Apparatus for holding radioactive objects

An apparatus for holding radioactive objects, comprising:

• a base;
• a central pillar extending upwardly between a bottom end coupled to the base and a top end above the base;
• a plurality of inner segments spaced around the central pillar;
• and
• a plurality of outer segments spaced around the inner segments to form pairs,
• wherein the inner segments, the outer segments and the central pillar are coupled together to permit limited radial movement of at least one of the segments of each pair,
• wherein each pair defines a generally vertical, object-receiving channel arranged between the inner and outer segment of the pair,
• wherein the segments of each pair are adapted to bear against an object in the channel of the pair to laterally restrain the object and facilitate heat transfer from the object, and
• wherein the channels are connected by a first annular space that extends around the central pillar between the inner segments and the outer segments.