Continuation of the Migration Experiments (Lab. and In-situ)

Objective

As the PAGIS (Performance Assessment of Geological Isolation Systems for Radioactive Waste) /1/ and PACOMA (Performance Assessment of COnfinements for Medium and Alpha Contaminated Waste) /2/ safety studies have indicated, the migration of the critical radionuclides in the Boom clay is one of the key factors in the overall HLW disposal concept in Belgium. For this reason this programme aims at identifying the relevant migration mechanisms and at quantifying the migration parameters for these radionuclides.

This programme, a continuation of ongoing research, involves both percolation/diffusion experiments in the laboratory and in situ (underground lab.).

Work programme:

1. Migration experiments in the laboratory
For a selected list of critical (14C, 99Tc, 135Cs, 237Np) and possibly critical radionuclides (79Se, 93Zr, 107Pd, U-, Am- and Cm-isotopes) as well as for dissolved organic molecules migration experiments in clay cores will be executed.

2. In situ migration experiments
In situ migration tests with HTO (tritiated water) and 134Cs were started previously and are regularly monitored.
Additional tests with Am, Tc and HTO are planned.

Programme(s)

FP2-RADWASTOM 4C - Specific research and technical development programme (Euratom) in the field of management and storage of radioactive waste, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

A.4.3 - Radionuclide migration in the geosphere

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Organisme National des Déchets Radioactifs et des Matières Fissiles

Address

1,Place Madou - Boites 24/25
1030 Bruxelles
Belgium

Participants (1)

Centre d'Etudes de l'Energie Nucléaire-Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie CEN/SCK

Belgium