Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Nuclear Waste Management”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC : evaluation and selection of tools for the quality environment.

The objective of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation Nuclear Waste Management Integrated Performance and Safety Codes (NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC) is to provide an integrated suite of computational modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities to quantitatively assess the long-term performance of waste forms in the engineered and geologic environments of a radioactive-waste storage facility or disposal repository. These M&S capabilities are to be managed, verified, and validated within the NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC quality environment. M&S capabilities and the supporting analysis workflow and simulation data management tools will be distributed to end-users from this same quality environment. The same analysis workflow and simulation data management tools that are to be distributed to end-users will be used for verification and validation (V&V) activities within the quality environment. This strategic decision reduces the number of tools to be supported, and increases the quality of tools distributed to end users due to rigorous use by V&V activities. This report documents an evaluation of the needs, options, and tools selected for the NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC quality environment. The objective of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation Nuclear Waste Management Integrated Performance and Safety Codes (NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC) program element is to provide an integrated suite of computational modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities to assess quantitatively the long-term performance of waste forms in the engineered and geologic environments of a radioactive-waste storage facility or disposal repository. This objective will be fulfilled by acquiring and developing M&S capabilities, and establishing a defensible level of confidence in these M&S capabilities. The foundation for assessing the level of confidence is based upon the rigor and results from verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (V&V and UQ) activities. M&S capabilities are to be managed, verified, and validated within the NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC quality environment. M&S capabilities and the supporting analysis workflow and simulation data management tools will be distributed to end-users from this same quality environment. The same analysis workflow and simulation data management tools that are to be distributed to end-users will be used for verification and validation (V&V) activities within the quality environment. This strategic decision reduces the number of tools to be supported, and increases the quality of tools distributed to end users due to rigorous use by V&V activities. NEAMS Nuclear Waste Management IPSC V&V and UQ practices and evidence management goals are documented in the V&V Plan. This V&V plan includes a description of the quality environment into which M&S capabilities are imported and V&V and UQ activities are managed. The first phase of implementing the V&V plan is to deploy an initial quality environment through the acquisition and integration of a set of software tools. An evaluation of the needs, options, and tools selected for the quality environment is given in this report.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1991

Control and applications of cooperating disparate robotic manipulators relevant to nuclear waste management

Remote handling in nuclear waste management requires a robotic system with precise motion as well as a large workspace. The concept of a small arm mounted on the end of a large arm may satisfy such needs. However, the performance of such a serial configuration lacks payload capacity which is a crucial factor for handling a massive object. Also, this configuration induces more flexibility on the structure. To overcome these problems, the topology of bracing the tip of the small arm (not the large arm) and having an end effector in the middle of the chain is proposed in this paper. Also, control of these cooperating disparate manipulators is accomplished in computer simulations. Thus, this robotic system can have the accuracy of the small arm, and at the same time, it can have the payload capacity and large workspace of the large arm.

Lew, Jae Young↗
DOE OSTI2025

The iodine-129 paradox in nuclear waste management strategies

Nuclear energy has an important role in the low-carbon energy transition, but the safety of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) management remains a public concern. Here, in this study, we investigate the interplay between waste management strategies and their environmental impacts with a particular focus on a highly mobile and persistent radionuclide, iodine-129 (I-129), which is the dominant risk contributor from SNF disposal and at existing groundwater contamination sites. The results show that the current recycling practice releases more than 90% of I-129 in SNF into the present-day biosphere using an isotropic dilution strategy, whereas the direct disposal of SNF in geological repositories is likely to delay and reduce the release by 8 orders of magnitude. In addition, our data synthesis of surface water concentrations near four nuclear facilities shows that the release-dilution strategy results in lower concentrations than regulatory standards, while insufficient waste isolation in the past has resulted in locally high concentrations within one site. Our analysis suggests that it is essential to consider effluents more explicitly as a part of the waste, that as society moves from dilution to isolation of waste, the potential risks of waste isolation to local regions should be carefully evaluated, and that excessive burdens of proof could hinder or discourage waste isolation. Comprehensive waste management strategies—considering not just volume but also mobility, isolation technologies and ultimate fates—are needed for persistent contaminants. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing the management of SNF and other persistent contaminants.

Wainwright, Haruko M. [Massachusetts Inst. of Tech↗
DOE OSTI2012

The Italian Activities in the Field of Nuclear Waste Management - 12439

The Italian situation in the field of nuclear waste management is characterized by a relative small quantity of wastes, as a consequence of the giving up of energy production by nuclear generation in 1986. Notwithstanding this situation, Italy is a unique case study since the country needs to undertake the final decommissioning of four shut-down NPPs (size 100-200 MWe), each one different from the others. Therefore all the regulatory, technical, and financial actions are needed in the same way as if there was actual nuclear generation. Furthermore, the various non-power generating applications of nuclear energy still require management, a legal framework, a regulatory body, an industrial structure, and technical know-how. Notwithstanding the absence of energy production from nuclear sources, the country has the burden of radioactive waste management from the previous nuclear operations, which obliges it to implement at first a robust legislative framework, then to explore all the complex procedures to achieve the localization of the national interim storage facility, not excluding the chance to have a European regional facility for geologic disposal, under the clauses of the Council Directive of 19 July 2011 'Establishing a Community Framework for the Responsible and Safe Management of Radioactive Waste'. Then, as far as industrial, medical and R and D aspects, the improvement of the legislative picture, the creation of a regulatory body, is a good start for the future, to achieve the best efficiency of the Italian system. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Why accredit ISO/CEI 17025 a nuclear waste management laboratory? - 15112

When there is no storage, nor repository, available on a site, the entity in charge of nuclear waste management should find outlets in order to evacuate outside the site. Each outlet has his rules and waste acceptance criteria (packaging rules, physical/chemical/radiological criteria for example). Before you are able to evacuate your waste, an acceptance's process (or contract review) takes place. This process scans the entire measures implemented by the site in order to satisfy outlet's criteria. When the acceptance is obtained, shipments could be organized, and the process gets into an observation's phase. During this phase, the outlet could choose to inspect a finished nuclear waste package or to audit regularly the waste management process. In this last case, the outlet re-scans the entire documents and implemented measures. This audit lasts from one to several days. A way to tackle/approach the audit is to acknowledge, by a trusted third party (i.e. independent from the outlet), all or part of waste management system, in order to base one's reputation on this organism and win outlet's trust. For this purpose, the entity could choose certification or accreditation. Certification (ISO 9001 as often as not) aims at evaluating a system for managing the quality of one product or service. Accreditation (ISO 17025, for example) provides formal recognition for technical skills within a quality management system (clauses 5 and 4 of the ISO 17025 standard). In 2006, the LDM laboratory is the first French laboratory accredited, in accordance with ISO 17025 standard, for the characterization by gamma spectrometry on 100 L- and 200 L- radioactive waste drums (accreditation No 1-1712 - scope available on www.cofrac.fr). This accreditation allows the lab: - to update the quality management system, - to compile the entire technical file of the gamma-ray assay (description, evaluation of the uncertainties, calibration, proficiency testing programs, measurement procedures,...), - to pass previous identified constraints on to producers and nuclear waste package production, - to maintain permanent quality improvement loop, - to lighten the programs of outlets audits, through the acknowledgement of the technical competence of the laboratory to evaluate by gamma spectrometry the activity contained in our nuclear waste drums. On the other hand, the lab is re-evaluated periodically to ensure its continued compliance with requirements: within a 12 month's interval for an internal audit, with a 18 month's period for COFRAC (French sole official national accreditation body). Since 2006, the lab is accredited. His accreditation renewed in 2010. A new entire renewal audit is planned in 2015. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nuclear waste management approach for new build nuclear power plants in the people's republic of China - 15687

EnergySolutions continues to provide waste treatment solutions in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Currently two projects are in the installation phase at different sites (Haiyang, an AP-1000TM site and Yangjiang, a CPR-1000 site). EnergySolutions is also working closely with PRC nuclear regulatory officials for certification of High Integrity Containers (HIC). This paper discusses progress on these two projects, and new information regarding current and future PRC waste management plans. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

A Literature Review and Compilation of Nuclear Waste Management System Attributes for Use in Multi-Objective System Evaluations - 16618

The purpose of this work was to compile a comprehensive initial set of potential nuclear waste management system attributes. This initial set of attributes is intended to serve as a starting point for additional consideration by system analysts and planners to facilitate the development of a waste management system multi-objective evaluation framework based on the principles and methodology of multi-attribute utility analysis. The compilation is primarily based on a review of reports issued by the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future (BRC), but also an extensive review of the available literature for similar and past efforts as well. Numerous system attributes found in different sources were combined into a single objectives-oriented hierarchical structure. This study provides a discussion of the data sources and the descriptions of the hierarchical structure. A particular focus of this study was on collecting and compiling inputs from past studies that involved the participation of various external stakeholders. However, while the important role of stakeholder input in a country's waste management decision process is recognized in the referenced sources, there are only a limited number of in-depth studies of the stakeholders' differing perspectives. Compiling a comprehensive hierarchical listing of attributes is a complex task since stakeholders have multiple and often conflicting interests. The BRC worked for two years (January 2010 to January 2012) to 'ensure it has heard from as many points of view as possible'. The Canadian NWMO study took four years and ample resources, involving national and regional stakeholders' dialogs, internet-based dialogs, information and discussion sessions, open houses, workshops, round-tables, public attitude research, web site, and topic reports. The current compilation effort benefited from the distillation of these many varied inputs conducted by the previous studies. The initial set of attributes is intended to provide a starting point for considering potential objectives for evaluating nuclear waste management system options. It is envisioned that this initial set will evolve and be revised as new and additional input is received from stakeholders on various attributes and their relative importance. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

A Literature Review and Compilation of Nuclear Waste Management System Attributes for Use in Multi-Objective System Evaluations.

The purpose of this work was to compile a comprehensive initial set of potential nuclear waste management system attributes. This initial set of attributes is intended to serve as a starting point for additional consideration by system analysts and planners to facilitate the development of a waste management system multi-objective evaluation framework based on the principles and methodology of multi-attribute utility analysis. The compilation is primarily based on a review of reports issued by the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future (BRC), but also an extensive review of the available literature for similar and past efforts as well. Numerous system attributes found in different sources were combined into a single objectives-oriented hierarchical structure. This study provides a discussion of the data sources and the descriptions of the hierarchical structure. A particular focus of this study was on collecting and compiling inputs from past studies that involved the participation of various external stakeholders. However, while the important role of stakeholder input in a country's waste management decision process is recognized in the referenced sources, there are only a limited number of in-depth studies of the stakeholders' differing perspectives. Compiling a comprehensive hierarchical listing of attributes is a complex task since stakeholders have multiple and often conflicting interests. The BRC worked for two years (January 2010 to January 2012) to "ensure it has heard from as many points of view as possible." The Canadian NWMO study took four years and ample resources, involving national and regional stakeholders' dialogs, internet-based dialogs, information and discussion sessions, open houses, workshops, round tables, public attitude research, website, and topic reports. The current compilation effort benefited from the distillation of these many varied inputs conducted by the previous studies.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

Controversial Projects and Potential Implications for the Consent-Based Siting of Nuclear Waste Management Facilities - 17345

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) goal is to develop solutions for the long-term, sustainable management of the nation's spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The DOE is planning for an integrated waste management system to transport, store, and dispose of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from commercial electricity generation, as well national defense activities. To achieve this goal, the DOE is developing a process to site facilities collaboratively with the public, communities, stakeholders, and governments at the state, tribal, and local levels. The DOE is seeking the help of all Americans in developing a consent-based approach to siting that is fair and reflective of public input. To inform DOE's efforts to develop a consent-based process for siting facilities an effort was undertaken to review other contentious projects including contaminated site remediation and facilities and infrastructure deployment to understand the role of different parties involved and of public involvement for both successful and unsuccessful projects. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

14 Steps to Creating Value in Cost and Schedule Resources for Nuclear Waste Management - 20188

While Waste Management budgets are shrinking, DOE required cost and schedule controls are becoming increasingly stringent. At the same time, there is a scarcity of adept, qualified, and competent projects controls staff who both understand nuclear waste management and are capable of addressing today's cost and schedule challenges. In response, we have developed a systematic approach to training and mentoring project controls staff. The approach is based on the observations and lessons learned on projects, both successful and unsuccessful, over the past 20 years. During that time, we evaluated staff development and used that experience to design a program that progresses the maturity, knowledge and experience of the individual. The program is based on the unique needs of cost and schedule specialists while incorporating the best leadership and managerial applications. The system is not limited to developing individual software skills, which is a primary focus of many project controls training programs. Instead, our system develops an individual's soft and hard skill sets. The system develops the user's skill, talent, attitude, and drive to do the best job possible. It focuses on all aspects of becoming a more productive technical team while accepting responsibility for individual growth. It also enhances the project controls team by setting up checks and balances that everyone is aware of and participates in. The system is based on 14 steps of increasing complexity in knowledge and application. The system clarifies roles, responsibilities and expectations. It helps eliminate uncertainty and reduces stress on staff and managers. It contains everyday routine actions and is simple to implement. It allows the development of a consistent rhythm to staff growth and development. Mastering the steps will allow the user to achieve excellence in cost and schedule control. The 14 steps are: 1 - Key Performance Objectives, 2 - Check Lists, 3 - Desktop Guides, 4 - System Description, 5 - Procedures, 6 - Software and On the Job Training (OTJ), 7 - Traceability Checks, 8 - Surveillances, 9 - 32 Criteria, 10 - The Contract, 11 - Customer/Government Guidance, 12 - Training and Mentoring Others, 13 - Master your weekly and daily schedules, 14 - Improving your interpersonal skills. Application and mastery of this system will produce better cost and schedule control results. Your project controls staff will write better reports, analyze data better, make better use of their time, and be more valuable to decision makers. If followed rigorously, our system will produce a great project controls team, which is invaluable to the success of each project. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2011

Sandia National Laboratories performance assessment methodology for long-term environmental programs : the history of nuclear waste management.

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is the world leader in the development of the detailed science underpinning the application of a probabilistic risk assessment methodology, referred to in this report as performance assessment (PA), for (1) understanding and forecasting the long-term behavior of a radioactive waste disposal system, (2) estimating the ability of the disposal system and its various components to isolate the waste, (3) developing regulations, (4) implementing programs to estimate the safety that the system can afford to individuals and to the environment, and (5) demonstrating compliance with the attendant regulatory requirements. This report documents the evolution of the SNL PA methodology from inception in the mid-1970s, summarizing major SNL PA applications including: the Subseabed Disposal Project PAs for high-level radioactive waste; the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant PAs for disposal of defense transuranic waste; the Yucca Mountain Project total system PAs for deep geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; PAs for the Greater Confinement Borehole Disposal boreholes at the Nevada National Security Site; and PA evaluations for disposal of high-level wastes and Department of Energy spent nuclear fuels stored at Idaho National Laboratory. In addition, the report summarizes smaller PA programs for long-term cover systems implemented for the Monticello, Utah, mill-tailings repository; a PA for the SNL Mixed Waste Landfill in support of environmental restoration; PA support for radioactive waste management efforts in Egypt, Iraq, and Taiwan; and, most recently, PAs for analysis of alternative high-level radioactive waste disposal strategies including repositories deep borehole disposal and geologic repositories in shale and granite. Finally, this report summarizes the extension of the PA methodology for radioactive waste disposal toward development of an enhanced PA system for carbon sequestration and storage systems. These efforts have produced a generic PA methodology for the evaluation of waste management systems that has gained wide acceptance within the international community. This report documents how this methodology has been used as an effective management tool to evaluate different disposal designs and sites; inform development of regulatory requirements; identify, prioritize, and guide research aimed at reducing uncertainties for objective estimations of risk; and support safety assessments.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Geographic Information Systems as an Opportunity for Public Engagement in Environmental Data Analysis for Nuclear Waste Management - 17505

For half a century, scientists across government agencies, industry, academia and other research organizations have been using geographic information system (GIS) tools to display data collected for a wide variety of programs. Recent technology advances have made it possible for the public to also use GIS tools to display data. Meanwhile, around the world, volunteers are increasingly participating in citizen science activities that involve collecting environmental observations and measurements. Considering themes of broad interest to which citizen science and GIS tools could be applied, integrated nuclear waste management represents a potential opportunity for public engagement in environmental data analysis. In the United States, the Department of Energy's (DOE's) goal is to develop solutions for the long-term, sustainable management of the nation's spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) from commercial electricity generation, as well as national defense activities. The DOE has been exploring options for an integrated waste management system to transport, store, and dispose of SNF and HLW. To support its efforts, DOE has been exploring ways to seek broad input from the public. Literature was reviewed to assess recent advances in GIS technology and citizen science that could contribute to public engagement in waste management planning. Results identified a variety of promising tools and applications that are readily accessible online, including QGIS and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Real Time Geo-spatial Data Viewer (RETIGO). For example, interested members of the public could illustrate air quality, water quality, and other environmental data in GIS plots to visually represent local conditions over time. This paper highlights potential opportunities for those interested in citizen science and GIS tools as part of exploring options for public engagement in planning for an integrated waste management system. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Editorial: Sorption processes in nuclear waste management: data knowledge management and new methodologies for data acquisition/prediction

A fundamental approach to Nuclear Waste Repository research involves the collection of experimental data in a laboratory setting, development of empirical and/or mechanistic numerical models representing those observations, and application of these models (or Reduced Order Models) into reactive transport and performance assessment models as predictive tools for informing society of impacts and risks associated with nuclear waste repository scenarios (Stevens et al., 2020). Therefore, the assimilation and interpretation of experimental data must take advantage of both new data and the rich historical data available in the literature and apply novel modeling approaches to improve predictive tools, particularly from the standpoint of uncertainty quantification, for nuclear waste repository performance assessment (Zavarin et al., 2022).

sorption↗
DOE OSTI2019

Developments in the Regulatory Framework of Nuclear Waste Management in Germany - Licensing Procedures for storage of SNF and Public Involvement - 19612

According to article 6 of the German Atomic Energy Act (AtG), storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel requires a license. The competent licensing authority in this field is the Federal Office for Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BfE). According to the Act for selecting a repository site for heat-generating radioactive waste (HAW) (Site Selection Act - StandAG) dating from 2017, BfE has been assigned the task of developing, conducting, and evaluating public participation procedures in the process of site search and selection for a deep geological repository for radioactive waste and SNF. Article 6 AtG applies to interim storage of SNF. If the legally defined licensing conditions by article 6 (2) AtG are met, the storage license applied for has to be granted. For on-site facilities, interim storage has been limited to 40 years. The licensing procedures for interim storage of SNF are carried out in accordance with the general administrative procedural rules. In certain cases due to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (EIA Act), an EIA has to be carried out. In these cases, a formalized licensing procedure including an involvement of the public is conducted. The Nuclear Licensing Procedure Ordinance (AtVfV) originating from 1977 and reformulated in 1995 defines formalized rules for the public participation procedure which have to be followed strictly. These include a public hearing. The risen objections are evaluated by the licensing authority and taken account of in the licensing decision. The process of repository site selection defined by the StandAG exceeds these formalized procedures significantly: The objective of this process is to achieve a broad social consensus about the site selection procedure and about a repository site that will offer the best possible safety for one million years. Therefore, the process has to be particularly transparent, and involvement of the public - including newly developed forms of public involvement - is an essential part of it. BfE as competent authority in both the fields of repository site search and selection and licensing of interim storage of SNF has recently developed new strategies of involving the public concerning interim storage of SNF. Supplementing the standard licensing procedures, BfE presently informs and involves the public about topical issues regarding the present state and recent developments in the field of interim storage of SNF. Current central topics are for example the return of HAW and MAW from reprocessing of SNF in France and UK as well as perspective longer interim storage periods on the interface with final disposal. Regarding longer interim storage, host communities of interim storage facilities are concerned that interim storage might be extended indefinitely. Additionally, there is a strong fear of transports of radioactive waste and SNF from one place to another. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

The root causes of siting failures in nuclear waste management - 15652

For many decades, the global nuclear industry and associated governments have attempted to establish new facilities for the storage and disposal of nuclear wastes. Success has been rare (France, Sweden and Finland being the examples) and remains elusive for many programs despite attempts to change the selection process in some cases. Success has been aided by local and national consent in the few cases that are proceeding. A small study of several countries lack of success is examined to determine the dominant reasons for such failures. The goal of the study is to inform the planning process for efforts to site new facilities by feeding back some lessons learned from past failed efforts. This limited review of international experience indicates that there is no simple approach available for siting deep geologic disposal or even centralized storage facilities. A number of countries have tried multiple times to find an acceptable site. Two studies [1, 2] clearly indicate that there must be adequate assurance of social as well as technical acceptability for successfully siting such facilities. It is evident that even though the technology and science may be proven, it is the politics and public engagement in siting processes that dominate the failures. However, the detailed reasons within each effort present a richer set of lessons. This paper will summarize the findings and present them such that they can be used to inform future siting efforts by a nation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗