Experimental determination of the release of radioactive powders after downfall of waste containers under worst case conditions.

During the procedure of transferring waste containers with radioactive powders within a temporary depot the downfall of the container may induce its decomposition and the release of the powdery inventory. To derive the release rates dependent on mass of inventory, height of fall, ventilation near the floor and powder materials like infusorial earth (filter remedies) and house ash (incineration of combustible wastes) small scale simulation experiments were performed with a wooden box of 8 l volume with unfolded side walls. The most important parameters influencing the release rates were the mass of the powdery inventory, the height of fall and the powder material. (IUCT)