Robust-Multibarrier Waste Package Thermal Evaluation

by Thomas W. Doering, B&W Fuel Co, Las Vegas, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1993

Abstract:

One of the key issues to be addressed in developing a successful permanent radioactive waste storage concept is the thermal effect due to the spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The thermal output of the SNF affects the surrounding rock mass, water moisture, and chemistry of the rock for thousands of years. The Engineered Barrier System (EBS), as well as the near field, and far field temperature gradients also impact the performance of the Waste Package (WP). Thermal effects have been a major study area of the Mined Geological Disposal System (MGDS). In the past the project has concentrated primarily on borehole-emplaced waste packages. Borehole emplacement is restricted to relatively high local thermal loads with irregular near- and far-field thermal loads. This study evaluates the thermal behavior of a drift emplaced twenty-one pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel assembly capacity waste package. The results indicate that the local, near, and far field temperature gradients are more uniform. Also, the maximum internal waste package thermal goals were not exceeded. This study also reviewed different internal structural materials and showed that the internal SNF basket material and design is important to heat removal.

Subject Headings: Waste storage | Radioactive wastes | Waste management | Thermal loads | Fuels | Construction materials | Water storage

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