Alternate Flexible Interim Dry Storage Solutions

Dry storage of Used Nuclear Fuel (UNF) is a necessary aspect of the safe management of UNF in the United States of America (USA) and internationally as the other alternatives such as an Interim Storage Facility (ISF), Recycling, or Deep Geological Disposal are not available options for storing UNF at this time. Some countries, like the USA, have been successfully deploying UNF dry storage systems for more than 30 years. Therefore the regulations and regulatory framework are well developed. Other countries are just initiating UNF dry storage programs and currently are developing new regulations and establishing a regulatory framework.The requirements for dry storage system for management of UNF varies from one nuclear utility and/or regulator to another due to the differences in fuel assembly (FA) type (PWR, BWR, VVER or others), FA geometry (width, length, weight, number of fuel rods), FA operational history (burnup, enrichment, cooling time), FA condition (intact, damaged, failed), nuclear plant interfaces (crane capacities, reactor/fuel building floor load limits, doorway dimensions, space), economics (number of FAs per cask), natural phenomenon (temperature, marine environment, seismic stability, flood, tsunamis, tornadoes, beyond design basis events), safety against man-made threats (missile impact, aircraft crash), public acceptance (indoor, outdoor, concrete, metal cask, dose) and other factors.AREVA TN is a recognized global leader in the UNF management with more than 50 years of experience in providing safe UNF management solutions at plant sites, in ISF, in road, rail, and maritime transport, and in recycling. With its international footprint, AREVA TN has a deep understanding of regulator and customer requirements as they apply to each specific country. AREVA TN has developed a versatile portfolio of solutions that ensures safe, cost-efficient, agile flexible dry storage systems. AREVA TN has an inventory of 150+ diverse cask designs that meet a range of regulatory requirements, technical specifications and plant scenarios. This paper will describe how AREVA TN has consistently innovated and pioneered flexible and adaptive dry storage system solutions that are driven by market need, regulatory requirements and changing demands worldwide, all to ensure continued safety and advanced performance.