The types of accidents or risks pertinent to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are presented. Design features addressing these risks are discussed. Also discussed are design features that protect the public. (DC)

Preliminary results of engineering, economic, and geographic analysis of the use of low-temperature geothermal heat for the commercial drying of grains, grasses, fruits, vegetables and livestock products in the United States are reported. Alfalfa (lucerne) dehydration was chosen for detailed process and cost study. Six different geothermal heat exchanger/dryer configurations were examined. A conveyor type that could utilize geothermal hot water for its entire heat requirement proved to be the most economical. A capital cost estimate for an all-geothermal alfalfa dehydration plant near the Heber Known Geothermal Resource Area in the Imperial Valley, California was prepared. The combined cost for heat exchangers and dryer is about $1.6 million. Output is about 11 metric tons per hour. Acreage, production and dollar value data for 22 dryable crops were compiled for the areas surrounding identified hydrothermal resources in 11 western states. The potential magnitude of fossil fuel use that could be replaced by geothermal heat for drying these crops will be estimated.

Efforts were concentrated on developing and applying various processing procedures to the seismic and gravity data and to the results of the forward modeling calculations. In parallel with the forward modeling efforts, an inversion scheme was formulated and developed for final modeling of the processed data sets for the Imperial Valley. A computer program was written to generate a regular grid of interpolated values of the gravity field based on a least square fit to a general quadratic surface of irregularly spaced observations. The resulting data set was subjected to extensive filtering and processing to produce a gravity data vector for input to the inversion scheme. Particular attention was paid to the baseline considerations encountered in the treatment of the gravity data and the impact of these considerations on the complexity of the inversion scheme.

Information is presented from which an estimate can be made of the release of plutonium oxide from shipping containers. The leak diameter is estimated from gas leak tests of the container and an estimate is made of gas leak rate as a function of pressure over the time of interest in the accident. These calculations are limited in accuracy because of assumptions regarding leak geometry and the basic formulations of hydrodynamic flow for the assumed conditions. Sonic flow is assumed to be the limiting gas flow rate. Particles leaking from the air space above the powder will be limited by the low availability of particles due to rapid settling, the very limited driving force (pressure buildup) during the first minute, and the deposition in the leak channel. Equations are given to estimate deposition losses. Leaks of particles occurring below the level of the bulk powder will be limited by mechanical interference when leaks are of dimension smaller than particle sizes present. Some limiting cases can be calculated. When the leak dimension is large compared to the particle sizes present, maximum particle releases can be estimated, but will be very conservative. Further theoretical and experimental studies are needed to better define …

In 1973, the University of Minnesota set a goal of conversion and retrofit for University Heating Plant whereby coal or lignite would become the primary fuel by the year 1980. The University, with the addition of St. Mary's and Fairview Hospitals, Augsburg College, and possibly some small Community add-ons, provides a community wherein a major portion of steam distribution is already established. This provides for the development of a larger Grid-ICES for relatively low capital expenditures. Steam demand factors, equipment, and costs are discussed. A discussion on the steam production system is followed by a description of the capital costs of demonstration systems (specifically, baghouses). The solid waste heat recovery system, fuel and energy transport and storage, and district heating by steam and hot water are discussed. The combined community service demands are detailed.

A scenario is developed which depicts the transition, during the period from 1980 to 1997, of mainline freight railroads in the US from diesel to electric power. Progress in developing an econometric model of the market penetration of electric-powered vehicles in the US to the year 2010 is reported. (LCL)

Twenty-one coal samples have been added to the Penn State/ERDA Coal Sample Bank. Ninety-six sets of analytical data and 114 coal samples were provided upon request to other agencies engaged in coal research. Mass spectrometer and reactor systems have been used successfully in measuring the amount of vaporization (and pyrolysis) products of hydrocarbons in low concentrations in a helium carrier gas. Research has shown, using small angle x-ray scattering, that the pore structure of a char is a function of the rank of the parent coal and maximum heat treatment temperature. Carbon deposition on chars from the cracking of methane decreases subsequent reactivity of the char to air. The decrease in reactivity appears to be due to a decrease in active surface area and deactivation of catalytic impurities. Experimental results previously obtained concerning the combustion of char and anthracite have been analyzed with respect to a simple theory of radiative flame propagation and the computer model has been used to investigate the effects of fuel particle density variations. In the study of the combustion characteristics of coal-oil-water emulsions, furnace efficiency peaked at about 5% coal addition, at 10% water, and 20% excess air.

The objective of this program was to define, evaluate and develop automotive accessory systems to minimize engine power consumption and significantly improve fuel economy. All tasks have been completed and the program objectives have been accomplished. Information is presented on each phase of the program which involved: conceptual design to recommended component improvement and accessory drive systems; performance and sizing analyses; detail design and specifications; fabrication, and performance testing; evaluation of integrated hybrid drive, improved accessories; and an advanced air conditioning concept.

Research and development areas that hold promise for maritime energy conservation are identified and evaluated. The methodology used in the evaluation of potential research areas and results, conclusions, and recommendations are presented. Fifteen programs are identified in four generic technologies and these are discussed in detail in appendices A-D. The areas are: main propulsion plants, propulsors, hydrodynamics, and vessel operations. Fuels are discussed briefly in appendix E. Additional information is presented on the generic US flag baseline operational and cost parameters; a sample output model is presented. (MCW)

Thirteen papers are included. Three were represented by extended abstracts and are listed by title. Separate abstracts were prepared for ten papers. (MHR)

The Federal Mine Safety Code, Part 57 of the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act, was studied as to its effects upon the design and operation of that portion of the waste Isolation Pilot Plant pertaining to mining. These standards are discussed on a point by point basis.

A survey was conducted of a cross section of U.S. and Canadian fuel storage pool operators to define the spent fuel behavior and to establish the range of pool storage environments. There is no evidence for significant corrosion degradation. Fuel handling causes only minimal damage. Most fuel bundles with defects generally are stored without special procedures. Successful fuel storage up to 18 years with benign water chemistry has been demonstrated. 2 tables. (DLC)

A revised program plan is presented for developing an electric vehicle incorporating a flywheel regenerative power system with design considerations and goals for safety and for vehicle body construction using lightweight fiber-reinforced composite material. Schedules are included for each of the major steps in the program. (LCL)

The regulatory framework of the commercial marine transportation industry is defined and these regulations are evaluated in terms of their energy impact. The approach used in the evaluation of the energy impacts of regulations and tariffs was structured around three sequential steps: identification of agencies and organizations that impact the commercial marine transportation industry; identification of existing or proposed regulations that were perceived to have a significant energy impact; and quantification of the energy impacts. Each of these three steps is described in detail. The report is organized around nine chapters. Chapter I contains an introduction and summary of the results and conclusions. Chapter II describes the regulatory structure of the commercial marine transportation industry and includes: a description of the role of each organization and the legislative basis for their jurisdiction; and an identification of major areas of regulation and those areas that have an energy impact. Chapters III through IX each address one of the seven existing or proposed regulatory or legislative actions that have an energy impact. The results of each of these seven case studies are summarized. (MCW)

The accurate determination of minimum material thicknesses required for isolating multiplying media from neutron interaction is a problem of considerable interest in the design of shipping containers and storage vaults. The net amount of storage space required for nuclear materials can be effectively reduced and criticality controls, improved through the proper use of neutron-absorbing and -moderating materials near the fuel boundary. A series of critical approach experiments was conducted at the Battelle-Northwest Critical Mass Laboratory utilizing a split-table machine in order to measure effective isolation thickness values for several materials. Analytical methods were developed for investigating the effect of fuel geometry and material compositions upon the experimental results. As a result of the data analysis, a simplified experimental technique was developed for determining isolation thickness values from the reflector savings data. Also, it was determined that many of the currently acceptable isolation thickness values are low by at least a factor of two. It was found that the minimum isolation thickness values vary significantly with the cross-sectional area of the fuel system. Diffusion theory calculations indicated that the thickness of material necessary for isolating two critical fuel slabs of essentially infinite cross-sectional dimensions was approximately a factor of four greater …

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is one of several solar energy options being considered by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA). The OTEC concept utilizes the thermal difference between warm surface and cool, deep water in tropical oceans to operate a heat engine to produce either electricity or energy-intensive chemicals. Several OTEC system designs, both open and closed cycle, have been suggested. It is estimated that by the year 2020, 4 to 6% of the anticipated energy needs of the United States could be supplied by OTEC. However, primary biological films that reduce heat transfer at heat exchange surfaces are a major limiting factor to successful development of OTEC technology. Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL) is managing an ERDA program aimed to define, prevent, and/or alleviate, potential biofouling problems associated with OTEC systems. Extensive research concerning open ocean biofouling and its control will be necessary. The OTEC concept, its history and potential advantages are discussed; various overall system designs are reviewed; and the biological limitations on OTEC development are dicussed. 33 references.

Analysis of a preliminary design for a hybrid ERODRILL system indicates that the system is practicable for both fabrication and operation in the field. The system as designed is compatible with standard 3-inch i.d., 4/sup 1///sub 2/-inch o.d. drilling pipe and rotary drill bits. Very little additional wellhead equipment will be required in field use. Dynamic loading on the downhole system with this concept is negligible; the upward thrust on the drill stem is only about 6,000 pounds per pulse while the downward force on the drill stem during drilling is 30,000 pounds. Both safety and reliability analyses have been performed which show the hybrid ERODRILL concept to be at least equivalently safe and reliable as standard drilling methods. Preliminary economic analysis shows that with current assumptions, ERODRILL is extremely attractive for offshore drilling operations, and possibly within competitive reach for deep (20,000 feet) land wells. The hybrid concept does not at first blush appear economical for shallow (10,000 feet) land wells. These conclusions are based upon assumptions about system performance, which, while they were based on the best available evidence, may be incorrect by as much as /sup +/- a factor of 2.

Fuels for ICES (consisting of the University of Minnesota, St. Mary's and Fairview hospitals, Augsburg College, Northern States Power Company, some single family residential buildings, higher density apartments, small neighborhood commercial enterprises, and light and general manufacturing enterprises) will come from western coal mines and solid waste from the health care industry. In addition to lower fuel costs, economy of operation will be improved by one large central plant (2-combined plants) because of scale and electric generation. Utilization factor of the ICES plant will be 80% versus 50% utilization of a normal plant. Site development barriers and capacity land use, site development expansion and projections, central plant limits, health care and fuel supply projections, construction codes, regulatory agencies, socio-economics, and public relations are discussed.

Experimental results on a search for charmed particle production in proton-proton collisions at the center of mass energy (..sqrt..s) of 53 GeV are presented. Evidence of cidences, a signature of charmed particle production, was sought. The inclusive e/..pi.. ratio was measured with a magnetic spectrometer located at 32/sup 0/ from Beam 1 of Intersection I6 of the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR). The e/..pi.. ratio from direct (unknown) sources was found to rise from 1.06 x 10/sup -4/ at p/sub perpendicular to/ = 1.5 GeV/c to 5.53 x 10/sup -4/ at p/sub perpendicular to/ = 0.25 GeV/c. One possible source for this signal is the semi-leptonic decay of charmed particles (e.g., D ..-->.. K/sup 0/ e..nu..). If so, then electron-strange particle (e.g., ..lambda../sup 0/,K/sup 0/) coincidences are expected. The charged decay products of ..lambda../sup 0/ and K/sup 0/ were detected in a multiparticle spectrometer surrounding Beam 1 downstream of the intersection. To determine if there is an electron-strange particle correlation, the number of ..lambda../sup 0/'s (K/sup 0/'s) in coincidence with an electron in the 32/sup 0/ spectrometer was compared with the number of ..lambda..'s (K/sup 0/'s) in coincidence with a hadron in the same kinematic range. No evidence for an …

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Investment of sinking funds by a county in savings and loan associations under article 836, V.T.C.S.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Representation of the state in county court when the county attorney is disqualified.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether a chartered life underwriter may be licensed as a life insurance counselor without examination.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Authority of Board of Polygraph Examiners to pay a 1975–76 travel claim when all 1975–76 funds have been spent.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Compensation of Grand Jury Bailiffs.