Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a cask for storing hazardous nuclear material with automatic control and cooling of liquified radiation shielding material flowing between primary and expansion tanks to accommodate for internal temperature changes in the primary tank. The cask contains a container with the hazardous radioactive material that emits radiation. The primary tank surrounds the container and has liquified radiation shielding material. The expansion tank is in fluid communication with the primary tank via a siphon tube and also has liquified radiation shielding material and a gaseous fluid pocket that enables expansion and contraction of the liquified radiation shielding material in both the primary and expansion tanks. The siphon tube enables communication of liquified radiation shielding material between the primary and expansion tanks based upon a temperature change in the liquified radiation shielding material in the primary tank.

Abstract: A modular portable cask transfer (MPCT) facility is capable of transferring a canister containing spent nuclear fuel materials from or to a transportation cask respectively to or from a storage overpack. A transfer cask is utilized for the transfer. Telescoping legs enable movement of the transfer cask independent of the canister, which is moved using a hoist. Due to its modular configuration, the MPCT facility can be assembled, disassembled, and moved from one nuclear power plant to another.

Abstract: A modular portable cask transfer (MPCT) facility is capable of transferring a canister containing spent nuclear fuel materials from or to a transportation cask respectively to or from a storage overpack. A transfer cask is utilized for the transfer. Telescoping legs enable movement of the transfer cask independent of the canister, which is moved using a hoist. Due to its modular configuration, the MPCT facility can be assembled, disassembled, and moved from one nuclear power plant to another.

Abstract: A transfer cask system for cooling spent nuclear fuel during the transfer from a spent nuclear fuel pool to a storage or transfer cask is disclosed. A canister containing spent nuclear fuel is inserted into a transfer cask. The transfer cask includes spacing components which define an annular region between the transfer cask and the canister. The transfer cask includes air inlets near a bottom end that permit air to flow through the defined annular region and exit at the open top of the transfer cask, thereby cooling the fuel within the canister. The transfer cask further comprises a neutron shield configured to absorb additional heat and shield radiation that may be generated within the canister. The transfer cask includes a transfer door that can open and close and has support rails that can support a spent nuclear fuel canister located in the transfer cask.

Abstract: Systems and methods of cooling spent nuclear fuel during the transfer from a spent nuclear fuel pool to a storage or transfer cask are disclosed. A canister containing spent nuclear fuel is inserted into a transfer cask. The transfer cask includes spacing components which define an annular region between the transfer cask and the canister. The transfer cask includes air inlets near a bottom end that permit air to flow through the defined annular region and exit at the open top of the transfer cask, thereby cooling the fuel within the canister. The transfer cask further comprises a neutron shield configured to absorb additional heat and shield radiation that may be generated within the canister. The spent nuclear fuel canister is then transferred from the transfer cask to a storage cask or a transport cask for storage in an on-site or in an off-site storage facility.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for storing or transporting spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, a container for storing spent nuclear fuel comprises a plurality of elongated tubes that receives spent nuclear fuel rods. Each tube has four sidewalls and four corners defining a rectangular cross section. The plurality of tubes is arranged in an alternating pattern. An attachment means attaches together the plurality of tubes at the corners so that two adjacent sidewalls of adjacent tubes are substantially aligned.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for storing or transporting spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, a container for storing spent nuclear fuel comprises a plurality of elongated tubes that receives spent nuclear fuel rods. Each tube has four sidewalls and four corners defining a rectangular cross section. The plurality of tubes is arranged in an alternating pattern. An attachment means attaches together the plurality of tubes at the corners so that two adjacent sidewalls of adjacent tubes are substantially aligned.