System for low profile translation of high level radioactive waste

1. A method for supporting and transporting a cask containing nuclear fuel, the method comprising:

providing a transporter apparatus comprising an upwardly open cavity configured to receive and support the cask, and a plurality of roller assemblies configured for translating the apparatus, the roller assemblies each including rollers movable between retracted and extended positions;

placing the rollers in the retracted position;

inserting the cask into the cavity of the apparatus;

raising the apparatus and cask by moving the rollers to the extended position, wherein the rollers elevate the apparatus and cask above a support surface; and

translating the apparatus and cask across the support surface.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of placing the cask into the cavity includes engaging a bottom of cask with a plurality of circumferentially spaced cantilevered support members extending radially inwards into the cavity of the apparatus.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the cantilevered support members are arranged at an open bottom end of the cavity.

4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the cavity has a cylindrical shape formed by an annular ring.

5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein each cantilevered support member comprises a horizontal contact plate engaged by the cask, the contact plate supported by a plurality of radially oriented support plates affixed to the bottom of the apparatus adjacent to the cavity.

6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein each support plate is L-shaped.

7. The method according to claim 2 , wherein a majority of a height of the cask protrudes upwards beyond a top surface of the apparatus when the cask is seated on the cantilevered support members in the cavity.

8. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising a step of vertically aligning one of a plurality of cutouts in a bottom of the cask with each cantilevered support member prior to inserting the cask into the cavity, and then engaging a downward facing surface in each cutout with a respective cantilevered support member.

9. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the step of placing the rollers in the retracted position includes engaging the plurality of cantilevered support members with support surface.

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the rollers do not engage the support surface when the rollers are in the retracted position.

11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the support surface is formed by a pair of rails engaged by the rollers.

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the support surface is a ground surface.

13. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a cylindrical annular body including an open top end, an open bottom end, and a circumferentially-extending sidewall defining the cavity for receiving the cask.

14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the roller assemblies include a front roller assembly supported by a front roller housing from which the rollers are extendable and retractable, and an opposite rear roller assembly supported by a rear roller housing from which the rollers are extendable and retractable.

15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein there are no roller assemblies on either lateral side of the apparatus extending between the front and rear roller housings.

16. A method for supporting and transporting a cask containing nuclear fuel, the method comprising:

providing a low profile transporter apparatus comprising a cylindrical annular body including an open top, an open bottom, and a circumferentially-extending sidewall therebetween defining a cavity configured to receive and support the cask, a plurality of cantilevered support members extending radially inwards into the cavity from the body, and a plurality of roller assemblies each configured for translating the apparatus across a support surface, the roller assemblies each rollers movable between vertically retracted and extended positions;

placing the rollers in the retracted position;

engaging the bottom of the apparatus with the support surface;

raising the cask above the apparatus;

vertically aligning one of a plurality of cutouts in a bottom of the cask with a corresponding cantilevered support member of the apparatus;

lowering the cask into the cavity of the apparatus;

engaging each of the cutouts with a corresponding cantilevered support member;

raising the apparatus and cask by moving the rollers to the extended position, wherein the rollers elevate the apparatus and cask above the support surface; and

translating the apparatus and cask across the support surface.

17. The method according to claim 16 , wherein each cantilevered support member comprises a horizontal contact plate engaged by one of the cutouts in the cask, each contact plate supported by a plurality of radially oriented support plates affixed to the bottom of the apparatus adjacent to the cavity.

18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein the support plates protrude downwardly from the bottom of the apparatus and engage the support surface when the rollers are in the retracted position.

19. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the cavity is cylindrical in shape and the apparatus has a height less than 25% a height of the cask.

20. The method according to claim 16 , wherein the support surface comprises a pair of rails of a track, and the rollers assemblies include a vertical inner plate and a vertical outer plate arranged on opposite lateral sides of the rollers and configured to form a connection with the rails to prevent the rollers from supinating or pronating.