RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

Horizontal deposition
RNR experiment
True Block Scale
Prototype repository
Demo test
Zedex
Canister retrieval test
TBT
Slurrying test
Lasgit
LTDE
Backfill and
plug test
Pillar stability
experiment
Lot
RNR experiment
Microbe experiment
Two-phase flow
Matrix fluid chemistry experiment
Rex project
Colloid project
True-1
Figure 1-3. Ongoing and previously concluded experiments in the Äspö tunnel.
supporting the research school, along with the University of Kalmar. The University of Kalmar
wants to conduct advanced post-graduate education and research in environmental science,
with a focus on geoscience, and for this purpose the Äspö HRL constitutes a unique resource
in the region for conducting research on transport and migration mechanisms for pollutants in
rock, soil layers and biosphere. For its part, SKB is interested in the research results and needs
to ensure future competency in the field. The municipality is interested in having a facility
where advanced research is conducted, providing jobs for young, well-educated residents of
the municipality.
1.2.2 Canister Laboratory
The Canister Laboratory, situated in the harbour area at Oskarshamn, was built during the
period 1996–1998. One of the old welding halls, which was used for shipbuilding, has been
converted for the development of sealing technology for the copper canisters. It is used mainly
for the development of equipment for welding of copper lids and bottoms and for nondestructive
testing of the welds. Equipment and systems for handling of fuel and canisters in the future
encapsulation plant are also tested and developed in the Canister Laboratory. Another purpose
of the activities is to train personnel for commissioning of the encapsulation plant. The Canister
Laboratory is therefore intended to remain in use until the encapsulation plant is put into
operation.
There are stations in the Canister Laboratory for testing different welding techniques and different
methods for nondestructive testing. The goal is to develop methods that meet the stipulated
quality requirements and have sufficiently high reliability to be used in the encapsulation plant.
The most important items of equipment in the laboratory are an electron beam welder, a friction
stir welding and an ultrasonic testing machine. An interior picture from the Canister Laboratory
is shown in Figure 1-4.
RD&D-Programme 2004 23