Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Contributing Inventor(s): Stephen J. Agace
Date of Patent Issuance: August 9, 2011
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: US
Assignee: Holtec International, Inc.
Equipment Type: HI-TRAC
Docket Number: HOL-022
Application Number: 11/871,084
Patent Number(s): US 7,994,380 B2
Prior Publication Data: US 2009/0198092 A1 (Aug. 6, 2009)
Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 60/850,733, filed on October 11, 2006.
Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one aspect, the invention is a jacket apparatus that is filled with a neutron absorbing fluid and adapted to facilitate a cyclical thermosiphon flow of the neutron absorbing fluid within the jacket when the neutron absorbing fluid is subjected to heat emanating from the cavity. In other aspects, the invention can be a method and container incorporating and/or using the same. In another aspect, the invention can be a container comprising: a gamma radiation absorbing body forming a cavity for receiving radioactive material; a jacket surrounding the body thereby forming a gap between the body and the jacket for holding a neutron absorbing fluid; a baffle positioned in the gap in spaced relation to both the body and the jacket so as to divide the gap into an inner region and an outer region; a passageway at or near a bottom of the gap between the inner region and the outer region that allows the neutron absorbing fluid to flow from the outer region into the inner region; and a passageway at or near a top of the gap between the inner region and the outer region that allows the neutron absorbing fluid to flow from the inner region into the outer region.