Spent Fuel Storage in 10 MW High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor

Approximately 90 000 spent fuel elements are discharged from 10 MW High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor(HTR-10) in its lifetime. The activity of the radioactive fission products in these spent fuel element reaches 1.0×10¹⁶ Bq, so these spent fuel element should be managed properly. Spent fuel elements in HTR-10 are discharged into seal and shield casks. Each cask can hold approximately 2 000 fuel elements. These casks are stored in the temporary store of spent fuel element inside the reactor building and cooled by air. Over the years, they are shipped to bottom shaft of reactor hall by small shipping vehicle, and are hoisted ground by a crane. Finally, they are shipped to permanent store by a lorry.