This report presents research on information systems, information retrieval, and optical character recognition. (CBS)

Microbubble column flotation (MCF) was developed at the Virginia Center for Coal and Minerals Processing (VCCMP) for the selective recovery of fine particles. Bench-scale test work conducted at VCCMP, largely under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), showed that the technology worked well for both coal and mineral applications. For the technology to be commercially successful, however, a full-scale demonstration of the MCF technology was deemed necessary. This report summarizes the results of work performed under the DOE project entitled In-plant Testing of Microbubble Column Flotation.'' The objectives of this research and development effort were to duplicate the bench-scale performance of the MCF process in a full-scale unit, to verify the scale-up procedure developed in an earlier project, and to demonstrate the applicability of the MCF technology to the coal industry.

The purpose of this plan is to document the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Awareness Program. The plan specifies those activities and methods that are or will be employed to reduce the quantity and toxicity of wastes generated at the site. The intent of this plan is to respond to and comply with (DOE's) policy and guidelines concerning the need for pollution prevention. The Plan is composed of a LLNL Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Awareness Program Plan and, as attachments, Program- and Department-specific waste minimization plans. This format reflects the fact that waste minimization is considered a line management responsibility and is to be addressed by each of the Programs and Departments. 14 refs.

We have developed rat thyroid and mammary clonogen transplantation systems for the study of radiogenic cancer induction at the target cell level in vivo. The epithelial cell populations of both glands contain small subpopulations of cells which are capable of giving rise to monoclonal glandular structures when transplanted and stimulated with appropriate hormones. During the end of the last grant year and the first half of the current grant year, we have completed analyses and summarized for publication: investigations on the relationship between grafted thyroid cell number and the rapidity and degree of reestablishment of the thyroid-hypothalamicpituitary axis in thyroidectomized rats maintained on a normal diet or an iodine deficient diet; studies of the persistence of, and the differentiation potential and functional characteristics of, the TSH- (thyrotropin-) responsive sub-population of clonogens during goitrogenesis, the plateau-phase of goiter growth, and goiter involution; studies of changes in the size of the clonogen sub-population during goitrogenesis, goiter involution and the response to goitrogen rechallenge; and the results of the large carcinogenesis experiment on the nature of the grafted thyroid cell number-dependent suppression of promotion/progression to neoplasia in grafts of radiation-initiated thyroid cells. We are testing new techniques for the culture, cytofluorescent analysis and …

A major expenditure to maintain oil and gas leases is the support of pumpers, those individuals who maintain the pumping systems on wells to achieve optimum production. Many leases are marginal and are in remote areas and this requires considerable driving time for the pumper. The Air Pulse Oil Pump System is designed to be an economical system for the shallow stripper wells. To improve on the economics of this system, we have designed a Remote Oil Field Monitor and Controller to enable us to acquire data from the lease to our central office at anytime and to control the pumping activities from the central office by using a personal computer. The advent and economics of low-power microcontrollers have made it feasible to use this type of system for numerous remote control systems. We can also adapt this economical system to monitor and control the production of gas wells and/or pump jacks.

This report summarizes EMaCC activities for fiscal year 1990 and describes the materials research programs of various offices and divisions within the department. The DOE Energy Materials Coordinating Committee (EMaCC) serves primarily to enhance coordination among the Department's materials programs and to further the effective use of materials expertise within the department. (JL)

This research is concerned with reburning, which is an NO{sub x} abatement technique involving the injection of secondary fuel into the post flame of a furnace. The specific objectives of this research are to determine whether heterogeneities inherent in diffusion flame environments can be exploited to achieve greater reductions in NO than can be achieved in premixed systems. The research project described here is but a first step to explore this question, and should be viewed more as a screening study rather than as completed research, the results of which are completely understood. The problem was attacked through both experimentation and theoretical modeling. Experiments employed a bench scale, laminar, counter-flow, diffusion flame, which was designed to simulate the stretched diffusion flamelets that arise at the interface between turbulent fuel and oxidant jets. Data gathered were of two types. First, NO destruction from the integral system was investigated through parametric studies in which only inlet and outlet species and flows were measured. Three different experimental configurations were examined, under a wide range of operating conditions, with emphasis on reburning under overall fuel lean conditions. Second, in order to gain insight into the observed phenomena, detailed axial profiles of major and minor …

Potassium-Argon (K-Ar) age dates were determined for forty-two young geologic samples by the Laboratory of Isotope Geochemistry, Department of Geosciences, in the period February 1, 1986 to June 30, 1989. Under the terms of Department of Energy Grant No. FG07-86ID12622, The University of Arizona was to provide state-of-the-art K-Ar age dating services, including sample preparation, analytical procedures, and computations, for forty-two young geologic samples submitted by DOE geothermal researchers. We billed only for forty samples. Age dates were determined for geologic samples from five regions with geothermal potential: the Cascade Mountains (Oregon); the Cascade Mountains (Washington); Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean; Cerro Prieto, Mexico; and Las Azufres, Mexico. The ages determined varied from 5.92 m.a. to 0.62 m.a. The integration of K-Ar dates with geologic data and the interpretation in terms of geologic and geothermal significance has been reported separately by the various DOE geothermal researchers. Table 1 presents a detailed listing of all samples dated, general sample location, researcher, researcher's organization, rock type, age, and probable error (1 standard deviation). Additional details regarding the geologic samples may be obtained from the respective geothermal researcher. 1 tab.

Extending the frontiers of colloidal photochemistry and colloidal electrochemistry to solar photochemistry research had been the main objective of this research. More specific objectives of this proposal include the examination of semiconductor-particle-mediated photoelectron transfer and photoelectric effects in different membrane mimetic systems. Emphasis had been placed on developing bilayer lipid membranes and Langmuir-Blodgett films as new membrane-mimetic systems, as well as on the characterization and utilization of these systems.

Research conducted in this terminal year of support centered on three distinct areas: mAChR ligand localization in pancreas and the effect of Ca{sup +2} on localization, continuation of assessment of quaternized and neutral mAChR ligands for possible use as PET myocardial imaging agents, and initiation of a study to determine the relationship of the nAChR receptor to the cellular receptor for measles virus. Several tables and figures illustrating the results are included.

This investigation is concerned with the separation of gas mixtures using a novel concept of rapid pressure swing absorption (RAPSAB) of gas in a stationary absorbent liquid through gas-liquid interfaces immobilized in the pore mouths of hydrophobic microporous membranes. The process is implemented in a module well-packed with hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membranes. The specific objectives are (1) to fiber membranes. The specific objectives are (1) to develop a theoretical model which will provide guidelines for selecting an efficient RAPSAB process cycle which includes desorption; (2) to demonstrate the concept experimentally with a simple gas mixture (e.g., Co{sub 2}-N{sub 2}) and a simple absorbent liquid such as water, and (3) to extend the concept to reactive absorbent liquids for the separation of CO, Co{sub 2} from the post-shift reactor synthesis gas. A simplified theoretical description of the novel rapid pressure swing absorption process has been developed. The absorption part of the pressure swing absorption cycle has been predicted for CO{sub 2}-N{sub 2}-water system. Numerical simulation of the model is being carried out for different operating conditions for selecting an optimum pressure swing cycle.

In 1986 a measurement control program was instituted at Mound to ensure that measurement performance used for nuclear material accountability was properly monitored and documented. The organization and management of various aspects of the program are discussed. Accurate measurements are the basis of nuclear material accountability. The validity of the accountability values depends on the measurement results that are used to determine inventories, receipts, and shipments. With this measurement information, material balances are calculated to determine losses and gains of materials during a specific time period. Calculation of Inventory Differences (ID) are based on chemical or physical measurements of many items. The validity of each term is dependent on the component measurements. Thus, in Figure 1, the measured element weight of 17 g is dependent on the performance of the particular measurement system that was used. In this case, the measurement is performed using a passive gamma ray method with a calibration curve determined by measuring representative standards containing a range of special nuclear materials (Figure 2). One objective of a measurement control program is to monitor and verify the validity of the calibration curve (Figure 3). In 1986 Mound's Nuclear Materials Accountability (NMA) group instituted a formal measurement control …

The West Sak (Upper Cretaceous) sands, overlaying the Kuparuk field, would rank among the largest known oil fields in the US, but technical difficulties have so far prevented its commercial exploitation. Steam injection is the most successful and the most commonly-used method of heavy oil recovery, but its application to the West Sak presents major problems. Such difficulties may be overcome by using a novel approach, in which steam is generated downhole in a catalytic Methanator, from Syngas made at the surface from endothermic reactions (Table 1). The Methanator effluent, containing steam and soluble gases resulting from exothermic reactions (Table 1), is cyclically injected into the reservoir by means of a horizontal drainhole while hot produced fluids flow form a second drainhole into a central production tubing. The downhole reactor feed and BFW flow downward to two concentric tubings. The large-diameter casing required to house the downhole reactor assembly is filled above it with Arctic Pack mud, or crude oil, to further reduce heat leaks. A quantitative analysis of this production scheme for the West Sak required a preliminary engineering of the downhole and surface facilities and a tentative forecast of well production rates. The results, based on published information …

The current research position is summarized, and what could be done in the future to clarify issues which were opened up by the research is indicated. Following on the discussion of the viability of catalyzed fusion, there is presented along with the key experimental results, a short account of the physics surrounding the subject. This is followed by a discussion of key research topics addressed. In consequence of the progress made, it appears that the feasibility of a small-scale fusion based on catalyzed reactions rests on either the remote chance that a yet undiscovered ultraheavy negatively charged elementary particle exists in Nature, or on the possible technical realization of a system based on muon-catalyzed fusion (MuCF) in high-density degenerate hydrogen plasma (density 1000 LHD, temperature O(100 eV)). The lattter is considered to have practical promise.

The Pen Branch fault was identified in the subsurface at the Savannah River Site in 1989 based upon the interpretation of earlier seismic reflection surveys and other geologic investigations. A program was initiated at that time to further define the fault in terms of its capability to release seismic energy. The High-Resolution, Shallow Seismic Reflection survey recently completed at SRS was initiated to determine the shallowest extent of the fault and to demonstrate the presence of flat-lying sediments in the top 300 feet of sediments. Conclusions at this time are based upon this shallow seismic survey and the Conoco deep seismic survey (1988--1989). Deformation related to the Pen Branch fault is at least 200 milliseconds beneath the surface in the Conoco data and at least 150 milliseconds in the shallow seismic reflection data. This corresponds to approximately 300 feet below the surface. Sediments at that depth are lower Tertiary (Danian stage) or over 60 million years old. This indicates that the fault is not capable.

Significant progress was made toward developing advanced materials for gas separation membrane applications and rationalizing molecular structure and efficacy: Synthesized and tested polyarylates based on terephthalic or isophthalic acid or a tertiary butyl derivative of the isophthalic acid with different diols to illustrate the effects of: opening'' the matrix by incorporation of bulky packing inhibiting groups such as the tertiary butyl moiety inhibition of backbone motion via meta connected backbone connections and tightening'' of the matrix by incorporation of polar halogens. Completed high temperature characterization of sorption and transport properties for novel materials. Continued studies of the phenyl-substituted polymers aimed at producing super stable high temperature useful polymers for gas separations. Synthesized a polyarylate based on the spirobiindane diol and bibenzoyl acid chloride to incorporate long flat packable bibenzoyl units between packing disruptive spirobiindane units in an attempt to control the segmental level morphology to produce highly selective bottleneck'' regions between highly open regions.

Disposal of depleted ion exchange resins from the primary system of the Savannah River Site (SRS) reactors is complicated by the presence of Carbon-14. Because Carbon-14 has a long half-life (5,730 years) and high mobility in soils, burial of the resins is no longer a viable option. Consequently some 35 spent reactor deionizers have accumulated that are to be stored aboveground in H-Area for an indefinite period. Spent deionizers containing Carbon-14 will continue to accumulate with operation of the present production reactors and would also accumulate from the proposed heavy water new production reactor. Removal of the Carbon-14 from the resins would reduce the volume of Carbon-14 bearing waste and enable the resins to be disposed of as low-level waste. Studies at SRS have indicated that the Carbon-14 from reactor primary coolant is mostly retained by the resins as the bicarbonate anion. Thus Carbon-14 removal might be accomplished by an acidification operation with trapping of the carbon dioxide released, for separate disposal. Conversion of the bicarbonate from the resin to barium carbonate, for example, would reduce the volume of waste more than a hundredfold. Displacement and recovery of Carbon-14 dioxide from reactor coolant deionizers by acid treatment has been reported …

This report discusses progress on the following topics: time-of- flight system; charmed baryon production and decays; D decays to baryons; measurement of sigma plus particles magnetic moments; and strong interaction coupling. (LSP)

Significant developments have taken place in the control field during the last decade but their impact on industrial control practice has fallen far short of their full potential. One key difficulty that stands in the way of these new techniques is the need for process models. Work to be carried out under this grant aims at the development of a broad range of novel modeling and identification techniques which specifically address both information requirements of the new control analysis and design tools as well as the needs of the practicing control engineer.

This report discusses the following topics: negative hydrogen ions doubly-excited state properties; spectra of heavy open-shell atoms; atomic hydrogen in a strong magnetic field. (LSP)

This investigation is concerned with the separation of gas mixtures using a novel concept of rapid pressure swing absorption (RAPSAB) of gas in a stationary absorbent liquid through gas-liquid interfaces immobilized in the pore mouths of hydrophobic microporous membranes. The process is implemented in a module well-packed with hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membranes. The specific objectives are (1) to fiber membranes. The specific objectives are (1) to develop a theoretical model which will provide guidelines for selecting an efficient RAPSAB process cycle which includes desorption; (2) to demonstrate the concept experimentally with a simple gas mixture (e.g., Co{sub 2}-N{sub 2}) and a simple absorbent liquid such as water, and (3) to extend the concept to reactive absorbent liquids for the separation of CO, Co{sub 2} from the post-shift reactor synthesis gas. A simplified theoretical description of the novel rapid pressure swing absorption process has been developed. The absorption part of the pressure swing absorption cycle has been predicted for CO{sub 2}-N{sub 2}-water system. Numerical simulation of the model is being carried out for different operating conditions for selecting an optimum pressure swing cycle.

The primary objective of this work is the development of a comprehensive numerical model describing the time evolution of fouling under realistic heat exchanger conditions. As fouling is a complex interaction of gas flow, mineral transport and adhesion mechanisms, understanding and subsequently improved controlling of fouling achieved via appropriate manipulation of the various coupled, nonlinear processes in a complex fluid mechanics environment will undoubtedly help reduce the substantial operating costs incurred by the utilities annually, as well as afford greater flexibility in coal selection and reduce the emission of various pollutants. In a more specialized context, the numerical model to be developed as part of this activity will be used as a tool to address the interaction of the various mechanisms controlling deposit development in specific regimes or correlative relationships. These should prove of direct use to the coal burning industry.

The progress that has been made during this fiscal year is significant in the area of tokamak edge plasma transport. Important contributions on the extension of the drift-rippling mode model ({approximately} {tau}, {approximately}n, {approximately}T, {approximately}{nu}{sub {parallel}}) of edge turbulent transport. In particular, the research areas on which we have concentrated include the following topics: (1) The theoretical investigation of the radiatively enhanced transport due to the effects of impurity driven radiation instabilities has been expanded to include a situation with multiple impurities (such as carbon, C{sup 4+}, and oxygen, O{sup 6+}); (2) In order to validate the use of the impurity radiation input from the tokamak bolometer experiments in our theoretical edge turbulent transport calculations, the analysis that is utilized to transform impurity brightness data to radiated power profiles has been checked for state population and Abel inversion correctness; (3) The drift-rippling model of edge turbulent transport has been extended to include ionization particle sources in addition to the impurity driven thermal instability drive; and (4) The detailed limiter and realistic edge geometric effects on the edge turbulent transport has been included in the drift-rippling model.

This report contains highlights of accomplishments of the past year, for the University of California, Irvine and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee collaboration on surface excitations, and their interactions with low energy electrons. In addition, we present a summary of future research to be carried out in the coming grant year.