The Assessment of Radionuclide Retardation in Fractured Crystalline Rocks

1997 ◽  
Vol 506 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Russell Alexander ◽  
Kunio Ota ◽  
Bernhard Frieg ◽  
Ian G. Mckinley
Keyword(s):  
Test Site ◽  
Breakthrough Curves ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Radionuclide Migration ◽  
Sorption Data ◽  
Kd Values ◽  
Long Term Experiment ◽  
Fractured Crystalline Rocks ◽  
Tracer Migration

ABSTRACTThe joint Nagra/PNC Radionuclide Migration Programme has been running for over ten years in Nagra‘s Grimsel Test Site in the central Swiss Alps. The programme is specifically aimed at the further development of conceptual models of radionuclide transport in the geosphere, rigorously testing the applicability of current transport codes to quantify radionuclide migration in situ and assessing how successfully laboratory sorption data (specifically, Kd values) may be extrapolated to in situ conditions to predict radionuclide retardation in the geosphere [1]. A large series of field tracer migration experiments was carried out in a hydrologically well characterised water-bearing, complex fracture (or shear zone), increasing in complexity from simple, nonsorbing fluoresceine (a fluorescent dye), 3H, 3,4He, 82Br and 123I through weakly sorbing 22.24Na,85Sr and 86Rb to a final, long-term experiment with moderately sorbing 134,137Cs. The radionuclides were injected into a dipole flow field where the flowpath length, dipole width or shape and groundwater flow velocity were all varied. After a considerable learning period, generally good fits could be obtained between transport code predictions and subsequent field tracer breakthrough curves, suggesting that the transport codes tested were a reasonable representation of in situ conditions.

The Excavation Project in the Grimsel Test Site: In Situ High-Resolution Gamma and Alpha Spectrometry of 60Co, 75Se, 113Sn, 152Eu, 235U, and 237Np/233Pa

1997 ◽  
Vol 506 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eikenberg ◽  
M. Ruethi ◽  
W.R. Alexander ◽  
B. Frieg ◽  
T. Fierz
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Shear Zone ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Breakthrough Curves ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Radionuclide Migration ◽  
Grimsel Test Site ◽  
On Line ◽  
Comprehensive Study

ABSTRACTFull excavation of a water-conducting shear zone used for radionuclide migration experiments is part of a comprehensive study to physically determine the sites of in-situ radionuclide retardation. Prior to the excavation, multi-tracer solutions containing strongly sorbing y- and αemitting nuclides were injected into the shear zone and the water extracted was analyzed on-line using in situ, high-resolution y-spectrometry. In addition, water samples were collected to compare quantitatively the on-line data with subsequent laboratory measurements α- and γ- spectrometry) and also to analyze samples with activities below the detection limits of the in-situ analysis. The breakthrough curves indicate that Se had passed through the fracture with a velocity comparable to a conservatively behaving dye (uranine), but very strong retardation of Co. Eu and Sn was observed. The recoveries of these nuclides were found to be in the order of only a few percent when the dipole flow-field was interrupted about one month after radionuclide injection and the fracture was sealed off for excavation. Significant retardation was also obtained for the oxemitters U, Np and Pa. Almost identical breakthrough curves for these actinides were measured, suggesting a similar spatial distribution in the fracture at any given time.

Building Confidence in Radionuclide Transport Models for Fractured Rock: The Nagra/JNC Radionuclide Retardation Programme

2000 ◽  
Vol 663 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ota ◽  
W.R. Alexander ◽  
P.A. Smith ◽  
A. Möri ◽  
B. Frieg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fractured Rock ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Radionuclide Transport ◽  
Transport Models ◽  
North East ◽  
Host Rocks ◽  
Experimental Technology

ABSTRACTThe joint Nagra/JNC Radionuclide Retardation Programme has now been ongoing for 15 years with the main aim of direct testing of radionuclide transport models in as realistic a manner as possible. A large programme of field, laboratory and natural analogue studies has been carried out at the Grimsel Test Site in the central Swiss Alps and the Kamaishi In Situ Test Site in north-east Japan. The understanding and modelling of both the processes and the structures influencing radionuclide transport/retardation in fractured host rocks have matured as has the experimental technology, which has contributed to develop confidence in the applicability of the underlying research models in a repository performance assessment. In this paper, the successes and set-backs of this programme are discussed as is the general approach to the thorough testing of the process models and of model assumptions. In addition, a set of key findings is presented, involving discussions on the enhancement of confidence through the program.

Site Characterization for Field Radionuclide Migration Studies in Climax Granite

1981 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Isherwood ◽  
Ellen Raber ◽  
Randolph Stone
Keyword(s):  
Flow Model ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Hydraulic Testing ◽  
Nevada Test Site ◽  
Radionuclide Migration ◽  
Critical Question ◽  
Initial Field ◽  
In Situ Conditions ◽  
Fracture Apertures

ABSTRACTRadionuclide migration experiments in fractured granite at the Climax Stock, Nevada Test Site, are needed to compare field and laboratory measured retardation factors to determine whether laboratory studies accurately reflect in situ conditions. Initial field activities have concentrated on hydrological investigations to determine whether the fractures in Climax granite are suitable for migration experiments. A critical question was whether we could isolate a single vertical fracture between two boreholes and establish flow along that fracture from an upper to a lower borehole. Of the ten fractures tested, one fracture would not take water at pressures up to 200 psig for 24 hours. Several fractures were so permeable they accepted water at a rate which exceeded the pumping capacity of the equipment. Other fractures failed to show a connection between the two boreholes. In two fractures, we were able to establish a circulating system with up to 95 percent of the injected water being recovered. Constant pressure injection tests were conducted. Intrinsic permeabilities of 33 and 75 (μm)2 were estimated using a radial nonsteady flow model. These values correspond to effective fracture apertures of 20 and 30 μm respectively. Concurrent with the hydraulic testing activities is a study of the Climax ground-water chemistry. Our analyses show the natural water to be very different in composition from the granite equilibrated water used in laboratory sorption studies. This paper includes the results of the hydrogeological and geochemical investigations, and describes the overall experimental design plans for the radionuclide migration experiments.

Grimsel Test Site - Phase VI: Review of Accomplishments and Next Generation of In-Situ Experiments Under Repository Relevant Boundary Conditions

2008 ◽  
Vol 1107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Blechschmidt ◽  
Stratis Vomvoris ◽  
Joerg Rueedi ◽  
Andrew James Martin
Keyword(s):  
Near Field ◽  
Planning Horizon ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
In Situ Experiments ◽  
Grimsel Test Site ◽  
And Migration

AbstractThe Grimsel Test Site owned and operated by Nagra is located in the Swiss Alps (www.grimsel.com). The Sixth Phase of investigations was started in 2003 with a ten-year planning horizon. With the investigations and projects of Phase VI the focus has shifted more towards projects assessing perturbation effects of repository implementation and projects evaluating and demonstrating engineering and operational aspects of the repository system. More than 17 international partners participate in the various projects, which form the basic organisational “elements” of Phase VI. Scientific and engineering interaction among the different projects is ensured via an annual meeting and several experimental team meetings throughout the year. On-going projects include: evaluation of full-scale engineered systems under simulated heat production and long-term natural saturation (NF-Pro/FEBEX), gas migration through engineered barrier systems (GMT, finished this year), emplacement of a shotcrete low-pH plug (ESDRED/Module IV), testing and evaluation of standard monitoring techniques (TEM).Numerous in-situ experiments with inactive tracers and radionuclides were successfully carried out over the past few years at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS). For the GTS Phase VI, three major projects have been initiated to simulate the long-term behaviour of contamination plumes in the repository near-field and the surrounding host rock:•The CFM (Colloid Formation and Migration) project, which focuses on colloid generation and migration from a bentonite source doped with radionuclides•The LCS (Long-Term Cement Studies) project, which aims at improving the understanding of low-pH cement interaction effects in water conducting features•The LTD (Long-Term Diffusion) project, which aims at in-situ verification of long-term diffusion concepts for radionuclidesAs Phase VI approaches its mid-term point, what are the next steps planned? The accomplishments assessed to date and the opportunities with the on-going projects as well as new projects – currently under discussion – are presented herein

Modeling the Radionuclide Migration Experiments at Grimsel. What Have We Learned?

1997 ◽  
Vol 506 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Heer ◽  
P.A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Radionuclide Migration ◽  
Consistent Description ◽  
Grimsel Test Site ◽  
Tracer Migration ◽  
High Degree

ABSTRACTFor several years, tracer migration experiments at Nagra's Grimsel Test Site have been performed with an exceptionally high degree of precision. A summary of the main findings obtained by modelling these experiments is presented, addressing, in particular the influence of sorption. A consistent description of tracer behaviour is achieved, giving confidence when applying broadly similar methodologies and models in geosphere performance assessment.

Characterisation of Granite Fractures From the In-Situ FEBEX Experiment (Grimsel, Switzerland): ossible Effects on Bentonite Colloid and Radionuclide Transport

2009 ◽  
Vol 1193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ursula Alonso ◽  
Tiziana Missana ◽  
Miguel Garcia-Gutierrez ◽  
Alessandro Patelli ◽  
Nairoby Albarran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Radionuclide Transport ◽  
In Situ Experiment ◽  
Bentonite Colloid ◽  
High Level ◽  
Micrometer Scale ◽  
Colloid Formation

AbstractThe FEBEX in-situ experiment, installed in 1997 at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, Switzerland) 400 m depth under the Swiss Alps, simulates a high level radioactive waste repository (HLWR) emplaced in granite. Its initial aim was to study the performance of a bentonite engineered barrier but recently, two new boreholes were drilled in the granite to study the possible bentonite colloid formation and their migration in the granite.This study presents the characterization performed, at the micrometer scale, of the threemain water conductive fractures that were identified on the granite cores extracted from the newboreholes. These fractures are possible pathways for bentonite colloid transport (or retention),may be source of natural colloids and may condition colloid stability. The nuclear ion beamtechniques µ-Particle X-Ray Emission (µPIXE) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry(RBS) were applied for visualizing and quantifying the elemental composition of the fracturessurface and of the surrounding micro-fractures, as support of the bentonite colloid analyses.

Grimsel Test Site — Phase VI: Review of Accomplishments and Next Steps

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stratis Vomvoris ◽  
Wolfgang Kickmaier
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Planning Horizon ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Tracer Transport ◽  
Geophysical Investigation ◽  
Grimsel Test Site

The Grimsel Test Site owned and operated by Nagra is located in the Swiss Alps (www.grimsel.com). The sixth Phase of investigations was started in 2003 with a ten-year planning horizon. With the investigations and projects of Phase VI the focus is shifted more towards projects assessing perturbation effects of repository implementation and projects evaluating and demonstrating engineering and operational aspects of the repository system. More than 17 international partners participate in the various projects, which form the basic organisational ‘elements’ of Phase VI, each one further structured in field-testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, as appropriate. Each project phase is planned with a duration of 3 to 5 years, to facilitate all practical and administrative aspects, ensuring flexibility for updating the overall plan with the recent findings. Scientific and engineering interaction among the different projects is ensured via the annual international meeting and ad-hoc meetings, as appropriate. As Phase VI approaches its mid-term point, a review of the accomplishments to date is performed to provide a sound basis for the detailed planning of the next steps. The accomplishments to date are described and assessed below; the opportunities with the on-going projects as well as new projects – currently under discussion – are also presented and discussed. The on-going projects include: studies of the long-term diffusion with emphasis on the processes in the rock matrix (LTD); colloid studies under in-situ generation conditions and migration velocities closer to velocities expected in an actual repository site (CFM); studies of the long-term cement interactions with natural systems (LCS); evaluation of full-scale engineered systems under simulated heat production and long-term natural saturation (NF-Pro/FEBEX); gas migration through engineered barrier systems (GMT); emplacement of shotcrete low-pH plug (ESDRED/Module IV); test and evaluation of monitoring systems (TEM). In addition, various shorter term projects assessing, for example, new geophysical investigation tools, wireless transmission, testing new tools and training for in-situ tracer transport studies have been performed and/or are planned for the near future.

3–-D Migration Experiment in Sparsely Fractured Crystalline Rock

1987 ◽  
Vol 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Abelin ◽  
Lars Birgersson ◽  
Jard Gidlund ◽  
Luis Moreno ◽  
Thomas Ågren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Breakthrough Curves ◽  
Tracer Experiment ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Flow Monitoring ◽  
Tracer Migration

AbstractA large scale tracer experiment has been performed in sparsely fractured granitic rock at 360 m depth. Nine different conservative tracers were injected at distances ranging between 10 and 56 m from a drift excavated for this experiment. The upper part of the test site was covered completely with plastic sheets. All the water entering into the drift could be collected. Water flow monitoring shows that water flow takes place in small areas with large dry areas in between. Of the nine injected tracers six reached the test site during the experiment. The fitting of the breakthrough curves to different models could not satisfactorily explain the actual processes involved in the tracer migration. The results of the tracer experiments and the Tritium measurements gave strong support to the notion that a non–negligible portion of the flow takes place in more or less isolated channels.

Modeling of an in-situ diffusion experiment in granite at the Grimsel Test Site

2014 ◽  
Vol 1665 ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep M. Soler ◽  
Jiri Landa ◽  
Vaclava Havlova ◽  
Yukio Tachi ◽  
Takanori Ebina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Diffusion ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Diffusion Experiment ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
Disturbed Zone ◽  
Mean Grain Size ◽  
Grimsel Test Site ◽  
In Situ Diffusion

ABSTRACTMatrix diffusion is a key process for radionuclide retention in crystalline rocks. Within the LTD project (Long-Term Diffusion), an in-situ diffusion experiment in unaltered non-fractured granite was performed at the Grimsel Test Site (www.grimsel.com, Switzerland). The tracers included 3H as HTO, 22Na+, 134Cs+ and 131I- with stable I- as carrier.The dataset (except for 131I- because of complete decay) was analyzed with different diffusion-sorption models by different teams (NAGRA / IDAEA-CSIC, UJV-Rez, JAEA, Univ. Poitiers) using different codes, with the goal of obtaining effective diffusion coefficients (De) and porosity (ϕ) or rock capacity (α) values. A Borehole Disturbed Zone (BDZ), which was observed in the rock profile data for 22Na+ and 134Cs+, had to be taken into account to fit the experimental observations. The extension of the BDZ (1-2 mm) was about the same magnitude as the mean grain size of the quartz and feldspar grains.De and α values for the different tracers in the BDZ are larger than the respective values in the bulk rock. Capacity factors in the bulk rock are largest for Cs+ (strong sorption) and smallest for 3H (no sorption). However, 3H seems to display large α values in the BDZ. This phenomenon will be investigated in more detail in a second test starting in 2013.

scholarly journals Anisotropy of seasonal snow measured by polarimetric phase differences in radar time series

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 6061-6123 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Leinss ◽  
H. Löwe ◽  
M. Proksch ◽  
J. Lemmetyinen ◽  
A. Wiesmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Tomography ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Snow Pack ◽  
Vertical Temperature ◽  
Structural Anisotropy ◽  
Radar Measurements ◽  
Natural Snow ◽  
The Town ◽  
Phase Differences

Abstract. Snow settles under the force of gravity and recrystallizes by vertical temperature gradients. Both effects are assumed to form oriented ice crystals which induce an anisotropy in mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the snow pack. On microscopic scales, the anisotropy could be hitherto determined only from stereology or computer tomography of samples taken from snow pits. In this paper we present an alternative method and show how the anisotropy of a natural snow pack can be observed contact- and destruction-free with polarimetric radar measurements. The copolar phase differences (CPD) of polarized microwaves transmitted through dry snow were analyzed for four winter seasons (2009–2013) from the SnowScat Instrument, installed at a test site near the town of Sodankylä, Finnland. An electrodynamic model was established based on anisotropic optics and on Maxwell–Garnett-type mixing formulas to provide a link between the structural anisotropy and the measured CPD. The anisotropy values derived from the CPD were compared with in-situ anisotropy measurements obtained by computer tomography. In addition, we show that the CPD measurements obtained from SnowScat show the same temporal evolution as space-borne CPD measurements from the satellite TerraSAR-X. The presented dataset provides a valuable basis for the future development of snow models capable of including the anisotropic structure of snow.

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