Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Date: Mar. 22, 2022
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type: Fuel Basket
Docket Number: HOL-132
Application Number: 17/115,005
Patent Number: US 11,289,229 B2
Prior Publication Data: US 2021/0272713 A1, Sep. 2, 2021
Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 62/945,587, filed on Dec. 9, 2019.
Abstract: A nuclear fuel storage system includes an outer canister and fuel basket positioned therein. The basket is formed by orthogonally arranged and interlocked slotted plates which collectively define exterior side surfaces of the basket and a grid array of open cells each configured to hold a fuel assembly. At least some slotted plates comprise cantilevered plate extensions protruding laterally beyond the side surfaces of the basket to define various shaped peripheral gaps between the basket and canister. The plate extensions are configured to engage the shell of the canister. Vertically elongated reinforcement members are inserted in the peripheral gaps and fixedly coupled to the basket. Reinforcement members may comprise elongated reinforcement plates and/or tubular shimming members which may be fixedly coupled to the slotted plate extensions. The reinforcement members structurally strengthen the fuel basket. The plate extensions further act as fins to enhance heat dissipation from the basket.
