NF-PRO: An Integrated Project on key-processes and their couplings in the near-field of a repository for the geological disposal of vitrified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel

Alain Sneyers, Geert Volckaert

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    The near-field of a geological repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel plays a key role in ensuring the long-term safety of disposal: the principal function of the near-field is to contain radionuclides and to minimise/retard their release from the waste to the host rock. However, the near-field represents a complex environment consisting of various engineered barriers and repository components including the waste form, the waste canisters, backfills, seals, plugs and the disturbed zone of the host rock component. An in-depth understanding and quantification of the evolution of key processes, their couplings as well as their impact on transport from the waste packages to the near-field/geosphere boundary is fundamental to the assessment of the long-term safety of disposal. The paper gives an overview of the scope and the objectives of NF-PRO and discussed how results from detailed process investigations are applied in assesments of the overall near-field system performance.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationEngineered Barrier Systems (EBS) in the safety case: the role of modelling. Workshop proceedings
    Place of PublicationParis, France
    Pages55-60
    Volume1
    StatePublished - Mar 2007
    EventEngineered Barrier Systems (EBS) in the safety case: the role of modelling - AEN/NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency), La Coruña
    Duration: 24 Aug 200526 Aug 2005

    Conference

    ConferenceEngineered Barrier Systems (EBS) in the safety case: the role of modelling
    Country/TerritorySpain
    CityLa Coruña
    Period2005-08-242005-08-26

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