An update on the copper corrosion program for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel in Canada

Abstract

In 2012, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization developed a comprehensive proof test plan (PTP) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of their copper-coated used fuel container and their novel bentonite buffer box emplacement concept to be employed in its proposed deep geological repository for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Research within the PTP includes several programs to evaluate the possible extent of damage that may be caused by various copper corrosion mechanisms: oxic-, radiolytic-, anoxic-, and sulfide-induced, with particular attention being paid to the possibility of localization of any of these processes. Programs remain on track to support and refine a maximum copper corrosion allowance of <1.27 mm over a one million year emplacement in a deep geological repository.