The "mock-up" test was conducted in the facilities of CIEMAT (Madrid, Spain). The physical components of the test consist of five basic units: the confining structure, with its hydration system; the heating system; the clay barrier; the instrumentation; and the systems for data acquisition and for heater control.

Predictive modelling has been carried out on THM and THG behaviour during the pre-operational stage, along with modelling during the operational stage and contrasting with the test monitoring values.

A picture

Mock up test - General scheme
(Click on image to view hi-res image)

Heater element specification.

External diameter 0.34 m
Length 1.625 m
Material Carbon steel
Wall thickness 0.04 m (interior of the core to exterior of the sheet metal casing)/ 0.06m (end covers)
Working pressure 9.0 MPa
Elements Sheet metal casing and end covers, 3 heating elements and 9 temperature control points
Nominal maximum power 2800 W
Total empty mass 475 kg
FEBEX - Mock-up testing

FEBEX - Mock-up testing Heater insertion preparation

Heater insertion preparation - installed instrumentation
Mock-up test - Heater insertion preparation.
Mock-up test - Installed instrumentation.



FEBEX - Measured and predicted relative humidity in sections A3, B3, and Mock-up test.

Measured and predicted relative humidity in sections A3, B3, and Mock-up test.



FEBEX - Measured and predicted relative humidity in sections A3, B3, and Mock-up test.

Measured and predicted development of stresses in sections A6, B6, Mock-up test.

Full-scale High Level Waste Engineered Barriers (FEBEX)