Abstract
In 2010, five samples were reclaimed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These samples were generated by R&D performed in the 1970’s relating to the long-term storage of 85Kr and presented a unique opportunity to study a potential 85Kr waste form after over three half-lives have elapsed. The container material of two of the reclaimed 85Kr legacy waste form samples was examined by optical microscopy and by SEM-EDS. Substantial corrosion was observed throughout each sample container. The bulk of the container material was identified as carbon steel, while stainless steel was identified as the weld material used in container manufacture and/or sealing. The material used for Kr encapsulation was found adhered to the walls of each container and had a chemical composition consistent with zeolite minerals. Kr was found coincident with the adhered material, demonstrating that the encapsulation method used in the original experiments was effective in the long-term retention of Kr. The sectioning, mounting, and initial analysis of these legacy samples is an important step in the study of all five legacy 85Kr waste forms and the information gained from the analysis of Samples 2 and 5 will be used to guide future efforts on these remaining samples.
