Patent Publication Number: US-10770193-B2

Title: System for storage container with removable shield panels

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/603,222, filed on May 23, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/342,028, filed on May 26, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     Contained herein is material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyright whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software, screenshots and data as described below and in the drawings hereto and All Rights Reserved. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to modular shielding for storage containers, particularly for storage containers comprising substances that either emit unwanted elements, compounds, or materials to the environment, or require protection from the environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Certain elements, compounds, or materials radiate unwanted or harmful components when stored. One example of this type of material is nuclear waste. Nuclear waste currently in storage comes from three principal sources: spent fuel from commercial or research reactors, liquid waste from the reprocessing of spent fuel, and waste from the nuclear weapons and propulsions industry. Most of the storage concerns relate to so-called ‘intermediate and high level’ nuclear waste components, which are highly radioactive, often requiring cooling and containment because their decay gives off heat and radiation, and have an extremely long half-life. 
     Long-term storage of radioactive waste is aided by the stabilization of the waste into a form which will neither react nor degrade for extended periods of time. Currently, vitrification is an accepted practice to achieve this stabilization. The vitrification process requires nuclear waste to be mixed with glass forming media (soil or zeolite, as an example), and heated to the point that the mixture melts. Once cooled, the result is that the nuclear waste is effectively entrained in glass, with reduced chances of leakage and exposure to the environment. Some vitrification methods allow the vitrification process to occur in the actual storage container, thereby minimizing waste handling and reducing contamination possibilities from processing. This type of vitrification is known as in-container vitrification, or ICV™. The containers used for this process are called ICV™ Containers. 
     Once processed through vitrification, the ICV™ containers are stored, either temporarily or long term. Shielding is used to mitigate potential harmful energy from the radioactive decay of certain elements. Within current shielding for ICV™ storage systems there is little room for reconfiguration and adjustability of the shielding. Additionally, with current systems more shielding is being used than is necessary which is not economical both from materials and storage capacity standpoints. The converse can be true, i.e. some stored compounds or materials need shielding from the environment around them. What is needed is an adjustable, compact, modular shielding system for short or long-term storage containers requiring shielding to prevent either the escape of the contents, particles, or rays, or prevent the ingress of particles or rays to the container. 
     So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, Applicant(s) herein expressly incorporate(s) by reference all of the following materials identified in each paragraph below. The incorporated materials are not necessarily “prior art” and Applicant(s) expressly reserve(s) the right to swear behind any of the incorporated materials. 
     System for Vitrification Container with Removable Shield Panels, Ser. No. 62/342,028, filed May 26, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and to which this application claims priority. 
     System and Method for a Robotic Manipulator Arm, Ser. No. 15/591,978 filed May 10, 2017, with a priority date of May 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Mobile Processing System, Ser. No. 14/748,535, filed Jun. 24, 2015, with a priority date of Jun. 24, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Ion Specific Media Removal from Vessel for Vitrification, Ser. No. 15/012,101 filed Feb. 1, 2016, with a priority date of Feb. 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     System and Method for an Electrode Seal Assembly, Ser. No. 15/388,299 filed Dec. 22, 2016, with a priority date of Dec. 29, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Methods for Melting of Materials to be Treated, U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,038 filed Mar. 25, 2001, with a priority date of Sep. 25, 2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Methods for Melting of Materials to be Treated, U.S. Pat. No. 7,429,239 filed Apr. 27, 2007, with a priority date of Sep. 25, 2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Vitrification of Waste with Continuous Filling and Sequential Melting, U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,908 filed May 4, 2000, with a priority date of May 4, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is “non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referred to for purposes of indicating the background or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essential material” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), applicant(s) will amend the specification to expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules. 
     Aspects and applications presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, 16. Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, 16, to define the systems, methods, processes, and/or apparatuses disclosed herein. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, 16 are sought to be invoked to define the embodiments, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . ”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ”, if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, 16. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, 6 are invoked to define the claimed embodiments, it is intended that the embodiments not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the systems, methods, processes, and/or apparatuses disclosed herein may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like-reference numbers refer to like-elements or acts throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of an In-Container Vitrification (ICV™) container. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an ICV™ container embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of the modified ICV™ container embodiment of  FIG. 2  with mounted removable shield panels. 
         FIG. 4  depicts four modified ICV™ containers with mounted removable shield panels. 
         FIG. 5  depicts three modified ICV™ containers with mounted removable shield panels. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an example embodiment of containers containing different activity levels of nuclear waste. 
         FIG. 7  depicts eight modified ICV™ containers in a stacked configuration with mounted removable shield panels. 
         FIG. 8  depicts seven modified ICV™ containers in a stacked configuration with mounted removable shield panels. 
         FIG. 9A  depicts an embodiment of a removable shield panel. 
         FIG. 9B  depicts an embodiment of a removable shield panel having tabbed edges. 
         FIG. 9C  depicts a top down cross-sectional view of a layered shield panel. 
         FIG. 10A  depicts the removable shield panel embodiment of  FIG. 9A  further comprising control circuitry. 
         FIG. 10B  depicts the removable shield panel embodiment of  FIG. 9A  further comprising example hooks, handles, and magnetic connectors to facilitate reconfiguration. 
         FIG. 11  depicts several example embodiments of corner shielding. 
         FIG. 12A  depicts an embodiment of the side shield that can be secured both at the top and bottom. 
         FIG. 12B  depicts an isometric view of a container utilizing shields that are secured with shield mounts in both the top and the bottom. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a stacked configuration of ICV™ containers utilizing bottom shields. 
         FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a simple shield mount. 
         FIG. 15A  depicts an isometric view of a variation of the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 15B  depicts the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 15A  engaged on a shield and container. 
         FIG. 15C  depicts the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 15A  when extended. 
         FIG. 15D  depicts a shield panel embodiment showing a guide for use with the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15E  is a front view of a shield panel embodiment showing a guide for use with the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16A  depicts an embodiment of an adjustable shield mount that can be adjusted for different shield thicknesses. 
         FIG. 16B  depicts the adjustable shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 16A  in use. 
         FIG. 17A  depicts an alternate embodiment of the adjustable shield mount that can accommodate two shields of different thicknesses. 
         FIG. 17B  depicts the adjustable shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 17A  in use. 
         FIG. 18  depicts an embodiment wherein different levels of waste are stored together and require different shielding. 
         FIG. 19A  depicts an isometric view of the shield mount of  FIG. 14  that utilizes a toggle clamp mechanism to secure the shield panel. 
         FIG. 19B  depicts a side view of the shield mount of  FIG. 19A . 
         FIG. 19C  depicts the shield mount of  FIG. 19A  in use with modified shield panels. 
         FIG. 20  depicts an embodiment of a shield mount that incorporates the use of a toggle clamp system for securing shields of varying thicknesses. 
         FIG. 21A  depicts an embodiment of a shield mount that secures the side shields with a top shield. 
         FIG. 21B  depicts an embodiment of a top shield that couples with the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21C  depicts the top shield embodiment of  FIG. 21B  in use with the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 22A  depicts a storage configuration comprising eight storage containers in process of reconfiguration. 
         FIG. 22B  depicts the storage configuration of  FIG. 22A  after removal of one of the storage containers. 
         FIG. 22C  depicts the storage configuration of  FIG. 22B  after shield panels have been installed on the exposed faces of the remaining containers in the storage configuration. 
     
    
    
     Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details, process durations, and/or specific formula values are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the apparatus, systems, and methods herein may be practiced without these specific details, process durations, and/or specific formula values. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the apparatus, systems, and methods herein. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the exemplary embodiments. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of the embodiments is not limited to the examples that are described below. 
     In the following examples of the illustrated embodiments, references are made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the systems, methods, processes, and/or apparatuses disclosed herein may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope. 
     A removable shield panel (RSP) system is described herein for providing modular, reusable shielding to storage containers. The system provides a flexible approach to allow expanding storage requirements while minimizing shielding needs. The RSP system is capable of shielding any number and configuration of containers while reducing the amount of shielding materials, reducing storage footprint, and allowing for simple reconfiguration. 
     In some embodiments, the RSP system may be applied to the nuclear waste storage containers, including, for instance, In-Container Vitrification™ (ICV™) containers.  FIG. 1  depicts a cross-section of an embodiment of an ICV™ container  399 . Vitrification is the process by which a vitrified product with embedded contaminants is formed. Vitrification is the gold standard for long-term waste disposal due to the very low leachability of contamination out of the vitrified product. ICV™ is a system wherein the vitrification occurs in a one-time use or a reusable container. In some embodiments, the container is used only once for vitrification and serves as the final storage container. In some embodiments, a container may serve as the treatment and storage container for a vitrified waste form resulting from the treatment of solid wastes (ion-specific media (ISM), sludge, liquid processing waste, soils, ash, decontamination, and decommissioning wastes, etc.). 
     The ICV™ container  399  depicted in  FIG. 1  comprises outer shielding  457 , refractory lining  431 , feed port  411 , starter path (not shown), electrodes  421 , and lid (built in hood)  458 . In some embodiments, the outer shielding  457  is composed of a metal such as steel. The lid  458  may comprise one or more electrode penetration/seal  415  assemblies that keep electrodes  421  in contact with the starter path while providing electrical insulation between the electrodes  421  and the ICV™ container  399 . The ICV™ container  399  is described in more detail in Ion Specific Media Removal from Vessel for Vitrification, Ser. No. 15/012,101 filed Feb. 1, 2016, with a priority date of Feb. 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The depicted embodiments show ICV™ containers as example storage containers. It should be clear that the containers are not necessarily ICV™ containers and may take other forms. The same principles and design aspects may be applied to many different styles and configurations of containers. The term “container” as used herein may refer to an ICV™ container or any other container type or style that may utilize the shielding principles and/or designs disclosed herein. While vitrified nuclear waste is disclosed as an example material requiring shielding in storage it should be clear that the same principles may be applied to other waste forms and other materials requiring shielding. For instance, in a temperature controlled facility the shielding may be used as thermal insulation. Electromagnetic shielding may be used for redirecting magnetic flux, and radio frequency shielding may be used to block radio waves. Other embodiments are contemplated. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an ICV™ container  400 . The depicted embodiment is a variation of the ICV™ container  399  depicted in  FIG. 1 , modified for the installation of a removable shield panel embodiment. The modifications comprise the addition of one or more shield mounting points  125  to facilitate mounting of shield panels. The shield mounting points  125  may vary in quantity, location, and form between various embodiments. Some embodiments of the shield panels may not require shield mounting points on the ICV™ container  400 . In some embodiments, shield panels may be attached to the storage containers using one or more coupling mechanisms including magnetics, tongue and groove, suction cups, and Velcro®, among others. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the modified ICV™ container  400  embodiment of  FIG. 2  with shield mounts  125  and shield panels  100 . Each container  400  may comprise one or more shield mounting points  125  on each side. In the depicted embodiment, each container  400  comprises two shield mounting points  125  on each side of the top of the container  400  for a total of eight shield mounting points  125  per container  400 . The type, geometry, quantity, and location of the shield mounting points  125  may vary between embodiments. Shield mounts  150  are shaped to engage with the shield mounting points  125  on the container  400 . In the depicted embodiment, a single container  400  is shielded on all sides. 
     When containers  400  are stored they are generally stacked and layered. The internal containers  400  in a storage configuration often do not require individual shielding because shielding is at least partially provided by adjacent containers  400 . When the containers  400  are stored together generally only the sides of the outermost containers  400  that are exposed to the storage environment require shielding. The RSP system may be used to shield external sides of stored containers thus reducing the amount of shielding required in a storage facility. As the number of containers  400  in a storage facility increases or decreases, the shielding of the outermost containers  400  may be easily adjusted by moving the removable shield panels  100  and preinstalling them on the exposed container  400  surfaces.  FIGS. 4 and 5  depict single layer container  400  configurations where the shield panels  100  are mounted on only the outermost (exposed) surfaces of the containers  400  and secured with shield mounts  150 . Top shield panels may be used to cover the top of the uppermost layer of containers  400 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts an example embodiment of a layer of ICV™ containers  400  containing vitrified nuclear waste. Nuclear waste is often classified by activity level with the common levels being low, intermediate, and high activity waste. Low activity waste generally requires little or no shielding whereas high activity waste may require a large amount of shielding. In the depicted embodiment, the containers  400  are filled with different classes of nuclear waste. The innermost container  400  is high (H) level and the surrounding containers  400  are intermediate (I) level. This embodiment illustrates how a lower level waste (the intermediate waste) can be used as shielding for higher level waste thus reducing shielding requirements in the storage facility. Reducing the amount of shielding reduces the storage footprint of each container  400  thus increasing capacity and efficiency of a storage facility. Additionally, the RSP system decouples the shielding from the container  400  from a weight standpoint thereby potentially increasing the amount of material that can be stored in each container  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the containers  400  may be stacked in two or more layers to minimize storage footprint and maximize storage capacity.  FIGS. 7 and 8  depict ICV™ containers  400  in example stacked configurations with mounted removable shield panels  100  and top shield panels  200 , secured with shield mounts  150 . While the depicted embodiments comprise two layers it should be clear that the containers may be stored in other configurations included one or more layers. 
       FIG. 9A  depicts an embodiment of a generic removable shield panel  100 .  FIG. 9B  depicts an example shield panel  100  a comprising tabbed edges  915  which may overlap to prevent gaps between shield panels  100  a when they are used side by side. Removable shield panels  100  may be composed of a wide range of materials which may be dependent upon the shielding&#39;s purpose. Shield panels  100  may vary in thickness and/or comprise layers of different materials.  FIG. 9C  depicts a top down cross-sectional view of an example shield panel  100   c  comprising three layers  72 ,  73 , and  74  of differing materials. Different embodiments may comprise varying numbers and thicknesses of layers of one or more different materials. For example, in nuclear waste storage, shield panels  100  may comprise one or more layers of materials including one or more of concrete, steel, lead, and mullite refractory, among others, to reduce radiation dosage rates. In some embodiments, steel shield panels have a half-value layer of 16 mm for Cs-137/Ba-137m radiation. Other half-value layer configurations are possible. 
     In temperature-controlled facilities shield panels may comprise thermal insulation material(s). In some embodiments, shield panels may be composed of, or comprise a layer of, a bumper or impact resistant material to protect storage contents from impact. Shield panels may comprise conductive or magnetic materials, such as copper in some embodiments, to shield storage contents from electromagnetic flux. In some embodiments, shield panels may comprise multiple layers of differing materials operable to provide shielding of one or more different types. For example, electronic equipment may utilize shield panels that comprise at least a thermal shield layer and an electromagnetic shield layer. 
     In some embodiments, one or more shield panels or materials therein may be layered wherein they connect using an interlocking concept similar to LEGOs® such that layers may be added and removed without modification to the shielding mounts. In some embodiments, one or more shield panels or materials therein may be layered wherein they connect using one or more of magnetism, suction, Velcro®, or other removable connection types known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10A , shield panels  100  may comprise circuitry  99  including temperature control mechanisms for providing cooling or heating to storage containers. In such embodiments, shield panels  100  may comprise electric circuit connectors  98  such that the connectors  98  align for simple connection during setup/reconfiguration. In some embodiments, such as for temporary storage and/or transportation, each shield panel may comprise standalone temperature control mechanisms. In some embodiments, shield panels may be hollow or comprise channels in the side facing the containers to reduce weight and/or to allow controlled airflow around the storage containers. In some embodiments, shield panels may comprise one or more sensors. Sensors may serve to alert in the event of leakage, temperatures outside acceptable ranges, vibration, radiation, and other conditions that may be detrimental to the stored materials, the environment, and/or workers. 
     In some embodiments, the shield panels may further comprise one or more mechanisms to facilitate placement, lifting, and removal. The mechanisms may take the form of hooks, handles, recesses, and magnetic connectors, among others. The one or more mechanisms may, when not in use, lay flush with, recessed from, or protruding from the surface of the shield panel, in some embodiments.  FIG. 10B  depicts the removable shield panel embodiment of  FIG. 9A  further comprising example hooks, handles, and magnetic connectors to facilitate reconfiguration. The depicted placement facilitation mechanisms are shown for example purposes only. The particular combination, types, amount, positioning, geometry, and sizes of the depicted mechanisms may vary between embodiments. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10B , the shield panel  100   c  comprises three example shield placement facilitation mechanisms: recesses  64 , magnetic connectors  65 , hook  66 , and handles  67 . The recesses  64  may provide surfaces in the shield panel  100   c  upon which an upward force may be applied for lifting and repositioning the shield panel  100   c . Magnetic connectors  65  may provide areas or sections of the shield panel  100   c  which are magnetic such that a magnetic force may be applied to lift and transport the shield panel  100   c . Hook  66  may be hinged such that it may fold upwards when needed to lift the shield panel  100   c  and down against or recessed into the shield panel  100   c  when not in use. Handles  67  may fold outwards or slide upwards from the shield panel  100   c  as needed. 
     In some embodiments, corner shielding may be provided along the edges to cover any gaps that may exist between side shield panels  100  ( FIG. 9A ) and between top panels and side shield panels  100  ( FIG. 9A ).  FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment for example corner shielding types. Corner  815  shows overlapping side shield panels  100  secured to container  400  with shield mounts  150 . Corner  845  shows corner shielding that may be used for tabbed shield panels ( FIG. 9B ). Corner  825  is a simple L shaped overlapping corner piece. Corner  805  is a simple square cross-section panel. Corner  835  is a combination of corner  805  and  825 . In some embodiments, corner shielding may be attached to the shield panels using one or more coupling mechanisms including magnetics, tongue and groove, dovetail joints, suction cups, and Velcro®, among others. 
       FIG. 12A  depicts an alternate embodiment of a side shield  100   d  with mounting points  131  for additional shield mounts  150  ( FIG. 12B ) on both the top and bottom sides of the shield  100   d  for added stability and easier reconfiguration. In some embodiments, bottom shield mounts and mounting points  131  may be the same or similar geometry as top shield mounts and mounting points  130 .  FIG. 12B  depicts the shield panel  100   d  in use. In some embodiments, bottom shield mounts  131  may mount orthogonally or at an angle from the side rather than from the bottom such that they may be removed without having to lift or move the container. The addition of bottom mounts  131  may require a pull and lift force in order to remove the shield panels  100   d . Adding an extra force for removal increases stability, thus reducing chances of slippage over time or slippage due to outside forces or impacts such as earthquakes. 
       FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment that utilizes bottom shields  201  in similar geometry as the top shields  200 . In some embodiments, top shields  200  and bottom shields  201  may be incorporated with the side shields  100  to completely shield one or more containers. In some embodiments, the shield mount may be designed to secure a combination of one or more side shields  100 , top shields  200 , and bottom shield  201  together forming an enclosure for housing one or more containers. In some embodiments, bottom shielding is not required as the floor of the storage facility may provide adequate shielding. In some embodiments, bottom shielding may be in the form of a continuous pad or section of flooring. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an embodiment of a shield mount  150 . The depicted shield mount  150  comprises slots  124  and  126  where slot  124  fits over a mount point on the modified ICV™ container and slot  126  fits over a mount point in the shield panel. The slotted mounting mechanism facilitates simple mounting of shield panels and allows the shield panels to be easily lifted upwards for removal. When the shield mount  150  is placed correctly and completely the top surface  121  is flush with the top of the container and the outer surface  127  is flush with the outer surface of the shield panel, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or both of surface  121  and surface  127  may be either recessed or protruding. The filleted corners  120  allow for the shield mount  150  to be easily removed by hand or hand tool, if necessary. Typically the shield panels may be removed and reconfigured remotely. In some embodiments, one or more of the shield mounts  150  may be integrated with the shields. In some embodiments, a crane and/or robotic manipulator arm may be used as an apparatus for shield reconfiguration wherein the apparatus may be locally or remotely controlled. Some embodiments may utilize a robotic remote control system for shield reconfiguration. An example of such a robotic control system may be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/591,978, entitled System and Method for a Robotic Manipulator Arm, filed May 10, 2017, with a priority date of May 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety elsewhere in this document. 
       FIGS. 15A through 15C  depict a variation of the shield mount embodiment of  FIG. 14 . The shield mount  150   a  has many of the same features as the shield mount  150  depicted in  FIG. 14 . Shield mount  150   a  has a closed slot  126   a  where shield mount  150  ( FIG. 14 ) has an open slot  126  ( FIG. 14 ).  FIG. 15B  and  FIG. 15C  depict the shield mount  150   a  in use. Closed slot  126   a  fits over guide  112  in the shield panel  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the shield mount  150   a  is slidably attached to the shield panel  100  where slot  126   a  slides along guide  112 .  FIGS. 15D and 15E  depict an embodiment of a shield panel  100  corresponding to the shield mount embodiment of  FIGS. 15A through 15C . In some embodiments, the shield mount  150   a  may be fixed to the shield panel  100 . The guide  112  keeps the shield mount  150   a  aligned and prevents the shield mount  150   a  from being separated from the shield panel  100 . In  FIG. 15B  the shield mount  150   a  is fully engaged with the shield panel  100  and the container  400 . In  FIG. 15C  the shield mount  150   a  is extended from the shield panel  100  and the container  400 . 
     The shield panel system allows for simple adjustment of shield thickness as necessary. For instance, in nuclear waste storage embodiments, shield thickness may require adjustment to maintain dose at acceptable limits (such as 1 mSv/hr on contact). In some embodiments, containers may be stored such that the higher activity containers are stored innermost and lower activity containers are stored outermost to increase shielding of the higher activity containers. If additional shielding is required the panels can be stacked to increase the shield thickness. 
       FIG. 16A  depicts an embodiment of an adjustable shield mount  500  that can be adjusted for different shield thicknesses. The positions of the shield mounting peg  530  and container mounting peg  520  can be adjusted by sliding them along the length of the cut channel  515  to compensate for varying shield thicknesses. In some embodiments, the shield mounting peg  530  and the container mounting peg  520  may be a single component. In the depicted embodiment nuts are used to tighten and secure the mounting pegs in position; however, other fastening mechanisms may be used.  FIG. 16B  depicts the adjustable shield mount  500  in use with a thick shield  100   e . In some embodiments, the adjustable shield mount  500  may further comprise a toggle clamp or other such clamping or securing mechanism. 
       FIG. 17A  depicts an embodiment of an adjustable shield mount  550  that can accommodate two shields of different thicknesses. The positions of both shield mounting pegs  530  and the container mounting peg  520  can be adjusted by sliding them along the length of the cut channel  515  to compensate for varying shield thicknesses. In some embodiments, the container mounting peg and the nearest shield mounting peg  530  may be a single component.  FIG. 17B  depicts the adjustable shield mount  550  in use with two shield panels  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the shield panels  100  are the same thickness; however, they may be different thicknesses in other embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, nuts are used to tighten and secure the mounting pegs in position; however, other fastening mechanisms may be used. In some embodiments, the adjustable shield mount  550  may further comprise a toggle clamp or other such clamping or securing mechanism. 
       FIG. 18  depicts an example embodiment of a layer of ICV™ containers  400  containing vitrified nuclear waste. In the depicted embodiment, the containers  400  are filled with different classes of nuclear waste. Those marked H contain high level waste and those marked I contain intermediate level waste. Generally in storage configurations containing different waste levels the lower level waste may be used as shielding for the higher level waste, such as the example embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 . When it is not possible to use the lower level waste as additional shielding against the higher level waste different types, thickness, and/or layers of shielding may be needed on the higher level waste than on the lower level waste. In the depicted embodiment, all of the same shields are used; however, the shielding is doubled on the higher-level waste. This is an example of when it is useful to have adjustable shield mounts capable of accommodating different numbers and thicknesses of shield panels  100 . 
       FIGS. 19A through 19C  are described as a group.  FIG. 19A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a shield mount  150   a  that utilizes a toggle clamp mechanism  300  to secure a modified shield panel  100   f  ( FIG. 19C ). The toggle clamp  300  fits over the base of the shield mount  150   a  and allows the shield mount  150   a  to be secured to the shield panel  100   f  and the top of the ICV™ container  400  with a clamp mechanism  300  to prevent the shield from slipping downward.  FIG. 19B  depicts a side view of the shield mount  150   a .  FIG. 19C  depicts the shield mount  150   a  in use with modified shield panels  100   f . In an embodiment, the size and materials used for clamp mechanism  300  may vary based on the size and composition of the shield panel. It should be clear that a 5000-pound shield panel may require sturdier and larger materials for clamp mechanism  300  than a 100-pound shield panel. 
       FIG. 20  depicts an embodiment of an adjustable shield mount  500   a  that incorporates the use of a toggle clamp system  300  for securing shield panels of varying thicknesses. The depicted embodiment incorporates the shield mounting peg  530  and the container mounting peg  520  to accommodate shield panels of varying thicknesses. 
       FIG. 21A  depicts an embodiment of a shield mount  700  that secures the side shields  100   f  ( FIG. 21C ) with a top shield  200   a  ( FIG. 21B ). The shield mount  700  comprises an edge gripper  720  which may be used to secure the top shield  200   a  ( FIG. 21B ) in place via clamping force and friction. In the depicted embodiment, the edge gripper  720  is fastened to the end of the shield mount  700 . In some embodiments, the edge gripper  720  may be integrated to the shield mount  700 . In some embodiments, the shield mount may be integrated to the top shield  200 .  FIG. 21B  depicts an embodiment of a top shield  200   a  that couples with the shield mount embodiment 700.  FIG. 21C  depicts the top shield embodiment 200 a in use with the shield mount  700  and shield panel  100   f . In some embodiments, the top shield  200   a  is sized to fit just over the container lid. 
     Example Embodiment 
     In an example embodiment, there are one or more storage containers. When there is more than one container the containers may be placed in close proximity to one another to reduce overall storage footprint. This generally means that one or more faces of the storage containers may be in contact with, or very close to, one or more faces of other storage containers in a storage configuration. In some embodiments, shielding is not required on the internal faces in the storage configuration. The exposed faces (external or outermost) of the storage containers in the storage configurations may require shielding. One or more modular shield panels may be applied to the exposed faces to provide shielding to the storage configuration. 
       FIGS. 22A through 22C  depict a storage configuration during and after reconfiguration.  FIG. 22A  depicts a storage configuration comprising eight storage containers  400 . In the depicted embodiment, the visible storage container  400  is about to be removed from the storage configuration. In preparation for removal of the visible storage container  400  top shield panel  8  ( FIG. 22C ) has been removed and shield panels  6  and  7  are shown in the process of being removed.  FIG. 22B  depicts the storage configuration of  FIG. 22A  when the shield panels  6 ,  7 , and  8  ( FIG. 22C ) and the storage container  400  ( FIG. 22A ) have been removed exposing faces  36 ,  37 , and  38 .  FIG. 22C  depicts the storage configuration of  FIG. 22B  after shield panels  6 ,  7 , and  8  have been installed on the exposed faces  36 ,  37 , and  38  of the storage containers. 
     Example Embodiment 
     Figures, figure elements, and written disclosure related to the following embodiment are described in detail in the above disclosure. The RSP system allows for modular reconfigurable shielding for one or more storage containers. In an example embodiment, there are a plurality of unshielded storage containers containing nuclear waste. In industry, any container for storing nuclear waste normally comprises, as part of its structure (i.e. not removable), the required shielding for the particular waste level contained therein to keep the radiation dosage below predetermined safety limits. In this example embodiment the nuclear waste storage containers are unshielded i.e. they can be used to store any level of nuclear waste because the shielding required for a particular waste level is not included as part of their structure. These unshielded nuclear waste storage containers are modular and reconfigurable because they can contain any waste level and appropriate shielding can be added as needed based on predetermined dosage requirements for a given storage facility. 
     In the example embodiment, each unshielded nuclear waste storage container comprises at least one mounting point for mounting one or more modular shield panels to it. Each modular shield panel comprises at least one mounting point for mounting to an unshielded nuclear waste storage container. Depending on the number of shield panels required and the number of shield mounts on the shield panels and the containers, one or more shield mounts may be used to couple with the mounting points on the shield panels and the containers to attach the shield panels to the containers. In some embodiments, one or more of the shield mounts may be adjustable to accommodate shield panels of varying thicknesses. 
     In the example embodiment, a plurality of nuclear waste storage containers may be stored together. When stored together the sides adjacent to (face-to-face with) other storage containers do not require shielding while, depending on the waste levels contained therein, and the predetermined dosage requirements for the particular storage facility, the outermost (external) faces of the storage containers may require shielding. The sides of the containers that are placed adjacent to other containers do not require additional shielding because the shielding on that side is provided by the neighboring container. 
     Continuing with the example embodiment, when the storage containers are placed in a storage configuration and all of the external facing sides of the containers are shielded according to the requirements of the particular waste level and/or storage facility the storage configuration is considered to be fully shielded. When an additional unshielded storage container needs to be added to the storage configuration, depending on the layout of the existing configuration, one or more shield panels may be removed from one or more storage containers in the configuration resulting in one or more partially shielded storage containers. The additional unshielded storage container may then be placed in the configuration adjacent to one or more partially shielded storage containers in the configuration. One or more of the previously removed one or more shield panels may then be installed on the external faces of the newly added storage container. If any faces are still exposed (unshielded) additional shield panels may be installed as needed to result in a fully shielded storage configuration. 
     It should be clear that any one or more aspects of the disclosed shield panels, shield mounts, and shielding configurations may be combined to form other embodiments not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, the shield mounts may take other geometries and utilize fasteners different than those depicted. 
     For the sake of convenience, the operations are described as various interconnected functional blocks or distinct software modules. However, this is not necessary, and there may be cases where these functional blocks or modules are equivalently aggregated into a single logic device, program or operation with unclear boundaries. In any event, the functional blocks and software modules or described features can be implemented by themselves, or in combination with other operations in either hardware or software. 
     Having described and illustrated the principles of the systems, methods, processes, and/or apparatuses disclosed herein in a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the systems, methods, processes, and/or apparatuses may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Claim is made to all modifications and variation coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.