Role of demonstration activities in the field of geological disposal. Monica Hammarström SKB

Transcription

1 Role of demonstration activities in the field of geological disposal Monica Hammarström SKB 1

2 Content History Examples of demonstration projects supported by the EC The ESDRED project, February 2004 to January 2009 The LucoeX project, May 2011 to September 2015 Conclusions 2

3 History It started already in the early 80 s in the Stripa project The objectives were to develop techniques to characterize crystalline rock Tools and techniques to quantify hydrogeological characteristics, characteristics and behaviour of clay material were developed and methods for identifying fractures were demonstrated Field-scale demonstration of shaft and tunnel sealing and borehole plugging were performed 3

4 History SKB proposed in the RD&D Programme 86 that a new underground laboratory should be built in an undisturbed environment The objectives were to Development of methods and models In-situ experiments Demonstration of system and techniques 4

5 ESDRED: Engineering Studies and Demonstrations of Repository Designs The FIRST objective was to demonstrate, at an industrial scale, the technical feasibility of some very specific activities related to the construction, operation and closure of a deep geological repository for high level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. 1: Buffer Construction Technologies for Horizontal Disposal Concepts 2 : Transfer and Emplacement of Waste Canisters 3: Heavy load emplacement technology 4: Temporary Sealing using low ph cement Technology The SECOND objective was to promote a shared European vision in the field of radioactive waste disposal technology. The THIRD objective focused on training and communication. 5

6 ESDRED Module 1 6

7 ANDRA and NAGRA activities in Module 1 Mould for pressing of buffer rings Assembly of buffer rings Experimental setup of auger system Emplacement of bentonite granulate 7

8 DBE, ANDRA and NRG activities in Module 2 DBE emplacement of canisters in deep holes Layout of ANDRA deposition tunnels for vitrified waste and the pushing robot developed in the ESDRED project 8

9 ANDRA in Module 2 - Test of pushing robot General View of the Horizontal Emplacement Demonstrator as set in St-Chamond 9

10 SKB in Module 3 The KBS-3H system Development of the KBS-3H system and equipment from sketches to prototype equipment. 10

11 ANDRA in Module 3 Test rig for demonstration of emplacement of canister with spent fuel 11

12 Module 4, ENRESA, NAGRA and SKB Shotcrete tests at Äspö HRL in Sweden and Hagerbach Test Facility in Switzerland Water chamber Impermeable layer EDZ observation slot High pressure doped water Leaks pump Reinforced dam Shotcrete plug Plug flow EDZ flow 1,85 m Construction of a low-ph concrete plug at KBS-3H deposition tunnel at Äspö HRL. Done by ENRESA. 3,50 m 12

13 LUCOEX - Large Underground Concept Experiments LUCOEX contained the following Modules or Waste Packages: 1. Horizontal disposal of waste packages in Opalinus clay formation (NAGRA) 1. Horizontal disposal of waste packages in Callovo-Oxfordian clay formation (Andra) 1. Horizontal disposal of waste packages in crystalline rock (SKB) 1. Vertical disposal of waste packages in crystalline rock (Posiva) 13

14 NAGRA Full scale experiment at Mont Terri Layout of the drift for the full scale experiment at Mont Terri Photos of preparation of canister pedestal, canister and the auger system 14

15 Horizontal disposal of waste packages in Callovo-Oxfordian clay formation ANDRA - Schematic diagram of a HLW cell according to the French concept 2009 The HLW cell is a micro-tunnel which is approximately 40 m long and 0.7 m in diameter.. Photo of the heater element used 15

16 SKB Multi purpose test (MPT) Distance and transition blocks for the MPT Transport of distance and transition blocks from assembly hall to deposition tunnel 16

17 Posiva Deposition of buffer and waste packages in crystalline hard rock Buffer Installation Machine (BIM) 2. Buffer block transfer vehicle 3. Bentonite container for transportation and handling of blocks and pellet. 4. General overview of deposition tunnel. 17

18 Posiva Buffer Installation Machine (BIM) Lowering of buffer blocks into the deposition hole with a vacuum lifting tool. Photo of the BIM in the test hall. The machine is moved with help of a truck. 18

19 POSIVA Testing above ground in test hall The buffer block at the bottom of the hole and the releasing of pellets into the gap between buffer and test hole wall. 19

20 Photo of the Buffer Installation Machine in ONKALO demonstration tunnel 1. 20

21 Conclusions Despite different conditions and requirements for the various repositories planned, there are many common issues and also experiences that can be shared between organizations. Development of equipment and systems is normally very time consuming and costly. Sharing experiences in joint projects give us opportunities to find good solutions and to achieve acceptance both on a national and international level. There is a big difference to carry out tests with prototypes compared to working with the entire system of equipment at industrial scale. The environment in the repository are typically also much more difficult than in test environments. Demonstration at industrial scale is and will be important in order to meet the requirements set by the licensing authorities. 21

22 Problems during tests with buffer material The environment and humidity must be controlled to avoid damage to the buffer block. 22

23 Many different problems to be considered Corrosion problem: Photo of camera unit with two power LED s for lighting and a camera in the middle. (KBS-3H deposition machine). Components failures. 23

24 Thank you! 24