NRC Finalizes MAGNASTOR Cask Safety Enhancements
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The NRC updated the rules for NAC International’s MAGNASTOR® spent fuel storage system with Amendment No. 15, adding new designs, improving safety features, and supporting more fuel types. This affects nuclear plant operators using these casks by allowing safer, more flexible storage and transport options. The changes take effect soon and don’t impact costs but boost efficiency and safety.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Lightweight Transfer Cask
Amendment No. 15 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031 adds a new variation of the Lightweight MAGNASTOR® Transfer Cask design. If you operate a facility that uses MAGNASTOR casks, this authorizes using that new lightweight transfer cask variation under the certificate.
New Concrete Cask Design Added
Amendment No. 15 adds a new concrete cask design to the MAGNASTOR® Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you use MAGNASTOR systems, the certificate now explicitly allows that new concrete cask design.
Higher System Head Load Capacity
Amendment No. 15 increases the maximum system head load capacity for the MAGNASTOR® system under Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you operate these systems, the certificate now allows higher head loads than before.
New Loading Patterns and Thermal Shunt
Amendment No. 15 adds new loading patterns and adds a thermal shunt for short loading patterns to the MAGNASTOR® system in Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you load fuel into MAGNASTOR canisters, these new patterns and the thermal shunt are now part of the approved configurations.
Removal of 5% Burnup Penalty
Amendment No. 15 removes the 5 percent burnup penalty from the MAGNASTOR® Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you operate MAGNASTOR systems, the certificate no longer applies that 5 percent burnup penalty.
Increased Passive Transfer Cask Heat Load
Amendment No. 15 increases the heat load allowed for the Passive MAGNASTOR® Transfer Cask under Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you use Passive MAGNASTOR transfer casks, the certificate now authorizes a higher heat load.
Adds Two PWR Fuel Types
Amendment No. 15 adds two new pressurized-water reactor (PWR) fuel types to Certificate of Compliance No. 1031 to support future operations. If your facility uses those PWR fuel types, the MAGNASTOR certificate now explicitly supports them.
Canister Lid Clearance Modified
Amendment No. 15 modifies the transportable storage canister lid to allow additional clearance near the top center of the basket under Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you handle these canisters, the approved lid design now permits that extra clearance.
Design, Procedures, and Acceptance Clarified
Amendment No. 15 corrects and clarifies principal design criteria, operating procedures, and the acceptance criteria and maintenance program in the MAGNASTOR® Certificate of Compliance No. 1031. If you operate or maintain MAGNASTOR systems, those criteria and procedures in the certificate are revised and clarified.
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