Reducing hazard in spent fuel removal using colloidal silica gel

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Abstract

Nuclear site decommissioning involves the retrieval and handling of radioactive waste. Waste removal from nuclear reactors and/or storage facilities, such as spent fuel pools and storage silos, represents a potential hazard in terms of radiation exposure for the workforce and the surrounding environment. This study explores the suitability of colloidal silica grouting around radioactive waste to reduce radiation exposure during retrieval operations. Previous work on colloidal silica gel has proved its potential to form low-permeability hydraulic barriers, and to inhibit the diffusion of radionuclides through the gel, making it a promising material for spent fuel recovery applications. This work provides experimental evidence that colloidal silica hydrogel can maintain its integrity upon exposure to temperatures typical of the nuclear waste stored within pools and silos, both in standard conditions (up to 60 °C), and during loss of cooling/loss of coolant accidents (>100 °C).
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 10 Mar 2022
EventWaste Management Conference 2022 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: 6 Mar 202210 Mar 2022
https://www.wmsym.org/

Conference

ConferenceWaste Management Conference 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period6/03/2210/03/22
Internet address

Keywords

  • spent fuel removal
  • nuclear site decommissioning
  • radioactive waste

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