bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progress in Structural Design and Testing of the Used Fuel Container for Long-Term Management of Nuclear Waste in a Deep Geological Repository
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Doyle Dave 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is implementing the Adaptive Phased Management program since 2007 for the long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. The end point of this program is to contain and isolate the used fuel in a centralized Deep Geological Repository (DGR). The DGR is composed of a multiple barrier system that includes a suitable rock formation and several engineered barriers. A key component of the engineered barrier system is the Used Fuel Container (UFC). This is the containment vessel in which used fuel will be packaged. The current reference UFC design (i.e., the Mark II design) is a small sized cylindrical container with hemispherical heads. The container is made of carbon steel with a copper coating applied to the external surface for corrosion protection. This unique design is driven by the optimal long-term performance under the repository conditions and the characteristics of the natural uranium CANDU fuel, which represents the majority of the used fuel inventory in Canada. The development of the design involves many years of work in all fronts of the subject, including corrosion and material degradation, structural integrity, manufacturing processes, inspection and testing.
This paper focuses on the structural design of the UFC at the NWMO. The main challenges in the design of disposal containers are reviewed, followed by the examination of the applicability of existing codes and standards, such as the ASME BPVC. Then the developments of the container design methodology, criteria and constraints are discussed. The impact and dependency of the container design activities on other aspects of the project, e.g., container manufacturing and inspection, safety assessment, geoscience investigations and facility operations, are also briefly discussed. Finally, the design verification and validation testing programs, including the full scale external pressure tests, are presented.
Numerical Investigation of Cemented-Based Material to Be Used for Packaging System
Authors: Lo Frano Rosa , Cancemi Salvatore Angelo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The selection of immobilization waste technologies based on cementation should demonstrate that the obtained matrices are reliable, durable, and stable. This study deals with the numerical simulation of cemented package. Both the normal and accidental storage condition are considered.
The FE numerical model is adopted to benchmark several RLOW simulants composition and correlate/compare the structural properties. A 3D cylindrical shaped model was implemented. Homogeneous mechanical material properties of defined stiffness were assumed.
The thermal properties have been obtained experimentally by performing hot wire test on several samples of the cement inert matrix. These data were used as input for the numerical simulation. Moreover, pseudo-dynamic analysis was carried out in order to determine the damage level in the case of an accidental drop. Ageing effects have been also investigated. Results indicate that the thermal conductivity monotonically decreases of 20% as the temperature increases up to 800 °C.
The compressive strength, even reduced mainly as consequence of increased material porosity, confirmed to be dependent on w/c ratio. The results obtained were consistent with literature values, indicating a strong correlation between the simulation results and the established knowledge in the field.
Safety Study on Korean Deep Geological Repository for High-Level Radioactive Waste: (1) Procedures for Conducting Risk Assessment
Authors: Son Kibeom , Choi Karyoung , Heo Gyunyoung , Kim Hyungdae , Chang Kunok 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In Korea, a safety case development study of deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste is being conducted, and the safety case includes safety assessment of repository as a component. In the field of disposal, the safety assessment is performed through a kind of evaluation method called a scenario in consideration of waste’s characteristics.
Meanwhile, the general guidelines provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency or top-tier regulatory requirements addressed by each country do not mention detailed methods of ‘how to develop framework of safety assessment and scenarios by combining features, events, and processes’. In Korea, unlike the regulatory requirements of existing low and intermediate-level waste repository, the standards of main safety indicator based on risk for events, so it is necessary to differentiate the methodology.
Based on these backgrounds, this paper suggests the detailed requirements for the safety assessment methodology of deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste, and presents an example systematic framework reflecting these ideas. It is expected that this study will help to understand the safety assessment of deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste from the perspective of features, events, and processes and scenario.
CONTAS: Design and Qualification of a High Integrity Container for Intermediate Level Solid Waste
Authors: Coltella Thomas , Di Prinzio Matteo , Lazzaretti Maurizio , Giorgi Luciano , Firpo Gabriele , Orzelli Francesco , Frignani Michele , Frogheri Monica Linda , Ricci Cristina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Ansaldo Nucleare S.p.A. has designed, fabricated and qualified a high integrity container, CONTAS, for the conditioning, transportation and long term storage of solid ILW with low content of α-emitter radionuclides.
CONTAS is a carbon steel forged cylindrical container 1500mm high by 1100mm in external diameter, offering a general shielding wall thickness of 160mm and an internal usable volume of approximately 0,5m3.
Based on national and international norms and standards, CONTAS complies with stringent requirements to ensure protection of persons and environment:
• UNI 11784 [1] (the reference norm in Italy for solid heterogenous ILW conditioning and storage)
• IAEA SSR-6 [3] as Type IP-3 package
• Raccolta V.S.R. [7] as pressure equipment for nuclear purpose
CONTAS design, within the scope of a proper defined Qualification Plan, has been successfully qualified through a mix of experimental and analytical tests, performed on material samples, full-scale prototypes, FEM models, arranging the test sites in compliance with the criteria defined by standards and involving qualified Suppliers and Laboratories. The experimental tests include free drop tests, thermal test, degradation tests, leak tightness tests, pressure test, functional tests.
Several innovative elements of CONTAS, especially concerning the sealing systems, are currently patent pending.
Nuclear Waste Treatment: Vitrification of Iron-Phosphate Sludge
Authors: Coltella Thomas , Valente Francesca , Pierantoni Veronica , Ricci Cristina , Frignani Michele , Frogheri Monica Linda , Di Prinzio Matteo , Mariani Mario , Macerata Elena , Tiozzo Simone 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Within the framework of developing advanced processes for nuclear waste treatment, Ansaldo Nucleare is developing and testing an innovative technology to perform the conditioning of radioactive ferrous waste materials, classified as Low and Intermediate Level Waste (LILW), resulting from decommissioning activities of Nuclear Facilities.
This technology is based on a patented process dedicated to the treatment of decontamination solutions coming from the pickling process of the metallic components, with the aim to minimize the waste to be disposed, in an inert final product, and maximize the freely released material, that once it is decontaminated can be recycled. The process results in the production of a radioactive sludge, made mostly of iron-phosphate salts, which can be thermally treated to produce a ready-to-storage, homogenous and chemically resistant glass product. The process was first tested at laboratory scale and then in a pilot plant, installed at Politecnico di Milano.
The main strengths of this innovative technology are:
• Lower amount of fresh materials/chemicals requested for the waste treatment, resulting in lower costs associated with the process, also thanks to the continuous recycling of the pickling solution;
• Lower volume and higher long-term stability of the nuclear waste for the final storage;
• Facility with reduced footprint and transportable, designed to be installed in commercial containers.
Towards a Harmonised Application of the International Regulatory Framework in Waste Management and Decommissioning
Authors: Szőke Réka , Jacops Elke , Fowler Linda , Szőke István , Schatz Timothy , Maes Norbert , Karlsson Mikael , Pancotti Federica , Banford Anthony , Holt Erika , Marzo Giuseppe A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The 3-year Euratom project, “HARPERS: HARmonised PracticEs, Regulations and Standards in waste management and decommissioning,” aims to establish and clarify the benefits and added value of more aligned practices, methodologies, and approaches in decommissioning and radioactive waste management, including possibilities for shared processing, storage and disposal facilities between Member States (MS). HARPERS aims to reinforce the activities of the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD), Pre-disposal Treatment of European Radioactive Waste Streams (PREDIS) and Stakeholder-based Analysis of Research for Decommissioning (SHARE) projects. HARPERS will also connect with the wider European Community through, e.g., SNETP, DigiDECOM, NEA, IGDTP, IAEA, ENSREG, ERDO and will encourage interaction between different national programmes. The project will evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, identify the obstacles & issues preventing implementation of a more common regulatory approach, covering e.g., nuclear, industrial safety, occupational health, environmental, ... aspects. A TECOP analysis will identify a multitude of potential changes, which will be reviewed further in terms of strategic impacts for stakeholders. The high-level benefits of more aligned practices, methodologies and approaches are related to 1) greater business opportunities 2) better understanding between diverse groups serving wider markets 3) improved cost efficiency 4) waste minimisation and 5) improved final disposability of waste.
This paper gives a general overview on HARPERS and presents results of the two on-line workshops on WP5 Advanced Technologies.
A Holistic Approach to Digitalisation and Robotics in the Nuclear Back-End
Authors: Szőke István , Hartmann Christian , Szőke Réka , Stephane Lucas , Zahra Omar , Benkrid Abdenour 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Decommissioning and waste management are essential parts of the lifecycle of nuclear and other industrial sites/facilities to consider in terms of sustainability, as it often involves risks to workers or the environment. Robots can offer a solution by performing tasks in hazardous environments, handling contaminated materials, and performing repetitive and monotonous tasks. Making robots more autonomous through integration with AI-enabled digital twins is essential for a safe and efficient digitalization of the back-end. Through simulation and analysis of the performance of robots and facilities under various conditions, safe and sustainable robot deployments can be ensured. HADRON is a holistic approach that aims to optimize working processes while keeping humans away from dangerous, dull, and dirty tasks. This approach has been the core of the RoboDECOM project where heterogeneous mobile robots, integrated with digital and physics modeling technologies, were utilized in a pilot study to carry out a set of subtasks representative of the decommissioning process. This study presents findings related to HADRON from the RoboDECOM project, several EURATOM projects like SHARE (providing an innovation roadmap based on a large scale survey of innovation needs and opportunities in the nuclear back-end), PREDIS (specifically about a digital decision making platform for waste predisposal activities) and HARPERS (specifically about harmonizing safety standards and regulations with outlook into impacts of application of digital and robotic systems in the nuclear) or PLEIADES (providing one interface for digital tools and allow an exchange of the data between them).
WASTREAM for Supporting the Dismantling of Nuclear Installations
Authors: Thomas Robin , Delannay Nicolas , Helman Thibaut 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper presents the WASTREAM software suite developed by Tractebel to support an integrated decommissioning project.
In the framework of dismantling a nuclear installation, being able to correctly estimate the waste and material fluxes is crucial. Indeed, the preparation of dismantling activities and the drafting of regulatory files such as dismantling plans and safety analysis reports require estimations of waste and effluent productions, discharges, etc.
Therefore, it is necessary to gather a description of the dismantling activities and an estimation of the waste they produce, which in turn enables to evaluate the storage capacities to be installed. Moreover, logistics calculations performed in order to design the dismantling facilities (generally incorporating treatment units and buffer storage spaces) require also a precise evaluation of the waste masses as well as their radiological content during the dismantling activities.
Those waste estimations are then based on several sources of information: the installation physical inventory, the radiological characterization of the assets, the dismantling schedule and the description of material and waste streams (succession of the treatments and conditioning that the materials undergo from their dismantling to their interim storage/final disposal or clearance). Regular updates are necessary for these evaluations.
The WASTREAM software suite has been developed for this purpose. The software allows, on the one hand to define waste stream models and, on the other hand to establish the link between the installation physical inventory, the waste streams and the dismantling phase. It then provides means for calculating, analyzing and visualizing the quantities of waste produced. It is designed to be fast running and compatible with a wide variety of physical inventory databases and dismantling schedule.
In particular, WASTREAM has been connected to the platform developed in the framework of the PLEIADES project (European Commission funded project for connecting digital tools for smarter nuclear decommissioning). 3D models and databases of the PLEIADES case studies are used to showcase WASTREAM capabilities for supporting nuclear installations’ dismantling.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Decommissioning And Environmental Remediation (MINDER)
Authors: Dinis Maria de Lurdes , Abelshausen Bieke , Oughton Deborah , Amaral Eliana , Monken Fernandes Horst , Nanba Kenji , Alencar de Aguiar Laís , Lagos Leonel , Ramalho Franklin Mariza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Training and building capacity in Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation (D&ER) is challenging and complex as these activities demand the integration of a series of cross-cutting disciplines, effective project planning and managerial skills. Extensive D&ER programmes have been implemented in many countries. While some of these countries have achieved substantial progress with their programmes, many others face significant difficulties. One of the main constraints is the lack of skilled professionals. The demand for expertise in these areas, i.e., professionals with solid technical and scientific backgrounds who grasp the complexities and multidisciplinary character of D&ER programmes, is already a problem for many organizations, and the existing gap will soon increase. A Joint Master in Nuclear Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation (MINDER) is being developed under the European Commission Erasmus Mundus. The Consortium comprises the University of Porto (Coordinator), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Fukushima University, Florida International University, and the Institute of Radiation Protection. The programme will have the support of Associated Partners from Industry (e.g. Wismut GmbH), Academia (e.g. Oregon State University, US), International Organizations (e.g. IAEA) and Research Laboratories (e.g. PNNL, US). These partners will provide access to world-class infrastructure for research and development and opportunities for students to continue their studies.
Nochar Technologies for the Solidification of Complex L/ILW Liquid Radioactive Waste: Global Case Studies of Applications and Disposal Options
Authors: Kelley Dennis , Campbell Dennis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Legacy liquid radioactive waste streams from the Cold War still exist and newly generated waste streams from nuclear power plants and research institutes go untreated and expose environmental hazards at many nuclear sites. The nature of the waste is diverse, depending upon the source or the process from which it originated. The most problematic waste streams include complex liquids such as organic (tri-butyl-phosphate TBP) solutions contaminated with Pu and U isotopes, mixed organic and aqueous sludge types, nitric and mixed acid waste streams, H-3 contaminated organic and aqueous streams, etc. Technological, environmental and economic challenges continue to exist for the treatment and disposal of such waste streams.
A proven technology since 2001 that has been applied to liquid radioactive waste (LRW) on a global basis provides one option as a low-cost solution to legacy streams, large and small volume complex LRW frequently found during decommissioning and standard operations at nuclear power plants, research institutes, medical waste centers and weapons sites. The engineered polymer technology from Nochar, USA, is capable of solidifying standard and highly complex LLW and ILW waste streams for interim or final storage, or for incineration.
Convection Cooling of Power Electronics Operating in Deep-Space
Authors: Harsono Jessica , Kozak Joseph P. , Tomey Hala , Yerkes William , Neville Jonathan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Due to the need for an atmosphere or working fluid, forced convection cooling has seen limited use in space applications. This paper considers an ideal candidate — the Dragonfly Lander, a rotocraft being sent into Deep-space to conduct experiments on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. A forced convection based thermal management solution is presented for the Rotor Drive Electronics (RDE) unit, a high power electronics box responsible for controlling the rotors that allow the Lander to fly on Titan. A thermal flow model is built in Solidworks Flow Simulation to evaluate the effectiveness of a fan system used as the primary method for cooling the RDE. The model is validated with temperature data collected from a representative test setup. By utilizing forced convection, temperatures within the tightly packaged RDE are able to remain within operational limits when conductive and radiative heat transfer alone are insufficient. Through modeling, RDE thermal behavior is captured for an environment never before operated in, and it is shown that Titan’s dense atmosphere makes forced convection a particularly efficient method of heat transfer. This research may guide the use of forced convection in other space or non-traditional environments.
Wetting Behavior of Droplet on Inclined Surface: From Inkjet Printing on Non-Paper Media
Authors: Kawano Riki , Yamazaki Kimiharu , Kuramoto Shinichi , Kato Koichi , Fushinobu Kazuyoshi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inkjet printers are being developed to enable printing on surfaces other than paper, such as building walls, the ground, and clothes. The challenge for printers that print on surfaces other than paper is the formation of a liquid film after the ink has landed on the surface. On uneven surfaces other than paper, the droplets are affected by gravity and their shape is distorted, resulting in a reduction in image quality. To improve these problems, it is necessary to understand how high viscosity ink used in printing spread on the substrate. In this paper, it is examined whether the droplet motion model based on Newton’s second law of motion can explain the motion of highly viscous droplets. The results show that it is necessary to consider models that take into account changes in droplet shape and velocity over time and dynamic changes when the Reynolds number is large, and to establish a method for estimating Boc when the receding contact angle does not move.
Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing Based Design of a Heat Sink for Single Phase Natural Convection Immersion Cooling Application
Authors: Lamotte-Dawaghreh Jacob , Herring Joseph , Pundla Sai , Suthar Rohit , Nair Vivek , Bansode Pratik , Gupta Gautam , Agonafer Dereje , Madril Joseph , Ouradnik Tim , Matthews Michael , Winfield Ian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To fulfill the increasing demands of data storage and data processing within modern data centers, a corresponding increase in server performance is necessary. This leads to a subsequent increase in power consumption and heat generation in the servers due to high performance processing units. Currently, air cooling is the most widely used thermal management technique in data centers, but it has started to reach its limitations in cooling of high-power density packaging. Therefore, industries utilizing data centers are looking to singlephase immersion cooling using various dielectric fluids to reduce the operational and cooling costs by enhancing the thermal management of servers. In this study, heat sinks with TPMS lattice structures were designed for application in singlephase immersion cooling of data center servers. These designs are made possible by Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing (ECAM) technology due to their complex topologies. The ECAM process allows for generation of complex heat sink geometries never before possible using traditional manufacturing processes. Geometric complexities including amorphous and porous structures with high surface area to volume ratio enable ECAM heat sinks to have superior heat transfer properties. Our objective is to compare various heat sink geometries by minimizing chip junction temperature in a single-phase immersion cooling setup for natural convection flow regimes. Computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS Fluent is utilized to compare the ECAM heat sink designs. The additively manufactured heat sink designs are evaluated by comparing their thermal performance under natural convection conditions. This study presents a novel approach to heat sink design and bolsters the capability of ECAM-produced heat sinks.