An overview of simple basic equations used in HLW glass dissolution modeling: consequences for long term leaching and element profiles

Abstract

ABSTRACTOver the last decades, several models describing glass dissolution have been published. Starting from the basic equations in their simplest form, the relationships between models are evaluated to address the following questions: 'What is the relationship between their basic assumptions?, What is the resulting long term leach rate? and, Which element profiles do they allow one to predict?' Although not part of it, this paper could complement the European project GLAMOR, where two models describing the dissolution of glass in a water solution, the r(t) and the GM models, are used by several groups to fit the same sets of experimental data. In this paper, other models are considered as well and all models are compared with each other.From comparison with the Boksay model, which uses the same equations, a simplification is suggested for the GM model concerning the water diffusion in the glass. The use of the numerical code developed to solve part of it, can mostly be avoided by using the analytical solution of the Boksay model.