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The goal of this research is to develop catalysts that directly convert methane and light hydrocarbons to intermediates that can, as economics dictate, be subsequently converted either to liquid fuels or value-added chemicals. In this program we are exploring two approaches to developing such catalysts. The first approach consists of developing advanced catalysts for reforming methane. We will prepare the catalysts by reacting organometallic complexes of transition metals (Fe, Ru, Rh, and Re) with zeolitic and rare-earth-exchanged zeolitic supports to produce surfaceconfined metal complexes in the zeolite pores. Our second approach entails synthesizing the porphyrin and phthalocyanine complexes of Cr, Mn, Ru, Fe, and/or Co within the pores of zeolitic supports for use as selective oxidation catalysts for methane and light hydrocarbons. During the second quarter of this project, we concentrated on methane reforming. Two ruthenium clusters (Ru{sub 4} and Ru{sub 6}) supported on three types of support materials ({beta}-alumina, 5 {Angstrom} molecular sieves, and {gamma}-zeolite) were tested for methane reforming. The effects of cluster size, supporting material, and reaction conditions were evaluated. The methane conversions range from 1.74 to 10.11% at 750{degrees}C. The reaction product contains hydrogen, C{sub 2} hydrocarbons, and C{sub 6} or higher hydrocarbons. Up to 48.34% …

This report briefly describes recent geophysical and geotechnical instrumentation developments relevant to the studies of deep geologic repositories. Special emphasis has been placed on techniques that appear to minimize measurement problems associated with repositories constructed in basalt or domed salt. Included in the listing are existing measurement capabilities and deficiencies that have been identified by a few authors and instrumentation workshops that have assessed the capabilities of existing instrumentation with respect to repository applications. These deficiencies have been compared with the reported advantages and limitations of the new developments described. Based on these comparisons, areas that merit further research and development have been identified. The report is based on a thorough literature review and on discussions with several instrumentation specialists involved in instrumentation development.

Technical progress made for the contract period 1 October 1979-30 September 1980, and in fact since the last progress report was prepared on 18 June 1979, is summarized. The relationship between tropospheric air temperature, sea surface temperature patterns and volcanic aerosol has been derived by the application of generalized least squares analysis, which takes account of significant autocorrelation between the variables. Up to 50% of the variance of the tropical tropospheric air temperature can be explained in terms of preceding values of the variables. The technique is being applied to make a preliminary climatic forecast of the effect of the Mt. St. Helen's eruption of 18 May 1980 on zonal mean Northern Hemisphere temperature. A regression approach was used to forecast winter temperature over the continental US using parameters from our data base. Techniques for experimental climatic forecasting are being developed and studies of the background sea-air interaction processes are being made. We have shown that surface effects extend up to at least 500 mb in the atmosphere. Tropical rainfall has been found to vary with the Southern Oscillation Index; this rainfall provides the main energy supply to the atmosphere in the form of latent heat liberation.

Weekly report of the Texas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service on broiler chick numbers in Texas and compared with other states. It includes compiled statistics across six consecutive weeks, from the week ending April 12 to the week ending May 17, during 1985 and 1986 for broiler eggs set, chicks hatched, and chicks placed.

Weekly report of the Texas Crop and Livestock Reporting Service on turkey poult numbers in Texas and compared with other states. It includes compiled statistics across six consecutive weeks during two years for turkey eggs set and poults hatched.