Volatilization of 137Cs and 106Ru from Borosilicate Glass Containing Actual High-Level Waste

Volatility of 137 Cs and 106Ru from borosilicate glass containing actual high‐level waste was measured in an almost closed stainless‐steel canister. The temperature dependence of the volatility of 137Cs was close to that obtained in our previous study using 134Cs. The volatility of 106Ru was about one‐fifth that of 137Cs at 600° and 800°C. The air contamination by 137Cs and 106Ru in the canister at 400°C was estimated at 1.8 × 102 and 2 × 10 Bq/cm3, respectively, when it was assumed that the glass contained a realistic amount of 137Cs and 106Ru expected in commercial waste glass. These results are useful for predicting safety in a storage facility under operation.