The report discusses and evaluates the adequacy of buyer specifications for snubbers. Technical specifications for snubbers (hydraulic and mechanical) were studied in detail in an effort to define the ''fundamental needs'' of the industry with respect to characteristics of snubbers during operation. In the course of this study, it was determined that there is insufficient consensus among users to make such a definition. Authorities in the fields of structural dynamics, structural systems design, and snubber design were also consulted for additional information. Information from these sources is incorporated to identify the fundamental areas of concern, areas where consensus is lacking, and problems to be resolved in order to establish meaningful standards for this equipment.

This report talks about the annual progress report of 1977

A small, secondary treatment plant for processing sanitary wastes was upgraded by the addition of tertiary treatment (chemical treatment and final clarification) and mixed-media filtration. Operational data showed that the tertiary treatment significantly reduced pollutants. Filtration further reduced suspended solids significantly and removed some additional phosphorus; however, no additional reduction in total oxygen demand or in nitrogen was noted. Detailed analyses of costs for construction and routine operations showed the cost of tertiary treatment was small compared to costs associated with mixed-media filtration.

EDOT is a code that calculates the slowing down of a test particle in a Maxwellian plasma utilizing continuous slowing down theory. Both nuclear scattering and reactions are included. The output includes slowing down parameters as well as spectra of knock-on ions and in-flight reaction probabilities. The theory, input, and output for the code are described.

Available data on distribution coefficients for the biologically important radionuclides present in high-level waste were used to estimate retardation factors (K/sub f/) for a mass transport hydrologic model. The radionuclides were divided into 3 groups: fission products with no sorption (K/sub f/ = 1), fission products with sorption (K/sub f/ = 10/sup 2/), and the actinides and their daughter products (K/sub f/ = 10/sup 4/). Minimum and maximum values were assigned the latter two groups. Uncertainties as a function of time were estimated at +- an order of magnitude. 39 references, 5 tables.

An impulse turbine for Total Flow utilization of geothermal fluids was tested. Performance measurements verify the calculational model. The research goal of 70% engine efficiency remains credible. Addition of acid to the brine prevents scaling and precipitation at moderate costs. Corrosion and erosion of turbine materials for the Total Flow Process are not severe. (JB)