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Equilibrium Leach Testing of Intermediate Level Waste

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2011

W Heafield ,
P Barlow  and
A Hunt
W Heafield
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels pic, Warrhcton, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK
P Barlow
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels pic, Warrhcton, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK
A Hunt
Affiliation:
British Nuclear Fuels pic, Warrhcton, Cheshire, WA3 6AS, UK
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Abstract

Experiments examining the leach characteristics of encapsulated Intermediate Level Wastes in repository near-field conditions have been undertaken in the UK since 1982. The Equilibrium Leach Test was developed in order to provide a realistic static leach test for the measurement of equilibrium concentrations and chemical states of individual nuclides within a particular waste, or combination of wastes, and the components of the near-field barriers of a repository, after water has ingressed into the system. The significant components of the near-field ie waste material, waste matrix and repository backfill are equilibrated with water under static conditions.

Results illustrate the high degree of protection afforded by the near-field, which under repository conditions will be complemented by the additional protection of the far-field and the biosphere. Analytical results show that a cement based matrix and cementitious backfill provide the lowest radionuclide concentrations, for long lived radionuclides.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 127: Symposium BERLIN – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XII , 1988 , 709
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

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References

REFERENCES

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