Design and licensing of the VSC dry fuel storage system

Sierra Nuclear Corporation (SNC) has designed a 24 element PWR dry fuel storage system called the Ventilated Storage Cask (VSC-24). The VSC is a second generation fuel storage design that builds on previous experience and introduces simplified construction and handling features. The first cask of this type is going into service at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in the summer of 1992. A slightly smaller version of the cask, the VSC-17, was loaded with 17 consolidated fuel canisters (rods from 34 assemblies) and tested at the Idaho national Engineering Laboratory in 1990. This paper discusses the design and licensing of the VSC-24 cask. Particular emphasis will be given to addressing activities required to implement a storage cask under the new cask certification rule