Method for storing radioactive waste, and system for implementing the same
US10049777B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21F5/008
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for storing high level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of storing high level radioactive waste comprising: a) positioning a metal canister containing high level radioactive waste having a heat generation rate in a storage cavity of a ventilated system comprising a cask body, a cask lid positioned atop the cask body, at least one outlet duct extending from a top of the storage cavity to an ambient atmosphere, and a plurality of inlet ducts, each of the inlet ducts extending from a first opening in the outer surface of the cask body to a second opening in the inner surface of the cask, body; and b) sealing selected ones of the plurality of inlet ducts over time as a function of a decay of the heat generation rate to maintain more a predetermined percentage of a vertical height of the metal canister above a predetermined threshold temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.