US4476394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Insertion canister for radioactive material transportation and/or storage containers
Assignee: Transnuklear GmbH
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Filing: 1981-03-27
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Granted: 1984-10-09
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Expires: 2001-03-27
Abstract
Abstract Known containers for the transportation and/or storage of irradiated fuel elements have insertion canisters made of steel or massive bodies of non-ferrous metals. These have a high weight and possess no neutron shielding effect. These disadvantages are avoided by making an insertion canister consisting of graphite.
Inventors
- 👤 Erhard Muller
- 👤 Richard Christ
- 👤 Hartmut Kroll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:08
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A transportation or storage container having located therein a removable insertion canister, said canister having shafts therein adapted to receive radioactive material, especially for receiving spent fuel elements from nuclear reactors, said canister having a matrix made predominantly of graphite for modulating neutrons emitted from radioactive material mixed with a neutron absorbing material, said neutron absorbing material being made of a plurality of bricks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A transportation or storage container having located therein a removable insertion canister, said canister having shafts therein adapted to receive radioactive material, especially for receiving spent fuel elements from nuclear reactors, said canister having a matrix made predominantly of graphite for modulating neutrons emitted from radioactive material mixed with a neutron absorbing material, said neutron absorbing material being made of a plurality of bricks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein the shafts and/or the outer surfaces of the insertion canister have a neutron absorbing metallic coating.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A container according to claim 2 wherein the metal coating on the insertion canister consists essentially of boron steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein the neutron absorbing material of the graphite matrix is boron carbide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein the bricks comprise disks.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A container according to claim 5 wherein there are located metal disks between the bricks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A container according to claim 5 wherein the metal disks are constructed in the shape of cups.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein the canister comprises a base plate having secured thereto metal cladding, graphite bricks and metal disks which are joined together by tension rods and securing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container according to claim 8 wherein the graphite matrix contains cooling channels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A container according to claim 1 wherein the graphite matrix contains cooling channels.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A container according to claim 10 wherein the cooling channels are provided with a metallic covering.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A container according to claim 9 wherein the cooling channels are provided with a metallic covering.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-09 | 1988-04-09 | 1988-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-09 | 1992-04-09 | 1992-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-09 | 1996-04-09 | 1996-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |