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U.S. Department of Energy
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Reconsolidation of salt as applied to permanent seals for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10176069
 [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. RE/SPEC, Inc., Rapid City, SD (United States)

Reconsolidated salt is a fundamental component of the permanent seals for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. As regulations are currently understood and seal concepts envisioned, emplaced salt is the sole long-term seal component designed to prevent the shafts from becoming preferred pathways for rating gases or liquids. Studies under way in support of the sealing function of emplaced salt include laboratory testing of crushed salt small-scale in situ tests, constitutive modeling of crushed salt, calculations of the opening responses during operation and closure, and design practicalities including emplacement techniques. This paper briefly summarizes aspects of these efforts and key areas of future work.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
10176069
Report Number(s):
SAND--93-1348C; CONF-9309205--2; ON: DE93017494
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English