| Abstract |
The principal objective of NF-PRO is to establish the scientific and technical basis for evaluating the safety
function "containment and minimisation of release" of the near-field of a geological repository for high-level
radioactive waste and spent fuel. To this end, NF-PRO will investigate dominant processes and process
couplings affecting the isolation of nuclear waste within the near-field and apply and develop conceptual and
mathematical models for predicting the source-term release of radionuclides from the near-field to the farfield.
Results and conclusions of experimental and modelling work will be integrated in performance
assessment.
To understand the performance of the overall near-field system, an adequate insight in both the performance
of the individual near-field sub-systems and their interactions is essential. Accordingly, the Integrated Project
NF-PRO has been structured in five Research and Technology Development Components (further referred to
as RTD Components) each representing a major near-field sub-system. In particular, RTD Components 1 to
4 address key processes controlling dissolution of and release from the waste matrix, chemical processes
taking place in the Engineered Barrier System (EBS), the thermo-hydromechanical (THM) evolution of the
EBS and the characteristics and the evolution of the excavation disturbed zone (EDZ), respectively. Process
couplings and integration in performance assessment (PA) are dealt with in RTD Component 5. This RTD
component will play a pivotal role in IP NF-PRO. At the initial phase of NF-PRO, RTD Component 5 will
provide a realistic description of the evolution of the conditions in the near-field in view of identifying key
processes and remaining uncertainties to be addressed by RTD Components 1 to 4. Throughout the project,
RTD Component 5 will analyse macroscopic mass and energy flows and integrate the outcome of RTD
Components 1 to 4 in PA through 'Integration Excercises'. These exercises will be performed for the main
potential host rocks currently investigated for HLW disposal in the EU: clay, granite and salt. In addition to
the scientific-technical objectives, the consortium will make the acquired data, knowledge and expertise
available and accessible to the broad scientific community within the EU and NAS, use its expertise for
public information purposes and promote knowledge and technology transfer through training. Component 6
brings together all activities concerning training (including knowledge management and transfer). |