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: A rear door system for transferring hot cell equipment into or out of a hot cell is disclosed. The rear door system of the present invention includes a rear door, which is provided to a rear wall of the hot cell so as to be movable to open or close the rear wall of the hot cell, and a vertical moving table, which is provided at a predetermined position on the lower portion of the front surface of the rear door so as to be movable upwards or downwards. The rear door system further includes a drive unit, which is provided at a predetermined position in the lower end of the rear door to move the rear door, and a stationary working table, which is disposed above the vertical moving table and is fixed in the hot cell in a horizontal orientation. The rear door system further includes a removable table, which is removably coupled at a predetermined position to the stationary working table, and a hot cell crane hook and a service area crane hook, which are respectively provided inside and outside the hot cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inter-unit transfer of spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is a method of transferring high level radioactive waste comprising: a) loading high level radioactive waste into a water-filled cavity of a canister body having an open top end at a first location; b) coupling a lid to the canister body to enclose the open top end; c) removing a volume of water from the cavity so that a water level of the water within the cavity is above a top end of the high level radioactive waste and a space exists between the water level and a bottom surface of the lid; d) hermetically sealing the cavity; and e) transferring the canister to a second location, the water level remaining above the top end of the high level radioactive waste during the transfer.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: A storage rack for nuclear fuel assemblies, comprising a rigid structure defining a plurality of adjacent cells, and comprising in each cell a sleeve defining a cavity intended to receive a nuclear fuel assembly, the sleeve having, in cross-sectional orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a generally polygonal shape whereof the sides are produced using plates made from a neutron-absorbing material. According to the invention, the sleeve also includes: profiles each forming a corner piece, arranged on at least several angles of said generally polygonal cross-section, these profiles serving as a mounting bracket for the plates made of a neutron-absorbing material; and a means for maintaining the profiles therebetween.

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: A plurality of first plate members 10 is stacked with long side ends 10LT1 and 10LT2 thereof abutting to each other. Plate member joint bodies 100 are formed by attaching connecting members 30 to side surfaces 10S of the stacked first plate members 10, and connecting the first plate members 10. Further, the plate member joint bodies 100 are so disposed to face each other, and the connecting members 30 projecting from the side surfaces 10S of the first plate members 10 are inserted into recesses formed at both long side ends of second plate members 20. A recycled fuel assembly storage basket 1 is thus formed. Recycled fuel assemblies are stored in spaces surrounded by the first plate members 10 and the second plate members 20.

Abstract: The apparatus for creating and editing a nuclear reactor core template includes a graphical user interface and a processor controlling the graphical user interface to allow a user to selectively populate a loading map with fuel bundles residing in at least one fuel pool.

Abstract: There is provided a method for selecting and configuring spent nuclear fuel bundles for casks so that the heat load for each of the casks is about the average heat load for all of the casks. The spent nuclear fuel bundles are disposed in the casks as low as reasonably achievable regarding the heat load.

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: Method for packing nuclear fuel in a cooling pond in a canister (12) located inside a container (10), comprising the steps of the immersion of the canister (12) and the container (10), filling the canister (12), fitting a sealing device (D) comprising caps and means of attaching a cap onto said canister (12) and of checking this attachment.

Abstract: A suspension type high-density storage rack for nuclear fuel assemblies may include a plurality of body parts each having a basket cell storing the corresponding nuclear fuel assembly and having a generally square tube-like shape elongated in a height direction thereof, a plurality of connection plates integrally connecting the basket cells adjacent to each other, while maintaining them at a predetermined distance, and a base plate fixedly coupling the undersides of the basket cells thereto; and a plurality of cap parts each closing the opened upper portion of the corresponding body part and suspending the corresponding nuclear fuel assembly therefrom.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack and method of manufacturing the same. In ones aspect, the invention is a neutron absorbing apparatus comprising: a plate structure having a first wall and a second wall that is non-coplanar to the first wall; the first and second walls being formed by a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement that is bent into the non-coplanar arrangement along a crease; and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed into the single panel along the crease prior to bending.

Abstract: There is provided a method for selecting and configuring spent nuclear fuel bundles for casks so that the heat load for each of the casks is about the average heat load for all of the casks. The spent nuclear fuel bundles are disposed in the casks as low as reasonably achievable regarding the heat load.

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 dry storage of nuclear fuel is disclosed, which comprises: a plurality of nuclear fuel bundles, being arranged in a tight formation; a dry storage canister, formed with a cavity inside to be used for storing the plural nuclear fuel bundles; wherein the cavity is formed with a plurality of blocks of different heights at the top and bottom thereof that each of the blocks on the top and bottom are provided for one of the plural nuclear fuel bundles to mounted fixedly thereon for enabling any neighboring nuclear fuel bundles in the tight formation to be ruggedly arranged with different heights.

Abstract: An instrument removal system for removing detector cables from a nuclear reactor includes a removal cart and a disposal cask. in an exemplary embodiment, the removal cart includes a base including a plurality of wheels coupled thereto, a motor mounted on the base, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor. A disposal spool is removably mounted on the drive shaft, and the disposal spool includes a notch sized to receive the detector cable. A housing is mounted on the base, with the housing enclosing the disposal spool. Also, an entrance port is located in the housing to permit the detector cable to enter the housing.

Abstract: A system for storing and/or transporting high level radioactive waste, and a method of manufacturing the same. In one aspect, the invention is a ventilated vertical overpack (“VVO”) having specially designed inlet ducts that refract radiation back into the storage cavity. A clear line-of-sight does not exist through the inlet ducts and, thus, the canister can be supported on the floor of the VVO. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a variable height VVO that falls within a regulatory license previously obtained for a shorter and taller version of the VVO.

Abstract: A thermally conductive cask for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect the invention can be a thermally conductive cask comprising: a gamma shielding cylindrical body forming a cavity for receiving high level radioactive waste and having an outer surface formed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity; a neutron shielding cylindrical body surrounding the gamma shielding cylindrical body and having a layer formed of a second material having a second thermal conductivity that is greater than the first thermal conductivity, the layer forming an inner surface of the neutron shielding cylindrical body; and wherein the layer is clad to the outer surface of the gamma shielding cylindrical body.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing additional radiation shielding to a container holding radioactive materials. The invention utilizes a sleeve-like structure that is slid over a container holding high level radioactive materials to add radiation shielding protection. Because the sleeve-like structure and container are non-unitary and slidably separable from one another, crane lifting capacity is not affected.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding assembly can contain any of multiple containers of different sizes in a predetermined, fixed location within the assembly. A clamping system in of the assembly is able to clamp any of the containers so that they are held in the same fixed location within the assembly. The containers, regardless of size, are always located in the desired position within the shield. The positive location is achieved with out the use of separate components not attached to the assembly.

Abstract: A packaging for the transportation and/or storage of nuclear materials, which includes a lateral body which extends along a longitudinal direction (X), where this body is equipped with a radiological protection device. The radiological protection device includes at least one radiological protection structure which includes at least one metallic reinforcement framework which extends along the direction (X) and which is hugged by a block made out of lead or of one of its alloys, cast over the framework, the latter being equipped with at least one element for retaining the cast block along the direction (X). Furthermore, the framework is embedded in the cast block over at least part of its length along this direction (X).

Abstract: A storage rack arrangement (10) for the storage of nuclear fuel elements in a storage pool includes at least two storage racks (1.1-1.3) which each contain a plurality of vertical channels (9) arranged next to one another for the reception of the fuel elements, with positioning elements (6) being provided at the storage racks at the bottom. The storage racks are connected to one another at the top and the storage rack arrangement (10) additionally includes one or more base plates (2.1-2.3) which are provided with positioning members (8) which fit with the positioning elements (6) of the storage racks (1.1-1.3) and which, together with the positioning elements, position the storage racks with respect to the base plate or base plates (2.1-2.3) to prevent a displacement of the storage racks on the base plate or plates.

Abstract: A system and method for storing multiple canisters containing high level waste below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a ventilated system for storing high level waste emitting heat, the system comprising: an air-intake shell forming an air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a storage cavity; a lid positioned atop each of the storage shells; an outlet vent forming a passageway between an ambient environment and a top portion of each of the storage cavities; and a network of pipes forming hermetically sealed passageways between a bottom portion of the air-intake cavity and at least two different openings at a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities such that blockage of a first one of the openings does not prohibit air from flowing from the air-intake cavity into the storage cavity via a second one of the openings.

Abstract: A storage space device for the transport and/or storage of nuclear materials, comprising a main structure defining at least one housing intended to contain the nuclear materials and includes a mobile heat conduction structure forming at least one portion of a side outer surface of the storage space device. The mobile structure has at least one mobile heat conduction component mounted on the main structure so as to be displaceable reversibly from a retracted position to a deployed position while moving away from the structure.

Abstract: A fuel rack for supporting radioactive fuel assemblies in an underwater (or other submerged) environment that reduces the depth required for the pool to effectuate the fuel rack loading procedure. The fuel rack is specially designed to afford lateral loading. In one embodiment, the fuel rack comprises a body structure comprising at least one substantially vertically oriented elongated cell for receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the body having a top, a bottom and a first lateral side; at least one elongated slot in the first lateral side of the body structure that forms a passageway into the cell through which a vertically oriented fuel assembly can be loaded; and means for supporting a fuel assembly within the cell in a substantially vertical orientation. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of laterally loading a fuel rack that utilizes rotation of the fuel assembly to secure the fuel assembly within its designated cell.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is principally a transportation device for nuclear fuel which includes a compartment (2) to receive a casing loaded with irradiated fuel, the said compartment (2) including an opening (4) for loading and unloading of the casing (18) from the device and an opening (6) for applying a longitudinal force on the casing (18) causing it to move inside the compartment (2) in the direction of the unloading opening in order to unload it, through a force transmission component (32) which forms a biological shield.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vessel for processing, transfer, accumulation and/or transfer of material containing civilian or military origin plutonium, in the form of plutonium oxide, carbide and/or nitride. The plutonium is preferably present in a concentration not higher than a guaranteed maximum between 20 and 50% wt. in said material, possibly with other actinides such as americium, neptunium, or curium. Said material is preferably in form of powder, granulate and/or tablets. The vessel comprises a volume of 20 to 70 liters for containing said material, demarcated at least by two substantially parallel walls, these two walls being separated by a distance e between 8 and 15 cm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spent fuel storage rack that exhibits high structural strength without unduly increasing the number of welds. The spent fuel storage rack having a plurality of storage cells for storing spent fuel assemblies includes a base plate, a plurality of partition plates having vertically-oriented comb-like slits formed at upper and lower parts thereof or at either the upper or lower part, the partition plates being stacked in multiple levels above the base plate, and a plurality of side plates which surround the peripheries of the plurality of partition plates stacked in multiple levels. The plurality of partition plates are adapted to form the plurality of storage cells in such a manner that a set of the partition plates is repeatedly stacked in the vertical direction while the upper slits formed in the partition plates at a relatively low position is engaged with the lower slits formed in the partition plates at a relatively high position.

Abstract: A system and method for storing multiple canisters containing high level waste below grade that afford adequate ventilation of the spent fuel storage cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an air-intake shell forming a substantially vertical air-intake cavity; a plurality of storage shells, each storage shell forming a substantially vertical storage cavity; a hermetically sealed canister for holding high level waste positioned in one or more of the storage cavities so that a gap exists between the storage shell and the canister, the horizontal cross-section of each of the storage cavities accommodating no more than one canister; a removable lid positioned atop each of the storage shells so as to form a lid-to-shell interface, each lid containing an outlet vent forming passageways between an ambient environment and the storage cavity; and a network of pipes forming a passageway between a bottom portion of the intake cavity and a bottom portion of each of the storage cavities.

Abstract: The present invention is principally a device for transferring a nuclear fuel canister between a container for transporting said canister and a device for storing said canister. The transfer device comprises a body and a slide of longitudinal axis, capable of sliding in said body along its longitudinal axis (Y), said slide comprising at least a first compartment (C1), for removing a plug from the transport container and a plug from the storage device, and a second compartment (C3) for allowing the canister to pass from the transport container to the storage device and, conversely, means for sealing the transfer between the transport container and a transfer device and between the transfer device and the storage device.

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: The invention concerns a cask (1) for a canister (62) containing radioactive material, comprising a canister extraction assembly (36) and designed so that it can bring the canister to an extraction position inside the cask housing (4) in which this canister is free of any contact with the inner surface (10). Also, one of two elements from among a carriage (38) and a support structure (40) of the assembly (36) is provided with a guide ramp (48) cooperating with a ramp follower (50) provided on the other of the two elements, the ramp being designed so that a relative translational movement between the carriage (38) and the structure (40), in the longitudinal direction of the cask, causes the changeover of the two elements (38, 40) from a drawn-together position to a drawn-apart position, or conversely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nuclear power station comprising: at least one high temperature reactor; a storage installation (14) for fuel elements (5); means (32) for transferring the fuel elements (5) between the core (4) and the storage installation (14). According to the invention, the transfer means (32) comprise a tunnel (34) for transferring the fuel elements between the reactor core (4) and the storage installation (14).

Abstract: A spent fuel storage rack 1 according to the present invention is installed in a fuel storage pool of a nuclear facility, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape forming a plurality of lattice-like cells 2a that are configured to separately accommodate a plurality of fuel assemblies in a matrix of rows and columns. As shown in FIG. 1, the spent fuel storage rack 1 includes: a base 17 configured to support lower parts of fuel assemblies, the base 17 forming a bottom surface of the spent fuel storage rack 1; an outer frame 3 located above the base 17, the outer frame 3 forming an outermost periphery of the spent fuel storage rack 1; and a lattice body 2 disposed inside the outer frame 3, the lattice body 2 forming the lattice-like cells 2a.

Abstract: A cask for loading at least one nuclear fuel assembly in a transport container, including a body with a longitudinal axis (X) capable of sealably covering an upper end of a container, at least one aperture (10) for letting through a fuel assembly, at least one means for connecting to pneumatic confinement means and at least one means (56) capable of maintaining a means (58) for sealing a chamber of the container inside the cask and at a distance from an entrance of said chamber during loading, wherein the maintaining means (56) includes a first arm (60) rotationally mobile around a first axis and a second arm (62) attached to the first arm (60) and rotationally mobile relatively to the first arm, said cask also including external means for controlling the arms (68,86), and wherein the second arm (62) includes a housing (76) for receiving the sealing means.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to suppress, while securing heat transfer performance and a subcritical function, a fall in manufacturing efficiency when a material hard to be extruded such as a B-Al material is used. To attain the object, a recycled fuel assembly storage basket 1 according to the present invention is configured by combining first square pipes 10 and hollow tabular members 20. Storage cell rows are formed by linearly arraying a plurality of rows of the first square pipes 10 with projections 10t1 thereof set in contact with each other and projections 10t2 thereof set in contact with each other. The tabular members 20 are stacked in a plurality of stages between storage cells, in which the first square pipes 10 are linearly arrayed, with long side ends TL of the tabular members 20 set in contact with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting radioactive fuel assemblies, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus, which can be in the form of a fuel basket, fuel rack, or the like, in which hexagonal storage tubes are used not only for their internal cells but are also strategically patterned to create resultant cells with their outside surfaces. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus having flux traps surrounding each cell wherein the size of the flux traps decrease with distance from the center of the storage grid.

Abstract: An isotope production target rod for a power generating nuclear reactor is provided. The isotope production target rod can include at least one rod central body including an outer shell that defines an internal cavity and a plurality of irradiation targets within the internal cavity. The irradiation targets can be positioned in a spatial arrangement utilizing a low nuclear cross-section separating medium to maintain the spatial arrangement.

Abstract: In a nuclear power installation a nuclear reactor (R) and other parts or components which are hazardous because of radioactivity or other hazard factors are placed in a lower part (12) of the installation which is located at a level deep below the ground level, whereas a ground-level part (11) of the installation comprises equipment for making the energy produced by the reactor useful. The deep-level part (12) of the installation includes a storage site (19) for spent nuclear fuel (29). These two pans (11, 12) of the installation are interconnected by a passageway which is suitably formed by one or more shafts.

Abstract: A shipping container is constructed for shipping channeled fuel bundle assemblies. The shipping container includes an outer container, an inner container sized to fit within the outer container, and shock absorbing material disposed at least between the outer and inner containers. The inner container is shaped to house at least one pre-channeled fuel bundle assembly including a channel, a channel fastener, and an array of fuel rods supported by grid spacers between an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate. The inner container includes a lower tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the lower tie plate and a lower portion of the channel, and an upper tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the upper tie plate and an upper portion of the channel and channel fastener assembly. The lower and upper tie plate restraint devices are lockable within the inner shipping container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a neutron shielding material for maintaining sub-criticality based on unsaturated polymer: Said material comprises an unsaturated polyester resin, at least an inorganic boron compound, and at least a hydrogenated inorganic compound, in amounts such that the boron concentration is 4.1021 to 25.1021 atoms per cm3 and the hydrogen concentration is 3.1022 to 5.5.1022 atoms per cm3.

Abstract: In the metal billet to be used for hot dilation forming, a forward side with respect to the pressing direction has a quadrate section and its diagonal length is not more than an inner diameter of a container. Moreover, a backward side with respect to the pressing direction has a circular section and its diameter is substantially same as the inner diameter of the container. The metal billet is heated to a temperature suitable for press working and is set into a container for press forming. While a center of a workpiece of the metal billet is being bored by a boring punch to be operated by a pressing machine, the metal billet is hot-dilated so that a bottomed container for a cask is formed.

Abstract: A storage container is carried into a nuclear-reactor containment and then, the core structure is housed in the storage container. In this process a bottom cover is carried to a storage-container body by using a moving device. The storage-container body and the bottom cover are positioned by adjusting the position of the bottom cover on the moving device while the bottom cover is supported by free bearings. The bottom cover is then attached to the storage-container body.

Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.

Abstract: Abstract A container device (11) for the long-term storage of hazardous material F), particularly for use for the ultimate disposal of nuclear fuel, comprises a plurality of containment bodies (A, B, C, D), placed successively one with in the other. Each containment body comprises a casing wall and an upper and a lower end wall and has a compartment defined by these walls. The innermost containment body (A) holds the hazardous material and each of the other containment bodies B, C, D) contains a respective next inner containment body (A, B, C). Self-compacting concrete is used to fill the spaces between the containment bodies.

Abstract: A fuel rack for supporting radioactive fuel assemblies in an underwater (or other submerged) environment that reduces the depth required for the pool to effectuate the fuel rack loading procedure. The fuel rack is specially designed to afford lateral loading. In one embodiment, the fuel rack comprises a body structure comprising at least one substantially vertically oriented elongated cell for receiving a nuclear fuel assembly, the body having a top, a bottom and a first lateral side; at least one elongated slot in the first lateral side of the body structure that forms a passageway into the cell through which a vertically oriented fuel assembly can be loaded; and means for supporting a fuel assembly within the cell in a substantially vertical orientation. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of laterally loading a fuel rack that utilizes rotation of the fuel assembly to secure the fuel assembly within its designated cell.

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: In the metal billet to be used for hot dilation forming, a forward side with respect to the pressing direction has a quadrate section and its diagonal length is not more than an inner diameter of a container. Moreover, a backward side with respect to the pressing direction has a circular section and its diameter is substantially same as the inner diameter of the container. The metal billet is heated to a temperature suitable for press working and is set into a container for press forming. While a center of a workpiece of the metal billet is being bored by a boring punch to be operated by a pressing machine, the metal billet is hot-dilated so that a bottomed container for a cask is formed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a long-term storage container for storage of radioactive material to inhibit radioactive radiation therefrom, said container having a bottom and upright wall extending therefrom, the top of said container to be closed by a screw-on radioactive radiation inhibiting lid, said container having an integral inner container part of plastic material with a bottom and upright wall, an integral outer container part of plastic material with a bottom and upright wall, and radioactive radiation inhibiting material in an inter space between the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer container parts. To fill the inter space an inter space container part is integrally molded through injection or pressure molding and then fitted to either the inner container part to subsequently mold the outer container part, or fitted inside the outer container part to subsequently mold the inner container part.