The Los Alamos National Laboratory has been disposing of radioactive wastes since 1944. Environmental studies and monitoring for radioactive contamination started concurrently. In this report, only two mechanisms and rates by which the radionuclides can enter the environment are studied in detail: subsurface transport of radionuclides by migrating water, and diffusion of tritiated water (HTO) in the vapor phase. The report also includes a section concerning the influence of moisture on shear strength and possible resulting subsidences occurring in the pit overburdens. Because subsurface transport of radionuclides is influenced by the hydraulic conductivity and this in turn is regulated by the moisture content of any given material, a study was also undertaken involving precipitation, the most important climatic element influencing the geohydrology of any given area. Further work is in progress to correlate HTO emanation to atmospheric and pedological properties, especially including thermal characteristics of the tuff.

This program has as its main goal the isolation and development of Fusarium strains that can efficiently and economically decompose plant polysaccharides to pentoses and hexoses and ferment them to ethanol for fuel purposes. During Phase II (FY 1981) of this program, more than 800 new Fusarium isolates were isolated and screened. All showed cellulolytic activity. The Fusarium mutant ANL 3-72181 (derived after uv exposure of ANL 22 isolate) produced 2.45 iu cellulase after 14 days. This cellulase activity was achieved in the presence of 0.7 mg/mL extracellular protein. In separate tests, the use of both proteose peptone and yeast extract with 1% cellulose increased the production of extracellular protein three times over that on cellulose alone. Initial fermentation by Fusarium strains on 1% glucose produced up to 4.2 mg/mL ethanol in 48 hours. All Fusarium isolates and mutants found during this period were screened for xylose fermentation. Ethanol production during early experimentation required from 120 to 144 hours to yield 4.0 to 4.5 mg/mL ethanol from 1% xylose solutions. Through continuous selection of isolates, this time was reduced to 66 hours. By recycling Fusarium cell mass, fermentations of 1% xylose yielded 4.0 to 4.3 mg/mL ethanol in 48 hours. …

The use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods is proposed for characterization of transuranic (TRU) waste stored at the Radioactive Waste Management Complex. These NDE methods include real-time x-ray radiography, real-time neutron radiography, x-ray and neutron computed tomography, thermal imaging, container weighing, visual examination, and acoustic measurements. An integrated NDE system is proposed for characterization and certification of TRU waste destined for eventual shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico. Methods for automating both the classification waste and control of a complete nondestructive evaluation/nondestructive assay system are presented. Feasibility testing of the different NDE methods, including real-time x-ray radiography, and development of automated waste classification techniques are covered as part of a five year effort designed to yield a production waste characterization system.

During the past contract year, considerable progress was made in characterization and activity/selectivity testing of iron and cobalt catalysts. Preparation of boride promoted cobalt and iron catalysts was refined and nearly completed. H/sub 2/ and CO adsorption and oxygen titration measurements were performed on a number of supported and unsupported catalysts, especially several boride promoted cobalt and iron catalysts. Activity/selectivity tests of 3 and 15% Fe/SiO/sub 2/ and Co/SiO/sub 2/ and of 6 borided cobalt and iron catalysts were completed. The product distributions for iron and cobalt boride catalysts are unusual and interesting. Boron promoted iron is more active and stable than iron/silica; cobalt boride has an unusually high selectivity for alcohols. Tests to determine effects of H/sub 2/S poisoning on activity/selectivity properties of 15% Co/SiO/sub 2/ indicate that a significant loss of activity occurs over a period of 24 to 28 h in the presence of 10 to 20 ppM H/sub 2/S. Product selectivity to liquids increased through a maximum during the gradual addition of sulfur. Reactant CO and H/sub 2/S interact partially to form COS which is less toxic than H/sub 2/S. H/sub 2/ and CO adsorption data were obtained for 3, 6 and 9% Co/ZSM-5 catalysts prepared …

An aquifer test at the Fenton Hill Geothermal Site was performed on a volcanic aquifer used for water supply. The test was made to determine the yield from the aquifer and to predict the amount of depletion that would occur with increased production during the period 1981 to 1985. A step-discharge test indicated the aquifer would comfortably yield 100 gal per min (gpm) without excessive water level drawdown in the pumping well. Drawdown test results indicated that the average aquifer transmissivity and storage coefficient are 5000 gal per day per foot (gpd/ft) and 0.07, respectively. Using these parameters, a drawdown was estimated to be at least 42 ft at the pumping well due to a withdrawal of 500 acre-ft of water over 5 yr. However, the presence of ground water boundaries indicates the aquifer is of limited extent, and because of this, the water level decline would probably be much greater. Past water level data indicate that there is little recharge to the aquifer.

During the period covered by this report, we analyzed the radiometric data collected along the Texas Gulf Coast using ten discriminant analysis techniques to establish radiometric signatures and classify new observations. We conducted a survey of several methods for computing the covariance matrix of large data sets, with particular interest to one-pass algorithms. An investigation of methods of estimating upper-tail percentiles for aerial radiometric data was begun. A feasibility study was conducted concerning the design of ground-based sampling plans using a statistical model for the correlation between observations taken along a flight line. A study of the use of cluster analysis in aerial radiometric data analysis was initiated. Two short courses on statistical methods were presented in Grand Junction, Colorado, and more are planned.

None

Retrofitting existing power plants with an open-cycle MHD system has been re-examined in light of recent developments in the heat and seed recovery technology area. A new retrofit cycle configuration has been developed which provides for a direct gas-gas coupling; also, the MHD topping cycle can be decoupled from the existing plant for either separate or joint operation. As an example, the MHD retrofit concept has been applied to Illinois Power Company's Vermilion Station No. 1, a coal-fired power plant presently in operation. Substantial increases in efficiency have been demonstrated and the economic validity of the MHD retrofit approach has been established.

The detailed mineralogy of the Bullfrog and Tram Members of the Crater Flat Tuff from drill hole USW-G1 has been examined, primarily to characterize fully the amounts and types of clay minerals in the tuffs and the possible effects clay minerals have on rock properties. Results of bulk sample x-ray diffraction analyses agree closely with previous determinations, although slightly higher clay mineral contents were found in this study. X-ray diffraction analysis of fine fractions revealed that the clay minerals in the tuffs are sodium-saturated montmorillonite-beidellites with typical layer charges and no high-charge layers. These smectites are found in virtually all samples of the Bullfrog and Tram, and there is no correlation between the amounts of smectites and the amounts of zeolite, quartz, and feldspar. Smectites are present in both welded and nonwelded horizons and are scarce in some zones with slight-to-absent welding.

The quasineutrality equations at points (a) and (b) in a sloshing-ion thermal barrier are derived and an algorithm for their solution is given. The solution technique is sufficiently reliable and efficient to be used in a fluid code where it must be invoked at each time step. Circumstances under which the equations admit multiple solutions are noted and discussed.

Of all the potential eluents surveyed (including aromatic, sulfonic, phosphonic, among other acids), only the carboxylic acids and the nitrophenols are recommended as eluents for anion chromatography. The concentration of the eluent should be in the range 5 x 10/sup -5/ to 1 x 10/sup -3/ M. The eluent should have the same charge as inorganic anions, a higher charge than organic acid samples. Choice of eluents for separation of halides, chloride and sulfate, multivalent inorganic anions, small alkyl acids, and aromatic acids is discussed. (DLC)

The isotopic compositions of hydrogen and oxygen have been determined for spring waters and thermal fluids from the Roosevelt Hot Springs and Cove Fort-Sulphurdale thermal areas, for clay mineral separates from shallow alteration of the acid-sulfate type in the Roosevelt Hot Springs area, and for spring and well waters from the Goshen Valley area of central Utah. The water analyses in the Roosevelt Hot Springs thermal area confirm the origin of the thermal fluids from meteoric water in the Mineral Range. The water analyses in the Cove Fort-Sulphurdale thermal area restrict recharge areas for this system to the upper elevations of the Pavant and/or Tushar Ranges. The low /sup 18/O shift observed in these thermal fluids (+0.7 permil) implies either high water/rock ratios or incomplete isotope exchange or both, and further suggests minimal interaction between the thermal fluid and marble country rock in the system. Hydrogen and oxygen-isotope data for clay mineral separates from shallow alteration zones in the Roosevelt Hot Springs thermal system suggest that the fluids responsible for the shallow acid-sulfate alteration were in part derived from condensed steam produced by boiling of the deep reservoir fluid. The isotope evidence supports the chemical model proposed by Parry et …

A passive solar energy house has been built adjacent to the NCSU McKimmon Continuing Education Center. The house contains a two-story embedded sunspace, two Trombe walls, active solar hot water heating, thermal storage in a rock filled ceiling/floor, and numerous research treatments, and energy conservation features. (See attached photo brochure; Appendix 1). The house is completely decorated and furnished in an attractive manner and the exterior architecture is traditional and has broad consumer appeal. It is also thoroughly instrumented to monitor performance. The house is open to the public on weekends and numerous people come to visit on their own initiative and others take advantage of the close proximity to McKimmon while there attending conferences. The house will influence and motivate large numbers of people to consider solar and energy conservation facets in their homes and will provide data to substantiate performance to prospective home buyers and meaningful data on design and construction for builders.

A program to introduce energy resource management into an energy-intensive manufacturing industry is presented. The food industry (SIC No. 20) was chosen and 20 companies were selected for interviews, but thirteen were actually visited. The methodology for this program is detailed. Reasons for choosing the food industry are described. The substance of the information gained and the principal conclusions drawn from the interviews are given. Results of the model Energy Resource Management Plan applied to three companies are compiled at length. Strategies for dissemination of the information gained are described. (MCW)

This technical monthly report covers studies related to the use of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ in radioisotope power systems carried out for the Office of Coordination and Special Projects of the US Department of Energy by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Most of the studies discussed here are ongoing. Results and conclusions described may change as the work continues. Published reference of the results cited in this report should not be made without the explicit permission of the person in charge of the work.

This technical monthly report covers studies carried out by Los Alamos National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy, Office of Coordination and Special Projects, on the use of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ in radioisotopic power systems. Most of the studies discussed here are of a continuing nature. Results and conclusions described may change as the work continues. Published reference to the results cited in this report should not be made without the explicit permission of the person in charge of the work.

The cumulative nature of current and potential future biological impacts from full geothermal development in the steam-dominated portion of The Geysers-Calistoga KGRA are identified by the California Energy Commission staff. Vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic resources information have been reviewed and evaluated. Impacts and their significance are discussed and staff recommendations presented. Development of 3000 MW of electrical energy will result in direct vegetation losses of 2790 acres, based on an estimate of 11.5% loss per lease-hold of 0.93 acres/MW. If unmitigated, losses will be greater. Indirect vegetation losses and damage occur from steam emissions which contain elements (particularly boron) toxic to vegetation. Other potential impacts include chronic low-level boron exposure, acid rain, local climate modification, and mechanical damage. A potential exists for significant reduction and changes in wildlife from direct habitat loss and development influences. Highly erosive soils create the potential for significant reduction of aquatic resources, particularly game fish. Toxic spills have caused some temporary losses of aquatic species. Staff recommends monitoring and implementation of mitigation measures at all geothermal development stages.

We received 69 samples of H-Coal PDU 10 recycle oils. All hydroclone overflow (HO) samples have been distilled, THF extracted and ashed. All HO soluble resids have been analyzed by solvent fractionation and the distillates by /sup 1/H-NMR. All clean oil tank (COT) samples have also been analyzed by /sup 1/H-NMR. Selected COT and HO distillate samples were analyzed by GC/MS, microautoclave (MAC) extractions and by fluorine derivatization followed by /sup 19/F-NMR. Selected HO soluble resids were analyzed by /sup 1/H-NMR. We conclude the following. Recycle distillates from PDU 10 (Wyodak, Syncrude) are extremely paraffinic, even able to form wax crystals at room temperature. The paraffin content of PDU 10 recycle distillates increased after day 20 of the run paralleling decreasing solvent quality as determined by /sup 1/H-NMR and MAC. The declining aromaticity of the recycle distillates over the end of PDU 10 is not a result of increased hydrogenation, but probably results from a decreasing removal of paraffins from the distillate recycle solvent. We have received 116 Lummus SCT, ASDA, and LC-Fining samples as of 9/15/81. As applicable, all samples have been distilled, THF extracted, ashed and analyzed by /sup 1/H-NMR and solvent fractionation. We conclude the following: The …

Geologic characteristics of coal resources which may impact new extraction technologies are identified and described to aid system designers and planners in their task of designing advanced coal extraction systems for the central Appalachian region. These geologic conditions are then organized into a matrix identified as the baseline mine concept. A sample region, eastern Kentucky, is next analyzed, using both the new baseline mine concept and traditional geologic investigative approach. The baseline mine concept presented is intended as a framework, providing a consistent basis for further analyses to be subsequently conducted in other geographic regions. The baseline mine concept is intended as a tool to give system designers a more realistic feel of the mine environment and will hopefully lead to acceptable alternatives for advanced coal extraction system.

The bumpy cylinder MHD equilibrium code which was compared to the concentric current sheet model for the EBT electron rings in a previous report has been subjected to additional numerical tests which confirm the validity of the previous work. Further analysis of the current sheet model as a means of calibration of the EBT diamagnetic diagnostic for perpendicular energy shows the model's simplicity is not the limiting factor in accuracy of the calibration. The fluctuations of the currents in the vacuum field coils were observed as voltage signals from the generator shunts. Significant low frequency components were observed that cannot be removed from diamagnetic signals by low pass filtering alone. A YIG magnetometer was developed and used to make test measurements of the diamagnetic field of the electron rings on EBT. The field values observed were on the order of 1 Gauss in a region where the vacuum field was about 600 Gauss. These values agree with the perpendicular energy diamagnetic flux diagnostic with reasonable assumptions for ring geometry.

In shallow land burial, the most common disposal method for low-level waste, waste containers are placed in shallow trenches and covered with natural sediment material. To design such a facility requires an in-depth understanding of the infiltration and evaporation processes taking place at the soil surface and the effect these processes have on the amount of water cycling through a burial zone. At the DOE Hanford Site in Richland, Washington, a field installation called the Buried Waste Test Facility (BWTF) has been constructed to study unsaturated soil water and contaminant transport. PNL is collecting data at the BWTF to help explain soil water movement at shallow depths, and specifically evaporation from bare sols. The data presented here represent the initial phase of a cooperative effort between PNL and Washington State University to use data collected at the BWFT.

Diffusion rates in calcium oxide pellets after partial conversion to calcium sulfate were measured. A Wicke-Kallenbach type diffusion cell operated in the pulse-response mode was used to measure effective diffusivity. Cylindrical calcium oxide pellets were formed from the powder using pelletizing pressures of 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 psi. The pellets were reacted at 325, 500 and 600/sup 0/C with sulfur dioxide and oxygen to form calcium sulfate. The volume of calcium sulfate is 2.7 times that of calcium oxide, so partial pore closure occurs. The diffusivity was measured in the original pellet and in pellets partially reacted to several different conversion levels. The effective diffusivity decreases as conversion decreases and is roughly inversely proportional to pellet porosity squared for low conversions. However, the porosity and diffusion rate do not become zero when the reaction rate approaches zero. Pore closure is, therefore, not the mechanism which limits the ultimate conversion. A large diffusion resistance through the calcium sulfate product layer probably causes the reaction to stop before total conversion. The final conversion obtainable increases as reaction temperature increases and decreases as pelletizing pressure increases.

We describe a high pressure hydrogen gas time projection chamber (TPC) which is presently operating at Fermilab both as target and as recoil detector in an experiment investigating the diffraction dissociation of photons on hydrogen, ..gamma..p ..-->.. Xp. The TPC, which consists of two cylindrical drift regions each 45 cm in diameter and 75 cm long, measures the polar angle and the energy loss dE/dx of the recoil protons. Typically, at 15 atm of H/sub 2/ with 2 kV/cm drift field and 7 kV on the 35 ..mu.. sense wires, the drift velocity is about 0.5 cm/..mu.. sec and the spatial resolution +- 200 ..mu...

A collisionless kinetic ballooning mode equation, which includes the full ion finite Larmor radius (FLR), the magnetic drift, and the trapped electron effects is derived and investigated for a large aspect ratio circular flux surface equilibrium in the frequency regime, ..omega../sub bi/, ..omega../sub ti/ < ..omega.. < ..omega../sub be/, ..omega../sub te/. The finite Larmor radius effects can reduce the growth rate, but do not stabilize the ballooning modes due to the destabilizing influence of the ion magnetic drift reonances. It is, in general, incorrect to simulate the FLR effects by employing the often used FLR modified MHD model for (k/sub theta/rho/sub i/)/sup 2/approx. greater than or equal to 0.1 and epsilon/sub n/ approx. greater than or equal to 0.1, where k/sub theta/rho/sub i/ is the ion FLR parameter and epsilon/sub n/ = L/sub n//R measures the magnetic drift frequency. The trapped electrons have a stabilizing effect due to the reduction of the destabilizing circulating electron parallel current perturbation. For typical tokamak aspect ratio, the critical ..beta.. can be improved by 40%.