Patent classifications
G21F5/015
FUEL DESIGN AND SHIELDING DESIGN FOR RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
Provided is a fuel design configured to have a thickness that is equal to or less than a mean-free path of electrons emitted by a radioactive energy source to prevent electrons produced thereby from being stopped within the fuel design and thus decreasing the intensity of bremsstrahlung radiation generated within the fuel design. Additionally provided is a two-phase shielding system including a first shield formed of a first material having a thickness exceeding a mean-free path of an electron emitted from a radioactive source material so as to prevent the electron from passing through the first shield, and a second shield formed of a second material configured to prevent bremsstrahlung radiation generated by the electron from passing through the second shield.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE REPOSITORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A hazardous material repository includes a drillhole formed from a terranean surface into a subterranean zone that includes a geologic formation, where the drillhole includes a vertical portion and a non-vertical portion coupled to the vertical portion by a transition portion, the non-vertical portion includes a storage volume for hazardous waste; a casing installed between the geologic formation and the drillhole, the casing including one or more metallic tubular sections; at least one canister positioned in the storage volume of the non-vertical portion of the drillhole, the at least one canister sized to enclose a portion of hazardous material and including an outer housing formed from a non-corrosive metallic material; and a backfill material inserted into the non-vertical portion of the drillhole to fill at least a portion of the storage volume between the at least one canister and the casing.
RADIOACTIVE WASTE REPOSITORY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A hazardous material repository includes a drillhole formed from a terranean surface into a subterranean zone that includes a geologic formation, where the drillhole includes a vertical portion and a non-vertical portion coupled to the vertical portion by a transition portion, the non-vertical portion includes a storage volume for hazardous waste; a casing installed between the geologic formation and the drillhole, the casing including one or more metallic tubular sections; at least one canister positioned in the storage volume of the non-vertical portion of the drillhole, the at least one canister sized to enclose a portion of hazardous material and including an outer housing formed from a non-corrosive metallic material; and a backfill material inserted into the non-vertical portion of the drillhole to fill at least a portion of the storage volume between the at least one canister and the casing.
NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL SHIMMING
A nuclear fuel storage system includes an outer canister and fuel basket positioned therein. The basket is formed by orthogonally arranged and interlocked slotted plates which collectively define exterior side surfaces of the basket and a grid array of open cells each configured to hold a fuel assembly. At least some slotted plates comprise cantilevered plate extensions protruding laterally beyond the side surfaces of the basket to define various shaped peripheral gaps between the basket and canister. The plate extensions are configured to engage the shell of the canister. Vertically elongated reinforcement members are inserted in the peripheral gaps and fixedly coupled to the basket. Reinforcement members may comprise elongated reinforcement plates and/or tubular shimming members which may be fixedly coupled to the slotted plate extensions. The reinforcement members structurally strengthen the fuel basket. The plate extensions further act as fins to enhance heat dissipation from the basket.
NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL SHIMMING
A nuclear fuel storage system includes an outer canister and fuel basket positioned therein. The basket is formed by orthogonally arranged and interlocked slotted plates which collectively define exterior side surfaces of the basket and a grid array of open cells each configured to hold a fuel assembly. At least some slotted plates comprise cantilevered plate extensions protruding laterally beyond the side surfaces of the basket to define various shaped peripheral gaps between the basket and canister. The plate extensions are configured to engage the shell of the canister. Vertically elongated reinforcement members are inserted in the peripheral gaps and fixedly coupled to the basket. Reinforcement members may comprise elongated reinforcement plates and/or tubular shimming members which may be fixedly coupled to the slotted plate extensions. The reinforcement members structurally strengthen the fuel basket. The plate extensions further act as fins to enhance heat dissipation from the basket.
Source storing apparatus, source guiding system, and source guiding method
A source storing apparatus, source guiding system and source guiding method are provided. The source storing apparatus comprises: a source tank and a shielding plug, the source tank being provided with an opening and an accommodating cavity, the accommodating cavity being configured to accommodate a cobalt source box, the shielding plug being configured to seal an opening of the accommodating cavity; wherein a first connecting structure is provided on the cobalt source box; a second connecting structure is provided on an outer side of the shielding plug, a pickup structure is provided on an inner side of the shielding plug, and the first connecting structure is detachably connected to the pickup structure. The structure of the source storing apparatus is simplified; the installation and operation processes are simple with reduced operation requirements, and are time-consuming and labor-consuming. The cost of the source guiding apparatus is also greatly reduced.
Source storing apparatus, source guiding system, and source guiding method
A source storing apparatus, source guiding system and source guiding method are provided. The source storing apparatus comprises: a source tank and a shielding plug, the source tank being provided with an opening and an accommodating cavity, the accommodating cavity being configured to accommodate a cobalt source box, the shielding plug being configured to seal an opening of the accommodating cavity; wherein a first connecting structure is provided on the cobalt source box; a second connecting structure is provided on an outer side of the shielding plug, a pickup structure is provided on an inner side of the shielding plug, and the first connecting structure is detachably connected to the pickup structure. The structure of the source storing apparatus is simplified; the installation and operation processes are simple with reduced operation requirements, and are time-consuming and labor-consuming. The cost of the source guiding apparatus is also greatly reduced.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILITY TESTING OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
The invention relates to a system for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, to the use of the system for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, preferably radioactive pharmaceuticals and/or diagnostic agents, and to a method for testing the sterility of radioactive substances, wherein the system comprises an isolator (8) having a device for membrane filtration (9) and a filter bottle (1) surrounding the shield (5) against ionising radiation.
SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR BEAM TARGET EXCHANGE AND VOLATILE OBJECT STORAGE
Embodiments are provided relating to the exchange of devices or assemblies holding targets used in a beam system. With these embodiments a used target can be rapidly and safely replaced with a new target to permit continued operation in a clinical or other environment. Also provided are embodiments of valves having relatively lower profiles that facilitate engagement and disengagement of beamline sections for access to the target device or assembly. All or a portion of the valve can be part of the target assembly. Also provided are embodiments of storage containers for storing a volatile object, such as an object comprising a composition sensitive to atmospheric air and/or an object that is radioactive. The storage container can include a two-part shell case assembly configured for housing a volatile object between the two parts, which engage one another to form an air-tight seal therebetween.
SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR BEAM TARGET EXCHANGE AND VOLATILE OBJECT STORAGE
Embodiments are provided relating to the exchange of devices or assemblies holding targets used in a beam system. With these embodiments a used target can be rapidly and safely replaced with a new target to permit continued operation in a clinical or other environment. Also provided are embodiments of valves having relatively lower profiles that facilitate engagement and disengagement of beamline sections for access to the target device or assembly. All or a portion of the valve can be part of the target assembly. Also provided are embodiments of storage containers for storing a volatile object, such as an object comprising a composition sensitive to atmospheric air and/or an object that is radioactive. The storage container can include a two-part shell case assembly configured for housing a volatile object between the two parts, which engage one another to form an air-tight seal therebetween.