Tritium containment and removal problems in a fuel-reprocessing plant are identified and conceptual process designs for reducing emissions to the environment to below 1 Ci/day are studied. The conceptual design recommended would allow an air atmosphere in the reprocessing-plant hall and would use a continuous-catalytic-oxidizer/molecular-sieve-adsorber cleanup system to maintain a 40-..mu..Ci/m/sup 3/ tritium level (5 ..mu..Ci/m/sup 3/ HTO) against 180 Ci/day leakage from components and process piping.

A method for measuring stable isotope ratios using Raman scattering has been developed. This method consists of simultaneously counting photons scattered out of a high-intensity laser beam by different isotopically-substituted molecules. A number of studies of isotopic diatomic molecules have been made. The Q-branches of the Raman spectra of the isotopic molecules /sup 14/N/sup 15/N and /sup 16/O/sup 18/O were observed at natural abundance in nitrogen and oxygen samples. Comparison of the ratios of the intensities of the Q-branches of the major nitrogen and oxygen isotopic molecules with mass spectrometric determinations of the isotopic compositions yielded scattering cross sections of /sup 14/N/sup 15/N relative to /sup 14/N/sup 14/N and /sup 16/O/sup 18/O relative to /sup 16/O/sup 16/O. These cross section ratios differ from unity, a difference which can be explained by considering nuclear mass effects on the Franck-Condon factors of the molecular transitions. The measured intensities of the /sup 14/N/sup 15/N and /sup 16/O/sup 18/O Q-branches provided the baseline data needed to make the previously-mentioned extrapolation. High-resolution (approximately 0.15 cm/sup -1/) spectra of the Q-branches of /sup 14/N/sup 14/N and /sup 16/O/sup 16/O yielded a direct determination of ..cap alpha../sub e/ (the difference between the rotational constant in the ground …

Slicing tests of silicon to show the dependence of cutting rate on operating conditions are complete. Cutting rate is linear with cutting force per blade and bladehead speed, and inversely proportional to kerf width (loss) and kerf length. The dimensionless parameter of cutting efficiency is a good measure of the performance of a multiblade slicing system. Low contact pressure between the blades and the silicon workpiece result in increased wafer accuracy and cutting efficiency. Blade wear seems to be stable for all slicing tests, and is slightly lower with low cutting pressure. (WDM)

Two ''plugs'' of dense plasma at either end of a central solenoid cell form the basis of a new mirror fusion power plant concept. A central cell blanket design is presented. Modules on crawler tracks serviced by remote welding and handling machines of very simple design are important features resulting from linear axisymmetric geometry. Three blanket designs are considered and the best one presented in some detail. It has lithium as the breeder material, helium cooled. ''Plug'' magnet field strengths must be high. A novel magnet is presented to satisfy the physics of the end plugs. Beam sources at 1,200 KV present special problems. Methods of voltage standoff, arc damage control, and neutralization are discussed. New secondary containment ideas are presented to allow removable roof sections of balanced design.

Vacuum pumping by freezing out or otherwise immobilizing the pumped gas is an old concept. In several plasma physics experiments for controlled fusion research, cryopumping has been used to provide clean, ultrahigh vacua. Present day fusion research devices, which rely almost universally upon neutral beams for heating, are high gas throughput systems, the pumping of which is best accomplished by cryopumping in the high mass-flow, moderate-to-high vacuum regime. Cryopumping systems have been developed for neutral beam injection systems on several fusion experiments (HVTS, TFTR) and are being developed for the overall pumping of a large, high-throughput mirror containment experiment (MFTF). In operation, these large cryopumps will require periodic defrosting, some schemes for which are discussed, along with other operational considerations. The development of cryopumps for fusion reactors is begun with the TFTR and MFTF systems. Likely paths for necessary further development for power-producing reactors are also discussed.

This document contains information on (1) the hydraulic conductivity of salt; (2) the various types of naturally occurring salt solution collapse features, and (3) the rate of formation of solution cavities in salt. (LK)

An analysis of the fabrication and field test requirements for a drilling machine that would be applicable to the drilling of large diameter holes for the emplacement of radioactive waste canisters in an underground repository is presented. On the basis of a previous study in 1975 by RE/SPEC Inc. for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, it was concluded that none of the commercially available machines were ideally suited for the desired drilling application, and that it was doubtful whether a machine with the required capabilities would become available as a standard equipment item. The results of the current study, as presented here, provide a definitive basis for selecting the desired specifications, estimating the design, fabrication, and testing costs, and analyzing the cost-benefit characteristics of a custom-designed drilling machine for the emplacement hole drilling task.

This report summarizes a collection of, synthesis of, and speculation on the geophysical and geochemical models of the earth's stable shields and rift zones. Two basic crustal types, continental and oceanic, and two basic mantle types, stable and unstable, are described. It is pointed out that both the crust and upper mantle play a strongly interactive role with surface geological phenomena ranging from the occurrence of mountains, ocean trenches, oceanic and continental rifts to geographic distributions of earthquakes, faults, and volcanoes. On the composition of the mantle, there is little doubt regarding the view that olivine constitutes a major fraction of the mineralogy of the earth's upper mantle. Studies are suggested to simulate the elasticity and composition of the earth's lower crust and upper mantle.

Tritium-containment systems for the blanket and power systems of a mirror-fusion reactor are described. These systems are designed to reduce emissions to below 1 Ci/d. The overall conceptual design uses air as the reactor-hall atmosphere. A continuous catalytic oxidizer-molecular sieve adsorber cleanup system would be used to control a 180-Ci/d leakage from reactor components, energy recovery systems, and process piping. Such a system would maintain a 40 ..mu..Ci/m/sup 3/ tritium level (5 ..mu..Ci/m/sup 3/ HTO) in the hall. The blanket considered contains submodules with Li/sub 2/Be/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Be for tritium breeding. This canned breeding material is scavenged with a lithium-vapor-doped helium gas stream. The container consists of molybdenum alloy (TZM) tubes and tube sheets with the breeding material packed and sintered in the shell surrounding the tubes. Potassium vapor coolant (also lithium-doped) passes through these tubes to recover the heat at 950/sup 0/C. Leakage following an intermediate TZM exchanger would result in a loss of 0.7 Ci/d into the steam through the Haynes-25 alloy boiler (potassium boiling). A moving getter bed is used to recover the tritium from the LiT and Li/sub 2/T scavengers in both the helium blanket scavenging flow and the potassium vapor coolant.

Six major problem areas have surfaced in the past twenty-five years concerning the use of plutonium tankage. The most significant of these involves the use of borosilicate glass as a neutron absorber. Approximately thirty recommendations and criteria resulted from a study of these problem areas. Not all of the criteria and recommendations are unanimously supported by all members of the committee. The committee agrees that problem areas that can be handled on a short-term basis are being pursued expeditiously. Most of the criteria presented will apply to new tankage to be installed. The committee also noted fourteen accomplishments in the last 1/sup 1///sub 2/ years directed to the application of the criteria.

Drying of Amberlite IRC-72 ion exchange resin in a fluidized bed dryer was investigated. Resin water content was measured as a function of drying time for various drying temperatures, bed loadings, and air flow rates. An incomplete equation for the induction period and complete model for constant rate drying were developed. Further development of an induction period model requires installation of an accurate air flow measurement device. A drying temperature of 200/sup 0/F results in the shortest drying time with no resin damage. Optimization of the process with regard to other process parameters requires development of a complete drying model. (auth)

Space charge as it affects ion beam transport is reviewed. The approach here will be to derive beam-current criteria for divergence from space charge, review recent theoretical models for fractional space-charge neutralization, discuss space-charge-related observations on ion-beam transport in a specific experimental system, and briefly note several applications using space charge. Experimental measurements of effective space charge are discussed for a dc ion-source test stand using a 90/sup 0/ double-focusing magnet for species separation and for a solenoidal lens magnet for trim focus of the ion beam preparatory to entrance into a 400-kV accelerator column.

The experimental procedure for irradiating the above specimens is given. No results are presented. (MOW)

Electron microscope images obtained at about 3A resolution for Pr/sub 7/O/sub 12/ (and isomorphous Zr/sub 3/Sc/sub 4/O/sub 12/) are in excellent agreement with calculated images based upon the structure determined separately by total profile neutron powder diffraction analysis. The image calculation programs establish the efficacy of lattice image interpretation in structural terms for these types of related phases whose structures are as yet beyond conventional means to determine. Such images for several other intermediate phases are interpreted and structures proposed. Finally, images of crystals which can be made to undergo reaction within the microscope are interpreted according to the structures involved. These studies reveal the role of intergrowth and topotaxy in these systems. (auth)

The practical effects of blistering and flaking in neutral injection systems are studied. These effects will soon be more important because of energy increases in systems now under development and because of their operation with fast helium ions as well as hydrogen and deuterium ions. Two main effects were studied: enhanced erosion rate and possible voltage breakdown from sharp flakes and gas emission.

The decontamination and disposition of the KEWB facilities, Buildings 073, 643, 123, and 793, are complete. All of the facility equipment, including reactor enclosure, reactor vessel, fuel handling systems, controls, radioactive waste systems, exhaust systems, electrical services, and protective systems were removed from the site. Buildings 643, 123, and 793 were completely removed, including foundations. The floor and portions of the walls of Building 073 were covered over by final grading. Results of the radiological monitoring and the final survey are presented. 9 tables, 19 figures. (auth)

This report begins with definitions of characterization and testing, then continues with the evaluation of thirteen specific techniques including various spectroscopy, thermal, solutional properties, wet chemistry, chromatography and miscellaneous procedures. Comments and recommendations on the need for an analytical services focal point in GCD, a polymer characterization expert in OMD and the use of contractor facilities as a source of data gathering are made. It is concluded that substantial capabilities for polymer characterization do exist at LLL, but lack of adequate interfacing between OMD and GCD is preventing their effective use. Acquisition of a polymer chemist with experience in characterization techniques appears to be the best solution to this problem. Two tables outlining schemes for a check list for polymer characterization techniques and list of techniques and information needed for aging effects studies are included for reference. (DLC)

The decontamination and disposition (D and D) of the contaminated facilities in Building 003 are complete. The Hot Cave, the building radioactive exhaust system, the radioactive liquid waste system, and the fume hoods were removed. The more significant D and D activities are summarized, special techniques are noted, and problems and their resolution are discussed. Results of the radiological monitoring are presented. (auth)

Fluids from various formations were sampled and analyzed in order to characterize groundwaters in the Delaware Basin. Waters were analyzed for solute content and/or stable isotope ratios (D/H and /sup 18/O//sup 16/O). Three lines of geochemical arguments are summarized, in order to present the natures and probable origins of analyzed fluids: solute chemistry, thermodynamic modelling of low-temperature aqueous species, and stable isotope ratios. (JGB)

A series of 12 irradiation experiments was designed to evaluate the creep characteristics of graphites when exposed to elevated temperatures and high fast fluences. Various graphites of interest to HTGR designers are to be examined. The series encompasses the irradiation of 28 specimens, each 15.24 mm (0.6 in.) in diameter by 25.4 mm (1 in.) long, to incremental exposures of 1, 2, 4, and 8 E + 25 n/m/sup 2/ (E greater than 0.18 MeV) at 900/sup 0/C; 28 similar specimens to the same exposures at 600/sup 0/C; and 28 others at 1250/sup 0/C. A compressive stress of 13.79 MPa (2000 psi) is applied to 20 of the specimens in each test by means of a metal bellows, which is expanded by gas pressure against the specimen columns; 8 of the stacked specimens are stressed to 20.68 MPa (3000 psi) by a reduction in diameter. The report describes special features of the capsules, which include (1) movable centerline thermocouples to measure the temperature profile along the axes of the capsule, (2) special linear variable differential transformer-type load cells to monitor the applied load, and (3) a computerized temperature control system designed to provide accurate longitudinal temperatures over the 0.508-m (20-in.) …

The examination of drill cuttings and core samples from the Magmamax Nos. 2 and 3 and Woolsey No. 1 wells indicate that the sequence of sedimentary rocks in the Salton Sea geothermal field from the surface to below 4000 ft can be divided into three categories: cap rock, unaltered reservoir rocks, and hydrothermally altered reservoir rocks. The cap rock extends from the surface to a depth of approximately 1100 ft in all three wells. There is evidence to suggest that the cap rock has undergone self-sealing through time as a result of the circulation of hot brine through the rocks. Essentially unaltered reservoir rocks extend from a depth of 1100 ft to approximately 3000 ft. The mineralogical and textural changes that occur at depth can be attributed to the process of hydrothermal alteration. Alteration has occurred in a chemically open system and the important variables in the alteration scheme have been temperature, permeability, brine composition, and rock composition. The transition from unaltered to altered reservoir rocks is marked by the replacement of calcite by epidote. The first appearance of epidote correlates reasonably well with the top of the alteration zone as determined in other studies by electric log analysis. Biotite …

The increasing demand for uranium as reactor fuel requires the addition of sizable new domestic reserves. One of the largest potential sources of low-grade uranium ore is the Chattanooga shale--a formation in Tennessee and neighboring states that has not been mined conventionally because it is expensive and environmentally disadvantageous to do so. An in situ process, on the other hand, might be used to extract uranium from this formation without the attendant problems of conventional mining. We have suggested developing such a process, in which fracturing, retorting, and pressure leaching might be used to extract the uranium. The potential advantages of such a process are that capital investment would be reduced, handling and disposing of the ore would be avoided, and leaching reagents would be self-generated from air and water. If successful, the cost reductions from these factors could make the uranium produced competitive with that from other sources, and substantially increase domestic reserves. A technical program to evaluate the processing problems has been outlined and a conceptual model of the extraction process has been developed. Preliminary cost estimates have been made, although it is recognized that their validity depends on how successfully the various processing steps are carried out. …

Krypton gas is recovered from HTGR off-gas streams by countercurrent absorption in liquid carbon dioxide. Goodloe stainless steel wire mesh packing was chosen for the absorption columns since the process operates at -20/sup 0/C and about 20 atm pressure. Flooding points and an overall mass transfer coefficient for Goodloe-packed columns were determined with a carbon dioxide-air-water system for 6.4 and 15.2-cm-ID columns. Flood points were obtained for liquid-to-gas mass velocity ratios of 20 to 800. A mixing model, assuming plug flow for the gas and dispersed flow for the liquid, was used to calculate an overall mass transfer coefficient, K/sub L/a. K/sub L/a, based on mass concentrations, ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 sec/sup -T/ and was found to increase with increasing liquid flow rate.

A list of reports on air pollution and health on file at the Girshich Library at Stanford University is presented. (ERB)