Considerations for development of specifications for subsurface waste-handling equipment

Systems engineering techniques were used to develop a functional hierarchy and functional flow block diagrams for subsurface high-level radioactive waste handling. The block diagrams were then used as a basis for defining emplacement and retrieval system requirements from the repository level down to the subsurface waste handling equipment level, with resulting identification of design requisites necessary for equipment specification development. An emplacement system design envelope, consisting of design criteria and a specification outline, was developed from the requirements allocation. The key design analysis and decision areas are reviewed and various considerations and issues affecting these areas are identified. The factors influencing the decision process are also discussed. An example subsurface waste handling system concept was developed