Systems and methods for storing spent nuclear fuel
First Claim
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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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for storing radioactive materials that afford adequate ventilation of the cavity in which the radioactive materials are stored. In one aspect, the invention is a method of storing radioactive materials comprising: a) positioning a system comprising a shell forming a cavity 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 till into the hole to circumferentially surround the shell; c) lowering a canister containing radioactive materials into the cavity; and d) subsequent to the canister being lowered into the cavity, placing a lid on the shell.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of storing radioactive materials, the method comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of storing radioactive materials, the method comprising:
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a) providing a system comprising a structure having a metal shell forming a cavity and having an open top, the cavity having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least one inlet ventilation duct thrilling a passageway from an ambient air inlet to an outlet at the bottom portion of the cavity, and at least one outlet ventilation duct forming a passageway from the top portion of the cavity to ambient air; b) lowering a canister loaded with radioactive materials through the open top of the structure into the cavity until a bottom surface of the canister is lower than a top of the outlet of the at least one inlet ventilation duct; c) supporting the canister in the cavity in a position where the bottom surface of the canister is lower than the top of the outlet of the at least one inlet ventilation duct, wherein the inlet ventilation duct is shaped so that a line of sight does not, exist to the canister from the ambient air inlet through the at least one inlet ventilation duct; and d) placing a removable lid atop of the structure; wherein 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. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification