CZ227794A3 - Container for transport and ultimate storage of nuclear fuel elements - Google Patents

Abstract

Proposed is a container for the transport and terminal storage of nuclear-fuel rods, the container having at least one shielding surround (2, 4) made of cast bronze, preferably CuPb15Sn, designed to enclose the fuel rods (5) and at least one additional shielding surround (3, 3') made of shaped sintered-magnesite bricks.

Description

Container for transport and fuel cells for final storage of atomic

Technical field

The present invention relates to a vessel for the transport and final storage of atomic fuel cells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been a constant rumor that atomic waste is not properly handled, so it poses a danger to mankind if mistreated. German nuclear researchers are aware of the shortcomings in the treatment of nuclear waste and state that the amount of nuclear waste will double by 2000. It is a fact that until now there have been no reliable final storage containers, but only intermediate storage containers that have been stacked in the closed mines. Experts say that these containers often burst due to the stack weight, four to eight containers above each other, making it difficult to check the warehouse by personnel. The decay half-life of atomic waste is several centuries to millennia, so materials for final storage must be used which, in their opinion, will persist over this time interval.

Final storage containers are known which consist of titanium, tungsten, nickel or similar metals, but these metals are not available in sufficient quantities and are very expensive to manufacture. ,>

It is an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive container for the transport and final storage of atomic fuel cells, which has excellent shielding with respect to radioactive radiation, extremely long life and good mechanical strength. This object is achieved by a vessel which is characterized by at least one bronze alloy shielding sheath, preferably CuPb15Sn, surrounding the fuel cell and at least one middle layer of sintered magnesite blocks.

A bronze alloy is a significantly more cost-effective material compared to said metals. Excavations underscore that this metal has persisted without damage and material fatigue for about 4,000 years. It offers excellent shielding against residual radiation from fuel cells. The sintered magnesite blocks have excellent mechanical strength for a long time and are resistant to high temperature, so that a possible temperature rise inside the vessel can be kept under control. In addition, sintered magnesite blocks contribute to good shielding of radioactive radiation.

It has been found that it will be possible to dispense with any type of concrete sheathing because the concrete is cracked and porous over decades, so that shielding is not ensured.

In contrast, in the solution according to the invention, the shielding remains for a long time.

It should be noted at this point that DE-OS 36 28 855 discloses refractory lining of nuclear power plant buildings of 4 ceramic magnesia blocks. '

It should also be noted that Austrian patent application A, 72/92 in the old, unpublished same applicant

surrounding the fuel cell and at least one additional sheath for shielding, preferably from liquid Fe-ions mixed with the salt.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is provided with a stainless steel outer wall. This increases the corrosion resistance of the container over the long term.

pictures on drawing ech

Further features of the invention are apparent from the subclaims and the following description of two preferred exemplary embodiments by means of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment; and FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the exterior-to-interior tank consists of a stainless steel outer wall 1, a bronze alloy outer casing 2, a sintered magnesite block middle layer 3 and a bronze alloy inner casing 4. A suitable alloyed bronze alloy is in particular. CuPbl5Sn.

Atomic fuel cells 5 are stored inside the vessel.

Giant. 2 shows another embodiment of a container according to the invention

with you. ::: .In the bronze middle layer 3 'of magnesite blocks. Atomic fuel cells 5 are stored inside the vessel.

The container has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a closing cover

10. which optionally may have multiple layers of bronze alloy and / or magnesia blocks. Magnets 11 are mounted on the bottom of the container and in the container cover.

The shape of the container and the number and order of shield shields may be varied within the scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

PATENT CLAIMS Container for the transport and final storage of atomic fuel cells, characterized in that it has at least one bronze alloy shell (2, 4), preferably CuPbl5Sn, and at least one middle layer (3, 3 ') of sintered magnesia blocks. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a stainless steel outer wall (1). Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer wall (1) of stainless steel, the middle layer (3) of magnesite blocks and the inner bronze alloy sheath (4) follow one another from the outside to the inside. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer bronze alloy shell (2), the outer middle layer (3) of magnesite blocks, the bronze alloy inner shell (4) and the inner middle layer (3) are successively externally inward. ') of magnesite blocks. Container according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a cylindrical shape and is provided with a multilayer closure cover (10). Container according to claim 5, characterized in that magnets (11) are arranged in the bottom (12) and the closing cover (10).