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Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Moist Air Systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Donald T. Reed  and
Richard A. Van Konynenburg
Donald T. Reed
Affiliation:
Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439
Richard A. Van Konynenburg
Affiliation:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P. 0. Box 808, Livermore, CA 94550
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Abstract

The radiation chemistry of nitrogen/oxygen/water systems is reviewed. General radiolytic effects in dry nitrogen/oxygen systems are relatively well characterized. Irradiation results in the formation of steady state concentrations of ozone, nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide. In closed systems, the concentration observed depends on the total dose, temperature and initial gas composition. Only three studies have been published that focus on the radiation chemistry of nitrogen/oxygen/water homogeneous gas systems. Mixed phase work that is relevant to the gaseous system is also summarized. The presence of water vapor results in the formation of nitric acid and significantly changes the chemistry observed in dry air systems. Mechanistic evidence from the studies reviewed are summarized and discussed in relation to characterizing the gas phase during the containment period of a repository in tuff.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 112: Symposium P – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XI , 1987 , 393
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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