Furfural-based polymers for the sealing of reactor vessels dumped in the Arctic Kara Sea
Between 1965 and 1988, 16 naval reactor vessels were dumped in the Arctic Kara Sea. Six of the vessels contained spent nuclear fuel that had been damaged during accidents. In addition, a container holding {approximately} 60% of the damaged fuel from the No. 2 reactor of the atomic icebreaker Lenin was dumped in 1967. Before dumping, the vessels were filled with a solidification agent, Conservant F, in order to prevent direct contact between the seawater and the fuel and other activated components, thereby reducing the potential for release of radionuclides into the environment. The key ingredient in Conservant F is furfural (furfuraldehyde). Other constituents vary, depending on specific property requirements, but include epoxy resin, mineral fillers, and hardening agents. In the liquid state (prior to polymerization) Conservant F is a low viscosity, homogeneous resin blend that provides long work times (6--9 hours). In the cured state, Conservant F provides resistance to water and radiation, has high adhesion properties, and results in minimal gas evolution. This paper discusses the properties of Conservant F in both its cured and uncured states and the potential performance of the waste packages containing spent nuclear fuel in the Arctic Kara Sea.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- U.S.E.P.A. (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 757138
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-67334; EW4040500; R&D Project: 5120; EW4040500; TRN: US0003370
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: RADOC1996, Cherbough-Octeiville (FR), 10/07/1996--10/11/1996; Other Information: PBD: 7 Oct 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FURFURAL
SEALING MATERIALS
PERFORMANCE
UNDERWATER
REACTOR VESSELS
NUCLEAR SHIPS
SPENT FUELS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
SOLIDIFICATION
WASTE FORMS
MARINE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL