Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Contributing Inventor(s): Charles Bullard, John Zhai
Date: Aug. 3, 2021
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type: HI-STAR 100
Docket Number: HOL-131
Application Number: 17/061,700
Patent Number: US 11,081,249 B2
Prior Publication Data: US 2021/0118586 A1, Apr. 22, 2021
Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 62/910,073, filed on Oct. 3, 2019.
Abstract: A nuclear waste cask with impact protection includes impact limiters detachably coupled to opposite ends of the cask. Each impact limiter may comprise a deformable energy-absorbing perforated sleeve of cylindrical shape comprising an array of closely-spaced longitudinally elongated perforations. The perforations may comprise longitudinal passages having a circular cross-sectional shape in certain embodiments. The perforated sleeve may have an annular metallic body of monolithic unitary structure in which the perforations are formed and a central opening to receive the ends of the cask therein. When exposed to external impact forces such as created by dropping the cask, the perforations collapse inwards in the impact or crush zone to absorb the energy of fall while preventing or minimizing any forces transmitted to the cask to maintain the integrity of waste containment barrier.
