Final report

Final report

Thermal radiation plays a key role in the operation and efficiency of combustion systems, accounting for over 90% of the heat transfer. The analysis of radiative heat transfer in coal-fired boilers, combustion chambers and other energy systems requires accounting for the effects of inorganic deposits on bounding surfaces and of entrained particulates, such as pulverized coal, char, and fly-ash. These effects can be predicted; however, the accuracy in predicting the radiative properties of entrained pyrolysis (ash) and deposit layers (slag) is limited by inaccurate knowledge of the physical/chemical properties of the materials over a range of material temperatures and radiative wavelengths that is representative of conditions in practical combustion systems. The objective of this project is to make laboratory measurements of the radiative properties of extracted ash and slag deposit samples.

The first phase of the proposed work is largely completed on schedule. Scientists at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) succeeded in putting a version of the Hamburg isopycnal coordinate ocean model (OPYC) onto the INTEL parallel computer. Due to the slow run speeds of the OPYC on the parallel machine, another ocean is being model used during the first part of phase 2. The model chosen is the Large Scale Geostrophic (LSG) model form the Max Planck Institute.

In this report we study the release and transport of soluble species from spent nuclear fuel. By soluble species we mean a fraction of certain fission product species. Our previously developed methods for calculating release rates of solubility-limited species need to be revised for these soluble species. Here we provide methods of calculating release rates of soluble species directly into rock and into backfill and then into rock. Section 2 gives a brief discussion of the physics of fission products dissolution from U0{sub 2} spent fuel. Section 3 presents the mathematics for calculating release rates of soluble species into backfill and then into rock. The calculation of release rates directly into rock is a special case. Section 4 presents numerical illustrations of the analytic results.

The test program has demonstrated that: (1) technically, the new flotation technologies discovered at the University of Utah and then improved upon by Advanced Processing Technologies, Inc. provide a highly efficient means to selectively recover fossil resin from coal. The proof-of-concept continuous flotation circuit resulted in fossil resin recovery with the same separation efficiency as was obtained from laboratory bench-scale testing (more than 80% recovery at about 80% concentrate grade); and (2) economically, the selective flotation process has been shown to be sufficiently profitable to justify the development of a fossil resin industry based on this new flotation process. The proof-of-concept testing has resulted in significant interest from several coal mining companies and has sparked the desire of local and state government to establish a fossil resin industry in the Wasatch Plateau coal field. In this view, the results from the current proof-of-concept testing program have been successful. This special report provides theoretical and analytical data on some surface chemistry work pertinent to fossil resin characterization, and other efforts carried out during the past months.

The Ceramic Technology Project was developed by the USDOE Office of Transportation Systems (OTS) in Conservation and Renewable Energy. This project, part of the OTS's Materials Development Program, was developed to meet the ceramic technology requirements of the OTS's automotive technology programs. Significant accomplishments in fabricating ceramic components for the USDOE and NASA advanced heat engine programs have provided evidence that the operation of ceramic parts in high-temperature engine environments is feasible. These programs have also demonstrated that additional research is needed in materials and processing development, design methodology, and data base and life prediction before industry will have a sufficient technology base from which to produce reliable cost-effective ceramic engine components commercially. A five-year project plan was developed with extensive input from private industry. In July 1990 the original plan was updated through the estimated completion of development in 1993. The objective is to develop the industrial technology base required for reliable ceramics for application in advanced automotive heat engines. The project approach includes determining the mechanisms controlling reliability, improving processes for fabricating existing ceramics, developing new materials with increased reliability, and testing these materials in simulated engine environments to confirm reliability. Although this is a generic materials project, …

This annual report, the eleventh in a series, provides a brief description of fuel performance during 1988 in commercial nuclear power plants and an indication of trends. Brief summaries of fuel design changes, fuel surveillance programs, fuel operating experience, fuel problems, high-burnup fuel experience, and items of general significance are provided. References to more detailed information and related US Nuclear Regulatory Commission evaluations are included. 414 refs., 13 figs., 32 tabs.

This report presents the results of site analysis for the Umatilla Satellite and Release Sites Project. The purpose of this project is to provide engineering services for the siting and conceptual design of satellite and release facilities for the Umatilla Basin hatchery program. The Umatilla Basin hatchery program consists of artificial production facilities for salmon and steelhead to enhance production in the Umatilla River as defined in the Umatilla master plan approved in 1989 by the Northwest Power Planning Council. Facilities identified in the master plan include adult salmon broodstock holding and spawning facilities, facilities for recovery, acclimation, and/or extended rearing of salmon juveniles, and development of river sites for release of hatchery salmon and steelhead. The historic and current distribution of fall chinook, summer chinook, and coho salmon and steelhead trout was summarized for the Umatilla River basin. Current and future production and release objectives were reviewed. Twenty seven sites were evaluated for the potential development of facilities. Engineering and environmental attributes of the sites were evaluated and compared to facility requirements for water and space. Site screening was conducted to identify the sites with the most potential for facility development. Alternative sites were selected for conceptual design of …

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) operations and maintenance staff are presently based at a headquarters next to the Longview Substation. These headquarters buildings, however, were built in 1941 and have deteriorated to the point of needing extensive repair. They also lack sufficient inside storage space. New buildings cannot be constructed on the site because of surrounding development. In addition, the site is within an area exposed to industrial fallout (coal tar pitch and metallic particles) that may be damaging buildings, equipment, and vehicles. BPA is concerned about the potential health risk to headquarters staff from the fallout. In light of these problems, BPA proposes to construct a new operations and maintenance headquarters at a different location, and to demolish the existing headquarters. This paper discusses the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives.

This paper addresses problems of calibration and estimation of a parameter, p{sub o}, in high level neutron coincidence counting (HLNC) measurement. The presentation begins with a deductive approach, based on the generally accepted physical equations which are satisfied by the total and coincidence count rates. A new approach for the estimation of p{sub o} via measurement and a new calibration procedure consistent with the physical theory of coincidence counting measurement are presented. The approach is compared with the existing conventional approach in which possible inconsistency with the theoretical model is shown. In addition, the original model for neutron coincidence counting in a multiplying medium was extended to simultaneously account for the possible presence of poison, as well as for the neutron detection. The equations suitable for the data analysis of measurement of waste and their criteria are given.

Complex Co/Mo sulfide catalysts are modelled by the chemisorption of layers on Mo single crystal surfaces. Growth and structure of overlayers on flat, stepped and kinked surfaces were investigated. Growth of Co overlayers on clean and S covered Mo surfaces was studied using AES and CO chemisorption; results reveal that Co grows as a flat monolayer on clean Mo surfaces. Co multilayers then form 3-D islands. When Co is deposited on S covered surfaces, the S overlayer migrates to the top; this topmost overlayer reduces CO adsorption capacity. While growth mode of Co overlayers are similar on flat and stepped surfaces, the number and type of ordered Co and S structures on flat and stepped surfaces are different. In the case of Co, an ordered (3 {times} 1) structure is formed on Mo(910) and (28,4,1) surfaces; this structure does not develop on clean (100) surface. Only one of two possible (3 {times} 1) Co domains are formed on Mo(910) and Mo(28,4,1) surfaces. These domains have one side of (3 {times} 1) unit cell parallel to the step edges, suggesting that Co adsorbs at the step edges. The (3 {times} 1) structure does not form on Mo(911) surface, indicating that step …

This talk deals with {Lambda}, K{sub s}{sup 0} and {bar {Lambda}} production with 14.5 GeV/c Silicon beams. Why study {Lambda}{sup 0} production Because the study of strangeness is an important part of the search for Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP). Many models predict an enhancement of strangeness in a QGP as compared to the amount of strangeness produced in a superposition of nucleon-nucleon interactions. The amount of enhancement varies from model to model. Even if no QGP is detected at AGS energies using Si beams, it is important to understand the production mechanisms in quantitative detail so that standard nucleon-nucleon production mechanism can be distinguished from QGP formation. The advantage of measuring strangeness production by measuring V{sup 0} production is that V{sup 0}'s can be identified by kinematics without the use of any special particle ID detectors. The disadvantage is that usually large aperture detectors are required. Experiment 810 has the needed large aperture. This talk describes the technique and results of V{sup 0} production from {approximately}9000 interactions of Si in a 1 mil (25 micron) Au target recorded in June 1989. 13 figs., 1 tab.

The Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) maintains a compilation of operating problems and equipment failures that have occurred in the fuel reprocessing areas of the Savannah River Site (SRS). At present, the data bank contains more than 230,000 entries ranging from minor equipment malfunctions to incidents with the potential for injury or contamination of personnel, or for economic loss. The data bank has been used extensively for a wide variety of purposes, such as failure analyses, trend analyses, and preparation of safety analyses. Typical of the data are problems associated with the canyon process centrifuges. This report contains a compilation of the centrifuge operating problems and equipment failures primarily as an aid to organizations with related equipment. Publication of these data was prompted by a number of requests for this information by other Department of Energy (DOE) sites. 11 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.

This report documents the developmental efforts on metal coating of various ceramic substrates (LiAlO{sub 2}, SrTiO{sub 3}, and LiFeO{sub 2}) and the critical issues associated with fabricating anodes using metal-coated LiAlO{sub 2} substrates. Electroless Ni and Cu coating technology was developed to achieve complete metal coverage on LiAlO{sub 2} powder substrates. Metal coated SrTiO{sub 3} powders were fabricated into anodes by a process identical to that reported in the GE literature. Microstructural examination revealed that the grains of the ceramic had fused together, with the metal having dewetted from the surface of the ceramic. Alternate substrates that might allow for better wetting of the metal on the ceramic such as LiFeO{sub 2} and Li{sub 2}MnO{sub 3} were identified. Cu/Ni-coated (50:50 mol ratio, 50 w/o metal loading) LiFeO{sub 2} anodes were optimized to meet the MCFC anode specifications. Metal-coated gamma-LiAlO{sub 2} substrates were also developed. By using suitable chemical surface modification methods, the gamma-UAlO{sub 2} substrate surface may be modified to allow a stable metal coated anode to be fabricated. Creep testing of the metal coated ceramic anodes were conducted at IGT. It was determined that the predominant creep mechanism is due to particle rearrangement. The anode porosity, and mean pore …

The presentation of US research programs at the last IWG-RRPC meeting emphasized several aspects of the work sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The remarks given this year will focus on work that relates to pressurized water reactor primary pressure vessels. While most of the comments are relative to NRC work, some are included relative to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Department of Energy. Additionally, a forthcoming CSNI workshop on fracture methodology validation will be described. 36 figs.

A system simulator has been implemented to aid the development of the RHIC position monitor system. Based on the LabVIEW software package by National Instruments, this simulator allows engineers and technicians to interactively explore the parameter space of a system during the design phase. Adjustable parameters are divided into three categories: beam, pickup, and electronics. The simulator uses these parameters in simple formulas to produce results in both time-domain and frequencydomain. During the prototyping phase, these simulated results can be compared to test data acquired with the same software package. The RHIC position monitor system is presented as an example, but the software is applicable to several other systems as well.

This report discusses the following topics: Neutra-beam injection for ITER; ion sources; materials modification and synthesis; and plasma theory and nonlinear dynamics.

This report provides a brief overview of the activities and accomplishments of the Metals and Ceramics (M C) Division during fiscal year (FY) 1991. The division is organized to provide technical support, primarily in the area of high-temperature materials, for the various technologies being developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Activities span the range from basic research (through applied research and engineering development) to industrial interactions (through cooperative research and a strong technology transfer program). The division is organized in functional groups that encompass nearly all of the disciplines needed to develop and to apply materials in high-temperature applications. Sections I through 5 describe the different functional groups; Sect. 6 provides an alternative view of the division in terms of the major programs, most of which cross group lines; and Sect. 7 summarizes external interactions including cooperative research and development programs, educational activities, and technology transfer functions. Appendices describe the organizational structure, note personnel changes, present honors and awards received by division members, and contain listings of publications completed and presentations made at technical meetings.

The article reviews the new theoretical developments for the CP-parameter {epsilon}{prime}/{epsilon} and its intimate connection with the mass of a heavy top quark. 22 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.

The Na/K ratio in geothermal well waters provides a better estimate of the relative stability of low albite and potash feldspar than do predictions from calorimetry and high temperature phase equilibria. The calculated saturation indices from field data for low albite, potash feldspar suggest that [Delta]G[sub f,298][sup o] for the latter should be revised to [minus]3748.6[plus minus]3.7 kJ.mol[sup [minus]1].

Rigorous results on the stability of stationary solutions of the Vlasov-Poisson system are obtained in both the plasma physics and stellar dynamics contexts. It is proven that stationary solutions in the plasma physics (stellar dynamics) case are linearly stable if they are decreasing (increasing) functions of the local, i.e. particle, energy. The main tool in the analysis is the free energy of the system, a conserved quantity. In addition, an appropriate global existence result is proven for the linearized Vlasov-Poisson system and the existence of stationary solutions that satisfy the above stability condition is established.

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) has potential advantages in making radiation detectors for many applications because of its deposition capability on a large-area substrate and its high radiation resistance. Position-sensitive radiation detectors can be made out of a 1d strip or a 2-d pixel array of a Si:H pin diodes. In addition, signal processing electronics can be made by thin-film transistors on the same substrate. The calculated radiation signal, based on a simple charge collection model agreed well with results from various wave length light sources and 1 MeV beta particles on sample diodes. The total noise of the detection system was analyzed into (a) shot noise and (b) 1/f noise from a detector diode, and (c) thermal noise and (d) 1/f noise from the frontend TFT of a charge-sensitive preamplifier. the effective noise charge calculated by convoluting these noise power spectra with the transfer function of a CR-RC shaping amplifier showed a good agreement with the direct measurements of noise charge. The derived equations of signal and noise charge can be used to design an a-Si:H pixel detector amplifier system optimally. Signals from a pixel can be readout using switching TFTs, or diodes. Prototype tests of a double-diode readout scheme …

The development of a research agenda should be a direct way of portraying the scope of petroleum engineering, of identifying the critical technological issues faced by the profession,of elucidating the gaps between the existing research resources and the needs. and of outlining a program of research through which the petroleum engineering departments can be collectively of maximum service. Such an agenda would be of value to the profession of petroleum engineering, to industry and to government agencies, as well as to the faculty and students of the petroleum engineering departments. The purposes of the activity that led to this report, therefore, were to develop a statement to serve as a beginning research agenda for the petroleum engineering academic community; to bring together representatives of the petroleum engineering academic community to recognize the importance of developing a consensus posture with respect to research; and to provide a document that will assist in portraying to industry, government agencies and others the problems and needs of the petroleum engineering departments for conducting research. Contents of this report include; introduction; the background; the scope of petroleum engineering research; priority research topics and technological issues; non-technological research issues; and conclusions and recommendations.