WIPP small scale seal performance tests: Status and impacts

Numerous small-scale in situ seal experiments have been emplaced in boreholes up to 38 in. in diameter at the WIPP. Seal materials include expansive salt concrete, bentonite, and crushed salt. Emplacement techniques stressed conventional technology and the use of available site personnel. Preliminary evaluation of the performance of these seals has been completed by using structural data from embedded instrumentation and fluid flow data from gas and brine flow measurements. Preliminary results suggest that submicrodarcy permeabilities can be obtained using these materials and that structural performance is satisfactory.