System and method for preparing a container loaded with wet radioactive elements for dry storage
US8561318B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for preparing a container holding high level radioactive waste for dry storage. In one aspect, the method includes: (a) providing a gas circulation system comprising a condensing module, a desiccant module, a gas circulator module; (b) connecting the gas circulation system to the canister so as to form a hermetically sealed closed-loop path that includes the cavity; (c) filling the hermetically sealed closed-loop path with a non-reactive gas; (d) circulating the non-reactive gas through the hermetically sealed closed-loop path until the condensing module is no longer removing substantial amounts of water from the circulating non-reactive gas, wherein the desiccant module is sealed off from the hermetically sealed closed-loop path during step (d); and (e) adding the desiccant module to the hermetically sealed closed-loop path and continuing to circulate the non-reactive gas through the hermetically sealed closed-loop path, the desiccant module dehumidifying the circulating the non-reactive gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.