Comparing elemental measurements at packaging and after storage for signatures of chloride salt radiolysis
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
Radiolysis of hydrated alkaline earth chloride salts by alpha radiation from plutonium produces the chloride containing gases HCl and Cl2. These gases are known to diffuse out of the plutonium-containing material and contribute to corrosion outside of the convenience container. The alkaline earth elements remain with the plutonium-containing material as oxides or hydroxides. The amount of chlorine within the material after storage will be reduced compared to the amount at packaging. The fraction of the alkaline earth elements that are soluble after storage will be reduced compared to the amount at packaging. These signatures may be observable by comparing the chemical analysis measurements made at packaging and after storage. Comparison of measurements on a single Hanford container shows that the chloride does decrease and the alkaline earth elements have reduced solubility in water. Differences seen with other elements make conclusions difficult.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)
- DOE Contract Number:
- 89233218CNA000001
- OSTI ID:
- 1813826
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-21-28122
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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