Modeling the wind-fields of accidental releases with an operational regional forecast model (open access)

Modeling the wind-fields of accidental releases with an operational regional forecast model

The Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) is an operational emergency preparedness and response organization supported primarily by the Departments of Energy and Defense. ARAC can provide real-time assessments of atmospheric releases of radioactive materials at any location in the world. ARAC uses robust three-dimensional atmospheric transport and dispersion models, extensive geophysical and dose-factor databases, meteorological data-acquisition systems, and an experienced staff. Although it was originally conceived and developed as an emergency response and assessment service for nuclear accidents, the ARAC system has been adapted to also simulate non-radiological hazardous releases. For example, in 1991 ARAC responded to three major events: the oil fires in Kuwait, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines, and the herbicide spill into the upper Sacramento River in California. ARAC`s operational simulation system, includes two three-dimensional finite-difference models: a diagnostic wind-field scheme, and a Lagrangian particle-in-cell transport and dispersion scheme. The meteorological component of ARAC`s real-time response system employs models using real-time data from all available stations near the accident site to generate a wind-field for input to the transport and dispersion model. Here we report on simulation studies of past and potential release sites to show that even in the absence of local meteorological …
Date: September 11, 1995
Creator: Albritton, J.R.; Lee, R.L. & Sugiyama, G.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
WHC-SD-W252-FHA-001, Rev. 0: Preliminary fire hazard analysis for Phase II Liquid Effluent Treatment and Disposal Facility, Project W-252 (open access)

WHC-SD-W252-FHA-001, Rev. 0: Preliminary fire hazard analysis for Phase II Liquid Effluent Treatment and Disposal Facility, Project W-252

A Fire Hazards Analysis was performed to assess the risk from fire and other related perils and the capability of the facility to withstand these hazards. This analysis will be used to support design of the facility.
Date: May 11, 1995
Creator: Barilo, N.F.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Consolidated Incineration Facility waste burn test. Final report (open access)

Consolidated Incineration Facility waste burn test. Final report

The Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) is Providing technical support for start-up and operation of the Consolidated Incineration Facility. This support program includes a series of pilot incineration tests performed at the Environmental Protection Agency`s (EPA`s) Incineration Research Facility (MF) using surrogate CIF mixed wastes. The objectives for this test program included measuring incinerator offgas particulate loading and size distributions as a function of several operating variables, characterizing kiln bottom ash and offgas particulates, determining heavy metal partition between the kiln bottom ash and incinerator stack gas, and measuring kiln organics emissions (particularly polychlorinated dioxins and furans). These tests were designed to investigate the effect of the following operating parameters: Incineration Temperature; Waste Feed Rate; Waste Density; Kiln Solids Residence Time; and Waste Composition. Tests were conducted at three kiln operating temperatures. Three solid waste simulants were burned, two waste mixtures (paper, plastic, latex, and PVC) with one containing spiked toxic organic and metal compounds, and one waste type containing only paper. Secondary Combustion Chamber (SCC) offgases were sampled for particulate loading and size distribution, organic compounds, polychlorinated dibenzo[p]dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), metals, and combustion products. Kiln bottom ash and offgas particulates were characterized to determine the principal elements …
Date: January 11, 1995
Creator: Burns, D.B.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Performance results for Beamlet: A large aperture multipass Nd glass laser (open access)

Performance results for Beamlet: A large aperture multipass Nd glass laser

The Beamlet laser is a large aperture, flashlamp pumped Nd: glass laser that is a scientific prototype of an advanced Inertial Fusion laser. Beamlet has achieved third harmonic, conversion efficiency of near 80% with its nominal 35cm {times} 35cm square beam at mean 3{omega} fluences in excess of 8 J/cm{sup 2}(3-ns). Beamlet uses an adaptive optics system to correct for aberrations and achieve less than 2 {times} diffraction limited far field spot size.
Date: April 11, 1995
Creator: Campbell, J. H.; Barker, C. E.; VanWonterghem, B. M.; Speck, D. R.; Behrendt, W. C.; Murray, J. R. et al.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Induction linacs and pulsed power (open access)

Induction linacs and pulsed power

Progress in electronic power conversion technology is making possible a new class of induction linacs that can operate at extremely high repetition rates. Advances in insulator technology, pulse forming line design and switching may also lead to a new type of high current accelerator with accelerating gradients at least an order of magnitude greater than those attainable today. The evolution of the induction accelerator pulsed power system will be discussed along with some details of these emerging technologies which are at the frontiers of accelerator technology.
Date: July 11, 1995
Creator: Caporaso, G.J.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Nuclear structure at extremes of stability: Prospects for radioactive beam experiments and facilities (open access)

Nuclear structure at extremes of stability: Prospects for radioactive beam experiments and facilities

In the last few years, our understanding of nuclei at extremes of stability has undergone substantial development and change. It is now thought that there is every likelihood for truly new manifestations of structure at extreme N/Z ratios, unlike anything observed to date. Changes in shell structure, residual interactions, symmetries, collective modes, and the evolution of structure are envisioned. These developing ideas expand the opportunities for nuclear structure studies with radioactive beams and focus attention on the need to develop efficient experimental techniques and improved signatures of structure. These developments are discussed along with an overview of current and future radioactive beam projects in North America.
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Carsten, R. F.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Evaluated cross-section libraries and kerma factors for neutrons up to 100 MeV on {sup 12}C (open access)

Evaluated cross-section libraries and kerma factors for neutrons up to 100 MeV on {sup 12}C

A program is being carried out at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop high-energy evaluated nuclear data libraries for use in Monte Carlo simulations of cancer radiation therapy. In this report we describe evaluated cross sections and kerma factors for neutrons with incident energies up to 100 MeV on {sup 12}C. The aim of this effort is to incorporate advanced nuclear physics modeling methods, with new experimental measurements, to generate cross section libraries needed for an accurate simulation of dose deposition in fast neutron therapy. The evaluated libraries are based mainly on nuclear model calculations, benchmarked to experimental measurements where they exist. We use the GNASH code system, which includes Hauser-Feshbach, preequilibrium, and direct reaction mechanisms. The libraries tabulate elastic and nonelastic cross sections, angle-energy correlated production spectra for light ejectiles with A{le}and kinetic energies given to light ejectiles and heavy recoil fragments. The major steps involved in this effort are: (1) development and validation of nuclear models for incident energies up to 100 MeV; (2) collation of experimental measurements, including new results from Louvain-la-Nueve and Los Alamos; (3) extension of the Livermore ENDL formats for representing high-energy data; (4) calculation and evaluation of nuclear data; and (5) validation of …
Date: April 11, 1995
Creator: Chadwick, M.B.; Blann, M.; Cox, L.; Young, P.G. & Meigooni, A.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Loch Linnhe `94: Current meter array operations and on-site analysis (open access)

Loch Linnhe `94: Current meter array operations and on-site analysis

This report documents the operation and on-site data analysis of the LLNL Current Meter Array (CMA) which was fielded at Loch Linnhe `94. The CMA is a large floating array of 10 sensors which measure horizontal current near the water surface. The measurements are used to interpret radar images of the water surface. This experiment was conducted as a part of the Joint UK/US Radar Ocean Imaging (ROI) Program. It was held at Loch Linnhe, Scotland in September 1994. The experiment consisted of measuring natural and ship-generated internal waves (IWs) in Loch Linnhe and imaging them with a land-based, dual frequency, dual-polarization real aperture radar operated by the UK. The goal was to determine the relationship between the amplitude of IWs as measured by instrumentation deployed in the water and the modulation they produce in radar images of the water surface.
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Chambers, David H. & Jones, Holger E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Performance evaluation of response time in ATM LANs (open access)

Performance evaluation of response time in ATM LANs

This contribution compares the response-time performance of ATM LANs using ABR EFCI, UBR FIFO, and UBR with per VC queuing switches. Our study is based on experimental as well as simulation results. We found that, with or without congestion, UBR switches with per VC queuing provide the best response times.
Date: December 11, 1995
Creator: Chen, H. & Brandt, J.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Role of char during reburning of nitrogen oxides. Seventh quarterly progress report, April 1, 1995--June 30, 1995 (open access)

Role of char during reburning of nitrogen oxides. Seventh quarterly progress report, April 1, 1995--June 30, 1995

The progress in this quarter includes four parts. In the first segment, the implications of our data reported in the List quarter are discussed further. BET N{sub 2} surface area does not seems to be the only contributing factor to the remarkable activity of lignite char during reburning, and chars of different origins probably have different controlling steps in the overall surface reaction mechanisms. Unlike NO reduction in the gas phase, oxygen inhibits the heterogeneous mechanisms. The second part of this report justifies the use of our laminar flow reactor system for the measurement of reaction rate. Dispersion model is used in the analysis. An expression relating the rate constant with the experimentally obtainable NO conversion for our flow reactor have been derived. Rates of NO/char reaction for six series of experiments have been measured over the temperature range 800 to 1100{degrees}C. These six series of experiments have been conducted with two different chars, one bituminous coal char and one lignite char, and three different levels of feed NO concentrations, 200, 400 and 1000 ppm. Results from the comparison of char activities suggest that, in the absence of O{sub 2} and CO{sub 2}, the origin of char is not a …
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Chen, Wei-Yin; Te-Chang Lu; Fan, L.T. & Yashima, M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
SRS history and experience with palladium diffusers. Revision 1 (open access)

SRS history and experience with palladium diffusers. Revision 1

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has processed tritium in support of national defense programs since 1955. Palladium diffusers have been used extensively for separating hydrogen isotopes from inert gases (such as argon, helium, and nitrogen). In almost forty years of service, the design of the diffuser has been steadily improving. Several diffuser designs from different manufacturers have been evaluated at SRS. The operating experience gained from these designs together with failure analyses performed on failed units have led to several recommendations for improved diffuser designs and operating methods. This experience gained at SRS and the following recommendations form the basis of this report. Even though palladium diffuser technology has proven to be reliable, SRS has examined several alternative technologies over the past several years. This report will also review some of these promising alternatives.
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Clark, E.A.; Dauchess, D.A.; Heung, L.K.; Rabun, R.L. & Motyka, T.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
CO{sub 2} Huff-n-Puff process in a light oil shallow shelf carbonate reservoir. Second quarterly technical progress report, [April 1995--June 1995] (open access)

CO{sub 2} Huff-n-Puff process in a light oil shallow shelf carbonate reservoir. Second quarterly technical progress report, [April 1995--June 1995]

The principal objective of the Central Vacuum Unit (CVU) CO{sub 2} Huff-n-Puff (H-n-P) project is to determine the feasibility and practicality of the technology in a waterflooded shallow shelf carbonate environment. The results of parametric simulation of the CO{sub 2} H-n-P process, coupled with the CVU reservoir characterization components will determine if this process is technically and economically feasible for field implementation. The technology transfer objective of the project is to disseminate the knowledge gained through an innovative plan in support of the Department of Energy`s (DOE) objective of increasing domestic oil production and deferring the abandonment of shallow shelf carbonate (SSC) reservoirs. Tasks associated with this objective are carried out in what is considered a timely effort for near-term goals. Technical progress is summarized for; geostatistical realizations; site-specific simulation;waterflood review; and reservoir characterization.
Date: July 11, 1995
Creator: Cole, R.; Prieditis, J.; Vogt, J. & Wehner, S.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Direct chemical oxidation of hazardous and mixed wastes (open access)

Direct chemical oxidation of hazardous and mixed wastes

Direct Chemical Oxidation (DCO) refers to the use of continuously-regenerated peroxydisulfate (with possible hydrogen peroxide supplements) to effect total destruction of organic wastes in aqueous media. The process does not involve toxic catalysts or the cogeneration of secondary wastes. Peroxydisulfate (S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup -2}) is one the strongest known chemical oxidants. It is routinely used in laboratory total carbon analyzers--uncatalyzed at 100{degrees}C, or catalyzed by UV, platinum or dissolved transition metal ions--and detects by oxidative destruction to 0.01 ppm levels. We report: (1) development of a waste treatment approach grounded in industrial electrolysis practice and in reaction rate data for Pt-initiated S{sub 2}O{sub 8}{sup -2} oxidation at 100{degrees}C; (2) tests of an electrochemical cell generating 1.5 N peroxydisulfate solutions; (3) lower-limit rate data for destruction of surrogates for chemical warfare agents and compounds with functional groups resisting oxidation; and (4) destruction of a Dowex{reg_sign} ion exchange resin, such as used in nuclear processing. This technique is particularly suited for applications in analytical laboratories or in manufacturing industries where the waste generation is low in volume, highly toxic or fugitive, or changing. The process may be tailored for destruction of very small to bulk quantities of chemical warfare agents.
Date: April 11, 1995
Creator: Cooper, J. F.; Wang, F. & Farmer, J.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Destruction of VX by aqueous-phase oxidation using peroxydisulfate (direct chemical oxidation) (open access)

Destruction of VX by aqueous-phase oxidation using peroxydisulfate (direct chemical oxidation)

Chemical warfare agents may be completely destroyed (converted to H{sub 2}O, CO{sub 2}, salts) by oxidation at 90--100 C using acidified ammonium peroxydisulfate, with recycle of NH{sub 4}SO{sub 4} byproduct. The process requires no toxic or expended catalysts and produces no secondary wastes other than the precipitated inorganic content of the agents. To determine oxidative capability of peroxydisulfate at low reductant contents, we measured rate data for oxidation of 20 diverse compounds with diverse functional groups; 4 of these have bonds similar to those found in VX, HD, and GB. On an equivalence basis, integral first-order rate constants for 100 C oxidation are 0.012{plus_minus}0.005 min{sup {minus}1} for di-isopropyl-methyl-phosphonate, methyl phosphonic acid, triethylamine, and 2,2{prime}-thiodiethanol at low initial concentrations of 50 ppM(as carbon) and pH 1.5. To provide scale-up equations for a bulk chemical agent destruction process, we measured time-dependent oxidation of bulk model chemicals at high concentrations (0.5 N) and developed and tested a quantitative model. A practical process for bulk VX destruction would begin with chemical detoxification by existing techniques (eg, hydrolysis or mild oxidation using oxone), followed by mineralization of the largely detoxified products by peroxydisulfate. Secondary wastes would be avoided by use of commercial electrolysis equipment to …
Date: October 11, 1995
Creator: Cooper, J.F.; Krueger, R. & Farmer, J.C.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
The interaction of intense subpicosecond laser pulses with underdense plasmas (open access)

The interaction of intense subpicosecond laser pulses with underdense plasmas

Laser-plasma interactions have been of interest for many years not only from a basic physics standpoint, but also for their relevance to numerous applications. Advances in laser technology in recent years have resulted in compact laser systems capable of generating (psec), 10{sup 16} W/cm{sup 2} laser pulses. These lasers have provided a new regime in which to study laser-plasma interactions, a regime characterized by L{sub plasma} {ge} 2L{sub Rayleigh} > c{tau}. The goal of this dissertation is to experimentally characterize the interaction of a short pulse, high intensity laser with an underdense plasma (n{sub o} {le} 0.05n{sub cr}). Specifically, the parametric instability known as stimulated Raman scatter (SRS) is investigated to determine its behavior when driven by a short, intense laser pulse. Both the forward Raman scatter instability and backscattered Raman instability are studied. The coupled partial differential equations which describe the growth of SRS are reviewed and solved for typical experimental laser and plasma parameters. This solution shows the growth of the waves (electron plasma and scattered light) generated via stimulated Raman scatter. The dispersion relation is also derived and solved for experimentally accessible parameters. The solution of the dispersion relation is used to predict where (in k-space) and …
Date: May 11, 1995
Creator: Coverdale, C.A.
Object Type: Thesis or Dissertation
System: The UNT Digital Library
Development of a cable reel development system using a rotary joint for kilometer lengths of two-fiber multi-mode fiber optic cable (open access)

Development of a cable reel development system using a rotary joint for kilometer lengths of two-fiber multi-mode fiber optic cable

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) recently developed a two-component system for use during remote inspections. The system consists of a mobile unit with television cameras and other equipment and a stationary base station. A variety of signals must be continually transmitted between the two system components as the mobile unit is moved from the location to another. Two channels of broadband (10MHz) NTSC video are transmitted from the mobile unit to the base station, and a bi-directional ``talk set`` provides audio communication between personnel at each location. In addition, several channels of RS-232 are required to support present and future instruments used at the mobile unit and controlled by personnel at the base station. Brookhaven developed a mobile unit which communicated with a base station over a 2-fiber multimode fiber optic cable. One of the design requirements was maintaining constant communication with the base station during the time the mobile unit was moved about. To provide uninterrupted communications, deployment of the 1-km long fiber optic cable was initially performed with a ``spinning reel`` mechanism. The spinning reel mechanism proved to be mechanically unsuitable, and so the cable deployment mechanism was redesigned to spool the cable off the reel. The requirement for …
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Curtiss, J. A. & Jahelka, J. R.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Configuring NIF for direct drive experiments (open access)

Configuring NIF for direct drive experiments

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is a proposed 1.8 MJ laser facility for carrying out experiments in inertial confinement fusion, currently designed for indirect drive experiments. The direct drive approach is being pursued at the 30 kJ Omega facility at the University of Rochester. In this paper we discuss the modifications to the NIF laser that would be required for both indirect and direct drive experiments. A primary concern is the additional cost of adding direct drive capability to the facility.
Date: July 11, 1995
Creator: Eimerl, D.; Rothenberg, J. & Key, M.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
A laboratory comparison of two methods of characterizing exhaust stack emissions. Final report (open access)

A laboratory comparison of two methods of characterizing exhaust stack emissions. Final report

Concern for the environment and public health, and compliance with DOE and EPA regulations require that representative sampling be conducted on exhaust stacks that emit radioactive materials. In order to design and install particulate samplers, EPA Regulation 40CFR61, Subpart H (NESHAP) specifies that particle concentration profiles be determined, in addition to velocity profiles, at the sampling cross section of all stacks requiring sampling. Neither the NESHAP regulation nor ANSI standard N13.1-1969, A3.2, p27, which is incorporated into NESHAP by reference, specify detection or analytical methods for determining effluent concentration uniformity in stacks that may emit radioactive gases or particles. Methods are described for stacks emitting nonradioactive materials, but these are not suitable for radioactive emissions, nor do the regulations specify any tolerances on the concentration uniformity for exhaust stacks. Mass tracer detection and laser light scattering detection methods are compared.
Date: August 11, 1995
Creator: Fairchild, C.; LaBauve, J.; Kissane, R. & Ortiz, C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Curriculum and Research Enhancement. Final report, February 14, 1993--February 14, 1995 (open access)

UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Curriculum and Research Enhancement. Final report, February 14, 1993--February 14, 1995

This is a report for the 2/14/93 to 2/14/95 period of the five-year program proposed and initiated in 1992, for curriculum and research enhancement for the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. The program is designed to strengthen the departmental academic infrastructure and improve the education breadth of nuclear engineering students. The DOE funds have supported scholarships and a novel educational program which includes summer coursework at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. The summer course provides an important introduction to reactor safety and operations to students who will in the future be responsible for running many of our existing nuclear power plants. The work was funded under DOE contract DE-FG0393ER75856, with a matching gift to the Department from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The program described in the original grant proposal has been successful implemented with an enthusiastic response from our students and faculty. The program consisted of two parts, one for innovative additions to our curriculum funded by the DOE, and the other for distinguished lectureships and support for basic research funded by gifts from PG&E.
Date: May 11, 1995
Creator: Fowler, T.K. & Peterson, P.F.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Management plan -- Multi-Function Waste Tank Facility. Revision 1 (open access)

Management plan -- Multi-Function Waste Tank Facility. Revision 1

This Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC) Multi-Function Waste Tank Facility (MWTF) Management Plan provides guidance for execution WHC MWTF Project activities related to design, procurement, construction, testing, and turnover. This Management Plan provides a discussion of organizational responsibilities, work planning, project management systems, quality assurance (QA), regulatory compliance, personnel qualifications and training, and testing and evaluations. Classified by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as a major systems acquisition (MSA), the MWTF mission is to provide a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound method for interim storage of Hanford Site high-level wastes. This Management Plan provides policy guidance and direction to the Project Office for execution of the project activities.
Date: January 11, 1995
Creator: Fritz, R. L.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Accounting of test specimens for the long-term corrosion testing (open access)

Accounting of test specimens for the long-term corrosion testing

The purpose of this TIP is to describe the procedures that will be employed for identification and con-trol of test specimens for Activity E-20-50, �Long-Term Corrosion Studies�. This TIP was written tocomply with LLNL YMP procedure 033-YMP-QP 8.0, �Identification and Control of Items, Samples,and Data.�
Date: October 11, 1995
Creator: Gdowski, G.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Receiving, handling, and storage of specimens for long-term corrosion testing (open access)

Receiving, handling, and storage of specimens for long-term corrosion testing

The purpose of this TIP is to describe the procedures that will be followed in order to ensure that the test specimens for Activity E-20-50, �Long-Term Corrosion Studies� are received, handled, and stored in a manner in which they are not damaged, degraded, or lost. This TIP was written to comply with LLNL YMP procedure 033-YMP-QP 13.0, �Handling, Storage, and Shipping.�
Date: September 11, 1995
Creator: Gdowski, G.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Safety aspects with regard to plutonium vitrification techniques (open access)

Safety aspects with regard to plutonium vitrification techniques

Substantial inventories of excess plutonium are expected to result from dismantling US and Russian nuclear weapons. Disposition of this material should be a high priority in both countries. Various disposition options are under consideration. One option is to vitrify the plutonium with the addition of {sup 137}Cs or high-level waste to act as a deterrent to proliferation. The primary safety problem associated with vitrification of plutonium is to avoid criticality in form fabrication and in the final repository over geologic time. Recovery should be as difficult (costly) as the recovery of plutonium from spent fuel.
Date: May 11, 1995
Creator: Gray, L.W. & Kan, T.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Immobilization needs and technology programs (open access)

Immobilization needs and technology programs

In the aftermath of the Cold War, the US and Russia agreed to large reductions in nuclear weapons. To aid in the selection of long-term management options, DOE has undertaken a multifaceted study to select options for storage and disposition of plutonium in keeping with US policy that plutonium must be subjected to the highest standards of safety, security, and accountability. One alternative being considered is immobilization. To arrive at a suitable immobilization form, we first reviewed published information on high-level waste immobilization technologies and identified 72 possible plutonium immobilization forms to be prescreened. Surviving forms were further screened using multi-attribute utility analysis to determine the most promising technology families. Promising immobilization families were further evaluated to identify chemical, engineering, environmental, safety, and health problems that remain to be solved prior to making technical decisions as to the viability of using the form for long- term disposition of plutonium. From this evaluation, a detailed research and development plan has been developed to provide answers to these remaining questions.
Date: December 11, 1995
Creator: Gray, L.W.; Kan, T.; Shaw, H. & Armantrout, G.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library