scholarly journals Development of a Gas-Generation Model for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

1993 ◽  
Vol 333 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Brush ◽  
J. W. Garner ◽  
L. J. Storz
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Electron Acceptor ◽  
Microbial Degradation ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cementitious Materials ◽  
Generation Model ◽  
Gas Generation ◽  
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant ◽  
Design Basis

ABSTRACTDesign-basis transuranic (TRU) waste to be emplaced in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in southeastern New Mexico may generate significant quantities of gas, which may affect the performance of the WIPP with respect to regulations for radioactive and/or chemically hazardous waste constituents. We are developing a model to predict gas generation in WIPP disposal rooms during and after filling and sealing. Currently, the model includes: (1) oxic and anoxic corrosion of steels and other Fe-base alloys, including passivation and depassivation; (2) microbial degradation of cellulosics with O2, NO3-, FeO(OH) , SO42-, or CO2as the electron acceptor; (3) α radiolysis of brine; (4) consumption of CO2and, perhaps, H2S by Ca(OH)2(in cementitious materials) and CaO (a potential backfill additive). The code simulates these processes and interactions among them by converting reactants (steels, cellulosics, etc.) to gases and other products at experimentally observed or estimated rates and plotting temporal reaction paths in three-dimensional phase diagrams for solids in the Fe-H2O-CO2-H2-H2S system.

Laboratory Studies of Gas Generation for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

1992 ◽  
Vol 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Brush ◽  
M. A. Molecke ◽  
R. E. Westerman ◽  
A. J. Francis ◽  
J. B. Gillow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Gas Generation ◽  
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant ◽  
Design Basis ◽  
Transuranic Waste

ABSTRACTThe design-basis, defense-related, transuranic waste to be emplaced in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant may, if sufficient H2O, nutrients, and viable microorganisms are present, generate significant quantities of gas in the repository after filling and sealing. We summarize recent results of laboratory studies of anoxic corrosion and microbial activity, the most potentially significant processes. We also discuss possible implications for the repository gas budget.

Preliminary Results of Laboratory Studies of Repository Chemistry for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

1990 ◽  
Vol 212 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. H. Brush ◽  
D. Grbic-Galic ◽  
D. T. Reed ◽  
X. Tong ◽  
R. H. Vreeland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Microbial Degradation ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Lithostatic Pressure ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant ◽  
Waste Gas ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Design Basis

ABSTRACTThe design-basis, defense-related, transuranic (TRU) waste to be emplaced in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) could, if sufficient H2O and nutrients were present, produce as much as 1,500 moles of gas per drum of waste. Gas production could pressurize the repository to lithostatic pressure (150 atm) and perhaps higher.Anoxic corrosion of Fe and Fe-base alloys and microbial degradation of cellulosics are the processes of greatest concern, but radiolysis of brine could also be important. The proposed backfill additives CaC03, CaO, CuSO4, KOH, and NaOH may remove or prevent the production of some of the expected gases. We describe these processes and present preliminary results of laboratory studies of anoxic corrosion and microbial activity.

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