Office of Science and Technology and International Natural Barriers Targeted Thrust FY 2005 New Start Projects

摘要

The in-drift chemical environment plays a key role in determining the potential extent of waste package corrosion. Although the Alloy 22 proposed for use in the waste packages has been shown to resist corrosion in most environments, some concentrated solutions that could contact the waste packages can accelerate corrosion, especially those containing the halides Cl(sup -), F(sup -), and Br(sup -). It is therefore critical to establish whether such concentrated solutions or brines will contact the waste package, and if so, in what volumes, for how long, and at what temperatures. Processes that could cause brines to contact the waste package include seepage of water into the drift from above, wicking of water into the invert below the waste package, and deliquescence of salts accumulated on the waste package. Also of concern is the possibility that heating of salt brines in the drift could generate acid gases that might have a corrosive effect on the engineered barrier system (the waste package and the drip shield).