Abstract: An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask, the cavity of the transfer cask, the hole, and the cavity of the storage cask are substantially aligned; and means for moving the bottom lid in a horizontal direction once the bottom lid is unfastened from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a receiving cask. In one aspect, the system comprises a below grade opening adapted for receiving a cask; a platform positioned within the opening, the platform capable of vertical movement; and at least two jacks for vertically moving the platform; wherein the platform is capable of lowering the cask within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring spent nuclear fuel within a nuclear power plant. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for transferring a cask from a first position to a second position comprising: a first beam having a first proximal end and a first distal end, said first proximal end adapted for pivotal connection to a base; a second beam having a second proximal end and a second distal end, said second proximal end adapted for pivotal connection to said base; a member connecting said first distal end and said second distal end, said member comprising a lifting device adapted to raise and lower said cask; wherein said member, said first pivot beam, and said second pivot beam form a unitary structure; and means to rotate said unitary structure about an axis. In another aspect, the invention is a method of using the apparatus to transfer a cask.

Abstract: An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask, the cavity of the transfer cask, the hole, and the cavity of the storage cask are substantially aligned; and means for moving the bottom lid in a horizontal direction once the bottom lid is unfastened from the bottom surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask, the cavity of the transfer cask, the hole, and the cavity of the storage cask are substantially aligned; and means for moving the bottom lid in a horizontal direction once the bottom lid is unfastened from the bottom surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel pool to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of storing and transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the apparatus is a lid for a ventilated vertical overpack having a chamber for receiving spent nuclear fuel, the lid having ventilation ducts. In one aspect, the system comprises: a lid for a ventilated vertical overpack having a chamber for receiving spent nuclear fuel, the lid having ventilation ducts; and a ventilated vertical overpack having a cylindrical body including lower ventilation ducts, a bottom, and a chamber formed by the body and the bottom adapted for receiving a canister of spent nuclear fuel.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a receiving cask. In one aspect, the system comprises a below grade opening adapted for receiving a cask; a platform positioned within the opening, the platform capable of vertical movement; and at least two jacks for vertically moving the platform; wherein the platform is capable of lowering the cask within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the radiation shielding for spent nuclear fuel during cask transfer procedures. In one aspect, the method comprises submersing an apparatus having a jacket and a cavity for receiving spent nuclear fuel into a pool, wherein the jacket is empty and hermetically sealed; placing spent nuclear fuel into the cavity of the apparatus; lifting the apparatus from the pool; placing the apparatus in a staging area; filling the jacket with neutron absorbing liquid; draining the pool water from the cavity; and lifting the apparatus from the staging area.

Abstract: A ventilated overpack apparatus for containing a spent nuclear fuel canister has photon radiation scattering attenuators in the air ducts, preferably at or near the external openings. The apparatus preferably has straight ambient air inlet ducts and straight hot air outlet ducts which allow for improved rates of air flow and, because of the radiation scattering attenuators, far more efficient trapping of photons and reduced dose rates versus prior curvilinear or serpentine duct designs. The method of storing spent nuclear fuel comprises inserting a canister in the ventilated overpack apparatus which has the photon radiation scattering attenuators in the ducts. Preferably the top ducts are formed by three-sided channels in the sidewalls of the overpack and a fourth side formed by the flat bottom of the top lid, and the bottom ducts are also formed by three sided channels with the fourth side being formed in part by the bottom lid and in part by a concrete pad on which the overpack rests.