This report summarizes the results of the off-line testing the Integrated DWPF Melter System (IDMS) ammonia scrubbers using ammonia supplied from cylinders. Three additional tests with ammonia are planned to verify the data collected during off-line testing. Operation of the ammonia scrubber during IDMS SRAT and SME processing will be completed during the next IDMS run. The Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) and Slurry Mix Evaporator (SME) scrubbers were successful in removing ammonia from the vapor stream to achieve ammonia vapor concentrations far below the 10 ppM vapor exit design basis. In most of the tests, the ammonia concentration in the vapor exit was lower than the detection limit of the analyzers so results are generally reported as <0.05 parts per million (ppM). During SRAT scrubber testing, the ammonia concentration was no higher than 2 ppM and during SME testing the ammonia concentration was no higher than 0.05 m.

Phillips Petroleum Company (PPCo) successfully developed a fluidizable version of their proprietary Z-SORB sorbent. Z-SORB sorbent is a ZnO-based regenerable sorbent for removing hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S) and carbonyl sulfide (COS). RTI conducted a life-cycle test on this sorbent in the high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) semi-batch fluidized-bed reactor. This test consisted of 50 cycles of sulfidation and regeneration to demonstrate the long-term chemical reactivity and mechanical strength of the Z-SORB sorbent. A simulated air-blown gasifier coal gas was used at 20 atm and 538 {degree}C (1,000{degree}F). The Z-SORB sorbent exhibited excellent sulfur removal capability; the prebreakthrough H{sub 2}S levels were below the detection limit of the analyzer (<10 ppmv). The sulfur capacity of the sorbent at breakthrough (500 ppM H{sub 2}S in reactor exit gas) was 20.2 g S/100 g sorbent in Cycle 1 and was 10 g S/100 g sorbent in Cycle 50. The sorbent loss from the reactor due to fines generation was small. While no significant change in particle size was observed, the bulk density increased by 8 percent over 51 cycles. The attrition resistance of the sorbent after the 51 cycles was slightly lower than the fresh material. The thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) tests on fresh and reacted …

This report presents the direct uses of geothermal energy in the United States. Topics discussed include: low-temperature geothermal energy resources; energy reserves; geothermal heat pumps; geothermal energy for residential buildings; and geothermal energy for industrial usage.

A process for fabrication of multilayer planar chip inductors on ceramic wafers has been developed. This paper will summarize the progress made in the use of step-and-repeat print processes to fabricate a family of high reliability planar chip inductors for surface mount RF applications. Experimental data on thick-film gold and plated-copper windings are presented. In addition, the development of an automated RF probe station and waferized calibration standards are discussed.

The determination of the isotopic distribution of plutonium and the americium concentration is required for the assay of nuclear material by calorimetry or neutron coincidence counting. The isotopic information is used in calorimetric assay to compute the effective specific power from the measured isotopic fractions and the known specific power of each isotope. The effective specific power is combined with the heat measurement to obtain the mass of plutonium in the assayed nuclear material. The response of neutron coincidence counters is determined by the {sup 240}Pu isotopic fraction with contributions from the other even plutonium isotopes. The effect of the {sup 240}Pu isotopic fraction and the other neutron contributing isotopes are combined as {sup 240}Pu effective. This is used to calculate the mass of nuclear material from the neutron counting data in a manner analogous to the effective specific power in calorimeter. Comparisons of the precision and accuracy of calorimetric assay and neutron coincidence counting often focus only on the precision and accuracy of the heat measurement (calorimetry) compared to the precision and accuracy of the neutron coincidence counting statistics. The major source of uncertainty for both calorimetric assay and neutron coincidence counting often lies in the determination of the …

Most current assay systems for special nuclear materials (SNM) operate on the principle of a fixed assay time which provides acceptable measurement precision without sacrificing the required throughput of the instrument. Waste items to be assayed for SNM content can contain a wide range of nuclear material. Counting all items for the same preset assay time results in a wide range of measurement precision and wastes time at the upper end of the calibration range. A short time sample taken at the beginning of the assay could optimize the analysis time on the basis of the required measurement precision. To illustrate the technique of automatically determining the assay time, measurements were made with a segmented gamma scanner at the Plutonium Facility of Los Alamos National Laboratory with the assay time for each segment determined by counting statistics in that segment. Segments with very little SNM were quickly determined to be below the lower limit of the measurement range and the measurement was stopped. Segments with significant SNM were optimally assays to the preset precision. With this method the total assay time for each item is determined by the desired preset precision. This report describes the precision-based algorithm and presents the …

This report is divided into two parts. The second part is divided into the following sections: experimental protocol; modeling the hollow fiber extractor using film theory; Graetz model of the hollow fiber membrane process; fundamental diffusive-kinetic model; and diffusive liquid membrane device-a rigorous model. The first part is divided into: membrane and membrane process-a concept; metal extraction; kinetics of metal extraction; modeling the membrane contactor; and interfacial phenomenon-boundary conditions-applied to membrane transport.

Electrocrystallization of bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene (ET) with (PNP)Cu(CF{sub 3}){sub 4} in 1,1,2-trichloroethane (TCE) results in two new superconductors, K{sub L}-(ET){sub 2}Cu(CF{sub 3}){sub 4} (TCE), 1, with T{sub c} = 4.0 K, and K{sub H}-(ET){sub 2}Cu(CF{sub 3}){sub 4} (TCE){sub x}, 2, with T{sub 2} = 9.2 K. 1 forms well-developed plate-like crystals whose structure was determined by x-ray crystallography. Its band electronic structure is reported. The K{sub H}-phase forms long, thin needle bundles.

High temperature membrane separation techniques have been applied to gas mixtures involved in coal utilization. For coal gasification, H{sub 2}S has been removed from the syn-gas stream, split into hydrogen which enriches the syn-gas, and sulfur which can be condensed from an inert gas sweep stream. For coal combustion, SO{sub 2} has been separated from the flue gas, with concentrated SO{sub 3} produced as a by-product. Both processes appear economically viable but each requires fundamental improvements: both the H{sub 2}S and SO{sub 2} cells require more efficient membranes and the H{sub 2}S cell needs a more efficient anode. Membranes will be fabricated by either hot-pressing, impregnation of sintered bodies, or tape casting. Research conducted during the present quarter is highlighted, with an emphasis on progress toward these goals.

This report talks about Calculation of Oxygen Deficiency Hazard Classes for RHIC.

The authors are continuing work on the reaction of D{sub 2} with organic compounds relevant to coal liquefaction. The thermal and silica-catalyzed hydrogenation reactions of unsaturated organics (using deuterium) have been studied.

The author reports here the results of DZP CISD calculations for methylcarbene. Geometry, symmetry, and vibrational modes for the radical are reported for both the singlet and the triplet state. Future work will focus on the ethyl radical-oxygen interaction relevant to hydrocarbon combustion.

For many years, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has collected monthly air-particulate filter samples from a variety of environmental monitoring stations on and off site. Historically the concentration and isotopic composition of uranium collected on these filters was determined by isotope dilution using a {sup 233}U spike and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). For samples containing as little as 10 nanograms of uranium, ICP-MS is now used to make these measurements to the required level of precision, about 5% in the measured 235/238 and 233/238. Unless particular care is taken to control bias in the mass filter, variable mass bias limits accuracy to a few percent. Measurements of the minor isotopes 236 (if present) and 234 are also possible and provide useful information for identifying the source of the uranium. The advantage of ICP-MS is in rapid analysis, {approximately}12 minutes of instrument time per sample.

The reliable measurement of trace radionuclides in high activity waste is important to support waste processing activities at SRS (F and H Area Waste Tanks, Extended Sludge Processing (ESP) and In-Tank precipitation (ITP) processing). Separation techniques are needed to remove high levels of gamma activity and alpha/beta interferences prior to analytical measurement. Using new extraction chromatographic resins from EiChrom Industries, Inc., the SRS Central Laboratory has developed new high speed separation methods that enable measurement of neptunium, thorium, uranium, plutonium, americium and strontium-90 in high activity waste solutions. Small particle size resin and applied vacuum are used to reduce analysis times and enhance column performance. Extraction chromatographic resins are easy to use and eliminate the generation of contaminated liquid organic waste.

This report describes the methodology and results of independent verification and validation performed on a combat model in its design stage. The combat model is the Future Theater Level Model (FTLM), under development by The Joint Staff/J-8. J-8 has undertaken its development to provide an analysis tool that addresses the uncertainties of combat more directly than previous models and yields more rapid study results. The methodology adopted for this verification and validation consisted of document analyses. Included were detailed examination of the FTLM design documents (at all stages of development), the FTLM Mission Needs Statement, and selected documentation for other theater level combat models. These documents were compared to assess the FTLM as to its design stage, its purpose as an analytical combat model, and its capabilities as specified in the Mission Needs Statement. The conceptual design passed those tests. The recommendations included specific modifications as well as a recommendation for continued development. The methodology is significant because independent verification and validation have not been previously reported as being performed on a combat model in its design stage. The results are significant because The Joint Staff/J-8 will be using the recommendations from this study in determining whether to proceed with …

Thin film formation by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) has been routinely demonstrated at the laboratory scale for many elements and compounds. In order for processes based on PLD to progress from bench top experiments to commercialization, a number of key issues must be resolved. The principal limitations of current PLD technology are low deposition rate, inclusion of macro particles in the film that are ejected from the target, and difficulty in producing uniform coatings over large areas. Only thin films of very high value are considered economic at present deposition rates, of order 10 {micro}m-cm{sup 2}/h. Recently, a significant increase in PLD rate has been achieved in the laboratory, over 2,000 {micro} {center_dot} cm{sup 2}/h. These rates were accompanied by good surface characteristics by utilizing a copper vapor laser, operating at 100 W to 200 W average power and 4.3 kHz pulse repetition rate. The initial system demonstrations were performed by depositing high quality diamond-like-carbon (DLC) films with a remarkably low level of macro particle inclusions. The experiments and material characterizations performed on the deposited material are reviewed here.

Low Energy Charge-Induced Voltage Alteration (LECIVA) is a new scanning electron microscopy technique developed to localize open conductors in passivated ICs. LECIVA takes advantage of recent experimental work showing that the dielectric surface equilibrium voltage has an electron flux density dependence at low electron beam energies ({le}1.0 keV). The equilibrium voltage changes from positive to negative as the electron flux density is increased. Like Charge-Induced Voltage Alteration (CIVA), LECIVA images are produced from the voltage fluctuations of a constant current power supply as an electron beam is scanned over the IC surface. LECIVA image contrast is generated only by the electrically open part of a conductor, yielding, the same high selectivity demonstrated by CIVA. Because LECIVA is performed at low beam energies, radiation damage by the primary electrons and x-rays to MOS structures is far less than that caused by CIVA. LECIVA may also be performed on commercial electron beam test systems that do not have high primary electron beam energy capabilities. The physics of LECIVA signal generation are described. LECIVA imaging examples illustrate its utility on both a standard scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a commercial electron beam test system.

The extent and complexity of worldwide environmental contamination are great enough that characterization, remediation, and performance monitoring will be extremely costly and lengthy. Characterization techniques that are rapid, inexpensive, and simple and that do not generate waste are urgently needed. Towards this end LLNL is developing a fiber-optic chemical sensor technology for use in groundwater and vadose-zone monitoring. We use a colorimetric detection technique, based on an irreversible chemical reaction between a specific reagent and the target compound. The accuracy and sensitivity of the sensor (<5 ppb by weight in water, determined by comparison with gas chromatographic standard measurements) are sufficient for environmental monitoring of trichloroethylene (TCE) and chloroform.

A new algorithm which allows for complex domain decomposition in Eulerian codes was developed at Sandia National Laboratories. This new feature allows a user to customize the zoning for each portion of a calculation and to refine volumes of the computational space of particular interest This option is available in one, two, and three dimensions. The new technique will be described in detail and several examples of the effectiveness of this technique will also be discussed.

The goal of this project is to investigate the conditions in which volatiles will bum within both the dense and freeboard regions of fluidized beds. Experiments using a fluidized bed operated at incipient fluidization will be performed to characterize the effect of particle surface area, initial fuel concentration, and particle type on the, inhibition of volatiles within a fluidized bed. The work conducted during the period 4 March, 1994 through 3 June, 1994 is reported in this technical progress report. The experimental work during this time period consists primarily of data collection. Gas composition results using two sand particle diameters of 0.531 and 0.126 mm. Three graphs at equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 for propane in air are reported for the 0.531 mm sand size. For the 0.126 nun sand size stoichiometric propane and air are results are reported.

The main emphasis of the program are studies of the structure of neutron-rich nuclei and rare electron capture processes. Research topics discussed are: (1) search for a 17 keV neutrino in internal bremsstrahlung spectrum of {sup 125}I; (2) absolute intensity of internal bremsstrahlung for the EC decay of {sup 125}I; (3) internal bremsstrahlung endpoint of {sup 109}Cd; (4) search for massive neutrinos in the recoil spectrum of {sup 37}Cl following electron capture decay of {sup 37}Ar; (5) the Auger relaxation of {sup 37}Cl following electron capture decay of {sup 37}Ar; and (6) neutralization of ions after neutrino-induced desorption;

This report summarizes the results of Task 9 of the TVA/Department of Energy (DOE) Interagency Agreement supporting DOE`s Clinch River Remedial Investigation. Species lists and densities (numbers/m{sup 2}) of benthic macroinvertebrates sampled at 16 sites in the Clinch River and Poplar Creek embayments of upper Watts Bar Reservoir near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in March, 1994, are presented and briefly discussed. Data are also analyzed to assess and compare quality of benthic communities at each site, according to methods developed for TVA`s Reservoir Vital Signs Monitoring Program. Results of this study will be incorporated with other program tasks in a comprehensive report prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 1995, which will, in part, assess the effect of sediment contaminants on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Watts Bar Reservoir.