Waste container closure mechanism

摘要

Disclosed is a closure mechanism for sealing a nuclear waste disposal container. The mechanism allows partial closure of the container after internal apparatus have been inserted leaving a smaller opening for inserting and processing the waste material. Partial closure is achieved by inserting into the container an annular inner ring that fits against the container and by tightening an annular outer cap onto the inner ring, permitting access to the container through the aligned openings. After the waste material is loaded and processed, a sealing disk, axially joined to an inner plug to permit rotational but not linear movement, is passed through the outer cap opening and seats around the inner ring opening. The inner plug is tightened against the sealing disk by engaging matching threads on the inside of the outer cap opening.