Container Materials for the Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Waste

King, Fraser

doi:10.5006/0894

Cited by 72 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…In some repository concepts, metallic copper has been proposed as an outer corrosion resistant barrier on canisters containing the spent nuclear fuel678. As for the other barrier materials, studies of processes that have potential impact on the long-term integrity of the copper layer have been conducted both in laboratories and in the field under repository conditions9. A rather unique feature of the copper used in spent nuclear fuel canisters is that it will be exposed to ionizing radiation1011121314.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gamma radiation induces hydrogen absorption by copper in water

Lousada

Soroka

Yagodzinskyy

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

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One of the most intricate issues of nuclear power is the long-term safety of repositories for radioactive waste. These repositories can have an impact on future generations for a period of time orders of magnitude longer than any known civilization. Several countries have considered copper as an outer corrosion barrier for canisters containing spent nuclear fuel. Among the many processes that must be considered in the safety assessments, radiation induced processes constitute a key-component. Here we show that copper metal immersed in water uptakes considerable amounts of hydrogen when exposed to γ-radiation. Additionally we show that the amount of hydrogen absorbed by copper depends on the total dose of radiation. At a dose of 69 kGy the uptake of hydrogen by metallic copper is 7 orders of magnitude higher than when the absorption is driven by H2(g) at a pressure of 1 atm in a non-irradiated dry system. Moreover, irradiation of copper in water causes corrosion of the metal and the formation of a variety of surface cavities, nanoparticle deposits, and islands of needle-shaped crystals. Hence, radiation enhanced uptake of hydrogen by spent nuclear fuel encapsulating materials should be taken into account in the safety assessments of nuclear waste repositories.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gamma radiation induces hydrogen absorption by copper in water

Lousada

Soroka

Yagodzinskyy

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…At present, packaging material selection for geological disposal is different in variety countries because of different geological conditions. In short, current candidates for waste container material of the canister are carbon steel, cast iron, titanium, stainless steel, Hastelloy alloy, copper and copper alloys [5]. Owing to carbon steel has the characteristics of easy processing, low manufacturing cost, and can effectively contain nuclear waste for a long time, many countries (such as South Korea, Switzerland, Spain, etc.)…”

Section: Effects Of Anions On Corrosion Behaviour Of Carbon Steel In mentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of anions on corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in simulated groundwater in China

Pang

Gao

2017

Corrosion Engineering, Science and Technology

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Carbon steel is a candidate material for the disposal container of high-level nuclear waste in a deep geological repository in China, which will be subject to general corrosion and localised attack. In this work, the effects of Cl − , SO 4 2-and CO 3 2− concentrations on the general corrosion and crevice corrosion of carbon steel were studied by immersion tests and electrochemical measurements. The results show that Cl − promotes general corrosion, while SO 4 2− and CO 3 2− inhibit general corrosion. In a single ion solution, SO 4 2− is the most obvious in promoting the crevice corrosion, which is different from the result of carbon steel in groundwater solution. Cl − , rather than SO 4 2− , dominates the crevice corrosion process of carbon steel in groundwater solution.ARTICLE HISTORY

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“…53 54 Understanding the rates and mechanisms of concrete biodegradation provide a means to predict 55 the fate of existing structures given specific environmental conditions. Microbial degradation of 56 concrete has been difficult to assess over long time intervals due to the adaptability of microbial 57 species and the resilience of mixed microbial populations (King, 2013). This review is meant to 58 provide a general overview regarding microbial contributing factors to concrete biodegradation as 59 well as a guide for designing future structures that minimize the potential of microbial activities 60 contributing to concrete biodegradation.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of concrete biodeterioration in relation to nuclear waste

Turick

Berry

2016

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

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Storage of radioactive waste in concrete structures is a means of containing wastes and related radionuclides generated from nuclear operations in many countries. Previous efforts related to microbial impacts on concrete structures that are used to contain radioactive waste showed that microbial activity can play a significant role in the process of concrete degradation and ultimately structural deterioration. This literature review examines the research in this field and is focused on specific parameters that are applicable to modeling and prediction of the fate of concrete structures used to store or dispose of radioactive waste. Rates of concrete biodegradation vary with the environmental conditions, illustrating a need to understand the bioavailability of key compounds involved in microbial activity. Specific parameters require pH and osmotic pressure to be within a certain range to allow for microbial growth as well as the availability and abundance of energy sources such as components involved in sulfur, iron and nitrogen oxidation. Carbon flow and availability are also factors to consider in predicting concrete biodegradation. The microbial contribution to degradation of the concrete structures containing radioactive waste is a constant possibility. The rate and degree of concrete biodegradation is dependent on numerous physical, chemical and biological parameters. Parameters to focus on for modeling activities and possible options for mitigation that would minimize concrete biodegradation are discussed and include key conditions that drive microbial activity on concrete surfaces.

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Container Materials for the Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Waste

Cited by 72 publications

References 49 publications

Gamma radiation induces hydrogen absorption by copper in water

Gamma radiation induces hydrogen absorption by copper in water

Effects of anions on corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in simulated groundwater in China

Review of concrete biodeterioration in relation to nuclear waste

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