Processes and parameters involved in modeling radionuclide transport from bedded salt repositories. Final report. Technical memorandum
The parameters necessary to model radionuclide transport in salt beds are identified and described. A proposed plan for disposal of the radioactive wastes generated by nuclear power plants is to store waste canisters in repository sites contained in stable salt formations approximately 600 meters below the ground surface. Among the principal radioactive wastes contained in these canisters will be radioactive isotopes of neptunium, americium, uranium, and plutonium along with many highly radioactive fission products. A concern with this form of waste disposal is the possibility of ground-water flow occurring in the salt beds and endangering water supplies and the public health. Specifically, the research investigated the processes involved in the movement of radioactive wastes from the repository site by groundwater flow. Since the radioactive waste canisters also generate heat, temperature is an important factor. Among the processes affecting movement of radioactive wastes from a repository site in a salt bed are thermal conduction, groundwater movement, ion exchange, radioactive decay, dissolution and precipitation of salt, dispersion and diffusion, adsorption, and thermomigration. In addition, structural changes in the salt beds as a result of temperature changes are important. Based upon the half-lives of the radioactive wastes, he period of concern is on the order of a million years. As a result, major geologic phenomena that could affect both the salt bed and groundwater flow in the salt beds was considered. These phenomena include items such as volcanism, faulting, erosion, glaciation, and the impact of meteorites. CDM reviewed all of the critical processes involved in regional groundwater movement of radioactive wastes and identified and described the parameters that must be included to mathematically model their behavior. In addition, CDM briefly reviewed available echniques to measure these parameters.
- Research Organization:
- Camp Dresser and McKee, Boston, MA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5887164
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-15095; TRN: 79-021332
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GROUND WATER
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
SALT DEPOSITS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ADSORPTION
DIFFUSION
DISSOLUTION
ION EXCHANGE
PRECIPITATION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MANAGEMENT
MASS TRANSFER
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage
054000 - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety
520301 - Environment
Aquatic- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Water- (1987)