Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

3 – High Level Long-Lived WasteFigure 3.2.7Non-alloy steel container used as overdrum for 1800-litre concrete containersThe weight of the packages varies from 2.7 metric tons to 6.8 metric tons. The number of thesepackages is still low (180 in total). As with the previous subset, potential production of hydrogen byradiolysis of the organic matter and matrix water also needs to be considered. It is important to notethat these packages do not release radiation; they can therefore be handled with operators present.A fourth subset of packages, manufactured by the CEA, comprises drums of filtration sludges (stillbeing produced) or of cemented evaporation concentrates (production stopped), conditioned in 500-litre concrete containers (see Figure 3.2.8). As things currently stand, this packaging process is takenas the reference hypothesis for the drums produced at the CEA Valduc centre containing eithersludges, concentrates or a mixture of cemented sludges and concentrates. It should be noted that theuse of mortar to immobilise waste drums in concrete containers was stopped 1996.The weight of the finished packages varies from 770 to 920 metric tons.As with the waste referred to in Paragraph 3.2.1.2 (bituminised sludge), these packages differ from theother technological waste packages by the chemical nature of the conditioned waste, especially thepresence of salts. Once again, potential production of hydrogen by radiolysis of the matrix water has tobe considered. These packages, like those of the previous subset, do not release radiation.Figure 3.2.8500-litre concrete containerDOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM82/495