METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN DISPOSING OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL

摘要

The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in the disposal of spent fuel elements. The apparatus 10 includes a mould 12 defining a cavity 14 into which spent nuclear fuel elements 22 and a particulate matrix 26 are receivable. The mould includes a sleeve 16 which is hexagonal in cross-section and within which upper and lower die elements 18, 20 are mounted to define the top and bottom of the cavity 14. The lower die element 20 is displaceable within the sleeve 18. In use, a layer of spheres 22 and a particulate graphite/binder mixture 26 is introduced into the mould cavity 14. The contents of the mould cavity are then compressed by displacing the lower die element 20 towards the upper die element 18. This procedure is repeated until a desired number of layers have been formed. With the contents of the mould under pressure, they are heated in order to consolidate them.