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EQ6 Calculations for Chemical Degradation of Pu-Ceramic Waste Packages
EQ6 Calculations for Chemical Degradation of Pu-Ceramic Waste Packages
In this study, the long-term geochemical behavior of waste package (WP), containing Pu-ceramic, was modeled. The ceramic under consideration contains Ti, U, Pu, Gd and Hf in a pyrochlore structure; the Gd and Hf stabilize the mineral structure, but are also intended to provide criticality control. The specific study objectives were to determine:
1) the extent to which criticality control material, suggested for this WP design, will remain in the WP after corrosion/dissolution of the initial package configuration (such that it can be effective in preventing criticality), and
EQ6 Calculations for Chemical Degradation of PWR LEU and PWR MOX Spent Fuel Waste Packages
EQ6 Calculations for Chemical Degradation of PWR LEU and PWR MOX Spent Fuel Waste Packages
Waste Package Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Summary Report of Evaluations in 1997
Waste Package Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Summary Report of Evaluations in 1997
The emplacement of nuclear waste in the proposed geologic repository must satisfy relevant regulatory requirements with respect to criticality, 10CFR60. I31 (h) (Ref. 25). The waste packages for the various waste forms will be designed to preclude criticality (typically by the inclusion of neutron absorbers) even if the waste package becomes filled with water. Criticality may, however, be possible if the contents of the waste package become degraded in such a way that the fissile material can be separated from the neutron absorbers, while sufficient moderator is retained.
Frequency of SNF Misload for Uncanistered Fuel Waste Package
Frequency of SNF Misload for Uncanistered Fuel Waste Package
The purpose ofthis engineering calculation is to estimate the frequency of misloading spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies that would result in exceeding the criticality design basis of a waste package (WP). This type of misload - a reactivity misload - results from the incorrect placement of one or more fuel assemblies into a waste package such that the criticality controls do not match the required controls for the fuel assemblies.
NRC Waste Confidence Positions
NRC Waste Confidence Positions
In response to the remand of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Minnesota v. NRC, 602 F.2d 412 (1979)), and as a continuation of previous proceedings conducted in this area by NRC (44 Fed. Reg. 61,372), the Commission initiated a generic rulemaking proceeding on October 25, 1979.
THE REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE CONGRESS BY THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY ON THE NEED FOR A SECOND REPOSITORY
THE REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT AND THE CONGRESS BY THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY ON THE NEED FOR A SECOND REPOSITORY
The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended (NWPA), establishes a process for the siting, construction and operation of one or more national repositories for permanent disposal of the Nation’s spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW). In 1987, after the Department of Energy (the Department or DOE) had conducted studies of nine potential repository sites located throughout the United States, Congress amended the NWPA and selected the Yucca Mountain site in Nye County, Nevada as the only site for further study for the first national repository.
Plutonium Fuel: An Assessment Report by an Expert Group
Plutonium Fuel: An Assessment Report by an Expert Group
Ever since the 1950s, plutonium, used in fas reactors, has been seen as the key to unlocking the vast energy resource contained in the the world's uranium reserves. However, the reductions in expected nuclear reactor installation rates, combined with discovery of additional uranium, have led to a lengthening in the perceived time interval before fast reactors, the most effective users of plutonium, will make large demands on plutonium supplies. THere are several options concerning its use or storage in the meantime.
Second Waste Package Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Generation and Evaluation of Internal Criticality Configurations
Second Waste Package Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Generation and Evaluation of Internal Criticality Configurations
This analysis is prepared by the Mined Geologic Disposal System (MODS) Waste Package Development (WPD) department to provide an evaluation of the criticality potential within a waste package having some or all of its contents degraded by corrosion and removal of neutron absorbers. This analysis is also intended to provide an estimate of the consequences of any internal criticality, particularly in terms of any increase in radionuclide inventory. These consequence estimates will be used as part of the WPD input to the Total System Performance Assessment.
Dry Transfer Facility Criticality Safety Calculations
Dry Transfer Facility Criticality Safety Calculations
This design calculation updates the previous criticality evaluation for the fuel handling, transfer, and staging operations to be performed in the Dry Transfer Facility (DTF) including the remediation area. The purpose of the calculation is to demonstrate that operations performed in the DTF and RF meet the nuclear criticality safety design criteria specified in the Project Design Criteria (PDC) Document (BSC 2004 [DIRS 171599], Section 4.9.2.2), the nuclear facility safety requirement in Project Requirements Document (Canori and Leitner 2003 [DIRS 166275], p.
Nuclear Criticality Calculations for Canister-Based Facilities - DOE SNF
Nuclear Criticality Calculations for Canister-Based Facilities - DOE SNF
The purpose of this calculation is to perform waste-form specific nuclear criticality safety calculations to aid in establishing criticality safety design criteria, and to identify design and process parameters that are potentially important to the criticality safety of Department of Energy (DOE) standardized Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) canisters. It is intended that the results of the criticality safety calculations provided in this document will
slides - Observations on Key Storage and Transport Technical Issues
slides - Observations on Key Storage and Transport Technical Issues
Presented at the NEI Used Fuel Management Conference, St. Petersburg, FL, May 7-9, 2013
Draft Report for Comment: Identification and Prioritization of the Technical Information Needs Affecting Potential Regulation of Extended Storage and Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Draft Report for Comment: Identification and Prioritization of the Technical Information Needs Affecting Potential Regulation of Extended Storage and Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel
he U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from commercial nuclear power plants. An increasing amount of the SNF in storage is in dry storage systems, mostly at current and decommissioned plants. As directed by the Commission (in SRM-COMSECY-10-0007; December 6, 2010), in expectation of continued use of dry storage for extended periods of time, the NRC staff is examining the technical needs and potential changes to the regulatory framework that may be needed to continue licensing of SNF storage over periods beyond 120 years.
Background Paper on Commingling of Defense and Commercial Waste
Background Paper on Commingling of Defense and Commercial Waste
Since a 1985 decision by President Reagan that a separate permanent repository for disposal of
defense high level waste was not required1, DOE has planned for disposal of all high-level waste
and spent fuel from national defense activities and DOE’s own research activities in a repository
for commercial waste developed under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA). The Commission
has heard recommendations from some commenters2 that this decision be revisited, or even
3rd WP Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Methodology for Basket Degradation with Application to Commercial SNF
3rd WP Probabilistic Criticality Analysis: Methodology for Basket Degradation with Application to Commercial SNF
This analysis is prepared by the Mined Geologic Disposal System (MGDS) Waste Package Development (WPD) department to describe the latest version of the probabilistic criticality analysis methodology and its application to the entire commercial waste stream of commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) expected to be emplaced in the repository. The purpose of this particular application is to evaluate the 21 assembly PWR absorber plate waste package (WP) with respect to degraded mode criticality performance.
EQ6 calculations for Chemical Degradation of Navy Waste Packages
EQ6 calculations for Chemical Degradation of Navy Waste Packages
The Monitored Geologic Repository Waste Package Operations of the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System Management & Operating Contractor (CRWMS M&O) performed calculations to provide input for disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from the Navy (Refs. 1 and , 2). The Navy SNF has been considered for disposal at the potential Yucca Mountain site. For some waste packages, the containment may breach (Ref. 3), allowing the influx of water. Water in the waste package may moderate neutrons, increasing the likelihood of a criticality event within the waste package.
The Potential of Using Commercial Duel Purpose Canisters for Direct Disposal
The Potential of Using Commercial Duel Purpose Canisters for Direct Disposal
This report evaluates the potential for directly disposing of licensed commercial Dual Purpose
Canisters (DPCs) inside waste package overpacks without reopening. The evaluation considers
the principal features of the DPC designs that have been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) as these relate to the current designs of waste packages and as they relate to
disposability in the repository. Where DPC features appear to compromise future disposability,
those changes that would improve prospective disposability are identified.
Memo to Timothy Collins from Laurence Kopp - Guidance on the Regulatory Requirements for Criticality Analysis of Fuel Storage at Light-Water Reactor Power Plants
Memo to Timothy Collins from Laurence Kopp - Guidance on the Regulatory Requirements for Criticality Analysis of Fuel Storage at Light-Water Reactor Power Plants
Guidance concerning regulatory requirements for criticality analysis of new and spent fuel storage at light-water reactor power plants used by the Reactor Systems Branch.
Waste Package Filler Material Testing Report
Waste Package Filler Material Testing Report
As part of the Mined Geologic Disposal System Waste Package Development design activities, it has been determined that it may be beneficial to add material to fill the otherwise free spaces remaining in waste package after loading high-level nuclear waste. The use of filler material will benefit criticality control in spent nuclear fuel waste packages, by the moderator displacement method.
Evaluation of Codisposal Viability for Aluminum-Clad DOE-Owned Spent Fuel: Phase II Degraded Codisposal Waste Package Internal Criticality
Evaluation of Codisposal Viability for Aluminum-Clad DOE-Owned Spent Fuel: Phase II Degraded Codisposal Waste Package Internal Criticality
This report presents the analysis and conclusions with respect to disposal criticality for canisters containing aluminum-based fuels from research reactors. The analysis has been divided into three phases. Phase I, dealt with breached and flooded waste packages containing relatively intact canisters and intact internal (basket) structures; Phase II, the subject of this report, covers the degradation of the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and structures internal to the codisposal waste package including high level waste (HLW), canisters, and critically control material.
Nuclear Wastes: Technologies for Separations and Transmutation
Nuclear Wastes: Technologies for Separations and Transmutation
Disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear weapons production and power generation has
caused public outcry and political consternation. Nuclear Wastes presents a critical review
of some waste management and disposal alternatives to the current national policy of
direct disposal of light water reactor spent fuel. The book offers clearcut conclusions for
what the nation should do today and what solutions should be explored for tomorrow.
The committee examines the currently used "once-through" fuel cycle versus different
Disposal Criticality Analysis Methodology Technical report
Disposal Criticality Analysis Methodology Technical report
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is developing a postclosure methodology for criticality analysis to evaluate disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel and other high-level waste in a geologic repository. A topical report on the postclosure disposal criticality analysis methodology is scheduled to be submitted to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for formal review in 1998 (to be verified). This technical report is being issued to describe the current status of the postclosure methodology development effort.
BWR Axial Profile
BWR Axial Profile
The purpose of this calculation is to develop axial profiles for estimating the axial variation in burnup of a boiling water reactor (BWR) assembly spent nuclear fuel (SNF) given the average burnup of an assembly. A discharged fuel assembly typically exhibits higher burnup in the center and lower burnup at the ends of the assembly. Criticality safety analyses taking credit for SNF burnup must account for axially varying burnup relative to calculations based on uniformly distributed assembly average burnup due to the under-burned tips.
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
An Act to provide for the development of repositories for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, to establish a program of research, de- velopment, and demonstration regarding the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and for other purposes.
Analysis of Mechanisms for Early Waste Package / Drip Shield Failure
Analysis of Mechanisms for Early Waste Package / Drip Shield Failure
The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the types of defects or imperfections that could occur in a waste package or a drip shield and potentially lead to its early failure, and to estimate a probability of undetected occurrence for each type. An early failure is defined as the through-wall penetration of a waste package or drip shield due to manufacturing or handling-induced defects, at a time earlier than would be predicted by mechanistic degradation models for a defect-free waste package or drip shield.