The POLLUX® cask was developed for the direct final storage of irradiated fuel elements in a salt formation. It could also be used for interim storage and transportation. The cask was designed to hold the fuel rods of up to 10 pressurized water reactor or up to 30 boiling water reactor fuel elements.
It consists of an inner cask made of fine structural steel, which holds the canisters with the fuel rods. An outer shielding cask made of cast iron with spheroidal graphite additionally reduces the gamma and neutron dose rate. The POLLUX® is sealed with a bolted primary cover and a welded secondary cover.