Guidebook On Spent Fuel Storage

This guidebook is a revised version of Technical Reports Series No. 240, published in 1984. It provides a summary of the experience and information in many areas related to spent fuel storage. It will allow a better understanding of the many problems involved and permit countries that are planning for or operating nuclear power reactors to review the issues in a more informative manner. In view of the large quantity of spent fuel discharged from nuclear power plants, long term storage is currently the primary option for the management of spent fuel. The proven wet storage concept is expected to continue to be used in the future. The design and the technological, economic and material problems of safe spent fuel storage will remain a focus of attention, with particular emphasis on dry storage technology, rod consolidation and other advanced concepts.

This publication is a new edition of Technical Reports Series No. 240, Guidebook on Spent Fuel Storage (1991). It aims to provide guidance on spent fuel storage options, describing the history and observed trends of spent fuel storage technologies, gathering operational experiences and lessons learned. The evolving aspects related to higher burnup and mixed oxide (MOX) spent fuel, and the extension of storage timeframes are detailed. It also includes information on the distribution of the current global inventory of spent fuel by storage systems, a description of (and terminology relating to) available spent fuel storage technologies and different storage facility locations.

This publication is a new edition of Technical Reports Series No. 240, Guidebook on Spent Fuel Storage (1991). It aims to provide guidance on spent fuel storage options, describing the history and observed trends of spent fuel storage technologies, gathering operational experiences and lessons learned. The evolving aspects related to higher burnup and mixed oxide (MOX) spent fuel, and the extension of storage timeframes are detailed. It also includes information on the distribution of the current global inventory of spent fuel by storage systems, a description of (and terminology relating to) available spent fuel storage technologies and different storage facility locations.

This publication aims to provide information on the approaches and criteria that would have to be considered for the selection of away-from-reactor (AFR) type spent fuel storage facilities, needs for which have been growing in an increasing number of Member States producing nuclear power. The AFR facilities can be defined as a storage system functionally independent of the reactor operation providing the role of storage until a further destination (such as a disposal) becomes available. Initially developed to provide additional storage space for spent fuel, some AFR storage options are now providing additional spaces for extended storage of spent fuel with a prospect for long term storage, which is becoming a progressive reality in an increasing number of Member States due to the continuing debate on issues associated with the endpoints for spent fuel management and consequent delays in the implementation of final steps, such as disposal.--Publisher's description.

A compilation of currently available electronic versions of NRC regulatory guides.

With the continuing accumulation of spent fuel at reactor sites, the demand for additional storage of spent fuel at AFR (away from reactor) facilities is growing. It is an issue for most Member States generating nuclear power, including those countries pursuing reprocessing. There are a diversity of technical options and services available which offer competitive, reliable solutions to meet the storage requirements. In particular, dry storage technologies have been widely applied. The selection of the most appropriate product or service among the range of options available for a project involves the consideration of a number of factors, both technical and non-technical. This publication is intended to provide a review of the key factors associated with selection of an option for AFR facilities for spent fuel storage, together with a discussion of the generic methodology for the decision making, thereby providing guidance on practical approaches to project implementation.

Provides a detailed introduction to nuclear reactors, describing the four commercial types and discussing uranium resources, fuel cycles, advanced reactor systems, and issues and problems concerning the use of nuclear power