Dr. William M. Bugg and a group from ORNL had very productive meetings with Professor Sam Ting and other members of the L3 collaboration. The L3 detector system, subsystems, and the associated support facilities were examined in some detail. Discussions were held with scientists involved in planning for the L* detector systems and members of the L3 staff interested in positions at ORNL/UTK. The trip was very successful. A collaborative arrangement was established for UTK and ORNL to become involved in the future design and construction of the L* detector. These include hosting the main meeting of the L* collaboration at ORNL to complete the Expression-of-Interest (EOI) proposal. Several prospective candidates were interviewed and collaborative interactions were started on some detector subsystems for L*.

Research continued on the production of coproducts from continuous mild gasification. During the third quarter of 1990, work focused on start-up and operation of the 50 pound/hour char-to-carbon (CTC) process research unit (PRU). Start-up procedures have been finalized for the methane production reactor, and the design temperature has been achieved. Flows and pressures for the overall process have been balanced and optimized. We have achieved temperatures above 1500{degree}F in the carbon formation reactor. Upgrading experiments on mild gasification pitch have also continued on a pitch produced in run MG-122. Results of heat treating and catalytic treating tests are reported.

This document discusses a turbulator which utilizes a heated chemical bath to reduce smearable contamination from small parts and tools. It is comprised of two agitators programmed to automatically alternate the flow of the cleaning solution within the tank in four separate and distinct high velocity flow patterns allowing access to the entire surface area of the part or tool being decontaminated. The turbulator is being evaluated to determine if agitation increases the effectiveness of waste minimization. Testing of the turbulator consisted of evaluation of the Sludgetrap Containment, Tool Cleaning Demonstration, and Coupon Testing. Results so far are that the sludgetrap is effective in containing particles the size of sand, agitation increases the effectiveness of the turbulator, abrasives can replace detergents for waste minimization, and Inconel 625 is more difficult to clean than Type 3041 Stainless Steel.

This document discusses a turbulator which utilizes a heated chemical bath to reduce smearable contamination from small parts and tools. It is comprised of two agitators programmed to automatically alternate the flow of the cleaning solution within the tank in four separate and distinct high velocity flow patterns allowing access to the entire surface area of the part or tool being decontaminated. The turbulator is being evaluated to determine if agitation increases the effectiveness of waste minimization. Testing of the turbulator consisted of evaluation of the Sludgetrap Containment, Tool Cleaning Demonstration, and Coupon Testing. Results so far are that the sludgetrap is effective in containing particles the size of sand, agitation increases the effectiveness of the turbulator, abrasives can replace detergents for waste minimization, and Inconel 625 is more difficult to clean than Type 3041 Stainless Steel.

A method and apparatus for determining and indicating the flame quality, or efficiency of the air-fuel ratio, in a fixed firing rate heating unit, such as an oil burning furnace, is provided. When the flame brightness falls outside a preset range, the flame quality, or excess air, has changed to the point that the unit should be serviced. The flame quality indicator output is in the form of lights mounted on the front of the unit. A green light indicates that the flame is about in the same condition as when the burner was last serviced. A red light indicates a flame which is either too rich or too lean, and that servicing of the burner is required. At the end of each firing cycle, the flame quality indicator goes into a hold mode which is in effect during the period that the burner remains off. A yellow or amber light indicates that the burner is in the hold mode. In this mode, the flame quality lights indicate the flame condition immediately before the burner turned off. Thus the unit can be viewed when it is off, and the flame condition at the end of the previous firing cycle can …

The objectives of this program are to implement and test the process improvements identified through the engineering studies of the current program to demonstrate the capability of long-term catalyst activity maintenance, and to perform process and design engineering work that can be applied to a scaled-up Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH) facility. An optional series of PDU runs is offered to extend the testing of the process improvements. A parallel research program will be performed to enhance the LPMEOH technical data base to improve the likelihood of commercialization of the LPMEOH process. Activities this quarter include: Flow sheet development for La Porte PDU modifications continues. A preliminary P ID review was completed and flow sheet modifications were identified and are being incorporated. A preliminary hazards review was completed on 22 May. Some minor flow sheet modifications resulted and a number of action items were identified. The most significant action item is to develop a materials reactivity and compatibility grid for the different alcohols, ethers, and esters which will be produced at the PDU. Heat and material balances were completed for the maximum production case of the mixed DME/MEOH synthesis campaign. An improved rate expression was developed. 1 fig.

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, Jim Mattox, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Constitutionality of section 251.80 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code (RQ-1929)