RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT AT OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Browder, F.N. comp. and ed.
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Radioactive Waste Management ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Hydrofracture Process for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste

1982 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herman Weeren ◽  
Earl Mcdaniel
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Waste Solution ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Disposal Facility ◽  
Oak Ridge National Laboratory ◽  
Shale Formation ◽  
Radionuclide Activity

ABSTRACTThe hydrofracture process is currently being used at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the permanent disposal of locally generated radioactive waste solutions. In this process, the waste solution is mixed with a blend of cement and other solid additives; the resulting grout is then injected into an impermeable shale formation at a depth of 200 to 300 m (700 to 1000 ft). The grout sets a few hours after completion of the injection, fixing the radioactive waste in the shale formation.Between 1966 and 1979, ORNL has used hydrofracture to dispose of more than 8 million L (2 million gal) of waste grout containing more than 600,000 Ci of radionuclide activity. Calculations show that operational costs are on the order of $0.16/L ($0.60/gal). Construction of a new hydrofracture disposal facility has been completed, and operational injections were initiated in June 1982.

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