Abstract: A storage/transport container for intact and broken nuclear-fuel elements has a vessel 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. Respective metal tubes extending substantially the full length of some of the wells are of complementary section to the respective wells and are each adapted to snugly hold an intact spent nuclear-fuel element. At least one box extending substantially the full length of others of the wells is of complementary section to the respective well and is adapted to hold pieces of a broken spent nuclear-fuel element.

Abstract: A shielding container for the transport and storage of irradiated nuclear fuel elements has a cast-metal vessel provided with a radiation-shielding cover whose cylindrical flange is bolted to a shoulder of a seat in the mouth of this vessel and has a thickness of two to four times the thickness of a projection of this cover extending into the space of the vessel receiving the radioactive material. A further cover has a projection extending into the seat and a flange overlying and bolted to the vessel wall. The thickness of the latter flange is twice the thickness of the projection of the further cover and both covers define annular control compartments whereby the sealing effectiveness can be monitored.

Abstract: A container for the storage and transportation of radioactive material comprising an elongated vessel adapted to receive the material and having a wall thickness and composition attenuating radioactive transmission therefrom, the vessel has an open end formed with an annular thickened portion defining a mouth communicating with the interior of the vessel; a radiation-shielding cover received in the mouth and having a plug-forming portion juxtaposed with a complimentary seat-forming portion of the vessel at the mouth, and a flange extending outwardly from the plug-forming portion, the vessel is provided with a wall bore communicating at one end with the interior of the vessel and terminating at its opposite end within the outline of the radiation-shielding cover, the radiation-shielding cover is provided with a connecting bore registering with the wall bore; an obturating element received in the connecting bore and adapted to block the wall bore; and a further cover secured directly to the vessel outwardly of

Abstract: A package for radioactive material which comprises a radiation-absorbing vessel having a plug-type inner cover sealingly engaging this vessel and an outer security cover overlying the massive plug-type cover and defining a clearance therewith in which gas can be monitored to detect failure of the seal, this safety cover being sealed to the vessel so that the latter chamber is sealed from the atmosphere. According to the invention, this chamber is sealed with gas at a superatmospheric pressure which is also above the pressure within the vessel and the pressure of the chamber is monitored, a drop in pressure signaling a breach either of the seal between the plug-type cover and the interior of the vessel or between the safety cover and the vessel.