HLW Container Corrosion in Geological Disposal Conditions

Abstract

In order to prevent a possible return of activity to the biosphere, the current concept for High Level Waste disposal is to build a multi barrier system consisting of a slow leaching waste form, the waste container, backfilling materials and the geological formation. The main threat to the integrity of the container is aqueous corrosion and two concepts are currently accepted, one based on a thin “corrosion resistant” overpack, the other on a thick “corrosion allowance” canister.