Transport container for nuclear fuel elements - with ducts for introducing flushing liquid to remove solids before storage in pond

摘要

Irradiated nuclear fuel elements are stored in an inner container within an outer flask. The container has a cylindrical shell with a dished closure at one end and a detachable lid at the other. The shell is divided into compartments, one for each element, and lying along the shell axis. Flushing liquid can be introduced through ducts in the lid to flow along each compartment. The closure has a drainage sump with charge ports. The container is used for transporting fuel elements from a reactor, e.g. a breeder, to a reprocessing or storage facility. The flushing liquid removes solid-matter, e.g. crud, from the elements before submerging in a pond, thus reducing pond contamination.