Method and apparatus for the transportation and/or storage of radioactive and/or other hazardous materials

A container filled with granular matter, sand etc., is proposed by this patented method which makes the storage and/or transportation of radioactive or hazardous materials safer and less expensive than other methods. To fill or empty the container the granular matter (sand etc.) can be fluidized by compressed air and, the radioactive or hazardous materials, objects can be fixed and shielded by the same granular matter. The shortcomings of other methods are claimed to be eliminated by this method, namely, due to its greater heat capacity the proposed container is much more resistant to fire; its production is not so complicated and expensive; corrosion or production of explosive gases etc. are also eliminated. The handling of the apparatus (discussed in detail) is much more simple than that of the earlier types. (author)