Behavior of spent nuclear fuel in water pool storage
Storage of irradiated nuclear fuel in water pools (basins) has been standard practice since nuclear reactors first began operation approximately 34 years ago. Pool storage is the starting point for all other fuel storage candidate processes and is a candidate for extended interim fuel storage until policy questions regarding reprocessing and ultimate disposal have been resolved. This report assesses the current performance of nuclear fuel in pool storage, the range of storage conditions, and the prospects for extending residence times. The assessment is based on visits to five U.S. and Canadian fuel storage sites, representing nine storage pools, and on discussions with operators of an additional 21 storage pools. Spent fuel storage experience from British pools at Winfrith and Windscale and from a German pool at Karlsruhe (WAK) also is summarized.
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-06-1830
- OSTI ID:
- 7284014
- Report Number(s):
- BNWL-2256; TRN: 78-000073
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
FUEL POOLS
SPENT FUEL STORAGE
BWR TYPE REACTORS
CANDU TYPE REACTORS
EVALUATION
PERFORMANCE
PWR TYPE REACTORS
SPENT FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL ELEMENTS
HEAVY WATER MODERATED REACTORS
PRESSURE TUBE REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REACTORS
THERMAL REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
210000* - Nuclear Power Plants
050900 - Nuclear Fuels- Transport
Handling
& Storage