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Modelling Deep Borehole Disposal of Higher Burn-up Spent Nuclear Fuels

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2012

Karl P. Travis ,
Fergus G. F. Gibb  and
Kevin W. Hesketh
Karl P. Travis
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
Fergus G. F. Gibb
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
Kevin W. Hesketh
Affiliation:
National Nuclear Laboratory, Chadwick House, Warrington Road, Birchwood Park, WA3 6AE, UK.
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Abstract

Higher burn-up (> 50 GWd/t) spent nuclear fuels (SNF) present problems for long-term management and disposal in mined repositories, principally because of their higher heat output. Here we present results from heat flow modeling of an alternative scheme for disposing of SNF - deep borehole disposal (DBD). We focus on how temperatures on the outer surface of the containers evolve, affect the melting and re-solidification of the high density support matrix (HDSM) and their consequences for the feasibility of this disposal concept. We conclude that not only is DBD a viable option for higher burn-up SNF, but it could be a practical disposal route for a range of combinations of SNF ages and number of fuel pins per container.

Type
Articles
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1475: Symposium NW – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXXV , 2012 , imrc11-1475-nw35-o21
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

REFERENCES

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