Preliminary Review of Retrieval Issues for a High-Level Nuclear Waste Repository in Salt: Technical Report

摘要

This document highlights topics related to the retrieval of nuclear waste from a mined geologic repository in salt. Retrieval is an event that, although it is not expected, must be planned for. Major programmatic documents and Federal regulations require that the waste should be retrievable. It is therefore an important design consideration that the option exists to retrieve waste in the unlikely event retrieval is needed. There are several broad issues involved in a repository in salt that have significant implications to retrieval systems. Among these are high temperatures that can affect mining equipment operation and personnel safety; the viscoplastic behavior of salt that results in room closure and increased potential for unstable openings; and nuclear issues such as radiation and contamination, criticality, and acountability and safeguards. 26 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.