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Geological repository systems for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste
Edited by J Ahn, University of California, Berkeley and M J Apted, INTERA Inc., USA
Woodhead Energy Series No. 9
An unprecedented book reviewing every technologically important element of the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle.
Dr. A Suzuki, Nuclear Safety Commission, Japan
Provides an urgently needed worldwide overview on the disposal of radioactive waste.
Prof. em. Dr.-Ing Kühn, GSF and Clausthal University of Technology, Germany
A very valuable and useful work, since in addition to scientific and technological issues, the book draws attention to the critical role of independent regulatory review and social engagement, which are vital to the successful implementation of geological repository systems.
Dr Tero Varjoranta, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, STUK, Finland
- critically reviews the state-of-the-art technologies, scientific methods, regulatory developments, and social engagement approaches related to the implementation of geological repository systems
- chapters introduce geological disposal and review the development of disposal concepts
- examines long-term stability analysis, the range of engineered barrier systems and barrier performance
- provides an overview of the essential regulatory and social approaches for the establishment of geological disposal programs
Geological disposal has been internationally adopted as the most effective approach to assure the long-term, safe disposition of the used nuclear fuels and radioactive waste materials produced from nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons programs, medical, treatments, and industrial applications. Geological repository systems take advantage of natural geological barriers augmented with engineered barrier systems to isolate these radioactive materials from the environment and from future populations.
Geological repository systems for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste critically reviews the state-of-the-art technologies, scientific methods, regulatory developments, and social engagement approaches directly related to the implementation of geological repository systems.
Part one introduces geological disposal, including multiple-barrier geological repositories, as well as reviewing the impact of nuclear fuel recycling practices and underground research laboratory activities on the development of disposal concepts. Part two reviews geological repository siting in different host rocks, including long-term stability analysis and radionuclide transport modelling. Reviews of the range of engineered barrier systems, including waste immobilisation technologies, container materials, low pH concretes, clay-based buffer and backfill materials, and barrier performance are presented in Part three. Part four examines total system performance assessment and safety analyses for deep geological and near-surface disposal, with coverage of uncertainty analysis, use of expert judgement for decision making, and development and use of knowledge management systems. Finally, Part five covers regulatory and social approaches for the establishment of geological disposal programs, from the development of radiation standards and risk-informed, performance-based regulations, to environmental monitoring and social engagement in the siting and operation of repositories.
With its distinguished international team of contributors, Geological repository systems for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste is a standard reference for all nuclear waste management and geological repository professionals and researchers.
ISBN 1 84569 542 9
ISBN-13: 978 1 84569 542 2
July 2010
792 pages 234 x 156mm hardback
£180.00 / US$305.00 / €225.00
Usually dispatched within 24 hours
About the editors
Professor Joonhong Ahn is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Dr Michael J. Apted is a Principal Scientist at INTERA Inc., USA.
Both are internationally noted for their research into multi-barrier geological repository systems, with particular emphasis on performance and safety assessments.
Titles which may also be of interest:
Advanced separation techniques for nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste treatment
Understanding and mitigating ageing in nuclear power plants
Techniques for corrosion monitoring
Nuclear fuel cycle science and engineering
Radionuclide behaviour in the natural environment
Contents
PART 1 INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUELS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE
PART 2 GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS: CHARACTERISATION, SITE SURVEYING AND CONSTRUCTION
PART 3 ENGINEERED BARRIER SYSTEMS FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORIES: CONTAINMENT MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
PART 4 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, EXPERT JUDGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS
PART 5 RADIATION PROTECTION, REGULATORY METHODOLOGIES ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS
PART 1 INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUELS AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE
Multiple-barrier geological repository design and operation strategies for safe disposal of radioactive materials
M Apted, INTERA Inc. and J Ahn, University of California, Berkeley, USA
- Introduction
- Multiple-barrier geological repository for radioactive materials
- Basic disposal strategies for radioactive materials
- Containment of radioactive materials
- Constraints on concentration of radioactive materials
- Summary
- References
Spent nuclear fuel recycling practices, technologies, and impact on geological repository systems
M S Y Chu, M S Chu & Associates, LLC, USA
- Background and introduction
- Current spent nuclear fuel reprocessing technologies
- Advanced spent nuclear fuel recycling technologies
- Impacts of spent nuclear fuel recycling on geologic disposal
- Future trends
- References
Near-surface, intermediate depth and borehole disposal of low-level and short-lived intermediate-level radioactive waste
I G Crossland, Crossland Consulting, UK
- Introduction
- Outline of the sections
- Safety requirements for near-surface disposal
- Safety of disposal facilities
- Styles of near-surface disposal
- Designing for safety
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Appendix
- References
Underground research facilities and rock laboratories for the development of geological disposal concepts and repository systems
I Blechschmidt and S Vomvoris, National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste – NAGRA, Switzerland
- Introduction
- Types of URLs and their role in the staged development of geologic repositories
- Planning and designing an underground research facility: basic considerations
- Public outreach and the role of URLs as training platforms
- Case studies
- Future trends
- References
PART 2 GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS: CHARACTERISATION, SITE SURVEYING AND CONSTRUCTION
Crystalline geological repository systems: characterisation, site surveying and construction technologies and techniques
A J Hooper, Alan Hooper Consulting Ltd, UK
- Introduction
- Lithologies
- Geological structure
- Rock mechanics and geotechnical properties
- Hydrogeology
- Geochemistry
- Radionuclide transport
- Disturbance by excavation or waste emplacement
- Stability
- Feasibility of construction
- Future trends
- Sources of further information
- References
Clay geological repository systems: characterisation and site surveying technologies and techniques
J Delay, National Radioactive Waste Management Agency, France
- Foreword
- Specific features of a clay site survey
- Survey tools
- Survey strategy
- Technologies
- Drilling
- Underground structures surveys
- Core lab analysis
- Integration of results
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References
Assessing the long-term stability of geological environments for safe disposal of radioactive waste
K J Wilson and K R Berryman, GNS Science, New Zealand
- Introduction
- Long-term volcano-tectonic stability issues for safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Geochemical stability issues for safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Potential climate change issues for safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Using geological, geophysical and geochemical techniques for quantifying stability for safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Modelling long-term stability for safe disposal of radioactive waste
- Future trends
- Summary
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References
Far-field process analysis and radionuclide transport modelling in geological repository systems
M Mazurek, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Framework
- Transport and retardation in argillaceous sedimentary formations
- Transport and retardation in crystalline-basement environments
- Quantifying radionuclide transport: two case studies
- Emerging trends
- References
PART 3 ENGINEERED BARRIER SYSTEMS FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORIES: CONTAINMENT MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
Immobilisation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for safe disposal in geological repository systems
E R Vance and B D Begg, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Australia
- Generation of high-level waste from nuclear fuel
- Historical waste form development for processing
- Candidate waste forms and disposition schemes
- Inert matrix fuels
- Geological disposal
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgements
- References
Development and application of low-pH concretes for structural purposes in geological repository systems
M C Alonso, J L García Calvo and A Hidalgo, Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences, Spain and L Fernández Luco, INTECIN-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Introduction
- Functional cementitious material requirements for geological disposal
- Design and properties of low-pH cements
- Development and production of low-pH concretes: shotcrete plug application
- Long-term durability
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Development and application of smectitic buffer and backfill materials in geological repository systems
R Pusch, SWECO AB/Geodevelopment International AB, Sweden
- Introduction
- Types, properties and fabrication of buffer
- Design and performance of the buffer
- Types, properties and fabrication of backfill
- Long-term performance
- References
Near-field processes, evolution and performance assessment in geological repository systems
W Zhou, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and R Arthur, INTERA Inc., USA
- Introduction
- Near-field component: engineered barrier systems (EBS)
- Near-field component: host rock
- Summary description of near-field containment and isolation
- Overview of near-field process modelling
- Future trends in near-field analysis
- References
Nuclear waste canister materials, corrosion behaviour and long-term performance in geological repository systems
F King, Integrity Corrosion Consulting Ltd, and D Shoesmith, University of Western Ontario, Canada
- Introduction
- Environmental aspects important for nuclear waste canister performance
- Selection of nuclear waste canister materials
- Corrosion behaviour of candidate nuclear waste canister materials
- Long-term performance of nuclear waste canisters
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Post-containment performance of geological repository systems: source-term release and radionuclide migration in the near- and far-field environments
C Poinssot and C Fillet, CEA, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, France; J-M Gras, JMG Consulting, France
- Introduction
- Waste form degradation
- Long-term nuclear glass performance
- Long-term behaviour of spent nuclear fuel (SNF)
- Brief overview of long and intermediate level waste (L/ILW) performance
- Conclusion on the relative performance of different waste forms
- Radionuclide fate after release
- Role of aqueous chemical processes in defining the relevant aqueous chemical species
- Significance of retention processes as a net retardations effect
- Coupling with transport processes
- Summary of the behaviour of the main radionuclides
- Conclusion
- References
PART 4 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, EXPERT JUDGEMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS
Safety assessment for deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in geological repository systems
P N Swift, Sandia National Laboratories, USA
- Introduction
- Goals of a safety assessment
- Steps in a typical safety assessment
- Acknowledging uncertainty in a safety assessment
- Applications of safety assessment
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References
Safety assessment for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste
M W Kozak, INTERA Inc., USA
- Introduction
- Definition and performance measures for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste
- Key issues and development of safety assessment for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste
- Safety assessment methodology for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste
- Application of safety assessment for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Treatment of uncertainty in performance assessment for the geological disposal of radioactive waste
J C Helton, Arizona State University and C J Sallaberry, Sandia National Laboratories, USA
- Introduction
- Conceptual structure of a performance assessment of geological repository systems
- Propagation of uncertainty
- Computational design of a performance assessment
- Sensitivity analysis of geological repository systems
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- References
Assessment of expert judgments for safety analyses and performance assessment of geologic repository systems
K E Jenni, Insight Decisions and A van Luik, U.S. Department of Energy, USA
- Introduction
- Quantifying uncertainties for decision analysis
- Biases in judgments and the development of formal probability elicitation protocols
- Assessments with multiple experts
- Aggregating assessments from multiple experts
- Degrees of rigor and formality in assessing expert judgments
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgments
- References
Application of knowledge management systems for safe geological disposal of radioactive waste
H Umeki, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and H Takase, Quintessa K.K, Japan
- Introduction
- Knowledge management: Definitions and nomenclature
- Disposal programme structures and knowledge flows
- Identification of critical problems and development of solutions
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) knowledge management system (KMS): Basic concepts
- JAEA KMS: demonstration of application to safety case development
- Assessment of knowledge engineering and advance information technology
- Constructing and visualizing safety case arguments for geological disposal of radioactive waste
- Compiling, synthesising and organising knowledge
- Facilitation of communication, multi-disciplinary collaboration and efficient use of resources
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- Acknowledgements
- References
PART 5 RADIATION PROTECTION, REGULATORY METHODOLOGIES ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SYSTEMS
Radiation protection principles and development of standards for geological repository systems
M Jensen, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, Sweden
- Introduction
- Understanding safety of geological disposal
- Dose and/or risk in geological repository systems
- Probability and risk in geological repository systems
- Assessment of probability for scenarios
- Time scales in geological repository systems
- Optimization and best available technology (BAT) in geological repository systems
- Future trends
- References
Development of risk-informed, performance-based regulations for geological repository systems
T McCartin and J Kotra, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and G Wittmeyer, Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses, USA
- Introduction
- Regulatory Principles and methodologies for safe geological disposal
- Development and application of methodologies
- Future Trends
- References
Environmental monitoring programs and public engagement for siting and operation of geological repository systems: Experience at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
J Conca and T Kirchner, New Mexico State University, USA
- Introduction
- History of salt and site selection of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
- History and current status of CEMRC
- Survey of factors related to contaminant exposure and perceptions of environmental risks in the region around Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
- Internal dosimetry and whole body monitoring of area citizens
- Air monitoring of geological repository systems
- Future trends
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgments
- References
Methods for social dialogue in the establishment of radioactive waste management programs
K Andersson, Karita Research AB, Sweden
- Introduction
- The emergence of participation in nuclear waste management
- Rationales for participation in nuclear waste management programs
- The Swedish dialogue and transparency process
- Public participation processes in nuclear waste management programs
- The context of social dialogue in nuclear waste management programs
- Conclusions
- References