One-Year Leaching of Three SRL Glasses in Granite

Abstract

AbstractThree Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) simulated nuclear waste glasses were buried in granite boreholes 345 meters deep. Included in the same boreholes were other potential waste package components including stainless steel and bentonite. Samples were maintained at either ambient mine temperature (8–10°C) or 90°C. Differences in glass leaching performances were observed among the three compositions, with SRL 165 being more durable than SRL 131, both with 29.8% TDS waste. Likewise, the presence of some package components affected the leaching performances. Bentonite resulted in accelerated attack on the glass while the presence of stainless steel did not appear to have much effect. Results obtained through one year of burial are presented in this paper.