Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Date: Nov. 5, 2019
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International, Inc.
Equipment Type: Spent Fuel Pool
Docket Number: HOL-092
Patent Number: US 10,468,145 B2
Application Number: 14/877,217
Prior Publication Data: US 2016/0099085 A1 – Apr. 7, 2016
Related U.S. Publication Data: Provisional application No. 62/061,089, filed on October 7, 2014
PCT Filed: Oct. 7, 2015
PCT App. No: PCT/US2015/054435
PCT Pub No: WO 2016/057636 A1
Foreign Patent Documents: 10-1956628, EP 3 204 949 B1
Abstract: An environmentally sequestered nuclear spent fuel pool in one embodiment includes sidewalls and a base slab that confine a water impoundment. The pool includes fuel racks containing spent fuel assemblies which heat the water via radioactive decay. A dual liner system enclosing the pool forms an impervious barrier providing redundant provisions for preventing leakage of contaminated pool water into the environment. An interstitial space is formed between the liners which may be maintained at sub-atmospheric pressures by a vacuum pump system that evacuates the space. By maintaining the pressure in the space at a negative pressure with corresponding boiling point less than the temperature of the pool water, any leakage through the inner-most liner into the interstitial space will vaporize and be extracted via the pump for signaling a potential leak in the liner system.