Application of a two-phase turbine system to waste heat recovery was examined. Bottoming cycle efficiencies ranging from 15 to 30% were calculated for a 720/sup 0/F diesel exhaust temperature. A single stage demonstration unit, designed for non-toxic fluids (water and DowTherm A) and for atmospheric seals and bearings, had a cycle efficiency of 23%. The net output power was 276 hp at 8,100 rpm, increasing the total shaft power from 1,800 hp for the diesel alone, to 2,076 hp for the combined system. A four stage organic turbine, for the same application, had a rotational speed of 14,700 rpm while a four stage steam turbine had 26,000 rpm. Fabrication drawings were prepared for the turbine and nozzle. The major improvement leading to higher cycle efficiency and lower turbine rpm was found to be the use of a liquid component with lower sensible heat. A reduction in capital cost was found to result from the use of a contact heat exchanger instead of tube-fin construction. The cost for a contact heat exchanger was only $35-52/kWe compared to $98/kWe for a tube-fin heat exchanger. Design drawings and materials list were prepared. A program resulting in the demonstration of a two-phase bottoming system …

The interaction of oxygen with a thorium metal surface is being studied by monitoring the luminescence of thorium in an electron beam. By combining luminescence measurements with Auger electron spectroscopy data, it is possible to distinguish between processes that depend upon the oxygen pressure at the sample surface, and those that depend only upon the amount of adsorbed oxygen.

Objective is to develop a solvent extraction process for treating acidic high activity nuclear wastes in order to remove 99.9% of the cesium and strontium. A series of macrocyclic polyethers ''crown'' compounds which have the ability to form organic soluble complexes with the alkali metals (Cs/sup +1/) and the alkaline earth metals (Sr/sup +2/) are being screened. These ''crown'' compounds have been tested for solubility in both CCl/sub 4/ and kerosene, each solvent containing a range of TBP concentrations. Also distribution coefficients of both cesium and strontium have been measured between these organic phases with individual ''crown'' compounds dissolved in them and an aqueous phase containing no acid or 0.0125M to 3M nitric acid. Other distribution coefficients for both metals have been measured in systems as above with DEHPA. Results show very good extraction of the Cs/sup +1/ and Sr/sup +2/ into the organic phase when DEHPA is used. The highest distribution coefficients obtained (organic/aqueous) were 0.8 +- .05 for Cs/sup +1/ and 2000 for Sr/sup +2/. The search for a more organic soluble ''crown'' compound continues as this would increase the amount of metal carried by the organic phase. For this reason, Parish Chemical Company in Provo, Utah is …

Objective is to develop a solvent extraction system for treating acidic high activity nuclear wastes in order to remove 99.9% of the cesium and strontium. A series of macrocyclic polyethers ''crown compounds'' which can form organic soluble complexes with the alkali metals (Cs/sup +1/) and the alkali earth metals (Sr/sup +2/) are being screened. Thus far, five ''crown'' compounds have been tested for solubility in both carbon tetrachloride and kerosene, each solvent containing a range of TBP concentrations. Also distribution coefficients of both cesium and strontium have been measured. Results have been negative in that sufficient extraction of either Cs/sup +1/ or Sr/sup +2/ into the organic phase was not achieved to make a solvent extraction process feasible. The highest distribution coefficient obtained (organic/aqueous)/sup (2)/ was 0.04 +- 0.02 for both Sr/sup +2/ and Cs/sup +1/. The problem seems to lie in the low solubility of the ''crowns'' in the organic phases and the apparent ability of the ''crowns'' to distribute into the aqueous phase and complex the metal. The solubility data indicate that the addition of aliphatic character to the ''crowns'' improves their organic solubility whereas aromatic addition decreases their organic solubility. Accordingly, a new ''crown'', 4, 4'-didecanolybenzo 24-crown-8, …

A three-month design and cost study for the use of nickel--zinc batteries in electric vehicles is presented. Battery configuration is analyzed, and expected performance is set forth. Current development problems concern component materials and capacity decline on cycling, electrolyte maintenance, and thermal characteristics. The manufacturing process is outlined, and estimates are made for cost, materials requirements, capital needs, etc. 61 figures, 24 tables. (RWR)

This document presents preliminary safety and licensing information relating to the manufacture, installation, and operation of small subsea nuclear generating stations in remote offshore locations, and the associated onshore base-site activities of reactor refueling and system refurbishment at 4-year intervals. The purpose of the proposed facilities is to provide a subsea power capability for offshore oil production operations in areas where surface conditions, water depths, or other environmental constraints may preclude the use of surface-mounted power sources. This will provide the capability to achieve the maximum recovery of petroleum resources from the U.S. frontier areas. Summary descriptions of a typical subsea nuclear generating station and a typical base site-facility are presented. General safety and licensing considerations are discussed, and a representative schedule of licensing activities is outlined.