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Gamma and Alpha Radiolysis of Salt Brines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

W. J. Gray  and
S. A. Simonson
W. J. Gray
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P. 0. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352.
S. A. Simonson
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P. 0. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352.
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Abstract

Gamma radiolysis of Permian Basin brine leads to equilibrium gas pressure of about 100 atm. at 75°C and about 40 atm. at 150°C, providing the gas space is very small and/or the total dose is very high. Dose rate dependence is being investigated but is not yet established. Alpha radiolysis of Permian Basin brine is still being evaluated, but it is clear that equilibrium gas pressures will be much higher than with gamma radiolysis. In addition, alpha radiolysis of brine results in a very high solution redox potential. Gas compositions in all cases have been about two parts H2 to one part O2. Efforts to simulate these results with computer models have been quite successful.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 44: Symposium N – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management VIII , 1984 , 623
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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References

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