This report reviews the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) program, related issues, and legislative changes made by the 109th Congress.

Experiments were performed to determine the corrosion rate of lead when exposed to off-gas or degradation products of organic materials used in the model 9975 package.[1] The experiments were completed within the framework of a parametric test matrix with variables of organic configuration, temperature, humidity and the effect of durations of exposure on the corrosion of lead in the 9975 package. The room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant was the most corrosive organic species in the testing, followed by the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) glue. The Celotex{copyright} material uniquely induced measurable corrosion only in situations with condensed water, and to a much lesser extent than the PVAc glue and RTV. The coupons exhibited faster corrosion at higher temperatures than at room temperatures. There was a particularly pronounced effect of condensed water as the coupons exposed in the cells with condensed water exhibited much higher corrosion rates. In the 9975 package, the PVAc glue was determined to be the most aggressive due to it's proximity in the design. The condition considered most representative of the package conditions is that of the coupon exposed to the Celotex{copyright}/glue organic exposed in the ambient humidity conditions. The corrosion rate of 2 mpy measured in the laboratory …

The major project objective is to determine the feasibility of using the char from coal and/or biomass pyrolysis, ammonia and CO2 emissions at smokestacks to produce clean hydrogen and a sequestered carbon fertilizer. During this work period, literature review has been completed. The project plan, design and test schedules were made on the basis of discussion with partner in experimental issues. Installation of pilot scale units was finished and major units tests were fully performed. Modification of the pyrolyzer, reformer and gas absorption tank have been done. Integration testing is performing recently. Lab scale tests are in operation phase. The experimental installations are discussed in this paper.

The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) conducted remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils and groundwater at a former Mohler Oil site in Bismarck, North Dakota. The remedial strategy was based on the application of two innovative concepts: (1) design and deployment of the mobile extraction, treatment, and injection units to overcome site limitations associated with urban settings in high-traffic areas and (2) vacuum-controlled nutrient injection within and on the periphery of an induced hydraulic and pneumatic depression. Combined contaminant recovery since the beginning of the project in June 2003 totals over 13,600 lb ({approx}6,170 kg) of hydrocarbons, equivalent to 2176 gallons (8236 l) of product. In situ delivery of 1504 Ib (682 kg) of ionic nitrate and 540 Ib (245 kg) of dissolved oxygen translates into further reduction of about 489 Ib (222 kg) of benzene for the same period and provides for long-term stimulation of the natural attenuation process. In addition to contaminant recovered by extraction and reduced by in situ biodegradation, a total of 4136 Ib (1876 kg) of oxygen was delivered to the saturated zone, resulting in further in situ reduction of an estimated 1324 lb (600 kg) of dissolved-phase hydrocarbons. Based on the results of the EERC …

Experiments were performed on horizontal air-water bubbly two-phase flow, axial flow, stratified wavy flow, and annular flow. Theoretical studies were also undertaken on interfacial parameters for a horizontal two-phase flow.

We found that exposure of an intact pine forest (Duke FACTS1 experiment) to an increase in atmospheric CO2 of 200 ul(sup -1) operating through a sustained increase of photosynthesis, caused a 27% increase in net primary production and a 41% stimulation in net ecosystem production. A stimulation of this magnitude would store ~10% of the fossil fuel CO2 in the atmosphere by the year 2050. This series of physiological measurements provided new insights into processes regulating the forest carbon cycle under elevated CO2. Combined with ongoing measurements of tree growth data from this research contributes to a dynamic forest carbon budget that provides a benchmark for other modeling and empirical studies.

This report focuses on the role that frustration, or preferred liquid local causes ordering, plays in the melting of transition metals. Specifically, Cu, Ni and Fe. It is proposed that for liquids of metals with partially filled d-bands (Ni and Fe) frustration caused by Peierls/Jahn-Teller distortion and pressure-induced s-d electron promotion provides a mechanism for creating and enhancing the stability of local structures. At the most elementary level, liquid structures are essentially impurities that lower the freezing point. In the case of transition metals with partially filled d-bands, the application of pressure induces s-d electron promotion increases the concentration of local structures. This leads to melting slopes for Ni and Fe that are considerably lower than measured for Cu, and lower than for theoretical predictions employing models in which liquid structures are neglected.

Experiments were performed on horizontal air-water bubbly two-phase flow, axial flow, stratified wavy flow, and annular flow. Theoretical studies were also undertaken on interfacial parameters for a horizontal two-phase flow.

We have developed a method of calculation of the electrostatic potentials and fields in the vicinity of geometrically complex engineered nanostructures comprised of varying materials in electrolytes of arbitrary pH and ionic strength. The method involves direct summation of charged Debye-Hueckel spheres comprising the nanostructural surfaces and, by including charge redistribution on the surface of conducting materials held at constant potential, is applicable to mixed boundary conditions. The method is validated by comparison to analytical solutions for an infinite plane (Gouy-Chapman), an infinite cylinder (Bessel functions) and an infinite plane which contains a hole and which is held at constant potential. Excellent agreement between the potentials obtained by our numerical method and the closed form solutions is found for these conditions. The method is applied to the calculation of the electric field enhancement in the vicinity of a nanomembrane whose pore wall is held at constant charge and whose membrane surfaces are held at constant potential. The electric field is found to be enhanced by the charge buildup in the rim of the hole of the nanomembrane, which redistribution results from the potential being held constant in the conducting region. Ion concentrations are also calculated; positive ion rejection is found …

The major project objective is to determine the feasibility of using the char from coal and/or biomass pyrolysis, ammonia and CO2 emissions at smokestacks to produce clean hydrogen and a sequestered carbon fertilizer. During this work period, the project plan, design and test schedules were made on the basis of discussion with partner in experimental issues. Installation of pilot scale units was finished and major units tests were fully performed. Modification of the pyrolyzer, reformer and gas absorption tank have been done. Integration testing is performing recently. Lab scale tests have been performed. Field tests of char/fertilizer have been conducted.

The Z-Area Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) consists of two disposal units, Vaults 1 and 4, described in the Performance Assessment (PA) (WSRC 1992). The FY06 PA Annual Review concludes that both vaults contain much lower levels of radionuclides (curies) than that allowed by the PA. The PA controls established to govern waste operations and monitor disposal facility performance are determined to be adequate.

A design methodology for the waste packages and ancillary components, viz., the emplacement pallets and drip shields, has been developed to provide designs that satisfy the safety and operational requirements of the Yucca Mountain Project. This methodology is described in the ''Waste Package Design Methodology Report'' Mecham 2004 [DIRS 166168]. To demonstrate the practicability of this design methodology, four waste package design configurations have been selected to illustrate the application of the methodology. These four design configurations are the 21-pressurized water reactor (PWR) Absorber Plate waste package, the 44-boiling water reactor (BWR) waste package, the 5-defense high-level waste (DHLW)/United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) Co-disposal Short waste package, and the Naval Canistered SNF Long waste package. Also included in this demonstration is the emplacement pallet and continuous drip shield. The purpose of this report is to document how that design methodology has been applied to the waste package design configurations intended to accommodate naval canistered SNF. This demonstrates that the design methodology can be applied successfully to this waste package design configuration and support the License Application for construction of the repository.

Experiments were performed on horizontal air-water bubbly two-phase flow, axial flow, stratified wavy flow, and annular flow. Theoretical studies were also undertaken on interfacial parameters for a horizontal two-phase flow.

These results represent the first LQCD analysis for approximately 5000 trajectories with each of the p4rhmc and milc codes, with some of the lower temperature runs having fewer. Both runs were for lattice dimensions of 32{sup 3}x8. Some 32{sup 4} T=0 jobs were also run for p4rhmc. The p4 calculation was performed with v2.0 QMP{_}MPI.X (semi-optimized p4 code using qmp over mpi) and milc version of the su3 rhmc susc eos executable dated Mar 1, 2007 on ubgl in the /usr/gapps/hip/qcd/milc/bin subdirectory (svn revision 28). As with previous runs, calculations were performed along lines of constant physics, with the light quark masses 2-3 times their physics values and the strange quark mass set by m{sub ud} = 0.1m{sub s}. Job submissions were performed using a new subSet.pl job submission script that locates current jobs and submits additional jobs with the same beta value as pending. Note that after reaching a limit of about 35 jobs subsequent submissions are delayed and will not be submitted directly from that state. The job submission script was used to submit revised versions of the milc and p4rhmc csh scripts. Initial thermalized lattices for each code were also for milc (taken from the firstPhys runs), …

The new technology concept integrates two significant complementary hydrogen production and CO{sub 2}-sequestration approaches that have been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Clark Atlanta University. The process can convert biomass into hydrogen and char. Hydrogen can be efficiently used for stationary power and mobile applications, or it can be synthesized into Ammonia which can be used for CO{sub 2}-sequestration, while char can be used for making time-release fertilizers (NH{sub 4}HCO{sub 3}) by absorption of CO{sub 2} and other acid gases from exhaust flows. Fertilizers are then used for the growth of biomass back to fields. This project includes bench scale experiments and pilot scale tests. The Combustion and Emission Lab at Clark Atlanta University has conducted the bench scale experiments. The facility used for pilot scale tests was built in Athens, GA. The overall yield from this process is 7 wt% hydrogen and 32 wt% charcoal/activated carbon of feedstock (peanut shell). The value of co-product activated carbon is about $1.1/GJ and this coproduct reduced the selling price of hydrogen. And the selling price of hydrogen is estimated to be $6.95/GJ. The green house experimental results show that the samples added carbon-fertilizers have effectively growth increase of three …

This report summarizes the investigation of two active desiccant module (ADM) pilot site installations initiated in 2001. Both pilot installations were retrofits at existing facilities served by conventional heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that had encountered frequent humidity control, indoor air quality (IAQ), and other operational problems. Each installation involved combining a SEMCO, Inc., ADM (as described in Fischer and Sand 2002) with a standard packaged rooftop unit built by the Trane Company. A direct digital control (DDC) system integral to the ADM performed the dual function of controlling the ADM/rooftop combination and facilitating data collection, trending, and remote performance monitoring. The first installation involved providing preconditioned outdoor air to replace air exhausted from the large kitchen hood and bathrooms of a Hooters restaurant located in Rome, Georgia. This facility had previously added an additional rooftop unit in an attempt to achieve occupant comfort without success. The second involved conditioning the outdoor air delivered to each room of a wing of the Mountain Creek Inn at the Callaway Gardens resort. This hotel, designed in the ''motor lodge'' format with each room opening to the outdoors, is located in southwest Georgia. Controlling the space humidity always presented a serious challenge. …

This pbar note is to describe a recent checkout of the AP3, AP2, AP1 and P2 (F11 to F17) Beam Position Measurement (BPM) systems. The integrity of all BPMs (plates, cables, connectors and RF module) were performed. For each beam-line, the BPM positions polarity were checked: all of the horizontal (vertical) BPMs of a beam-line are to be consistent in defining left/right (up/down) by the sign of the position. The plates impedances have been measured. The position offsets at the output of the RF modules due to cable and connector differences were determined. Anytime an Energy Doubler BPM RF module (EE-107660) was found not working, a working spare was inserted; three AP2 RF modules were replaced. One connector for one of the cables of BPM728 was repaired. Two new cables were pulled and terminated for BPM716 since there was >8dB difference between the cables. In addition, three digitizer boards were replaced.

Impact on water quality and the beneficial use of the coal bed methane (CBM) produced water are imminent questions to be answered due to the rapidly growing CBM exploration in the Powder River Basin (PRB). The practice of discharging large volumes of water into drainage channels or using it to irrigate rangeland areas has the potential of causing serious problems. The elevated salinity and sodicity in the CBM water may be detrimental to soils, plants and the associated microbial communities. There are limited studies on CBM water characterization; however, a comprehensive understanding of CBM water influence on the local ecosystem is lacking. It is very important that the water applied to soils meets the favorable combination of salinity and sodicity that will allow the plants to grow at good production levels and that will maintain the structure of the soils. The purpose of this study was to access various CBM water treatment technologies and the influence of the treated water on local biogeochemical settings in order to evaluate and identify the proper technologies to treat the CBM produced water from CBM operations, and use it in an environmentally safe manner. Unfortunately, a suitable field site was not identified and the …

The purpose of the URI program is to upgrade and improve university nuclear research and training reactors and to contribute to strengthening the academic community's nuclear engineering infrastructure.

The Closure Plan for the E-Area low-level waste facility assumes that dynamic compaction performed at the end of the 100-year institutional control period will adequately stabilize all waste in Slit Trenches. However, some non-crushable waste containers with significant void space will not be stabilized by dynamic compaction. These non-crushable containers will gradually corrode, eventually collapse and cause the final closure cap to subside resulting in an increase of the infiltration rates. After subsidence occurs, the waste zone will be significantly reduced to concentrate waste in the lower portion of the slit trench, therefore increasing waste concentration. The trench subsidence may have an adverse impact on the 1000-year compliance specified in DOE Order 435.1. This study addresses the issue of trench subsidence, evaluates the resulting concentrations at the hypothetical 100-m well against those obtained based on the PA approach, and provides the maximum number of trenches that can subside without causing the well concentrations to be out of compliance.

The overall objective of this research project was to investigate phenomena involved in the filling of die cavities with molten alloy in the cold chamber die-casting process. It has long been recognized that the filling pattern of molten metal entering a die cavity influences the quality of die-cast parts. Filling pattern may be described as the progression of molten metal filling the die cavity geometry as a function of time. The location, size and geometric configuration of points of metal entry (gates), as well as the geometry of the casting cavity itself, have great influence on filling patterns. Knowledge of the anticipated filling patterns in die-castings is important for designers. Locating gates to avoid undesirable flow patterns that may entrap air in the casting is critical to casting quality - as locating vents to allow air to escape from the cavity (last places to fill). Casting quality attributes that are commonly flow related are non-fills, poor surface finish, internal porosity due to trapped air, cold shuts, cold laps, flow lines, casting skin delamination (flaking), and blistering during thermal treatment.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques were used to study crown ether-water interactions in solvents of low dielectric constants such as chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. Water forms a 1:1 complex with a number of crown ethers including 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5, 18-crown-6, dicyclohexano-18=crown-6, dicyclohexano-24-crown 8, and dibenzl-24-crown-8 in chloroform. Among these crown ethers, the 18-crown-6-H2 complex has the largest equilibrium constant (K=545) and 97% of the crown is complexed to water in chloroform. Addition of carbon tetrachloride to chloroform lowers the equilibrium constants of the crown-water complexes. The partition coefficients of crown ethers (D=crown in water/crown in solvent) between water and organic solvent also vary with solvent composition.

The report describes the reactive distillation experiments for the SI Cycle.

The existence of species within the plant genus Flaveria with differing leaf cell arrangements and photosynthetic schemes (C3, C4, C3-C4) enabled us to identify genetic elements (promoters, 3'UTRs) that are responsible for the regulation of pre-existing metabolic genes in the pattern required for the high-efficiency C4 photosynthetic scheme. We analyzed DNA elements regulating the rbcS, malic enzyme, and malate dehydrogenase gene families in several species of Flaveria, using transient and stable transformation methods.