The Importance of Variables and Parameters in Radiolytic Chemical Kinetics Modeling

1988 ◽  
Vol 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Piepho ◽  
P. J. Turner ◽  
P. W. Reimus
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Kinetics ◽  
Rate Constants ◽  
Transient Species ◽  
Geologic Repository ◽  
Species Concentration ◽  
Waste Package ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTRadiolysis may significantly affect the long-term performance of nuclear waste packages in a geologic repository. Radiolysis of available moisture and air in an unsaturated or saturated environment will create transient species that can significantly change the pH and/or Eh of the available moisture. These changes can influence rates of containment corrosion, waste form dissolution, and radionuclide solubilities and transport.Many of the pertinent radiochemical reactions are not completely understood, and most of the associated rate constants are poorly characterized. To help identify the important radiochemical reactions, rate constants, species, and environmental conditions, an importance theory code, SWATS (Sensitivity With Adjoint Theory-Sparse version)-LOOPCHEM, has been developed for the radiolytic chemical kinetics model in the radiolysis code LOOPCHEM. The LOOPCHEM code calculates the concentrations of various species in a radiolytic field over time. The SWATS-LOOPCHEM code efficiently calculates: 1) the importance (relative to a defined response of interest) of each species concentration over time, 2) the sensitivity of each parameter of interest, and 3) the importance of each equation in the radiolysis model. The calculated results will be used to guide future experimental and modeling work for determining the importance of radiolysis on waste package performance. A demonstration (the importance of selected concentrations and the sensitivities of selected parameters) of the SWATS-LOOPCHEM code is provided for illustrative purposes, and no attempt is made at this time to interpret the results for waste package performance assessment purposes.

The reinforcement effect of vegetation on live cribwalls

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Gonzalez Ollauri ◽  
Slobodan Mickovski ◽  
Rohinton Emmanuel ◽  
Albert Sorolla Edo
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Empirical Knowledge ◽  
Reinforcement Effect ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Over Time

<p>Live cribwalls are Nature-based solutions consisting of timber-based structures acting as retention walls at the toe of slopes and embankments subjected to instability and erosion events. The structure of live cribwalls resembles a multi-level crib made of timber logs from different plant species (e.g. pine, spruce, hazelnut, etc.). The crib structure is then backfilled with earth materials in which locally-available plant cuttings and/or saplings are inserted to establish a dense cover of native vegetation, providing added reinforcement and stability to the cribwall over time; particularly after the complete decay of the timber structure is reached. However, the effect of vegetation on the reinforcement of live cribwalls has not been examined systematically. Information on how vegetation can contribute to reinforce cribwalls hydrologically and mechanically is essential to evaluate the long-term performance of these Nature-based solutions against hydro-meteorological hazards. In this study, we propose a novel conceptual, numerical model based on empirical knowledge to evaluate the reinforcement effect of vegetation on live cribwalls over time. We also demonstrate how the proposed model can be applied to other Nature-based solutions concerned with slope protection and erosion control, such as live gratings or palisades.</p>

Prediction of Bearing Lifetime Demands by Considering the Bridge Design and Location Parameters

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minesh K. Patel ◽  
Georgios P. Balomenos
Keyword(s):  
Bridge Design ◽  
Traffic Loading ◽  
Location Parameters ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Long Term Behavior ◽  
Bridge Bearings ◽  
Bearing Behavior ◽  
Over Time

<p>The <span>long-term performance and safety of bridges is of paramount importance. Researchers have placed significant focus on the degradation and deterioration of bridge materials such as steel and concrete, but significantly less is known about the long-term behavior of bridge bearings. Uncertainty in the bearing behavior over time leads to challenges about when the bearings should be inspected and potentially replaced. However, bearing demands vary greatly based on the design of the bridge (e.g. differences in bridge material, girder type, span, height, and location). This paper finds trends in lifetime bearing demands from seismic, thermal, and traffic loading when the bridge design and location parameters are considered. These results can be used to identify which of the parameters have the greatest influence on the lifetime bearing demands which can then be used, in turn, to evaluate bearing long-term performance.</span></p>

Pond and wetland treatment

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.H. Kadlec
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Dependence ◽  
Rate Constants ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
First Order ◽  
Loading Rates ◽  
Wetland Treatment ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Wetlands are in use as adjuncts to wastewater treatment lagoons at many north temperate locations. Performance data for 21 systems show median removals of 67, 61, 61, 48 and 99.8% for TSS, BOD, NH4-N, TP and fecal coliforms, respectively. Hydraulic loading rates range from 0.14 to 55 cm/d, areas from 0.02 to 200 ha, and latitudes from 30 to 54°N. Calibrations of first order models with temperature dependence show that rate constants vary from seasonal dependence at low loadings to temperature dependence at high loadings for ammonia. Phosphorus rate constants display seasonal, not temperature effects. BOD and TSS are not affected by season. Wetland rate constants are larger than those for lagoons for all constituents. The optimal winter operating strategy, if hydraulics allow, is partial storage during frozen months, coupled with winter use of the wetlands. The use of FWS wetlands for polishing lagoon effluents is cost effective when land availability is not drastically constrained. Many systems have been in operation long enough to demonstrate sustainable long-term performance. Infiltration beds are potentially a valuable addition to ponds and wetlands.

scholarly journals NNWSI Waste Form Performance Test Development

1984 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Bates ◽  
Thomas J. Gerding
Keyword(s):  
Performance Test ◽  
Test Development ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Waste Form ◽  
Analog Test ◽  
Waste Package ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

AbstractA test method has been developed to measure the release of radionuclides from the waste package under simulated NNWSI repository conditions, and to provide information concerning materials interactions that may occur in the repository. Data from 13 weeks of unsaturated testing are discussed and compared to that from a 13 week analog test. The data indicate that the waste form test is capable of producing consistent, reproducible results that will be useful in evaluating the role of the waste package in the long-term performance of the repository.

Development, Application and Validation Of Models for Waste Package Long-Term Performance; Current Trends

1986 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars O. Werme ◽  
Bernd Grambow
Keyword(s):  
Spent Nuclear Fuel ◽  
Near Field ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Waste Package ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Waste Forms ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Development Application

AbstractCurrent trends in modelling waste package performance are reviewed mainly from the perspective of the Swedish SKB studies. Examples are given, which illustrate the approaches for modelling different waste forms, i.e. HLW glass and spent nuclear fuel, and candidate canister materials, such as copper and steel. The relative importance of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and near-field transport are discussed.

Doe Progress in Assessing the Long Term Performance of Waste Package Materials

1986 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Berusch ◽  
E. Gause
Keyword(s):  
Site Characterization ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Level Waste ◽  
Design Studies ◽  
Waste Package ◽  
License Application ◽  
High Level ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Summary:Each of the projects has made significant progress toward the eventual operation of a repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in the United States. Although much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. For example, the Site Characterization Plans for BWIP and NNWSI are nearing completion to be followed by initiation of site characterization activities. The Site Characterization Plan for the selected salt site is scheduled for completion later in 1987. Waste package advanced conceptual design studies are currently scheduled to begin at each project before the end of FY 1987. These efforts will lead to selections of concepts to be detailed in the license application design phase. Compliance with the NRC criteria that require long-term waste package performance will be demonstrated by DOE by performing all of the aforementioned activities. In doing so, the DOE will also be assured that its plan for the safe disposal of high-level waste will be satisfactorily implemented.

The National Research Council, Study of the Isolation System for Geologic Disposal of Radioactive Wastes

1983 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Pigford
Keyword(s):  
Individual Dose ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Geologic Repository ◽  
Isolation System ◽  
Waste Forms ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Environmental Releases

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted for the U. S. Department of Energy by the Waste Isolation Systems Panel appointed by the National Academies of Science and Engineering. The panel was charged to review the alternative technologies available for Isolating of radioactive waste in mined geologic repositories, evaluate the performance benefits from these technologles as potential elements of a waste Isolation system, and identify appropriate technical criteria for satisfactory long-term performance of a geologic repository. Conceptual repositories in basalt, granite, salt, and tuff were considered. Site-specific data on geology, hydrology, and geochemical properties were evaluated and used to define parameters for estimating long-term environmental releases, supplemented when necessary by generic properties.The technology for solid waste forms and waste packages was reviewed and evaluated. Borosilicate glass and unreprocessed spent fuel are the waste forms appropriate for further testing and for repository designs. Testing in a simulated repository environment is necessary to develop an adeauate prediction of the long term performance of waste packages in a geologic repository. Back-up research and development on alternative waste forms should be continued. The expected functions of backfill placed between the rock and waste package need clearer definition and validation.The overall criterion to be used by federal agencies in designing a geologic waste-isolation system and in evaluating its nerformance has not yet been specified. As a guideline, the panel selected an average annual dose of 10-4 sieverts to a maximally exposed individual at any future time, if the exposure is from expected events such as the slow dissolution of waste solids in wet-rock repositories and the groundwater transport of dissolved radionuclides to the biosphere. Risks from unexpected events such as human intrusion were not evaluated.Calculations were made of the long-term isolation and environmental releases for conceptual repositories in basalt, granite, salt, and tuff. The major contributors to geologic isolation are the slow dissolution of key radioelements as limited by solubility and by diffusion and convection in groundwater surrounding the waste solids, long water travel times from the waste to the environment, and sorption retardation in the media surrounding the repository. Dilution by surface water can reduce the individual radiation exposures that can result from the small fraction of the waste radioactivity that may ultimately reach the environment. Estimates of environmental releases and individual doses were made both for unreprocessed spent fuel and for reprocessing wastes.Accelerated dissolution of waste exposed to groundwater during the period of repository heating was also considered. Long-term environmental releases of radioactivity from some repositories were calculated to cause doses to maximally exposed individuals that are several orders of magnitude below the Individual dose criterion of 10-4 Sieverts per year. Other conceptual repositories were found to not meet the individual dose criterion, although these repositories could still meet the radioactivity release limits in the standard proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.The technology for geologic waste disposal has advanced to the state of a preliminary technical plan, suitable for testing, verification, and for pllot-facility confirmation. The waste Isolation program needs a reliable prediction of long-term performance that will serve as a basis for final design, construction, licensing, and waste emplacement.

scholarly journals Long-Term Performance of Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays and Intramuscular Electromyographic Leads Implanted Chronically in Human Arm Nerves and Muscles

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob A. George ◽  
David M. Page ◽  
Tyler S. Davis ◽  
Christopher C. Duncan ◽  
Douglas T. Hutchinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Receptive Field ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Electrode Arrays ◽  
Neural Recordings ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Recording Electrodes ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Field Location

AbstractObjectiveWe explore the long-term performance and stability of seven percutanous Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays (USEAs) and intramuscular recording leads (iEMGs) implanted chronically in the residual arm nerves and muscles of three human amputees as a means to permanently restore sensorimotor function after upper-limb.ApproachWe quantify the number of functional recording and functional stimulating electrodes over time. We also calculate the signal-to-noise ratio of USEA and iEMG recordings and quantify the stimulation amplitude necessary to evoke detectable sensory percepts. Furthermore, we quantify the consistency of the sensory modality, receptive field location, and receptive field size of USEA-evoked percepts.Main ResultsIn the most recent subject, involving USEAs with technical improvements, neural recordings persisted for 502 days (entire implant duration) and the number of functional recording electrodes for one USEA increased over time. However, for six out of seven USEAs the number of functional recording electrodes decreased within the first two months after implantation. The signal-to-noise ratio of neural recordings and electromyographic recordings stayed relatively consistent over time. Sensory percepts were consistently evoked over the span of 14 months, were not significantly different in size, and highlighted the nerves’ fascicular organization. The percentage of percepts with consistent modality or consistent receptive field location between sessions (~1 month apart) varied between 0–86.2% and 9.1–100%, respectively. Stimulation thresholds and electrode impedances increased initially but then remained relatively stable over time.SignificanceThis work demonstrates improved performance of USEAs, and provides a basis for comparing the longevity and stability of USEAs to that of other neural interfaces. Although USEAs provide a rich repertoire of neural recordings and sensory percepts, performance still generally declines over time. Future work should leverage the results presented here to further improve USEA design or to develop adaptive algorithms that can maintain a high level of performance.

scholarly journals Leachability and Microstructural Analysis of Clay and Lime Stabilized/Solidified Polluted Sediment – Long-Term Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Djurdja Kerkez ◽  
Dunja Radjenović ◽  
Dragana Tomašević Pilipović ◽  
Milena Bečelić-Tomin ◽  
Nataša Slijepčević ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Microstructural Analysis ◽  
Product Formation ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Polluted Sediment ◽  
German Standard ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
Over Time

The objective of this study is to enable a better understanding of the effectiveness of solidification/stabilization (S/S) technique in treating polluted sediment, and provide the much needed validation of the longevity of the technology. In this research kaolinite and montmorillonite, with a certain proportion of lime, were used for S/S treatment of sediment polluted with metals. Leachability of metals was examined using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and the German standard leaching test (DIN 3841-4 S4) prescribed in national legislative. Results indicated successful S/S treatment using both clays and lime, from the aspect of all leached metals even with pH variations over time and slight changes in structural integrity of specimens. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses and porosity measurement were also performed on the prepared monolithic matrices. XRD qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis proved hydration and pozzolanic product formation with increase in their content and finer crystallites formation over time. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of morphologically dense and stable structures while pore size distribution indicated on mesoporous matrices with ongoing compaction over time. Generally, structural microanalysis indicated the formation of hardened matrices over time and hydration process has been fully completed and further carbonation took place. Unconfined compressive strength measurement gave the satisfying results and matured monolite with 30 % of montmorillonite and 10 % of lime can be considered potentially applicable as non-load-bearing material. In summary, all results indicated that this kind of S/S treatment can achieve satisfactory durability and represent reliable and economically feasible technique for long-term remediation of metal polluted sediment.

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