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U.S. Department of Energy
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Effects of heterogeneity on actinide diffusion rates in tuffaceous rock

Conference ·
OSTI ID:138119
The pore structure and mineralogy of Topopah Spring Tuff are heterogeneous on scales less than one cm. This heterogeneity creates spatial variation in transport rates for aqueous actinide species both on the scale of tenths of microns and the scale of mm. The volumetric distribution of fluid paths having very different tortuosity, and potentially differing surface mineralogy and sorptive properties, must be considered in order to provide realistic predictions of transport rates. In addition, size and speciation of actinides in solution must be characterized since coexisting species can diffuse at different rates through the porous material due to both filtration effects and differences in sorption onto exposed mineral surfaces. 11 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
138119
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JC--104754; CONF-910435--86; ON: DE91013491
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English