Multiphase flow models of concrete cells of the radioactive waste disposal facility at El Cabril (Spain)

Abstract

El Cabril is the low and intermediate level radioactive waste disposal facility for Spain. From the start of the filling (1992) until 2003, no water was collected from the drain situated at the centre of the cell. From 2003 onwards small amounts of water were collected from the drain, indicating flow of water within the cell. This occurred in summer and winter. A hypothesis had been proposed to explain this phenomenon based on multiphase flow and heat transport. We corroborate this hypothesis by means of 2D numerical models, using data measured by sensors in the cells and data from laboratory test. There is a good agreement between the data measured and the ones calculated by the models.

Postprint (published version)