Segmented Transfer Cask with Removable Shielding Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer casks for spent nuclear fuel face challenges with size and weight limitations in wet storage facilities, leading to increased radiation exposure and safety risks during the transfer process from wet to dry storage, as they often require additional shielding that exceeds facility capacity.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece transfer cask system comprising a lightweight, partially shielded transfer cask with a smaller diameter and a removable shielding sleeve that provides supplemental radiation shielding during transfer, allowing simultaneous lifting and support by a lifting system to address both size and weight constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a transfer cask is designed with adequate radiation shielding, then radiation exposure during transfer is reduced, but the size and weight of the cask increase, exceeding facility capacity limits
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented between the transfer cask structure and a separate removable shielding sleeve. The transfer cask provides basic shielding while the additional sleeve provides supplemental shielding when needed during transfer operations, allowing the base cask to remain within facility weight limits while achieving adequate total shielding when required.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable shielding sleeve acts as an intermediary component that can be added to or removed from the transfer cask. This sleeve provides the additional radiation shielding needed during transfer without permanently increasing the base cask weight, allowing the system to adapt shielding levels to operational requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a transfer cask is designed with adequate radiation shielding, then radiation exposure during transfer is reduced, but the diameter of the cask increases, exceeding facility size limits
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented between the transfer cask structure and a separate removable shielding sleeve. The transfer cask maintains a diameter within facility limits while the additional shielding sleeve provides supplemental radiation protection when needed during transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable shielding sleeve acts as an intermediary component that can be added to or removed from the transfer cask. This sleeve provides the additional radiation shielding needed during transfer without permanently increasing the base cask diameter, allowing the system to adapt shielding levels to operational requirements.
3Weight of moving object
If a transfer cask is made lightweight to fit facility weight limits, then size constraints are satisfied, but radiation shielding capability is reduced, increasing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented between the transfer cask structure and a separate removable shielding sleeve. The transfer cask provides basic shielding while the additional sleeve provides supplemental shielding when needed during transfer, allowing the base cask to remain within facility weight limits while achieving adequate total shielding when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding configuration is made dynamic through the removable shielding sleeve that can be added or removed based on operational requirements. During transfer operations, the sleeve is attached to provide enhanced shielding, while the base cask maintains a lightweight design for facility compliance.
4Length of moving object
If a transfer cask is made small in diameter to fit facility size limits, then weight constraints are satisfied, but radiation shielding capability is reduced, increasing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is segmented between the transfer cask structure and a separate removable shielding sleeve. The transfer cask provides basic shielding while the additional sleeve provides supplemental shielding when needed during transfer, allowing the base cask to maintain a compact diameter within facility limits while achieving adequate total shielding when required.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable shielding sleeve acts as an intermediary component that can be added to or removed from the transfer cask. This sleeve provides the additional radiation shielding needed during transfer without permanently increasing the base cask diameter, allowing the system to adapt shielding levels to operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of transferring nuclear fuel from fuel pools having size and/or weight limitations to a storage or transport cask are disclosed. A canister containing spent nuclear fuel is inserted into a transfer cask. A shielding sleeve is then placed around the transfer cask. A lifting device simultaneously lifts the transfer cask and the shielding sleeve over a storage cask and the spent fuel is transferred from the transfer cask to the storage or transport cask.