Dry Casks Emerge as Vital Temporary Solution for Escalating Nuclear Waste Storage Concerns
Nuclear power plants (NPPs) face a crucial crossroads due to escalating spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage concerns. The primary storage solution, large fuel pools within the NPP station, is under strain, pushing dry casks as a temporary yet vital alternative.
Dry casks, cylindrical stainless steel canisters, are designed to store SNF safely and securely. They are typically 3-4m in diameter, 5-6m in height, and can weigh up to 140t, housing around 90 SNF assemblies. In the US, there are currently 90 independent spent fuel storage installations (ISFSIs), with the first one in service for nearly 40 years.
The integrity of dry casks has been extensively studied. Accelerated aging tests on 1/3-scaled reinforced concrete overpacks showed that the canister maintained its integrity despite some damage to the overpack. Estimates suggest that the aging due to corrosion in these accelerated conditions corresponds with 75-300 years of service life for a prototype cask in various environmental conditions. However, long-term service brings challenges in aging evaluation and management, including radiation shielding, containment and structural safety, and heat removal capacity.
Earthquake risk analysis has revealed that typical casks are well overdesigned for their intended service life under considered conditions. With proper aging management programmes, they could potentially be used for periods exceeding 100 years. This longevity is crucial given that SNF remains radioactive for hundreds of thousands of years and requires careful handling and storage.
As NPPs grapple with SNF storage issues, dry casks emerge as a robust and reliable temporary solution. With rigorous testing, careful management, and adherence to safety protocols, these canisters can safely store SNF for extended periods, buying time for the development of more permanent storage units near me or extra space storage solutions.
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