Laser mass-spectrometric analysis of vitrified radioactive wastes under conditions of long-term storage

Moscow Scientific and Industrial Association "Radon." Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 77, No. 2, pp. 129–134, August, 1994.     

低中放废物玻璃固化体性能要求及测试方法探讨

为了减少废物体积,提升废物处置安全,将玻璃固化技术用于低中放废物的处理。低中放废物玻璃固化体性能要求及测试方法,我国目前缺少相应的标准。本文通过废物固化体标准和公开发表的相关测试数据对比分析,给出了低中放废物玻璃固化体的性能要求和测试方法的建议。     

Use of poly(methyl methacrylate) in radioactive waste management: I. Radiation stability and degradation

In this study, in order to understand the possible use of PMMA in radioactive waste management as a solidifying agent, radiation stability of the PMMA was studied by gamma irradiations at two different dose rates of 1485 and 82.8 Gy/h. The total dose of irradiation was up to 523 kGy. Degradation nature was tested by studying the changes in mechanical and thermal properties with rate and total dose of irradiation. Ultimate tensile strength and toughness first increased and then decreased with total irradiation dose. Half value dose (HVD) for elongation was 148 kGy and it was 178 kGy for tensile strength at the dose rate of 1485 Gy/h. Half value dose was found from the extrapolation of experimental data as 228 kGy for elongation and 205 kGy for tensile strength at the dose rate of 82.8 Gy/h. The FTIR spectral analysis showed depolymerization degradation of polymer with irradiation. It was concluded from experimental results that PMMA can be used for embedding radioactive wastes.     

Calorimetric measurements on preparations of naturally radioactive families of elements

A method is described for calorimetric determinations of the activity of naturally radioactive families of elements. The ratios between the milligram-equivalents and millicuries for equilibrium RaTh and Ac sources have been determined. The half-life of Ra and the -radiation energy of Ra and Ac have been determined calorimetrically.     

Change of structure and properties of vitrified radioactive wastes during long-time storage in an experimental repository

Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray phase analysis, and infrared spectroscopy are used to study samples selected from a near-surface zone of glass blocks of vitrified radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants after they have been in storage in an experimental repository for 17 years. It is shown that only a thin surface layer of the glass blocks undergoes any changes due to environmental factors, and quartz-like and alumosilicate embryos are found on this layer. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 105, No. 2, pp. 87–93, August, 2008.     

Radiation stability of reactor-grade graphite

State Science Center “Atomic Reactor Scientific-Research Institute.” Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 80, No. 6, pp. 438–441, June, 1996.     

Radiation survey of radioactive objects at the Kirovo-Chepetsk chemical combine

The methods and means for performing a radiation survey of objects and grounds of the Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Combine are presented. Results of a survey of rooms in the combine and measurements of soil contamination levels on the grounds and of the specific activity of samples of radioactive wastes in temporary repositories and slag dumps are presented. The surveys make it possible to develop a concept and a project for rehabilitating these objects and grounds and to choose a technology for handling radioactive wastes during liquidation or preservation of repositories.     

Radiation stability of ZnSe(Te) crystals

Scientific-Industrial Association Monokristallreaktiv. Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 70, No. 2, pp. 119–121, February, 1991.