A compact retrieval system without moving parts was designed to lift and transport residuals in storage tanks to a higher elevation. The key component of the retrieval system, a curve reverse flow diverter (CRFD) with a vortex diode, was machined into a stainless steel disk to enable the entire system to be compact. The compact retrieval system can be installed in storage tanks through an existing narrow mounting hole. The pumping performance of the retrieval system was examined in terms of the effects of curve reverse flow diverter configurations, lift height, compression pressure, and suction pressure. Results reveal that the vortex diode with higher swirl resistance does not enhance the pumping capacity of the retrieval system. The pumping capacity of the retrieval system increased with increasing compression pressure and decreased with increasing lift height and suction pressure. During the compression phase of the retrieval system, the empty factor q_c was found to be linear with the Euler number E_u . The compact retrieval system can resolve the difficulty to retrieve high-level radioactive residuals in storage tanks without radioactive leak and frequent maintenance.