Mobile system for the management of fuel assemblies from research reactors

Interim storage in transport and storage casks of the CASTOR type, and later the final storage of these casks are planned for the management of spent fuel assemblies from German research reactors. A mobile transfer unit is used for loading the casks with fuel assemblies on the reactor sites. Key components of the mobile transfer unit are a transfer cask, the recharging lock, and an air-cushion transport system. By means of the air-cushion transport system, the whole equipment, as well as the CASTOR casks, is transported into the reactor building. Thus, handling of the 16 t CASTOR casks is possible even on reactor sites within sufficient crane capacity. A 20 ft container accommodates the mobile transfer unit and all accessories so that the whole equipment can be transported to the reactor sites by truck.