Fuel performance annual report for 1989 (open access)

Fuel performance annual report for 1989

This annual report, the twelfth in a series, provides a brief description of fuel performance during 1989 in commercial nuclear power plants and an indication of trends. Brief summaries of fuel design changes, fuel surveillance programs, fuel operating experience, fuel problems, high-burnup fuel experience, and items of general significance are provided. References to more detailed information and related US Nuclear Regulatory Commission evaluations are included.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Bailey, W.J.; Berting, F.M. (Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)) & Wu, S. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States). Div. of Systems Technology)
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Magnetic fusion with high energy self-colliding ion beams (open access)

Magnetic fusion with high energy self-colliding ion beams

Field-reversed configurations of energetic large orbit ions with neutralizing electrons have been proposed as the basis of a fusion reactor. Vlasov equilibria consisting of a ring or an annulus have been investigated. A stability analysis has been carried out for a long thin layer of energetic ions in a low density background plasma. There is a growing body of experimental evidence from tokamaks that energetic ions slow down and diffuse in accordance with classical theory in the presence of large non-thermal fluctuations and anomalous transport of low energy (10 keV) ions. Provided that major instabilities are under control, it seems likely that the design of a reactor featuring energetic self-colliding ion beams can be based on classical theory. In this case a confinement system that is much better than a tokamak is possible. Several methods are described for creating field reversed configurations with intense neutralized ion beams.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Rostoker, N.; Wessel, F. (California Univ., Irvine, CA (United States)); Maglich, B. (Advanced Physics Corp., Irvine, CA (United States)) & Fisher, A. (Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (United States))
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Control of pyrite surface chemistry in physical coal cleaning (open access)

Control of pyrite surface chemistry in physical coal cleaning

The successful separation of pyrite from coal by flotation is dependent to a large extent upon the selectivity of the process, and the use of a pyrite depressant is one of the most important and cost-effective techniques for achieving this. This report evaluates the effects of three factors on the floatability of pyrite. These are (1) the superficial oxidation of pyrite, (2) the contamination of pyrite surfaces by carbonaceous matter, and (3) pulp redox potentials. XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and IR spectrometry have been used to identify surface reaction products. Microflotation, laboratory-scale conventional flotation and microbubble column flotation were used to quantify the effects of these factors. It was found that low (reducing) pulp potentials are effective depressants of pyrite (more so for fresh, unoxidized samples than for oxidized samples), whilst at the same time do not materially affect coal flotation.
Date: June 24, 1992
Creator: Luttrell, G. H.; Yoon, R. H. & Ou, Z. S.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Lattice gaugefixing and other optics in lattice gauge theory (open access)

Lattice gaugefixing and other optics in lattice gauge theory

We present results from four projects. In the first, quark and gluon propagators and effective masses and {Delta}I = 1/2 Rule operator matching coefficients are computed numerically in gaugefixed lattice QCD. In the second, the same quantities are evaluated analytically in the strong coupling, N {yields} {infinity} limit. In the third project, the Schwinger model is studied in covariant gauges, where we show that the effective electron mass varies with the gauge parameter and that longitudinal gaugefixing ambiguities affect operator product expansion coefficients (analogous to {Delta}I = 1/2 Rule matching coefficients) determined by matching gauge variant matrix elements. However, we find that matching coefficients even if shifted by the unphysical modes are {xi} invariant. In the fourth project, we show that the strong coupling parallelogram lattice Schwinger model as a different thermodynamic limit than the weak coupling continuum limit. As a function of lattice skewness angle these models span the {Delta} = {minus}1 critical line of 6-vertex models which, in turn, have been identified as c = 1 conformal field theories.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Yee, Ken.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mechanical strength and stability of lithium aluminate (open access)

Mechanical strength and stability of lithium aluminate

Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) investigated the strength and resistance to thermal shock of lithium aluminate annular pellets. The room temperature, axial compressive fracture strength of pellets made at Westinghouse Advanced Energy Systems (WAES) varied from 80 to 133 ksi. The strength at 430{degrees}C (806{degrees}F) was to 30 to 40% lower. The strength at 900{degrees}C (1652{degrees}F) showed a wide variation with one measurement near 90 ksi. These strength values are consistent with other data and predictions made in the literature when the grain size and porosity of the microstructure are taken into account. In diametral compression tests, the fracture strengths were much lower due to the existence of tensile stresses in some pellet regions from this type of loading. However, the fracture stresses were still generally higher than those reported in the literature; this fracture resistance probably reflects the better quality of the pellets tested in this study. Measurements on pellets made at PNL indicated lower strengths compared to the WAES material. This strength difference could be accounted for by different processing technologies: material made at PNL was cold-pressed and sintered with high porosity whereas the WAES material was isostatically hot-pressed with high density. Thermal shocking of the material by ramping …
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Brimhall, J.L.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fifth in situ vitrification engineering-scale test of simulated INEL buried waste sites (open access)

Fifth in situ vitrification engineering-scale test of simulated INEL buried waste sites

In September 1990, an engineering-scale in situ vitrification (ISV) test was conducted on sealed canisters containing a combined mixture of buried waste materials expected to be present at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA). The test was part of a Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) program to assist INEL in treatability studies of the potential application of ISV to mixed transuranic wastes at the INEL SDA. The purpose of this test was to determine the effect of a close-packed layer of sealed containers on ISV processing performance. Specific objectives included determining (1) the effect of releases from sealed containers on hood plenum pressure and temperature, (2) the release pressure ad temperatures of the sealed canisters, (3) the relationships between canister depressurization and melt encapsulation, (4) the resulting glass and soil quality, (5) the potential effects of thermal transport due to a canister layer, (6) the effects on particle entrainment of differing angles of approach for the ISV melt front, and (7) the effects of these canisters on the volatilization of voltatile and semivolatile contaminants into the hood plenum.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Bergsman, T.M.; Shade, J.W. (Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)) & Farnsworth, R.K. (EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States))
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
DOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) system studies digest (open access)

DOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) system studies digest

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) has sponsored system studies to support the evaluation of alternative configurations and operations for the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System (CRWMS) and the development of system requirements and design specifications. These studies are generally directed toward evaluating the impacts of alternatives to the monitored retrievable storage (MRS) and fuel rod consolidation, waste form and characteristics sequences, cask and canister concepts, allocation of waste acceptance rights, and system throughput rates. The objectives of this document are: To present major system issues and related system element issues in a structured manner; to discuss key results of major system studies and explain the basis for certain current system assumptions; to summarize the scope and results of completed system studies that are still relevant at the time this document is published; and to provide the background needed for identifying and prioritizing system issues to be resolved. Consistent with the objectives, the document does not include low-level subsystem studies addressing system element issues that do not interact with overall system issues. The document is expected to be updated as major new system studies are completed and significant new results are available.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: McLeod, N. B. (Johnson and Associates Inc., Fairfax, Virginia (United States)); Nguyen, T. D.; Drexelius, R. (USDOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)) & McKee, R. W. (Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States))
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Physical characterization of magmatic liquids. [Ultrasonic and Brillouin Scattering Studies of Natural and Synthetic Silicates and Oxides] (open access)

Physical characterization of magmatic liquids. [Ultrasonic and Brillouin Scattering Studies of Natural and Synthetic Silicates and Oxides]

This report describes a research project that was conducted from August 15, 1985 to February 28, 1992. The project was based on the ultrasonic studies of natural and synthetic silicate melts, and the study of Brillouin scattering of synthetic silicates and oxides. Measurements of the compressional wave velocity and attenuation can be established using the ultrasonic methods. Temperature dependences of silicates can be established by the Brillouin scattering. (MB)
Date: June 5, 1992
Creator: Manghnani, M.H.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Radioactive waste management in the former USSR (open access)

Radioactive waste management in the former USSR

Radioactive waste materials--and the methods being used to treat, process, store, transport, and dispose of them--have come under increased scrutiny over last decade, both nationally and internationally. Nuclear waste practices in the former Soviet Union, arguably the world's largest nuclear waste management system, are of obvious interest and may affect practices in other countries. In addition, poor waste management practices are causing increasing technical, political, and economic problems for the Soviet Union, and this will undoubtedly influence future strategies. this report was prepared as part of a continuing effort to gain a better understanding of the radioactive waste management program in the former Soviet Union. the scope of this study covers all publicly known radioactive waste management activities in the former Soviet Union as of April 1992, and is based on a review of a wide variety of literature sources, including documents, meeting presentations, and data base searches of worldwide press releases. The study focuses primarily on nuclear waste management activities in the former Soviet Union, but relevant background information on nuclear reactors is also provided in appendixes.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Bradley, D.J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Sandia software guidelines, Volume 4: Configuration management (open access)

Sandia software guidelines, Volume 4: Configuration management

This volume is one in a series of Sandia Software Guidelines for use in producing quality software within Sandia National Laboratories. This volume is based on the IEEE standard and guide for software configuration management. The basic concepts and detailed guidance on implementation of these concepts are discussed for several software project types. Example planning documents for both projects and organizations are included.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Electric-utility DSM programs: 1990 data and forecasts to 2000 (open access)

Electric-utility DSM programs: 1990 data and forecasts to 2000

In April 1992, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released data on 1989 and 1990 electric-utility demand-site management (DMS) programs. These data represent a census of US utility DSM programs, with reports of utility expenditures, energy savings, and load reductions caused by these programs. In addition, EIA published utility estimates of the costs and effects of these programs from 1991 to 2000. These data provide the first comprehensive picture of what utilities are spending and accomplishing by utility, state, and region. This report presents, summarizes, and interprets the 1990 data and the utility forecasts of their DSM-program expenditures and impacts to the year 2000. Only utilities with annual sales greater than 120 GWh were required to report data on their DSM programs to EIA. Of the 1194 such utilities, 363 reported having a DSM program that year. These 363 electric utilities spent $1.2 billion on their DSM programs in 1990, up from $0.9 billion in 1989. Estimates of energy savings (17,100 GWh in 1990 and 14,800 GWh in 1989) and potential reductions in peak demand (24,400 MW in 1990 and about 19,400 MW in 1989) also showed substantial increases. Overall, utility DSM expenditures accounted for 0.7% of total US electric revenues, …
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Hirst, E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Prospects for top at CDF (open access)

Prospects for top at CDF

During the next two years, the Fermilab Tavatron is expected to deliver approximately 100pb{sup {minus}1} of integrated luminosity. We describe improvements to the CDF detector since the 1988--89 collider run and discuss the prospects for the discovery of the top quark during the 1992--93 collider runs.
Date: June 3, 1992
Creator: Gerdes, D. (Chicago Univ., IL (United States))
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Thermal testing of the proposed HUD energy efficiency standard for new manufactured homes (open access)

Thermal testing of the proposed HUD energy efficiency standard for new manufactured homes

Thermal testing of two manufactured homes was performed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) Collaborative Manufactured Buildings Facility for Energy Research and Testing (CMFERT) environmental enclosure in the winter and spring of 1991. The primary objective of the study was to directly measure the thermal performance of the two homes, each built according to a proposed new US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standard. Secondary objectives were to test the accuracy of an accompanying compliance calculation method and to help manufacturers find cost-effective ways to meet the new standard. Both homes performed within the standard without major design or production line modifications. Their performance fell within 8% of predictions based on the new draft HUD calculation manual; however, models with minimum window area were selected by the manufacturer. Models with more typical window area would have required substantive design changes to meet the standard. Several other tests were also performed on the homes by both NREL and the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to uncover potential thermal anomalies and to explore the degradation in thermal performance that might occur because of (a) penetrations in the rodent barrier from field hookups and repairs, (b) closing of interior doors …
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Judkoff, R.D. & Barker, G.M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The interaction of energetic alpha-particles with intense lower hybrid waves (open access)

The interaction of energetic alpha-particles with intense lower hybrid waves

Lower hybrid waves are a demonstrated, continuous means of driving toroidal current in a tokamak. When these waves propagate in a tokamak fusion reactor, in which there are energetic {alpha}- particles, there are conditions under which the {alpha}-particles do not appreciably damp, and may even amplify, the wave, thereby enhancing the current-drive effect. Waves traveling in one poloidal direction, in addition to being directed in one toroidal direction, are shown to be the most efficient drivers of current in the presence of the energetic {alpha}-particles.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Fisch, N. J. & Rax, J. M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Measurements of beat wave accelerated electrons in a toroidal plasma (open access)

Measurements of beat wave accelerated electrons in a toroidal plasma

Electrons are accelerated by large amplitude electron plasma waves driven by counter-propagating microwaves with a difference frequency approximately equal to the electron plasma frequency. Energetic electrons are observed only when the phase velocity of the wave is in the range 3v{sub e} < v{sub ph} < 7v{sub e} (v{sub ph} was varied 2v{sub e} < v{sub ph} < 10v{sub e}), where v{sub e} is the electron thermal velocity, (kT{sub e}/m{sub e}){sup {1/2}}. As the phase velocity increases, fewer electrons are accelerated to higher velocities. The measured current contained in these accelerated electrons has the power dependence predicted by theory, but the magnitude is lower than predicted.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Rogers, J.H. (Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Plasma Physics Lab.) & Hwang, D.W. (California Univ., Davis, CA (United States). Dept. of Applied Science Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States))
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
A conceptual framework for using DOE 5700. 6C and the other DOE orders as an integrated management system; the Fermilab experience (open access)

A conceptual framework for using DOE 5700. 6C and the other DOE orders as an integrated management system; the Fermilab experience

In this paper, I describe a conceptual framework that uses DOE Order 5700.6C and more than 140 other DOE Orders as an integrated management system -- but I describe it within the context of the broader sociological and cultural issues of doing research at DOE funded facilities. The conceptual framework has two components. The first involves an interpretation of the 10 criteria of DOE 5700.6C that is tailored for a research environment. The second component involves using the 10 criteria as functional categories that orchestrate and integrate the other DOE Orders into a total management system. The Fermilab approach aims at reducing (or eliminating) the redundancy and overlap within the DOE Orders system at the contractor level.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Bodnarczuk, M.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
A formula for efficiency of fast wave current drive in fusion devices (open access)

A formula for efficiency of fast wave current drive in fusion devices

Fast wave current drive (FWCD) is a principal candidate for non- inductive current drive schemes in reactors. Major experiments are in progress or planned on DIII-D, JET, and Tore-Supra. A theory for FWCD was presented by two of the authors and collaborators. To minimize computations required in transport simulations, and for analytical understanding, it is very useful to have a concise analytical efficiency formula. Fisch and Karney, and Ehst and Karney have obtained empirical formulae that fits numerical results for the Landau limit and Alfven limit; the latter fits results at 1 < Z{sub i} {le} 2. This paper extends a previous numerical study on FWCD at arbitrary frequencies and Z{sub i}. Analytical formulae for FWCD efficiency, valid for all frequencies and Z{sub i}, are derived using the adjoint technique in high and low phase velocity regions. A smooth patching between the two regions produces an analytical formula which is accurate for all frequencies, Z{sub i}, and phase velocities. Comparison with existing results will be discussed. A corollary of the present calculation is that a low phase velocities and in the Landau limit, the efficiency is the same as that calculated from the Lorentz model collision operator.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Chiu, S. C.; Harvey, R. W. (General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)); Karney, C. F. F. (Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Plasma Physics Lab.) & Mau, T. K. (California Univ., Los Angeles, CA (United States). School of Engineering and Applied Science)
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
(Test and gather data on sweep spike combination tillage tool) (open access)

(Test and gather data on sweep spike combination tillage tool)

This summary presents the data accumulated to date with only brief comment. It is prepared with the intent that the viewers will offer advice on terminology, data presentation, methods and other. The year end analysis will detail changes in the data due to the tillage treatments. The data is incomplete due to equipment problems and time limitations due to the wet fall and early freeze up. The trial was not completed due to our inability to get the Mikkelsen Chisel Plow Shovel (MCP), a 16 inch sweep with an anhydrous knife, to penetrate untilled land. The MCP shovel penetrated to deep on plowed ground and pulled so hard that the front wheels of our JD4440 tractor were jerked off the ground. The Standard Chisel Plow Shovels (SCP), a 16 inch sweep, worked well and the data is included.
Date: June 19, 1992
Creator: Lukach, J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Advanced high efficiency concentrator cells (open access)

Advanced high efficiency concentrator cells

This report describes research to develop the technology needed to demonstrate a monolithic, multijunction, two-terminal, concentrator solar cell with a terrestrial power conversion efficiency greater than 35%. Under three previous subcontracts, Varian developed many of the aspects of a technology needed to fabricate very high efficiency concentrator cells. The current project was aimed at exploiting the new understanding of high efficiency solar cells. Key results covered in this report are as follows. (1) A 1.93-eV AlGaAs/1.42-eV GaAs metal-interconnected cascade cell was manufactured with a one-sun efficiency at 27.6% at air mass 1.5 (AM1.5) global. (2) A 1.0eV InGaAs cell was fabricated on the reverse'' side of a low-doped GaAs substrate with a one-sun efficiency of 2.5% AM1.5 diffuse and a short-circuit current of 14.4 mA/cm{sup 2}. (3) Small-scale manufacturing of GaAs p/n concentrator cells was attempted and obtained an excellent yield of high-efficiency cells. (4) Grown-in tunnel junction cell interconnects that are transparent and thermally stable using C and Si dopants were developed. 10 refs.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Gale, R. (Varian Associates, Inc., Palo Alto, CA (United States). Varian Research Center)
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Phase 2 drilling operations at the Long Valley Exploratory Well (LVF 51--20) (open access)

Phase 2 drilling operations at the Long Valley Exploratory Well (LVF 51--20)

This report describes the second drilling phase, completed to a depth of 7588 feet in November 1991, of the Long Valley Exploratory Well near Mammoth Lakes, California. The well in Long Valley Caldera is planned to reach an ultimate depth of 20,000 feet or a bottomhole temperature of 500{degrees}C (whichever comes first). There will be four drilling phases, at least a year apart with scientific experiments in the wellbore between active drilling periods. Phase 1 drilling in 1989 was completed with 20 in. casing from surface to a depth of 2558 ft., and a 3.8 in. core hole was drilled below the shoe to a depth of 2754 in. Phase 2 included a 17-{1/2} in. hole out of the 20 in. shoe, with 13-3/8 in. casing to 6825 ft., and continuous wireline coring below that to 7588 ft. This document comprises a narrative log of the daily activities, the daily drilling reports, mud logger's reports, summary of drilling fluids used, and other miscellaneous records.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Finger, J. T. & Jacobson, R. D.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Assessment and development of an advanced heat pump for recovery of volatile organic compounds (open access)

Assessment and development of an advanced heat pump for recovery of volatile organic compounds

This report documents Phase 1 of a project conducted by Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI) for the assessment and development of an advanced heat pump for recovery of VOC solvents from process gas streams. In Phase 1, MTI has evaluated solvent recovery applications within New York State (NYS), identified host sites willing to implement their application, and conducted a preliminary design of the equipment required. The design and applications were evaluated for technical and economic feasibility. The solvent recovery heat pump system concept resulting from the Phase 1 work is one of a mobile unit that would service multiple stationary adsorbers. A large percentage of solvent recovery applications within the state can be serviced by on-site carbon bed adsorbers that are desorbed at frequencies ranging from once per to once per month. In this way, many users can effectively share'' the substantial capital investment associated with the system's reverse Brayton hardware, providing it can be packaged as a mobile unit. In a typical operating scenario, a carbon adsorption module will be located permanently at the industrial site. The SLA will be ducted through the adsorber and the solvents removed, thus eliminating an air emission problem. Prior to VOC breakthrough, by schedule …
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Control of pyrite surface chemistry in physical coal cleaning (open access)

Control of pyrite surface chemistry in physical coal cleaning

To better understand the surface chemical properties of coal and mineral pyrite, studies on the effect of flotation surfactants (frother and kerosene) on the degree of hydrophobicity have been conducted. The presence of either frother or kerosene enhanced the flotability of coal and mineral pyrite with a corresponding decrease in induction time over the pH range examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate a correlation exists between the sample surface morphology and crystal structure and the observed hydrophobicity. As a result of the data obtained from the surface characterization studies, controlled surface oxidation was investigated as a possible pyrite rejection scheme in microbubble column flotation.
Date: June 24, 1992
Creator: Luttrell, G. H.; Yoon, R. H.; Zachwieja, J. & Lagno, M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Locked modes and magnetic field errors in MST (open access)

Locked modes and magnetic field errors in MST

In the MST reversed field pinch magnetic oscillations become stationary (locked) in the lab frame as a result of a process involving interactions between the modes, sawteeth, and field errors. Several helical modes become phase locked to each other to form a rotating localized disturbance, the disturbance locks to an impulsive field error generated at a sawtooth crash, the error fields grow monotonically after locking (perhaps due to an unstable interaction between the modes and field error), and over the tens of milliseconds of growth confinement degrades and the discharge eventually terminates. Field error control has been partially successful in eliminating locking.
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Almagri, A. F.; Assadi, S.; Prager, S. C.; Sarff, J. S. & Kerst, D. W.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Direct electron absorption of fast waves on the D3-D tokamak (open access)

Direct electron absorption of fast waves on the D3-D tokamak

None
Date: June 1, 1992
Creator: Petty, C. C.; Pinsker, R. I.; Chiu, S. C.; deGrassie, J. S.; Lohr, J.; Luce, T. C. et al.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library