RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

Table 5. Continued.
Technology issue/
subsystem
RD&D – current status RD&D – planned
activities, reference
Reference design D1 – permit application for
encapsulation plant
D2 – permit application
for deep repository
Main and construction
documents
Deposition technology
Schematic solutions,
including radiation
protection, for handling
and deposition of canisters.
There is a demo machine
for deposition of canisters
at the Äspö HRL. Different
types of handling tests
have been conducted with
experimental equipment.
Re-examination of
performance requirements,
plus technical
and environmental
evaluations, possible
modification of
machine design, see
section 10.3.
Like Äspö demo
machine, except
that the equipment
is not planned to be
rail-bound.
Like Äspö demo machine,
except that the equipment is
planned to be wheeled.
Studies of modified version
of deposition machine
finished and design chosen.
Links to other subsystems
analyzed.
Detailed engineering,
fabrication and testing of
deposition machine with
chosen design carried
out.
Buffer
Material choice,
preparation and
application, performance
in short and long term.
Continuous R&D to
develop knowledge base
concerning properties and
performance. More than a
hundred full-scale blocks
have been fabricated by
uniaxial pressing and
installed in full-scale
trials at the Äspö HRL.
Additional research
concerning materials
and processes prior
to choice of buffer
material. Testing of
isostatic pressing of
blocks, see section
10.2 and Chapter 17.
Sodium bentonite
(MX 80). Blocks are
fabricated by isostatic
pressing.
Current knowledge base for
reference material (MX 80)
or other equivalent materials
presented.
Updated knowledge base
presented. Material chosen
and explained. Methods for
fabrication and application
studied and requisite tests
performed. Feasibility
demonstrated and environmental
aspects analyzed.
Chosen system
(materials, press
equipment etc)
fabricated and tested
prior to preparation of
construction documents
for deposition tunnels and
production building for
compaction of buffer.
Backfill and closure
– Deposition tunnels
Material choice, application,
function
Extensive alternative
studies conducted of
materials and handling
concepts. Technology
and function tested in
large-scale tests.
Continued evaluation
of alternative materials
and methods for
handling and application,
see section 10.4
and Chapter 18.
MX 80 mixed with
crushed rock in ratio
30/70.
Alternative materials
examined. At least one
optional material that meets
the requirements specified.
Links to other subsystems
described.
Site-adapted reference
material chosen and shown
to meet requirements.
Interaction with other
subsystems (excavation
method, sealing) investigated
and described.
Environmental aspects
analyzed.
Chosen system for
backfilling (materials,
equipment, application)
fabricated and tested
prior to preparation of
construction documents
for deposition tunnels and
production building.
– Accesses, other
chambers
As above. As above. As above. As above. As above. As above.
– Boreholes Inventory of feasible
materials completed.
Continued studies of
materials. Compilation
of concepts for sealing
and field test, see
section 10.5.
Compacted bentonite
blocks in perforated
copper tubes.
Sealing requirements
analyzed. Current
knowledge base for
sealing concept described.
Site-adapted reference
concept that meets the
requirements chosen.
Detailed engineering,
fabrication and testing.
RD&D-Programme 2004 397