.~ Storage container systems for new and/or irradiated core elements
DEFINITION
Classification: 376/272
Storage container systems for new and/or irradiated core elements:
(under subclass 260) Subject matter wherein reactor core elements are in a physical enclosure within the reactor system, which enclosure is distinct therefrom.
(1) Note. Subject matter of this subclass type consists of more than a mere container for a single core element and therefore referred to as container systems. Structures consisting of more than one container, or storage for plural core assemblies, or one container with means to support or affix the container in a storage pool are typical of the systems of this subclass type, such systems are distinguished by their operative or structural association with nuclear reactors.
(2) Note. Search Class 250, subclasses 506.1+, and 515.1+ for generic storage devices (particularly shipping casks for radioactive material.
(3) Note. The storage systems herein may include a specific means for preventing (and therefor controlling) nuclear fission reactions, e.g., by the use of neutron absorber materials or by limiting the number of fuel elements in a given storage system.
(4) Note. Included in this subclass are storage systems which include means for cooling the core elements.
(5) Note. The storage systems herein are for core elements (new, used, or irradiated, or damaged) that still retain their structural form which identifies them as core elements, for example, before they have been physically or chemically altered for processing of the irradiated or radioactive material therein.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 347, for similar subject matter. The structure and also the cooling systems for the subject matter of this subclass (272) may be similar to the structure and cooling systems for the core elements in the nuclear reactor itself.
