Method of preparing spent nuclear fuel rods for long-term storage
First Claim
1. A method of preparing spent nuclear fuel rods from a nuclear reactor for long-term storage in a copper container, which method comprises the steps of:
- embedding the fuel rods in copper powder within the container,closing the container with a copper lid, andsubjecting the closed container to hot isostatic compression at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form the container, the powder and the lid into a coherent mass in which the spent fuel rods are embedded.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Spent fuel rods from a nuclear reactor are enclosed in a body of copper, the fuel rods being embedded in copper powder in a copper container provided with a copper lid. The container with its contents and lid are then subjected to isostatic compression at a pressure and temperature sufficient to form a coherent dense mass unit of the powder, the container and the lid which embeds the fuel rods. The container can be enclosed in a sealed gas-tight capsule prior to the isostatic compression. A preliminary isostatic compression may be conducted at a lower temperature to effect creep deformation of the container, the lid and the powder.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of preparing spent nuclear fuel rods from a nuclear reactor for long-term storage in a copper container, which method comprises the steps of:
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embedding the fuel rods in copper powder within the container, closing the container with a copper lid, and subjecting the closed container to hot isostatic compression at a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form the container, the powder and the lid into a coherent mass in which the spent fuel rods are embedded. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification