Laboratory research on tailings stabilization methods and their effectiveness in radiation containment. [Uranium, reduction of radon exhalation]
This report describes a study of various methods, techniques, and materials for stabilizing uranium mill tailings to reduce radon exhalation. Radon emanation from tailings particles, radon exhalation from tailings, and methods that could be used to reduce radon exhalation from tailings piles are discussed. Surface radon flux and soil gas concentrations were measured in experiment chambers or columns consisting of uranium tailings and various types and thicknesses of cover materials. The applicability of diffusion theory was examined and effective diffusion coefficients were determined for clay, soil, and sand. The variation of radon flux with atmospheric effects and moisture also was investigated. The effectiveness of several types of chemical stabilizers for both volumetric and surface application in reducing radon exhalation is reported. Some volumetric stabilizers reduced radon flux by 90 percent or more. Radon flux was determined through the use of charcoal gas mask canisters, and flux accumulation chambers sampled by Lucas cells. Both of these techniques are described. Soil gas concentration was sampled with Lucas cells and counted with a sodium iodide scintillation spectrometer system. Emanating power of uranium tailings was measured for several particle sizes and found to be relatively constant at about 20 percent. Two types of grasses were found that would grow in tailings if sufficient water and fertilizer were provided. The effect of vegetation on radon exhalation was not determined.
- Research Organization:
- Ford, Bacon and Davis Utah, Inc., Salt Lake City (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-13-1658
- OSTI ID:
- 6882542
- Report Number(s):
- GJT-21; TRN: 78-013654
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GRASS
CONTAMINATION
MILL TAILINGS
STABILIZATION
RADON
EXHALATION
SOILS
AIR POLLUTION
CHARCOAL
CLAYS
DIFFUSION
LUCAS PROCESS
PARTICLES
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATION PROTECTION
SAND
URANIUM
ACTINIDES
ADSORBENTS
BIOMASS
CLEARANCE
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
EXCRETION
METALS
MINERALS
NONMETALS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
RARE GASES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLID WASTES
WASTES
500300* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510300 - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)