Terrapower, LLC

John E Truax

Robert Alan Corbin

Jesse R Cheatham, Iii

Pavel Hejzlar

Mark R Werner

Samuel J Miller

Owen Dean Nelson

Shirly I Rodriguez Rojas

David L Major

A method of handling spent nuclear fuel assemblies immerses the spent nuclear fuel assemblies in water in a relatively short time period when compared to traditional methods. A spent nuclear fuel assembly is removed from a nuclear reactor, an inert gas is applied to the fuel assembly, moisture content in the inert gas is gradually increased as it is applied to the fuel assembly, and the fuel assembly is immersed in water. The fuel assembly is immersed relatively quickly, within about 2 hours or less, which improves safety and allows normal processing and handling equipment to care for the fuel assembly. The fuel assembly may then be loaded into a cask for long-term storage and/or disposal.

Fuel handling system, layout, and process for nuclear reactor

A method for replacing a cesium trap includes freezing the cesium trap which partially contains cesium and is located within a shielded cell and. The cesium trap is then decoupled and removed from the shielded cell. A second cesium trap is inserted into the shielded cell and attached to the shielded cell.

Method for replacing a cesium trap and cesium trap assembly thereof

Methods and systems for stabilizing spent fuel assemblies from sodium-cooled nuclear reactors using Zamak are described herein. It has been determined that there is a synergism between Zamak and sodium that allows Zamak to form thermally-conductive interface with the sodium-wetted surfaces of the fuel assemblies. In the method, one or more spent fuel assemblies are removed from the sodium coolant pool and placed in a protective sheath. The remaining volume of the sheath is then filled with liquid Zamak. To a certain extent Zamak will dissolve and alloy with sodium remaining on the fuel assemblies. Excess sodium that remains undissolved is displaced from the sheath by the Zamak fill. The Zamak is then cooled until solid and the sheath sealed. The resulting Zamak-stabilized spent fuel assembly is calculated to have sufficient internal thermal conductivity to allow it to be stored and transported without the need for liquid cooling.

Zamak stabilization of spent sodium-cooled reactor fuel assemblies

Method of replacing cesium trap and cesium trap assembly thereof

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

John E Truax