Waste stream analysis model

A description is provided of the waste stream analysis (WSA) model which is used by the Department of Energy to simulate the life cycle history of waste stream flows and characteristics within the federal waste management system. The model tracks the location and characteristics of fuel assemblies and matches cask, waste package, and emplacement loadings to the physical and radiological characteristics of spent fuel at the time of handling. The capability of the model for providing data and insights into the control of waste characteristics via selection is illustrated by use of two bounding, and one intermediate waste selection method. It is concluded that prudent fuel selection can result in significant and beneficial control of both the time behavior and variability of waste characteristics