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Testing of a near-field biogeochemical model against data from a large-scale gas generation experiment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

J.S. Small ,
M. Nykyri ,
N. Paaso ,
U. Hovi ,
M. Itävaara  and
T. Sarlin
J.S. Small
Affiliation:
Nexia Solutions Ltd, Warrington, UK
M. Nykyri
Affiliation:
Safram Oy, Espoo, Finland
N. Paaso
Affiliation:
Teollisuuden Voima Oy, Eurajoki, Finland
U. Hovi
Affiliation:
Teollisuuden Voima Oy, Eurajoki, Finland
M. Itävaara
Affiliation:
VTT Biotechnology, Espoo, Finland
T. Sarlin
Affiliation:
VTT Biotechnology, Espoo, Finland
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Abstract

A biogeochemical model that represents processes of metal corrosion, microbial degradation of cellulosic waste and mass transfer within a heterogeneous system has been used to represent processes of gas generation in a large-scale (20m3) experiment that has studied degradation of typical nuclear reactor operating waste. The experiment has been in operation for a period of about eight years and has established a pattern of methanogenic gas generation. A “blind testing” approach has been used to develop the model of the experiment using independently derived kinetic data for corrosion and microbial processes. The model correctly represents the anaerobic conditions leading to methane generation during the course of the experiment. The overall rate of gas generation of the experiment is well represented, as is the composition of evolved gases and geochemistry of sampled liquids. The experiment and the model together build confidence in the ability to simulate processes of gas generation and variation in chemical conditions in heterogeneous repository environments.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 932: Symposium – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXIX , 2006 , 116.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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References

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