Dry cask storage

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Dry cask storage is a method used to store nuclear fuel that has already been used in a reactor but still needs to be stored in a safe environment. It is a safe and secure method of storing high-level radioactive waste.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Dry cask storage is a method of storing high-level radioactive waste. The waste is first cooled in a spent fuel pool, and then transferred to a cask on site at a nuclear power plant. The casks are typically made of steel and concrete, and are designed to shield the environment from radiation. The casks are also designed to be resistant to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of dry cask storage begins with the spent nuclear fuel being cooled in a spent fuel pool. This cooling process can take several years. Once the fuel has cooled sufficiently, it is transferred to a cask. The cask is then sealed and stored on site at the nuclear power plant.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Dry cask storage is considered to be a safe method of storing high-level radioactive waste. The casks are designed to shield the environment from radiation, and are resistant to natural disasters. In addition, the casks are monitored to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Future of Dry Cask Storage[edit | edit source]

The future of dry cask storage is uncertain. While it is a safe and secure method of storing high-level radioactive waste, there is ongoing debate about the long-term sustainability of this method. Some argue that a more permanent solution needs to be found, such as deep geological repositories.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD