Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package

Details Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package

1997-04-15

1998-11-03

Mai, Ngoclan

Hazardous or toxic waste destruction or containment

Destruction or containment of radioactive waste

Surrounding with specified material or structure

588 17, 2505061, 376274, 976DIG328, 976DIG329, G21F 900

Patent

active

058323929

ABSTRACT:
A method for packaging spent nuclear fuel for long-term disposal in a geological repository. At least one spent nuclear fuel assembly is first placed in an unsealed waste package and a depleted uranium fill material is added to the waste package. The depleted uranium fill material comprises flowable particles having a size sufficient to substantially fill any voids in and around the assembly and contains isotopically-depleted uranium in the +4 valence state in an amount sufficient to inhibit dissolution of the spent nuclear fuel from the assembly into a surrounding medium and to lessen the potential for nuclear criticality inside the repository in the event of failure of the waste package. Last, the waste package is sealed, thereby substantially reducing the release of radionuclides into the surrounding medium, while simultaneously providing radiation shielding and increased structural integrity of the waste package.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3039000 (1962-06-01), Kieffer et al.
patent: 3888795 (1975-06-01), Kasberg
patent: 3962587 (1976-06-01), Dufrane et al.
patent: 4650518 (1987-03-01), Arntzen et al.
patent: 4914306 (1990-04-01), Dufrane et al.
patent: 4950426 (1990-08-01), Markowitz et al.
patent: 5015863 (1991-05-01), Takeshima et al.
patent: 5464988 (1995-11-01), Rossmassler et al.
patent: 5545796 (1996-08-01), Roy et al.
Cogar, J. A., et al, "Waste Package Filler Material Testing Report", BBA000000-01717-2500-00008REV00, U.S. Department of Energy, Las Vegas, Nevada, Apr. 22, 1996.
Zoller, J.N., et al Depleted Uranium Hexafluoride Management Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, vol. I-Report, pp. 7-352 to 7-363, UCRL-AR-120372, Jun. 30, 1995 (Description of Inventor's own work).
Forsberg, C.W. et al "DUSCOBS--A Depleted-Uranium Silicate Backfill for Transport, Storage, and Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel", ORNL/TM-13045, Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, Nov. 30, 1995 (Description of Inventor's own work).
Teper, B. Particulate Compaction Tests for a Particulate-Packed Thin-wall Container for Irradiated-Fuel Disposal, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Research Co., TR-131, Dec. 1980.
Crosthwaite, J.L., "The Performance, Assessment and Ranking of Container Design Options for the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program", TR-500, COG-93-410, AECL, Nov. 1994.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-703306