Fuel element container for transporting and/or storing nuclear reactor fuel elements

The container consists of cast iron with spheroidal graphite for transporting and/or storing irradiated fuel elements. The front opening is closed so as to be gastight by a lid. In order to be able to weld the container after the lid is fitted, without any subsequent heat treatment being necessary, a ring made of material which can be cold welded is melted on the end of the container forming the opening when casting it via a connecting section. After loading it, the ring can be cold welded to a lid with a similar structure. (orig.)