A Multifunctional Equipment for Early Detection of Leakages from Nuclear Waste Containment Estimating Thermal and Electrical Resistivity, Moisture Content of Soil

Abstract

Nuclear accidents can be due to release of radioactive elements into air, into water body and soil, leakages from outdated reactors, etc. Moisture or humidity detection is the primary leakage detection method, but there may be variation in the moisture content of soil around the nuclear storage tanks due to various other reasons, such as rainfall or change in groundwater table, which gives inconsistent warning. In the present study multifunctional equipment is fabricated that estimates soil thermal resistivity, electrical resistivity and the moisture content in the soil. The thermal probe was calibrated using standard glycerol and the electrical probe was calibrated using sodium chloride and potassium chloride solution. A Laboratory model study was conducted simulating the nuclear leakage using sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate solution. The difference in thermal and electrical resistivity corresponding to moisture leakage and high conductivity fluid solution was identified. The equipment will help us in predicting the soil thermal and electrical properties, which can be used to give timely warning if there is any abnormal release/leakage of nuclear wastes from the storage tanks.