Energy International is a leader in catalyst and process development as it relates to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) technology. Through this activity, a concept evolved for a new technique for capturing the fuel value in the associated natural gas contained in crude oil. In the new concept, the dissolved natural gas would be processed via F-T technology to produce light hydrocarbons that would then, in one manifestation of this concept, be redissolved in the crude oil to produce a lighter crude than the original, containing all of the natural gas, but with the vapor pressure of the crude lowered to an acceptable level via the conversion process. This technique would be of particular interest in those instances where the alternative methods of collections and utilizing the associated natural gas were expensive. A study of the application of this technology was undertaken by EI with support from the DOE.

Tuff is of interest for use as an isolation medium for high heat producing wastes because it provides highly sorptive minerals and suitable thermomechanical properties. Also, tuff is widespread in areas that offer long and deep groundwater flow paths. The occurrence and geologic/hydrologic setting of tuff are discussed. The properties of the rock are discussed and compared with other isolation media. The favorable and unfavorable aspects are presented. Also, unresolved issues are discussed along with the investigative program for addressing these issues.

The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory has an unirradiated enriched uranium reprocessing facility. Various types of solutions are generated in this facility, including distillates and raffinates containing ppm of uranium and concentrated solutions with up to 400 grams U/t. In addition to uranyl nitrate and HNO{sub 3}, the solutions may also contain zirconium, niobium, fluoride, and small amounts of many metals. A uranium solution assay system (USAS) has been installed to allow accurate and more timely process control, accountability, and criticality data to be obtained. The USAS assays are made by a variety of techniques that depend upon state-of-the-art high-resolution Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectroscopy integrated with an interactive, user-oriented computer software package. Tight control of the system`s performance is maintained by constantly monitoring the USAS status. Daily measurement control sequences are required, and the user is forced by the software to perform these sequences. Routine assays require 400 or 1000 seconds for a precision of 0.5% over the concentration range of 5--400 g/t. A comparison of the USAS precision and accuracy with that obtained by traditional destructive analytical chemistry techniques (colorimetric and volumetric) is presented.

Aqueous/solid distribution coefficients have been measured for {sup 137}Cs, {sup 85}Sr, {sup 99}Tc, {sup 152}Eu, {sup 144}Ce, {sup 238}Pu, {sup 243}Am and {sup 244}Cm on powdered argillite and hornfels obtained from the Nevada Test Site. The fluid phases included a groundwater simulant and deionized water preequilibrated with powdered argillite. Distribution coefficients for lanthanides and actinides are generally high and Eleana shale was found to effectively sorb technetium.

Numerical calculations for a near surface heater experiment in argillite conducted at the Nevada Test Site were performed using the finite element code ADINA assuming a two-dimensional axisymmetric geometry. The existence and extent of the region of tensional opening of joints surrounding the heater, predicted by the mechanical model, were confirmed by posttest borehole inspection, permeability measurements, and drillback. Exrapolation of near surface heater model to repository depths reveals the necessity for prior knowledge of the mechanical properties and state of stress in-situ. The extent of the joint opening zone, for example, is not altered by changes in the elastic modulus at the near surface, but is significantly decreased beyond certain depths depending upon the in-situ elastic modulus. Results of these calculations are presented. To further define the behavior at depth, and place bounds on the joint opening zone, far-field calculations were performed for a generic repository in argillite. Both spent fuel and high level waste heat sources were considered at different burial densities and depths. Results of a parametric study are presented in which the mechanical properties, in-situ stresses, and waste heat sources were varied.

Adsorption of several nuclides (Sr, Tc, Cs, Ba, Ce, Eu) on tuff, monzonite, and argillite was studied experimentally. 3 tables. (DLC)

Statistical methodology has been applied to the investigation of the regional hydrologic systems of a large area encompassing the Nevada Test Site (NTS) as a part of the overall evaluation of the NTS for deep geologic disposal of nuclear waste. Statistical techniques including Latin hypercube sampling were used to perform a sensitivity analysis on a two-dimensional finite-element code of 16 geohydrologic zones used to model the regional ground-water flow system. The Latin hypercube sample has been modified to include correlations between corresponding variables from zone to zone. From the results of sensitivity analysis it was found that: (1) the ranking of the relative importance of input variables between locations within the same geohydrologic zone were similar, but not identical; and (2) inclusion of a correlation structure for input variables had a significant effect on the ranking of their relative importance. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to the hydrology of the region.

Siliceous tuff in southern Nevada occurs in a complex and locally active geological environment. Regional thrust faulting, Basin and Range faulting, and present-day seismicity complicate exploration and site characterization activities. The inherent variability of tuff and the complexity of caldera complexes also complicate siting efforts, but may serve to enhance long-term containment. Time--space trends of silicic volcanism are moderately well-established, while those of recent basaltic volcanism are not. At present, the final consequences for repository siting of the geologic complexities described in this paper are not known. Evidence from laboratory cation exchange measurements indicate that tuff and tuffaceous alluvium can serve as effective natural barriers to migration of radionuclides. This fact, coupled with multiple hydrologic barriers and long flow paths, as in the vicinity of the Nevada Test Site, might well result in tuff being a suitable medium for the safe long-term geologic disposal of nuclear wastes. Preliminary thermal modeling indicates the strong influence of varying assumptions regarding in situ fluid pressures and geothermal heat flux on acceptable initial areal power loadings.

A preliminary evaluation of the in-situ thermomechanical response of argillite to heating was obtained from a near-surface heater test in the Eleana Formation, at the Nevada Test Site. The experiment consisted of a 3.8 kW, 3-m long x 0.3-m diameter electrical heater in a central hole surrounded by peripheral holes containing instrumentation to measure temperature, gas pressures, and vertical displacement. A thermal model of the experiment agreed well with experimental results; a comparison of measured and predicted temperatures indicates that some nonmodeled vertical transport of water and water vapor occurred near the heater, especially at early times. A mechanical model indicated that contraction of expandable clays in the argillite produced a region 1.5 to 2.0 m in radius, in which opening of preexisting joints occurred as a result of volumetric contraction. Results of thermal and mechanical modeling, laboratory property measurements, experimental temperature measurements, and post-test observations are all self-consistent and provide preliminary information on the in situ response of argillaceous rocks to the emplacement of heat-producing nuclear waste. 9 figures, 2 tables.

Two near-surface heater experiments were performed in argillaceous rocks for the purpose of determining the suitability of this rock type for the disposal of heat producing nuclear waste. Site instrumentation included provisions for monitoring both the thermal and mechanical response of the formation. The mechanical behavior of argillaceous rocks was found to be complex and illustrates the necessity of incorporating the dehydration behavior of clays into existing models. The thermal response also reflected the effects of water. Even in the presence of considerable ground water, however, conduction remains the principal method of heat transfer, and computer codes using this assumption give a realistic picture of the in-situ formation behavior.

The thermal response of layered tuffs in Yucca Mountain at NTS to radwaste emplacement at 711 m depth (Bullfrog tuff) was analyzed. Three in-situ boiling criteria were examined. No boiling is predicted for any burial depth with power densities up to 150 kW/acre. Allowable powerdensities are plotted vs depth below 711 m for both HLW and spent fuels. (DLC)

Recent emphasis on research in geologic isolation of nuclear wastes and geoenergy resource development has created a renewed demand for engineering thermophysical property data for rocks and other geologic materials at elevated pressures and temperatures. In contrast to fabricated engineering materials, with properties which can be specified, rocks used in engineering design are complex, naturally occurring materials having properties which must be characterized, rather than specified, for engineering studies. Much difficulty in measuring, reporting, and using thermophysical properties of rocks results from (1) rock inhomogeneity and anisotropy on both microscopic and macroscopic scales; (2) inclusion of pore fluids, such as water; and (3) measurement of laboratory properties under conditions quite different from those of in situ material. Because measurements on in situ materials are scarce, many analyses must depend on extrapolated values of uncertain accuracy. A survey of thermophysical property data available for geologic thermal transport studies indicates that caution must be taken to effectively match data abstracted from the literature with project objectives.

The use of a silver-zeolite halogen adsorber placed in series with a hydrogen catalytic recombiner and a cryogenic noble gas adsorber assembly constitutes a waste gas processing system (WGPS) capable of handling hydrogen and fission product gases following a Loss-of-Coolant Experiment (LOCE). This paper describes: the types and quantities of gases expected to be found at the facility after a failed-fuel LOCE; the purpose of the WGPS; and the general configuration and expected decontamination factors associated with the LOFT WGPS.

The FFTF reactor is described. Procedures and equipment used to protect personnel from potential hazards of oxygen deficient environments are described.

This report contains the text and slides used for the review talk on tandem mirror theory presented at the meeting of the Division of Plasma Physics, A.P.S., Boston, MA, November 12-16, 1979. Topics covered include classical confinement, equilibria, MHD- and micro-stability, radial transport, and thermal barriers.

Advanced imaging methods have been evaluated for the purpose of constructing images of objects from ultrasonic data. Feasibility of imaging surfaces which are off-normal to the sound beam has been established. Laboratory results are presented which show a complete image of a typical core component. Using the previous system developed for under sodium viewing (USV), only normal surfaces of this object could be imaged. Using advanced methods, surfaces up to 60 degrees off-normal have been imaged. Details of equipment and procedures used for this image construction are described. Additional work on high temperature transducers, electronics, and signal analysis is required in order to adapt the off-normal viewing process described here to an eventual USV application.

In support of this effort, an average of 55 samples with approximately 4 analyses per sample comes into the ICPP analytical laboratory each day. Information concerning these samples, the 60 people handling the samples, and the 90 methods of running samples is registered, processed, and accessed daily. A manual paper system was found to be inadequate for an efficient, accurate, interacting network; thus, the need for a more spontaneous system emanated. The Analytical Laboratory Computer System is designed to automate and streamline the generation and storage of this data and to increase the credibility of sample results. A 256 K byte Data General Eclipse C/300, a 62 K byte Hewlett-Packard 9845A, and 8 Tetronix 4023 terminals are being used to achieve this goal. The Eclipse is used for data input-output and the calculation and bias correction of laboratory results; the 9845 computer is used for data manipulation for quality control. Utilization of the data provides some powerful tools in such areas as quality control, data classification, and analyst/method performance evaluation. The simplicity and clarity of operating the system as well as the complexities of design and implementation are also discussed.

The determination of the activity coefficient and related properties of sodium bicarbonate presents special problems because of the appreciable vapor pressure of CO{sub 2} above such solutions. With the development of reliable equations for the thermodynamic properties of mixed electrolytes, it is possible to determine the parameters for NaHCO{sub 3} from cell measurements or NaCl-NaHCO{sub 3} mixtures. Literature data are analyzed to illustrate the method and provide interim values, but it is noted that further measurements over a wider range of concentrations would yield more definitive results. An estimate is also given for the activity coefficient of KHCO{sub 3}.

The first conference on advanced materials for alternative fuel capable directly fired heat engines was held at the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine. It was sponsored by the US Department of Energy, (Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy) and the Electric Power Research Institute, (Division of Fossil Fuel and Advanced Systems). Forty-four papers from the proceedings have been entered into EDB and ERA and one also into EAPA; three had been entered previously from other sources. The papers are concerned with US DOE research programs in this area, coal gasification, coal liquefaction, gas turbines, fluidized-bed combustion and the materials used in these processes or equipments. The materials papers involve alloys, ceramics, coatings, cladding, etc., and the fabrication and materials listing of such materials and studies involving corrosion, erosion, deposition, etc. (LTN)

Physical properties (magnetic susceptibility, NMR, crystal structure, etc.) are reviewed for trivalent lanthanide/actinide derivatives, divalent lanthanide derivatives, and tetravalent actinide derivatives. (DLC)

A method of solution of the static Hartree-Fock problem is proposed. The method, based upon the extension of the method of solution of the time-dependent Hartree-Fock problem to imaginary time, promises to be more efficient, and applicable to more complex systems than previously proposed numerical methods.

An assessment of the risks of transporting propane by truck and train is presented. Risk assessment methodology is reviewed, and the results of its application to propane transportation systems are presented. Four basic steps are followed in the transportation risk assessment methodology to develop the information required to perform the risk analysis. These four basic steps are: a detailed description of the transportation system, including projected industry characteristics, size and number of shipments, material characteristics, container types, transport modes, routes traveled, and weather and population zones; the identification of possible material release sequences, using fault tree analysis; the evaluation of the probabilities and consequences of releases, using container failure data and mathematical models for dispersion and health effects; and, the calculation and assessment of risk, defined as the product of the probability of a release of material to the environment and the consequences of that release. (JGB)

The isolation and chromatographic purification of chromophore-containing peptides from the P{sub R} form of phytochrome treated with pepsin and thermolysin are described. From the amino acid sequence and {sup 1}H NMR spectral analysis of phytochromobiliundeca peptide (2) , the structure of the P{sub R) phytochrome chromophore and the nature of the thioether linkage joining pigment to peptide have been established. Confirmatory evidence was obtained from similar analysis of phytochromobilioctapeptide (3) . The implications of this structural assignment with respect to the mechanism of the P{sub R} to P{sub FR} phototransformation is considered.

Common control strategies used to regulate the flow of liquid through flat-plate solar collectors are discussed and evaluated using a dynamic collector model. Performance of all strategies is compared using different set points, flow rates, insolation levels and patterns (clear and cloudy days), and ambient temperature conditions. The unique characteristic of the dynamic collector model is that it includes effects of collector capacitance. In general, capacitance has a minimal effect on long term collector performance; however, short term temperature response and the energy =storage capability of collector capacitance are shown to play significant roles in comparing on/off and proportional controllers. Inclusion of these effects has produced considerably more realistic simulations than any generated by steady-state models. Simulations indicate relative advantages and disadvantages of both types of controllers, conditions under which each performs better, and the importance of pump cycling and controller set points on total energy collection. Results show that the turn-on set point is not always a critical factor in energy collection since collectors store energy while they warm up and during cycling; and, that proportional flow controllers provide improved energy collection only during periods of interrupted or very low insolation when the maximum possible energy collection is rela= …