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Depleted uranium as a backfill for nuclear fuel waste package

Patent ·
OSTI ID:871957
 [1]
  1. Oak Ridge, TN
+ Show Author Affiliations
A method for packaging spent nuclear fuel for long-term disposal in a geological repository. At least one spent nuclear fuel assembly is first placed in an unsealed waste package and a depleted uranium fill material is added to the waste package. The depleted uranium fill material comprises flowable particles having a size sufficient to substantially fill any voids in and around the assembly and contains isotopically-depleted uranium in the +4 valence state in an amount sufficient to inhibit dissolution of the spent nuclear fuel from the assembly into a surrounding medium and to lessen the potential for nuclear criticality inside the repository in the event of failure of the waste package. Last, the waste package is sealed, thereby substantially reducing the release of radionuclides into the surrounding medium, while simultaneously providing radiation shielding and increased structural integrity of the waste package.
Research Organization:
LOCKHEED MARTIN ENERGY RES COR
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 5832392
OSTI ID:
871957
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

DUSCOBS - a depleted-uranium silicate backfill for transport, storage, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel report November 1995

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