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Transient and Steady-State Radionuclide Transport Through Penetrations in Nuclear Waste Containers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

P. L. Chambre ,
W. W.-L. Lee ,
C. L. Kim  and
T. H. Pigford
P. L. Chambre
Affiliation:
Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
W. W.-L. Lee
Affiliation:
Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
C. L. Kim
Affiliation:
Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
T. H. Pigford
Affiliation:
Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
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Abstract

In this paper we analyze the transport of radionuclides through penetrations in nuclear waste containers. Penetrations may result from corrosion or cracks and may occur in the original container material, in degraded or corroded material, or in deposits of corrosion products. We do not consider how these penetrations occur or the characteristics of expected penetrations in waste containers. We are concerned only with the analytical formulation and solutions of equations to predict rates of mass transfer through penetrations of specified size and geometry. Expressions for the diffusive mass transfer rates through apertures are presented. We present numerical illustrations for steady-state mass-transfer rates through a circular hole, including concentration isopleths. The results are extended to multiple holes, including a criterion for hole spacing wherein superposition of single-hole solutions can be used. Results illustrated for holes in thin-walled containers show that significant mass transfer can occur even if a small fraction of the container area is perforated. We also illustrate the case of holes facing a water gap, instead of being in intimate contact with porous rock. In this case the radionuclide flux from many small holes approaches that from a bare waste cylinder.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 84: Symposium L – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management X , 1986 , 131
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1987

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References

1. U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Geologic Repositories”, Title 10, Code of Federal Regulation, Part 60, 1983.Google Scholar
2. Chambré, P. L., Lee, W. W.-L., Kim, C. L., and Pigford, T. H., “Steady-State and Transient Radionuclide Transport Through Penetrations in Nuclear Waste Containers,” Report UCB-NE-4084, LBL-21806, July 1986, 37 pages.Google Scholar
3. Rae, J., “Leaks from Circular Holes in Intermediate-Level Waste Canisters”, AERE-R.11631, 1985.Google Scholar
4. Chambré, P. L., Pigford, T. H., Sato, Y., Fujita, A., Lung, H., Zavoshy, S., Kobayashi, R., “Analytical Performance Models”, LBL-14842, 1982, 411 pages.Google Scholar