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Nuclear Energy and Waste

Active

Direct Disposal of Dual Purpose Canister R&D

DOE-NE-Nuclear Energy

Project Summary

Coupled THM numerical modeling is conducted to study thermal management associated with geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in large dual-purpose canisters (DPCs). DPCs, are containers designed for SNF storage and transportation and if determined to be feasible for permanent geological disposal could provide a cost effective disposal solution. However, one of the challenges to direct disposal of DPCs is thermal management to avoid overheating of the Engineered Barrier System (EBS), including bentonite-backfill used as a protective buffer. Here coupled THM modeling for disposal of large-sized canisters are conducted for a range of host rocks (e.g. argillite and granite) and a range of canister configurations and near-field design to determine the key parameters in the thermal management of such a repository.

Research highlight: The model simulations show that the use of a backfill that is thermally engineered for high heat conduction can reduce the EBS temperature to acceptable levels for disposal of large waste canisters in backfilled tunnels. For example, in the figure below the temperature exceeds 150C for a backfill of conventional bentonite, while a backfill based on thermally engineered (high heat conduction) bentonite can reduce the backfill temperature to well below 100C. On the other hand, the use of high heat conduction backfill will not reduce the far field rock peak temperature that can occur several thousand years after closure of the repository. This longer term host rock peak temperature generates thermal-poro-elastic stress and geomechanical changes that must be considered in the thermal management and design of a repository (Rutqvist, 2020).

Selected publication:

Rutqvist J. (2020) Thermal Management Associated with Geologic Disposal of Large Spent Nuclear Fuel Canisters in Tunnels with Thermally Engineered Backfill. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 102, 103454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103454

Milestone report for DPC: Geomechanical and performance assessment impacts of DPC disposal in various host rock environments

Contact: Jonny Rutqvist

  • Energy Resources and Carbon Management Program Domain

Project Contacts

Jonny Rutqvist
Senior Scientist
Hydrogeology Department Head

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