Diffusion in the Matrix of Granitic Rock. Field Test in the Stripa Mine

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DIFFUSION IN THE MATRIX OF GRANITIC ROCK. FIELD TEST IN THE STRIPA MINE Lars Birgersson, Ivars Neretnieks Department of Chemical Engineering Royal Institute of Technology S-100 44 STOCKHOLM Sweden SUMMARY A migration experiment with the objective to investigate the existence of a connected pore system in "undisturbed" rock has been performed in the Stripa mine at the 360 m-level. Since all three tracers (Cr-EDTA, I- and Uranine) that were used in the experiment migrated at least 11 cm into the rock under a three month period, this experiment indicates the existence of a connected pore system in "undisturbed" rock. BACKGROUND The radionuclides migrating with flowing water may be considerably retarded if they can diffuse into the rock and sorb on the surfaces of the microfissures in the rock matrix (1). At present there are a series of laboratory experiments being performed with the purpose to determine diffusion coefficients for in

granite,

but

these

various

experiments are not carried out in

tracers

"undisturbed"

rock. It cannot be ruled out that the reduction of the rock stresses which occur when samples are thus necessary to make environment.

It

taken out have induced the microfissures. It is experiments in rock in the natural stress

is also necessary to know if diffusion can occur

through

the fissure filling material, since the radionuclides must pass through it before they can penetrate into the rock matrix. This experiment was performed in the Stripa mine at the 360 m-level. That will give nearly the same conditions as for the planned nuclear waste storage. INFLUENCE OF THE STRESSFIELD Near drillholes and drifts ,the rockstresses will be changed compared to "undisturbed" rock. A general rule in these stresses That is,

are

outside these 2 hole

exists (2).

cases

is

that

the

rock

changed about 2 hole diameters out from and below the hole. diameters

essentially

"undisturbed"

rock

520 Since the diameter of the drift where the experiment has taken

was approximately

m, a 11 m deep 146 mm hole

was

drilled. At this

(11

0146mm,Ll11m 020mm,L=2m

place

5.5

m)

changes in due

the

from

to

the

distance

rock

stresses

drift

the

the

drift

can

be

neglected , i.e. essentially "undisturbed" rock is reached. However, the existence 146

mm

change

further

rockstresses m (2

hole

mm

in

hole

stresses Figure 1. Drilling dimensions and packer positions

outward,

outward

the bottom of the a

20 2

(approximately a

a the

approximately 0.3

in

change

hole

will

the

approximately but

hole

mm

m long) was

drilled. This 20 mm cause

the

cause

diameters)

and below. Thus, in 146

of

will

hole

outside

rock 4

cm this

disturbed zone and 0.3 m below the

larger

hole

essentially

"undisturbed" rock is reached. If

tracers

can

migrate from the little hole past the disturbed zone and

into "undisturbed" rock, this experiment will indicate the existence of a connected pore system in "undisturbed" rock.

521 EXPERIMENTAL ALTERNATIVES : DIFFUSION - FLOW AND DIFFUS