Between mid-May and late June 1976, 3409 water and water-transported sediment samples were collected from 1781 locations spread over an approximate 17000-km/sup 2/ area of northwestern Montana. All of the samples were analyzed for total uranium at the LASL, using standardized procedures and rigorous quality controls, the waters by fluorometry and the sediment (and those waters with greater than 10 ppb uranium) by delayed-neutron counting methods. All of the field collection, treatment, and packaging of the samples was performed following strict LASL specifications. The uranium concentrations measured in the waters range from undetectable (less than 0.2) ppb to 173.6 ppb, but average only 0.66 ppb. The low uranium concentrations in the waters of this area are thought to be due primarily to a general lack of readily soluble uranium and dilution with spring runoff. Those locations which did have abnormally high uranium were examined more closely, and follow-up field examinations are recommended in the vicinity of some of these sites. The uranium content of the sediment samples range from 0.5 ppM to 52.2 ppM and average 4.56 ppM. Sample locations with high and/or anomalous uranium values were examined with respect to the local geology, water chemistry, and other relevant factors. …

The Multicomponent Mass Transfer (MMT) Model is a generic computer code, currently in its third generation, that was developed to predict the movement of radiocontaminants in the saturated and unsaturated sediments of the Hanford Site. This model was designed to use the water movement patterns produced by the unsaturated and saturated flow models coupled with dispersion and soil-waste reaction submodels to predict contaminant transport. This report documents the theorical foundation and the numerical solution procedure of the current (third) generation of the MMT Model. The present model simulates mass transport processes using an analog referred to as the Discrete-Parcel-Random-Walk (DPRW) algorithm. The basic concepts of this solution technique are described and the advantages and disadvantages of the DPRW scheme are discussed in relation to more conventional numerical techniques such as the finite-difference and finite-element methods. Verification of the numerical algorithm is demonstrated by comparing model results with known closed-form solutions. A brief error and sensitivity analysis of the algorithm with respect to numerical parameters is also presented. A simulation of the tritium plume beneath the Hanford Site is included to illustrate the use of the model in a typical application. 32 figs.

Combined NMR, spin-echo and Moessbauer experiments have been performed to obtain hyperfine field distributions of the transition metal and metalloid elements in splat-cooled amorphous Fe/sub 79/P/sub 21//sub -x/B/sub x/ alloys. These distributions are related to the local environments of the elements. The NMR signals are observed in the low frequency range 20-60 MHz and all the nuclei, i.e. Fe, P and B, may contribute to the spectral distribution. The resolution of the spectra into that due to Fe and (P + B) nuclei was made possible by using samples prepared with an Fe/sup 56/ isotope. The Fe distribution thus obtaned shows general agreement with the Moessbauer field distribution. From a careful analysis of the NMR data, the hyperfine field at the B nuclei in these amorphous alloys is found to range from 24 to 26 KG increasing with B content. An upper limit of 8 KG for the half-width is attributed to this distribution. The Moessbauer spectra of the Fe/sup 57/ nuclei resemble those for the crystalline Fe/sub 75/P/sub 25//sub -x/B/sub x/ alloys. A fit of the spectra shows a field distribution which suggests the presence of structure. Such a structure may correspond to various Fe sites, also seen in …

Four low cost solar collector designs have been produced for use in solar assisted heat pump systems. Three principles guided the design: the use of air as the heat transfer medium, the use of on-site easy-to-install construction rather than modularized prefabricated construction, and the collection of solar energy at reduced temperatures.

This report documents the results of two Hanford groundwater scenario studies. The first study examines the hydrologic impact of increased groundwater recharge resulting from agricultural development in the Cold Creek Valley located west of the Hanford Reservation. The second study involves recovering liquid radioactive waste which has leaked into the groundwater flow system from a hypothetical buried tank containing high-level radioactive waste. The predictive and control capacity of the onsite Hanford modeling technology is used to evaluate both scenarios. The results of the first study indicate that Cold Creek Valley irrigationis unlikely to cause significant changes in the water table underlying the high-level waste areas or in the movement of radionuclides already in the groundwater. The hypothetical tank leak study showed that an active response (in this case waste recovery) can be modeled and is a possible alternative to passive monitoring of radionuclide movement in the unlikely event that high-level waste is introduced into the groundwater.

Methods are described for the location of an object by using angle-measuring systems, distance-measuring systems, or a mix of the two. With reasonable assumptions on the statistics of the data errors in these systems, an analysis is presented which yields the statistics of the errors in object location; a data weighting scheme is shown which minimizes the variance of the location errors; and, as an aid to designers of such systems, a computer program is described which computes and plots location error contours for desired configurations. 11 figs., 1 table.

This project is directed toward the examination and comparison of the effects of neutron irradiation on LMFBR Program fuel materials. Characterization of unirradiated and irradiated fuels by analytical chemistry methods will continue, and additional methods will be modified and mechanized for hot cell application. Macro- and microexaminations will be made on fuel and cladding, using the shielded electron microprobe, emission spectrograph, radiochemistry, gamma scanner, mass spectrometers, and other analytical facilities. New capabilities will be developed in gamma scanning, analyses to assess spatial distributions of fuel and fission products, mass spectrometric measurements of burnup and fission gas constituents and other chemical analyses. Microstructural analyses of unirradiated and irradiated materials will continue, using optical and electron microscopy and autoradiographic and x-ray techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on numerical representation of microstructures and its relationship to fabrication and irradiation parameters. New etching and mounting techniques will be developed for high burnup materials.

The project described provides a manpower review of national, state and local needs for safety skills, and projects future manning levels for transportation safety personnel in both the public and private sectors. Survey information revealed that there are currently approximately 121,000 persons employed directly in transportation safety occupations within the air carrier, highway and traffic safety, motor carrier, pipeline, rail carrier, and marine carrier transportation industry groups. The projected need for 1980 is over 145,000 of which over 80 percent will be in highway safety. An analysis of transportation tasks is included, and shows ten general categories about which the majority of safety activities are focused. A skills analysis shows a generally high level of educational background and several years of experience are required for most transportation safety jobs. An overall review of safety programs in the transportation industry is included, together with chapters on the individual transportation modes.

A method was developed for determining trace uranium in aqueous wastes from processing nuclear reactor fuels. Uranium (VI) is determined colorimetrically with the metal indicator Arsenazo III, after removing fission product interferences by solvent extraction of ammonium nitrate solutions with tributyl phosphate in xylene. The range of the method is 0 to 5 ..mu..g uranium/ml in the final extraction, with a standard deviation of +- 0.1 ..mu..g uranium/ml.

A brief summary of the main points of a detailed study of diffractive production of resonance systems undertaken recently is presented. The A1 system is emphasized, but it is noted that the remarks can be readily generalized to other diffractive reactions such as ..pi..p ..-->.. A/sub 3/ p, pp ..-->.. ''N*(1400)''p, and Kp ..-->.. ''Q''p. The spins, parities, amplitude phase, and phase shift are among the properties considered. 4 references. (JFP)

The ratios of isoscalar and electromagnetic transition rates to the lowest 2/sup +/ state in neutron-excess nuclei are compared to predictions based on the ratios of isovector and isoscalar transition strengths determined from microscopic effective-charge theory in which giant-quadrupole core-polarization contributions are included with a schematic model. The near equality of the isoscalar (determined from (..cap alpha..,..cap alpha..')) and electromagnetic transition rates is explained, and it is shown that shell effects may be large but that they are compensated for in part by core-polarization effects. A comparison to data for single-closed-shell nuclei is consistent with the schematic-model prediction that the remaining shell effects are systematically different for neutron- versus proton-valence nuclei.

Fourteen experiments on the Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) facility pressure suppression system (PSS) are analyzed in relation to the vertical load generated on the suppression tank in the first 0.5 sec of the transient. Variations in principle parameters affecting the generation of vertical loads were included in the experiments. The internal and external vent submergences are identified from the analysis as being parameters which are first order in influencing the magnitude of the vertical load. These parameters are geometric in nature and depend only on PSS design. Physical parameters of total energy input and rate of energy input to the dry well, which influence the dry well pressurization, also are identified as being first order in influencing the magnitude of the vertical loads. The vertical load magnitude is a direct function of these geometric and physical parameters. The analysis indicates that a small value in any one of the parameters will cause the vertical load to be small and to have little dependence on the magnitude of the other parameters. In addition, the phenomena of nonuniform nonsynchronized vent inlet pressures, which have origins that are either geometric, physical, or a combination of both, act as a significant vertical load reduction mechanism.

The Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility was shut down in March, 1977, for the refurbishment of the facility and the injection well. Heavy scaling, which occurred in the facility brine systems as well as in the injection well, necessitated periodic plant shutdowns and cleanings. Various means of scale cleaning and controls were accomplished and evaluated for cost effectiveness. Initial indications showed that operations were satisfactory. Initial operational stability, and heat and mass balance testing of the Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility (GLEF) were accomplished. Operational stability was demonstrated but heat and mass balance test data were not satisfactory primarily due to off design facility operation. Testing was also hampered by pump failures, injection strainer cleaning difficulties and instrumentation problems.

New bearing and seal designs are outlined, as well as the progress made on developing test facilities for full-size bearing and seal assemblies. (MHR)

The project is directed toward the development of measurement methods for semiconductor materials and devices which will lead to more effective use of high power semiconductor devices in applications for energy generation, transmission, conversion, and conservation. Emphasis is on the development of measurement methods for thyristors and rectifier diodes. The project is designed to provide, disseminate, and foster the standardization of improved measurement methods required in high power semiconductor technology, for use in specifying materials and devices in commerce, and, by industry, in controlling device manufacturing processes and in designing systems. Application of this measurement technology will, for example, enable industry to (1) make power semiconductor devices with greater uniformity of characteristics, thus permitting improvements in parallel and series connections of devices for applications from fusion generation to ac/dc conversion, (2) make devices with higher individual power handling capabilities, thus permitting very large reductions in the cost of power handling equipment and fostering the development of direct current (dc) transmission lines to reduce energy waste and required rights-of-way, and (3) provide devices, and the systems utilizing them, with the reliability and performance required in energy generation, utilization, and conservation. The major tasks under this project are to (1) evaluate the …

Work performed on developing an improved 230 kV extruded solid dielectric cable, the techniques of jointing such cables and the testing of terminations suitable for operation at that voltage level are described. Difficulties were encountered during manufacture in applying the semi-conducting extruded conductor shield. A new higher melt point compound solved the problem. A joint capable of operating at the 230 kV level was developed but showed a deficiency under voltage impulse testing while the conductor was at elevated temperature. A reduction in contract scope terminated this effort. Two terminals rated for 230 kV were found to be commercially available from domestic manufacturers. The limited testing performed showed them to be compatible with the cable cross-linked polyethylene insulation and electrically sound under 60 Hertz testing. No direct voltage or impulse voltage testing was performed on the terminations. A sample circuit, consisting of cable and joint, was subjected to impulse voltages at both room temperature and normal conductor operating temperature of 90/sup 0/C. While the cable only was able to withstand voltage impulses in excess of the Basic Impulse Level (BIL) at room temperature, it failed at BIL while conductor was heated to 90/sup 0/C. In like manner, a cable and …

A study is reported which explores the feasibility of a highway transportation system that electromagnetically transfers energy to vehicles from powered roadways for high-speed or long-range travel, and uses energy stored in the vehicles for other travel. The energy coupling between roadway and vehicle is functionally similar to a transformer. The roadway energy source is imbedded flush with the roadway surface. When vehicle's energy pickups are suspended over the source, energy is magnetically coupled through the clearance gap between source and pickup. Analyses and modeling indicated that adequate power can be efficiently coupled by the system. The economics of the system appear to be favorable, and no implementational problems were identified that would make the system impractical. In addition to the engineering development of the power system, including performance verification with prototype hardware, continuing efforts should further address the effects of stray magnetic fields, the compatibility of the system with existing automobiles, electrical safety, and the process of transition from the use of existing automobiles.

For large industrial and research operations, maintaining reasonable control of all toxic materials used in their operations can be a formidable task. A system utilizing cards has been developed that serves a dual purpose, informing the user regarding hazards of a particular material and also facilitating appropriate workplace surveillance during its use. Selected data, including threshold limit values, routes of absorption, symptoms of exposure, chronic effects, and emergency first-aid procedures, are printed on the card. A portion of the card contains the label that the user detaches and affixes to the container. This label classifies the material according to flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and special properties on a 0 through 4 hazard rating system. This report describes the development and use of such cards, contains the associated Toxic Material Data Sheets that provide full backup data for the labels, and furnishes a glossary of biomedical terms used in the Data Sheets.

For large industrial and research operations, maintaining reasonable control of all toxic materials used in their operations can be a formidable task. A system utilizing cards has been developed that serves a dual purpose, informing the user regarding hazards of a particular material and also facilitating appropriate workplace surveillance during its use. Selected data, including threshold limit values, routes of absorption, symptoms of exposure, chronic effects, and emergency first-aid procedures, are printed on the card. A portion of the card contains the label that the user detaches and affixes to the container. This label classifies the material according to flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and special properties on a 0 through 4 hazard rating system. This report describes the development and use of such cards, contains the associated Toxic Material Data Sheets that provide full backup data for the labels, and furnishes a glossary of biomedical terms used in the Data Sheets.

This report describes the fundamentals of inertial-confinement fusion, some laser-fusion reactor (LFR) concepts, and attendant means of utilizing the thermonuclear energy for commercial electric power generation. In addition, other commercial energy-related applications, such as the production of fissionable fuels, of synthetic hydrocarbon-based fuels, and of process heat for a variety of uses, as well as the environmental and safety aspects of fusion energy, are discussed. Finally, the requirements for commercialization of laser fusion technologies are described.

Energetic ion backscattering has been used to analyze new and used CoMo catalyst pellets in support of the SYNTHOIL Process catalyst deactivation study. These analyses enabled the first absolute quantitative determinations of atomic composition and compositional gradients within the pellets. In cases where they can be compared, the backscattering data agree with data from parallel analysis programs using the electron microprobe and Auger spectroscopy. Enrichment of Mo and Ca in the outer 2 ..mu..m of some unused pellets was observed leading to the identification of CaMoO/sub 4/ particles in the surface layer of the pellets. Enhancement of Ti and C near the surface of used catalyst pellets and sputter Auger data showing enhancement of Fe at the surface suggest that coking and Fe/Ti deposition are two significant deactivation mechanisms in the SYNTHOIL reactor.

The successful hot extrusion of billets of Ti-Hastelloy N (13 percent Mo, 7 percent Cr, 2 percent Ti, 0.06 percent C, 87.94 percent Ni) into tube shells and followed by cold drawing into 19-mm-OD (0.75-in.) tubing depends largely on the billet microstructure. It was imperative that the preheat annealing treatment given directly before hot extrusion be designed to uniformly dissolve most of the MC-type carbide particles. A 101.6-mm-diam x 304.8-mm-long (4 x 12-in.) billet required a preheat of 4 hr at 1533/sup 0/K.

The activities at ORNL during the period July 1976 to February 1977 on the molten carbonate fuel cell program, funded by the ERDA Division of Conservation Research and Technology, are summarized. This period marks the initiation of molten carbonate fuel cell research at ORNL, making use of the extensive background of expertise and facilities in molten salt research. The activities described include a literature survey on molten carbonates, design, acquisition and installation of apparatus for experimental studies of molten carbonates, initial experiments on materials compatibility with molten carbonates, electrolysis experiments for the determination of transference numbers, and theoretical studies of transport behavior and the coupling of mass flows in molten carbonate mixtures. Significant accomplishments were the theoretical prediction of a possibly appreciable change in the alkali ion ratio at molten carbonate fuel cell electrodes, operated at high current densities, as a result of mobility differences of the alkali ions; design, construction and assembly of an electrolysis cell, and initiation of measurements of composition profiles in mixed alkali carbonate electrolytes; initiation of differential scanning calorimetry of pure alkali carbonates for quantitative measurement of transition enthalpies, eventually leading to new, more reliable values of the enthalpies and free energies of formation of …

A brief review of the analytical techniques which are currently used to obtain range and energy deposition distributions associated with the implantation of energetic ions into solid targets.