Dual-Purpose Canister Filling Demonstration Project Progress Report

Abstract

This report discusses the initial progress made at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to support direct disposal of dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) using filler materials to demonstrate that the probability of criticality in DPCs during disposal to be below the probability for inclusion in a repository performance assessment. In the initial phase of a multi-phase effort that will result in a full-scale demonstration, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to gauge the filling process and to uncover any unforeseen issues. The initial filling simulations of the lower region (mouse holes) of a prototypic DPC show successful removal of the inner space voids and smooth, even progression of the liquid level. In the initial phase, flow through a pipe that is similar to the drain pipe in a DPC will be investigated separately to gain valuable insight of flow regime inside a pipe. The initial experimental setups for validating the computational filling model have been designed, and the various assembly parts are being procured. The experience gained from the initial experiments will be applied to the next steps toward a full-scale demonstration and to the validation of multiphysics filling simulation models.

Insert Modeling in UNF ST&DARDS

“…DPCs are considered "dual purpose" because they are designed for both storage and transportation, removing the need to transfer the fuel to a separate transportation cask. However, much research has been conducted investigating the feasibility of directly disposing of DPCs in geologic repositories [2], [3], [4]. Direct disposal of DPCs could reduce worker exposure during repackaging, reducing the amount of low-level waste from the discarded DPCs and potentially saving billions of dollars [2].…”

“…However, much research has been conducted investigating the feasibility of directly disposing of DPCs in geologic repositories [2], [3], [4]. Direct disposal of DPCs could reduce worker exposure during repackaging, reducing the amount of low-level waste from the discarded DPCs and potentially saving billions of dollars [2]. Therefore, direct disposal of as-loaded DPCs is desirable if it can be done safely.…”