Patent Number: 044980116
Section: description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a container or device 2 for receiving, moving and radiation shielding of vessels 4 filled with spent reactor fuel elements. The device 2 comprises a protective container 6 having a base 8, a protective cylindrical jacket or shield 10 and a cover 12. These structural components of the device 2 are preferably made of concrete. The interior periphery of the protective container 6 is slightly larger than the perimeter of the vessel 4 holding the fuel elements so that an annular clearance 14 is formed in which air is permitted to circulate. The protective container 6 is provided on each side near its bottom portion with air inlet ducts 16 and near its top portion with air outlet ducts 18. The ducts 16 and 18 are in communication with the annular space 14. The base 8 is further provided with axially extending air supply channels 20 which likewise open into the annular space 14. The base 8 is constructed in the form of a pallet capable of being moved on legs 22. Placed upon the base 8, or pallet, is the protective jacket 10. For proper location of the jacket 10 on the base 8, centering pins 24 are provided, as shown in FIG. 3. The base or pallet 8 has a raised center portion 26 to receive the fuel element vessel 4. The cover 12 is constructed approximately in the shape of a hood having a peripheral downwardly extending collar 28 surrounding the protective jacket 10 in spaced relation. The annular space 30 thus formed is open to the atmosphere and in communication with the air discharge ducts 18. The cover 12 has an upper opening 32 for inspection purposes which is adapted to be closed. Seals 34 are provided between the abutting surface areas of the concrete jacket 10 and the base 8, and seals 36 are provided between the abutting areas of the concrete jacket and the cover. The air inlet ducts 16 and the air outlet ducts 18 are provided with narrow mesh grids 38, 40 to keep vermin and insects out. The protective container 6 is preferably of a polygonal cross section, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Other cross-sectional configurations, such as, for instance, circular, oval or rectangular, are also feasible. FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional partial view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a protective container 42 having, in particular, a differently-constructed cover 44 and differently-shaped air outlet ducts 46. The configuration of the air outlet ducts 46 is such that a first section 48 rises or slopes upwardly and, at the vertex of the angular duct, a section 50 falls or slopes outwardly in a slightly downward direction. Alternatively the second section 50 of the air discharge duct 46 may extend horizontally. The cover in the shape of a hood 44 is provided with a hollow space 52 adapted to be connected to a water circulation system by input means 54 and output means, not illustrated. The heated water discharged from the space 52 may be passed through the coil over which air may be blown for heating purposes, as is well known. The cover or hood 44 is preferably provided with center opening, not shown, for inspection purposes, in similar fashion as the cover 12 of FIG. 1. Like the cover 44, the jacket 56 may also be provided with hollow internal spaces 58 for the circulation of water, as indicated by broken lines in FIG. 4. It is to be understood that the embodiment of the invention which has been described is merely illustrative of one application of the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiment without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.