Shielding material

If an accident has occurred, e.g. in a nuclear power plant, the source of radiation is surrounded by empty and light containers which subsequently have to be filled pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically with shielding material by means of remote-controlled conveyer elements. Upon each layer of such containers further layers are piled depending on the position of the source of radiation. In order to stabilize the piles each container bottom may be shaped like a groove enclosing the top side of the container below. For shielding material granulated material or spheres coated with plastics or highly non-abrasive material are suitable, the granulated material or the spheres themselves consisting of depleted uranium. (DG)