Cesium and Strontium Capsule Disposal Package

• Main Authors: REICH MORRIS, MANOWITZ BERNARD, POWELL JAMES R, VENTRE LOUIS
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.12.2004
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING; NUCLEAR PHYSICS; PHYSICS; PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULARRADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL

A package and process of using the package for disposal of radioactive cesium and strontium waste capsules. The package comprises a standard Hanford vitrified high-level waste canister as an outer container, which is approximately filled with three components: the first is a means for containing waste capsules, having a composite density less than about 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting temperature above that expected within the disposal package; the second is a means for limiting relative movement of the capsules; and, the third is a means for conducting heat away from the capsules. The package includes lids for closing the disposal package. In the method of the invention, the capsules are loaded into position within the means for containing waste capsules, encased in thermally conducting material, and then lids are added to close the package.