Resumen de Bentonite as a nuclear barrier
Many countries have constructed facilities in stable, geological formations for the disposal of radioactive waste, while some are in various stages of considering this disposal method as an option. As Nagra in Sweden enters the key phase of its FE experiment, Kasia Patel, Deputy Editor, takes a closer look at the role of bentonite in nuclear disposal.
"The FE experiment (...) is a full-scale multiple heater test in a clay-rich formation (opalinus clay)," Herwig Muller, Nagra's FE experiment project manager, told IM. "It simulates the construction, waste emplacement, backfilling and early post-closure evolution of a spent fuel (SF)/vitrified high-level waste (HLW) repository tunnel, according to the Swiss concept, as realistically as possible." While bentonite can be used as buffer, backfill and sealing material in waste disposal, its usage depends on the type of waste and on the disposal concept of each country, Muller explained to IM. He does however predict a more widespread adoption of bentonite in nuclear waste disposal.
