Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Handling in Air Study

This CSNF handling study evaluates the handling of CSNF in air and packaging activities. It evaluates a facility design, further identifies the fuel performance issues, develops the consequences, and presents the operational considerations associated with the routine handling of CSNF in air. Emphasis is on the process of oxidation of
uranium dioxide fuel and additional oxidation-driven failure of fuel assembly cladding. Key
issues are identified, and plans to address these issues are proposed.
The study was performed by evaluating five key areas related to handling CSNF in air:
1. Design bases for handling fuel in air
2. Intact fuel cladding performance
3. Failed fuel (breached cladding) performance
4. Contamination and dose consequences associated with handling operations
5. Prevention, mitigation, and recovery actions.