NRC Locks In Nuke Cask Upgrades: Plates, Loads, and Code Approved
Published Date: 7/29/2025
Rule
Summary
The NRC updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using TN Americas’ NUHOMS EOS system by adding Amendment No. 4. This update brings new ways to load fuel, adds a steel plate option, and improves safety checks with new software. These changes help make storage safer and clearer, affecting operators now with no extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New loading rules and heat limits
If you operate a NUHOMS EOS dry spent fuel storage system under Certificate of Compliance No. 1042, Amendment No. 4 adds a method to determine new fuel loading patterns, changes how the MX-Loading Crane is used, and clarifies when maximum heat loads can be reduced. These changes are meant to make loading and heat-limit decisions clearer and safer for operators.
New steel plate composite option
Amendment No. 4 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1042 allows a steel plate composite option for the NUHOMS EOS system. This gives operators and suppliers an additional approved construction/material choice when building or maintaining storage components.
Approved MAVRIC software for dose checks
Amendment No. 4 authorizes use of MAVRIC software for a confirmatory run of HSM-MX dose rates in the NUHOMS EOS system under Certificate of Compliance No. 1042. Operators can use this approved software tool as part of their safety confirmation process.
Materials, exposures, and spec clarifications
Amendment No. 4 to Certificate of Compliance No. 1042 adds measured exposures from past loading campaigns, allows use of a blended Portland cement, and makes technical-specification and editorial clarifications to the final safety analysis report. These documentation and material clarifications support clearer compliance and construction choices for system users.
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