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Release of radon contaminants from Yucca Mountain: The role of buoyancy driven flow

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/69193· OSTI ID:69193

The potential for the repository heat source to promote buoyancy driven flow and thereby cause release of radon gas out of Yucca Mountain has been examined through a critical review of the theoretical and experimental studies of this process. The review indicates that steady-state buoyancy enhanced release of natural radon and other contaminant gases should not be a major concern at Yucca Mountain. Barometric pumping and wind pumping are identified as two processes that will have a potentially greater effect on surface releases of gases.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
69193
Report Number(s):
BNL--52468; ON: DE95011521
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English