Hazardous Waste Storage Explosion Threat Assessment
Abstract
A desk study was undertaken to assess the minimum soil cover depth requirement to safely contain possible hydrogen gas detonations which could occur in old nuclear/chemical hazardous waste storage sites located at Oak Ridge, TN. The potential explosive source is primarily from chemical reaction between the stored materials and moisture within the soil cover, the naturally occurring byproduct of which is hydrogen gas. Condensation, percolation, leaching, or direct inflow of groundwater are the potential moisture sources. This study investigated TNT equivalent detonations ranging from 2 to 50 lb. The estimated probable TNT charge equivalent was approximately 5 lb (or 10-lb equivalent black powder). Soil cover thickness requirements were determined which would prevent explosion products and gases from venting through the surface, and ensure that ground shock levels no greater than 3 g's acceleration, 4 in./sec velocity, and 0.06 in. displacement, were not exceeded. Acceleration, Explosion equivalence, Velocity, Containment, Ground shock, Displacement, Soil cover.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA275518
Entities
People
- James K. Ingram