Holtec International. has been granted a patent for a fuel rack designed to support spent nuclear fuel assemblies. The rack features a base plate with hexagonal tubes forming cells, adjustable height pedestals, and spacing rods to maintain gaps between tubes, enhancing structural integrity and neutron flux management. GlobalData’s report on Holtec International gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Holtec International, Heat exchanger brazing was a key innovation area identified from patents. Holtec International's grant share as of June 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Fuel rack for supporting spent nuclear fuel assemblies
The patent US12033764B2 describes a specialized fuel rack designed for the secure support of spent nuclear fuel assemblies. The structure features a base plate with a top surface and a vertically extending body composed of multiple hexagonal tubes. These tubes create individual cells, each with an open top end, allowing for the insertion of spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Notably, the design incorporates neutron flux trap gaps between adjacent hexagonal tubes, which are maintained by vertically elongated spacing rods. These rods are plug welded to the corner edges of three adjacent tubes, ensuring structural integrity and optimal spacing. The spacing rods can be constructed from a metal matrix composite material that includes boron, enhancing neutron absorption capabilities.
Additionally, the fuel rack includes adjustable height pedestals attached to the base plate's bottom surface. Each pedestal consists of a block with a threaded inner surface and a peg with a corresponding threaded outer surface, allowing for height adjustments through a tool-accessible engagement element. The design also features cutouts adjacent to the base plate, providing lateral access to the cells. The spacing rods are designed with a truncated triangular cross-section and vertical grooves, which facilitate the nesting of the hexagonal tubes. This innovative design aims to improve the safety and efficiency of spent nuclear fuel storage.
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