A 100-mg /sup 252/Cf neutron activation analysis facility is used routinely at the Savannah River Laboratory for multielement analysis of many solid and liquid samples. An absolute analysis technique converts counting data directly to elemental concentration without the use of classical comparative standards and flux monitors. With the totally automated pneumatic sample transfer system, cyclic irradiation-decay-count regimes can be pre-selected for up to 40 samples, and samples can be analyzed with the facility unattended. An automatic data control system starts and stops a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer and/or a delayed-neutron detector; the system also stores data and controls output modes. Gamma ray data are reduced by three main programs in the IBM 360/195 computer: the 4096-channel spectrum and pertinent experimental timing, counting, and sample data are stored on magnetic tape; the spectrum is then reduced to a list of significant photopeak energies, integrated areas, and their associated statistical errors; and the third program assigns gamma ray photopeaks to the appropriate neutron activation product(s) by comparing photopeak energies to tabulated gamma ray energies. Photopeak areas are then converted to elemental concentration by using experimental timing and sample data, calculated elemental neutron capture rates, absolute detector efficiencies, and absolute spectroscopic decay data. Calculational …

This workshop consisted of sections concerning records management, establishing a microfilm system, aperture card production, keywording, and computerizing the document retrieval system. The presentations are given here in outline form. (RWR)

An automated facility remotely and automatically analyzes soil, water, and sediment samples for uranium. The samples travel through pneumatic tubes and switches to be first irradiated by neutrons and then counted for resulting neutron and gamma emission. Samples are loaded into special carriers, or rabbits, which are then automatically loaded into the pneumatic transfer system. The sample carriers have been previously coded with an identification number, which can be automatically read in the system. This number is used for correlating and filing data about the samples. The transfer system, counters, and identification system are controlled by a network of microprocessors. A master microprocessor initiates routines in other microprocessors assigned to specific tasks. The software in the microprocessors is unique for this type of application and lends flexibility to the system.

A combined air particulate sampler and elemental sulfur analyzer was developed for continuous monitoring of fine particulate sulfur. It consists of a dichotomous sampler, continuous tape membrane filter system, and single-channel wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The unit operates automatically under microprocessor control and is designed to be transportable to remote sampling sites. Calibration data are retained within the microprocessor program and the concentrations are available shortly after the completion of the sampling period. Operating results are summarized briefly.

After completion of the Phase 1 Refueling Outage Availability Study, Babcock and Wilcox and the U.S. Department of Energy entered into a supplemental agreement to perform a balance-of-plant maintenance, inspection, and test study with the cooperation of Duke Power Company and Arkansas Power and Light Company. The objectives were (1) to expand the Phase 1 data base, including balance-of-plant activities, to reduce outage time and increase plant availability and (2) to conduct an onsite review of plant maintenance, practices to complement the utility efforts in reducing outage time and increasing on-line operational time. Data were obtained from (1) observations during the 1977 refueling outage at Oconee 3, (2) review of maintenance practices during the Arkansas Nuclear One, Unit 1, operational cycle in 1977, and (3) selected observations of the 1978 refueling outage at ANO-1. Accumulated data were then reviewed and analyzed to produce a list of improvement recommendations for Oconee 3 and ANO-1 that can be generically applied to plants of similar design and construction.

A study was conducted to determine the nature of the minerals which coat vesicle and fracture surfaces in the Grande Ronde Basalt Formation, simulate the mass transfer which led to their precipitation, and predict the mass transfer associated with the dissolution of spent unreprocessed fuel (SURF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), petrographic, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microprobe (EMP) analyses have been made on a series of samples taken from 1100 ft (335.3 m) of core from core hole DC2. Preliminary simulations of the mass transfer associated with basalt dissolution in a thermodynamically closed system have been accomplished. In addition two mass transfer codes have been modified to facilitate data base changes. Thermochemical data for uranium and plutonium have been collected and converted to standard state conditions. These data will be critically evaluated and input to the mass transfer data base in the near future.

Two types of direct converters, one for beams and one for plasma, are under development with voltages and power densities approaching reactor-like conditions. Beam direct conversion raises the efficiency of producing neutral beams, can save millions of dollars when applied to next-generation experiments, and can improve the power balance of driven reactors. Direct conversion allows positive ion beams to be made into neutrals efficiently up to 150 keV for D/sup 0/, 225 keV for T/sup 0/ and 300 keV for /sup 3/He/sup 0/. Above these energies, the efficiency is less than 50% and falling rapidly, requiring negative ions to be used for neutral beam formation, which even they can benefit from direct conversion because the conversion fraction from negatives to neutrals is less than 100% (approximately 80% plasma cell, approximately 60% gas cell). The in-line beam direct conversion concept uses either electrostatic or magnetic fields for electron suppression. At low powers (approximately 1 kW continuous) and low voltage (10 to 15 keV), both have operated at an efficiency better than 70%.

Results of tests to evaluate the methane gas yield from fermentation of corn stover are reported. Four fermenters were operated under various conditions to obtain gas production data. The effects of thermochemical pretreatment, retention time of feed material, and recycling of solids in the recycle liquor were evaluated. (JGB)

Progress is reported on biomedical studies using cyclotron-produced /sup 18/F, /sup 15/O, /sup 11/C, /sup 13/N, /sup 52/Fe, /sup 38/K, /sup 206/Bi, /sup 73/Se, /sup 53/Co, and /sup 43/K. The following research projects are described: tumor detection and diagnosis; neurological studies; radiopharmaceutical development; /sup 38/K as an indicator of blood flow to the myocardium; dosimetry for internally deposited isotopes in animals and man; cyclotron development; positron tomographic imaging with the TOKIM System; and review of positron emission transaxial tomograph instruments. (HLW)

Work during the quarter was devoted to final interpretation, integration, and compilation of surface stratigraphic and petrologic data into deliverable documents for DOE, MERC. As of September, two such documents have been prepared. A thesis on black-shale outcrop stratigraphy from the two eastern Kentucky outcrop belts has been completed and will be included with the annual report and a thesis on the thin-section petrology of three eastern Kentucky cores has also been completed and will be included with the annual report. Also during this quarter the transition to two new parts of the project was started including map compilation and a paleontological--paleoecological study. Compilation of isopach, lithofacies, and structural contour maps depends largely on completion of the well-log inventory from which all the data are generated. At present, well-log inventories for 37 of the 41 eastern Kentucky counties (90%) have been completed. Work has begun, however, on compiling data from the completed county inventories. Work has also begun on the paleontological--paleoecological portion of the project. A research assistant has been found to complete a thesis study on this part of the project and he is currently engaged in preliminary research.

Neutron-induced capture cross sections for the ground states and first isomeric states of /sup 93/Nb, /sup 94/Nb and /sup 95/Nb were studied from the resolved resonance region to 4 MeV via statistical model calculations. The production of isomers was included. Inelastic scattering cross sections and gamma-ray production spectra were also calculated. The anti GAMMA/ sub ..gamma..//D ratios were derived from gamma-ray strength function systematics. Total capture cross sections on the ground states are found to be within a factor of two of each other. Capture cross sections on the isomeric targets are important as well, not only because of their magnitude but also because of the significant population of these isomeric levels by inelastic scattering. 10 references.

An analytical study of the loads produced during coupling of railcars carrying heavy shipping containers is presented. The structural model of the impact event is represented by a lumped-parameter technique. Each discrete mass lump possesses longitudinal, vertical, and rotational degrees of freedom. The resulting computer simulation provides for nonlinear railcar coupler stiffness and linear damping forces in the coupler and container tiedowns. Results include response to parametric variations in container weight, impact speed, and tiedown stiffness. Container dynamic response and tiedown loads are found to depend heavily on these parameters. Also, railcar bending and subsequent vertical motion are shown to be important contributors to these responses. When experimentally substantiated, the model developed can serve as a useful tool in the design and evaluation of shipping container tiedown structures.

In response to a widely expressed need to examine the impact of the federal regulatory system on the rate of geothermal power development, the Department of Energy-Division of Geothermal Energy (DGE) has established a Streamlining Task Force in cooperation with appropriate federal agencies. The intent is to find a way of speeding development by modification of existing laws or regulations or by better understanding and mechanization of the existing ones. The initial focus was on the leasing and development of federal lands. How do the existing processes work? Would changes produce positive results in a variety of cases? These are questions which must be considered in a national streamlining process. This report presents case studies of federal leasing actions on seven diverse locations in the western region. Characteristics of existing high geothermal potential areas are quite diverse; geography, environment, industry interest and the attitudes and activities of the responsible federal land management agencies and the interested public vary widely. Included are descriptions of post and current activities in leasing exploration and development and discussions of the probable future direction of activities based on current plans. Implications of these plans are presented. The case studies were based on field interviews with …

Those areas or cells within LMFBR plants that contain radioactive sodium systems are provided with certain design features which eliminate or limit potential sodium/concrete reaction and thus protect the concrete structure in the event of an accidental sodium spill. The principal design feature within these cells that controls sodium spill effects is the cell liner system. The description, requirements and analysis of such a system design for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant (CRBRP) is presented in this paper. The information included in this paper can be utilized directly or can formulate the basis for design of cell liners for commercial scale LMFBR's or future large scale liquid metal test facilities.

Several major areas pertaining to automobile fleet operations in the U.S. are covered. First, all known available sources that contain statistics on fleet vehicles are described. Second, fleet operations in the U.S. are characterized according to stock composition and operational characteristics. Third, properties of fleet cars are compared with those of the total car population, and a comparison is made among fleets used by different sectors. Finally, the significance of fleet operations for transportation energy conservation is discussed.

This investigation was carried out as part of a feasibility study for long-term storage of nuclear waste at depth in the Pasco Basin. Three general types of intraflow structures were found at Sentinel Gap: flows with stubby, irregular columns that lack a well-developed entablature; flows consisting of multiple tiers of largely entablature-type columns; and flows with a well-developed colonnade and entablature showing a sharp break between the two. Certain features occur locally in all three types of intraflow structures: variations in fracture morphology, primary platey fracture zones, pillow-palagonite zones, and tectonically induced zones of closely spaced fractures. Fractures in each of the three types of flows were logged both at the surface and in core from Core Hole DH-5, and petrographic textures of basalt sampled from surface exposures were examined. The textures of the basalt correlate with the intraflow structures and provide a technique for identifying flows as to their general type of intraflow structure, locating internal contacts between intraflow structures and possibly estimating fracture density within flows. Fracture logging, on the other hand, does not accurately delimit intraflow structures.

The available literature is reviewed concerning corrosion-resistant lining of large ferritic steel vessels and piping, applicable to coal gasification and liquefaction systems. Potential ferritic steel pressure vessel and piping materials are discussed along with potential stainless steel and nickel-base cladding materials. The various lining techniques currently used in the United States and abroad are also reviewed, with advantages and disadvantages of each. Materials problems with the various techniques are described. Several methods are available to produce ferritic steel components lined with corrosion-resistant layers. For low-temperature-low-thermal cycling applications, applied linings may be a good choice. However, for more critical applications, integral cladding is generally preferred. Integral cladding may be performed by a variety of methods, including solid state cladding, braze-bond cladding, and weld overlay (fusion) cladding. The lining process should be chosen after careful consideration of base metals and cladding metals desired and of the service requirements for the lined component.

Close-coupled analytical methods are being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) for application to alternate breeder reactor fuels fabrication. Close-coupled analyses are performed in automated, off-line, nearly real-time configurations to reduce operator radiation exposure while providing rapid results to allow feedback control of process parameters. Methods are being developed for fuels assay (U--Pu--Th), oxygen-to-metal ratio, fluoride and chloride, high-temperature off gas, feed-power particle size, sulfur and carbon, nitrogen, and moisture analyses with analytical turnaround times of 10 minutes or less. The analytical methodology, current status, and proposed development for each of these methods will be discussed.

The Closed Loop In-Reactor Assembly (CLIRA) is a test vehicle for in-core material and fuel experiments in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). The FFTF is a fast flux nuclear test reactor operated for the Department of Energy (DOE) by Westinghouse Hanford Company in Richland, Washington. The CLIRA is a removable/replaceable part of the Closed Loop System (CLS) which is a sodium coolant system providing flow and temperature control independent of the reactor coolant system. The primary purpose of the CLIRA is to provide a test vehicle which will permit testing of nuclear fuels and materials at conditions more severe than exist in the FTR core, and to isolate these materials from the reactor core.

The Department of Energy's demonstration plant program was started in 1974 by one of the Department of Energy's predecessor agencies, the Office of Coal Research, US Department of the Interior. The objective of the program is to establish the technical and financial feasibility of coal conversion technologies proven during pilot plant testing. Demonstration plants will minimize the technical and economic risks of commercialization by providing a near commercial size plant for testing and production. Thus, DOE is sponsoring the development of a series of demonstration plants, each of which will be a smaller version of commercial plants envisioned for the 1980's. These plants will be wholly integrated, self-sufficient in terms of heat generation, and dependent only on feedstock of coal, water, and air. Under the DOE program, contracts for designing, constructing, and operating the demonstration plants will be awarded through competitive procedures and will be jointly funded. The conceptual design phase will be funded by the government, with the detailed design, procurement, construction, and operation phases being co-funded, 50% from industry and 50% from the government. The cost involved in building and operating a demonstration plant will probably be between $200 million and $500 million, depending on the size of …

The advantage of coal liquefaction is that the entire range of liquid products, including heavy boiler fuel, distillate fuel oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel oil, can be produced from coal by varying the type of process and operating conditions used in the process. Furthermore, coal-derived liquids have the potential for use as chemical feedstocks. To provide efficient and practical means of utilizing coal resources, DOE is sponsoring the development of several conversion processes currently in the pilot plant stage. Fifteen coal liquefaction projects supported by US DOE are described briefly, with flowsheets, funding, history and progress during the quarter. (LTN)

This report presents results obtained from the commercial LMFBR Steam Generator Design Comparison Study from 1 October 1977 through 30 September 1978 relative to selecting the preferred steam generator design for a commercial-size plant using a Benson, Sulzer, or saturated steam cycle. The primary emphasis was placed on identifying potential problem areas in each design for each steam cycle. The study indicates the hockey stick design as the preferred concept for each steam cycle.

Cost studies were done for Total Flow, double flash, and multistage flash binary systems for electric Energy production from the Salton Sea Geothermal Resource. The purpose was to provide the Department of energy's Division of Geothermal Energy with information by which to judge whether to continue development of the Total Flow system. Results indicate that the Total Flow and double flash systems have capital costs of $1,135 and $1,026 /kW with energy costs of 40.9 and 39.7 mills/kW h respectively. The Total Flow and double flash systems are not distinguishable on a cost basis alone; the multistage flash binary system, with capital cost of $1,343 /kW and energy cost of 46.9 mills/kW h, is significantly more expensive. If oil savings are considered in the total analysis, the Total Flow system could save 30% more oil than the double flash system, $3.5 billion at 1978 oil prices.

The projected costs of five alternative wet/dry power plant heat rejection concepts were studied under conditions imposed by hypothetical use in association with the San Juan Unit 3 plant, a fossil-fuel 550-MWe facility currently under construction near the ''Four Corners'' area of New Mexico. Four of the cooling systems use ammonia as a heat transfer medium between the steam condenser and the heat rejection tower, while the fifth uses the condenser cooling water for heat transport. The four alternative concepts were: the HOTERV plate fin with deluge augmented cooling (vertical round towers); the HOTERV plate fin with deluge augmented cooling (horizontal configuration); the separate channel augmented tower (SCAT); a Curtiss-Wright extruded tube with integral fins, augmented with water flowing internally through separate channels, and the augmenting ammonia condenser (AAC); Curtiss-Wright tube augmented with a separate water-cooled condenser close-coupled to a conventional wet tower. The state-of-the-art method was the integrated wet/dry tower currently being constructed at the San Juan Unit 3 station. The comparable capital cost of each of the five concepts was calculated. Fuel savings resulting from using each of the advanced concepts vis-a-vis the reference integrated wet-dry cooling towers, expressed in barrels of oil per year, were calculated. The …