The objectives of this effort are (a) to learn the mechanisms by which the Chemical and Electrochemical Coal Cleaning (CECC) process removes pyritic sulfur and ash from coal, (b) to learn more about the operating parameters of the process, (c) to collect engineering information for scale-up of the process, and (d) to test the CECC process on a bench-scale continuous operation.

The objectives of this effort are (a) to learn the mechanisms by which the Chemical and Electrochemical Coal Cleaning (CECC) process removes pyritic sulfur and ash from coal, (b) to learn more about the operating parameters of the process, (c) to collect engineering information for scale-up of the process, and (d) to test the CECC process on a bench-scale continuous operation.

The Hanford Meterological Station (HMS) provides meteorological and climatological services to the Department of Energy in Richland and its contractors. On a 24-hour basis, the HMS measures, records, and archives meteorological data collected hourly throughout the year. The current data base consists of five components: wind telemetry stations, doppler acoustic sounders (SODAR), 200-ft towers, 410-ft tower at the HMS, and surface weather observations at the HMS. The wind telemetry station data, 410-ft tower data, and surface weather observation data are archived into yearly ACSII files, and the remaining components are permanently archived in binary from on magnetic tape. The future data base will consist of the same five components, but all components will be permanently archived into yearly ASCII files. Quality assurance computer programs will be written to validate the current data base, and data archival program will be written to improve the archival method that is currently used. 7 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

Sandia National Laboratories, the nation's nuclear ordnance laboratory, is operated on a no-profit, no-fee basis by ATandT Technologies, Inc., as a prime contractor for the Department of Energy. This unique arrangement began in 1949 when President Harry Truman personally requested that ATandT assume management of the nuclear weapons laboratory as a service in the national interest. The story of how this unusual relationship came about makes for an interesting chapter in the annals of US legal and institutional history. This report describes the historical background, political negotiations, and prime contract provisos that established the legal framework for the Labs.

The genesis and growth of Sandia National Laboratories, the nation's largest nuclear weapons lab, stands as a pertinent case study showing the oftentimes complex, but effective interaction of government, industry, and the growth of cooperative research. Originally a part of Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory under management by the University of California, Sandia traces its roots to Z Division, an ordnance-engineering arm located at Sandia Base on the desert outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in September 1945. For Sandia National Laboratories, the early postwar years/emdash/rather than representing a transformation to peacetime/emdash/were characterized by a continued mobilization of engineering and science in the name of national readiness.

Although moderate in size, the Booster construction project requires a comprehensive control system. There are three operational modes: as a high intensity proton injector for the AGS, as a heavy ion accelerator and injector supporting a wide range of ions and as a polarized proton storage injector. These requirements are met using a workstation based extension of the existing AGS control system. Since the Booster is joining a complex of existing accelerators, the new system will be capable of supporting multiuser operational scenarios. A short discussion of this system is discussed in this paper.

The straight-chain hydrocarbon, n-hexane, is a volatile, ubiquitous solvent routinely used in industrial environments. Although myelinated nerve tissue is the primary target organ of hexane, the testes have also been identified as being sensitive to hexacarbon exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epididymal sperm morphology of male B6D3F1 mice 5 weeks after exposure to 0, 200, 1000, or 5000 ppM n-hexane, 20 h/day for 5 consecutive days. Two concurrent positive control groups of animals were injected intraperitoneally with either 200 or 250 mg/kg ethyl methanesulfonate, a known mutagen, once each day for 5 consecutive days. The mice were weighed just prior to the first day of exposure and at weekly intervals until sacrifice. During the fifth post-exposure week the animals were killed and examined for gross lesions of the reproductive tract and suspensions of the epididymal sperm were prepared for morphological evaluations. The appearance and behavior of the mice were unremarkable throughout the experiment and there were no deaths. No evidence of lesions in any organ was noted at sacrifice. Mean body weights of male mice exposed to n-hexane were not significantly different from those for the 0-ppM animals at any time during the study. Analyses …

The monitoring system for unplanned releases at the Savannah River Plant (SRP) consists of separation facilities stack monitors, production reactor filter compartment and stack monitors, 12 site perimeter monitors, the NOAA-Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data link, meteorological tower system, Weather Information and Display (WIND) system computer, and the VANTAGE database management system. The unplanned release monitoring system provides automatic monitoring of abnormal stack releases and automatic inclusion of these in the WIND system emergency response codes.

The main purpose of this training program element is to familiarize personnel involved in hazardous waste management with the goals of RCRA and how they are to be achieved. These goals include: to protect health and the environment; to conserve valuable material and energy resources; to prohibit future open dumping on the land; to assure that hazardous waste management practices are conducted in a manner which protects human health and the environment; to insure that hazardous waste is properly managed thereby reducing the need for corrective actions in the future; to establish a national policy to reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous waste, wherever feasible. Another objective of this progam element is to present a brief overview of the RCRA regulations and how they are implemented/enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and each of the fifty states. This element also discusses where the RCRA regulations are published and how they are updated. In addition it details who is responsible for compliance with the regulations. Finally, this part of the training program provides an overview of the activities and materials that are regulated. 1 ref.

Kurita and Ueda (1986) presented an example of the long-range transport of pollutants which frequently occurs in summer in Japan light gradient wind conditions. High concentrations of photochemical oxidants were observed in late evenings in the mountainous region approximately 160 km northwest from the large industrial zone located along the Tokyo bay. Pollutants were apparently transported by the large-scale circulations produced by the combination of southwesterly valley winds induced by thermal lows located in the mountain ranges, and southerly sea-breeze circulations in the Pacific Ocean coastal region (Kurita et al., 1985). We wish to stimulate and evaluate the relative importance of these circulations by using a time dependent, three-dimensional mesoscale model, HOTMAC, High Order Turbulence Model for Atmospheric Circulations. 7 refs., 4 figs.

The present report describes the results of a study of the morphology of epididymal sperm heads of B6C3F1 mice that were exposed to varying concentrations of 1,3-butadiene. During the fifth post-exposure week, the animals were killed and examined for gross lesions of the reproductive tract; suspensions of the epididymal sperm were prepared for morphologic evaluations. No mortality was observed in any of the inhalation exposure groups. Transient toxic signs, including piloerection and dyspnea, were evident during a 20- to 30-minute period following exposure to 5000 ppM. Mean values for body weights and weight gains of the mice exposed to 1,3-butadiene were not significantly different from control values. A concentration-related increase in the incidence of sperm-head abnormalities was evident and the percentage of sperm heads that were morphologically abnormal was significantly higher in mice exposed to 1000 and 5000 ppM than in the controls. 23 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.

In March of 1988 full operation of the 4-column isotope separation system (ISS) was realized in runs that approximated the design load of tritium. Previous operations had been fraught with operating difficulties principally due to external systems. This report will examine the recent highly successful 6-day period of operation. During this time the system was cooled from room temperature, loaded with hydrogen isotopes including 109 grams of tritium, integrated with the transfer pumping, impurity injection, and impurity removal systems, as well as the remote computer control system. At the end of the operation 12 grams of tritium having a measured purity of 99.987% (remainder deuterium) were offloaded from the system. Observed profiles in the columns in general agree with computer models. A Height Equivalent to a Theoretical Plate (HETP) of 5.0 cm is confirmed. 3 refs., 5 figs.

Two microcomputers, a SUN 3 workstation and an IBM/PC-AT with a 32 bit OPUS Clipper board, were used to run a three-dimensional atmospheric code which simulated well the nocturnal drainage winds observed in Rush Valley, approximately 60 km southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah. The performance of the microcomputers was evaluated against the results obtained with a CRAY X-MP. Either microcomputer tested here is powerful enough to conduct extensive research in atmospheric boundary layer modeling.

The United States Department of Energy contracts the Los Alamos National Laboratory to carry out a Nuclear Weapons Test Program in support of the national defense. The program is one of ongoing research to design, build, and test prototype nuclear devices. The goal is to determine what should ultimately be incorporated into the nation's nuclear defense stockpile. All nuclear tests are conducted underground at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This paper describes the instrumentation and control techniques used by Los Alamos to carry out the tests. Specifically, the contrast between historical methods and new, computer-based technology are discussed. Previous techniques required large numbers of expensive, heavy hardwire cables extending from the surface to the diagnostics rack at the bottom of the vertical shaft. These cables, which provided singular control/monitor functions, have been replaced by a few optical fibers and power cables. This significant savings has been enabled through the adaptation of industrial process control technology using programmable computer control and distributed input/output. Finally, an ongoing process of developing and applying the most suitable instrumentation and control technology to the unique requirements of the Test Program is discussed. 2 refs.

The Waste Certification Facility (WCF) at the Savannah River Plant (SRP) assesses transuranic (TRU) waste in 55-gal drums by x-ray and neutron interrogation prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. The facility, equipment, and operation are described. Results of a Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) show that the facility can be operated without undue risk to plant personnel, the public, and the environment. 4 figs.

Gestational exposure to n-hexane resulted in an increase in the number of resorbed fetuses for exposure groups relative to the control group; however, the increases were not directly correlated to exposure concentration. The differences were statistically significant for the 200-ppM with respect to total intrauterine death (early plus late resorptions), and with respect to late resorptions for the 5000-ppM group. A small, but statistically significant, reduction in female (but not male) fetal body weight relative to the control group was observed at the 5000-ppM exposure level. There were no exposure-related increases in any individual fetal malformation or variation, nor was there any increase in the incidence of combined malformations or variations. Gestational exposure of CD-1 mice to n-hexane vapors appeared to cause a degree of concentration-related developmental toxicity in the absence of overt maternal toxicity, but the test material was not found to be teratogenic. This developmental toxicity was manifested as an increase in the number of resorptions per litter for all exposure levels, and as a decrease in the uterine: extra-gestational weight gain ratio at the 5000-ppM exposure level. Because of the significant increase in the number of resorptions at the 200-ppM exposure level, a no observable effect level …

The straight-chain hydrocarbon, n-hexane, is a volatile, ubiquitous solvent routinely used in industrial environments; consequently, the opportunity for industrial, environmental or accidental exposure to hexane vapors is significant. Although myelinated nerve tissue is the primary target organ of hexane, the testes have also been identified as being sensitive to hexacarbon exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate male dominant lethal effects in Swiss (CD-1) mice after exposure to 0, 200, 1000, or 5000 ppM n-hexane, 20 h/day for 5 consecutive days. Each exposure concentration consisted of 30 randomly selected, proven male breeders; 4 groups. The mice were weighed just prior to the first day of exposure and at weekly intervals until sacrifice. Ten males in each dose group were sacrificed one day after the cessation of exposure, and their testes and epididymides were removed for evaluation of the germinal epithelium. The remaining male mice, 20 per group, were individually housed in hanging wire-mesh breeding cages where they were mated with unexposed, virgin females for eight weekly intervals; new females were provided each week. The mated females were sacrificed 12 days after the last day of cohabitation and their reproductive status and the number and viability of the implants …

Software has been developed for ''real-time'' analysis of neutron and gamma data from GRAND-1/fork measurements on spent-fuel assemblies. Three modules compose the software package. The modules are linked through a database system of files. The first module is part of a general data-base processing code. This module prepares input data files with inventory and correction-factor information for the second module. The second module, called OLAF, operates on a computer attached to the GRAND-1 electronics unit. In this second module, neutron and gamma data from spent-fuel assemblies are analyzed to verify consistency in the facility operator declarations for exposure (burnup) and cooling time. From the analysis, potential discrepancies in the measurement data are questioned while equipment is still installed at the facility and is available for additional measurements. During the measurements, data are written to an output file, called a results file, which can be processed by the third module of the software package. In the third module, printed reports summarizing the data and results are prepared, and neutron and gamma data are written to files that are processed by the Deming curve-fitting code. 7 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.

This report documents the performance of certain radiological protection sitewide services during calendar year (CY) 1987 by Pacific Northwest Laboratory in support of the US Department of Energy-Richland Operations Office (DOE-RL) and contractor activities on the Hanford Site. The routine program for each service is discussed along with any significant program changes and tasks, investigations, and studies performed in support of each program. Other related activities such as publications, presentations, and memberships on standards or industry committees are also discussed. The programs covered provide services in the areas of: external dosimetry, internal dosimetry, in vivo measurements, instrument calibration and evaluation, calibration of radiation sources traceable to the National Bureau of Standards, and radiological records. 21 refs., 10 figs., 12 tabs.

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Under provisions of the Surplus Facilities Management Program (SFMP), the US Department of Energy, Chicago Operations Office, proposes to provide funding for Surveillance and Maintenance (S & M) and subsequent Decontamination and Decommissioning (D & D) of fifteen facilities and associated premises belonging to Battelle Columbus Division. The fifteen facilities are contaminated as a result of nuclear research and development activities conducted over a period of approximately 43 years for DOE and its predecessor agencies--the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Manhattan Engineer District (MED). The proposed action includes continuation of ongoing S & M as well as a D & D of the facilities. The S & M activities include a continued environmental monitoring program to maintain assurance that radioactive contamination has not escaped to the surrounding environment; regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance of health, safety, and radiation protection equipment and instrumentation; a program of health physics surveillance monitoring, personnel dosimetry, and equipment and instrumentation maintenance and calibration; and emergency planning, training, and drills. The so- called dismantlement D & D mode is the proposed alternative for D & D of these facilities. For the facilities in question this will generally involve …

Over the past 18 months on the GTA project at Los Alamos, we have been developing tools for building control systems for accelerators. The first tool developed has already demonstrated greatly reduced requirements for conventional computer programming in applying control systems to an accelerator. Even in the early stages, this work has received considerable attention and the system is currently being investigated or used at several other institutes. Further tools are either in the conceptual design, design, or implementation phase. Over the same period, a group at CERN has been developing the ideas and design for a generic software kit for the application of a control system to accelerators. The CERN software kit also addresses the technical management and documentation aspects of control systems. The purpose of the AT Division effort and the CERN kit is to greatly simplify the implementation and lifetime maintenance of an accelerator control system. Experience has shown that accelerator control systems are also applicable to other experimental physics machines. The purpose of the workshop was to explore these ideas and developments as well as other relevant developments in the field, to verify the viability of the concepts, and to develop further the written specifications for …

The results of surveillance tests on the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) pressure vessel at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory revealed that a greater than expected embrittlement had taken place after about 17.5 effective full-power years of operation and an operational assessment program was undertaken to fully evaluate the vessel condition and recommend conditions under which operation could be resumed. A research program was undertaken that included irradiating specimens in the Oak Ridge Research Reactor. Specimens of the A212 grade B vessel shell material were included, along with specimens from a nozzle qualification weld and a submerged-arc weld fabricated at ORNL to reproduce the vessel seam weld. The results of the surveillance program and the materials research program performed in support of the evaluation of the HFIR pressure vessel are presented and show the welds to be more radiation resistant than the A212B. Results of irradiated tensile and annealing experiments are described as well as a discussion of mechanisms which may be responsible for enhanced hardening at low damage rates. 20 refs., 22 figs., 5 tabs.

The effects of whole-body inhalation exposures to 1,3-butadiene on the reproductive system was evaluated. The results of dominant lethality in CD-1 male mice that were exposed to 1,3-butadiene are described. Subsequent to exposure, males were mated with two unexposed females. Mating was continued for 8 weeks with replacement of two females each week. Gravid uteri were removed, and the total number, position and status of implantations were determined. The mice were weighed prior to exposure and at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks after exposure and at sacrifice. The animals were observed for mortality, morbidity and signs of toxicity throughout the study. 19 refs., 5 figs., 9 tabs.