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The Effects of Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transport on Radionuclide Migration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Frank B. Walton
Affiliation:
Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Pinawa, Manitoba, ROE 1LO, Canada
J. P. M. Ross
Affiliation:
Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Pinawa, Manitoba, ROE 1LO, Canada
D. G. Juhnke
Affiliation:
Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Pinawa, Manitoba, ROE 1LO, Canada
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Abstract

Five thermal-convection loops, constructed of granite, were operated for 350 d with a hot-side temperature of 60°C and a cold-side temperature of 20°C, to examine the effects of a thermal gradient on the convective transport of seven radionuclides. Radionuclide concentrations on the surface of the loop flow channels indicated that 125Sb, 60Co and 54Mn and precipitated iron oxyhydroxides were concentrated in the hot side of the loops. Concentrations of 144Ce and 99Tc were higher in the cold side of the loops. Both of these patterns were exhibited by 75Se. The concentration of 137Cs was not significantly affected by the thermal gradient. Radionuclide solubility and sorption were affected by variations in pH, Eh and ionic strength. Incorporation of the radionuclide into mineral lattices was found to play a key role in retarding the transport of all radionuclides tested.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1985

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References

1. Walton, F.B., Juhnke, D.G. and Ross, J.P.M., “Radionuclide Transport in Granite Thermal-Convective Loops”, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited Report (in preparation).Google Scholar
2. Beeley, P.A., private communication.Google Scholar
3. Walton, F.B., unpublished data.Google Scholar
4. Schwertmann, U. and Murad, E., “Effect of pH on the Formation of Goethite and Hematite from Ferrihydrite”, Clays & Clay Min. 31, 4, 277 (1983).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5. Walton, F.B., Melnyk, T.W., Ross, J.P.M., and Skeet, A.M.M., “Determination of Radionuclide Sorption Mechanisms and Rates on Granitic Rock by Selective Chemical Extraction Techniques”, A.C.S. Symposium Series, 246, 45 (1984).Google Scholar
6. Melnyk, T.W., private communication.Google Scholar
7. Walton, F.B., Paquette, J., Ross, J.P.M. and Lawrence, W.E., “Tc(IV) and Tc(VII) Interactions with Iron Oxyhydroxides”, submitted to Nuclear and Chemical Waste Management, (1985).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
8. Walton, F.B., Melynyk, T.W., Abry, R.G. and Fleury, K., “The Determination of Nuclide-Geologic Media Reaction Kinetics Using Mixing-Cell Contactors”, Chem. Geo., 36, 155 (1982)Google Scholar