Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Date: Mar. 22, 2022
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type: Fuel Basket
Docket Number: HOL-122
Application Number: 16/407,992
Patent Number: US 11,282,615 B2
Prior Publication Data: US 2020/0027609 A1, Jan. 23, 2020
Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 62/669,665, filed on May 10, 2018.
Abstract: A storage apparatus with radiation shielding for spent nuclear fuel includes a fuel basket comprising elongated fuel storage tubes each defining an open cell configured to hold a nuclear fuel assembly. Gamma radiation attenuation inserts are nested inside at least some of the storage tubes. The inserts each comprise elongated open-ended tubular bodies which may have a rectangular cuboid configuration with square cross section. The inserts are composed of a dense metallic material selected for blocking gamma radiation and may have high thermal conductivity for effective heat dissipation from the decaying nuclear fuel. Attenuation inserts can occupy some or all perimeter tubes to provide shielding against gamma radiation emanating in a lateral direction from the fuel basket. The inserts may include upper and lower securement features for detachable fixation to the storage tubes, and air/gas flow cutouts.
