Depleted uranium oxides as spent-nuclear-fuel waste-package invert and backfill materials Page: 2 of 8
This article is part of the collection entitled: Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
DEPLETED URANIUM OXIDES AS SPENT-NUCLEAR- FUEL WASTE-PACKAGE
INVERT AND BACKFILL MATERIALS
C. W. Forsberg and M. J. Haire
ABSTRACT
A new technology has been proposed in which depleted uranium, in the form of oxides or silicates, is
placed around the outside of the spent nuclear fuel waste packages in the geological repository. This concept
may (1) reduce the potential for repository nuclear criticality events, and (2) reduce long-term release of
radionuclides from the repository. As a new concept, there are significant uncertainties.
1. INTRODUCTION
The use of depleted uranium (DU) compounds as a repository backfill material is proposed. A
description of the concept is provided. The mechanisms for use of DU backfill to (1) slow long-term
radionuclide release rates from waste packages (WPs) containing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and (2) reduce the
potential of long-term, external nuclear criticality in the repository are described. The major uncertainties are
defined as are the required development activities.
2. CONCEPT: APPLICATION TO A REPOSITORY
The basic concept is to backfill the space around the outside of the WP with DU in the form of oxides or
silicates. The concept can be implemented in several ways. The DU can be placed under the WP, over the
WP, or totally around the WP. The DU can be a free flowing material or packaged to minimize concerns
about DU dust. The DU (in appropriate chemical forms) can be incorporated into a Richard's barrier or other
barrier concepts.
3. REPOSITORY BENEFITS
3.1 REDUCTION OF RADIONUCLIDE RELEASE RATE FROM THE REPOSITORY
The expected repository failure mode is radionuclide migration to the open environment by (1) WP
failure, (2) leaching of SNF by water, (3) dissolution of radionuclides and generation of colloids, and
(4) transport of those radionuclides in dissolved or colloidal forms to the open environment. The use of DU
backfills may reduce radionuclide transport by reducing the groundwater dissolution of uranium compounds
from the SNF that contain fission products and actinides.1
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This article can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Article.
Forsberg, C.W. & Haire, M.J. Depleted uranium oxides as spent-nuclear-fuel waste-package invert and backfill materials, article, July 7, 1997; Tennessee. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc691444/m1/2/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.