Technology development

The technology for disposal of fuel is developed in preparation for the permit applications for the encapsulation plant and the deep repository. The work is focused on a reference design for each of the different parts of the system and will then be evaluated in terms of safety, technology, costs and environmental aspects.

The canister

The canister in which the spent fuel will be encapsulated has a cast insert of nodular iron and a five centimetre thick copper shell. At the Canister laboratory they work on the design and fabrication of the canister. Two methods of welding have been tested for sealing the canister: electron beam (EBW) and friction stir (FSW). The FSW method is chosen as a reference method.

Methods for nondestructive testing of welds and the canister are being developed. It is also important that the canister can withstand mechanical loads and corrosion, therefore the strength of the canister is tested and calculated. Research into corrosion of copper and iron is also conducted.   

The deep repository

Here technology is developed for mining of tunnels and sealing the rock around them, fabricating and emplacing the buffer, handling the canisters and finally backfilling and plugging the deposition tunnels. Studies are also made into sealing of boreholes and technology for retrieving canisters.

(Sourse: RD&D-programme 2004 and RD&D-programme 2007)

For more information, please contact chief coordinatior Marcus Laaksoharju.

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