A compact cold-transfer apparatus for engaging and retrieving samples at liquid helium temperatures (1.5--4K), maintaining the samples at such temperatures for periods of hours, and subsequently inserting them in diverse apparatuses followed by disengagement, is described. The properties of several thermal radiation-insulating shrouds, necessary for very low sample temperatures, are presented. The immediate intended application is transportable target-shells containing highly spin-polarized deuterons in solid HD or D{sub 2} for inertially confined fusion (ICF) experiments. The system is also valuable for unpolarized high-density fusion fuels, as well as for other applications which are discussed. 9 refs., 6 figs.

This second edition is an update of biomass energy production and use in Washington State for 1989. The purpose of this directory is to provide a listing of known biomass users within the state and some basic information about their facilities. The data can be helpful to persons or organizations considering the use of biomass fuels. The directory is divided into three sections of biomass facilities with each section containing a map of locations and a data summary table. In addition, a conversion table, a glossary and an index are provided in the back of the directory. The first section deals with biogas production from wastewater treatment plants. The second section provides information on the wood combustion facilities in the state. This section is subdivided into two categories. The first is for facilities connected with the forest products industries. The second category include other facilities using wood for energy. The third section is composed of three different types of biomass facilities -- ethanol, municipal solid waste, and solid fuel processing. Biomass facilities included in this directory produce over 64 trillion Btu (British thermal units) per year. Wood combustion facilities account for 91 percent of the total. Biogas and ethanol facilities …

Aqueous radioactive wastes from Savannah River Site separations processes are contained in large underground carbon steel tanks. Tank conditions are evaluated by inspection using periscopes, still photography, and video systems for visual imagery. Inspections made in 1990 are the subject of this report.

This report documents the Environmental Transport Section's (ETS) two-dimensional, sequential gaussian puff transport and dispersion model for emergency response. The sequential puff scheme is described, and the dispersion equations are presented. The advantages of this model over the ETS's PUFF/PLUME model are discussed. Options are calculating a two-dimensional wind field, interpolation procedures, and the wind field grid are described. The various grid systems for puff transport calculations and dose estimates are also described. A flow diagram for the modules comprising the 2DPUF code and a description of each module is presented.

This report discusses the following topics: electron synchrotrons; proton ion sources and linac R D; and accelerator theory and electromagnetic field calculations. (LSP)

Significant progress has been achieved in a number of areas with the support of this Department of Energy grant which began on July 1, 1989. We have quantified experimentally the kinetics of the initial (low-coverage) alkane activation reaction, i.e., alkane {yields} alkyl + hydrogen adatom, for the following systems: (1) C{sub 2}H{sub 6} on Ir(110)-(1{times}2), and (2) CH{sub 4}, CD{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 6} and C{sub 2}D{sub 6} on Pt(110)-(1{times}2). In addition, we have employed dynamic Monte Carlo simulations to study two important aspects of surface reactivity, namely, reactant segregation during a steady-state surface reaction, and the compensation effect in a transient surface reaction. Experimentally determined values of the initial adsorption probability of ethane on Ir(110)(1{times}2) were employed to probe the dynamics of the interaction. Experimentally determined values of the initial trapping probability {zeta}{sub 0} of ethane into a physically adsorbed state at T{sub s} = 77 K as a function of E{sub i} and {Theta}{sub i} and experimentally determined values of the initial probability of dissociative chemisorption P{sub r} as a function of E{sub i}, {Theta}{sub i} and T{sub s} were obtained.

The overall goal of this proposal is to study the carcinogenic effect of both high and low LET radiation at the molecular level, utilizing techniques developed in molecular biology, cancer cell biology and radiation biology. The underlying assumption is that malignant transformation of normal cells is a multistep process requiring two or more molecular events in the genomic DNA. We hypothesize that radiation may induce such events in one or more steps of the multistep process. We will use in vitro models of transformation that reproduce the stepwise progression of normal cells toward the transformed phenotype and ask whether radiation can provide the necessary activating function at discrete steps along this path. Our strategy involves transfecting into normal primary cells a variety of cloned oncogenes that are known to supply only some of the functions necessary for full transformation. These partially transformed'' cells will be the targets for irradiation by x-rays and alpha particles. The results will provide the basis for assessing the ability of ionizing radiation to activate oncogenic functions that complement'' the oncogene already present in the transfected cells and produce the fully transformed phenotype. Progress is described. 121 refs.

Equipment progress include furnace construction and electron microprobe installation. The following studies are underway: phase equilibria along basalt-rhyolite mixing line (olivine crystallization from natural silicic andensites, distribution of Fe and Mg between olivine and liquid, dist. of Ca and Na between plagioclase and liquid), enthalpy-composition relations in magmas (bulk heat capacity of alkali basalt), density model for magma ascent and contamination, thermobarometry in igneous systems (olivine/plagioclase phenocryst growth in Quat. basalt), high-pressure phase equilibria of alkali basalt, basalt-quartz mixing experiments, phase equilibria of East African basalts, and granitic minerals in mafic magma. (DLC)

The Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation (ALSC) was formed as a cooperative effort of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation to better characterize the chemical and biological status of Adirondack lakes. Between 1984 and 1987, the ALSC surveyed 1469 lakes within the Adirondack ecological zone. As a follow-up to the survey, the ALSC sponsored a series of interpretive analyses of the ALSC data base. The primary objectives of these analyses were as follows: Evaluate the influence of mineral acids (from acidic deposition) and nonmineral acids (natural organic acids) on lake pH levels; classify Adirondack lakes according to lake and watershed features expected to influence their responsiveness to changes in acidic deposition; evaluate the sensitivity of Adirondack lakes to changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in mineral acids or dissolved organic carbon concentrations; identify lake characteristics important in explaining the observed present-day status of fish communities in Adirondack lakes, in particular the relative importance of lake acidity; evaluate changes that have occurred over time in Adirondack fish communities and probable causes for these trends by using the available historical data on fish communities in the Adirondacks and the ALSC data base; …

General Electric (GE) initiated and developed the concept of the Power Reactor Innovative Small Module (PRSIM) liquid metal cooled reactor in the 1980s. The intent was to develop a low cost, demonstrably safe, reliable, electrical power generator. Some preliminary site assessments were performed in 1986 and 1987 for the prototype test, primarily looking at the economics of using existing facilities at various potential sites for performance of the safety tests on one reactor module. In 1989, the New Programs Department of EG G Idaho was asked to develop the methodology and criteria for a more rigorous site selection process, expanding the scope of interest from the original economics for a one reactor module safety test to also include National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations, NRC siting regulations, ALMR design requirements, and the addition of a steam generator module and turbine-generator for the power producing phase. The methodology and criteria were to be developed for use at any potential DOE site. EG G Idaho was also requested to perform a pilot study at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) using the newly developed methodology and criteria. This study was for instructional purposes only; DOE will make the final determination on site …

Fabrication of repeat parts for the small area short stack is nearing completion and assembly activities are being initiated. Electrolyte reservoir plates (ERPs) were completed and processed into integral separator plates, and acid fill of parts was initiated. Fabrication of electrodes was also completed, including catalyzation and applications of seals and matrices.

By accelerating a gas containing suspended particles or large molecules through a converging nozzle, the suspended species may be focused and therefore used to write fine lines on a surface. Our objective was to study the limits on how narrow this focal region could be as a function of particle size. We find that, for monodisperse particles with masses m{sub p} some 3.6 {times} 10{sup 5} times larger than the molecular mass m of the carrier gas (diameters above some 100{angstrom}), there is no fundamental obstacle to directly write submicron features. However, this conclusion has been verified experimentally only with particles larger than 0.1 {mu}m. Experimental, theoretical and numerical studies on the defocusing role of Brownian motion for very small particles or heavy molecules have shown that high resolution (purely aerodynamic) focusing is impossible with volatile molecules whose masses are typically smaller than 1000 Dalton. For these, the minimal focal diameter after optimization appears to be 5{radical}(m/m{sub p}) times the nozzle diameter d{sub n}. But combinations of focused lasers and aerodynamic focusing appear as promising for direct writing with molecular precursors. Theoretical and numerical schemes capable of predicting the evolution of the focusing beam, including Brownian motion effects, have been …

This background paper examines several proposals for reducing the costs of spacecraft and other payloads and describes launch systems for implementing them. It is one of a series of products of a broad assessment of space transportation technologies undertaken by OTA at the request of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

This background paper focuses on one technological option for increasing the supply of fresh water to the Southwest-that of building a freshwater subsea pipeline to transport water from Alaska to California. Originally a suggestion by Governor Walter Hickel of Alaska, the proposal has recently attracted attention in southern California.

Hawaii has abundant natural energy resources, especially biomass, that could be used to produce alternative fuels for ground transportation and electricity. This report summarizes activities performed during 1988 to June 1991 in the first phase of the Alcohol Transportation Fuels Demonstration Program. The Alcohol Transportation Fuels Demonstration Program was funded initially by the Energy Division of the State of Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and then by the US Department of Energy. This program was intended to support the transition to an altemative transportation fuel, methanol, by demonstrating the use of methanol fuel and methanol-fueled vehicles, and solving the problems associated with that fuel. Specific objectives include surveying renewable energy resources and ground transportation in Hawaii; installing a model methanol fueling station; demonstrating a methanol-fueled fleet of (spark-ignition engine) vehicles; evaluating modification strategies for methanol-fueled diesel engines and fuel additives; and investigating the transition to methanol fueling. All major objectives of Phase I were met (survey of local renewable resources and ground transportation, installation of methanol refueling station, fleet demonstration, diesel engine modification and additive evaluation, and dissemination of information on alternative fueling), and some specific problems (e.g., relating to methanol fuel contamination during handling and refueling) …

The objective of this research is to investigate and develop novel catalysts for the conversion of coal-derived synthesis gas into C[sub 1]-C[sub 4] alcohols by a highly selective process. Therefore, the variations of catalyst activity and selectivity for the synthesis of alcohols from H[sub 2]/CO [le]1 synthesis gas for a series of A/TX[sub 2] compounds, where A is a surface alkali dopant, T is a transition metal, and X is a S, Se, or Te, will be determined. The alkali component A, which is essential for C-O and C-C bond forming reactions leading to alcohols, will be highly dispersed on the TX[sub 2] surfaces by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical complexation/anchoring (CCA) methods. The target alcohol space time yields are of the order of 1 kg of alcohol product per kg of catalyst per hour and the target selectivity is > 90% to alcohols. Among the A/TX[sub 2] compounds initially investigated, preference will be given to A = Cs, T = Group VB element (V, Nb, Ta), and X = S or Se. So delimited A/TX[sub 2] catalysts possess the strongest base (Cs), and the CCA preparation method using crown ethers is expected not only to disperse the …

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By modelling the boundary layer on a flat plate as a piece-wise linear velocity profile it is possible to analyze disturbances in the flow in a systematic manner. The approach is that of an initial-value, boundary-value problem but, unlike classical normal modes employed in stability theory, the solutions here can be obtained in closed form and they are non separable. A specific example is treated where the vertical component of the perturbation velocity is prescribed as a localized pulse initially. The amplitude is then depicted as a function of time and the coordinates of the plane of the flat plate at a fixed vertical location. The role of three-dimensionality and the initial transient period of development -- heretofore unknown -- are both shown to be of significant importance in the dynamics. An argument is given to strongly suggest that the origin of large-scale oscillations known to be prevalent in turbulent shear flows may well be explained using these bases. 15 refs., 8 figs.

Aluminum nitride -- silicon carbide whisker composites with up to 20 vol % whiskers were fabricated by pressureless sintering (1750{degree}--1800{degree}C) and by hot-pressing (1700{degree}--1800{degree}C). Silicon carbide whiskers were found to degrade depending on the type of protective powder bed used during sintering. Whiskers were found to degraded in high oxygen containing samples by reaction with sintering additives. Whisker degradation was also due to the formation of silicon carbide -- aluminum nitride solid solution. No whisker degradation was observed in hot-pressed samples. For these samples Young's modulus and fracture toughness were measured. A 33% increase in the fracture toughness was measured by the indentation technique for a 20 vol % whisker composite. Operative toughening mechanisms were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Crack deflection and whisker bridging were the dominant mechanisms. It was also shown that load transfer from matrix to whiskers can be a contributing factor to toughening. 88 refs., 34 figs., 11 tabs.

Test runs for the immobilization of radioactive wastes in glass are now underway at the TNX Facility of the Savannah River Site. The wastes are immobilized by the Integrated Defense Waste Processing Facility Melter System (IDMS) process. The IDMS makes a borosilicate glass. To make the glass, certain quantities of boron and silicate must be maintained in the melter. The silicate is added to the melter in a substance called frit. To determine the amount of frit to add, it is necessary to calculate the percent silicate in the frit. The present method of determining the silicate content of frit has yielded inconsistent results. The focus of this project was to develop and implement a new process for determining the silicate content of frit. The author chose to achieve this goal using a colormetric method.

This report summarizes the work carried out under LLNL Contract Number B108527, subcontracted by the Regents of the University of California at Berkeley. The research carried out under this contract includes assisting in the data analysis for the Prognoz-9 mission, linking results of the computer codes to the Prognoz-9 data library in order to study the spectral shape and evolution of cosmic gamma-ray burst energy spectra, and using the results of this study to help to determine or constrain the physical conditions at the gamma-ray bursts sources. The results of this work led to several publications that have shed considerable insight into the gamma-ray burst mystery, and gives a new diagnostic for determining the nature of gamma-ray burst sources. The outcome of this work also provides a new spectral form for studying the temporal evolution and spectral behavior of gamma-ray bursts.

The Department of Energy's Office of Energy Emergency Policy and Evaluation requested that the Energy Information Administration complete an analysis of the proposed expansion in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from its currently planned size of 750 million barrels to 1000 million barrels. Because the SPR contains only 580 million barrels at this point in time, the benefits and costs of increasing the SPR from 600 to 750 million barrels were also estimated. This report documents the assumptions, methodology, and results of the analysis. 17 figs., 15 tabs.

The Savannah River Site has many operating years of experience with various facilities. Fires have occurred throughout the years at many of these facilities, but in general with only minor consequences. There has never been a fire related loss of life or serious injury on site. The maximum dollar loss of a single fire was approximately $400,000 involving a coal and oil fire in D area. the following is a synopsis of data included in the fire division Industrial Fire records from January of 1958 until November of 1989. It includes fires from all areas on site which were attended by or reported to the fire division. The fires are characterized by number of occurrences, site areas and buildings in which they occurred, dollar losses sustained, the cause of the fire, and what type of suppression method was used to extinguish the fire. The reactor areas are included in all discussions of site wide fires, but are also singled out and analyzed separately due to perceived significance of fires there. Discussion of the completeness of the Industrial Fire data base is also included. 29 figs., 3 tabs.

The PRISM reactor is presently under pre-application licensing review by the NRC, with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) providing technical assistance. The purpose of this paper is to review the current PRISM design and describe the results from the SSC Code calculations performed at BNL, for a series of unscrammed accidents. 3 refs., 5 figs.