Subseabed Radioactive Waste Disposal Feasibility Program: Ocean Engineering Challenges for the 80's

Abstract

The objective of the Subseabed Disposal Program is to assess the feasibility of disposing of high-level radioactive wastes or spent fuel in suitable geologic formations beneath the deep ocean floor. The program is entering a phase which will address engineering feasibility. While the current phase of the program to determine the scientific and environmental feasibility of the concept is not yet complete, activities to assess the engineering aspects are being initiated in parallel to facilitate the developnent of the concept on a time scale cmmnsurate with other related programs both in the United States and abroad. It is anticipated that engineering aspects will kcom the central focus of the program during the early 80's and will continue so through the establishment of a pilot-plant level activity which could occur by the mid-90's.

Technology of high-level nuclear waste disposal. Advances in the science and engineering of the management of high-level nuclear wastes. Volume 1

“…In addition, programs are being developed at Sandia National Laboratories to evaluate the effects of radiation on near-field processes. Eventually the results of these experimental studies will be incorporated into computational models, such as the EQ3/6 software package (Wolery, 1979), to better quantify predictions of longterm near-field behavior. These predictions will, in turn, be tested during the In Situ Heat Transfer Experiment (ISHTE), described here.…”

“…The engineering studies that will be required by the SDP are discussed in greater detail by Talbert (1980).…”

“…The remainder discusses repository design concepts and canister emplacement options. Other aspects of the SDP (site studies, thermal and mechanical properties of sediments, biological and physical oceanography, transportation studies, and national and international legal, political, and social issues) are described in detail by the SDP principal investigators (Bishop, 1975;Talbert, 1976Talbert, , 1977Talbert, , 1979aTalbert, , 1979bTalbert, , 1981bHinga, 1981).…”