We added the following assumptions to predict the radiolytic gas generation and bubble formation during the CST IX operations. Gas volume negligible compared to the solution volume. Constant volumetric flow rate. Homogeneous nucleation as the only mechanism to form bubbles. Bubble formation mechanism in the mobile phase applicable to the pore phase.
Bubble velocity equals interstitial velocity of the mobile phase.
The model requires specification of the concentration of dissolved gas in the feed stream at the start of the calculation. Hydrogen and oxygen form radiolytically in the waste stream. Hydrogen forms from the breakdown of water. Oxygen forms by breakdown of water and decomposition of sodium nitrate. The following reactions depict the stoichiometry to form hydrogen and oxygen.