Pilot-scale thermal tests of drip shield configuration for the Yucca Mountain project

摘要

The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project has completed two pilot-scale tests of the potential repository drip shield configuration over waste packages. One test included backfill over the drip shield and one did not. Both tests were constructed at 1/4 scale of the potential repository emplacement drift dimensions, and both employed heaters to control temperatures of the simulated drift wall and simulated waste package. Test results confirmed that the drip shield would function as intended by design. No appreciable water penetrated the drip shield structures; no condensation was detected under the drip shields. Temperature differences from natural convection were measured on the simulated waste package and drip shield. Water vapor pressure throughout the test cells varied by about 10%. The calculated dew point temperatures were always below temperatures on the simulated waste package and drip shield.