Comparative study of radioactive waste emplacement configurations
Technical Report
·
OSTI ID:59600
This study is an evaluation of the self-shielded package and the vertical and horizontal waste emplacement methods. The study suggests a preferred emplacement configuration and identifies the configuration`s engineering problems requiring resolution. This study was conducted before September 1983 and used data and assumptions appropriate to that time. Subsequent data may change some results and conclusions in the future. The selection of a preferred waste emplacement method is based on estimates of dependability, safety, and cost effectiveness. The factors evaluated according to these characteristics are the waste package design, analysis of thermal and structural conditions within the repository, emplacement and retrieval operations, repository mining and ventilation, and sealing of the repository. This study indicates that each waste emplacement method has strong points when compared to the others. The three methods differ primarily because of the length and volume of the drifts, heat flow from the waste into open ventilated drifts, the time required for waste emplacement or retrieval, and the extent to which available technology can be applied to the mining and repository operation. Based on this analysis, horizontal emplacement is the preferred method because it requires the least mining, has the lowest ventilation requirements during emplacement and retrieval, and requires the least time for waste emplacement. There are uncertainties associated with horizontal borehole drilling and with the emplacement and retrieval of canisters. Prototype equipment for horizontal drilling, for lining the borehole, and for emplacing and retrieving the waste packages should be developed and tested to resolve these uncertainties.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States); Los Alamos Technical Associates, Inc., NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 59600
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--83-1884; ON: DE86001144
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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