Estimation of loading density of underground well repositories for solid high-level radioactive wastes

Abstract

The convective transfer of radionuclides by subsurface water from a geological repository of solidified high-level radioactive wastes (HLW) is considered. The repository is a cluster of wells of large diameter with HLW disposed of in the lower portions of the wells. The safe distance between wells as a function of rock properties and parameters of well loading with wastes has been estimated from mathematical modeling. A maximum permissible concentration of radionuclides in subsurface water near the ground surface above the repository is regarded as a necessary condition of safety. The estimates obtained show that well repositories allow for a higher density of solid HLW disposal than shaft storage facilities. Advantages and disadvantages of both types of storage facilities are considered in order to estimate the prospects for their use for underground disposal of solid HLW.