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Mercury Continuous Emmission Monitor Calibration (open access)

Mercury Continuous Emmission Monitor Calibration

Mercury continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMs) are being implemented in over 800 coal-fired power plant stacks throughput the U.S. Western Research Institute (WRI) is working closely with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to facilitate the development of the experimental criteria for a NIST traceability protocol for dynamic elemental mercury vapor calibrators/generators. These devices are used to calibrate mercury CEMs at power plant sites. The Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) which was published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2005 and vacated by a Federal appeals court in early 2008 required that calibration be performed with NIST-traceable standards. Despite the vacature, mercury emissions regulations in the future will require NIST traceable calibration standards, and EPA does not want to interrupt the effort towards developing NIST traceability protocols. The traceability procedures will be defined by EPA. An initial draft traceability protocol was issued by EPA in May 2007 for comment. In August 2007, EPA issued a conceptual interim traceability protocol for elemental mercury calibrators. The protocol is based on the actual analysis of the output of each calibration unit at several concentration levels ranging initially from …
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Schabron, John; Kalberer, Eric; Boysen, Ryan; Schuster, William & Rovani, Joseph
System: The UNT Digital Library
NGNP/HTE Full-Power Operation at Reduced High-Temperature Heat Exchanger Temperatures. (open access)

NGNP/HTE Full-Power Operation at Reduced High-Temperature Heat Exchanger Temperatures.

Operation of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) with reduced reactor outlet temperature at full power was investigated for the High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE) hydrogen-production application. The foremost challenge for operation at design temperature is achieving an acceptably long service life for heat exchangers. In both the Intermediate Heat Exchanger (IHX) and the Process Heat Exchanger (PHX) (referred to collectively as high temperature heat exchangers) a pressure differential of several MPa exists with temperatures at or above 850 C. Thermal creep of the heat exchanger channel wall may severely limit heat exchanger life depending on the alloy selected. This report investigates plant performance with IHX temperatures reduced by lowering reactor outlet temperature. The objective is to lower the temperature in heat transfer channels to the point where existing materials can meet the 40 year lifetime needed for this component. A conservative estimate for this temperature is believed to be about 700 C. The reactor outlet temperature was reduced from 850 C to 700 C while maintaining reactor power at 600 MWt and high pressure compressor outlet at 7 MPa. We included a previously reported design option for reducing temperature at the PHX. Heat exchanger lengths were adjusted to reflect the …
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: VIlim, R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Testing the Floor Scale Designated for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's UF6 Cylinder Portal Monitor (open access)

Testing the Floor Scale Designated for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's UF6 Cylinder Portal Monitor

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) obtained a Mettler Toledo floor scale for the purpose of testing it to determine whether it can replace the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) cumbersome, hanging load cell. The floor scale is intended for use as a subsystem within PNNL’s nascent UF6 Cylinder Portal Monitor. The particular model was selected for its accuracy, size, and capacity. The intent will be to use it only for 30B cylinders; consequently, testing did not proceed beyond 8,000 lb.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Curtis, Michael M. & Weier, Dennis R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Comment on Turbulent Equipartition Theory of Toroidal Momentum Pinch (open access)

Comment on Turbulent Equipartition Theory of Toroidal Momentum Pinch

This response demonstrates that the comment by Peeters et al. contains an incorrect and misleading interpretation of our paper [Hahm et al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 055902 (2008)] regarding the density gradient dependence of momentum pinch and the turbulent equipartition (TEP) theory.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: T.S. Hahm, P.H. Diamond, O.D. Gurcan, and G. Rewoldt
System: The UNT Digital Library
Development of an Enhanced GenVARRâ„¢ (Generator Volt Ampere Reactive Reserve) System (open access)

Development of an Enhanced GenVARRâ„¢ (Generator Volt Ampere Reactive Reserve) System

Transmission system operators require near real time knowledge of reactive power capability to reliably operate large electric power transmission systems. Reactive power produced by, or capable of being produced by, a power generator is often estimated based on a series of mega volt amperes (MVA) capability curves for the generator. These curves indicate the ability of the generator to produce real and reactive power under a variety of conditions. In transmission planning and operating studies, it is often assumed, based on estimates for these capability curves, that the generator can provide its rated MVA capability output when needed for system stability However, generators may not always operate at levels depicted by the maximum MVA capability curve due to present constraints. Transmission system operators utilizing the generators’ capability curves for operation decisions regarding transmission system stability or for planning horizons may overestimate the capability of the generators to supply reactive power when required. Southern Company has enhanced GenVARR(TM), the system of plant data query, retrieval, and analysis and calculates the actual – not estimated -- remaining reactive power output capability. The remaining reactive output is considered spinning reserve and is displayed graphically to transmission control center and generating plant operators to …
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Schatz, Joe E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Validation of the G-PASS code : status report. (open access)

Validation of the G-PASS code : status report.

Validation is the process of determining whether the models in a computer code can describe the important phenomena in applications of interest. This report describes past work and proposed future work for validating the Gas Plant Analyzer and System Simulator (G-PASS) code. The G-PASS code was developed for simulating gas reactor and chemical plant system behavior during operational transients and upset events. Results are presented comparing code properties, individual component models, and integrated system behavior against results from four other computer codes. Also identified are two experiment facilities nearing completion that will provide additional data for individual component and integrated system model validation. The main goal of the validation exercise is to ready a version of G-PASS for use as a tool in evaluating vendor designs and providing guidance to vendors on design directions in nuclear-hydrogen applications.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Vilim, R. B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
INTEGRATED WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (open access)

INTEGRATED WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

This document describes the results of an evaluation of the current Integrated Water Treatment System (IWTS) operation against design performance and a determination of short term and long term actions recommended to sustain IWTS performance.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Ra, Sexton & We, Meeuwsen
System: The UNT Digital Library
DOE Joint Genome Institute 2008 Progress Report (open access)

DOE Joint Genome Institute 2008 Progress Report

While initially a virtual institute, the driving force behind the creation of the DOE Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek, California in the Fall of 1999 was the Department of Energy's commitment to sequencing the human genome. With the publication in 2004 of a trio of manuscripts describing the finished 'DOE Human Chromosomes', the Institute successfully completed its human genome mission. In the time between the creation of the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI) and completion of the Human Genome Project, sequencing and its role in biology spread to fields extending far beyond what could be imagined when the Human Genome Project first began. Accordingly, the targets of the DOE JGI's sequencing activities changed, moving from a single human genome to the genomes of large numbers of microbes, plants, and other organisms, and the community of users of DOE JGI data similarly expanded and diversified. Transitioning into operating as a user facility, the DOE JGI modeled itself after other DOE user facilities, such as synchrotron light sources and supercomputer facilities, empowering the science of large numbers of investigators working in areas of relevance to energy and the environment. The JGI's approach to being a user facility is …
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Gilbert, David
System: The UNT Digital Library
Heat Exchanger Temperature Response for Duty-Cycle Transients in the NGNP/HTE. (open access)

Heat Exchanger Temperature Response for Duty-Cycle Transients in the NGNP/HTE.

Control system studies were performed for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) interfaced to the High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE) plant. Temperature change and associated thermal stresses are important factors in determining plant lifetime. In the NGNP the design objective of a 40 year lifetime for the Intermediate Heat Exchanger (IHX) in particular is seen as a challenge. A control system was designed to minimize temperature changes in the IHX and more generally at all high-temperature locations in the plant for duty-cycle transients. In the NGNP this includes structures at the reactor outlet and at the inlet to the turbine. This problem was approached by identifying those high-level factors that determine temperature rates of change. First are the set of duty cycle transients over which the control engineer has little control but which none-the-less must be addressed. Second is the partitioning of the temperature response into a quasi-static component and a transient component. These two components are largely independent of each other and when addressed as such greater understanding of temperature change mechanisms and how to deal with them is achieved. Third is the manner in which energy and mass flow rates are managed. Generally one aims for a temperature distribution …
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Vilim, R. B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Child Nutrition and WIC Programs: A Brief Overview (open access)

Child Nutrition and WIC Programs: A Brief Overview

This report provides a brief overview on child nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (the WIC program).
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Richardson, Joe
System: The UNT Digital Library
Energy Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5) (open access)

Energy Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5)

None
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Sissine, Fred; Andrews, Anthony; Folger, Peter; Kaplan, Stan Mark; Morgan, Daniel; Stine, Deborah D. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Preserving Homeownership: Foreclosure Prevention Initiatives (open access)

Preserving Homeownership: Foreclosure Prevention Initiatives

None
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Broadband Infrastructure Programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (open access)

Broadband Infrastructure Programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

This report provides information about the Broadband Infrastructure Programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Broadband funds are granted by the ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Kruger, Lennard G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Sudan: The Crisis in Darfur and Status of the North-South Peace Agreement (open access)

Sudan: The Crisis in Darfur and Status of the North-South Peace Agreement

This report discusses the history of Sudan's civil unrest and the subsequent crisis in Darfur, as well as United Nations and United States aid and peacekeeping efforts, and current related policy under the Obama Administration.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Dagne, Ted
System: The UNT Digital Library
Veterans' Benefits: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (open access)

Veterans' Benefits: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

This report describes Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service (VR&E) program services available to veterans with service-connected disabilities and to their families. It provides information about eligibility and entitlement, the application process, and resources available through other agencies. A brief history of the program is also provided.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Scott, Christine & Davis, Carol D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance (open access)

Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance

Following the 2003 intervention in Iraq, the United States undertook a large-scale assistance program meant to stabilize the country, rehabilitate economic infrastructure, and introduce representative government, among other objectives. Even as the U.S. military role in Iraq winds down, this program, funded through a mix of appropriations accounts, will continue to be scrutinized closely by the 111th Congress. This report describes recent developments in this assistance effort.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Tarnoff, Curt
System: The UNT Digital Library
Defense Acquisitions: Decisions Needed to Shape Army's Combat Systems for the Future (open access)

Defense Acquisitions: Decisions Needed to Shape Army's Combat Systems for the Future

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Future Combat System (FCS) program is the centerpiece of the Army's effort to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. By law, GAO is to report annually on the FCS program. Also, law requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to hold a milestone review of the FCS program, now planned for 2009. This report addresses (1) what knowledge will likely be available in key areas for the review, and (2) the challenges that lie ahead following the review. To meet these objectives, GAO reviewed key documents, performed analysis, attended demonstrations and design reviews, and interviewed DOD officials."
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Joint Strike Fighter: Accelerating Procurement before Completing Development Increases the Government's Financial Risk (open access)

Joint Strike Fighter: Accelerating Procurement before Completing Development Increases the Government's Financial Risk

A letter report issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the Department of Defense's (DOD) most complex and ambitious aircraft acquisition, seeking to simultaneously produce and field three different versions of the aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The total investment required now exceeds $1 trillion--more than $300 billion to acquire 2,456 aircraft and $760 billion in life cycle operating and support costs, according to program estimates. The Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 requires GAO to review the JSF program annually for 5 years. This is the fifth and final report under the mandate in which GAO (1) determines the program's progress in meeting cost, schedule, and performance goals; (2) assesses manufacturing results and schedule risks; and (3) evaluates development test plans, progress, and risks. GAO's work included analyses of a wide range of program documents, cost data and interviews with defense and contractor officials."
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: United States. Government Accountability Office.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (open access)

Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

This report identifies funding for water infrastructure programs and projects contained in the legislation, including amounts in the House- and Senate-passed versions that preceded the conference agreement. Among the purposes identified in the legislation are preservation and creation of jobs and promotion of U.S. economic recovery, and investment in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Copeland, Claudia & Carter, Nicole T.
System: The UNT Digital Library
U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview (open access)

U.S. National Science Foundation: An Overview

The National Science Foundation (NSF) was created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (P.L. 81-507). The NSF has the broad mission of supporting science and engineering in general and funding basic research across many disciplines. The agency provides support for investigator-initiated, merit-reviewed, competitively selected awards, state-of-the-art tools, and instrumentation and facilities.
Date: March 12, 2009
Creator: Matthews, Christine M.
System: The UNT Digital Library