Integrated modeling and experimental programs to predict brine and gas flow at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
Evaluation of the performance of the WIPP repository involves modeling of brine and gas flow in the host rocks of the Salado Formation, which consist of halite and anhydrite interbeds. Numerous physical, chemical, and structural processes, must be understood to perform this modeling. Gas generation within the repository is strongly coupled to the amount of brine inflow to the repository because brine aids in the corrosion of metals and associated generation of hydrogen gas. Increasing gas pressure in the repository decreases the rate of brine inflow. Ultimately, the gas pressure may exceed the brine pressure and gas may flow out of the repository. Relative-permeability curves and a correlation between threshold pressure and permeability taken from studies reported in the literature were used in PA models prior to being experimentally verified as appropriate for WIPP. In addition, interbed permeabilities were treated as constant and independent of effective stress in early models. Subsequently, the process of interbed fracturing (or fracture dilation) was recognized to limit gas pressures in the repository to values below lithostatic, and assumed (and unverified) relationships between porosity, permeability, and pore pressure were employed. Parameter-sensitivity studies performed using the simplified models identified important parameters for which site-specific data were needed. Unrealistic modeling results, such as room pressures substantially above lithostatic, showed the need to include additional processes in the models. Field and laboratory experimental programs have been initiated in conjunction with continued model development to provide information on important processes and parameters.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 10116109
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-94-0599C; CONF-941053-1; ON: DE95005425; TRN: 95:001522
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International symposium on validation through model testing with experiments,Paris (France),11-14 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1995]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
WIPP
PERFORMANCE
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
BRINES
FLOW MODELS
HALITE
FRACTURING
PERMEABILITY
ANHYDRITE
VAPOR GENERATORS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
GAS FLOW
052002
WASTE DISPOSAL AND STORAGE