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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Milestone 1.2.13: Preliminary Measurements of Radiolytic Nitric Acid Formation to Support Predictive Model Validation

S&T Accomplishment Report ·
OSTI ID:2293501

Predictive computational models have been developed to support the technical basis for extended dry storage of aluminum-clad spent nuclear fuel (ASNF) in helium-backfilled cannisters. To date, these models have been optimized on a variety of irradiation experiments designed to elucidate the radiation-induced formation of molecular hydrogen gas, a radiolysis product that is potentially problematic for the safe storage of ASNF. However, the yield of nitric acid (HNO3) has not been determined, despite conservative predictions of its formation (300–4000 ppm) in 1% residual air environments irradiated in contact with ASNF. HNO3, another problematic radiolysis product, can lead to enhanced corrosion and potentially compromise storage canister integrity. Thus, to support the validation of predictive computer models, we report the measurement and quantification of HNO3 from the gamma irradiation of aluminum alloy coupons in humid air.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
26
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
2293501
Report Number(s):
INL/RPT-23-73873-Rev000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English