Noncontact Displacement Measurement of Nuclear Waste Canisters in a Geological Disposal by Using an Electromagnetic-Wave Approach

Abstract

The aim of this work is to show a preliminary investigation of possible noncontact techniques for displacement measurement of radioactive waste in a geological disposal. Since a nuclear waste repository can be considered as a harsh environment, the possibility to study alternative methods for measurement, for example, not using cables or buses for detecting relevant data, should be considered as a priority. A straightforward approach could be the substitution of cables with wireless sensors. But if cables cannot be used and the use of wireless techniques is required, new sensors must assure a reliable transmission without affecting the engineered barriers performance and the reliable use of energy supply for the measuring equipment over long periods. This work shows the results of a study of feasibility on using an electromagnetic (EM) approach for the contactless displacement measurement of a canister immersed and suspended in bentonite, a material with a high degree of water retention.