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The continuous calciners at UO{sub 3} Plant are of a new design which was developed at HAPO and placed in service late in 1956. The heat transfer troughs are considered to be the most vulnerable parts of the calciners because of their high operating temperatures. Thermal stresses are calculated to be quite high, and when added to the direct mechanical stresses from powder load etc., come close to the limiting safe stress for stainless steel at the operating temperature. It is felt that trough failure will be progressive as a result of creep type distortion and cracks at stress concentration points. The higher the stress (and temperature), the more rapid the rate of failure will be. All possible steps have been taken to limit maximum trough temperature, rate of change, and variations from one part of the trough to another. These steps were not always successful and various troughs have been subjected to rather severe temperature shocks as well as high mechanical stresses due to agitator failures. Despite these difficulties, no signs of failure could be detected by visual inspection. It was decided, therefore, that a more complete examination should be made. This examination was made to determine the present …

The 300 Area Treated Effluent Disposal Facility (TEDF) is authorized to discharge treated effluent to the Columbia River by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit WA-002591-7. The letter accompanying the final permit noted the following: EPA recognizes that the TEDF is a new waste treatment facility for which full scale operation and effluent data has not been generated. The permit being issued by EPA contains discharge limits that are intended to force DOE`s treatment technology to the limit of its capability.`` Because of the excessively tight limits the permit contains a reopener clause which may allow limits to be renegotiated after at least one year of operation. The restrictions for reopening the permit are as follows: (1) The permittee has properly operated and maintained the TEDF for a sufficient period to stabilize treatment plant operations, but has nevertheless been unable to achieve the limitation specified in the permit. (2) Effluent data submitted by the permittee supports the effluent limitation modifications(s). (3) The permittee has submitted a formal request for the effluent limitation modification(s) to the Director. The purpose of this document is to guide plant operations for approximately one year to ensure appropriate data is collected for reopener negotiations.

This paper describes simulation and experimental results for a 1400A, {+-} 900V peak rated, switch mode power supply for SNS Injection Kicker Magnets. For each magnet (13 m{Omega}, 160{micro}H), the power supply must supply controlled pulses at 60 Hz repetition rate. The pulse current must rise from zero to maximum in less than 1 millisec in a controlled manner, flat top for up to 2 millisec, and should fall in a controlled manner to less than 4A within 500{micro}s. The low current performance during fall time is the biggest challenge in this power supply. The simulation results show that to meet the controlled fall of the current and the current ripple requirements, voltage loop bandwidth of at least 10 kHz and switching frequency of at least 100 kHz are required. To achieve high power high frequency switching with IGBT switches, a series connected topology with three phase shifted (O{sup o}, 60{sup o} & 120{sup o}) converters each with 40 kHz switching frequency (IGBT at 20kHz), has been achieved. In this paper, the circuit topology, relevant system specifications and experimental results that meet the requirements of the power supply are described in detail. A unique six pulse SCR rectifier circuit with …

This Report is about the Gordon Research Conference on Radiation Oncology Which was held at Crowne Plazza

An energy flow chart or 'atlas' for 136 countries has been constructed from data maintained by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and estimates of energy use patterns for the year 2007. Approximately 490 exajoules (460 quadrillion BTU) of primary energy are used in aggregate by these countries each year. While the basic structure of the energy system is consistent from country to country, patterns of resource use and consumption vary. Energy can be visualized as it flows from resources (i.e. coal, petroleum, natural gas) through transformations such as electricity generation to end uses (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, transportation). These flow patterns are visualized in this atlas of 136 country-level energy flow charts.

Advances in basic methodologies have played a major role in the dramatic progress in macromolecular crystallography over the past decade, both in terms of overall productivity and in the increasing complexity of the systems being successfully tackled. The 2010 Gordon Research Conference on Diffraction Methods in Structural Biology will, as in the past, focus on the most recent developments in methodology, covering all aspects of the process from crystallization to model building and refinement, complemented by examples of structural highlights and complementary methods. Extensive discussion will be encouraged and it is hoped that all attendees will participate by giving oral or poster presentations, the latter using the excellent poster display area available at Bates College. The relatively small size and informal atmosphere of the meeting provides an excellent opportunity for all participants, especially younger scientists, to meet and exchange ideas with leading methods developers.

The systematic requirements to divert an object on an earth-impacting course are developed relating the minimum velocity perturbation (both magnitude and direction) to the time available before impact. This, coupled with the accuracy to which orbits can be determined, restricts the time available for any mitigation technology to operate. Because nuclear energy densities are nearly a million times higher than those possible with chemical bonds, it is the most mass efficient means for storing delivering energy with today's technology. The question is how to most effectively apply that energy. This paper will examine the simple case of shattering the body, as well as a more controlled approach in which one or more small velocity increments divert a body. The optimal approach depends on the detailed circumstances, but in either case, already developed technology permits a successful diversion with a few years to decades of notice. The success of nuclear options on relatively short timescales permits consideration of other technologies that while not so well developed might be sufficiently improved to divert small (100 meter) bodies.

A system is described in which neutron interaction data are collected from nuclear physics laboratories throughout the world, organized, evaluated, and then stored for easy access in a computer network. Computer codes that use the data to solve neutron interaction problems were also developed. The system supplies reliable up-to-date data, selects specific types of data on request, provides output in a variety of forms (reports, microfiche, microfilm), and functions rapidly and efficiently. 3 figures.

Adaptive optics enables high resolution imaging through the atmospheric by correcting for the turbulent air's aberrations to the light waves passing through it. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for a number of years has been at the forefront of applying adaptive optics technology to astronomy on the world's largest astronomical telescopes, in particular at the Keck 10-meter telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The technology includes the development of high-speed electrically driven deformable mirrors, high-speed low-noise CCD sensors, and real-time wavefront reconstruction and control hardware. Adaptive optics finds applications in many other areas where light beams pass through aberrating media and must be corrected to maintain diffraction-limited performance. We describe systems and results in astronomy, medicine (vision science), and horizontal path imaging, all active programs in our group.

A research program at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) which deals with the development and application of processes for the treatment of geothermal brines and sludges has led to the identification and design of cost-efficient and environmentally friendly treatment methodology. Initially the primary goal of the processing was to convert geothermal wastes into disposable materials whose chemical composition would satisfy environmental regulations. An expansion of the R&D effort allowed to identify a combination of biochemical and chemical processes which became a basis for the development of a technology for the treatment of geothermal brines and sludges. The new technology satisfies environmental regulatory requirements and concurrently converts the geothermal brines and sludges into commercially promising products. Because the chemical composition of geothermal wastes depends on the type of the resource and therefore differs, the emerging technology has to be also flexible so that it can be readily modified to suit the needs of a particular type of resource. Recent conceptional designs for the processing of hypersaline and low salinity brines and sludges will be discussed.

The Advanced Gas Centrifuge and Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation methods are described. The status and potential of the technologies are summarized, the programs outlined, and the economic incentives are noted. How the advanced technologies, once demonstrated, might be deployed so that SWV costs in the 1990s can be significantly reduced is described.

There is great interest in applying magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation techniques to the designs of electrical high explosive (HE) initiators, for the purpose of better understanding a design's sensitivities, optimizing its performance, and/or predicting its useful lifetime. Two MHD-capable LLNL codes, CALE and ALE3D, are being used to simulate the process of ohmic heating, vaporization, and plasma formation in exploding bridgewires (EBW). Initiation of the HE is simulated using Ignition & Growth reactive flow models. 1-D, 2-D and 3-D models have been constructed and studied. The models provide some intuitive explanation of the initiation process and are useful for evaluating the potential impact of identified aging mechanisms (such as the growth of intermetallic compounds or powder sintering). The end product of this work is a simulation capability for evaluating margin in proposed, modified or aged initiation system designs.

The objectives of the mini airlift bubbler testing are to evaluate the impact of the bubbler on melt rate, melting behavior and cold cap structure, foam formation and stability, bubbler air venting, off gas behavior, and electrode/plenum power use. In addition, the effects of frit and plenum temperature on bubbler performance were evaluated. This report will cover the second program element, the evaluation of two lengths of mini-bubblers in Slurry Fed Melt Rate Furnaces to assess melting behavior and melt rate enhancement.

Experiments have been conducted to examine the fate of uranium during the formation of sodium aluminosilicate (NAS) when wastes containing high aluminate concentrations are mixed with wastes of high silicate concentration. Testing was conducted at varying degrees of uranium saturation. Testing examined typical tank conditions, e.g., stagnant, slightly elevated temperature (50 C). The results showed that under sub-saturated conditions uranium is not removed from solution to any large extent in both simulant testing and actual tank waste testing. This aspect was not thoroughly understood prior to this work and was necessary to avoid criticality issues when actual tank wastes were aggregated. There are data supporting a small removal due to sorption of uranium on sites in the NAS. Above the solubility limit the data are clear that a reduction in uranium concentration occurs concomitant with the formation of aluminosilicate. This uranium precipitation is fairly rapid and ceases when uranium reaches its solubility limit. At the solubility limit, it appears that uranium is not affected, but further testing might be warranted.

Aluminum corrosion and turbidity formation in reactors correlate with fuel sheath temperature. To further substantiate this correlation, discharged fuel elements from R-3, P-2 and K-2 cycles were examined for extent of corrosion and evidence of breaking off of the oxide film. This report discusses this study.

The project management task under the project was completed and related to the development of a plan for the implementation of the project and is thus not relevant to final report. For this reason it is not included.

A number of anomalies have been observed for fissile material arrays. This paper will review anomalous behavior associated with interstitial array moderation and correct one previously-mis-identified anomaly. Most arrays show a maximum k{sub eff} with low-density water moderation. An earlier study, however, did not show this maximum for unreflected 5{times}5{times}5 and 10{times}10{times}10 arrays of 15-kg {sup 235}U spheres. Our present calculations with MCNP and KENO V.a, however, show low-density maximums for both unreflected and reflected arrays of these units. We conclude that the earlier calculations for unreflected arrays were in error -- perhaps due to problem setup or code errors. The reactivity enhancement due to fissile material density reductions, however, still exits and is now seen to occur for both unreflected and water-reflected arrays.

Chemical getters can be used to scavenge tritium from inert gases. Cerium, which forms a hydride with a low dissociation pressure, has high reactivity, and is relatively inexpensive, is a good candidate getter material for such a scavenger system. Mathematical models for using cerium in both fixed- and fluidized-bed reactors predict satisfactory performance. Moreover, the capital cost of a gettering system, estimated to be between $115,000 and $166,000 (m/sup 3//s) flow, is competitive with that of the conventional catalytic-oxidation molecular-sieve system ($330,000/m/sup 3//s) now used. The gettering concept, therefore, warrants further investigation. This report assesses the feasibility of such a system.

Two diode designs are being studied that require basically different fabrication techniques. The fabrication of electrodes was begun to test the concepts and the feasibility of these designs. This work was done with polished molybdenum electrode surfaces and vapor-deposited alumina insulator structures. Initial results were obtained in the close spacing of molybdenum electrodes with alumina insulators. Spacings were demonstrated with 1/2-inch diameter discs in the range of 3 to 5 ..mu..m, using 1-..mu..m thick insulators. The deposition of thin alumina films on a molybdenum substrate was demonstrated, upon which arrays of thin film electrodes about 1/32-inch in diameter were deposited. A second approach uses a thin film as one of the electrodes. An analysis of the thermal and electrical transport properties of 1-..mu..m thick tungsten film shows that edge-connected films about 1 mm square in area could withstand the stresses generated by differential thermal expansion when the film is attached to the opposite electrode by stand-off insulators.

Major improvements have been made to decrease the tritium release potential for LLL's tritium-handling facilities in Bldg. 331. Some of the major problems and solutions in designing and building the High Pressure Gas System, which was the first system to be rebuilt are described. To increase system safety, it was necessary to specify material and processes used in component manufacture, to inspect all materials and processes to ensure compliance with specifications, to use proper joint design, to use secondary containment in cases where specifications could not be met, and to exercise tighter control of operating procedures.

The sequential addition of enzyme and H[sub 2]O[sub 2] during the reverse micelle incubation was found to enhance sulfoxidation, but levels of EPSn remained low. The triplicate addition of enzyme and H[sub 2]0[sub 2] during the reverse micelle incubation of EPS was found to enhance sulfoxidation to EPSn and unidentified material. Low conversion to EPSn was not due to the inability of the enzyme to oxidize EPSX in reverse micelles, since the latter was demonstrated with both commercially available and enzymatically synthesized EPSx as starting material. Chloroperoxidase in an AOT-isooctane reverse micelle solution also mediated production of a metabolite from DBT with characteristics consistent with DBTSx. The magnitude of conversion was enhanced to 10% of the starting material by triplicate addition of enyme and H[sub 2]0[sub 2]. The identity of this metabolite as DBTSx was verified by GC/MS. Chloroperoxidase in reverse micelles appears therefore to be a versatile catalyst for sulfoxidation of aliphatic and aromatic sulfur-containing model coal compounds.

The sequential addition of enzyme and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} during the reverse micelle incubation was found to enhance sulfoxidation, but levels of EPSn remained low. The triplicate addition of enzyme and H{sub 2}0{sub 2} during the reverse micelle incubation of EPS was found to enhance sulfoxidation to EPSn and unidentified material. Low conversion to EPSn was not due to the inability of the enzyme to oxidize EPSX in reverse micelles, since the latter was demonstrated with both commercially available and enzymatically synthesized EPSx as starting material. Chloroperoxidase in an AOT-isooctane reverse micelle solution also mediated production of a metabolite from DBT with characteristics consistent with DBTSx. The magnitude of conversion was enhanced to 10% of the starting material by triplicate addition of enyme and H{sub 2}0{sub 2}. The identity of this metabolite as DBTSx was verified by GC/MS. Chloroperoxidase in reverse micelles appears therefore to be a versatile catalyst for sulfoxidation of aliphatic and aromatic sulfur-containing model coal compounds.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) was passed with the goal 'to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security.' Energy security and independence cannot be achieved unless the United States addresses the issue of energy consumption in the building sector and significantly reduces energy consumption in buildings. Commercial and residential buildings account for approximately 40% of the U.S. energy consumption and emit 50% of CO{sub 2} emissions in the U.S. which is more than twice the total energy consumption of the entire U.S. automobile and light truck fleet. A 50%-80% improvement in building energy efficiency in both new construction and in retrofitting existing buildings could significantly reduce U.S. energy consumption and mitigate climate change. Reaching these aggressive building efficiency goals will not happen without significant Federal investments in areas of computational and mathematical sciences. Applied and computational mathematics are required to enable the development of algorithms and tools to design, control and optimize energy efficient buildings. The challenge has been issued by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu (emphasis added): 'We need to do more transformational research at DOE including computer design tools for commercial and residential buildings that enable reductions in …