Waste forms

Isolation of radioactive wastes for long periods to allow adequate decay is sought by the use of multiple barriers. These include the waste form itself, the primary containers made of resistant materials, overpacks as secondary layers, buffer materials, concrete vaults, and finally the host rock or sod. Barriers limit water access to the waste and minimize contamination of water suppHes. The length of time wastes must remain secure is dependent on the regulatory limit of the maximum radiation exposure of individuals in the vicinity of the disposal site. 

Performance assessments are predictions of radioactivity releases, the rate of transfer of contaminants through various media, and the potential for hazard to the pubHc. These are based on a combination of experimental data obtained in the process called site characterization and detaded computations about radionuchdes and their effects. The progressive attack on the metal or ceramic waste container, the diffusion of water into the waste form, the leaching of the radioactive compounds, diffusion out, and washing away of radionuchdes are all considered. 

Sulfur polymer cement shows promise as an encapsulation and stabilization agent for use with low level radioactive and mixed wastes. Use of SPC allows accommodation of larger percentages of waste than PCC. As of this writing (1997), SPC-treated waste forms have met requirements of both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Thermosetting Reactive Polymers. Materials used as thermosetting polymers include reactive monomers such as urea—formaldehyde, phenoHcs, polyesters, epoxides, and vinyls, which form a polymerized material when mixed with a catalyst. The treated waste forms a sponge-like material which traps the soHd particles, but not the Hquid fraction the waste must usually be dried and placed in containers for disposal. Because the urea—formaldehyde catalysts are strongly acidic, urea-based materials are generally not suitable for metals that can leach in the untrapped Hquid fractions. Thermosetting processes have greater utiHty for radioactive materials and acid wastes. 

Operation or process Functions performed Types of wastes" Forms of waste" ... 

Environmental Assessment - Waste Form Selection for SRP High-Level Waste. DOE/EA - 0179, Savannah River Operations Office, Aiken, SC, 1982. 

The respective product forming and waste forming input energy fractions are given by... 

Bates JK, Bradley JP, Teetsov A, et al. 1992. Colloid formation during waste form reaction Implications for nuclear waste disposal. Science 256 649-651. 

Lutze, W., Radioactive Waste Forms for the Future, Lutze, W. and Ewing, R. C., Eds., North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1988, 10, 133. 

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