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Systems and methods for storing spent nuclear fuel

  • US 8,625,732 B2
  • Filed: 12/12/2011
  • Issued: 01/07/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of storing radioactive materials, the method comprising:

  • a) positioning a system comprising a shell forming a cavity and having an open top, and at least one inlet ventilation duct extending from an inlet to an outlet at a bottom portion of the cavity in a below grade hole so that the inlet of the inlet ventilation duct is above grade and the outlet of the inlet ventilation duct into the cavity is below grade;

    b) introducing engineered fill into the hole to circumferentially surround the shell;

    c) lowering a canister containing radioactive materials through the open top of the shell into the cavity; and

    d) subsequent to the canister being lowered into the cavity, placing a removable lid on the shell;

    wherein the shell is formed of steel and the inlet ventilation duct is seal joined to the shell and a bottom plate attached to the shell to form a self-supporting unitary structure.

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