February 15, 2024
Report

Sensitivity of Spent Fuel Temperatures to Variable Canister Backfills

Abstract

This report describes thermal modeling done to understand the effects of a hypothetical loss of backfill to a spent fuel storage canister. A NAC MAGNASTOR system was analyzed using STAR-CCM+ and COBRA-SFS at various heat loads, helium pressures, and air environments. When helium was lost later in life the results showed no safety impact to the thermal performance of the cask system and fuel cladding. However, there were other results of interest from this study. The potential to detect helium leaks using external temperature measurement was considered and found to be a potential area for future technology development. The other major result of interest was the significant change in flow velocities with an air environment. This data will be useful in understanding the potential impacts of a breached canister.

Published: February 15, 2024

Citation

Grant C.L., C.F. Campbell, and D.J. Richmond. 2021. Sensitivity of Spent Fuel Temperatures to Variable Canister Backfills Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.