US3983050A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for storage of solid waste
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1975-02-07
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Granted: 1976-09-28
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Expires: 1995-02-07
Abstract
Abstract Metal canisters for long-term storage of calcined highlevel radioactive wastes can be made self-sealing against a breach in the canister wall by the addition of powdered cement to the canister with the calcine before it is sealed for storage. Any breach in the canister wall will permit entry of water which will mix with the cement and harden to form a concrete patch, thus sealing the opening in the wall of the canister and preventing the release of radioactive material to the cooling water or atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Mecham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:45
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F9/00; G21F9/04; G21F9/20; G21F9/22; G21F5/00; G21F5/002; G21F5/005; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
In the method of storing high-level radioactive liquid wastes by calcining the waste to remove the liquid, thereby forming a high-level radioactive calcine, placing the calcine in a metal canister, sealing the metal canister and placing the sealed metal canister in a moisture-containing environment for cooling and long-term storage, the improvement comprising: adding powdered portland cement to the canister containing the calcined wastes so that the cement is in contact with the inner surface of the wall of the canister before the canister is sealed, whereby, should the canister wall fail and develop an opening to the environment, moisture from the environment will enter the canister, mix with the portland cement, forming concrete which will harden, seal the opening and prevent the escape of any radioactivity from the canister to the environment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
In the method of storing high-level radioactive liquid wastes by calcining the waste to remove the liquid, thereby forming a high-level radioactive calcine, placing the calcine in a metal canister, sealing the metal canister and placing the sealed metal canister in a moisture-containing environment for cooling and long-term storage, the improvement comprising: adding powdered portland cement to the canister containing the calcined wastes so that the cement is in contact with the inner surface of the wall of the canister before the canister is sealed, whereby, should the canister wall fail and develop an opening to the environment, moisture from the environment will enter the canister, mix with the portland cement, forming concrete which will harden, seal the opening and prevent the escape of any radioactivity from the canister to the environment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the powdered cement is mixed with the calcine to form an intimate mixture before the mixture is placed into the canister.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the mixture contains at least 1 part by weight of cement powder per 10 parts by weight of calcine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the canister is placed in a water-filled tank for cooling and long-term storage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the powdered portland cement is added to the canister to form an outer annulus in contact with the inner wall of the canister and the radioactive calcine is in the center of the canister surrounded by the cement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the outer annulus of cement powder is at least about 1 inch in thickness.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the canister is placed in a water-filled tank for cooling and long-term storage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
DE1173998B
Cited
US3152984A
Cited
US3479295A
Cited
US3507801A
Cited
US3828197A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-09-28 | 1980-03-29 | 1980-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-28 | 1984-03-29 | 1984-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-28 | 1988-03-29 | 1988-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |