Systems and methods for harvesting and storing materials produced in a nuclear reactor
Systems produce desired isotopes through irradiation in nuclear reactor instrumentation tubes and deposit the same in a robust facility for immediate shipping, handling, and/or consumption. Irradiation targets are inserted and removed through inaccessible areas without plant shutdown and placed in the harvesting facility, such as a plurality of sealable and shipping-safe casks and/or canisters. Systems may connect various structures in a sealed manner to avoid release of dangerous or unwanted matter throughout the nuclear plant, and/or systems may also automatically decontaminate materials to be released. Useable casks or canisters can include plural barriers for containment that are temporarily and selectively removable with specially-configured paths inserted therein. Penetrations in the facilities may limit waste or pneumatic gas escape and allow the same to be removed from the systems without over-pressurization or leakage. Methods include processing irradiation targets through such systems and securely delivering them in such harvesting facilities.
- Research Organization:
- GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC, Wilmington, NC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC52-09NA29626
- Assignee:
- GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC (Wilmington, NC)
- Patent Number(s):
- 9,305,673
- Application Number:
- 13/709,725
- OSTI ID:
- 1245416
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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