Geological Repository Systems for Safe Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuels and Radioactive Waste (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy) - Hardcover

J. Ahn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845695429 ISBN 13: 9781845695422

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Ltd, 2010

Synopsis

The long term safety of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste materials must be assured without active human oversight, based on the requirement that we do not pass the burden of nuclear waste onto future generations. Geological disposal systems and technology, utilising both natural geological barriers and engineered barrier systems, have been developed to isolate nuclear wastes from the human environment. This book critically reviews state-of-the-art technologies, scientific methods and engineering practices directly related to the design, operation and safety of geological repositories.

Key Features: critically reviews the state-of-the-art technologies, scientific methods, regulatory developments, and social engagement approaches related to the implementation of geological repository systems; chapters introduce geological disposal and review the development of disposal concepts; examines long-term stability analysis, the range of engineered barrier systems and barrier performance.

Contents: Part 1 Introduction: Multiple-barrier geological repository design and operation strategies; Spent nuclear fuel recycling practices and impacts; Near-surface, intermediate depth and borehole disposal; Underground research facilities and rock laboratories. Part 2 Geological repository systems: Crystalline systems; Clay systems; Assessing long-term stability; Far-field process analysis and radionuclide transport modelling. Part 3 Engineered barrier systems: Immobilisation of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste; Low-pH concretes; Smectitic buffer and backfill; Near-field processes, evolution and assessment; Nuclear waste canisters, corrosion and long-term performance; Post-containment performance. Part 4 Performance assessment: Safety assessment for deep geological disposal; Safety assessment for near-surface disposal; Treatment of uncertainty in the performance assessment; Assessment of expert judgments; Knowledge management systems. Part 5 Radiation protection, regulation and social engagement: Radiation protection principles and standards; Risk-informed, performance-based regulations; Environmental monitoring programs and public engagement; Methods for social dialogue.

About this title

About the Author

Professor Joonhong Ahn is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. Dr Michael J. Apted is a Principal Scientist at INTERA Inc., USA. Both are internationally noted for their research into multi-barrier geological repository systems, with particular emphasis on performance and safety assessments.

Edition details

• Publisher: Woodhead Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845695429
• ISBN 13: 9781845695422
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 792
• Editor: J. Ahn, M.J. Apted