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Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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6.40<br />

Data Base Development. Development <strong>of</strong> an adequate data base would require the concep-<br />

tual design <strong>of</strong> one or more rock melt respositories. From these design bases, significant en-<br />

gineering features and critical geologic parameters could be identified. Similarly, the re-<br />

levant properties <strong>of</strong> the geologic media would have to be understood in the context <strong>of</strong> the<br />

rock melt concept. Also, properties <strong>of</strong> materials in the waste handling systems would have to<br />

be identified and evaluated to determine the ability <strong>of</strong> these materials to function in<br />

hostile environments.<br />

Laboratory-Scale Studies. To develop an understanding <strong>of</strong> rock melt mechanisms, exten-<br />

sive scale studies would need to be conducted. Specific areas <strong>of</strong> study should include:<br />

* Heat transfer and phase-change phenomena for various geologic media<br />

* <strong>Waste</strong>/rock interactions, particularly at elevated temperatures<br />

* Properties <strong>of</strong> the resolidified waste-rock matrix<br />

e Properties <strong>of</strong> engineering materials and their ability to function in the predicted<br />

environments<br />

* Studies <strong>of</strong> actual small scale rock melt systems in laboratory hot cells<br />

* Studies on the potential effects <strong>of</strong> criticality accidents.<br />

Model Development. Better understanding <strong>of</strong> rock melt interactions could be gained by ap-<br />

plying the data base to development <strong>of</strong> a predictive model covering heat transfer and related<br />

phenomena. The model could then be used for sensitivity analyses to determine the relative<br />

importance <strong>of</strong> various parameters and where research and development effort might best be ap-<br />

plied.<br />

Site Selection Methodology. From the systems modeling and other research tasks, it would<br />

be possible to identify those technological factors that would have to be considered in site<br />

selection. When site selection factors had been identified and evaluated, an optimal site<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ile could be determined to guide the selection process. Currently there is no methodo-<br />

logy for locating a site.<br />

Instrument Monitoring Techniques. Instrumentation for monitoring site selection and<br />

operational and postoperational phases <strong>of</strong> rock melt disposal would have to be identified and<br />

techniques for its use developed.<br />

Thermal Analysis and Rock Mechanics. The effects <strong>of</strong> the melting cycle on the integrity<br />

<strong>of</strong> geologic formations would need to be thoroughly studied. Such effects as thermal expan-<br />

sion and contraction, phase change, and hydrologic change before and after emplacement would<br />

have to be assessed.<br />

Pilot-Plant Studies. Laboratory and modeling studies should be complemented by a small-<br />

scale pilot-plant study involving actual emplacement <strong>of</strong> nuclear waste in rock. Such a study<br />

would be necessary to validate predictive methods and to assure that no vital factors had<br />

been overlooked prior to full-scale implementation <strong>of</strong> the concept.

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