CONSTOR -SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL STORAGE AND TRANSPORT CASK SYSTEM

Previously, GNB of Essen, Germany developed the CASTOR series of ductile cast iron container systems for the storage and shipping of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The CASTOR system has been accepted and deployed internationally by GNB. However, GNB recognized that it needed to develop a new SNF container option for Eastern European markets where fabrication capabilities and financial resources are more limiting. Thus, GNB developed the CONSTOR system (steel-concrete-steel sandwich cask) which incorporates the advantages of the CASTOR system, but at an inexpensive cost. The CONSTOR system was developed specifically for storage/transport of SNF from Russian RBMK reactors, but can be utilized for other Russian type reactor fuel. Advantages of the system include its ease of handling and loading, bolted lid design as has been proven with the CASTOR as well as heavy shielding capacity and inexpensive fabrication costs. The system meets the regulations of the IAEA for Type B(U) packages and has been approved for use by GAN, the Russian licensing authority. In addition to its use in the Russian reactor market, the CONSTOR has application for SNF at U.S. utility and DOE sites.