Isostatic compression is a technically highly specialised technology for manufacturing solid components from powder. There are only few reported experiences for isostatic compression of bentonite clay, which forms the basis of the engineered barrier system in the geological disposal concept KBS-3V, currently under investigation in Sweden and Finland. An isostatically compressed middle-scale MX-80 bentonite ring block (approximately 2/3 of full-scale diameter) was examined with regard to its dimensions, shape and surface texture. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the middle-scale ring block were analysed. The measured results were compared to previously obtained data from other isostatically compacted disc and ring blocks of similar scale, as well as to a full-scale ring block also manufactured by isostatic compression. Irrespective of the different manufacturing conditions, a consistent homogeneity among the middle-scale blocks and between the middle and full-scale blocks was determined. Results show that isostatic compression is a feasible manufacturing method that meets the high technical standards demanded in nuclear waste management.

中文翻译：

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通过等静压制造的膨润土缓冲块

等静压是从粉末制造固体成分的技术高度专业化的技术。膨润土等静压压缩的报道很少，这是地质处置概念KBS-3V中工程屏障系统的基础，目前正在瑞典和芬兰进行研究。研究了等静压的中等尺寸MX-80膨润土环形块（约是全尺寸直径的2/3）的尺寸，形状和表面纹理。分析了中型环块的物理和机械特性。将测量结果与先前从其他类似尺寸的等静压圆盘和环形块获得的数据进行比较，并与同样通过等静压压缩制造的满刻度环形块进行比较。不论制造条件如何，都确定了中等规模块之间以及中规模和满规模块之间的一致性。结果表明，等静压压缩是一种可行的制造方法，可以满足核废料管理所要求的高技术标准。