Guidance for a large tabletop exercise for a nuclear power plant (open access)

Guidance for a large tabletop exercise for a nuclear power plant

Tabletop exercises are held to discuss issues related to the response of organizations to an emergency event. This document describes in task format the planning, conduct, and reporting of lessons learned for a large interagency tabletop. A sample scenario, focus areas, and discussion questions based on a simulated accident at a commercial nuclear power plant are provided.
Date: March 1, 1995
Creator: Weinstein, E. D.; Bates, E.F.; Adler, M.V. & Gant, K.S.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Casks (computer analysis of storage casks): A microcomputer based analysis system for storage cask review (open access)

Casks (computer analysis of storage casks): A microcomputer based analysis system for storage cask review

CASKS is a microcomputer based computer system developed by LLNL to assist the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in performing confirmatory analyses for licensing review of radioactive-material storage cask designs. The analysis programs of the CASKS computer system consist of four modules: the impact analysis module, the thermal analysis module, the thermally-induced stress analysis module, and the pressure-induced stress analysis module. CASKS uses a series of menus to coordinate input programs, cask analysis programs, output programs, data archive programs and databases, so the user is able to run the system in an interactive environment. This paper outlines the theoretical background on the impact analysis module and the yielding surface formulation. The close agreement between the CASKS analytical predictions and the results obtained form the two storage casks drop tests performed by SNL and by BNFL at Winfrith serves as the validation of the CASKS impact analysis module.
Date: August 1, 1995
Creator: Chen, T.F.; Mok, G.C. & Carlson, R.W.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
A field strategy to monitor radioactivity associated with investigation derived wastes returned from deep drilling sites (open access)

A field strategy to monitor radioactivity associated with investigation derived wastes returned from deep drilling sites

The U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office, Underground Test Area Operable Unit (UGTA) is drilling deep (>1500m) monitoring wells that penetrate both unsaturated (vadose) and saturated zones potentially contaminated by sub-surface nuclear weapons testing at the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada. Drill site radiological monitoring returns data on drilling effluents to make informed management decisions concerning fluid management. Because of rapid turn-around required for on-site monitoring, a representative sample will be analyzed simultaneously for {alpha}, {beta} and {gamma} emitters by instrumentation deployed on-site. For the purposes of field survey, accurate and precise data is returned, in many cases, with minimal sample treatment. A 30% efficient high purity germanium detector and a discriminating liquid scintillation detector are being evaluated for {gamma} and {alpha}/{beta} monitoring respectively. Implementation of these detector systems complements a successful on-site tritium monitoring program. Residual radioactivity associated with underground nuclear tests include tritium, activation products, fission products and actinides. Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) is used in {alpha}/{beta} liquid scintillation counting and is a function of the time distribution of photon emission. In particular, we hope to measure {sup 241}Am produced from {sup 241}Pu by {beta} decay. Because {sup 241}Pu is depleted in fissile bomb fuels, maximum …
Date: May 26, 1995
Creator: Rego, J. H.; Smith, D. K. & Friensehner, A. V.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Preliminary PCT data on glass formulations developed for Hanford Site low-level wastes (open access)

Preliminary PCT data on glass formulations developed for Hanford Site low-level wastes

Tank wastes stored at the Hanford Site are to be separated into high-level and low-level waste (LLW) fractions and vitrified for disposal. The high content of Na{sub 2}O in the LLW, averaging about 80 wt% on an oxide basis, necessitates the development of durable high-sodium glasses. Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is providing glass formulations for the LLW vitrification program. The most important considerations for acceptable LLW waste glass compositions are the following: (1) the capability to incorporate high sodium content from LLW; (2) satisfactory long-term durability; and (3) proper processability, such as desired viscosity at melting temperature. To develop durable high-sodium glasses in a reasonably short time and to supply data needed for modeling the glass`s long-term performance, several short-term test methods, such as 7-day PCT (Product Consistency Test), 28-day Materials Characterization Center MCC-1 test, single-pass flow through test, and vapor-hydration test have been used. A long-term static test (up to one year using PCT) is also being performed for selected glasses. This data report includes only the PCT data available at the time of the publication.
Date: September 1, 1995
Creator: Feng, X.; Schweiger, M. J.; Hrma, P. R.; Palmer, S. E.; Smith, D. E.; Kim, D. et al.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Medical Sciences Division report for 1994 (open access)

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Medical Sciences Division report for 1994

The primary mission of the Medical Sciences Division is (1) to conduct basic and applied biomedical research on human health related to energy systems, (2) to provide technical assistance and training in occupational and environmental medicine, and (3) to make related biomedical applications available to others through technology transfer. As can be gleaned from this report, the strengths and capabilities of their staff in carrying out this mission are closely aligned with the four core competencies of ORISE: (1) occupational and environmental health, (2) environmental and safety evaluation and analysis, (3) education and training, and (4) enabling research. Brief descriptions of the various scientific and technical programs and their progress, as well as the staff responsible for the accomplishments made during 1994, are presented in this report. Research programs include the following: biochemistry; cytogenetics; Center for Epidemiologic Research; Center for Human Reliability Studies; occupational medicine; Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site; and Radiation Internal Dose Information Center.
Date: August 1, 1995
Creator: Snyder, F.; Poston, S. & Engle, J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Electric Power Lines : Questions and Answers on Research into Health Effects. (open access)

Electric Power Lines : Questions and Answers on Research into Health Effects.

Most people know that electric power lines, like the wiring in our homes, can cause serious electric shocks if we`re not careful. Many people also want to know whether the EMF (electric and magnetic fields) produced by power lines and other electrical devices affect our health. Although no adverse health effects of electric power EMF have been confirmed, there is continued scientific uncertainty about this issue. Research on EMF is ongoing throughout the world. The purpose of this booklet is to answer some common questions that the BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) receives about the possible effects of power lines on health. First, some basic electrical terms are defined, and electric and magnetic fields are debed. Next, answers are given to several questions about recent scientific studies. Some important information about electrical safety follows. We then describe how BPA is addressing public concerns about potential health effects of power lines. The last section tells you how to obtain more detailed information about the health and safety issues summarized in this booklet.
Date: June 1, 1995
Creator: United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Human radiation studies: Remembering the early years. Oral history of Merril Eisenbud, January 26, 1995 (open access)

Human radiation studies: Remembering the early years. Oral history of Merril Eisenbud, January 26, 1995

Merril Eisenbud was interviewed on January 26, 1995 by representatives of the US DOE Office of Human Radiation Experiments. Following a brief biographical sketch, Mr. Eisenbud relates his remembrances as the AEC`s first industrial hygienist, the setting up of AEC`s Health and Safety Laboratory, monitoring radioactive fallout, and use or exposure of humans to radiation.
Date: May 1, 1995
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Preliminary investigation of the 317 Area, ANL-E (open access)

Preliminary investigation of the 317 Area, ANL-E

The 317 Area at Argonne National Laboratory-East (ANL-E) is scheduled to undergo a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Facility Investigation, Act or RFI. Prior to the formal RFI, a voluntary, preliminary characterization of the 317 Area was conducted by ANL-E. The characterization results were used to formulate the RFI work plan and provided a better focus for the formal investigation. This site presents a difficult engineering challenge. The nature of the waste disposed at this site in the past includes both liquid chemicals and radioactive waste. The 317 Area is classified as a radiologically controlled area because of operations currently performed there. Present Department of Energy policy stipulates that waste material from such an area must be considered radioactive. The possible presence of hazardous constituents in the soil and groundwater would require the investigation-derived waste generated at the site be disposed as radioactive mixed waste. Besides the nature of the waste possibly contaminating this site, the geology of the site poses an equally enigmatic situation. The ANL-E site is located in a region of recessional glacial moraine deposits.
Date: June 1, 1995
Creator: Wescott, J.; Moos, L. & Remeikis, A.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Meteorological annual report for 1994 (open access)

Meteorological annual report for 1994

Meteorology at SRS showed that the year 1994 was slightly warmer and drier than average. In most months, average minimum and maximum temperatures were near or slightly above the average for the 31-year period 1964-1991. Above-average warmth was particulary evident in Nov. and Dec. January 1994 was a relatively cold month because of a major influx of Arctic air during the middle of the month. Observed temperatures for the year ranged from 10 F in Jan. to 98 F in June and August. Although total annual precipitation was slightly below average, monthly total precipitation for October was the second highest since 1964. Observed wind direction for 1994 was consistent with long-term patterns. Persistent high pressure to the north of the area during the autumn months resulted in above average frequencies of NE winds.
Date: December 1995
Creator: Hunter, C. H. & Leard, L. M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Computer modeling of endovascular patch welding using temperature feedback (open access)

Computer modeling of endovascular patch welding using temperature feedback

A new computer program, LATIS, being developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is used to study the effect of pulsed laser irradiation with temperature feedback on endovascular patch welding. Various physical and biophysical effects are included in these simulations: laser light scattering and absorption, tissue heating and heat conduction, vascular cooling, and tissue thermal damage. The geometry of a patch being held against the inner vessel wall (500 {mu}m inner diameter) by a balloon is considered. The system is exposed to light pulsed from an optical fiber inside the balloon. The laser power is adjusted during the course of a pulse. This is done automatically in the simulation by temperature feedback. A minimum in the depth of damage into the vessel wall is found. The minimum damage zone is about the thickness of the patch material that is heated by the laser. The more ordered the tissue the thinner the minimum zone of damage. The pulse length which minimizes the zone of damage is found to be the time for energy to diffuse across the layer. The delay time between the pulses is determined by the time for the heated layer to cool down. An optimal pulse length exists which …
Date: November 1, 1995
Creator: Glinsky, M. E.; London, R. A.; Zimmerman, G. B.; Jacques, S. L. & Ols, J. D.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Atmospheric Science Program. Summaries of research in FY 1994 (open access)

Atmospheric Science Program. Summaries of research in FY 1994

This report provides descriptions for all projects funded by ESD under annual contracts in FY 1994. Each description contains the project`s title; three-year funding history (in thousands of dollars); the contract period over which the funding applies; the name(s) of the principal investigator(s); the institution(s) conducting the projects; and the project`s objectives, products, approach, and results to date (for most projects older than one year). Project descriptions are categorized within the report according to program areas: atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric dynamics, and support operations. Within these categories, the descriptions are ordered alphabetically by principal investigator. Each program area is preceded by a brief text that defines the program area, states it goals and objectives, lists principal research questions, and identifies program managers. Appendixes provide the addresses and telephone numbers of the principal investigators and define the acronyms used.
Date: June 1, 1995
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
AUTOCASK (AUTOmatic Generation of 3-D CASK models). A microcomputer based system for shipping cask design review analysis (open access)

AUTOCASK (AUTOmatic Generation of 3-D CASK models). A microcomputer based system for shipping cask design review analysis

AUTOCASK (AUTOmatic Generation of 3-D CASK models) is a microcomputer-based system of computer programs and databases developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) for the structural analysis of shipping casks for radioactive material. Model specification is performed on the microcomputer, and the analyses are performed on an engineering workstation or mainframe computer. AUTOCASK is based on 80386/80486 compatible microcomputers. The system is composed of a series of menus, input programs, display programs, a mesh generation program, and archive programs. All data is entered through fill-in-the-blank input screens that contain descriptive data requests.
Date: April 1, 1995
Creator: Gerhard, M. A. & Sommer, S. C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The Sunrise project: An R&D project for a national information infrastructure prototype (open access)

The Sunrise project: An R&D project for a national information infrastructure prototype

Sunrise is a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) project started in October 1993. It is intended to a prototype National Information Infrastructure (NII) development project. A main focus of Sunrise is to tie together enabling technologies (networking, object-oriented distributed computing, graphical interfaces, security, multimedia technologies, and data mining technologies) with several specific applications. A diverse set of application areas was chosen to ensure that the solutions developed in the project are as generic as possible. Some of the application areas are materials modeling, medical records and image analysis, transportation simulations, and education. This paper provides a description of Sunrise and a view of the architecture and objectives of this evolving project. The primary objectives of Sunrise are three-fold: (1) To develop common information-enabling tools for advanced scientific research and its applications to industry; (2) To enhance the capabilities of important research programs at the Laboratory; and (3) To define a new way of collaboration between computer science and industrially relevant research.
Date: February 1, 1995
Creator: Lee, Juhnyoung
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Hanford site Computer Automated Mapping Information System (CAMIS) (open access)

Hanford site Computer Automated Mapping Information System (CAMIS)

The Computer Automated Mapping Information System (CAMIS) provides sitewide, networked access to CAD based geographically referenced data. CAMIS allows multiple organizations to maintain and share their data. Information collected and managed according to site-wide standards, enables each organization to focus their limited resources on data issues tied to their own discipline without having to collect or manage reference data outside their respective domains. Sharing information also minimizes redundant data and helps improve the overall quality of the sites` data resources.
Date: September 1, 1995
Creator: Rush, Steven F.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Multi-phase reactive transport theory (open access)

Multi-phase reactive transport theory

Physicochemical processes in the near-field region of a high-level waste repository may involve a diverse set of phenomena including flow of liquid and gas, gaseous diffusion, and chemical reaction of the host rock with aqueous solutions at elevated temperatures. This report develops some of the formalism for describing simultaneous multicomponent solute and heat transport in a two-phase system for partially saturated porous media. Diffusion of gaseous species is described using the Dusty Gas Model which provides for simultaneous Knudsen and Fickian diffusion in addition to Darcy flow. A new form of the Dusty Gas Model equations is derived for binary diffusion which separates the total diffusive flux into segregative and nonsegregative components. Migration of a wetting front is analyzed using the quasi-stationary state approximation to the Richards` equation. Heat-pipe phenomena are investigated for both gravity- and capillary-driven reflux of liquid water. An expression for the burnout permeability is derived for a gravity-driven heat-pipe. Finally an estimate is given for the change in porosity and permeability due to mineral dissolution which could occur in the region of condensate formation in a heat-pipe.
Date: July 1, 1995
Creator: Lichtner, P. C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Geographic information system for Long Island: An epidemiologic systems approach to identify environmental breast cancer risks on Long Island. Phase 1 (open access)

Geographic information system for Long Island: An epidemiologic systems approach to identify environmental breast cancer risks on Long Island. Phase 1

BNL is developing and implementing the project ``Geographic Information System (GIS) for Long Island`` to address the potential relationship of environmental and occupational exposures to breast cancer etiology on Long Island. The project is divided into two major phases: The four month-feasibility project (Phase 1), and the major development and implementation project (Phase 2). This report summarizes the work completed in the four month Phase 1 Project, ``Feasibility of a Geographic Information System for Long Island.`` It provides the baseline information needed to further define and prioritize the scope of work for subsequent tasks. Phase 2 will build upon this foundation to develop an operational GIS for the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project (LIBCSP).
Date: December 1, 1995
Creator: Barancik, J. I.; Kramer, C. F. & Thode Jr., H. C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
A document review to characterize Atomic International SNAP fuels shipped to INEL 1966--1973 (open access)

A document review to characterize Atomic International SNAP fuels shipped to INEL 1966--1973

This report provides the results of a document search and review study to obtain information on the spent fuels for the following six Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) reactor cores now stored at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL): SNAP-2 Experimental Reactor, SNAP-2 Development Reactor, SNAP-10A Ground Test Reactor, SNAP-8 Experimental Reactor, SNAP-8 Development Reactor, and Shield Test Reactor. The report also covers documentation on SNAP fuel materials from four in-pile materials tests: NAA-82-1, NAA-115-2, NAA-117-1, and NAA-121. Pieces of these fuel materials are also stored at INEL as part of the SNAP fuel shipments.
Date: September 1, 1995
Creator: Wahnschaffe, S. D.; Lords, R. E.; Kneff, D. W.; Nagel, W. E.; Pearlman, H. & Schaubert, V. J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Solar two: A molten salt power tower demonstration (open access)

Solar two: A molten salt power tower demonstration

A consortium of United States utility concerns led by the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is conducting a cooperative project with the US Department of Energy (DOE), Sandia National Laboratories, and industry to convert the 10-MW Solar One Power Tower Pilot Plant to molten nitrate salt technology. The conversion involves installation of a new receiver, a new thermal storage system, and a new steam generator; it utilizes Solar One`s heliostat field and turbine generator. Successful operation of the converted plant, called Solar Two, will reduce economic risks in building initial commercial power tow projects and accelerate the commercial acceptance of this promising renewable energy technology. The estimated cost of Solar Two, including its three-year test period, is $48.5 million. The plant will begin operation in early 1996.
Date: August 1995
Creator: Tyner, C. E.; Sutherland, J. P. & Gould, W. R., Jr.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Hot-gas filter ash characterization (open access)

Hot-gas filter ash characterization

One of the key difficulties in the development of advanced pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) and integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) systems is the need to remove particulates from the gas stream at high temperatures and pressures. Research has revealed numerous cases of ash cake buildup on filter elements that has been difficult to remove using on-line jet pulsing. The objectives of this research are to: (1) determine the mechanisms by which a difficult-to-clean ash is formed and how it blinds or bridges hot-gas filters; (2) develop a method to determine the rate of blinding or bridging based on analyses of the feed coal and sorbent and on the operating conditions; and (3) provide suggestions for ways to prevent filter blinding and bridging by the troublesome ash. Four tasks are being performed: Task 1--field sampling and archive sample analysis; Task 2--laboratory-scale testing; Task 3--bench-scale testing; and Task 4--computer modeling. Results are presented from the first two tasks.
Date: November 1995
Creator: Hurley, J. P.; Strobel, T. M. & Dockter, B. A.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Publications desktop survival guide (open access)

Publications desktop survival guide

Purpose of this guide is to document and simplify the writing, reviewing, and production process for the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project Technical Assistance Contractor (TAC) staff and to provide specific answers concerning the content, style, and format of UMTRA Project documents. Goal of the UMTRA Project document preparation process is to deliver to the US DOE high-quality documents that meet requirements (meets expressed client needs; accurate and consistent technical content; clear writing; well organized document; consistent style). A document review process has been established to ensure that TAC documents are accurate, consistent, and well organized. The editing process applies standard rules for style and format, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to make the document consistent and easier to read. This guide sets forth the rules to be applied to UMTRA Project documents.
Date: June 1, 1995
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
University of Washington, Nuclear Physics Laboratory annual report, 1995 (open access)

University of Washington, Nuclear Physics Laboratory annual report, 1995

The Nuclear Physics Laboratory of the University of Washington supports a broad program of experimental physics research. The current program includes in-house research using the local tandem Van de Graff and superconducting linac accelerators and non-accelerator research in double beta decay and gravitation as well as user-mode research at large accelerator and reactor facilities around the world. This book is divided into the following areas: nuclear astrophysics; neutrino physics; nucleus-nucleus reactions; fundamental symmetries and weak interactions; accelerator mass spectrometry; atomic and molecular clusters; ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions; external users; electronics, computing, and detector infrastructure; Van de Graff, superconducting booster and ion sources; nuclear physics laboratory personnel; degrees granted for 1994--1995; and list of publications from 1994--1995.
Date: April 1, 1995
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Identification of potential biases in the characterization sampling and analysis process (open access)

Identification of potential biases in the characterization sampling and analysis process

The Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) Characterization Project is responsible for providing quality characterization data to TWRS. Documentation of sampling and analysis process errors and biases can be used to improve the process to provide that data. The sampling and analysis process consists of removing a sample from a specified waste tank, getting it to the laboratory and analyzing it to provide the data identified in the Tank Characterization Plan (TCP) and Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP). To understand the data fully, an understanding of errors or biases that can be generated during the process is necessary. Most measurement systems have the ability statistically to detect errors and biases by using standards and alternate measurement techniques. Only the laboratory analysis part of the tank sampling and analysis process at TWRS has this ability. Therefore, it is necessary to use other methods to identify and prioritize the biases involved in the process.
Date: December 1, 1995
Creator: Winkelman, W.D. & Eberlein, S.J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Human radiation studies: Remembering the early years. Oral history of Julie Langham Grilly, February 3, 1995 (open access)

Human radiation studies: Remembering the early years. Oral history of Julie Langham Grilly, February 3, 1995

Julie Langham Grilly was interviewed by representatives of the US DOE Office of Human Radiation Experiments (OHRE) being the widow of Dr. Wright Langham, an investigator of principal interest of the committee. Her extensive experience with research at LANL was also of interest to the committee. Following a brief biographical sketch, Ms. Grilly relates her early postwar experience and her knowledge of Wright Langham`s involvement in animal research at Los Alamos, radiolanthanum tests on monkeys, Eniwetok tissue examinations, research on tritium uptake in humans, plutonium injections, tritium injections, EDTA, and etc. In addition to illuminating her former husband as a researcher and as an individual, she also relates her remembrances of Louis Hempelman, Enrico Fermi, Oppenheimer, Edward Teller, and many others.
Date: September 1, 1995
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Native Hawaiian Ethnographic Study for the Hawaii Geothermal Project Proposed for Puna and South Maui (DRAFT) (open access)

Native Hawaiian Ethnographic Study for the Hawaii Geothermal Project Proposed for Puna and South Maui (DRAFT)

None
Date: January 1, 1995
Creator: Matsuoka, Jon K.; McGregor, Davianna Pomaika'i; Minerbi, Luciano; Kelly, Marion & Barney-Campbell, Noenoe
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library