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

Waste disposal by shale fracturing at ORNL

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6242546

The shale fracturing process is a method of waste disposal currently in use at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the permanent disposal of certain locally generated radioactive waste solutions. In this process, the waste solution is mixed with a solids blend of cement and other additives; the resulting grout is then injected into an impermeable shale formation at a depth of 200 to 300 m. The grout sets a few hours after completion of the injection, fixing the radioactive waste in the shale formation. The operational experience with this process since 1966 and the monitoring techniques that have been developed are discussed. A description of a new facility being built and the preliminary-site proof test that was required are given.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
Not Available; USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6242546
Report Number(s):
CONF-790711-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English