Optimised method for loading radioactive elements into a package
The invention relates to a method of loading radioactive elements ( 8 ) in a package comprising the following steps: (a) placement of a plurality of radioactive elements ( 8 ) in a storage basket ( 30 ) provided with radiological protection means ( 32 ), in the pool; (b) extraction of the basket ( 30 ) containing the radioactive elements ( 8 ) out of the pool; and (c) loading said basket ( 30 ) containing the radioactive elements ( 8 ), into the package.
1. Method for loading radioactive elements in a package, comprising the successive following steps in this order:
(a) placing a plurality of radioactive elements in a storage basket in a pool containing water, wherein the storage basket comprises at least one element chosen among a shielding sidewall, a sheath or a plate, for radiological protection;
(b) after said step (a), extracting the basket containing the radioactive elements out of the pool, wherein the basket is configured such that a majority of the water in the basket is removed as the basket is extracted out of the pool; and
(c) after said step (b), loading said basket containing the radioactive elements in the package.
2. Method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the radioactive elements is held in place by gravity in the storage basket.
3. Method according to claim 1 , wherein steps (a) to (c) are repeated several times such that several baskets are loaded in said package.
4. Method according to claim 3 , wherein the baskets housed in the package together define an external lateral surface that is approximately complementary to the lateral surface of a cavity of the package in which the baskets are housed.
5. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the package comprises at least one element chosen among a solid lower part or two concentric shells, for radiological protection.
6. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the package is closed by a lid after said basket containing the radioactive elements has been loaded in the package cavity.
7. Method according to claim 1 , wherein each storage basket houses between five and ten radioactive elements.
8. Method according to claim 1 , wherein said radioactive elements are worn rod cluster control guides or irradiated fuel assemblies.
9. Method of transport of radioactive elements including successive following steps in this order:
(a) placing a plurality of radioactive elements in a storage basket provided with radiological protection means, in a pool containing water;
(b) after said step (a), extracting the basket containing the radioactive elements out of the pool, wherein said basket is configured such that a majority of the water in the basket is removed as the basket is extracted from the pool;
(c) after said step (b), loading said basket containing the radioactive elements in a package; and
(d) after said step (c), transporting the package comprising the basket.
10. Method of interim storage of radioactive elements including the successive following steps in this order:
(a) placing a plurality of radioactive elements in a storage basket provided with radiological protection means, in a pool containing water;
(b) after said step (a), extracting the basket containing the radioactive elements out of the pool, wherein said basket is configured such that a majority of the water in the basket is removed as the basket is extracted from the pool;
(c) after said step (b), loading said basket containing the radioactive elements in a package; and
(d) after said step (c), stocking the package comprising the basket during interim storage.
11. Method according to claim 1 , wherein the storage basket is made of a material that provides radiological protection to an area surrounding the storage basket.
12. Method according to claim 1 , wherein said step (c) of loading said storage basket containing the radioactive elements in the package occurs outside of the pool.