Advanced Liquid Metal Reactors being developed today in the USA are designed to make maximum use of passive safety features. Much of the LMR safety work at Argonne National Laboratory is concerned with demonstrating, both theoretically and experimentally, the effectiveness of the passive safety features. The characteristics that contribute to passive safety are discussed, with particular emphasis on decay heat removal systems, together with examples of Argonne's theoretical and experimental programs in this area.

We have assembled an ultraviolet-sensitive intensified camera for observing hydrogen combustion by imaging the OH, A/sup 2/..sigma.. - X/sup 2//Pi/ bandhead emissions near 309 nm. The camera consists of a quartz and CaF achromat lense-coupled to an ultraviolet image intensifier which is in turn fiber-coupled to a focus projection scan (FPS) vidicon. The emission band is selected with interference filters which serve to discriminate against background. The camera provides optical gain of 100 to 1000 and is capable of being shuttered at nanosecond speeds and of being framed at over 600 frames per second. We present data from observations of test flames in air at standard RS-170 video rates with varying background conditions. Enhanced images using background subtraction are presented. Finally, we discuss the use of polarizaton effects to further discrimination against sky background. This work began as a feasibility study to investigate ultraviolet technology to detect hydrogen fires for the NASA space program. 6 refs., 7 figs, 2 tabs.

This work addresses an important objective of the TSTA-demonstrating that the large tritium inventories required for fusion reactors can be routinely handled, without radiation exposure to operating personnel and without significant environemtnal releases. The techniques by which TSTA has achieved low releases and personnel exposures include high-integrity primary piping systems that exclude contact between tritium and organic materials, a secondary containment system that encloses all primary tritium piping in a controlled environment, an efficient, all-purpose tritium waste-treatment plant with 100% availability, and ultrasensitive, real-time diagnostics for anticipating and preventing releases, and for detection and location of tritium leaks in a low-risk mode. 5 refs., 11 figs., 2 tabs.

Nondestructive assay (NDA) refers to techniques and instruments developed to measure nuclear materials in the many forms in which they occur throughout the fuel cycle. These techniques were first developed to support nuclear safeguards inspections and nuclear material accountability; they are also used extensively for process and quality control. Most accountability measurements are based on analytical chemistry and require that a sample be drawn and analyzed destructively. Destructive analysis can not be applied to many of the product materials found in the fuel cycle, such as fuel rods and assemblies, because of their high monetary value. Also, many waste and scrap materials can not be adequately sampled for destructive analysis because of their heterogenous nature. This situation led to the development of nondestructive analysis techniques. This paper presents an overview of the major NDA techniques and instrumentation in use today. The instrumentation described below is now used frequently by safeguards inspectors and facility operators alike. 19 refs., 18 figs., 4 tabs.

Argonne National Laboratory has the largest US program for the development of blanket technology. The goals of the program are to resolve critical issues for different blanket concepts, to develop the understanding and predictive capability of blanket behavior, and to develop the technology needed to build and operate advanced fusion blankets. The projects within the program are liquid metal MHD, breeder neutronics, tritium oxidation, transient electromagnetics, FLIBE chemistry, and insulator coatings. The present status and recent results of the projects are described.

The components of geothermal brines that cause corrosion and scaling problems are reviewed, especially brine pH, CO/sub 2/, H/sub 2/S, oxygen (from air), silicia, calcium, sulfides, and suspended particulates. Instrumental methods for on-line measurement are discussed to show how to keep costs low by operating a geothermal plant from a position of knowledge of what is occurring to the plant materials. The US Department of Energy research and development program in brine chemistry and on-line instrument development at Pacific Northwest Laboratory is discussed along with the strategy for commercial availability of new instruments to the geothermal industry.

Seismic isolation has been shown to be able to reduce transmitted seismic force and lower response accelerations of a structure. When applied to nuclear reactors, it will minimize seismic influence on the reactor design and provide a design which is less site dependent. In liquid metal reactors where components are virtually at atmospheric pressure but under severe thermal conditions, thin-walled structures are generally used for primary systems. Thin-walled structures, however, have little inherent seismic resistance. The concept of seismic isolation therefore offers a viable and effective approach that permits the reactor structures to better withstand thermal and seismic loadings simultaneously. The majority of published work on seismic isolation deals with use of horizontal isolation system only. In this investigation, however, local vertical isolation is also provided for the primary system. Such local vertical isolation is found to result in significant benefits for major massive components, such as the reactor cover, designed to withstand vertical motions and loadings. Preliminary estimations on commodity savings of the primary system show that, with additional local vertical isolation, the savings could be twice that estimated for horizontal isolation only. The degree of effectiveness of vertical isolation depends on the diameter of the reactor vessel. As …

A tritium module was developed for the ITER/Tiber system code to provide information on capital costs, tritium inventory, power requirements and building volumes for these systems. In the tritium module, the main tritium subsystems/emdash/plasma processing, atmospheric cleanup, water cleanup, blanket processing/emdash/are each represented by simple scaleable algorithms. 6 refs., 2 tabs.

A radiochemical experiment using the reaction v/sub e/ = /sup 71/Ga + e/sup e/ to determine the integral flux of low-energy neutrinos from the sun is currently under preparation at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory in the USSR. Measurements are scheduled to commence by late 1988 using /approximately/30 tonnes of metallic gallium. With this amount of gallium it should be possible to obtain a fractional statistical accuracy of 12 to 15% after one year (assuming the standard solar model neutrino flux). While initial measurements are in progress, installation of the remaining 30 tonnes of gallium will proceed in order to perform the full 60 tonne experiment.

The gamma-ray bump observed between 0.5 and 2 MeV in the spectrum of Cygnus X-1 can be interpreted as the thermal emissions from a hot (kT)approximately)400 keV) pair-dominated cloud. We argue that the X-rays and gamma rays are produced in separate emission regions, and calculate the photon-photon pair production rate from X-ray and gamma-ray interactions in the vicinity of Cyg X-1 by employing a simplified geometry for the two emitting regions.

In this paper, we further evaluate our previously postulated transient CHF model. First, we verify the steady-state CHF model on which the transient model is based by using recent macrolayer-thickness data. We also include the effect of thermal storage in the heater that we previously neglected. The use of a simplified approach in the prediction of the instantaneous surface heat flux for given pwoer generation rates considerably improves the predictive capability of the transient critical heat-flux (CHF) model. Finally, we discuss the statistical vapor mass behavior during transient boiling and its effect on the transient CHF model. We show that the data scatter within a small range may be partially explained through such an approach.

The Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) is an advanced liquid-metal-cooled reactor concept being developed at Argonne National Laboratory. The two major goals of the IFR development effort are improved economics and enhanced safety. In addition to liquid metal cooling, the principal design features that distinguish the IFR are: (1) a pool-type primary system, (2) an advanced ternary alloy metallic fuel, and (3) an integral fuel cycle with on-site fuel reprocessing and fabrication. This paper focuses on the technical aspects of the improved safety margins available in the IFR concept. This increased level of safety is made possible by (1) the liquid metal (sodium) coolant and pool-type primary system layout, which together facilitate passive decay heat removal, and (2) a sodium-bonded metallic fuel pin design with thermal and neutronic properties that provide passive core responses which control and mitigate the consequences of reactor accidents.

The installation of a new beam chopper and radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) preinjector (750 keV) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) 200-MeV Linac will enable single micropulse selection (pulse width <1 ns) with periods ranging from 400 ns to 10 ..mu..s. The standard micropulse intensity is 1.2 X 10/sup 9/ p..mu.. pulse with dc-average beam currents of 50 nA-1 ..mu..A routinely available. The NTOF facilities consists of 30-100 meter flight paths at angles of 0, 12, 30, 45, 90, and 135/degree/. Lower energies of 93, 117, 139, 161, and 181 MeV are also available as well as polarized beams at much reduced intensities. The present paper describes the new facilities, and the capabilities of future improvements and upgrades, for use in the BNL intermediate energy (p,n) experimental program. 7 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

We have reviewed some of the basic properties of the electronic structure of condensed molecular systems. For the rare-gas solids, we concentrated our discussion on changes in the ground- and excited-state crystal-atomic wave functions as calculated with an approximate theoretical method. Compression of these wave functions leads to a softening of the equation of state at high densities, which seems to account for much of the total many-body effects. This compression is a true many-body effect and cannot be easily decomposable into a sum of 3-body and higher terms. We reviewed the electronic properties of four molecular systems, each manifesting different behavior at high densities. Because of a general lack of theory of the electronic structure of molecular solids, we restricted ourselves to a descriptive account. Solid oxygen, for instance, seems to exhibit the beginnings of covalent bonding between the ..pi..* orbitals on adjacent molecules in its epsilon phase. It was a combination of optical-absorption data and infrared and Raman spectroscopy that led to these conclusions. Iodine is unique in that it becomes metallic as a molecular crystal at pressures easily obtainable experimentally. It is interesting that the x-ray data, which indicates a transition to a monatomic lattice at 21 …

This paper discusses the many applications of fiber optics equipment. (LSP)

A new technique utilizing RIMS to obtain very high resolution atomic spectra with isotopic selectivity has been demonstrated. This technique allows the precise determination of HF splitting constants, limited only by the transition's natural linewidth. In addition, it is also feasible with this technique to accurately determine atomic isotope shifts. The exact determination of HF component line positions provides data for isotopically selective ionization which, in turn, will increase RIMS' dynamic range. Future work includes the incorporation of a /open quotes/vibrating/close quotes/ mirror and the study of rarer isotopes, i.e., /sup 174/Lu, /sup 173/Lu, /sup 172/Lu, /sup 171/Lu, and possibly, /sup 170/Lu. 13 refs., 3 figs.

The purpose of this note is to describe the electrical and mechanical properites of particle accelerator rf cavities in a manner which will be useful to physics and engineering graduates entering the accelerator field. The discussion will be limited to proton (or antiproton) synchrotron accelerators or storage rings operating roughly in the range of 20 to 200 MHz. The very high gradient, fixed frequency UHF or microwave devices appropriate for electron machines and the somewhat lower frequency and broader bandwidth devices required for heavy ion accelerators are discussed extensively in other papers in this series. While it is common pratice to employ field calculation programs such as SUPERFISH, URMEL, or MAFIA as design aids in the development of rf cavities, we attempt here to elucidate various of the design parameters commonly dealt with in proton machines through the use of simple standing wave coaxial resonator expressions. In so doing, we treat only standing wave structures. Although low-impedance, moderately broad pass-band travelling wave accelerating systems are used in the CERN SPS, such systems are more commonly found in linacs, and they have not been used widely in large cyclic accelerators. Two appendices providing useful supporting material regarding relativistic particle dynamics and …

This conference seeks to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas of the safety aspects and technical issue related to the handling of uranium hexafluoride. By allowing operators, engineers, scientists, managers, educators, and others to meet and share experiences of mutual concern, the conference is also intended to provide the participants with a more complete knowledge of technical and operational issues. The topics for the papers in the proceedings are widely varied and include the results of chemical, metallurgical, mechanical, thermal, and analytical investigations, as well as the developed philosophies of operational, managerial, and regulatory guidelines. Papers have been entered individually into EDB and ERA. (LTN)

This report reviews previous attempt to develop strategic defenses, the technologies currently under consideration, their main unknowns, and their likely performance relative to evolving threats. 28 refs.

The AGS and the Tandem Van de Graaff, two valuable physics assets, are now jointed together by a transport line of 700 m in length. This line allows heavy ions from the Tandem, up to a fully striped silicon (M = 28) to be injected into the AGS and accelerated to energies of approximately 15 GeVamu. New areas of physics research at very high nuclear densities can now be studied using some of the extensive experimental facilities already existing at the AGS. With the addition of a booster synchrotron between the Tandem and the AGS, all heavier ions up to gold can also be accelerated. To minimize the beam loss due to charge exchange between the partially stripped heaviest ions (i.e. Au + 33 at 1 MeVamu) and the residual gas molecules, a vacuum of 10 /sup /minus/8/ Torr is required for this transport line. To achieve this vacuum, we have opted to use the combination of small ion pumps (20 1s diode type) and simple geometry was implemented which offers low cost (<$200m), easy installation and maintenance. Pressures of 10 /sup /minus/10/ and low 10 /sup /minus/9/ Torr have been maintained over the last two years following the initial …

In the 1987 workshop, it was pointed out that activation of the accelerator is a serious problem. At this workshop, it was suggested that a new type of slow extraction system is needed to reduce the activation. We report on the response to this need. The Los Alamos plan is reviewed including as elements the long lead-time R and D in preparation for a 1993 construction start, a menu of accelerator designs, improved losses at injection and extraction time, active participation in the development of PSR, and accelerated hardware R and D program, and close collaboration with TRIUMF. We review progress on magnets and power supplies, on ceramic vacuum chambers, and on ferrite-turned rf systems. We report on the plan for a joint TRIUMF-Los Alamos main-ring cavity to be tested in PSR in 1989. The problem of beam losses is discussed in detail and a recommendation for a design procedure for the injection system is made. This recommendation includes taking account of single Coulomb scattering, a painting scheme for minimizing foil hits, and a collimator and dump system for containing the expected spills. The slow extraction problem is reviewed and progress on an improved design is discussed. The problem of …

The purpose of this program is to develop low-cost processes for the removal of toxic metals from geothermal residual brines. Processes and methodologies are also being developed for the utilization of detoxified residues. Laboratory work at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has shown that bioleaching is an efficient method for the removal of toxic metals from residual brine sludges. Samples of geothermal brine residues, supplied by the industry, containing elevated concentrations of heavy metals were treated with cultures of several strains of acidophilic bacteria Thiobacillus thioxidans and Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, selected from the BNL collection. The effect of different experimental conditions on the rate of toxic metal removal has been investigated. Based on the experimental results obtained, a detoxification process for geothermal brine residues has been explored. A preliminary technical feasibility study indicates that for a typical 50 MW plant, a large-scale technically feasible process can be developed. 6 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.

Coupling to plasma in the H-mode is essential to the success of future ignited machines such as CIT. To ascertain voltage and current requirements for high-power second harmonic heating (2 MW in a 35- by 50-cm port), coupling to the DIII-D tokamak with a prototype compact loop antenna has been measured. The results show good loading for L-mode and limiter plasmas, but coupling 2 MW to an H-mode plasma demands voltages and currents near the limit of present technology. We report the technological analysis and progress that allow coupling of these power densities. 5 refs., 4 figs.

In this paper, we offer a set of problems for evaluating the power of automated theorem-proving programs and the potential of new ideas. Since the problems published in the proceedings of the first CADE conference proved to be so useful, and since researchers are now far more disposed to implementing and testing their ideas, a new set of problems to complement those that have been widely studied is in order. In general, the new problems provide a far greater challenge for an automated theorem-proving program than those in the first set do. Indeed, to our knowledge, five of the six problems we propose for study have never been proved with a theorem-proving program. For each problem, we give a set of statements that can easily be translated into a standard set of clauses. We also state each problem in its mathematical and logical form. In many cases, we also provide a proof of the theorem from which a problem is taken so that one can measure a program's progress in its attempt to solve the problem. Two of the theorems we discuss are of especial interest in that they answer questions that had been open concerning the constructibility of two …