Patent Number: 
Section: abstract

An apparatus, transfer cask, system, and method for defueling a nuclear reactor and transferring spent nuclear fuel from a spent nuclear fuel pool to a storage cask for long terms storage. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for use in transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a storage cask, the apparatus comprising a radiation absorbing shield surrounding a portion of a hole through which the canister can pass; means for securing the apparatus to the top surface of the storage cask; means for securing the bottom surface of the transfer cask to the apparatus; wherein the transfer cask securing means and the storage cask securing means are positioned on the apparatus so that when the apparatus is secured to both the transfer cask and the storage cask. The cavity of the transfer cask, the hole, and the cavity of the storage cask are substantially aligned; and means are included for moving the bottom lid in a horizontal direction once the bottom lid is unfastened from the bottom surface. In another aspect, the invention is a system comprising the above described apparatus, transfer cask, and a storage cask. In still another aspect, the invention is a method of using the system of the present invention to defuel a nuclear reactor and transfer the spent nuclear fuel a spent nuclear fuel pool to a storage cask.