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Development of Perfluorocarbon Tracer Technology for Verification of Cover Performance

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Technology
Summary Sheet

SCFA Midyear Review

Technology
Deployment
Fact Sheets:
AR #2422

 

TTP#: CH3-1-SS20; Tech ID: 2204
Project Overview
Perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) provide a reliable method to verify proper construction of subsurface barriers of all types. PFTs are an alternative tracer to the more commonly used SF6 gases. Both gases are injected inside the containment zone and monitored outside the barrier. The detection of gases outside the zone indicates a breach in construction and the location of gas leak may help define barrier imperfections so that they can be annealed. This technology is similar to SEAtrace but utilizes different gases (ref. Tech ID #308).

Technology Description
 Widespread use of subsurface barriers by DOE, other government agencies, and the private sector depend on the verification of the integrity of these structures after emplacement and during their anticipated lifetime. Use of PFT gaseous tracers shows promise as an excellent means of demonstrating barrier integrity. In a typical experiment, up to six PFTs are injected on one side of a barrier and monitoring ports, located on the other side of the barrier, are used to measure the release of the PFTs through the barrier. Testing has been conducted at three sites (Hanford, WA, Upton, NY, and Santa Fe, NM) on installed barriers and on barriers with known flaws. Evaluation of the data is being performed to determine the accuracy with which flaws can be detected. Comparisons are being made with data collected in experiments using an alternate gas tracer (Sulfur hexafluoride).

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