The measurement of the following thermophysical properties of Utah tar sands is in progress: thermal conductivity, specific heat relative permeability, and viscosity (of the recovered bitumen). During the report period (October 1, 1978 to November 1, 1979), experimental procedures have been developed and a basic data set has been measured. Additionally, standard core analysis has been performed for four drill sites in the Asphalt Ridge, Utah area.

Time-series analysis techniques are applied to nuclear reactor thermocouple data to investigate coolant temperatures measured within the fueled test assembly. The coolant temperature distribution within a fuel assembly affects the length of time a fuel assembly may be operated in a power reactor and, therefore, is an important economic consideration in the design of reactor fuel systems. Frequency-domain signal conditioning techniques were used to reveal the smoothly varying thermocouple signals from the noisy digital data. Examination of the cross-correlation function for thermocouple pairs suggested an alternate surging and ebbing of coolant flow within certain zones of the fuel assembly. These zones corresponded to thermocouples which experienced higher or lower than predicted coolant temperatures. This time series analysis contributed greatly toward the understanding of fuel assembly thermal hydraulics.

An analysis of a target factory leading to the determination of production expressions has provided for the basis of a parametric study. Parameters involving the input and output rate of a process system, processing yield factors, and multiple processing steps and production lines have been used to develop an understanding of their dependence on the rate of target injection for laser fusion. Preliminary results have indicated that a parametric study of this type will be important in the selection of processing methods to be used in the final production scheme of a target factory.

Different aspects of radiation damage in both synthetic NaCl crystals and various natural rock salt samples as well as granite, basalt and other minerals which will be important for radioactive waste disposal applications are being investigated. The principal means of measuring radiation damage is the determination of F-center concentrations, and the concentration and size of sodium metal colloid particles. Formation of these and other defects during irradiation and the annealing of defects and characterization of other processes occurring after irradiation are being studied as a function of dose rate, total dose, sample temperature during irradiation, strain applied prior to and during irradiation, etc. Measurements are being made on synthetic NaCl and natural rock salt samples from different geological locations, including some potential repository sites. It will be necessary to determine if radiation damage in the minerals from different localities is similar. If non-negligible differences are observed a detailed study must be made for each locality under consideration. Almost all current studies are being made on rock salt but other minerals particularly granite and basalt are being phased into the program. It is now established that radiation damage formation in both natural and synthetic rock salt is strongly dependent on strain. …

The Policy Analysis Screening System (PASS) is a computerized information-retrieval system designed to provide analysts in the Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environment, Office of Technology Impacts (DOE-ASEV-OTI) with automated access to articles, computer simulation outputs, energy-environmental statistics, and graphics. Although it is essential that PASS respond quickly to user queries, problems at the computer facility where it was originally installed seriously slowed PASS's operations. Users attempting to access the computer by telephone repeatedly encountered busy signals and, once logged on, experienced unsatisfactory delays in response to commands. Many of the problems stemmed from the system's facility manager having brought another large user onto the system shortly after PASS was implemented, thereby significantly oversubscribing the facility. Although in March 1980 Energy Information Administration (EIA) transferred operations to its own computer facility, OTI has expressed concern that any improvement in computer access time and response time may not be sufficient or permanent. Consequently, a study was undertaken to assess the current status of the system, to identify alternative computer environments, and to evaluate the feasibility of each alternative in terms of its cost and its ability to alleviate current problems.

A 15% Fe/SiO/sub 2/ catalyst was prepared. H/sub 2/ and CO chemisorption uptakes were measured for the catalysts prepared to date. Very small uptakes were noted for the silica supported iron catalysts. Reactor activity tests in synthesis gas were conducted for 3% Fe/SiO/sub 2/, 15% Fe/SiO/sub 2/ and 10% Co-B/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ catalysts. These preliminary tests aided the final development of a laboratory microreactor system. Criteria for avoiding heat and mass transfer limitations on intrinsic rate measurements were examined and applied to the catalyst activity tests.

Two diode designs are being studied that require basically different fabrication techniques. The fabrication of electrodes was begun to test the concepts and the feasibility of these designs. This work was done with polished molybdenum electrode surfaces and vapor-deposited alumina insulator structures. Initial results were obtained in the close spacing of molybdenum electrodes with alumina insulators. Spacings were demonstrated with 1/2-inch diameter discs in the range of 3 to 5 ..mu..m, using 1-..mu..m thick insulators. The deposition of thin alumina films on a molybdenum substrate was demonstrated, upon which arrays of thin film electrodes about 1/32-inch in diameter were deposited. A second approach uses a thin film as one of the electrodes. An analysis of the thermal and electrical transport properties of 1-..mu..m thick tungsten film shows that edge-connected films about 1 mm square in area could withstand the stresses generated by differential thermal expansion when the film is attached to the opposite electrode by stand-off insulators.

Experimental programs at Argonne ZGS are reviewed with emphasis on experiments using polarized beams.

Some general background information concerning the geology and geothermal occurrences in the Southern Coast Ranges is included, as well as the more detailed information dealing with the Paso Robles area proper. Results for two geophysical methods that have been used in the area: the ground magnetic and gravity surveys, are discussed and interpreted.

This document presents the description of the final design for the Solar Total Energy System (STES) to be installed at the Shenandoah, Georgia, site for utilization by the Bleyle knitwear plant. The system is a fully cascaded total energy system design featuring high temperature paraboloidal dish solar collectors with a 235 concentration ratio, a steam Rankine cycle power conversion system capable of supplying 100 to 400 kW(e) output with an intermediate process steam take-off point, and a back pressure condenser for heating and cooling. The design also includes an integrated control system employing the supervisory control concept to allow maximum experimental flexibility. The system design criteria and requirements are presented including the performance criteria and operating requirements, environmental conditions of operation; interface requirements with the Bleyle plant and the Georgia Power Company lines; maintenance, reliability, and testing requirements; health and safety requirements; and other applicable ordinances and codes. The major subsystems of the STES are described including the Solar Collection Subysystem (SCS), the Power Conversion Subsystem (PCS), the Thermal Utilization Subsystem (TUS), the Control and Instrumentation Subsystem (CAIS), and the Electrical Subsystem (ES). Each of these sections include design criteria and operational requirements specific to the subsystem, including interface requirements …

Phase I studies included updating and completing the USGS GEOTHERM file for California and compiling all data needed for a California Geothermal Resources Map. Phase II studies included a program to assess the geothermal resource at Calistoga, Napa County, California. The Calistoga effort was comprised of a series of studies involving different disciplines, including geologic, hydrologic, geochemical and geophysical studies.

The objective of this contract is to field test the potential of chemical blocking foams to increase the efficiency of steam drive operations, particularly in shallow, heavy oil reservoirs. The initial work under the contract has consisted of laboratory work to test foaming materials. The state-of-the art was surveyed through a review of current work and through meetings held with university and industry laboratories. Discussed was equipment, data, and agents in the generation and evaluation of foams. Testing during the first quarter was conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure to screen the foaming agent. These tests were conducted in distilled water, saline water, and water with crude oil added, as described in detail in the appendix. The preliminary results, also included in the appendix, indicate that several chemicals appear promising.

The overall objective of this research is to develop desulfurizing transition metal catalysts, which are active in homogeneous media at moderate temperatures and pressures for the purification of coal-derived fuels and chemicals. To this end, the mechanism of action is being examined whereby newly identified nickel(0) complexes desulfurize organosulfur compounds in solution at 65 to 70/sup 0/C. The sulfur compounds under investigation are typical of those commonly encountered in coal-derived liquids and solids, such as thiophenes, sulfides and mercaptans. The following studies on the homogeneous, stoichiometric desulfurizing agent, bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene) nickel(0) ((COD)/sub 2/Ni), were continued: (a) activation of the agent by means of added mono-, bi-/sup 2/ and tri-dentate amines, either of the tertiary or primary amine type; (b) labeling studies designed to reveal the source of the hydrogen that replaces the sulfur in the desulfurization of dibenzothiophene; (c) comparison of the desulfurizing activity of (COD)/sub 2/Ni, both in the presence and in the absence of lithium aluminum hydride; and (d) testing for the role of any biphenylene intermediate in these desulfurizations. Results are reported.

This report is a compilation of data and forecasts resulting from an analysis of the coal market and the factors influencing supply and demand. The analyses performed for the forecasts were made on an end-use-sector basis. The sectors analyzed are electric utility, industry demand for steam coal, industry demand for metallurgical coal, residential/commercial, coal demand for synfuel production, and exports. The purpose is to provide coal production and consumption forecasts that can be used to perform detailed, railroad company-specific coal transportation analyses. To make the data applicable for the subsequent transportation analyses, the forecasts have been made for each end-use sector on a regional basis. The supply regions are: Appalachia, East Interior, West Interior and Gulf, Northern Great Plains, and Mountain. The demand regions are the same as the nine Census Bureau regions. Coal production and consumption in the United States are projected to increase dramatically in the next 20 years due to increasing requirements for energy and the unavailability of other sources of energy to supply a substantial portion of this increase. Coal comprises 85 percent of the US recoverable fossil energy reserves and could be mined to supply the increasing energy demands of the US. The NTPSC study …

A series of experiments performed to develop successful back-layer contacts for a MIS solar cell and to study the effects of argon inclusion on the properties of the active intrinsic layer in the a-Si:H cell are described. Mixtures of argon (Ar), phosphine (Ph/sub 3/), and hydrogen (H/sub 2/) were used at various partial pressures to assess the effectiveness of doping with a reactive gas. The inclusion of argon in dc reactively-sputtered films was measured using specially prepared cathode image samples and the results correlated with the SiH/sub 2//SiH ratio in the films. Details are reported.

The fluidized bed incinerator and waste immobilization processes are being developed to process various liquid and solid wastes that are generated by a nuclear facility. The versatility of the incinerator liquid waste handling system has been enhanced by recent changes made in the pumping and related piping system. Tributyl phosphate-solvent incineration has been evaluated thoroughly using the pilot plant fluidized bed incinerator. Vitrified glass pellets were made to determine operating parameters of a resistance-heated reactor and to produce samples for testing. Procedures were developed for testing the product pellets. A simplified start-up procedure was devised as development continued on a second type of reactor, the Joule-heated melter.

Two samples were precracked by fatigue and exposed to separated geothermal brines in a closed autoclave. Final load and crack length were measured and a fractographic examination performed on compact double cantilever beam samples. The fractographs are shown. (MHR)

Case-by-case reviews of selective world experience with severe local faults, particularly fuel failure and fuel degradation, are reviewed for two sodium-cooled thermal reactors, several LMFBRs, and LMFBR-fuels experiments. The review summarizes fuel-failure frequency and illustrates the results of the most damaging LMFBR local-fault experiences of the last 20 years beginning with BR-5 and including DFR, BOR-60, BR2's MFBS-and Mol-loops experiments, Fermi, KNK, Rapsodie, EBR-II, and TREAT-D2. Local-fault accommodation is demonstrated and a need to more thoroughly investigate delayed-neutron and gaseous-fission-product signals is highlighted in view of uranate formation, observed blockages, and slow fuel-element failure-propagation.

Construction of an Anger camera-computer system which allows collection of both the position and energy signals from events detected by the scintillation camera has been completed. The system allows correction of energy response non-uniformity of the detector and facilitates research related to effects of energy discrimination in radionuclide scintigraphy. The system consists of electronic hardware to transmit and digitize the energy signal, software to record and process that signal in conjunction with spatial positioning signals, and additional hardware for recording the processed images so that they can be evaluated by observers. Preliminary results indicate that the system is useful in evaluating clinical images. Assymetric (eccentric) energy windows do improve image quality and are of value in improving detection of lesions on liver scintigraphs. The mechanisms by which Ga-67 is taken up in infection and tumor has been elucidated, and the uptake of radiogallium in microorganisms as a function of its interaction with siderophores was also studied. The primary function of these low molecular weight compounds is to trap ferric ion. However, gallium may be substituted for ferric ion and becomes trapped within the microorganism. The uptake of radiogallium by neutrophils and the role that lactoferrin plays in both intracellular localization …

Twelve supported iron and cobalt catalysts were prepared, including three boride-promoted catalysts, by a procedure developed previously in this laboratory. Each was characterized by H/sub 2/ and CO chemisorption measurements. Construction and testing of a high pressure laboratory microreactor system were completed. The system features a 0.65 cm tubular reactor, ice-temperature liquid traps, and a gas chromatograhic system for complete product analysis. Eight catalysts were tested at 90 kPa, 450 to 500/sup 0/K H/sub 2//CO = 2 to obtain product distribution, selectivity, and turnover number data. The results show that supports and promoters significantly affect specific activity and product selectivity of iron and cobalt in CO hydrogenation.

Statewide assessment studies included updating and completing the USGS GEOTHERM File for California and compiling all data needed for a California Geothermal Resources Map. Site specific assessment studies included a program to assess the geothermal resource at Calistoga, Napa County, California. The Calistoga effort was comprised of a series of studies involving different disciplines, including geologic, hydrologic, geochemical and geophysical studies.

This report presents the details of new geophysical work for the Paso Robles geothermal area, California performed under terms of the second year contract, 1979-80 between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG). The report contains two sections. The first section is to provide background for the reader and consists of a reprint from CDMG's first year report (1979-80) to DOE. It describes only the Paso Robles studies performed by CDMG in its first year effort. The second section provides new information developed by CDMG in its 1979-80 studies concerning the geophysical survey of the Paso Robles geothermal area. Included in the first section is some general background information concerning the geology and geothermal occurrences in the Southern Coast Ranges, as well as the more detailed information dealing with the Paso Robles area proper. The second section is concerned only with discussion and interpretation of results for two geophysical methods that have so far been used by CDMG in the area: the ground magnetic and gravity surveys. The CDMG studies of the Paso Robles area are not yet complete and additional studies using newly acquired resistivity equipment are planned for the near …

A general discussion of the factors affecting solar collector performance is presented. Bench scale tests done to try to determine the heat transfer characteristics of various screen materials are explained. The design, performance, and evaluation of a crude collector with a simple screen stack absorber is treated. The more sophisticated absorber concept, and its first experimental approximation is examined. A short summary of future plans for the collector concept is included. (MHR)

A 15% Fe-3% K/sub 2/O on SiO/sub 2/ catalyst, a 15% Co-3% K/sub 2/O on SiO catalyst and a 15% CoB/SiO/sub 2/ catalyst were prepared. H/sub 2/ and CO chemisorption uptakes were measured for the catalysts prepared to date. It was noted that calcining the iron catalysts in air before reduction in flowing H/sub 2/ aided in increasing metal dispersion. Liquid and wax traps for use in the reactor system were completed as were plans for chromatographic product analysis.