To estimate the lifetime of vitrified high level waste (HLW-glass) in Boom Clay disposal conditions, the dissolution behaviour of waste glass has been studied with experiments performed in surface laboratories and in the HADES underground research facility of SCK·CEN since 1980. We present the main topics and first results of the SCK·CEN programme 2000–2003. This programme focuses on the following items: (1) the diffusion/sorption/precipitation of silica in Boom clay or backfill clay, (2) demonstration of glass dissolution behaviour in realistic test conditions, (3) the effect of presaturation of the clay with silica, and (4) the estimation of near field concentrations of critical isotopes. The experiments have shown so far that Si, released by the glass, is effectively immobilized by Boom Clay, but it can nevertheless diffuse into the clay without immediately precipitating. The dissolution rate of glass SON68 and SM539 is determined in Boom Clay at in situ density and at 30°C (this is the long-term temperature expected near the waste glass packages in a Boom Clay repository). The dissolution rates, based on glass mass losses, are constant during the first year, at ∼ 0.010 g.m−2.day−1 for glass SON68 and ∼ 0.012 g.m−2.day−1 for glass SM539. The addition of glass frit causes a decrease of the glass dissolution rate, both with glass SON68 and SM539, and both in Boom Clay and in FoCa-clay. In FoCa-clay at high density with glass frit, the dissolution rates, based on glass mass losses, after 8 months at 30°C are ∼ 0.001 g.m−2.day−1 (SM539) and ∼0.005 g.m−2.day−1 (SON68). Because the experiments performed in Boom Clay and FoCa-clay with glass frit simulate realistic conditions (high clay density, low temperature), they can be used to estimate the maximum glass dissolution rate in a (Boom) clay repository. The corresponding minimum lifetime of a glass canister, calculated with the SCK·CEN code for lifetime predictions, is of the order of 105 to 106 years, if we neglect the internal glass surface area (due to cracking). In more diluted clay suspensions with glass frit, the glass dissolution rate is 10−4 to 10−5 g.m−2.day−1 or even zero. This would correspond to a lifetime of >>106 years. So far, there is no indication that the addition of glass frit leads to secondary phase formation at low temperature (30–40°C). Leach experiments with doped glasses SON68 and SM539 suggest that the maximum concentrations of most critical radionuclides in near field conditions are lower than the best estimate solubilities used for performance assessment studies in Boom Clay. For Se, relatively high concentrations were measured, though. The research programme for the underground laboratory is not discussed.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2003 9th International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation
September 21–25, 2003
Oxford, England
Conference Sponsors:
- Nuclear Engineering Division and Environmental Engineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-3732-7
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Measurement of Glass Corrosion in Boom Clay Disposal Conditions: First Results of the Experimental Programme 2000-2003 of SCK•CEN Available to Purchase
Piere Van Iseghem
Piere Van Iseghem
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Search for other works by this author on:
Karel Lemmens
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Marc Aertsens
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Ve´ra Pirlet
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Norbert Maes
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Hugo Moors
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Piere Van Iseghem
SCK•CEN, Brussels, Belgium
Paper No:
ICEM2003-4774, pp. 1257-1264; 8 pages
Published Online:
February 24, 2009
Citation
Lemmens, K, Aertsens, M, Pirlet, V, Maes, N, Moors, H, & Van Iseghem, P. "Measurement of Glass Corrosion in Boom Clay Disposal Conditions: First Results of the Experimental Programme 2000-2003 of SCK•CEN." Proceedings of the ASME 2003 9th International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation. 9th ASME International Conference on Radioactive Waste Management and Environmental Remediation: Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Oxford, England. September 21–25, 2003. pp. 1257-1264. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/ICEM2003-4774
Download citation file:
11
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
INCONEL® Alloy 783: An Oxidation-Resistant, Low Expansion Superalloy for Gas Turbine Applications
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power (April,1998)
Structural Integrity of a Standpipe Component in a Petrochemical Catalytic Cracking Unit: Part 2—Assessment of Embrittlement Effects
J. Eng. Mater. Technol (July,2000)
Strains in Aluminum-Adhesive-Ceramic Trilayers
J. Electron. Packag (December,1990)
Related Chapters
Radial Delayed Hydride Cracking in Irradiated Zircaloy-2 Cladding: Advanced Characterization Techniques
Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry: 20th International Symposium
The Nuclear and Related Industry
Decommissioning Handbook
Surface Analysis and Tools
Tribology of Mechanical Systems: A Guide to Present and Future Technologies