Disposal Criticality Analysis Methodology Technical report
| Attachment | Size |
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| Disposal Criticality Analysis Methodology Technical Report.pdf (9.59 MB) | 9.59 MB |
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. Although it is structured similarly to the formal topical report, this technical report reflects work-in-progress, and contains inconsistencies in level-of-detail and completeness which will be remedied over the next year. This report describes the analysis methodology that is planned for use in demonstrating postclosure criticality control for the potential Yucca Mountain spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste repository. A risk-based methodology will be used to demonstrate disposal criticality control and to demonstrate that public health and safety is protected. The various models contained in the methodology are described and the validation process for these models presented. The criticality related criteria for determining the suitability of waste packages for emplacement in the repository are described along with the physical implementation and control procedures to be followed. Sample evaluations are provided in two appendices to illustrate the methodology presented in the report. Details of the experimental data used to validate the models, sources of information to establish the probabilities of events, and calculational data are provided in references, as indicated in the report. When complete, the methodology will provide a systematic approach for evaluating a waste form/waste package/engineered barrier/repository system combination for disposal criticality control through the entire postclosure period of regulatory concern.
