After the spent fuel has cooled in the basin for several years, it can be moved to dry storage. This is
done in so-called dry casks.
What is a dry waste container?
These are huge concrete containers of 190-220 tonnes, approx. 6 m high and approx. 2 m in diameter, which can contain 40-50 fuel elements. There are several different models that vary in size and capacity.
Filling operation – From cooling basin to container
The container is placed inside a transfer container which is then lowered into the cooling basin to an area commonly referred to as the loading pit or “loeading pit”.
The fuel assemblies are transferred from the racks in the basin to the transfer container. Once filled, the lid of the transfer container is lowered. The entire process takes place under water in the pool.
The transfer container is then raised and water is pumped out of the container which is filled with helium, an inert gas that removes heat and prevents oxidation of the fuel elements. It is sealed (welded or bolted together) via robotic technology.
Specially designed seismic tape is placed around the container to hold it in place in the event of an earthquake.
The container is finally transported to a storage area for storage. They are normally stored at the nuclear power plant waiting to be placed in final landfill stockpiles or recycled as new fuel.
Lifetime of containers
When the containers are in storage, how many years can they last?
The containers are designed with a lifespan of around or over 100 years.
Should there be cases of decomposition or aging, the used fuel can always be transferred to another new container. Simple, safe and simple.
The durability of the containers – how safe are they?
The containers are designed and constructed to withstand virtually any action by man or nature: hurricanes, tornadoes, severe floods, extreme temperatures, train accidents and missile attacks.
The containers have actually been tested against a full-speed train, and against missiles.
These are as strong as humans can make them.
