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Sputter deposition of metals with a negative substrate bias results in a deposit containing relatively large concentrations of the sputtering gas. This phenomenon has been applied as a technique for storage of the radioactive gas, 85 Kr , which is generated in nuclear fuels for power production. Alloys which sputter to yield an amorphous product have been shown to contain up to 12 atom% Kr [42 cm 3 of Kr(STP)/g of deposit; concentration equivalent to a gas at 4380 psi pressure]. Release from these metals occurs at so low a rate that extrapolation to long times yields~85 Kr release at 300°C of about 0.06% in 100 years. A preliminary evaluation of the engineering feasibility and economics of the sputtering process indicates that 85 Kr can be effectively trapped in a solid matrix with currently available techniques on a scale required for handling DOE generated waste or commercial reprocesses fuels and that the cost should not be a limiting factor.

Since the recovery of the fission product cesium-137 began in 1967, about 1500 capsules, each containing an average of about 50,000 curies of cesium chloride, have been produced. These capsules were designed to safely store this gamma-emitting fission product but are now considered to be a valuable source for irradiators. Over the years, many tests have been conducted to enable selection of a proper containment material and to ensure the safety of the capsules in the projected environment. The results indicate that the capsules can be safely used in an irradiator and for ultimate disposal as well as for storage in the and Thermal Expansion 3.1.1 Effects of Decay Products and Impurities 3. 2. 3 Volume of WESF Inner Capsules and the Annular Volume Between Inner and Outer Capsules 31 3.2.4 Accommodation of Cesium Chloride in WESF Capsules at Elevated Temperatures 31 3.2 .5 Summary of Thermal Expansion Analysis. 3.3 CAPSULE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES. 3. 3. 1 General Mechanical Properties of Capsules 3.3.1 Impact, Percussion, and Fire Tests 3.3.3 Mechanical Properties of Aged Capsules

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