Summary: Over 90% of SNF dry cask storage systems in the United States use welded dry storage canisters (DSCs). Typically, these canisters represent the confinement barrier in the dry storage system preventing any release of SNF or radioactive noble gases to the environment. As the dry storage terms of SNF are extended, DSC monitoring issues become more important for safe operation of the dry cask storage systems. The objective of this research program is to develop a technology to enable the next generation of "intelligent spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters (DSCs)," that is, canisters with integrated sensing and processing capabilities to enable real-time state awareness.

Collaborator: Dr. Salvatore Salamone (UT Austin), Orano TN, Idaho National Lab

Source: DOE NEUP