Fuel handling system, layout, and process for nuclear reactor

A method of storing irradiated core components, comprising:

• moving, by a bottom loading transfer cask, an irradiated core component to a location above a pool immersion cell, the pool immersion cell at least partially below a water level in a storage pool and in selective fluid communication with the storage pool;
• transferring the irradiated core component from the bottom loading transfer cask through a floor valve and into a dry portion of the pool immersion cell;
• removing, by blowing the irradiated core component with an inert gas, primary coolant from an exterior of the irradiated core component;
• increasing a moisture content in the inert gas;
• opening a cell isolation valve in a floor of the pool immersion cell and flooding the pool immersion cell and irradiated core component through the cell isolation valve with water from the storage pool;
• and
• lowering the irradiated core component through the cell isolation valve in the floor of the pool immersion cell and into the storage pool, the storage pool containing a pool of water.