Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Contributing Inventor(s):
Date: November 21, 2024
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type:
Docket Number: HOL-142
Application Number: 17/723,999
Patent Number: US 12,131,830 B2
Publication Number: US 2024/0387066 A1
Prior Publication Data: US 2022/0336115 A1 | Oct. 20, 2022
Related U.S. Application Data:
- Continuation of application No. 17/723,999, filed on Apr. 19, 2022
- Provisional application No. 63/176,496, filed on Apr. 19, 2021.
Related Patents:
- 7575622 (JP). Certificate (English translation).
Abstract: An automatically adjusting seismic restraint system for nuclear fuel storage in one embodiment comprises a freestanding first fuel storage component (FSC) configured to contain nuclear fuel, and a stationary second FSC configured to receive the first fuel storage component. An inter-body gap formed between the FSCs includes at least one seismic restraint assembly. The assembly includes a stationary wedge member fixedly coupled to the second FSC and a movable loose wedge member engaged with and supported in place by the stationary wedge member. The stationary wedge member defines an inclined load bearing surface slideably engaged with a mating inclined load bearing surface of the loose wedge member. During a seismic event or thermal expansion of the first FSC, the first FSC moves towards the second FSC which shrinks the inter-body gap and the loose wedge member is vertically displaced relative to the stationary wedge member while maintaining engagement therewith.