Re: Methane Generation in Radwaste Containers

[newberry@sri.org (Robin Newberry)]

How 'bout an educated guess from a former biologist?

If there is any organic matter which can be digested, some moisture, and
microbes (which are ubiquitous) then there is a strong possiblity that some
methane (or CO2) might be produced. The type and amount of the gas produced
depends on the microbe and the availability of digestible material. Will the
waste be "hot" enough to sterilize the contained material? 

A small amount (say 25 grams or so) of paraformaldehyde crystals sealed in
with the waste would probably sterilize the material and keep it sterile
during storage. Then instead of methane or CO2, you could worry about
formaldehyde gas. :-)

If you will let me know the interior volume of the container, I will
calculate the amount of paraformaldehyde necessary to acheive a formaldehyde
gas concentration of 100 ppm (enough to kill anything) inside the container.
To get complete conversion of paraformaldehyde to formaldehyde gas, the drum
will need to be heated. This can be achieved by placing the drum in full sun
for about an hour. If the container is stored for years, most of the
formaldehyde will either leak out or react with the materials inside the
container. 

Or you could just use lots of Lysol.

W. Robert Newberry, IV, IHIT, CHMM

The views expressed in this message are those of the writer, and do not
reflect the views of Southern Research Institute.