The NADPH/iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids in rat liver microsomes was found to be dependent on the presence of free ferrous ion and maintains iron in the reduced Fe/sup 2 +/ state. Chelation of iron by EDTA inhibited peroxidation. Addition of iron, after preincubation of microsomes in the absence of iron, did not enhance the rate of peroxidation suggesting that iron acts by initiating peroxidative decomposition of membrane lipids rather than by catalyzing the breakdown of pre-formed hydroperoxides. Liposomes also underwent peroxidation in the presence of ferrous iron at a rate comparable to intact microsomes and was stimulated by ascorbate. Carbon tetrachloride initiated lipid peroxidation in the absence of free metal ions. Rates of in vitro lipid peroxidation of microsomes and homogenates were found to vary widely between different tissues and species. The effects of paraquat on lipid peroxidation was also studied. (DC)

This report was prepared for the DOE Nuclear Data Committee and covers work performed at ORNL since April 1978 in areas of nuclear data of relevance to the U.S. applied nuclear energy program. The report was mostly generated through a review of abstracts of work completed to the point of being subjected to some form of publication in the open literature, formal ORNL reports, ORNL technical memoranda, progress reports, or presentation at technical conferences. As much as possible the complete abstract of the original publication is reproduced with only minor editing. In a few cases progress reports were written specifically for this publication. The editors have selected the materials to be included in this report on basis of perceived interests of DOE Nuclear Data Committee members and cannot claim completeness.

Research and development on open-cycle coal-fired MHD generators at MIT is reported. Separate abstracts were prepared for progress reported on the four tasks. (WHK)

From abstract: This report presents the results of the geochemical reconnaissance sampling in the Prescott quadrangle of the National Topographic Map Series (NTMS). Wet and dry sediment samples were collected throughout the 18,770 square kilometer arid-to-semiarid area and water samples at available streams, springs, and wells.

Production processes for low-cost organic antireflection (AR) coating and etched AR coating on glass are being developed and improved. The etched AR coating process has been scaled-up to etch full-size glass panes but the chemical control of the etching solution remains a problem. Analytical methods including high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), flame excited atomic absorption, infrared spectroscopy, Coulter counter techniques, and liquid index of refraction measurements were examined for application to this process monitor and control problem. A phenomenological model for the key reaction species in the etching process is presented along with a monitor control scheme using refractive index measurements to set the initial reactant concentrations and HPLC to track in-process concentrations. The environmental durability of the organic AR coating of fused FEP-120 Teflon dispersion has been improved by the use of a hydrofluoric acid etch/silane coupling agent pretreatment. Improved coating processing techniques were developed culminating in the demonstration of scale-up feasibility for this process for glass panels up to 1 ft x 1 ft with good batch sample to sample repeatability.

One of the integral elements of the Nuclear Waste Management Program is the material handling task of retrieving Canisters containing spent unreprocessed fuel from their emplacement in a deep geologic salt bed Depository. A study of the retrieval concept data base predicated this report. In this report, alternative concepts for the tasks are illustrated and critiqued, a baseline concept in scenario form is derived and basic retrieval subsystem specifications are presented with cyclic failure probabilities predicted. The report is based on the following assumptions: (a) during retrieval, a temporary radiation seal is placed over each Canister emplacement; (b) a sleeve, surrounding the Canister, was initially installed during the original emplacement; (c) the emplacement room's physical and environmental conditions established in this report are maintained while the task is performed.

Research progress is reported on analytical methodology, mass and emission spectrometry, analytical services, bio-organic analysis, and nuclear and radiochemical analysis.

Experiments were performed to assess the operating characteristics and potential performance of water-augmented dry cooling systems. The work was aimed at evaluating a deluged air-cooled HOETERV plate fin heat exchanger surface proposed for integrated dry/wet cooling systems and using test results to guide the development of a predictive analytical model. In the process, all-dry performance data were obtained for the HOETERV surface as well as for two Curtiss-Wright chipped fin surfaces. The dry heat transfer data indicate that a slotted Curtiss-Wright surface slightly outperforms the HOETERV and nonslotted Curtiss-Wright surfaces based on heat rejection rate per unit of fan power. However, all three surfaces are so close in performance that other factors, such as surface cost and piping and mounting costs, will probably determine which surface is preferred at a given installation. Comparisons of deluged HOETERV performance with dry HOETERV and Curtiss-Wright performance under prototypic conditions have established that deluging can provide considerable heat rejection enhancement, particularly at low ITD and low air humidity. A deluged HOETERV core operating at a 115/sup 0/F primary fluid temperature in 105/sup 0/F air at 10% relative humidity can reject over 7 times as much heat as a dry HOETERV core operating under the …

The proceedings are presented of a Geothermal Commercialization Workshop conducted by the Division of Geothermal Resource Management, Department of Energy. The workshop was held in January-February 1979 at The MITRE Corporation facility in McLean, Virginia. The workshop addressed geothermal hydrothermal commercialization achievements and needs in the areas of Marketing and Outreach, Economics, Scenarios, and Progress Monitoring.

This report describes the evaluation of natural chromium for ENDF/B-V. Neutron cross sections and photon production are presented for the energy range 10/sup -5/ eV to 20 MeV. An extreme effort was made to incorporate all available new experimental data since the previous ENDF/B-IV evaluation. Particular consideration was also given to consistency between calculation and experimental data and are described in detail. Covariance files are given and are based on model code uncertainties along with empirical data.

In Task III, Fluid Transport and Modeling, a computer model was developed and applied to the 300 Area Burial Grounds to analyze the influence of potential evaporation and rainfall patterns on drainage. The model describes one-dimensional unsaturated flow. Fluid transport equations were evaluated to describe the driving forces of fluid flow. The data indicate that the major processes are evaporative drying, capillarity, and gravity flow. Thermally induced transport does not appear significant in the subsurface sediments of the area. Several empirical evaporation methods are available for assessing potential evaporation/evapotranspiration. Four methods were used with the unsaturated flow model. Ultimately, the Blaney-Criddle method was chosen for subsequent simulation examples because it relies only on the climatic data available and gave results comparable to the other methods tested. Simulations showed that a dry layer formation is important in controlling the soil-water balance in the profile. The surface dry layer acts as a mulch to retard the evaporative water losses and increase water storage. The most important climatic factor in determining drainage appears to be yearly rainfall distribution. When rainfall is distributed in fall or winter, during periods of low potential evaporation, both water storage and drainage are increased. Summer showers, on the …

This report provides a regional synthesis of geology, geochemistry, hydrology and geophysical data for the Socorro, New Mexico, area. It is based principally on extensive drill-hole data supplied by, and proprietary to, Gulf Mineral Resources Company and Sunoco Energy Development Co. These temperature-gradient and heat-flow data are integrated with older gradient and heat-flow data, groundwater chemistry, studies of local seismicity, regional and local geologic mapping, and other data. This synthesis yields a revised estimate of the geothermal energy potential for the Socorro area. it should be recalled that attention has been focused on Socorro and vicinity because of reported high heat flow and probable magmatic bodies within the shallow crust. Some 20 man-days of effort have gone into this study, exclusive of time spent earlier in logging temperature gradients and studying drill-hole cuttings.

Use of low-temperature heat can result in significant conservation in building heating and cooling through replacing oil and gas with energy from alternate sources such as direct solar, environmental chill, waste heat, and off-peak electricity. Developing technologies for storing this heat for subsequent consumption is the responsibility of the ORNL Low-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage (LTTES) Program. The effort is focussed in three thrust areas: seasonal storage of hot/cold water principally in aquifers, short-term/diurnal storage for space conditioning principally in phase-change materials, and short-term storage of industrial waste heat. The first of these is receiving primary emphasis. The objective and status of projects in each of these areas is reviewed.

Thermally induced displacements and stresses have been calculated by finite element analysis to guide the design, operation, and data interpretation of the in situ heating experiments in a granite formation at Stripa, Sweden. There are two full-scale tests with electrical heater canisters comparable in size and power to those envisaged for reprocessed high level waste canisters and a time-scaled test. To provide a simple theoretical basis for data analysis, linear thermoelasticity was assumed. Constant (temperature-independent) thermal and mechanical rock properties were used in the calculations. These properties were determined by conventional laboratory testing on small intact core specimens recovered from the Stripa test site. Two-dimensional axisymmetric models were used for the full-scale experiments, and three-dimensional models for the time-scaled experiment. Highest compressive axial and tangential stresses are expected at the wall of the heater borehole. For the 3.6 kW full-scale heated experiment, maximum compressive tangential stress was predicted to be below the unconfined compressive strength of Stripa granite, while for the 5 kW experiment, the maximum was approximately equal to the compressive strength before the concentric ring of eight 1 kW peripheral heaters was activated, but would exceed that soon afterwards. Three zones of tensile thermomechanical stresses will occur in …

A comprehensive engineering system study was conducted to assess various thermochemical processes suitable for converting biomass to methanol. A summary of the conversion process study results is presented here, delineating the technical and economic feasibilities of producing methanol fuel from biomass utilizing the currently available technologies. (MHR)

Efforts in engineering design and development this year emphasized improvement in the quality and versatility of radio transmitters, use of microprocessors in an automated fish tracking system, and construction of an automated system to monitor movements and activities of aquatic mammals in response to water temperature. Improved radio transmitters were used on a variety of species including sea otters, manatees, and wall-eyed pike. The fish tracking system, installed at Monticello, Minnesota, will next be modified for monitoring marine mammal movements. The temperature data logging system was tested on manatees in the St. John River near Blue Springs, Florida. The long-term goal in the subproject on evaluation of census methods is to utilize the extensive experience, technology, and equipment developed over the years in radio telemetry to resolve basic problems in animal census and population study methods. During the past year, efforts have resulted in information on activity patterns and the behavioral repertoire of sea otters and on the response of otters to contamination by Alaskan crude oil. Three preliminary manuscripts presented as part of this report describe these aspects in detail.

This study asks what the Department of Energy (DOE) might do to resolve environmental conflicts that arise during the implementation of energy projects or programs. We define implementation as efforts to establish an energy facility at a specific site. The environmental concerns surrounding implementation serve as touchstones of the relevance and feasibility of national energy policies. We have analyzed geothermal development in California and oil shale development in Colorado and Utah and addressed the following questions: By what processes are energy and environmental tradeoffs made. In what circumstances can DOE participation in these processes lead to a more satisfactory outcome. What options does DOE have for resolving environmetal issues and how can it choose the best option. How can DOE establish an effective working relationship with both the governmental and private groups affected by the siting and operation of energy projects. The government's most effective role in resolving environmental conflicts and uncertainties is to improve communications among the concerned parties. This role requires flexibility and evenhandedness from the government as well as an understanding of the local conditions and a commitment to appropriate local solutions. Involving local sources at every stage of the environmental impact analysis will reduce the probability …

An evaluation of three coal feeder concepts (lockhopper, Fuller Kinyon screw and Foster Miller pocket feeder) for use in the ICGG first stage gasifier was made. For the sake of consistency, all feed concepts were evaluated on the same basis, that is, feeding a nominal 100 Tons per hour (TPH) against a back pressure of 50 psig. Also, all feed systems were assumed to have similar atmospheric storage hoppers and final injection systems. Accordingly, no further consideration of these support systems was made. This survey was accomplished by reviewing the literature, interviewing vendors, contacting applicable facilities and performing necessary original analysis. The emphasis of the survey was on the test and industrial experience of each system. The results of this survey which are summarized on Table I show that the lockhopper system still should be considered as the baseline system because it is a proven system with extensive operating experience. On the other hand, if definitive tests can prove conclusively that the Fuller Kinyon screw pump will deliver coal against 50 psig back pressure with acceptable efficiencies and coal particle attrition characteristics, it would be the preferred system because it is the lowest cost and easiest to maintain. The Foster …

The coupling efficiencies (output/input energy) before and after electron-beam irradiation, the output energy density, the induced attenuation or loss (L/sub I/) and its decrease as a function of time, and hardening as a function of number of Febetron shots (N/sub F/) were determined for fiber-optic waveguides (FOWs). The FOWs were electron-beam irradiated with 8.3 to 12.3 J/cm/sup 2/ for 2.36 to 2.84 x 10/sup 6/ R (/sup 60/Co equivalent) dose. The output laser energy density varied from 0.19 to 2.12 kJ/cm/sup 2/ which was about 50 percent of the input surface threshold damage level previously measured in similar FOWs. The induced attenuation (L/sub I/) as a function of recovery time (t) (after electron-beam irradiation) was linear on log-log plot for a short time (< 2.2 x 10/sup -4/ s), changing from 1.8 to 0.2 in slightly larger than one order of magnitude change in t. The rate of recovery decreased with increasing time so that the total change in L/sub I/ was about 3 orders of magnitude in 6 orders of magnitude change in time. A slight hardening occurred in fibers with increasing number of Febetron shots.

Partial abstract: "Waste disposal schemes using spent shale in embankments require a thorough knowledge of its geotechnical engineering properties for environmentally safe disposal. In this context, the objective of this laboratory investigation was to determine the physical properties, geotechnical properties, and composition of spent oil shale retorted by the PARAHO and TOSCO processes."

Possible impacts of energy technologies on agriculture are evaluated, and some of the available simulation models that can be used for predictive purposes are identified. An overview of energy technologies and impacts on the environment is presented to provide a framework for the commentary on the models. Coal combustion is shown to have major impacts on the environment and these will continue into the next century according to current Department of Energy projections. Air pollution effects will thus remain as the major impacts on crop ecosystems. Two hundred reports were evaluated, representing a wide range of models increasing in complexity from mathematical functions (fitted to data) through parametric models (which represent phenomena without describing the mechanisms) to mechanistic models (based on physical, chemical, and physiological principles). Many models were viewed as suitable for adaptation to technology assessment through the incorporation of representative dose-response relationships. It is clear that in many cases available models cannot be taken and directly applied in technology assessment. Very few models of air pollutant-crop interactions were identified, even though there is a considerable data base of pollutant effects on crops.

A portion of Bayo Canyon, located in Los Alamos County in north-central New Mexico, was used between 1944 and 1961 as a site for experiments employing conventional high explosives in conjunction with research on nuclear weapons development. Radiochemistry operations conducted at the site resulted in the generation of liquid and solid radioactive wastes, which were disposed into subsurface pits and leaching fields. The site was decommissioned by 1963. The resurvey utilized information from a number of routine and special environmental surveillance studies as well as extensive new instrumental measurements, soil sampling, and radiochemical analyses. Results showed that residual surface contamination due to /sup 90/Sr averaged about 1.4 pCi/g or approximately 3 times the level attributable to worldwide fallout. Surface uranium averaged about 4.9 ..mu..g/g or about 1.5 times the amount naturally present in the volcanic-derived soils of the area. Subsurface contamination associated with the former waste disposal locations is largely confined within a total area of about 10,000 m/sup 2/ and down to depths of about 5 m. Of 378 subsurface samples, fewer than 12% exceeded 13 pCi/g of gross beta activity, which is comparable to the upper range of activities for uncontaminated local soils. Health physics interpretation of the …

In the fall of 1977, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Earth Resources (WDGER), entered into a contract with the US Department of Energy, administered by Rockwell Hanford Operations (Rockwell) in Richland, Washington, as a principal contributor to a geologic study of feasibility of storing radioactive waste within Columbia River basalt. WDGER's responsibility was the production of this bibliography and a reconnaissance geologic map of the sediments overlying the Columbia River Basalt Group in the State of Washington. This bibliography is a compilation of all known published, unpublished, and open-file references dealing with geology and geophysics of the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington. The citations were obtained primarily from the WDGER and Washington State libraries; the Geo-Ref bibliographic system was also utilized. Because the WDGER portion of the study included preparation of a reconnaissance geologic map of surficial deposits in the Columbia Basin, available references dealing with this subject have been annotated. Many abstracts in the annotated section are quotations and have been copied directly from their respective publications.

The heat-flow studies program has evolved from one in which holes drilled for other purposes (mining and oil exploration, nuclear tests, hydrologic studies, etc.) provided the bulk of the data to a program in which the free holes, while still providing cost-effective and useful data, are being supplemented increasingly by holes drilled specifically for heat-flow determinations at locations where thermal data of high quality are needed, and where nobody else is interested in drilling. Ideally, heat-flow holes should be located in areas with moderate local relief and should be completed so that vertical water movement is inhibited. The most satisfactory test media for heat-flow determinations are crystalline rocks (particularly granites) and unconsolidated sediments; carbonate rocks and volcanic terranes can provide useful heat-flow data, but they present greater challenges both in drilling and interpretation. Drilling techniques have evolved from that of the continuously cored diamond-drilled hole (adapted from mining exploration) to adaptations of the shot-hole and blast-hole techniques used in petroleum exploration, water-well construction, and quarry operations. Spot cores are obtained where necessary to provide specific petrologic, geochemical, and physical data, but primary reliance is placed on ditch samples from rotary or percussion drilling for routine measurements of thermal conductivity and …