US3255896A

US3255896A - Apparatus for the deposit of radioactive contaminated substances

Info

Publication number: US3255896A
Application number: US267399A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sklorz Wilhelm
Original assignee: FRANZ JOSEF GATTYS FA
Current assignee: FRANZ JOSEF GATTYS FA; FRANZ-JOSEF GATTYS Firma
Priority date: 1962-03-24
Filing date: 1963-03-22
Publication date: 1966-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 1983-06-14
Also published as: GB1002069A

Description

June 14, 1966 w. SKLORZ 3,255,896

APPARATUS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES Filed March 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 WWW June 14, 1966 w. SKLORZ 3,255,896

APPARATUS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES Filed March 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 14, 1966 w. SKLORZ 3,255,896

APPARATUS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES Filed March 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 14, 1966 w, sKLo z 3,255,896

APPARATUS FOR THE DEPOSIT 0F RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Filed March 22, 1963 United States Patent 3,255,896 APPARATUS FOR THE DEPOSIT OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES Wilhelm Sklorz, Langen, Hessen, Germany, assignor to Firma Franz-Josef Gattys, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a corporation of Germany Filed Mar. 22, 1963, Ser. No. 267,399 Claims priority, applicatign Germany, Mar. 24, 1962,

7 Claims. (Cl. 214-16) The present invention relates to a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances, in general, and to a unit for the temporary storing of containers containing radioactive contaminated substances, in particular.

Such units serve the purpose to receive radioactive contaminated substances of any type safe against health physics, until the radioactivity of the substances has been reduced to a non-dangerous state. Then the substances are removed again from the storage unit and subjected to further treatment in any manner, or, in case they are nonuseable, are treated as radioactive waste. It is necessary for this purpose to control or check the substances from time to time as to their radioactivity.

In the known storages the containers are disposed on top of each other in chambers, for instance, halls, which are above ground. In most instances three containers are disposed on top of each other. For the purpose of health physics, a soil-mount is formed, which is piled up about the building. In such arrangement, the continuously required testing of the radioactivity in the individual containers is very cumbersome and is, therefore, connected with high labor costs. In order to reach the stored lower containers, it is required to remove at first the containers disposed on top thereof and to remove the same. After the control or checking, the containers must be returned to their original places. Also, in order to provide the necessary access, comparatively large spaces are required.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances received in containers which are capable of rolling, and which are stored in a waterand air-tight channel structure which is safe against radiation, the inner width of the channel corresponding with the cross-section of the container taken crosswise to the direction of rolling of the latter and which is equipped with means for the movement of the containers in the channel structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances, which are received in containers, wherein the containers are rolled into a channel structure close to each other, so that the entire channel structure can be filled with containers without requiring any space for access within the channel structure. The latter can be either totally worked into ground, or it can obtain, for instance, the required safety against radiation by means of a soil-mount piled up thereon. In order to provide the necessary test or control, the containers are removed one for one at one end of the channel structure, examined and then inserted again at the other end of the channel structure. The process can be designed simply in case of the provision of a plurality of such channels, since the containers removed from one channel structure can be refed again immediately into the adjacent channel, so that the transport paths outside of thechannel structure can be reduced to a minimum.

The unit designed in accordance with the present invention has the following particular advantages:

It requires the smallest possible space. structures can be arranged closely adjacent each other, or be arranged also in superposed position. They can be arranged below parking lots or below buildings.

The channel 3,255,896 Patented June 14, 1966 ICC It is still another object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances received in containers, whereby different means are provided for the transportation of the containers within the channel structure. In accordance with the present invention, the channel structure is inclined relative to an imaginary horizontal plane and has at each end a tightly closeable access opening. The containers, moved into the access opening disposed at the higher level, roll then by gravity within the channel structure downwardly. At the access opening of the channel structure, disposed at the lower level, the containers can then be removed one by one.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances received in containers stored in a channel structure underground, wherein the channel structure is substantially horizontally disposed, while driving means operating the movement of the containers are provided for the transportation of the containers. By such driving means, the containers, capable of rolling, are forcibly rolled in the channel structure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances received in containers rollable in a channel structure, wherein the channel structure is of annular shape and wherein the access opening or openings are disposed in its walls. In case an annular channel is provided, principally only one access opening is required. In order to control or inspect the substances stored in a particular container, it is merely required to advance always one container by means of the drive means behind the access opening, so that the container can be removed, tested and reinserted again. While the drive means move then the next container towards the access opening, it advances all con-tainers in the annular channel structure.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a deposit of radioactive contaminated substances received in containers rollable in a channel structure, wherein the containers are moved in lying or in upright position in the channel structure. The containers are equipped for this purpose either at their cylindrical wall with roller ribs, roller edges or ring flanges having at least three rollers, or a supporting set having at least three rollers. In view of the greater simplicity and the greater safety against cornering, the lying arrangement is preferred.

With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent in the following detailed description, the present invention will be clearly understood in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical section of a unit with inclined channel structures, in which the containers are disposed in lying position and are rollable crosswise to their longitudinal axes;

FIG. 2 is a section along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section through one of the channel structures;

FIG. 4 is an elevation of a closing door at the front end of one channel structure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portions of pipe stones of which the channel structures are composed;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section of a unit equipped with inclined channel structures, in which the containers roll in the direction of their longitudinal axis and showing the feeding and the removal, respectively, of the containers;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the unit shown in FIG. 6 indicating the access openings in closed position;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a container used in the units shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and FIG. 9 is a vertical section of a unit having an annular channel structure, in which the containers roll in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the unit shown in FIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 to 5, the unit comprises a plurality of channel structures 1 disposed in inclined arrangement in the ground. The channel structures 1 comprise pipe stones 2, which are particularly shown in FIG. 5. Rails 3 are provided at the inner bottom face of the pipe stones 2, which rails 3 serve the purpose to guide the roller ribs or roller edges 5 (FIG. 3) of containers 4 stored in the channel structures 1. The rails 3 prevent an abutment of the end faces of the containers 4 on the walls of the channel structures 1. Both ends of each channel structure 1 are closed up by a waterand air-tight door 6 (FIG. 4). The door 6 can be made, for instance, of cast steel. It provides a protection against radiation and heat insulation, so that the channel structures are also protected against freezing.

The pipe stones 2 can be formed as prefabricated concrete elements. Upon assembly of the pipe stones 2, their butt joints are sealed against water and against gases.

The channel structures 1 are arranged between substantially vertical shafts 7 and 8. At least the shaft 8 is of such a width that vehicles can be moved in. FIG. 2 discloses a lifting vehicle 9 used for becking the containers 4. The shaft 8 has in addition a feeding ramp. The outer shafts 7 serve the purpose to feed the containers 4 into the channel structures 1. It is, therefore, an es sential requirement that they are equipped for such feeding. It sufiices, for instance, to lower from above a container 4 into the shaft 7 by means of a lifting vehicle, until the container 4 reaches a platform 10. While the door 6 is open, the containers 4 can then be rolled into the channel structures 1 without any difficulty.

Referring now to the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7, inclined channel structures 11 are provided which have, however, a circular cross-section. The pipes are formed of metal, concrete or artificial material. Each container 4 carries two rings 12, each of which is equipped with three rollers 13 (FIG. 8). The rollers 13 are freely rotatable about axes 14 disposed tangentially to the ring 12. The latter can be rigidly secured to the containers 4. This embodiment is preferred, if the containers 4 are to be used again frequently. If, however, the containers are used once only and are then discarded, it is advisable to provide loose rings 12 on the containers 4, which rings 12 are mounted on the containers 4 prior to their insertion into the channel structures 1 and the rings 12 engage the outer surface of the containers 4 by friction. Upon removal of the containers 4, the rings 12 are separated again and used for other containers.

The channel structures 11 have access openings at their outer ends in the end portions of the pipes, which access openings are in communication with the space above ground by vertical shafts 15. The latter can be closed up by doors 6 of the same type, as described in connection with the first embodiment. In order to insert and to remove the containers 4, a pulley block 16 is provided, which is suspended from a rail 18 disposed above head height and moves by means of a guide trolley 17. Instead of the trolley 17, it is also possible to provide a lifting vehicle 9 for lowering and lifting the containers 4.

In order to make possible the handling of a single container 4 always at the end of the channel structure 11 without disturbance by the other containers, rolling down in the channel structures 11, an arresting device is provided, which has two vertically displaceable rods or plates .19 and 20. If the container 4a, still in the channel struc- .container 4a can roll freely towards the left.

ture 11, is to be moved towards the left, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, upon removal of the container 4 suspended from the lifting vehicle 9, at first the arresting rod 20 is lowered down to an engagement with the outer faces of the container 4a. Then the rod 19 is lifted, so that the The rod 20 retains, thereby, the container 4b by engaging the left ring 12 of the container 4b. Then the rod 19 is lowered again and the rod 20 is lifted, so that all containers in the channel structure 11 can roll towards the left, until the container 4b abuts the arresting rod 19. A control box 21 is provided for an automatic operation of this lifting and lowering movement of the arresting rods 19 and 20.

Roofs 22 are provided for the protection of the access shafts 15 against precipitation, which roofs 22 are indicated by point-dotted lines in FIG. 6.

Referring now to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 9 and 10, the channel structure 23 is formed as a closed ring extending over 360. It is formed again of pipes of circular cross-section. The containers 4 are equipped, in the same manner as disclosed in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, with rings 12, which are equipped with rollers 13.

A driving device 24 is arranged for the advancement of all containers disposed in the annular channel structure 23. The driving device 24 has a continuous chain 25 from which a longitudinal runner runs in a recess of a wall of the annular channel structure 23. Conveyor claws 26 are secured to the chain 25, which conveyor claws 26 extend into the path of the containers 4 and which serve the purpose of advancing the containers 4. The chain 25 is driven by a motor 27, with an intermediate coupling and a gear transmission (not shown).

Since the chain 25 of the driving device 24 projects into a recess of the wall of the channel structure 23, yet the latter requires a total sealing, the entire driving device 24 is disposed in a sealed housing 29, which is accessible from the outside by means of a sealingly closing cover 30.

A rope or cable winch 28 serves the purpose of loading and unloading, respectively, which rope or cable winch 28 is suspended from a rail 18 above head height by means of a trolley. The access shaft 15 is closed again by a cover 6 of the previously disclosed type. The driving device 24 causes a movement of the containers 5 by means of its conveyor claws 26 such, that the containers are moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10. As many containers 4 are inserted into the annular channel structure 23 until the channel structure 23 is completely filled up. If then one container 4 is moved in the direction of the arrow into the annular channel structure 23 by means of the driving device 24, all containers 4 are advanced Within the channel structure 23 and until the first inserted container appears again in the access opening. It is, thus, possible to provide a continuous control or checking in the simplest manner, since the steps for the insertion of a container to be stored and the re moval of another container coincide with each other. If, as an exception, at first insufficient quantities of radioactive contaminated substances are available for filling of the entire annular channel structure 23, the remaining portion of the channel structure 23 is filled with empty containers 4. These can be particularly marked, so that they can run through during a checking procedure, until the first filled container appears again.

In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the containers are of cylindrical configuration and are advanced in lying position either crosswise to the longitudinal axis or in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The containers can be moved, however, also in an upright position. This kind of conveying is of advantage, particularly for rectangular containers having a rectangular or square horizontal cross-section. In this case the channel structure has a rectangular open cross-section, which corresponds with the vertical cross-section of the containers.

For the conveyance, the containers are then equipped with a supporting set, which carries at least three rollers. If an annular channel structure of particularly small radius is used, it can be of advantage to equip the supporting set with swingable rollers or with balls functioning as rollers. The supporting set can be secured to the containers again either rigidly or removably.

In the case of an inclined arrangement of the channel structures, in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, it can be of advantage, in order to avoid long conveyance paths, to incline adjacent channels in opposite directions. During the control or checking it is then possible that one container, which is removed at the lower end of one channel structure, can be reinserted at the upper end of the adjacent channel structure.

If the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 is equipped with access openings provided at the ends thereof, it is possible to use a device rollable, for instance, on rails, to the access openings and crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the channel structures 1 for insertion and removal of the container 4. Such units can also be equipped with means providing protection against radiation.

While I have disclosed several embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that these embodiments are given by example only and not in a limiting sense, the scope of the present invention being determined by the objects and the claims.

I claim:

1. A unit for the temporary storing of containers containing radioactive contaminated substances comprising a waterand air-tight channel structure safe against radiation,

a plurality of rollable containers received in said channel structure,

said container being adapted to receive radioactive substances,

said channel structure having an inner width complementary to the cross-section of said containers across to the direction of rolling of said containers,

,means for moving said containers in said channel structure,

said containers being of cylindrical configuration and having at least two rings spaced apart from each other and surrounding the cylindrical outer surface of said containers,

at least three rollers angula'rly spaced apart from each other and rotatably mounted about axes disposed tangentially to said rings,

in order to permit rolling of said containers in lying position in the direction of the longitudinal axis of said cylindrical containers, and

said channel structure being buried in ground, in order to provide protection against radioactive radiation.

2. The unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel structure is inclined relative to an imaginary horizontal plane and has said access opening at each of the ends thereof, and

means for sealingly closing said access openings.

3. The unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel structure is inclined relative to an imaginary horizontal plane, and which includes arresting means for all of said containers except the last of said containers in said channel structure to be removed, and

said arresting means are disposed at the lower end of and adjacent said access opening of said channel structure.

4. The unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rings are removably secured to said containers.

5. The unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel structure includes walls and is of annular shape and has an access opening through said walls.

6. The unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said channel structure is disposed substantially horizontally, and

said means for moving said containers comprises a driving means causing the movement of said containers in said channel structure.

7. The unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said driving means comprises a continuous pulling member including two runs having conveyor-claws gripping said containers during the movement of said pulling member,

said channel structure has walls,

one of said walls has a recess extending in longitudinal direction of said channel structure, and

one of said runs of said pulling member operating in said recess.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 682,408 9/1901 Forslund 243-33 1,195,147 8/ 1916 Mitchell. 2,726,753 12/ 1955 Bee. 2,755,950 7/1956 Forshey 21416.4 X 2,900,146 8/1959 Hafner et a1. 243--1 X 2,970,413 2/ 1961 Miklosek.

FOREIGN PATENTS 726,154 5/1932 France.

GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner.

HUGO O. SCHULZ, Examiner.

R. B. JOHNSON, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A UNIT FOR THE TEMPORARY STORING OF CONTAINERS CONTAINING RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED SUBSTANCES COMPRISING A WATER- AND AIR-TIGHT CHANNEL STRUCTURE SAFE AGAINST RADIATION, A PLURALITY OF ROLLABLE CONTAINERS RECEIVED IN SAID CHANNEL STRUCTURE, SAID CONTAINER BEING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES, SAID CHANNEL STRUCTURE HAVING AN INNER WIDTH COMPLEMENTARY TO THE CROSS-SECTION OF SAID CONTAINERS ACROSS TO THE DIRECTION OF ROLLING OF SAID CONTAINERS, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CONTAINERS IN SAID CHANNEL STRUCTURE, SAID CONTAINERS BEING OF CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION AND HAVING AT LEAST TWO RINGS SPACED APART FROM EACH OTHER AND SURROUNDING THE CYLINDRICAL OUTER SURFACE OF SAID CONTAINERS, AT LEAST THREE ROLLERS ANGULARLY SPACED APART FROM ECH OTHER AND ROTATABLY MOUNTED ABOUT AXES DISPOSED TANGENTIALLY TO SAID RINGS, IN ORDER TO PERMIT ROLLING OF SAID CONTAINERS IN LYING POSITION IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF SAID CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERS, AND SAID CHANNEL STRUCTURE BEING BURIED IN GROUND, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST RADIOACTIVE RADIATION.