Publications Details

Summary of Investigations on Technical Feasibility of Direct Disposal of Dual-Purpose Canisters

Hardin, Ernest H.; Price, Laura L.; Kalinina, Elena A.; Hadgu, Teklu H.; Ilgen, Anastasia G.; Bryan, Charles R.; Scaglione, John M.; Banerjee, Kaushik; Clarity, Justin; Jubin, Robert; Sobes, Vladimir; Howard, Rob; Carter, Joe; Severynse, Thomas; Perry, Frank

This study has evaluated the technical feasibility of direct disposal in a geologic repository, of commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) of existing designs. The authors, representing several national laboratories, considered waste isolation safety, engineering feasibility, thermal management, and postclosure criticality control. The 3-year study concludes that direct disposal is technically feasible for most DPCs, depending on the repository host geology. Postclosure criticality control, and thermal management strategies that allow permanent disposal within 150 years, are two of the most challenging aspects. This document summarizes technical results from a series of previous reports, and describes additional studies that can be done especially if site-specific information becomes available from one or more prospective repository sites.