New Areva announced on 29 September that nuclear logistics subsidiary, Areva TN, is launching the NUHOMS Matrix advanced used nuclear fuel storage system, with improved capacity and performance.
Areva says NUHOMs ( nuclear horizontal modular storage) "addresses the challenges faced by its customers in storing used fuel safely, efficiently and competitively".
The system’s dry shielded storage canisters store used fuel in a horizontal position contained within a sturdy, low-profile, reinforced concrete structure, and can almost halve the footprint of on-site interim fuel storage facilities. The two-level horizontal and modular arrangement also reduces storage pad construction costs. The Matrix system can accommodate canisters of different sizes and can store "high burnup short cooled fuel". The system incorporates new features and devices that allow for a complete inspection of the canister without removing it from the module.
