ABSTRACT
Much of the waste contains organic materials. In some cases, wastes generate flammable gases, such as hydrogen, as a result of chemical reactions and radiolysis of water. Oxidants, such as nitrous oxides also are present. In some instances, the flammable gases remain stored in the waste for a long time (e.g., a few months) and are suddenly released into the dome space creating a hazardous condition when the lower flammability limits are exceeded. Certain waste types are highly organic or contain species that could be explosive under favorable circumstances (such as dry conditions and high temperatures). Currently, such potentials for explosion or deflagration are being monitored and mitigated by several means, such as mechanical mixing of the wastes.
