Patent Number: 
Section: abstract

Method and apparatus for containing, transporting, and storing or disposing of radioactive machinery, including decommissioned nuclear reactor pressure vessels. An improved, economically-produced container is provided which allows easier handling and packaging of machinery within plants where the machinery has been installed, and which provides improved shock absorption and attenuation characteristics, especially when packaging is complete. A reactor pressure vessel or similar item is disconnected from the remainder of the plant and external fittings are trimmed as close to flush with item""s exterior as practicable. A storage and containment canister, optionally cut into at least two sections to ease handling and packaging, is placed nearby. The pressure vessel head or any other low-radioactive items are removed, and insulation and other items removed from the outside of the item are placed inside the item""s body. The item body is placed into a lower section of the canister and sealed, and detached canister sections are reattached. Gaps between the canister and the RPV body and preferably the interior of the RPV body are filled with grout or low denisity cellular concrete. The canister is closed, and the pressure vessel head or other removed portions are secured to the outside of the canister. Optionally the canister exterior is sealed with a metalizing spray. The complete package is transported for storage or disposal.