Our objectives during this quarter was to complete studies on the kinetics of methanol synthesis reaction in the slurry reactor with long periods of on stream studies, start experimentation in the trickle bed reactor assembly, investigate simulation studies using the piston-exchange (PE) and piston-dispersion-exchange (PDE) models, and introduce water gas shift reaction as the second reaction in our simulation studies.

Our objectives during this quarter was to complete studies on the kinetics of methanol synthesis reaction in the slurry reactor with long periods of on stream studies, start experimentation in the trickle bed reactor assembly, investigate simulation studies using the piston-exchange (PE) and piston-dispersion-exchange (PDE) models, and introduce water gas shift reaction as the second reaction in our simulation studies.

Newsletter of the Texas Bureau of Disease Control and Epidemiology discussing the news, activities, and events of the organization and other information related to health in Texas.

A mathematical model for the formation rate of ammonium nitrate in the off-gas line of the Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) and the Slurry Mixed Evaporator (SME) in DWPF has been developed. The formation rate of ammonium nitrate in the off-gas line depends on pH, temperature, volume and total concentration of ammonia and ammonium ion. Based on a typical SRAT and SME cycle in DWPF, this model predicts the SRAT contributes about 50 lbs of ammonium nitrate while SME contributes about 60 lbs of ammonium nitrate to the off-gas line.

A mathematical model for the formation rate of ammonium nitrate in the off-gas line of the Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) and the Slurry Mixed Evaporator (SME) in DWPF has been developed. The formation rate of ammonium nitrate in the off-gas line depends on pH, temperature, volume and total concentration of ammonia and ammonium ion. Based on a typical SRAT and SME cycle in DWPF, this model predicts the SRAT contributes about 50 lbs of ammonium nitrate while SME contributes about 60 lbs of ammonium nitrate to the off-gas line.

Progress during the past year of research under Measurements of Surface Ocean Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure During WOCE'' has been significant. As was described in our previous progress report, the startup phase of this research was severely frustrated by delays in the US WOCE Hydrographic Program (WHP), which in turn were caused by delays in the mid-life refit of the R/V Knorr. As a result the high latitude southeastern Pacific work (WHP lines P19S and P16S) originally scheduled for the 1990 austral summer has still not been carried out. As a substitute, the smaller R/V Thomas Washington was pressed into service during mid-1991 to carry out lower-latitude portions of the WHP P16 and P17 lines - the TUNES Expedition. Because this ship is much smaller than the R/V Knorr, she could not carry a full complement of WHP programs and seagoing personnel and was restricted by her size and the time of year to lower-latitude work. Our original proposal for carbon dioxide measurements was designed to divide the work between legs in which we participated as part of the WHP dissolved CFC program (under separate NSF funding) and legs in which we entrusted the operation of our system to other …

Progress during the past year of research under ``Measurements of Surface Ocean Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure During WOCE`` has been significant. As was described in our previous progress report, the startup phase of this research was severely frustrated by delays in the US WOCE Hydrographic Program (WHP), which in turn were caused by delays in the mid-life refit of the R/V Knorr. As a result the high latitude southeastern Pacific work (WHP lines P19S and P16S) originally scheduled for the 1990 austral summer has still not been carried out. As a substitute, the smaller R/V Thomas Washington was pressed into service during mid-1991 to carry out lower-latitude portions of the WHP P16 and P17 lines - the TUNES Expedition. Because this ship is much smaller than the R/V Knorr, she could not carry a full complement of WHP programs and seagoing personnel and was restricted by her size and the time of year to lower-latitude work. Our original proposal for carbon dioxide measurements was designed to divide the work between legs in which we participated as part of the WHP dissolved CFC program (under separate NSF funding) and legs in which we entrusted the operation of our system to other …

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A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

The approach to laser isotope separation taken in this study is based on isotopically selective, two-step, laser photodissociation of small molecules. A primary goal of this study is the measurement of fundamental molecular processes which control the two-step, photodissociative isotope enrichment process. This objective has led to experimental measurements of uv photodissociation cross sections for vibrationally excited states of several small molecules, including the first cross section reported for any neutral molecule in a specific, excited vibrational state. A second goal of this study has been the laboratory demonstration of isotope enrichment for isotopes of practical interest and for processes with a potential for larger scale production. Where possible, efforts have focussed on the separation of middle isotopes, such as {sup 17}O and {sup 33}S, which are expensive and difficult to separate using other techniques. Considerable success has been achieved in demonstrating the enrichment of isotopes of bromine, carbon, oxygen and a third goal of this study has been the application of computer modeling to the two-step enrichment process. Experimental measurements define as many as possible of the critical photophysical and chemical parameters required by an ab initio computer model of the enrichment process. Progress toward these goals has been …

The approach to laser isotope separation taken in this study is based on isotopically selective, two-step, laser photodissociation of small molecules. A primary goal of this study is the measurement of fundamental molecular processes which control the two-step, photodissociative isotope enrichment process. This objective has led to experimental measurements of uv photodissociation cross sections for vibrationally excited states of several small molecules, including the first cross section reported for any neutral molecule in a specific, excited vibrational state. A second goal of this study has been the laboratory demonstration of isotope enrichment for isotopes of practical interest and for processes with a potential for larger scale production. Where possible, efforts have focussed on the separation of middle isotopes, such as {sup 17}O and {sup 33}S, which are expensive and difficult to separate using other techniques. Considerable success has been achieved in demonstrating the enrichment of isotopes of bromine, carbon, oxygen and a third goal of this study has been the application of computer modeling to the two-step enrichment process. Experimental measurements define as many as possible of the critical photophysical and chemical parameters required by an ab initio computer model of the enrichment process. Progress toward these goals has been …

State-resolved differential reaction cross sections provide perhaps the most detailed information about the mechanism of chemical reaction, but heretofore they have been extremely difficult to measure. This program explores a new technique for obtaining differential cross sections with product state resolution. The three-dimensional velocity distribution of state-selected reaction products is determined by ionizing the appropriate product, waiting for a delay while it recoils along the trajectory imparted by the reaction, and finally projecting the spatial distribution of ions onto a two dimensional screen using a pulsed electric field. Knowledge of the arrival time allows the ion position to be converted to a velocity, and the density of velocity projections can be inverted mathematically to provide the three-dimensional velocity distribution for the selected product. The main apparatus has been constructed and tested using photodissociations. The proposed research will both develop the new technique and employ it to investigate methyl radical, formyl radical, and hydrogen atom reactions which are important in combustion processes. We intend specifically to characterize the reactions of CH{sub 3} with H{sub 2} and H{sub 2}CO; of HCO with O{sub 2}; and of H with CH{sub 4},CO{sub 2}, and O{sub 2}.

The proof-of-concept test program was designed to clarify a number of concerns that have been raised by coal companies who own the valuable resin resource. First, from laboratory bench-scale flotation experiments, a froth product from cleaner flotation containing more than 80% hexane-extractable resin at higher than 80% recovery can be produced. Pilot-plant testing was initiated to demonstrate the selective flotation of fossil resin and to establish a better confidence level in the new technology. Second, pilot-plant testing was designed to evaluate the effect and impact of random variation in slurry solids concentration and feed grade on this new selective fossil resin flotation technology. The flotation performance obtained under these industrial conditions is more realistic for process evaluation. Third, more accurate operating cost data was to be obtained for economic analysis. Fourth, sufficient quantities of the fossil resin concentrate were to be produced from the test program for evaluation by potential industrial users. Fifth, and finally, optimum levels for the operating variables were to be established. Such information was required for eventual scale-up and design of a fossil resin flotation plant. The pilot-plant proof-of-concept testing of selective resinate flotation has demonstrated that: (1) technically, the new flotation technologies discovered at the …

During the recent (12--22 June 1991) Mount Pinatubo volcano eruptions, the US Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) requested assistance of the US Department of Energy`s Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) in creating volcanic ash cloud aviation advisories for the region of the Philippine Islands. Through application of its three-dimensional material transport and diffusion models using AFGWC meteorological analysis and forecast wind fields ARAC developed extensive analysis and 12-hourly forecast ash cloud position advisories extending to 48 hours for a period of five days. The advisories consisted of ``relative`` ash cloud concentrations in ten layers (surface-5,000 feet, 5,000--10,000 feet and every 10,000 feet to 90,000 feet). The ash was represented as a log-normal size distribution of 10--200 {mu}m diameter solid particles. Size-dependent ``ashfall`` was simulated over time as the eruption clouds dispersed. Except for an internal experimental attempt to model one of the Mount Redoubt, Alaska, eruptions (12/89), ARAC had no prior experience in modeling volcanic eruption ash hazards. For the cataclysmic eruption of 15--16 June, the complex three-dimensional atmospheric structure of the region produced dramatically divergent ash cloud patterns. The large eruptions (> 7--10 km) produced ash plume clouds with strong westward transport over the South China Sea, Southeast …

Newsletter of the Texas Bureau of Disease Control and Epidemiology discussing the news, activities, and events of the organization and other information related to health in Texas. This issue includes the Mid-Year index for 1992.

The 1992 discovery of a water-ice, near-Earth object (NEO) in the space near Earth is evaluated as a source of rocket fuel and life support materials for Earth orbit use. Nuclear thermal rockets using steam propellant are evaluated and suggested. The space geological formation containing such water-rich NEO`s is described. An architecture couples near-Earth object fuels (neo-fuel) extraction with use in Earth orbits. Preliminary mass payback analyses show that space tanker systems fueled from space can return in excess of 100 times their launched mass from the NEO, per trip. Preliminary cost estimates indicate neo-fuel costs at Earth orbit can be 3 orders of magnitude below today`s cost. A suggested resource verification plan is presented.

The 1992 discovery of a water-ice, near-Earth object (NEO) in the space near Earth is evaluated as a source of rocket fuel and life support materials for Earth orbit use. Nuclear thermal rockets using steam propellant are evaluated and suggested. The space geological formation containing such water-rich NEO's is described. An architecture couples near-Earth object fuels (neo-fuel) extraction with use in Earth orbits. Preliminary mass payback analyses show that space tanker systems fueled from space can return in excess of 100 times their launched mass from the NEO, per trip. Preliminary cost estimates indicate neo-fuel costs at Earth orbit can be 3 orders of magnitude below today's cost. A suggested resource verification plan is presented.

Much has been written about ceramic superconductors since their discovery in 1986. Most of this writing reports and describes scientific research. However, some authors have sought to put this research in context: to assess where the field stands, what might be technically feasible, what might be economically feasible, and what potential impacts ceramic superconductors will bring to the electric power sector. This report's purpose is to make the results of already published assessments readily available. To that end, this report lists and provides abstracts for various technical and economic assessments related to applications of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) to the electric power sector. Those studies deemed most important are identified and summarized. These assessments were identified by two means. First, members of the Executive Committee identified some reports as worthy of consideration and forwarded them to Argonne National Laboratory. Twelve assessments were selected. Each of these is listed and summarized in the following section. Second, a bibliographic search was performed on five databases: INSPEC, NTIS, COMPENDEX, Energy Science Technology, and Electric Power Database. The search consisted of first selecting all papers related to High Temperature Superconductors. Then papers related to SMES, cables, generators, motors, fault current limiters, or electric utilities were …

Much has been written about ceramic superconductors since their discovery in 1986. Most of this writing reports and describes scientific research. However, some authors have sought to put this research in context: to assess where the field stands, what might be technically feasible, what might be economically feasible, and what potential impacts ceramic superconductors will bring to the electric power sector. This report`s purpose is to make the results of already published assessments readily available. To that end, this report lists and provides abstracts for various technical and economic assessments related to applications of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) to the electric power sector. Those studies deemed most important are identified and summarized. These assessments were identified by two means. First, members of the Executive Committee identified some reports as worthy of consideration and forwarded them to Argonne National Laboratory. Twelve assessments were selected. Each of these is listed and summarized in the following section. Second, a bibliographic search was performed on five databases: INSPEC, NTIS, COMPENDEX, Energy Science & Technology, and Electric Power Database. The search consisted of first selecting all papers related to High Temperature Superconductors. Then papers related to SMES, cables, generators, motors, fault current limiters, or electric utilities …

The Mark 22 assemblies previously charged to the P Reactor as the P-11 charge, but never irradiated, are stored in borated racks in Building 105-K Assembly Area. The assemblies are stored inside aluminum cans into which they are placed and subsequently dried upon removal from the P-Reactor. This report discusses non-destructive examinations supplemented by destructive examination of a small number of these assemblies made to establish the acceptability of these assemblies for use as the K-15 charge.

The Mark 22 assemblies previously charged to the P Reactor as the P-11 charge, but never irradiated, are stored in borated racks in Building 105-K Assembly Area. The assemblies are stored inside aluminum cans into which they are placed and subsequently dried upon removal from the P-Reactor. This report discusses non-destructive examinations supplemented by destructive examination of a small number of these assemblies made to establish the acceptability of these assemblies for use as the K-15 charge.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

This study sought to determine and understand the major processes governing the abundance, distribution, composition and eventual fate of zooplankton on the southeastern shelf of the US in relation to water circulation. Over much of the shelf circulation is dominated by the Gulf Stream and/or atmospheric forcing. Most of our studies concentrated on processes on the middle and outer shelf. On the latter, pronounced biological production occurs year-round at frequent intervals and is due to Gulf Stream eddies which move by at an average frequency of one every week. These eddies are rich in nutrients which, when upwelled into the euphoric zone, lead to pronounced primary production which then triggers zooplankton production.

This study sought to determine and understand the major processes governing the abundance, distribution, composition and eventual fate of zooplankton on the southeastern shelf of the US in relation to water circulation. Over much of the shelf circulation is dominated by the Gulf Stream and/or atmospheric forcing. Most of our studies concentrated on processes on the middle and outer shelf. On the latter, pronounced biological production occurs year-round at frequent intervals and is due to Gulf Stream eddies which move by at an average frequency of one every week. These eddies are rich in nutrients which, when upwelled into the euphoric zone, lead to pronounced primary production which then triggers zooplankton production.