Scope of work: (1) Importance of hydrogen donors in the coal, prepare highly pure 2-t-butyltetralin. Study the conversion of Argonne coals in tetralin and 2-t-butyltetralin and compare the following: conversion to soluble products, product molecular weight distributions, and product structure. Hydrogen donated by both solvents will be measured by gas chromatography and the same technique will be used to establish the amount of dealkylation of 2-t-butyltetralin. Reactions will be run at several temperatures for varying times. (2) Selective recycle solvent absorption. Argonne coals will be exposed to recycle solvents at several elevated temperatures and the non-absorbed portion of the solvent will be separated by filtration. The composition of the whole oil and non-absorbed portion will be analyzed spectroscopically and chromatographically and compared to determine the composition of the recycle oil dissolved in the coal. 6 figs., 1 tab.

The Inert Electrodes Program at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is supported by the Office of Industrial Processes of the US Department of Energy and is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Hall-Heroult cells through the development of inert anodes. The inert anodes currently under the study are composed of a cermet material of the general composition NiO-NiFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}-Cu. The program has three primary objectives: (a) to evaluate the anode material in a scaled-up, pilot cell facility, (b) to investigate the mechanisms of the electrochemical reactions at the anodes surface, and (c) to develop sensors for monitoring various anode and/or electrolyte conditions. This report covers the results of a portion of the studies on anode reaction mechanisms. The anode mechanism studies were focused in four areas in FY 1990 and FY 1991: (a) the determination of whether a film formed on cermet inert anodes and (if it existed) the characterization of this film, (b) the determination of the sources of the anode impedance, (c) the evaluation of the effects of silica and a precorroded state on anode corrosion, and (d) a preliminary study on the effect of microstructure on the corrosion properties of the anodes. This report discusses …

Cross sections are calculated for electromagnetic wave scattering and mode transformation from magnetic and density fluctuations in the vicinity of the principal electron cutoffs and resonances in a homogeneous plasma. For the special case of scattering perpendicular to the magnetic field, density fluctuations scatter ordinary to ordinary and extraordinary to extraordinary modes -- but cannot transform these modes. On the other hand, magnetic fluctuations perpendicular to the field can transform modes but cannot scatter on a single branch. For incident frequencies on the order of the electron plasma frequency or gyrofrequency, the cross sections for scattering and transformation due to field and density fluctuations have a similar value. Estimates are given for scattering in a tokamak plasma with special emphasis on the question of how to detect and localize magnetic field fluctuations. Toroidal effects are handled by ray tracing. Ray tracing calculations and estimates of practical limitations on detection technique show that magnetic fluctuations can be detected and localized by this method -- even when the magnetic fluctuation levels are orders of magnitude lower than the density fluctuations. 33 refs., 12 figs.

Oxidation of copper and electronic transport in thermally grown large-grain poly-crystals of non-stoichiometric copper oxides were studied at elevated temperatures. Thermogravimetric copper oxidation was studied in air and oxygen at temperatures between 350 and 100 C. From the temperature-dependence of oxidation rates, three different processes can be identified for the oxidation of copper: bulk diffusion, grain-boundary diffusion, and surface control with whisker growth; these occur at high, intermediate, and low temperatures, respectively. Electrical conductivity measurements as a function of temperature (350 - 1134 C) and pO2 (10(sup⁻⁸-1.0 atm) indicated intrinsic electronic conduction in CuO over the entire range of conditions. Electronic behavior of non-stoichiometric Cu(sub 2)O indicates that the charge defects are doubly ionized oxygen interstitials and holes. The calculated enthalpy of formation of oxygen ((Delta)H(sub O(sub 2))) and the hole conduction energy (E(sub H)) at constant composition for non-stoichiometric Cu2O are 2.0 (plus minus) 0.2 eV and 0.82 (plus minus) 0.02 eV, respectively.

The report provides a broad overview of energy choices facing the Nation. It is not an exhaustive analysis of any one technology; rather, it draws together the main themes of OTA reports from the past 16 years, and other documents, into an outline of the main directions the country could follow.

This report contains sections on: toluene and xylene hydrogenation over Pd, benzene and toluene hydrogenation over Pt, hydrogenation reactions over Au, CO oxidation over Au, hydrogenation of acetophenone over Pt, and ultrahigh vacuum study of Pt/TiO{sub 2} systems. (BT)

This report contains sections on: toluene and xylene hydrogenation over Pd, benzene and toluene hydrogenation over Pt, hydrogenation reactions over Au, CO oxidation over Au, hydrogenation of acetophenone over Pt, and ultrahigh vacuum study of Pt/TiO{sub 2} systems. (BT)

DOE has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for radioisotope heat source fuel processing and fabrication involving existing facilities at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) near Los Alamos, New Mexico. The proposed action is needed to provide Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTG) to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) CRAF and Cassini Missions. Based on the analysis in the EA, DOE has determined that the proposed action does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. 30 refs., 5 figs.

Each section of this report consists of a program description; results for the quarter: and an analysis of trends over the previous two years, depending upon the availability of data. The analyst who produced each section is identified in order to facilitate the reader in following up any questions regarding the data or the analysis approach. The reader is directed to the trend subsections for more in-depth summaries of each data section.The four major environmental topics included are air, water, meteorological processes and biological monitoring. 16 figs., 34 tabs.

This report summarizes trainee evaluations for the DOE Safety Training Institute's course, Orientation to Occupational Safety Compliance in DOE,'' which was conductd May 7, 1991 -- May 17, 1991 at Amarillo, Texas. The first part of the report summaries the quantitative course evaluations that trainees provided upon completion of the course and provides a transcript of the trainees' written comments in Appendix A. The second part summarizes results from the final examination designed to measure the knowledge gained from the course. The third part of the report summarizes course modifications and recommendations for improvement. Numeric course ratings were generally positive and show that the course material and instruction was very effective. Written comments supported the positive numeric ratings. The course content and knowledge gained by the trainees exceeded most of the students' expectations of the course. Examination results on the final examination indicate that appropriate knowledge was gained by students attending the course.

This report summarizes trainee evaluations for the DOE Safety Training Institute's course, Supervisors Orientation to Occupational Safety in DOE,'' which was conducted twice at the Rocky Flats facility between April 23, 1991 and May 2, 1991. The first part of the report summarizes the quantitative course evaluations that trainees provided upon completion of the course and provides a transcript of the trainees written comments in Appendices A and B. The second part summarizes results from the final examination designed to measure the knowledge gained from the course. The third part of the report summarizes course modifications and recommendations for improvement. Numeric course ratings were generally positive and show that the course material and instruction was very effective. Written comments supported the positive numeric ratings. The course content and knowledge gained by the trainees exceeded most of the students expectations of the course. Results from the final examination showed that students gained appropriate knowledge from the course.

This report summarizes trainee evaluations for the DOE Safety Training Institute's course, Supervisors Orientation to Occupational Safety in DOE,'' which was conducted May 20--23, 1991 at Richland, Washington. The first part of the report summarizes the quantitative course evaluations that trainees provided upon completion of the course and provides a transcript of the trainees written comments in Appendix A. The second part summarizes results from the final examination designed to measure the knowledge gained from the course. The third part of the report summarizes course modifications and recommendations for improvement. Numeric course ratings were generally positive and show that the course material and instruction was very effective. Written comments supported the positive numeric ratings. The course content and knowledge gained by the trainees exceeded most of the students expectations of the course. Results from the final examination showed that students gained appropriate knowledge from the course.

This is an evaluation of the Crude Oil Policy Model (COPM) and the assumptions driving the estimates of future crude oil production and abandonments attributable to an accelerated federal oil R&D program which were cited in the National Energy Strategy. This evaluation focuses on the logic and inputs to the model itself, and their impact on the NES estimates. A plan for making the recommended enhancements is also discussed. A parallel effort is also now in progress to make a number of model enhancements that will facilitate the analysis of RCRA impacts. This effort is scheduled to be completed for the Office of Planning and Environment in mid-August. A description of these enhancements is also included in our plan for correcting and enhancing the COPM.

Slow-strain-rate tensile tests and electrochemical experiments were performed in different aqueous solutions on ductile nickel aluminide, Ni{sub 3}Al+B, in order to evaluate the possibility of environmentally induced fracture of this material in neutral pH solutions as a result of hydrogen absorption. Two different processes were postulated that could lead to hydrogen absorption and embrittlement: (1) local acidification due to hydrolysis of the corrosion reaction products and (2) hydrogen reduction during the potential transient that accompanies film rupture and repair. Experiments were designed to evaluate each of these possibilities. First, slow strain rate tests were conducted in solutions with varying concentrations of metal ions and pH to determine the critical metal ion concentration and pH that result in hydrogen absorption and embrittlement of this material. Second, the potential transient that follows the mechanical rupture of the protective surface film in different solutions was measured and the minimum potential during the transient was compared to the potential that results in a hydrogen fugacity large enough to cause cracking. The results indicate that hydrogen reduction, absorption, and embrittlement are not to be expected in neutral solutions as a result of local acidification during crevice corrosion or film rupture during crack propagation or cyclic …

A summary of the evaluation of remedial alternatives for the 300 Area Process Trench sediment removal at Hanford is presented. Based on the preliminary technology screening, screening factors, and selection criteria the preferred alternative for the 300 Area Process Trench is to remove and interim stabilize the sediments within the fenced area of the process trenches. This alternative involves proven technologies that are applied easily at this mixed waste site. This alternative removes and isolates contaminated sediments from the active portion of the trenches allowing continued used of the trenches until an inspection and treatment facility is constructed. The alternative does not incorporate any materials or actions that preclude consideration of a technology for final remediation of the operable unit. The estimated initial and annual costs would enable this alternative to be implemented under the guidelines for an EPA- funded ERA ($2 million). Implementation of the alternative can be accomplished with trained personnel using familiar procedures to provide a safe operation that accomplishes the objective for removing a potential source of contamination, thereby reducing potential environmental threat to groundwater. 18 refs., 5 figs., 9 tabs.

A safety concern for the proposed Special Nuclear Materials Laboratory (SNML) facility at the Los Alamos National Laboratory was air leakage from the facility if it were to experience a design basis earthquake event. To address this concern, a study was initiated to estimate air leakage, driven by wind-generated pressure gradients, from a seismically damaged concrete structure. This report describes a prototype experiment developed and performed to measure the air permeability in a reinforced concrete shear wall, both before and after simulated seismic loading. A shear wall test structure was fabricated with standard 4000-psi concrete mix. Static load-cycle testing was used to simulate earthquake loading. Permeability measurements were made by pressurizing one side of the shear wall above atmospheric conditions and recording the transient pressure decay. As long as the structure exhibited linear load displacement response, no variation in the air permeability was detected. However, experimental results indicate that the air permeability in the shear wall increased by a factor of 40 after the wall had been damaged (cracked). 17 figs., 8 tabs.

This report, the result of an assessment of the potential for automation and robotics technology to assist in the exploration of the Moon and Mars, raises a number of issues related to the goals of the U.S. civilian space program. Among other things, the report discusses how greater attention to automation and robotics technologies could contribute to U.S. space exploration efforts.

The neutron total cross sections of {sup 58}Ni were measured from {approx} 1 to > 10 MeV using white-source techniques. Differential neutron elastic-scattering cross sections were measured from {approx} 4.5 to 10 MeV at {approx} 0.5 MeV intervals with {ge} 75 differential values per distribution. Differential neutron inelastic-scattering cross sections were measured, corresponding to fourteen levels with excitations up to 4.8 MeV. The measured results, combined with relevant values available in the literature, were interpreted in terms of optical-statistical and coupled-channels model using both vibrational and rotational coupling schemes. The physical implications of the experimental results nd their interpretation are discussed in the contexts of optical-statistical, dispersive-optical, and coupled-channels models. 61 refs.

In support of a fiber-tile calorimeter for SDC, we have done studies on a number of topics. The most basic problems were light output and uniformity of response. Using a small electron beam, we have studied fiber placement, tile preparation, wrapping and masking, fiber splicing, fiber routing, phototube response, and some degradation factors. We found two configurations which produced more light output than the others and reasonably uniform response. We have chosen one of these to go into production for the EM test module on the basis of fiber routing for ease of assembly of the calorimeter. We have also applied some of the tools we developed to CDF end plug tile uniformity, shower max testing and development for a couple of detectors, and development of better techniques for radiation damage studies. 18 figs.

A magnetic field line topology with nulls, generated by superimposing a uniform magnetic field onto the field from a distributed ring current, is analyzed. This simple model is amenable to substantial analytical progress and also facilitates the visualization of the three dimensional field geometry. Four nulls are seen to exist and representative field lines and tubes of flux found by numerical integration are presented. An infinite number of topologically distinct flux bundles is found. A convenient mapping is defined which proves very useful in distinguishing between and following the paths of the different tubes of flux as they traverse through the null system. The complexities already present in this simple but nontrivial configuration serve to emphasize the difficulties in analyzing more complicated geometries, but the intuition gained from this study proves beneficial in those cases. One such example is the application to a model of plasmoid formations in the earth's magnetotail. 7 refs., 19 figs.

we have made extensive studies of the Ion Acoustic Decay Instability (IADI) in laser-produced plasmas using the Janus (Phoenix) laser at LLNL. We found that the threshold is quite low and that, in planar plasmas, it can be reduced to homogeneous-plasma, collisional values. These observations are consistent with the plasma-density profiles calculated by hydrodynamic simulations using the LASNEX computer code run with a flux limiter of f = 0.1. We have designed experiments to study the IADI in larger plasmas using the Nova laser. 2 refs., 1 fig.

This report describes the proposed methods for dealing with contaminants that have accumulated in White Oak Creek, White Oak Lake, and the White Oak Creek Embayment as a result of process releases and discharges from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Alternative methods of cleaning up the area which were considered in accordance with regulatory guidelines are listed, and information supporting the selected methods is provided. Also included are results of a site survey conducted at the White Oak Creek Embayment and the expected effects of the proposed control structures on the floodplain and wetlands. The appendix contains figures showing the nine cross-sections of the stream channel surveyed during studies of the White Oak Creek area.

This report describes the proposed methods for dealing with contaminants that have accumulated in White Oak Creek, White Oak Lake, and the White Oak Creek Embayment as a result of process releases and discharges from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Alternative methods of cleaning up the area which were considered in accordance with regulatory guidelines are listed, and information supporting the selected methods is provided. Also included are results of a site survey conducted at the White Oak Creek Embayment and the expected effects of the proposed control structures on the floodplain and wetlands. The appendix contains figures showing the nine cross-sections of the stream channel surveyed during studies of the White Oak Creek area.

A major program of university research, longer-ranged and more fundamental in approach than industrial research, into basic mechanisms of enhancing petroleum recovery and into underlying physics, chemistry, geology, applied mathematics, computation, and engineering science has been built at Minnesota. The original focus was surfactant-based chemical flooding, but the approach taken was sufficiently fundamental that the research, longer-ranged than industrial efforts, has become quite multidirectional. Topics discussed are volume controlled porosimetry; fluid distribution and transport in porous media at low wetting phase saturation; molecular dynamics of fluids in ultranarrow pores; molecular dynamics and molecular theory of wetting and adsorption; new numerical methods to handle initial and boundary conditions in immiscible displacement; electron microscopy of surfactant fluid microstructure; low cost system for animating liquid crystallites viewed with polarized light; surfaces of constant mean curvature with prescribed contact angle.