Patent ID: 9117558
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: G21F

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a spent fuel container coupled to at least one inlet path and at least one outlet path, the at least one inlet path configured to transport a non-reactive gas into the spent fuel container, the at least one outlet path configured to transport potentially radioactive vapor and gas from the spent fuel container, the at least one inlet path and at least one outlet path further coupled to a circulation path; at least one circulation pump coupled to the circulation path, wherein the at least one circulation pump comprises a vacuum circulating pump when the system is operating in a vacuum drying mode, and a gas circulating pump when the system is operating in a cooling mode, the vacuum circulating pump configured to remove vapor and other gases from the container and transport the vapor and other gases through the circulation path, and the gas circulating pump configured to circulate the non-reactive cooling gas through the circulation path; a heat exchanger coupled to the circulation path; a non-reactive gas source coupled to the circulation path; and a waste vent coupled to the circulation path; wherein the spent fuel container is configured to receive the non-reactive gas via the at least one inlet path; the waste vent is configured to receive vapor and gases from the spent fuel container via the circulation path; and the heat exchanger is configured to cool a gas exiting the spent fuel container from the at least one outlet path.