The Effect of Hydrogen on Oxidative Dissolution of Spent Fuel

An earlier model for the oxidative dissolution of spent fuel is further developed by including the reductive effect of H₂, which is formed by both the radiolysis of groundwater and the anoxic corrosion of the cast iron insert of the canister. The kinetics of reduction of dissolved uranium species by dissolved hydrogen is derived from a series of previously published experimental studies. The simulation results suggest that the effect of autocatalytic reduction of hexavalent uranium by hydrogen may play an important role in controlling the dissolution of the fuel matrix within a canister. Further experimental studies are required to firmly verify these findings.