Patent ID: 6238138
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G21F

Abstract:
A system for disposing of nuclear waste in underground rock formations, said system comprising:a) means for drilling a vertical wellbore from a surface of an area of land and extending into an underground rock formation, the well bore extending to a depth able to prevent radioactive material placed therein from reaching a surface of the area of land and of a predetermined distance from active water sources;b) means for drilling primary horizontal laterals extending from the vertical wellbore, the primary horizontal laterals being defined by the underground rock formation;c) means for securing a first layer of cement within the primary horizontal lateral by circulating cement between a steel casing and the wall of the wellbore in the primary horizontal lateral;d) means for encapsulating nuclear waste to be stored in the primary horizontal lateral;e) means for placing the encapsulated nuclear waste in the primary horizontal lateral.