Deep Geologic Repository Site Selection via Segmented Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disposing of nuclear waste are costly, complex, and lack public acceptance, with deep geologic burial being the most effective long-term solution but requiring efficient and economical methods for siting and drilling deep geologic repositories.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting optimal sites for vertical wellbores that connect to lateral wellbores in stable basement rock formations, using a combination of analytical methods and mechanical processes to minimize drilling costs and maximize safety, by initially drilling in easier-to-drill sedimentary rock and then extending into harder basement rock, while ensuring the site is remote from population centers and water sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep geologic burial is used for nuclear waste disposal, then long-term safety and isolation from biosphere is improved, but drilling complexity and cost increase due to hard basement rock
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling operation is divided into two distinct segments: first drilling through overlying sedimentary rock formations, then drilling into the basement rock formation. This segmentation allows each drilling operation to be optimized for its specific rock type, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of deep geologic burial.
Solution Approach 2:
Sedimentary rock formations serve as an intermediary layer between the surface and the basement rock formation. By drilling through this intermediary layer first, the system gains access to the basement rock with reduced complexity, as the sedimentary rock is easier to drill through compared to the hard basement rock.
2Productivity
If vertical wellbores are drilled directly into basement rock, then direct access to repository is achieved, but drilling cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling path is segmented into two parts: a vertical wellbore through sedimentary rock and a lateral wellbore into the basement rock formation. This segmentation improves drilling efficiency by allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific geological conditions, avoiding the need to drill vertically through hard basement rock.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling approach transitions from a purely vertical dimension to include a lateral dimension. By drilling vertically through sedimentary rock and then extending laterally into the basement rock formation, the system achieves better drilling ease while maintaining access to the repository.
3Reliability
If site selection prioritizes proximity to population centers for monitoring, then public oversight is improved, but safety and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The site selection process applies different quality criteria to different aspects of site characteristics. Remote locations are selected for the repository itself to minimize security risks and harmful factors, while monitoring infrastructure is strategically positioned to maintain oversight capabilities without compromising safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus and system for location evaluation and selection of a site, capable of effectively implementing a deep geologic repository for the disposal and storage of high-level nuclear waste and evaluating the waste location by scientific and technical analysis incorporating human and social interaction are provided. In one aspect, engineering, drilling, geological, geographic, and demographic data associated with a plurality of prospective implementation locations and human knowledge and physical infrastructure may be utilized in determining most desirable implementation surface drilling operations.