Very deep hole systems engineering studies. [20,000 ft or less]
Very Deep Hole (VDH) Waste Isolation is an alternative to or an augmentation of the mined geologic repository (MGR) for high-level radioactive waste. This planning study of the VDH concept identifies the significant problem areas associated with a VDH system, identifies and discusses attributes of the VDH concept, narrows discussions to a reference VDH system, and provides preliminary estimates of costs and schedule, and an engineering program plan for VDH system and equipment development. For the reference VDH selected for this study, the nuclear waste is emplaced and disposed in 20-in. holes that are drilled by modified rotary rigs and at depths of 20,000 feet or less. The waste is to be contained within a repository zone of the host rock having low porosity, low hydraulic gradient, and low permeability, and the repository zone is not penetrated by any aquifer. Thus, the depth of emplacement and characteristics of the host rock provide isolation that would preclude unacceptable migration of radionuclides to the biosphere. The VDH concept is credible and the reference system is technically feasible, logical, practical, and achievable by the year 2000, with slight modification of present technology. In terms of costs, the reference VDH system compares favorably with costs for MGR system disposal in salt, granite, shale, and basalt. 130 references, 39 figures, 17 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Woodward-Clyde Consultants, San Francisco, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 5426788
- Report Number(s):
- BMI/ONWI-226; ON: DE84006105
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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A DEPTH OPTIMIZATION STUDY FOR GEOLOGIC ISOLATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
Related Subjects
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SPENT FUELS
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
BOREHOLES
COST
DEPTH 3-6 KM
ENGINEERING
CAVITIES
DEPTH
DIMENSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
NUCLEAR FUELS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REACTOR MATERIALS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage