Gas Generation Model for OPG's Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Deep Geologic Repository

Abstract

As part of the postclosure safety assessment for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for low and intermediate level waste (L&ILW), gas generation modelling has been undertaken. A variety of microbial and corrosion processes were considered for the generation of gases and the consumption of water within the repository. Four key mechanisms have been identified: microbial degradation of organic waste, methanogenesis, corrosion of metallic wastes, and CO₂ enhanced corrosion of metallic wastes.