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: An overpack for receiving a steel cylinder, such as a stainless steel cylinder, containing uranium hexafluoride includes a semi-cylindrical top portion having an arcuate main body and opposing first and second semi-circular end members, and includes a semi-cylindrical bottom portion having an arcuate main body and opposing first and second semi-circular end members, with the first end members of the top and bottom portion being aligned, and the second end members of the top and bottom portion being aligned, and the overpack is disposed in a cradle.

Abstract: A fuel basket apparatus, system and method for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus suitable for transporting and/or storing spent nuclear fuel rods comprising: a basket formed from a honeycomb-like gridwork of plates arranged in a rectilinear configuration, the gridwork of plates forming a plurality of cells for receiving spent nuclear fuel rods; the basket comprising one or more flux traps that regulate production of neutron radiation; and wherein the plates are constructed of a metal matrix composite material.

Abstract: A shield for absorbing radiation emitted by a target during operation of a cyclotron. The shield includes an inner box structure having a recess for receiving the target. In addition, the shield includes a first plurality of shield elements arranged in a layered configuration about the inner box structure. The shield also includes an outer box structure for receiving the inner box structure and the first plurality of shield elements. Further, a second plurality of shield elements is arranged in a layered configuration about the outer box structure. The shield elements are arranged in both horizontal and vertical orientations and are removable.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a radiation shielding lid of a radiation shielding container (e.g., auxiliary radiation shield) designed to house a radioisotope generator assembly.

Abstract: An integrated storage, transportation and disposal system for used fuel assemblies is provided. The system includes a plurality of sealed canisters and a cask sized to receive the sealed canisters in side by side relationship. The plurality of sealed canisters include an internal basket structure to receive a plurality of used fuel assemblies. The internal basket structure includes a plurality of radiation-absorbing panels and a plurality of hemispherical ribs generally perpendicular to the canister sidewall. The sealed canisters are received within the cask for storage and transportation and are removed from the cask for disposal at a designated repository. The system of the present invention allows the handling of sealed canisters separately or collectively, while allowing storage and transportation of high burnup fuel and damaged fuel to the designated repository.

Abstract: A method to confine a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly including: inserting a lower portion of the fuel bundle assembly into an open end of a lower fuel particle barrier; supporting the lower portion of the fuel bundle with the lower fuel particle barrier; grasping the lower portion of the fuel bundle assembly with the lower fuel particle barrier; lowering an upper fuel particle barrier over an upper tie plate of the fuel bundle assembly; moving at least a portion of a handle fixed to the upper tie plate through an open slot in the upper fuel particle barrier; closing the open slot with a closure device after the handle passes through the slot, and preventing fuel particles being released from the nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly by the upper and lower fuel particle barriers.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: A method for storing high level radioactive waste in a passively cooled cavity. In one embodiment, the invention comprises: (a) providing a container comprising an outer shell having an open top end and a hermetically closed bottom end, an inner shell forming a cavity, the inner shell positioned within the outer shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell, and at least one opening in the inner shell that forms a passageway between the space and a bottom portion of the cavity; (b) lowering a hermetically sealed canister holding high level radioactive waste into the cavity via the open top end; and (c) positioning a lid having at least one inlet vent and at least one outlet vent atop the container such that the at least one inlet vent forms a passageway from an ambient atmosphere to the space and the at least one outlet vent forms a passageway from the cavity to the ambient atmosphere, the lid substantially enclosing the open top end.

Abstract: A shield for absorbing radiation emitted during generation of a radioisotope. The shield includes an inner portion fabricated from a first type of shielding material. The shield also includes an outer portion fabricated from a second type of shielding material wherein the outer portion serves as a mold for forming the inner portion. The inner portion may be fabricated from a material which shields against gamma rays such as concrete. The outer portion may be fabricated from a material which moderates neutrons such as high density polyethylene. Additional shielding materials may be embedded into the inner portion as desired.

Abstract: A terahertz (THz) anti-reflection device, for example, a broadband tunable THz anti-reflection device, includes a silicon substrate having a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses having a plurality of cavities of decreasing dimension. The cavities may be nested polygonal cavities, for example, having a square or rectangular cross section. The recesses having the cavities may be positioned at regular periods, for example, periods ranging from 10 ?m to 20 ?m. The devices may be fabricated by conventional lithographic methods. Also disclosed are methods for modifying terahertz radiation and methods for fabricating anti-reflection devices.

Abstract: A composition of matter that experiences an increase rate of radioactive emission is presented. The composition comprises a radioactive material and particles having affinity for Hydrogen or its isotopes. When exposed to Hydrogen, the composition's emission rate increases. Methods of production are also presented.

Abstract: A compressed powder composite (CPC) material for absorbing neutrons emitted from spent nuclear fuel thereby preventing the initiation of a chain reaction. The CPC material is typically provided as a substantially insoluble cylindrical pellet that is highly resistant to corrosion and is not subject to the failure modes associated with the alloy materials typically used in neutron absorption materials. The pellet preferably includes a dendritic nickel powder substantially uniformly mixed with a neutron absorber powder material, preferably boron carbide. Tubes filled with CPC materials, such tubes for replacing control roads so that a spent nuclear fuel assembly may be disposed of substantially indefinitely.

Abstract: A container for a vial of radiopharmaceutical, made of polymethyl methacrylate consists of a receptacle, with a cavity capable of containing the vial of radiopharmaceutical, and of a lid screwed onto the receptacle for closing the container, said lid presenting a central through-hole. A set, in combination with this container with the vial of radiopharmaceutical, consisting of a bottle of saline solution and two infusion catheters, enhances the radioprotection during the infusion of a radiopharmaceutical in an infusion operation.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed.

Abstract: A container including a support having at least one first longitudinal support surface defining a longitudinal housing for receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, and a door having a second longitudinal support surface. The door is movable between a position of holding the nuclear fuel assembly between the two longitudinal surfaces and a released position in which the assembly is free with respect to the support. The container includes means for adjusting the transversal separation between the first and second surfaces in the holding position of the door.

Abstract: A method for underwater packaging of radioactive materials includes creating a vacuum in a cavity of a cleaning device to automatically cause a portion of the cleaning device to move upward to actuate the cleaning device from an open position to a closed position; mounting the cleaning device inside a safe containment area of a transportation and/or storage device; placing the transportation and/or storage device in a pool after filling the safe containment area with water; loading a radioactive material into the safe containment area; closing the transportation and/or storage device using at least one cover; extracting the transportation and/or storage device from the pool; draining the water inside the safe containment area; and creating a pressure differential in the safe containment area to dry the safe containment area, wherein the pressure differential causes the cleaning device to automatically actuate from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A device containment apparatus includes a vessel for storing an explosive device and minimizing dispersal of radioactive material. The vessel includes an outer wall defining an interior area. A first frame supports the vessel and supports a first or outer radiation shield that is spaced from the vessel. A second or inner radiation shield can also be provided, supported adjacent the vessel's outer wall by a second frame that includes upper and lower frame rings. The vessel and the second radiation shield can be generally spherical, while the first frame is substantially rectangular, and the first radiation shield includes substantially planar sides.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel bundle confinement system including: a fuel bundle with an upper tie plate; a channel enclosing the fuel bundle; a handle for the fuel bundle extending above the fuel bundle; an upper fuel particle barrier positioned over the upper tie plate and above the fuel rods, wherein the fuel particle barrier has a permeable panel at least co-extensive with an open area of the upper tie plate; a slot in the permeable panel through which passes the handle, and a closure device on the fuel particle barrier having a closed position which covers the slot and an open position that leaves the slot open; a lower fuel particle barrier positioned over the lower tie plate and below the fuel rods, wherein the lower portion of the fuel bundle assembly is grasped by the lower fuel particle barrier.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a device and method for the dry intermediate storage of irradiated fuel elements. The apparatus includes a casing which includes tiered superposed modules made of thermally conductive material and having compartments for accommodating fuel elements with a heat sink arranged on a perforated support plate. The system includes a retaining system which includes a clearance space left between a top module of a tier and a support plate of a tier above the superposed module.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for filling containers with radioactive materials are described. In certain embodiments, the systems comprise a shielding material that substantially defines a chamber and, preferably, substantially blocks radioactivity, a conduit extending through the shielding material into the chamber, and a securing unit that is disposed in the chamber proximal to the conduit and is adapted to receive a container through the conduit.

Abstract: A method of loading nuclear fuel assemblies into a fuel rack in an underwater (or other submerged) environment that reduces the depth required for the pool to effectuate the fuel rack loading procedure. In one embodiment, the method comprises submerging a nuclear fuel assembly having an axis and a horizontal cross-section in a pool; providing a fuel rack in the pool, the fuel rack comprising a body structure comprising at least one elongated cell, a top, a bottom, a first lateral side, at least one elongated slot in the first lateral side that forms a lateral passageway into the cell; positioning the fuel assembly laterally adjacent to the elongated slot of the fuel rack so that the axis of the fuel assembly is substantially aligned with the elongated slot; and translating the fuel assembly in a lateral direction through the elongated slot and into the cell.

Abstract: A canister apparatus, basket apparatus and combinations thereof for transporting and/or storing high level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel. The canister apparatus comprises a cavity for receiving the spent nuclear fuel that is surrounded by two independent gas-tight containment boundaries. The structures that form the two independent gas-tight containment boundaries are in substantially continuous surface contact with one another, thereby facilitating sufficient heat removal from the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a basket apparatus having a plurality of disk-like grates arranged in a stacked and spaced arrangement so that the cells of the disk-like grates are aligned. In still another aspect, the invention can be a basket apparatus having a disk-like grate having a ring-like structure encompassing a gridwork of beams specially arranged to achieve a unique cell configuration.

Abstract: A plurality of capsules are made available, each for receiving a fuel rod, and each comprising a tubular sheath that is closed at its ends by plugs. A loading structure is placed in a pool to receive at least one capsule with its axis vertical. A device for loading fuel rods into the capsule is secured onto an open top end of the structure. Defective rods are taken one by one and inserted one by one into empty capsules in the loading structure. For each capsule that is to receive a defective rod, a top plug of the capsule is unscrewed, a defective rod is inserted into the capsule through a guide device of the loading device, the top plug is screwed back onto the capsule, and the capsule containing the rod is put into a location in the support structure.

Abstract: A container for transporting a receptacle (2) containing a radioactive substance for medical use. includes a shielded body made up of a belt of side walls connected to a base element and defining a top opening, and a shielded closing lid attachable to the top opening by locking elements shaped so as to be activated by a translational movement of the lid in the top opening, this “locking movement” taking place along the axis of the opening and towards the opposing base element. The lid is further equipped with elements for deactivating the locking elements to enable it to be separated from the container body. In one advantageous embodiment, the lid has a plurality of retractable projecting studs designed to fit by a snap-action type phenomenon into at least one complementary housing formed in the opening of the container body during the locking movement.

Abstract: A containment medical apparatus for use in association with medical treatments requiring radioactive substances has a tubular housing with a cap configured for closing an open end of the tubular housing. A quick release mechanism holds the cap on an open end of the tubular housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing spent nuclear fuel below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: a shell forming a cavity for receiving a canister of spent nuclear fuel, at least a portion of the shell positioned below grade; and at least one inlet ventilation duct extending from an above grade inlet to a below grade outlet at or near a bottom of the cavity; the inlet ventilation duct connected to the shell so that the cavity is hermetically sealed to ingress of below grade fluids.

Abstract: A vessel for storing and transporting hazardous substances, like for example Uranium Hexafluoride, includes a body having an internal region that is subdivided into two or more isolated regions. The vessel further includes end members that house ingress and egress valves. A cover assembly is affixed to the vessel to shield the valves from damage due to exposure and/or impact.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation-shielding container for a radiopharmaceutical that may be magnetically picked and placed, assembled and dis-assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canister (1) for final repository of spent fuel elements from a nuclear reactor, comprising an insert (2) that contains said spent fuel elements, an inner copper casing (4a, 4b, 4c) that encloses the insert (2), and at least one outer casing (5a, 5b, 5c) that encloses the copper casting and that consists of a passive-film-forming metal or metal alloy, the passive film on the casing being constituted by an essentially oxidic film that is rich in one or more of the metals in the group of metals that consist of the metals zirconium, chromium and titanium.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for watertight sealing of a steam generator nozzle and methods for installing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a nozzle dam, a nozzle dam attachment ring, and a seal. The attachment ring is provided in an interior of the nozzle and has a plurality of retaining tabs and a nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam is adapted for insertion into the attachment ring and abutment against the nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam has a plurality of radial protrusions adapted to interlock with the retaining tabs for fixing the nozzle dam in the attachment ring upon rotation of the nozzle dam in the attachment ring. The seal covers at least one side of the nozzle dam for effecting a seal between the nozzle dam and the attachment ring. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus for the pressurization and control of nozzle dam seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device (1) for storing and transporting nuclear fuel assemblies, the device comprising a plurality of adjacent compartments, each having a lateral wall and being capable of receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the lateral walls being made using notched structural units (6a, 6b) that are stacked and crisscrossed. According to the invention, each unit (6a, 6b) comprises two spaced-apart flats (16, 18) made of a neutrophage material, as well as an intermediate structure (119) situated between the flats (16, 18) and in contact with them.

Abstract: A storage element for the storage of cases (16) full of nuclear fuel in the horizontal position, said element comprising ventilation means (19, 32) arranged on the sides of the element, so that storage stacks according to this invention can be created. The storage elements may have a cross-section in the shape of regular hexagon to optimise the storage density.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to transportation containers and assemblies, such as transportation containers and assemblies for containing and transporting radioactive material. A transportation assembly for transporting radioactive material generally includes an outer container defining an inner cavity, the outer container having an inner shell, wherein at least a portion of the inner shell includes a plurality of layers including at least one layer of chopped fiberglass mat and at least one layer of aramid fabric. The transportation assembly may further include an inner container disposed within the inner cavity of the outer container.

Abstract: A transport/storage cask for a radioactive material has an inner shell, an outer shell and a circular gamma ray shielding layer and a circular neutron shielding layer both of which are placed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The gamma ray shielding layer is formed by aligning a plurality of gamma ray shielding blocks composed of lead in a block shape in the circumferential direction. The entire gamma ray shielding block in the axial direction is covered with a copper tube having a higher elasticity limit than the gamma ray shielding block. In the above transport/storage cask, the gamma ray shielding layer composed of lead or a lead alloy is not easily deformed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage device (1) for the storing and/or transporting of nuclear fuel assemblies, including a plurality of adjacent housings each having a lateral wall and being able to receive a nuclear fuel assembly, the lateral walls being realized at least in part using stacking and intercrossing slotted structural assemblies (6a, 6b), each structural assembly including at least one plate (22) realized in a first material comprising aluminum. According to the invention, each structural assembly (6a, 6b) further includes a tubular cross-section element (20) inside of which is located said at least one plate (22), this tubular cross-section element (20) being realized in a second material selected from steels and titanium and alloys thereof.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is: a casing internal part (1) suitable for the dry intermediate storage of at least one irradiated fuel element. Said casing internal part (1) has a tiered structure which comprises at least two superposed modules (M1, M2, M3, M4), each of said modules (M1, M2, M3, M4), made of a material that is a good conductor of heat, with compartment(s) (2a, 2b) for accommodating said fuel element(s) in the central part and with at least one hollowed-out peripheral heat sink (3a, 3b), being arranged on a support plate (4) that is perforated to allow said fuel element(s) through; the perforated support plates (4) of said structure being positioned and assembled by means of a retaining system (5?+5+5?), with a clearance (J) left between the top of the module of one tier (Mi) and the perforated support plate (4) of the tier (Mi+1) immediately above; a temporary storage casing (10) equipped with such a casing internal part (1); and the corresponding temporary storage method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials (10), comprising a closed enclosure (8) and a system (12, 16) for securing said closed enclosure, said system comprising catalytic means (12) for recombining hydrogen and oxygen into water, placed in said closed enclosure. According to the invention, the system for securing said closed enclosure further comprises a device (16) for the controlled release of oxygen in said closed enclosure (8).

Abstract: A system and method for storing high level waste. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an outer shell having an open top end and a hermetically closed bottom end; an inner shell forming a cavity, the inner shell positioned inside the outer shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one passageway connecting the space and a bottom portion of the cavity; at least one passageway connecting an ambient atmosphere and a top portion of the space; a lid positioned atop the inner shell, the lid having at least one passageway connecting the cavity and the ambient atmosphere; and a seal between the lid and the inner shell so at form a hermetic lid-to-inner shell interface.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sealed docking (14) of mobile containers (42) equipped with plugs (44) of various diameters on a containment box (10). The device includes a center disk (22) and at least one docking flange (20a, 20b, 20c) that are concentric to each other, normally plugging the access opening (18) of the containment box. A locking/unlocking mechanism (24) makes it possible to only unlock the center disk (22) alone or the center disk and one or more of the docking flanges (20a, 20b, 20c), according to the diameter of the plug (44). This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to clean the plug (44) of a mobile container (42) serving to transport contaminated nuclear equipment.

Abstract: A container for a vial of radiopharmaceutical, made of polymethyl methacrylate consists of a receptacle, with a cavity capable of containing the vial of radiopharmaceutical, and of a lid screwed onto the receptacle for closing the container, said lid presenting a central through-hole. A set, in combination with this container with the vial of radiopharmaceutical, consisting of a bottle of saline solution and two infusion catheters, enhances the radioprotection during the infusion of a radiopharmaceutical in an infusion operation.

Abstract: A process for cleaning containers (pigs) in which radioactive drugs are shipped to health care providers, after than are returned to a pharmacy and may contain residual radioactive material, blood, microorganisms and other contaminants. Those pigs that are contaminated with radioactive material are removed from the cleaning process until they have decayed to the background radiation level. The upper and lower portions of each blood contaminated pig is disinfected. Each pig is washed at a temperature of at least 180° Fahrenheit for a least one minute to kill bacteria and viruses. The combination of a disinfectant and high washing temperature water provides an optimum level of sterilization.

Abstract: A storage-transport system includes a storage container and a transport container for respectively storing and transporting weak to intermediate level active nuclear waste. The storage-transport system has different containers for the functions of storage and transport, namely the storage container and the transport container. The storage container only meets the requirements for temporary storage which are less strict than the requirements for the transport container, thereby allowing for a simple and therefore less expensive construction of the storage container. A method for storing and for transporting radioactive waste is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered radiation protection wall for shielding against gamma and/or particle radiation of a reaction site of an accelerator facility, wherein the radiation protection wall comprises a sandwich-like structure with at least a first and a second layer arrangement, wherein the first layer arrangement has at least a primary shielding layer and the second layer arrangement has at least a secondary shielding layer. Thereby, at least one of the first and the second layer arrangements is sub-divided into a plurality of wall segments, whereby a selective disposal is made possible. Thus an increased cost efficiency is achieved and the environmental impact is lowered.

Abstract: The invention relates to the handling of radioactive material. For instance, a radiation shield of the invention may include a body having a cavity therein for receiving radioactive material. An opening to the cavity may be defined in the body. A base may be releasably attachable to the body (generally toward the opening) to at least partially enclose the radioactive material in the cavity. In the case that the radiation shield includes a plurality of interchangeable bases, one of the bases may have at least one of a shorter length and a lighter weight than another of the bases. The base(s) may be designed to enclose more than one size and/or shape of container in the cavity. The base(s) may include a hand grip to facilitate manual gripping of the radiation shield. The base(s) may include a guard to reduce exposure to radiation from manual handling of the radiation shield.