Dissolution of R7T7 Glass in Static and Flowing Conditions: Influence of Si Diffusion Mechanism in the Leached Layer

ABSTRACTLeach tests with R7T7 nuclear waste glass in distilled water were conducted at 50 and 90°C under static and slow flowing conditions, with an SA/V ratio of 50 m−1. A computer model for glass dissolution (LIXIVER) Was used to interpret the experimental data. This mechanistic model is based on a combination of the first-order law governing surface reactions, the silicon mass transport equation for the interstitial solution in the alteration film, and an empirical law for partial silicon retention in the alteration layer. The LIXIVER model satisfactorily accounts for most of the experimental results. The importance of the silicon diffusion mechanism in the diffusion layer is stressed. Values are indicated for the apparent silicon diffusion coefficient, Dsi, which ranged from 10−16 to 10−14 m2·s−1 at 50°C, and from 10−15 to 10−13 m2·s−1 at 90°C.