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This cutaway of an emplacement tunnel shows the TEV placing a waste package in its designated spot. The rock bolts and tunnel liner help support the tunnel ceiling (click the image to enlarge).
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Repository operations at Yucca Mountain would include all the activities associated with:
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Receiving the waste
- Preparing the waste for placement in the underground
- Transferring the waste to emplacement tunnels in the underground repository
- Monitoring the repository over the long term
Before repository construction can begin, the Department of Energy must receive authorization and a license to build the repository. After construction is complete, a license amendment based on the as-built repository is required before operations could begin. The earliest date that operations could start is 2017. This date is one of several key milestones described in the repository schedule.
It will take about 25 years to transport, receive, and place 70,000 metric tons of waste – an amount established by law - in the repository.
When the waste arrives at the repository,
workers will use remote controlled
equipment to remove it from transportation
casks and place it in special metal
containers called waste packages. The
remote controls allow workers to
operate equipment from a distance,
protecting them from radiation exposure.
Other remote equipment will install
and weld inner and outer lids on
the waste packages. Cameras and
remote sensing equipment would
assure that each waste package
meets rigorous safety and quality
criteria before going underground.
Remote-controlled welding arms
seal a waste package. In this artist's
3-D rendering, the waste package
is the orange cylinder positioned
under an opening where the welders
can access it from above.
Once the waste package welding and inspection is complete, an electric transporter called a Transport and Emplacement Vehicle (TEV) will move into the waste handling facility to transport the waste package to the emplacement tunnels.
The TEV travels from the surface facility, enters the main tunnel and moves each loaded waste package to an emplacement tunnel. Once the access doors are opened, the TEV moves in and places the waste package in its designated position.
Click the image in the player to the right to view
a conceptual animation of the TEV. |
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Last reviewed: 04/08
Repository Engineering and Design Overview:
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