Abstract: A system for monitoring stored spent fuel rods is provided, the system comprising: canisters containing the spent fuel rods; and temperature measuring means positioned on external surfaces of the canisters. Also provided is a method for monitoring stored spent fuel rods contained in canisters, the method comprising measuring temperature of the canisters at a plurality of external surfaces of each of the canisters, recording time of temperature differences between said external surfaces, determining time of oxidation initiation of the spent fuel rods based on the recording time, and preventing oxidation from occurring.

Abstract: The invention provides a containment structure, the containment structure comprising a vessel with an upwardly facing opening defining a periphery; a lid in rotatable and slidable communication with the periphery; and a plurality of rods contained within the lid and in slidable communication with the periphery. Also provided is a method for sealing and unsealing a containment vessel defining a body with a longitudinal axis and a lid, the method comprising simultaneously moving the lid parallel to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating and storing disused radiological sources in sealed capsules is provided, the system having a basket to removably position capsules relative to each other, the capsules containing the radiological sources; a containment vessel for receiving the basket; and a cask reversibly encapsulating or otherwise housing the containment vessel. Also provided is a method for packaging, transporting and storing disused radiological sources, the method having the steps of transporting sealed capsules containing radiological sources from water pools to baskets; placing the basket in a containment vessel and sealing the vessel with helium backfill; placing the vessel in a cask and reversibly capping the cask; surrounding the cask with personnel a shield and crumple zones to create a construct; and transporting and storing the construct until its final disposal at a geological repository or a deep borehole, all without repackaging of the disused radiological sealed capsules.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating and storing disused radiological sources in sealed capsules is provided, the system having a basket to removably position capsules relative to each other, the capsules containing the radiological sources; a containment vessel for receiving the basket; and a cask reversibly encapsulating or otherwise housing the containment vessel. Also provided is a method for packaging, transporting and storing disused radiological sources, the method having the steps of transporting sealed capsules containing radiological sources from water pools to baskets; placing the basket in a containment vessel and sealing the vessel with helium backfill; placing the vessel in a cask and reversibly capping the cask; surrounding the cask with personnel a shield and crumple zones to create a construct; and transporting and storing the construct until its final disposal at a geological repository or a deep borehole, all without repackaging of the disused radiological sealed capsules.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid emulsion includes a heat transfer fluid, and liquid droplets dispersed within the heat transfer fluid, where the liquid droplets are substantially immiscible with respect to the heat transfer fluid and have dimensions that are no greater than about 100 nanometers. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid emulsion is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid emulsion includes a heat transfer fluid, and liquid droplets dispersed within the heat transfer fluid, where the liquid droplets are substantially immiscible with respect to the heat transfer fluid and have dimensions that are no greater than about 100 nanometers. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid emulsion is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid emulsion includes a heat transfer fluid, and liquid droplets dispersed within the heat transfer fluid, where the liquid droplets are substantially immiscible with respect to the heat transfer fluid and have dimensions that are no greater than about 100 nanometers. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid emulsion is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid.