CROCK

CRYSTALLINE ROCK RETENTION PROCESSES

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The EURATOM FP7 Collaborative Project “Crystalline Rock Retention Processes” (CP CROCK) is established with the overall objective to develop a methodology for decreasing the uncertainty in the long-term prediction of the radionuclide migration in the crystalline rock far-field. The project is launched in response to the need identified in conjunction with selection of retention data for the forthcoming crystalline host-rock HLW disposal Safety Case. The process of selecting a set of data for this purpose showed that the spread in data is broad and that this spread in data cannot presently be related to material properties or processes. Consequently, very conservative numbers need to be used in order to be defendable within the Safety Case. This does not lead to unacceptable dose predictions, but remains highly unsatisfactorily. The project makes use of the broad set of existing analytical approaches, methodologies, and general knowledge from decades of past investigations. It builds on the output and main conclusions of the 6th FP IP FUNMIG project and the Swedish site selection program. The experimental program reaches from the nano-resolution to the PA relevant real site scale, delineating physical and chemical retention processes. Existing and new analytical information provided within the project is used to set up step-wise methodologies for up-scaling of processes from the nano-scale through to the PA relevant km-scale. Modeling includes testing up-scaling process and parameters for the application to PA and in particular, the reduction of uncertainty. The 21/2 years project is implemented by a consortium with 10 Beneficiaries consisting of large European Research Institutions, Universities and SME’s and from countries with dedicated crystalline host-rock disposal programs and particular competence in this field. National Waste Management organizations participate as associated groups, contributing with co-funding to beneficiaries, infrastructure, knowledge and information. They also contribute together with national regulators to guidance with respect to application of the project to the disposal Safety Case and scientific-technical review.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Retention of high-level radioactive waste in deep geological storage sites is an important aspect of safety. More accurate descriptions of associated processes are enhancing public confidence.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Significant uncertainty associated with conceptual, experimental and theoretical descriptions of retention processes impedes their effective application. Highly conservative estimates are required to ensure safety. In response to concerns of national waste management organisations regarding radionuclide transport in host rock far-field, scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Crystalline rock retention processes' (CROCK).

Investigators are developing a tool that lowers uncertainty to support performance and safety assessment, increasing both safety and confidence in geological waste disposal. In order to do so, they are studying the systems in the field and in the laboratory, and using natural homologues. Samples are analysed over scales from nano-resolution up to real-site kilometre-scale, and include oxidised and intact non-oxidised materials. Experimental work and data analysis are being used to develop model descriptions of retention processes.

During the first 18 months of http://www.crockproject.eu/ (CROCK), the team obtained new samples of fracture crystalline rock drill-cores as well as samples from previous studies and began spectroscopic characterisation. Scientists are studying the retention behaviour of samples regarding various radionuclides of interest, already obtaining important diffusion and sorption results. They are using this and existing data in models of sorption and surface reactivity. Finally, the overall goal of producing tools for uncertainty reduction is progressing with two novel modelling approaches and a numerical tool.

CROCK is a major undertaking to verify the vast amounts of published data on oxidised nuclear waste as well as to investigate phenomena of the intact non-oxidised system. The data and analyses will be fundamental to the development of tools to reduce uncertainties associated with radionuclide retention in geological disposal sites. They are also important for the long-term competitiveness of the EU nuclear energy programme.