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The Role of Laboratory Analog Experiments in Assessing the Performance of Waste Package Materials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

James C. Cunnane  and
John K. Bates
James C. Cunnane
Affiliation:
Chemical Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439-4837
John K. Bates
Affiliation:
Chemical Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439-4837
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Abstract

There is an immediate need to begin to validate models that can be used for assessing the performance of waste package materials in an unsaturated repository environment. This paper examines available testing information and testing approaches that could support validation of models for engineering barrier system (EBS) radionuclide release. The content is presented in the context of the general methodology that has been proposed for validating performance assessment models [1], Available experimental observations are used to test some of the EBS release rate modeling premises. These observations include evidence of fluid film formation on waste glass surfaces in isothermal humid environments, accelerated waste glass reaction rates under repository service conditions of large glass surface area to water volume ratio, and mobilization of radionuclides as solutes and colloids. It is concluded that some important modeling premises may not be consistent with available experimental Information. However, it is also concluded that future laboratory testing, which simulates the Integrated waste package system (i.e., laboratory analog testing), is needed to evaluate the significance of these Inconsistencies and to test the system level models. A small-scale apparatus which was developed and tested to examine the feasibility of laboratory analog testing for the unsaturated Yucca Mountain repository environment is described.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 212: Symposium P – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XIV , 1990 , 885
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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References

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