How can nuclear fuel be stored and shipped in 55 gallon metal drums?
Unspent (fresh) nuclear fuel is primarily composed of Uranium-235 and Uranium-238. Because it has not yet undergone fission inside a nuclear reactor, it is only mildly radioactive and emits very little actual energy. It is perfectly safe to stand next to it or handle it with gloves.
In fact, a standard can of gasoline is significantly more dangerous to an average person than a certified 55-gallon drum of unspent nuclear fuel.
While the word “nuclear” may sound scary, the physical and chemical properties of gasoline make it a much higher immediate hazard in everyday environments.
Fuel out the door for our partners at
@Radiant.
TRISO from Standard Nuclear, loaded and en route. 🇺🇸