No abstract

A comprehensive review of all applicable gas generation data resulting from the degradation of existing and potential forms of transuranic-contaminated wastes is presented. Extensive experimental studies have been performed under both realistic environmental conditions expected in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and over test conditions. Degradation mechanisms investigated were radiolysis, thermal decomposition and dewatering, bacterial action, and chemical corrosion. Waste matrices studied include cellulosics, plastics, rubbers, organic composite, concrete-TRU ash, asphalt, process sludges, and mild steel. Measured gas generation rates are presented in terms of gas moles/year/drum of waste and in G(gas) values for radiolysis. The effects of multiple variables on gas generation are also described.

SAND90-1974 Unlimited Release DE91 0 010 4 9 Distribution Category UC-721-5-from these tests and associated technical expertise are required by the WIPP Performanc_ Assessment (PA) program studies, and for the scientific benefit of the overall WIPP project. This Test Plan describes the necessary scientific and technical aspects, justifications, and rationale for successfully initiating and conducting the WIPP Bin-Scale CH TRU Waste Test program. This Test Plan is the controlling scientific design definition and overall requir_nent._ doct_nent for this WIPP in situ test _,as defined by Sandia National laboratories (SNL), scientific achrisorto the U.S. Depaztment of Energy, WIPP Project office (DOE/WPO). Many site er_ineering, operational, and safety requirements are also defined, as needed te support the conduct of this overall test program. There will be other parallel and supporting engineering design requirements and specifications, engineering work packages, standard operating procedures, safety procedures, waste handling and retrieval plans, and other necessary documentation, etc. Such services and documentation (not in this Test Plan) will be provided by the Westinghouse Waste Isolation Division (WID), thewipp _lagement and operating contractor. All of these documents and plans provide necessary support to the successful conduct of the scientific program as defined in this Test Plan. All such supporting commitments are summarized in Section 13.3. renepr_ will be conducted as a joint cooperative and interactive effort betwee_ SNL and WID. The overall test program will be directed by s_ia National I_boratori_g. The Test Plan clearly lays out the respective areas of test responsibility for both SNL 2uw/WID. The entire test program is being performed under,_theauspi_g of, and for the DOE/WPO. Considerable engJl_m_ring detail and scientific background information is included herein to provide an adequate, overall description of the complete test program. An interested reader will not, therefore, have to search in multiple documents for necessary, supplemental information. This Test Plan is not, however, intended to be a treatise on the topics of _rastedegradation and the overall impacts of resultant gas generation on the lor_j-termperformance and safety of the WIPP facility. Interpretations of test data not yet obtained will not be atte2pted in this document. The data from this bin-scale test program, a]xlthe subsequent interpretations thereof, are input information to the WIPP PA studies. Evaluations of te_stresults and their potentiai '

This report was prepared as an amount of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.

No abstract