US3828197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radioactive waste storage
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
•
Filing: 1973-04-17
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Granted: 1974-08-06
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Expires: 1993-04-17
Abstract
Abstract High-level radioactive wastes are stored in a heavy walled metal cask which is stored in the open where natural convection of air over the cask removes the decay heat. If the waste is solely from plutonium-recycle pressurized-water reactors, the high neutron dose rate around the cask must be reduced by surrounding the cask in its storage position with crushed graphite or placing cooling fins on the cask and employing neutron shielding material such as polyethylene between the fins.
Inventors
- 👤 A Boldt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:45
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A storage cask for solid high-level radioactive wastes consisting of a thick walled unitary carbon steel cask including a plug sealed in place with a deep penetration weld, the thickness of the walls of the cask being sufficient to reduce radiation levels to a tolerable level and to permit storage of the cask out-of-doors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
A storage cask for solid high-level radioactive wastes consisting of a thick walled unitary carbon steel cask including a plug sealed in place with a deep penetration weld, the thickness of the walls of the cask being sufficient to reduce radiation levels to a tolerable level and to permit storage of the cask out-of-doors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storage cask according to claim 1 wherein the walls of the cask are 16 inches thick.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storage cask according to claim 2 wherein cooling fins are provided on the cask and the cask is surrounded by neutron absorbing material placed between the fins.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage cask according to claim 2 and including a steel box filled with crushed graphite in which the storage cask is immersed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method of storing high-level radioactive wastes comprising inserting containers of solid radioactive waste into the storage cask of claim 1, deep penetration welding an end plug into the cask body, and storing the casks in a restricted access storage area out-of-doors in an arid climate where cooling with air by natural convection occurs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the casks are positioned on concrete support saddles to allow free convection of air around the casks and reduce soil corrosion of the casks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the casks are stored out-of-doors for about 150 years, and are then placed in a hard rock mine.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2928948A
Cited
US3005105A
Cited
US3046403A
Cited
US3262274A
Cited
GB1054219A
Cited
US3466445A
Cited
US3751669A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-05 | 1978-02-04 | 1978-08-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-05 | 1982-02-04 | 1982-08-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-05 | 1986-02-04 | 1986-08-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |