Patent Number: 
Section: description

While the present invention will be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a particular embodiment is shown, it is to be understood at the outset that persons skilled in the art may modify the invention herein described while still achieving the desired result of this invention. Accordingly, the description which follows is to be understood as a broad informative disclosure directed to persons skilled in the appropriate arts and not as limitations of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container apparatus 20 of the present invention. The container apparatus 20 is shown as a cylinder having a circular cross-section. However, the container 20 can be any shape and cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the container apparatus has a spherical shape. The container apparatus 20 comprises several layers of material as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An inner bladder 22 is provided that is capable of being filled with radioactive waste material. The inner bladder 22 is made from a self-sealing material, such as a self sealing rubber or plastic material. The inner bladder 22 is coated with a protective coating 24, such as a fiberglass filled polymer material. The protective coating 24 provides protection to the inner bladder 22 from punctures and other damage that may result in leakage of the radioactive material. A radiation barrier layer 26 is disposed over the protective coating 24 and prevents radiation from passing therethrough. Preferably, the radiation barrier layer 26 is made from a material containing lead. However, any material having a high optical density to the radiation levels emitted by the radioactive material can be utilized. An impact resistant outer layer 28 is disposed over the radiation barrier layer 26 to complete the container 20. Preferably, the outer layer 28 is made of a rubber-like material having a high elasticity. The outer layer 28 provides further protection to the container 20 during transit and handling. Before the container 20 is filled, the radioactive waste is processed to form a slurry. Solid waste is processed and mixed with liquid waste to form the slurry. Alternatively, the container can be filled with radioactive waste in a liquid or paste form. The inner bladder 22 is filled with the slurry prior to the application of the other material layers 24, 26, and 28. When in slurry form, the radioactive waste is injected into the inner bladder 22 with a tubular injection device (not shown) that penetrates the inner bladder 22. The injection device fills the inner bladder 22 with the slurry and also draws air out of the inner bladder 22. After the inner bladder 22 is full, the injection device is removed from the inner bladder 22. When the injection device is removed, the self-sealing material of the inner bladder 22 substantially closes the pierced portion of the inner bladder 22. After the inner bladder 22 is filled, it is then coated with the protective coating 24. The radiation barrier layer 26 is then disposed on the protective coating layer 24. Finally, the impact resistant outer layer 28 is disposed over the radiation barrier layer 26 to complete the container 20. The container apparatus 20 of the present invention provides a durable container apparatus for storing and transporting nuclear waste. The construction of the container 20 eliminates the use of concrete and is also capable of being filled in a substantially sealed state by utilizing the self-sealing inner bladder 22. The container 20 is suitable for transportation with a plurality of other similar containers within a storage bay provided in a transportation vehicle. Furthermore, the container 20 can be scaled accordingly so that a plurality of such containers can be stored within a larger storage container, such as a storage pod (not shown). The storage pod can be constructed of a lightweight and durable polymeric material so that it can be easily transported. This type of multiple storage system provides even further protection from the radioactive material during transportation. A storage container 20 having a spherical shape is preferred for this type of storage system. The multiple storage system just described can also be utilized in transporting nuclear waste or other hazardous material to disposal sites. The container of the present invention anticipates that disposal may be facilitated in outer space. One or more storage pods containing a plurality of containers can be loaded into a cargo hold of a spacecraft, such as a space shuttle. One or more storage pods may also be carried by a carrier that is towed by such a spacecraft. When scaled accordingly, the material construction of container 20 is lighter in weight than a concrete storage container and thus makes the container 20 highly suitable for such transportation. While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.