SHIPPING AND/OR STORAGE CONTAINER FOR SPENT FUEL ASSEMBLIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: long-time dry storage of spent nuclear fuel. SUBSTANCE: container has body, pressure ceiling above its inner space, and spacer grid inserted in container inner space. Spacer grid is designed to install spent fuel elements of assemblies and at least one pressure packing with getter material which is de-pressurized upon installation in spacer grid. Pressure ceiling is made in the form of at least one pressurizing safety cover. Container spacer grid has central pipe with removable shank for load grip. Pipe communicates with container space and is designed to accommodate at least one pressure packing with getter material. The latter is made in the form of drum incorporating coaxial external and internal cylindrical metal shells mounted in a spaced relation to each other to form clearances. One of these clearances on drum ends is shut off with destructible diaphragms. Other space accommodates getter material. Internal cylindrical metal shell is gas-tight structure. As an alternative diaphragm may be made of material destructible in loaded condition of container due to radiation and/or thermal effect of spent fuel assemblies. Another alternative has its diaphragms made of polyethylene. EFFECT: enhanced service reliability of container throughout entire specified storage period of spent nuclear fuel. 5 cl, 2 dwg