The health concerns of several substances likely to be encountered in the non-industrial indoor environment are discussed. Monitoring data and information on the health effects of CO, NO/sub 2/, formaldehyde, and radon are included. (JGB)

The modeling of sodium pool fires constitutes an important ingredient in conducting LMFBR accident analysis. Such modeling capability has recently come under scrutiny at Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) within the context of developing CONACS, the Containment Analysis Code System. One of the efforts in the CONACS program is to model various combustion processes anticipated to occur during postulated accident paths. This effort includes the selection or modification of an existing model and development of a new model if it clearly contributes to the program purpose. As part of this effort, a new sodium pool fire model has been developed that is directed at removing some of the deficiencies in the existing models, such as SOFIRE-II and FEUNA.

Glass-fabric-filled epoxies irradiated at 4.7 K and examined at room temperature by 20x stereomicroscopy showed an internal flaw structure which increasingly filled the sample as the ..gamma..-dose was increased. These flaws were determined to be areas where the plastic had debonded from the glass fibers. The extent of this process correlated well with the dose-dependent loss of mechanical strength. Evidence is reported for a similar mechanism in polyimides although visible flaws have not yet been produced. Possible mechanisms for debonding are suggested. New experiments are also suggested to clarify further the failure mechanism.

These studies showed that loading the permanently charged filters with captured aerosols will lead to a neutralization of the filter charge. The transfer from the captured aerosol to the fiber surface and the subsequent neutralization of fiber charge. The increased efficiency is due to the additional mechanical capture by the particle deposits. The minimum efficiency obtained during the loading of solid aerosols is determined by the aerosol charge, with highly charged aerosols producing a lower minimum. Permanently charged filters lose their fiber charge when exposed to organic solvents or ionic water solutions. The fiber charge neutralization was minimized by coating the charged fibers with a polymer. Several different coating techniques were examined. Unfortunately, preventing the neutralization of fiber charge is not sufficient to prevent a deterioration of filter efficiency.

In keeping with a mandate from the US Congress to provide opportunities for consumer education and information and to seek consumer input on national issues, the Department of Energy's Office of Consumer Affairs held a three-hour educational forum on the proposed nuclear waste disposal legislation. Nearly one hundred representatives of consumer, public interest, civic and environmental organizations were invited to attend. Consumer affairs professionals of utility companies across the country were also invited to attend the forum. The following six papers were presented: historical perspectives; status of legislation (Senate); status of legislation (House of Representatives); impact on the legislation on electric utilities; impact of the legislation on consumers; implementing the legislation. All six papers have been abstracted and indexed for the Energy Data Base.

Thin film interference coatings are a commonplace addition to surfaces polished in a modern optical fabrication facility. These coatings can have a dramatic effect on the optical performance of the optical component to which they are applied. In this presentation, those effects which are related to polarization of the incident beam or the phase shift difference on reflection (retardation) are discussed.

The Spent Fuel Test-Climax (SFT-C) is being conducted under the technical direction of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy. The SFT-C is located 420 m below surface in the Climax placed in test storage in April and May 1980. At the same time, 6 electrical elevated-temperature phase of the test. Data related to heat transfer, thermomechanical response, radiation dose, and radiation damage have been collected and are presented here, as appropriate, with calculational results. In general, measured and calculated results compare well.

We have developed an instrument to measure neutron multiplication by statistical analysis of the timing of neutrons emitted from fissionable material. This instrument is capable of repeated analysis of the same recorded data with selected algorithms, graphical displays showing statistical properties of the data, and preservation of raw data on disk for future comparisons. In our measurements we have made a comparison of the covariance to mean and Feynman variance to mean analysis algorithms to show that the covariance avoids a bias term and measures directly the effect due to the presence of neutron chains. A spherical assembly of enriched uranium shells and acrylic resin reflector/moderator components used for the measurements is described. Preliminary experimental results of the Feynman variance to mean measurements show the expected correlation with assembly multiplication.

Analysis of recent conceptual designs reveals that commercial fusion power systems will raise issues of occupational and public health and safety. This paper focuses on radioactive wastes from fusion reactor materials activated by neutrons. The analysis shows that different selections of materials and neutronic designs can make differences in orders-of-magnitude of the kinds and amounts of radioactivity to be expected. By careful and early evaluation of the impacts of the selections on waste management, designers can produce fusion power systems with radiation from waste well below today's limits for occupational and public health and safety.

We have developed a large, multimaterial, two-dimensional Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) computer program. The special feature of an ALE mesh is that it can be either an embedded Lagrangian mesh, a fixed Eulerian mesh, or a partially embedded, partially remapped mesh. Remapping is used to remove Lagrangian mesh distortion. This general purpose program has been used for astrophysical modeling, under the guidance of James R. Wilson. The rationale behind the development of this program will be used to highlight several important issues in program design.

In this report, the authors describe the development of a chemical equilibrium model for hydrothermal waters based on the semiempirical equations of aqueous electrolyte solutions recently introduced by Pitzer and co-workers. Accurate solubility predictions (usually within 5-10% of experimental results) can be made for ionic strengths 0-20m. Comparison with experimental data indicates that a theory parameterized by binary and ternary data can be used to accurately predict solubilities in much more complex mixtures. Mineral solubilities calculated with this model are compared with those calculated from other currently available models. Whereas the predictions are typically within 5%, the ion pairing models are substantially in error at low ionic strengths. Recent results parameterizing the H{sub 2}S and SiO{sub 2} systems will be presented.

A study was conducted to determine the current requirements for cathodic protection of geothermal wells. Oil well technology was applied in this study. Results of laboratory tests and field tests are presented. Attenuation calculations indicate that the cathodic protection current determined from field tests would protect the specific individual geothermal well.

The applicability of cathodic protection to mitigate corrosion of carbon steel in two different environments containing H{sub 2}S has been investigated using impressed current and sacrificial anode techniques. Results of impressed current tests conducted under potential control shows that the weight loss can be reduced significantly by shifting the potential of the metal 60 to 80 mV cathodic to the open circuit potential. The relationship between the applied current and the potential shift shows that the current requirement does not necessarily increase with the voltage shift, thus implying that the cost of cathodic protection may not increase in proportion to the protection achieved. The feasibility of using zinc as a sacrificial anode in the environment of interest has also been studied.

A consolidated reference of materials for downhole equipment used in geothermal energy exploitation is nearing completion. The reference is a summary of recent developments in the areas of tubular goods materials, highly alloyed metals, high temperature cements, high temperature elastomers, drilling and completion tools, logging tools, and downwell pumps. A brief overview is presented in this paper.

The most important difference between traditional steam systems and those that utilize geothermal fluids is the potential for corrosion of metals. The recently developed sourcebook ''Materials Selection Guidelines for Geothermal Energy Utilization Systems'' is expected to facilitate corrosion engineering decision making and reduce the cost of geothermal systems where new resources are similar to those presented by the corrosivity classification system.

Polymer concrete is a composite material which has strength and durability characteristics greatly superior to those of portland cement concrete and better durability in hot brine than steel. polymer concrete has been successfully tested in brine and steam at temperatures up to 260 C. Exposures were as long as 960 days. Glass filament wound polymer concrete pipe was developed with excellent strength, low weight, and a cost comparable to or less than schedule 40 steel. Connections can be made with slip joints for low pressure applications and flanged joints for high pressure applications.

This paper addresses how designers can take into account, the necessary chemical and materials precautions that other geothermal power plants have learned. Current worldwide geothermal power plant capacity is presented as well as a comparison of steam composition from seven different geothermal resources throughout the world. The similarities of corrosion impacts to areas of the power plants are discussed and include the turbines, gas extraction system, heat rejection system, electrical/electronic systems, and structures. Materials problems and solutions in these corrosion impact areas are identified and discussed. A geothermal power plant design team organization is identified and the efficacy of a new corrosion/materials engineering position is proposed.

The exploitation of geothermal resources often requires that naturally heated subterranean brines be pumped to the surface from depths of up to 6000 feet underground while minimizing heat losses and maintaining sufficient fluid pressure to prevent boiling. To accomplish this requires the use of downhole brine pumps capable of months of uninterrupted operation. Significant problems have occurred with pump lineshaft bearings in the geothermal wells. The objective of this research program was to determine the nature of the problems associated with commonly reported premature failures of downhole lineshaft pump bearings. Using the information gathered, a series of bearing endurance tests was performed on a variety of candidate bearing materials. These tests were accomplished using test rigs specially developed to simulate actual geothermal field conditions and to isolate specific bearing wear problems.

The durability of each of 16 different cements was evaluated by both room temperature compressive strength and water permeability measurements, following various periods of treatment of the cements in flowing geothermal fluid of the Cerro Prieto field of Mexico. Some of these cements were selected through a Department of Energy program to develop improved cements for geothermal well completion while the others were contributed by several other institutions interested in the tests. Two types of specimens of the cements were used in the tests: (a) 50 mm cubes which were precured 1 da in molds under water in an autoclave at 200 C and 20 MPa and (b) cement slurries which were prepared and cast in sandstone cups at the field. Federal de Electricidad a set of both types of specimens was installed in baskets which were placed 700 m downhole a well at 214 C, and an identical set of specimens was installed in special aboveground vessels near the wellhead. Following periods of 1 da. 3 mo, 6 mo. and 12 mo, specimens were withdrawn from the geothermal treatment and divided evenly between the Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas and the National Bureau of Standards for property measurements. This paper …

For the last two decades the rubber division of BJ-Hughes, has been in the forefront of rubber technology as applied to products for the oil-well drilling industry. We welcomed the opportunities presented when we were selected to participate in the GEM program and extend our appreciation to L'Garde Inc., Department of Energy and Radian Corporation. Our first efforts, approximately 15 months ago were to duplicate the four compounds recommended by L'Garde and verify our ability to obtain equal physical properties. After some minor problems in obtaining exact duplication of the chemicals. we did succeed in matching the properties obtained by L'Garde. Aflas, a copolymer of teflon and propylene manufactured in Japan by Asahi Glass and represented by Xenox. Inc., is the basis elastomer for GEM formulation 291. Advantages of Aflas are high temperature resistance up to 550 F. (Short term), resistance to H{sub 2}S and amine environment, acids, basis, many solvents and hydrocarbons. It also has excellent resistance to steam and will not hydrolize when exposed to high temperature and high pressure steam. It has excellent physical properties including long term compression-set resistance at high temperature. We have submitted two products manufactured from GEM 297 to customers for evaluation. One …

A technology transfer was made from L'Garde to Precision Rubber Products for the fabrication of L'Garde geothermal seal compound Y267. Precision Rubber reports their experience as fabricators and gives field reports from three of their customers. Most of the experience has been very successful.

The authors must have accurate knowledge of the geothermal fluid chemistry at operating temperature if they are to optimize operation, prevent corrosion, increase equipment service life and maximize profit and use. Available electrochemical sensors do not survive at the temperatures encountered in geothermal fluids; and new developments in this area are required. In order to fill this gap in technology, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is developing chemical control and monitoring instruments for measuring in situ characteristics of geothermal fluids. Progress in the development of electrochemical sensors to measure pH, carbonate and sulfide-sulfur is discussed.

High performance elastomers were developed for hostile geothermal environments which clearly advance the state-of-the-art. The Y267 EPDM compound is eminently successful and has accumulated broad laboratory and field test experience. Over 15 separate tests are reviewed with about 95% performed independently by other organizations. The tests include a broad spectrum of environments with temperatures in excess of 320 C (608 F), differential pressures up to 138 MPa (20,000 psi) and in fluids including brine, oils, isobutane, and others.

In response to the need for tapping national energy resources, an improved high temperature sealing material has been developed through the sponsorship of the Department of Energy. Parker Seal was selected as one of the technology transferees from L'Garde Inc. and has optimized this transferred technology for further improved performance capabilities and acceptable plant processing. This paper summarizes Parker Seal's testing and evaluation efforts on L'Garde's Y267 transferred technology for a new geothermal and stream service material. This new product, Parker's E962-85 is described in this paper.