid mixture. The outlet header of the second stage condenser may be in fluid communication with a combined vent-and-drain line.

Abstract: Chimneys include several combinable parts useable in nuclear reactors. The parts are modular and removably joinable without destruction for use in directing flow in an operating nuclear reactor and directly fit in storage area during non-operation. Chimney parts are joinable through flanges and connecting structures. Chimney parts may include partitions that divide or direct energetic coolant flow from a nuclear core as well as steam separating and drying structures. The parts each individually fit within storage areas of the nuclear plant, including equipment or buffer pools in the refueling floor of the plant. Methods move the chimney parts between the reactor and storage areas, and multiple parts may be stacked or nested in such moves. Methods are useable underwater and with storage pools to prevent exposure of chimney parts during an outage. During operation, chimneys are useable in place of existing single-piece chimneys.

Abstract: Chimneys include several combinable parts usable in nuclear reactors. The parts are modular and removably joinable without destruction for use in directing flow in an operating nuclear reactor and directly fit in storage area during non-operation. Chimney parts are joinable through flanges and connecting structures. Chimney parts may include partitions that divide or direct energetic coolant flow from a nuclear core as well as steam separating and drying structures. The parts each individually fit within storage areas of the nuclear plant, including equipment or buffer pools in the refueling floor of the plant. Methods move the chimney parts between the reactor and storage areas, and multiple parts may be stacked or nested in such moves. Methods are usable underwater and with storage pools to prevent exposure of chimney parts during an outage. During operation, chimneys are usable in place of existing single-piece chimneys.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.

Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.