The purpose of this report is to compare the cost of selected alternative processes for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. In turn, this information will be used by the ARS/USDA to guide the management of research and development programs in biomass conversion. The report will identify where the cost leverages are for the selected alternatives and what performance parameters need to be achieved to improve the economics. The process alternatives considered here are not exhaustive, but are selected on the basis of having a reasonable potential in improving the economics of producing ethanol from biomass. When other alternatives come under consideration, they should be evaluated by the same methodology used in this report to give fair comparisons of opportunities. A generic plant design is developed for an annual production of 25 million gallons of anhydrous ethanol using corn stover as the model substrate at $30/dry ton. Standard chemical engineering techniques are used to give first order estimates of the capital and operating costs. Following the format of the corn to ethanol plant, there are nine sections to the plant; feed preparation, pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, distillation and dehydration, stillage evaporation, storage and denaturation, utilities, and enzyme production. There are …

The Fission Energy and Systems Safety Program (FESSP) at LLNL was funded by the DOE Office of Safeguards and Security to develop an integrated system, hereafter referred to as the Security Clearance Electronic Processing, Transfer, Evaluation, and Recordkeeping (SCEPTER) System, for the electronic collection and transfer of personnel security data between clearance offices at contractor sites and DOE field offices and the Office of Personnel Management(OPM). This system will use existing software and hardware technologies where feasible. The project will consist of three phases. The first phase will investigate user needs, determine the feasibility of using existing technologies, and define project requirements. The second phase will be a pilot project to develop the computer systems and procedures required to automate the security clearance work flow within DOE and between DOE and OPM. Once the pilot system is implemented and tested, the decision to extend the system throughout DOE can be made. This third phase, the extension to a full production system, will require the investment of considerable funds in equipment and in the development of both a computer system and management infrastructure to support its successful operation. This investment will be undertaken only after the pilot system is operational and …

This report discusses the following topics: Circular magnetic x-ray dichroism at the ER L{sub 3} Edge; angular dependence of circular magnetic x-ray dichroism in rare earth compounds: and circular magnetic x-ray dichroism in crystalline and amorphous GDFE{sub 2}.

A high level nuclear waste repository, like the one at Nevada`s Yucca Mountain that is being investigated for site suitability, will have some unique seismic design and analysis considerations. These are discussed, and a design philosophy that can rationally account for the unique performance objectives of such facilities is presented. A case is made for the use of DOE`s performance goal-based seismic design and evaluation methodology that is based on a hybrid ``deterministic`` and ``probabilistic`` concept. How and to what extent this methodology should be modified to adopt it for a potential site like Yucca Mountain is also outlined. Finally, the issue of designing for seismic fault rupture is discussed briefly, and the desirability of using the proposed seismic design philosophy in fault rupture evaluation is described.

The June 1, 1985, Department of Energy (DOE)/Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Site-Specific Procedural Agreement for Geologic Repository Site Investigation and Characterization Program requires the DOE to develop and maintain a catalog of data which will be updated and provided to the NRC at least quarterly. This catalog is to include a description of the data; the time (date), place, and method of acquisition; and where it may be examined. The Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project (YMP) Technical Data Catalog is published and distributed in accordance with the requirements of the Site-Specific Agreement. The YMP Technical Data Catalog is a report based on reference information contained in the YMP Automated Technical Data Tracking System (ATDT). The reference information is provided by Participants for data acquired or developed in support of the YMP. The Technical Data Catalog is updated quarterly and published in the month following the end of each quarter. A complete revision to the Catalog is published at the end of each fiscal year. Supplements to the end-of-year edition are published each quarter. These supplements provide information related to new data items not included in previous quarterly updates and data items affected by changes to previously published reference information. The …

Radioactive metal waste makes up a significant portion of the waste currently being sent for disposal. Recovery of this metal as a valuable resource is possible through the use of decontamination technologies. Through the development and use of expert systems a comparison can be made of laser decontamination, a technology currently under development at Ames Laboratory, with currently available decontamination technologies for applicability to the types of metal waste being generated and the effectiveness of these versus simply disposing of the waste. These technologies can be technically and economically evaluated by the use of expert systems techniques to provide a waste management decision making tool that generates, given an identified metal waste, waste management recommendations. The user enters waste characteristic information as input and the system then recommends decontamination technologies, determines residual contamination levels and possible waste management strategies, carries out a cost analysis and then ranks, according to cost, the possibilities for management of the waste. The expert system was developed using information from literature and personnel experienced in the use of decontamination technologies and requires validation by human experts and assignment of confidence factors to the knowledge represented within.

A fully relativistic layer-KKR formalism was developed and implemented for calculating the single-particle Green function in atomic layers parallel to crystalline surfaces magnetic and non magnetic materials: The method was applied to the calculation surface spectroscopies, such as low energy electron diffraction (LEED), angle-resolve ultraviolet photo emission spectroscopy (UPS), and photoelectron scattering. Numeric tests were performed for non magnetic actinide surfaces and magnetic Fe surface Theoretical angle-resolved UPS spectra are presented for uranium monolayers on Pt(111) and for f.c.c. u(lll) surfaces. We find that u island formation can take place if a peak in the UPS spectra appears just before the Fermi energy immediately as u is deposited on P and we suggest an experimental procedure for testing this prediction. An intensity map photo excited electrons from the 2p{sub 3/2} core states of Fe(110) surface is also show Sizable magnetic anisotropy is found due to the interference between exchange and spin-orbit interaction, which is suitable for studying a possible surface-induced magnetism actinide adlayers.

This EMFLUXR Soil-Gas Survey was conducted on Material Disposal Areas (MDAS) G, J, and L in Technical Area 54 at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), New Mexico. MDA L has been used for disposal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and MDA G (comprising sub-areas G-1 through G-8) for disposal of both VOCs and radioactive waste; MDA I has reportedly been used for disposal of waste without either of these contaminants. All three of the sites are currently active. Figure 1 shows the location of the three MDAs within Technical Area 54 of operable Unit 1148. The purpose of the EMFLUX{reg_sign} Soil-Gas Survey was to determine the presence, identities, and relative strengths of contaminants within the three areas of LANL investigated. Quadrel understands that this information will be used in Phase-I assessment of these areas to determine flux rates of -- VOCs emanating from the ground.

This report provides a summary of progress for the project {open_quotes}Evaluation of the Geologic Relations and Seismotectonic Stability of the Yucca Mountain Area, Nevada Nuclear Waste Site Investigation (NNWSI).{close_quotes} A similar report was previously provided for the period of 1 October 1991 to 30 September 1992. The report initially covers the activities of the General Task and is followed by sections that describe the progress of the other ongoing Tasks. This report summarizes the geologic and seismotectonic studies conducted at Yucca Mountain during the contract period including Quaternary tectonics, an evaluation of mineral resource potential of the area, caldera geology, and volcano-tectonic activity at and near the site. A report of basinal studies conducted during the contract period is also included. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for simulating pyrotechnic shock for the purpose of qualifying electronic components for use in weapons, satellite, and aerospace applications. According to the invention, a single resonant bar fixture has an adjustable resonant frequency in order to exhibit a desired shock response spectrum upon mechanical impact. The invention eliminates the need for availability of a large number of different fixtures, capable of exhibiting a range of shock response characteristics, in favor of a single tunable system.

This project was initiated in 1978 to serve three objectives: (1) develop genetically improved poplar cultivars offering increased productivity under short-rotation culture; (2) identify the major components of productivity in poplar and determine ways in which they can be manipulated, genetically and culturally; and (3) engage in technology transfer to regional industry and agencies so as to make poplar culture in the Pacific Northwest economically feasible. The project is aimed at capturing natural variation in the native black cottonwood. Populus trichocarpa T & G, and enhancing it through selective breeding. Major emphasis has been placed on hybridization of black cottonwood with P deltoides and P maximowiczii, more recently with p nigra. First-generation (F{sub 1}) hybrids have consistently outperformed black cottonwood by a factor of 1.5.-2. The high yields of woody biomass obtained from these clonally propagated hybrids, in rotations of 4-7 years, have fostered the establishment of large-scale plantations by the pulp and paper industry in the region. Physiological studies have helped to elucidate hybrid superiority and several of the underlying mechanisms.

The In-Tank Precipitation (ITP) process will concentrate the Tank 48 contents to approximately 10 wt. percent tetraphenylborate solids by filtration. The filtrate produced during the process flows to the ITP stripping columns where the soluble benzene is removed from the solution. It has been observed that a large pressure differential occurs across the column packing when the filtrate is processed in the column. One potential explanation for the pressure differential is that the filtrate is foaming in the column. Small scale stripping tests have verified that the salt solution foams. Waste Management requested assistance from SRTC in solving the foaming problem through technical task requests HLE-TTR-93013A/B (Benzene Stripper Performance Evaluation) and HLE-TTR-93044 (Kinetics of Benzene and Dissolution). Various tests were completed to determine an effective defoaming agent for use in the stripping columns. This document discusses the tests and the conclusions.

This report summarizes the work on experimental research in intermediate energy nuclear physics carried out at New Mexico State University in 1991-94 under a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Most of these studies involved investigations of various pion-nucleus interactions and nucleon-nucleus charge-exchange reactions. The work was carried out with the LAMPF accelerator at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the cyclotrons at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) near Zurich, Switzerland, at Indiana University (IUCF), and at TRIUMF in Vancouver, Canada, as collaborative efforts among several laboratories and universities. We have also worked on plans and preparations for new experiments involving studies of the quark structure of nucleons and nuclei, which would be carried out at Fermilab (FNAL), near Chicago, and at the HERA facility at the DESY laboratory in Hamburg, Germany. The NMSU personnel included two faculty members, five postdoctoral research associates, nine graduate students, and one undergraduate student.

The overall objectives of this project are to quantify the rates of organic carbon export from the southern mid-Atlantic Bight and to quantify the rates at which carbon is exchanged between the inorganic and organic pools within the bottom sediments. The strategy for achieving these goals is to quantify the rates of benthic exchange and burial of bioactive elements including oxidants (such as oxygen, nitrate, sulfate), micronutrient, and carbon system parameters on the continental shelf, slope and rise regions within and adjacent to the south portion of the mid-Atlantic Bight. This information, in conjunction with burial rates provided by others in this program, will be used to determine the locations and rates of export and oxidative loss of organic matter from the shelf. During this past funding period, three expeditions were completed to the study region, successfully conducting 6 in situ benthic flux chamber experiments. The results provide an initial assessment of the magnitude and location of organic matter export from the southern Middle Atlantic Bight shelf and of the importance of this region as a supplier of organic carbon to the North Atlantic Ocean Basin.

Work on microwave joining of sintered SiC has showed that small samples could be jointed using Si interlayer (applied as pressed powder); SEM showed a smooth, homogeneous interlayer 50 {mu}m wide. Objective of this contract is to optimize these joints. Results showed that the interlayer could be reduced to 10-20 {mu}m using an oil-based slurry made from Si powder, and to less than 5 {mu}m by plasma spraying Si on one of the SiC surfaces. Direct joints were made in reaction bonded SiC, using the residual Si. Excellent joints with good mechanical properties were obtained in both small specimens and in small scale tube assemblies like in heat exchanger and radiant burner tubes. In situ reaction synthesis from powders to produce a SiC-TiC-SiC joint was demonstrated, as well feasibility of producing SiC from microwave-assisted decomposition of polymer precursors. Finally, new applicator designs, including a compound adjustable iris and a mitered bend single mode cavity, were demonstrated to provide improved heating of larger and longer specimens. This work provides the foundation for scaleup of microwave joining to SiC components for industrial applications.

The report provides an estimate of the cost and associated schedule to construct the tunnel and shaft remedial shielding concept. The cost and schedule estimate is based on a preliminary concept intended to address the potential radiation effects on Line D and Line Facilities in event of a beam spill. The construction approach utilizes careful tunneling methods based on available excavation and ground support technology. The tunneling rates and overall productivity on which the cost and project schedule are estimated are based on conservative assumptions with appropriate contingencies to address the uncertainty associated with geological conditions. The report is intended to provide supplemental information which will assist in assessing the feasibility of the tunnel and shaft concept and justification for future development of this particular aspect of remedial shielding for Line D and Line D Facilities.

(DOE) Order 4330.4B, ``Maintenance Management Program`` requires each site to develop a Site Action Plan for implementing a Maintenance Management Program. Nonnuclear facilities are required to address the 32 elements of Chapter 1: Guidelines for the Conduct of Maintenance at DOE Nonnuclear Facilities. This document details the degree of implementation for each element, and the Martin Marietta Specialty Components, Inc., plan for implementation of the items which remain to be completed. The original Pinellas Plant Maintenance Management Program Site Action Plan (Issue A) was completed March 27, 1991. The format was modified per DOE request and it was resubmitted as Issue B and approved by AL September 16, 1991. Issue C was submitted, and approved December 20, 1992. The most significant achievement during FY-93 were the implementation of plant wide Graded Approach, and Configuration Control programs. The methodologies for performing these activities were developed, and pilot programs were implemented to verify their effectiveness. Plant wide implementation of both programs is progressing on a high priority basis. The formalized method for grading equipment and facilities provides a basis for establishing uniform, risk based priorities. The risks involved are environment, safety, health and programmatic mission. Other achievements for FY-93, include the establishment …

ASTEX is a large multi-agency program to investigate all aspects of marine stratus clouds because of their overall importance in regulating the earth`s climate system. The program focused on clouds in the Eastern Atlantic during the month of June, 1992 because of the expected frequency of low clouds in that area. The experiment was based on the islands of Santa Maria in the Azores and Porto Santo about 800 km away in the Madeira Archipelago with large complements of remote sensors operated from both islands. To form an equilateral triangle of remote sensors, a ship was used as the third platform.

The Nuclear Engineering and Chemical Engineering Artificial Intelligence Groups at The Ohio State University have developed a diagnostic system for the heavy water production reactors at the Savannah River Site. The diagnostic module of the system uses hybrid hierarchical decomposition methodology to decompose the search space. The knowledge is arranged so that the search space is traversed similarly to how an expert would solve the problem. The system was tested on the SRS development simulator and the results show that the system can properly diagnose all the process water and cooling water malfunctions that are programmed into the simulator. The system was not validated by operators due to hardware unavailability. Since the New Production Reactor development efforts have been halted, the probability for future work on this project is unlikely. The development used a standardized Verification and Validation program to assist in the design and construction of the system. The use of this standardized procedure is referred to as a text book example of designing an expert system in the expectation that its use would provide guidance in future projects. Of the eight phases of the software development lifecycle, five of the phases were completed and documented.

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The overall objective of this project was to elucidate and model the dual role of oxygen functions in thermal pretreatment and liquefaction of low rank coals through the application of analytical techniques and theoretical models. The project was an integrated study of model polymers representative of coal structures, raw coals of primarily low rank, and selectively modified coals in order to provide specific information relevant to the reactions of real coals. The investigations included liquefaction experiments in microautoclave reactors, along with extensive analysis of intermediate solid, liquid and gaseous products. Attempts were made to incorporate the results of experiments on the different systems into a liquefaction model.

This engineering note documents the thermal contraction analysis that was done for the D-Zero solenoid chimney. The analysis was done as support of the 'Design Report of the 2 Tesla Superconducting Solenoid for the Fermilab DO Detector upgrade.' The cryogenic LHE and LN2 lines were analyzed for combined pressure, thermal movement, and dead weight. The tubing was stress analyzed per ASME code for Pressure Piping, standard ANSI AS:ME B31.3, for eight combinations ofthermal loading. A commercial pipe stress analysis and design system by Algor{reg_sign} was used for the analysis. Stresses calculated were well below allowables. Based on the analysis, the cryogenic lines will be installed at an offset from the vacuum jacket centerline so that during steady state cold operation, the cryogenic lines will be in a proper location.

A preliminary assessment of Appalachian basin natural gas reservoirs designated as 'tight sands' by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) suggests that greater than 90% of the 'tight sand' resource occurs within two groups of genetically-related units; (1) the Lower Silurian Medina interval, and (2) the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian Acadian clastic wedge. These intervals were targeted for detailed study with the goal of producing geologic reservoir characterization data sets compatible with the Tight Gas Analysis System (TGAS: ICF Resources, Inc.) reservoir simulator. The first phase of the study, completed in September, 1991, addressed the Medina reservoirs. The second phase, concerned with the Acadian clastic wedge, was completed in October, 1992. This report is a combined and updated version of the reports submitted in association with those efforts. The Medina interval consists of numerous interfingering fluvial/deltaic sandstones that produce oil and natural gas along an arcuate belt that stretches from eastern Kentucky to western New York. Geophysical well logs from 433 wells were examined in order to determine the geologic characteristics of six separate reservoir-bearing intervals. The Acadian clastic wedge is a thick, highly-lenticular package of interfingering fluvial-deltaic sandstones, siltstones, and shales. Geologic analyses of more than 800 wells resulted in …