Abstract: An improved fire detector unit has a plastic base defining a smoke chamber for detection of a smoke density in terms of light scattering due to the smoke particles in the smoke chamber. The base carries a circuit board mounting a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and other components forming a fire detecting circuit responsible for generating a fire warning signal based upon the detected smoke density. A metal-made electromagnetic shield is molded into the base to protect the light receiving element from electromagnetic radiation noises. The electromagnetic shield includes a ground terminal for connection with a ground line of the circuit board. In addition, terminal pins are molded into the base for electrical and physical connection of the circuit board to the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the tritium activity of a drum (1) of radioactive waste containing a quantity of radioactive waste (2) and a free volume, the method consisting of measuring the quantity of 3He produced by the decay of the tritium contained in said radioactive waste during a defined period of time and deducing from it the corresponding activity of the tritium contained in said radioactive waste (2).

Abstract: A canister containing spent fuel assemblies is contained in a body of a transportation cask. A top opening of a vessel body of the canister is closed by a lid welded to the vessel body. A ring-shaped elastic tube is provided between the inner surface of the upper end portion of the body and the outer surface of the upper end portion of the vessel body. The tube seals the gap between these surfaces to prevent a fluid from getting into the gap between the surfaces through the top opening of the body. An inspection space for the insertion of a tester for detecting the welding state of the lid is defined between the inner surface of the upper end portion of the body and the outer surface of the upper end portion of the vessel body.

Abstract: A lifting lug for a nuclear-waste container has a tubular body having an inner end formed with a flange adapted to be bolted to the container and a transverse wall set in and tightly fitted to a smaller-diameter outer end of the tubular body. The wall is a separate piece from the body and is press-fitted to the tubular body. The wall is mounted at a load point of the lifting lug. In addition the wall is formed of a disk and/or a ring, typically as one unitary piece with the disk and ring spaced from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus acts as a shield for radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity includes a first body with a first hollow core and a second body with a second hollow core. The first hollow core fixedly communicates with two hollow stems open on the first edge of the first body. The hollow stems are symmetrically positioned around the center of the first edge. The first hollow core and second hollow core houses an insert. The insert houses a hypodermic syringe. A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with a dose applicator having two telescoping rods that slide inside the hollow stems. A second connection means releasably communicates the first body with the second body. The dose applicator slideably positions the insert and hypodermic syringe with a radiopharmaceutical into and out of the first body when the second body is removed.

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: Encapsulating calcined radioactive waste in strong, corrosion-resistant spheres of dimensions such that heat from the radiation melts the ice at a rate which brings the spheres to the bottom of the permanent icefield in a relatively short time, with the resulting waste ultimately being no more hazardous than natural uranium ore.

Abstract: A storage container for hazardous material, especially heat-generating hazardous material, comprises a central elongate, generally cylindrical concrete body having an elongate, sealable interior cavity for accommodating the hazardous material and a cooling liquid in which the hazardous material is immersed. The cavity comprises a generally cylindrical storage section concentric with the concrete body and an expansion chamber in fluid communication with the storage section. The expansion chamber is located axially outside on end of the storage section and extends radially past the circumference of the storage section. It is dimensioned such that when the cavity is filled with a predetermined quantity of the cooling liquid, the cooling liquid completely fills the storage section while still leaving room for expansion of the cooling liquid in the expansion chamber.

Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly transport canister that includes a clamshell type fuel assembly inner liner that has interior dimensions that closely conform to the outer envelope of the fuel assembly to be transported and exterior dimensions that conform to a generic overpack tubular container. The liner is inserted into the overpack tubular container which is in turn supported by a shock absorbing suspension system within a birdcage frame.

Abstract: A primary lid is set in a top opening of a vessel body that contains radioactive substance, and closes the top opening. The peripheral edge portion of the primary lid is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the vessel body. As the primary lid is welded, steam in the vessel body is discharged to the outside through a discharge hole in the primary lid, and a shield gas is filled into or run through a space in the outer peripheral portion of the primary lid, so as to prevent the steam from flowing into the welding portion.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

Abstract: The basket comprises a bundle of tubes (10) connected to each other by an assembly structure (14) so as to form a regular network of compartments (16). Cross pieces (12) are placed between the tubes (10) so as to define a second wall approximately continuous around each compartment (16) surrounding the first wall materialized by tubes (10) and at least partially in contact with this wall. Thus, baskets with compartments with arbitrarily shaped cross sections, and particularly square, rectangular, hexagonal or circular cross sections, can be made for a limited cost.

Abstract: A radioactive vial is shielded within a cylindrical vial guard having a central throughbore for receiving the vial. A nuclear pharmacist opens a bottom end of the vial guard and transfers the vial from a shielded shipping container into the throughbore. When the vial is introduced into the throughbore, a septum formed in the vial faces down. The pharmacist closes the bottom end of the vial guard, inverts and opens the top end to expose the septum. A syringe barrel is locked into a throughbore formed in a syringe shield that includes a lead liner. The needle at the leading end of the barrel penetrates the septum and radioactive liquid is withdrawn from the vial into the barrel. The vial guard and syringe shield protect the pharmacist from radiation exposure during the vial opening process.

Abstract: A container for storing hazardous material and a method of enclosing hazardous material in a concrete container body defining a storage space and having an access opening for introducing the hazardous material in the storage space comprises fluid-tight sealing of the storage space by introducing a closure body of concrete in the opening subsequent to the introduction of the hazardous material. The closure body is formed by casting concrete in the access opening subsequent to the introduction of the hazardous material in the storage space and allowing the concrete to harden while supplying heat to the portion of the concrete container body surrounding the access opening.

Abstract: A test system having a shielded enclosure and common air interface for testing the transmit and receive functionality of wireless communication devices such as mobile phones. A test system according to the present invention provides improved fault coverage by permitting robust testing of the entire signal path of a wireless device, including the antenna structure. In one embodiment of the invention, an RF-shielded enclosure having a test chamber is provided. The structure of the shielded enclosure blocks ambient RF energy from entering the test chamber and interfering with testing operations. The shielded enclosure may be lined with an RF absorbing material to improve test repeatability. A novel test antenna structure is disposed in the test chamber for wirelessly communicating test signals to a device under test.

Abstract: A shielded packaging system is formed by a top panel and a bottom panel that are connected to one another along a preselected extent of their respective peripheral edges. An opening is formed along the unconnected extent and provides access to the space between the panels that holds radioactive items. Each panel includes at least two layers of lead foil so that if a pinhole is formed in either layer, the probability of two pinholes lining up and enabling radiation to escape from the space is minimal. The layers of lead foil have at least one ridge formed in them at their respective peripheral edges so that radiation traveling in a straight path parallel to the top and bottom panels encounters the ridges and cannot escape through the edges of the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to brachytherapy devices, methods for making brachytherapy devices, and methods for using brachytherapy devices. For example, the invention provides brachytherapy devices such as staging-sterilization devices and insert devices that can be used in various brachytherapy procedures.

Abstract: A shielded rack loader makes use of a loading rack movable between a shielding structure and a storage tube. A shield plug seals the storage tube. A hoist moves the shield plug and the loading rack. A shield plug cart and a material transfer cart mate with receiving flanges of the rack loader and permit temporary storage and movement of the shield plug and of canisters of transuranic material.

Abstract: A bag (10) for transporting radioactive flood sources and the like is formed from a lightweight, multi-layer sheet material comprising a layer (42) of a high-Z, radiation shielding material sandwiched between inner and outer layers (46, 40) of protective material. The radiation shielding material is preferably formed from a lead or tungsten composite comprising a lead or tungsten powder dispersed in a polymer matrix, such as a lead/vinyl composite. The flexible bag is lightweight, allowing the flood shield to be transported easily by handles (26, 28), without the need for maneuvering the bag along the floor on wheels.

Abstract: A lightweight cask comprises a barrel body which shields gamma rays. A resin which shields neutrons is provided on the periphery of the barrel body. A basket is made of a plurality of square pipes having neutron absorbing ability. There is a cavity inside the barrel body. This cavity is worked to have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the basket. The square pipes are inserted in this cavity so as to abut against this inner surface. Furthermore, chamfered portions are provided on the outside surface of the barrel body at 90° intervals and space portions are formed between another resin and an outer casing.

Abstract: Substantially pure uranium hexafluoride is shipped in a conventional overpack. A cylinder includes a vessel with a cylindrical sidewall A head permanently affixed to the sidewall closes one end of the vessel. A valve controls the flow of matter into and out of the vessel. A sealing surface connected to the vessel surrounds the valve. A cap covers the valve and a pair of seals is located between the sealing surface and the cap. The volume between the two seals, the cap and the sealing surface defines a test volume. A test port connects the test volume and an exterior surface of the vessel, and fasteners press the cap against the sealing surface. A maximum rate of leakage from within the cap to the atmosphere outside the cap is determined by measuring the leakage rate into the test volume with a leak testing apparatus connected to the test port. Thereafter the cylinder is placed in a conventional overpack.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for containing, transporting, and storing or disposing of radioactive machinery, including decommissioned nuclear reactor pressure vessels. An improved, economically-produced container is provided which allows easier handling and packaging of machinery within plants where the machinery has been installed, and which provides improved shock absorption and attenuation characteristics, especially when packaging is complete. A reactor pressure vessel or similar item is disconnected from the remainder of the plant and external fittings are trimmed as close to flush with item's exterior as practicable. A storage and containment canister, optionally cut into at least two sections to ease handling and packaging, is placed nearby. The pressure vessel head or any other low-radioactive items are removed, and insulation and other items removed from the outside of the item are placed inside the item's body.

Abstract: An apparatus that transports radiopharmaceuticals and protects individuals from radioactivity that includes a first body with a first hollow core open on a first edge and a second edge. The first hollow core surrounds an insert containing a hypodermic syringe. There is a second body with a second hollow core open on a first edge and closed on a second edge. The second hollow core surrounds the insert with the hypodermic syringe. A third body with a third hollow core open on a first edge has the third hollow core fixedly communicating with a hollow stem open on a second edge. The third hollow core surrounds the insert with the hypodermic syringe. A first connection means releasably communicates the first body with the second body and a second communication means releasably communicates with the first body and third body for providing protection from the radioactive agent.

Abstract: An improved nuclear shielding material that is flexible so as to effectively fill voids in radiation containment structures. Under very high temperatures the material is designed to undergo pyrolysis and transform into a strong ceramic material. The material contains a number of components, the first of which is a polymeric elastomer matrix such as a two part self-polymerizing system like RTF silicone rubber. Additional components include: a compound to shield gamma radiation like tungsten carbide powder, a neutron absorbing/gamma blocking compound such as boron carbide powder, a heat conducting material such as diamond powder, a high temperature resistant compound such as silicon dioxide powder, a second neutron absorbing compound which also imparts electrical conductivity, namely barium sulfate powder, and a hydrogen gas surpassing component which readily absorbs hydrogen such as sponge palladium.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

Abstract: An end support system is applied to each end of a container for shipping nuclear fuel assemblies in an inner box within the container. The end support system includes a rectilinear metal end frame, a crosspiece with a reinforcing channel along an inside surface of the crosspiece and four arms projecting in a perpendicular direction from the metal end frame for straddling the sides of the container end. By screwing the metal end support system into the wooden framing elements of the container, the integrity of the container ends is maintained during hypothetical accident conditions specified in licensing regulations.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding container assembly defines a central axis and includes an elongated body portion having a closed end, an open end, and an outer surface extending between the open and closed ends. An inner surface is spaced radially inwardly from the outer surface, and a frusto-conical body surface extends radially inwardly from the outer surface adjacent the open end. A cap portion of the container is securable to the body portion and includes a closed end and an open end that is spaced from the closed end. The open end includes a frusto-conical cap surface that is matingly engageable with the frusto-conical body surface such that when the cap portion is secured to the body portion, the frusto-conical body surface and the frusto-conical cap surface overlap each other along a plane that is perpendicular to the axis, thereby preventing a straight-line path for radiation to escape from the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceutical substances. The apparatus comprises a radiation shielding pig having an elongated sidewall that extends between two ends and that defines an elongated, interior chamber. The sidewall is thinner than each of the ends. A radiation shield defines at least one cavity. The shield has two open ends and a central area between the open ends that is thicker than each of the two open ends. Also, a method of assembling and disassembling the apparatus includes, placing a syringe filled with a radiopharmaceutical substance into the pig; placing the pig containing the filled syringe in the radiation shield; placing the pig and the shield into an ammunition can for transporting the radioactive substance contained in the syringe.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transporting a syringe containing radioactive material that provides many advantages, including the safe enclosure of the syringe both before and after use, which reduces the possibility of contamination of the radiopharmaceutical pig. The present invention also provides a radiopharmaceutical pig that eliminates the need for a protective plastic outer shell and has a convenient grip. Finally, the present invention allows the user to readily determine if a syringe within a closed sharps container is full or spent without handling the container.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly analyzing elemental abundances in rock or soil samples (14) under field conditions. The system uses a portable neutron source (12) to allow neutron activation analysis of elements having identifiable radioactive decay characteristics. A radiation detector (18) detects radiation released by the sample (14) and provides radiation testing results to an amplifier (26) for computing the concentration of trace elements in the sample with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A nuclear steam supply containment system employing prefabricated component supports that are surrounded by steel concrete forms and anchored to the floor liner of a nuclear containment. The prefabricated component supports extend through the concrete forms and a reinforce concrete slab cap to a support elevation for the component. A second inner steel concrete form can be employed to form an annular concrete channel through which the supports extend. The center of the inner form can be filled with a sand-like substance, radiation absorber material or concrete grout.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment may generally be construed as providing a method for storing fissile material, such as spent nuclear fuel (SNF), and includes the steps of: providing a storage container configured to receive the fissile material therein; and applying a coating to a surface of the storage container. Preferably, the coating is formed, at least in part, of a neutron-absorbing material and is adapted to reduce neutron multiplication and/or provide a shielding of the fissile material received within the storage container. Systems also are provided.

Abstract: A container body of a concrete cask includes a storage portion that stores a canister. A refilling system includes a reduction cylinder having an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the storage portion and an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the canister, a first lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the reduction cylinder between a down position in the storage portion and an up position wherein it is drawn out of the storage portion, and a second lift mechanism having a holding portion for holding one end portion of the canister and configured to raise and lower the canister with respect to the container body. In refilling operations, the canister is loaded into and unloaded from the storage portion of the container body by the second lift mechanism with the reduction cylinder set in the storage portion.

Abstract: A vessel for the shipment of uranium hexafluoride includes a cylindrical wall closed by pair of approximately semi-ellipsoidal heads welded to form a sealed container. A service valve is located in one end. The valve is covered by a removable, watertight valve protection cover assembly. The vessel also includes a test port by means of which the integrity of the valve protection cover assembly may be tested after the cylinder has been filled with uranium hexafluoride and the valve protection assembly has been installed. The valve protection assembly is shaped so that it fits within the envelope of the standard 30B cylinders. The distal end of the valve protection assembly is recessed from a plane defined by the open end of the surrounding chime by at least one half inch, and preferably by ¾ inch or more. Accordingly, the fits within an overpack already approved by the NRC and used by shippers of uranium hexafluoride.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall segment (10) for device, such as a cabin, a wall or a screen, protecting against laser beams from a laser source (38) and enclosing a work or effective zone, this wall segment comprising an inner wall (12) adjacent to the work or effective zone and an outer wall (14) parallel to the inner wall (12) and farther away from the work and effective zone than the inner wall (12). To activate an emergency OFF system to shut down the laser source or the processing machine, the inner and outer walls (12) and (14) resp. are metallic, for instance of iron or steel sheetmetal, the inner wall (12) being fitted at least on its side (18) facing the work or effective zone with a highly absorbent coating (16) and the side (22) of the outer wall (14) facing the inside wall (12) being of lower absorption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a container designed to transport and store radioactive material. The invention further relates to a container which is used to transport and store radioactive material. First and foremost, claim is laid to the selection of a heavy concrete and a special technique for inserting the heavy concrete between metall walls.

Abstract: A dry radioactive substance storage facility stores spent fuel assemblies from nuclear power plants. The facility comprises a structure having a storage room storing storage tubes containing spent fuel assemblies. An air inlet duct defining an air inlet passage through which air is supplied into the storage room and a stack defining an air discharge passage through which air from the storage room is discharged outside are connected to the storage room. Radiation shielding members are disposed on the side of the air inlet duct and on the side of the stack, respectively, in the storage room to intercept radiation propagating toward the air inlet passage and the air discharge passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting radiopharmaceutical substances. The apparatus comprises a radiation shielding pig having an elongated sidewall that extends between two ends and that defines an elongated, interior chamber. The sidewall is thinner than each of the ends. A radiation shield defines at least one cavity. The shield has two open ends and a central area between the open ends that is thicker than each of the two open ends. Also, a method of assembling and disassembling the apparatus includes, placing a syringe filled with a radiopharmaceutical substance into the pig; placing the pig containing the filled syringe in the radiation shield; placing the pig and the shield into an ammunition can for transporting the radioactive substance contained in the syringe.

Abstract: A storage/transport container for radioactive material has a metallic outer shell, a metallic inner shell concentrically received in the outer cell and defining therewith an annular space, and an annular and continuous heat-conductive meander strip in the space. The strip is formed unitarily with a plurality of angularly spaced inner segments engaging the inner shell, respective angularly spaced outer segments engaging the outer shell, and respective generally radially extending webs extending between the inner and outer segments.

Abstract: The present invention is a nuclear waste storage apparatus and a method of filling the storage apparatus while the storage apparatus remains substantially sealed. The innermost layer of the apparatus comprises a self-sealing bladder. An injection device pierces the bladder and fills it with radioactive waste in a liquid, slurry or paste form in a substantially sealed process. When the injector is removed, the self-sealing material of the inner bladder substantially closes the pierced portion of the bladder. The bladder is then coated with a protective coating, a radioactive barrier coating, and an outer impact resistant coating to complete the apparatus.

Abstract: The shipping container includes an outer container body, an inner containment vessel housing a pair of superposed product pails and a self-extinguishing fire-retardant foam insulation layer between the outer container and inner vessel. The inner vessel includes a gusseted upper flange and a lid bolted to the flange with a sealing gasket therebetween. Upper and lower dunnages are provided at the upper and lower ends of the outer container. The upper dunnage includes ceramic fiberboard panels and foam material straddled by steel sheets and additional ceramic fiberboard panel to separate the lid of the vessel and the top of the container. The top is secured to the outer container body by bolts passing through the top and internally into tapped bolt brackets along an interior wall of the outer container body. A retaining ring secures the arcuate overlying rolled edge of the top about the beaded rim of the outer container body.

Abstract: Encapsulating calcined radioactive waste in strong, corrosion-resistant spheres of dimensions such that heat from the radiation melts the ice at a rate which brings the spheres to the bottom of the permanent icefield in a relatively short time, with the resulting waste ultimately being no more hazardous than natural uranium ore.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting needle cartridges containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such needle cartridges may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container of the present invention has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Needle cartridges containing radioactive material are placed within the container for storage and shipping. The container secures the needle cartridges against lateral movement within the container to protect them from breakage or release of the radioactive materials contained in the needle cartridges. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to container more of the emitted radiation that is contained by the device alone.

Abstract: A vessel for the shipment of uranium hexafluoride includes a cylindrical wall closed by pair of approximately semi-ellipsoidal heads welded to form a sealed container. A service valve is located in one end. The valve is covered by a removable, watertight valve protection cover assembly. The vessel also includes a test port by means of which the integrity of the valve protection cover assembly may be tested after the cylinder has been filled with uranium hexafluoride and the valve protection assembly has been installed. The valve protection assembly is shaped so that it fits within the envelope of the standard 30B cylinders. The distal end of the valve protection assembly is recessed from a plane defined by the open end of the surrounding chime by at least one half inch, and preferably by ¾inch or more. Accordingly, the fits within an overpack already approved by the NRC and used by shippers of uranium hexafluoride.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a radioactive source, having reduced radiation leakage from a gap between movable housing components. The container comprises a housing having a bore extending into the housing. A removable cylindrical sleeve having a chamber therein is inserted into the bore. Two co-operating helices are present; the first helix is located on a surface of the housing facing into the bore, and the second helix is located on the sleeve. The co-operating helices block the gap between the housing and the sleeve when the sleeve is inserted into the bore, thereby attenuating the radiation emanating from the gap when a radioactive source is housed within the container. Axial rotation of the sleeve within the bore results in movement of the sleeve between a withdrawn position and an inserted position within the housing.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for refurbishing a fuel rack having cells in which fresh or spent nuclear fuel assemblies may be stored, in which the cells have elongate rack walls extending from a rack base plate and the rack base plate has flow holes communicating with the cells. The sleeve has at least one elongate wall extending from the topside of a sleeve base having an opposed bottom side. The sleeve base has a flow hole extending therethrough that communicates with one of the rack base plate flow holes. A pin assembly disposed in the sleeve base flow hole has resilient tabs extending beyond the bottom side of the sleeve base for extending into a rack base plate flow hole and resiliently engaging the rack base plate when the sleeve assembly is installed in one of the cells. The pin assembly resists horizontal and vertical movements of the sleeve assembly, permits water flow into the cell and permits sleeve assembly removal tools and inspection devices to access the pin assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for refurbishing an atomic fuel assembly storage rack the partitions (10) of which include a layer (14) of neutron-absorbing material between a wall (16) and a more or less rectangular piece of sheet metal (18) welded onto said wall. In this method the sheet metal is cut along each of the four sides. Once the short sides of sheet metal (18) have been cut by cutting the welding spots or by cutting it into sections the long sides are cut using a cutting head (20) that includes one to four blade-blade support assemblies (22) or one to four blades. Each blade (24) and blade support (26) is either fixed or movable.

Abstract: A transport container for nuclear fuel is provided with an outer container having internal insulation, the insulation defining an internal cavity. The cavity receives a plurality of fuel containers wherein the internal volume of the fuel containers is at least 5% of the external volume of the outer container. The container allows substantially higher volume proportions of enriched fuel to be safely transported than is possible with prior containers.