Patent Number: 058621954
Section: abstract

A conveyance system provides for storing, monitoring, and retrieving (multi-purpose) canisters "MPC" for intermediate storage of spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants. The system includes a shielded transport system, an access corridor shielded for radiation, a lifting transport conveyance, an elevation chase, a dry-pool, seismic bracing to support the canisters in storage, associated shielding to confine radiation to the dry-pool, and air manifold system for cooling, and facilities to add alternative liquid radiation shielding around the canisters in the dry pool.. A RR-locomotive moves a RR-car having a radiation shielded transport container to communicate with a dry-pool access corridor. A bridge crane carries an "MPC" through the corridor to a vertical chase which accesses to the dry-pool. The bridge crane places the "MPC" at a cooling vent manifold. A seismic brace engages the "MPC" secure to the dry-pool wall. A configuration of radiation shielding confines emissions. An air manifold system enables convection air to cool the canisters. The system is operated from a remote control facility. Cask conditions are monitored, retrieved, collected, and reviewed an off-site date base. The dry-pool may be filled with water to provide additional radiation shielding.