Natural Analogs in Support of the Canadian Concept for Nuclear Fuel Waste Disposal

Natural Analogs in Support of the Canadian Concept for Nuclear Fuel Waste Disposal
Author: Jan J. Cramer
Publisher: Pinawa, Man. : Whiteshell Laboratories
Total Pages: 118
Release: 1994
Genre: Science
ISBN:

Data used for the assessment modelling of the Canadian concept for disposal of nuclear fuel waste is mainly based on observations from short-term laboratory and field experiments, although it must apply to periods of 10,000 to one million years. Natural analogs can provide useful data and a qualitative illustration of the interaction of processes and materials in complex natural systems. This report reviews the available natural analog information used in support of the Canadian concept, with particular emphasis on the disposal of used CANDU fuel. The report gives a definition of natural analogs and an overview of the various types of analogs and analog studies; describes the main components of the disposal system, including the vault, the geosphere, and the biosphere, and gives specific examples for each; and describes several comprehensive natural systems that contain a number of features and processes similar to the disposal concept and that are under study by other countries as part of their waste disposal management programs.

Natural Analogues in Performance Assessments for the Disposal of Long Lived Radioactive Wastes

Natural Analogues in Performance Assessments for the Disposal of Long Lived Radioactive Wastes
Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher:
Total Pages: 72
Release: 1989
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

A unique and scientifically most difficult aspect of predictive safety analysis of repositories for long lived wastes is the extrapolation of short term field and laboratory data to the long periods of time required by regulatory agencies for performance assessment. Natural analogues may be the only way of obtaining data on the cumulative effect of the migration of radionuclides over the time-scales of interest. This report briefly summarizes the state of the art in this field for technical specialists and may also serve as an introduction to the subject for managers.