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Curing time effect on the fraction of {sup 137}Cs from immobilized radioactive evaporator sludge by cement

Conference ·
OSTI ID:21156482
;  [1]
  1. Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O.BOX 522, 11001 Belgrade (Serbia)
Available in abstract form only. Full text of publication follows: Traditional methods of processing evaporator concentrates from NPP are evaporation and cementation. These methods allow to transform a liquid radioactive waste into the rather inert form, suitable for a final disposal. To assess the safety for disposal of radioactive mortar-waste composition, the leaching of {sup 137}Cs from immobilized radioactive evaporator concentrate into a surrounding fluid has been studied. Leaching tests were carried out in accordance with a method recommended by IAEA. Curing conditions and curing time prior to commencing the leaching test are critically important in leach studies since the extent of hydration of the cement materials determines how much hydration product develops and whether it is available to block the pore network, thereby reducing leaching. Incremental leaching rates Rn(cm/d) of {sup 137}Cs from evaporator concentrates after 180 days were measured. The results presented in this paper are examples of results obtained in a 20-year concrete testing project which will influence the design of the engineer trenches system for future central Serbian radioactive waste storing center. (authors)
Research Organization:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990 (United States); Technological Institute of the Royal Flemish Society of Engineers (TI-K VIV), Het Ingenieurshuis, Desguinlei 214, 2018 Antwerp (Belgium); Belgian Nuclear Society (BNS) - ASBL-VZW, c/o SCK-CEN, Avenue Hermann Debrouxlaan, 40 - B-1160 Brussels (Belgium)
OSTI ID:
21156482
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English