Ageing and radiolytic gas generation in Eurobitum bituminised radioactive waste: Topical report – status 2014

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Abstract

The bitumen in Eurobitum bituminised radioactive waste is subject to continuous alpha/beta/gamma irradiation. This results in (1) important ageing of the waste matrix, especially in the presence of oxygen, and (2) the generation of radiolysis gases, with hydrogen (H2) being the most important one. In this report, we discuss for these two processes the underlying mechanisms and the consequences for the safety during interim storage and final disposal. In addition, realistic values are proposed for the H2 generation yield due to alpha/beta/gamma irradiation of Eurobitum. Combining these values with the time evolution of the absorbed dose allows to calculate the evolution of the volumes of H2 produced for drums with average and maximum radioactivity.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherSCK CEN
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2017

Publication series

NameSCK•CEN Reports
PublisherStudiecentrum voor Kernenergie
No.ER-0268

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