This document defines the data quality objectives, (DQOS) for sampling the B-Cell racks waste stream. The sampling effort is concentrated on determining a ratio of Cs-137 to Sr-90 and Cs-137 to transuranics (TRU). Figure 1.0 shows the logic path of sampling effort. The flow chart begins with sample and data acquisition and progresses toward (a) statistical confidence and waste classification boundaries, (b) management decisions based on the input parameters and technical methods available, and (c) grout container volume/weight limits and radiation limits. The end result will be accurately classifying the B-Cell rack waste stream.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), currently under design and construction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will be the world`s biggest laser. The optics for the multipass, 192-beam, high-power, neodymium-glass laser will be assembled and aligned in the NIF Optics Assembly Building (OAB), adjacent to the huge Laser and Target Area Building (LTAB), where they will be installed. To accommodate the aggressive schedule for initial installation and activation, rapid assembly and alignment of large aperture optics into line replaceable units (LRUs) will occur through the use of automated handling, semi-autonomous operations, and strict protocols. The OAB will have to maintain rigorous cleanliness levels, achieve both commonality and versatility to handle the various optic types, and allow for just-in-time processing and delivery of the optics into the LTAB without undoing their strict cleanliness and precise alignment. This paper describes the Project`s design philosophy of modularity and hardware commonality and presents the many design challenges encountered. It also describes how, by using a mixture of commercially available and newly designed equipment, we have developed unique systems for assembly and alignment, inspection and verification, and LRU loading and transfer.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), currently under design and construction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will be the world`s largest laser when complete. The NIF will use about 8,000 large optics of 41 different types to focus up to 192 laser beams on a dime-size target. Each laser component will be packaged into a line-replaceable unit (LRU) made up of a mechanical housing, laser optics (lenses and mirrors), utilities, actuators, and kinematic mounts. Given the constraints of the operating environment, such as high cleanliness and limited space, the tasks associated with LRU interchange require unique and flexible hardware system designs. This paper introduces the Optical Transport and Material Handling designs that will be used to deliver the LRUs in the NIF Laser Bays. These systems use a novel and versatile automated guided vehicle (AGV) for transport. The transport and handling hardware is being designed to allow autonomous, semiautonomous, and manual operations.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is implementing an Internet-based process pilot called `Zephyr` to streamline engineering and commerce using the Internet. Major benefits have accrued by using Zephyr in facilitating industrial collaboration, speeding the engineering development cycle, reducing procurement time, and lowering overall costs. Programs at LLNL are potentializing the efficiencies introduced since implementing Zephyr. Zephyr`s pilot functionality is undergoing full integration with Business Systems, Finance, and Vendors to support major programs at the Laboratory.

Emergency response for a transportation accident involving radiological materials, while not inherently difficult, presents a challenge for several reasons. These accidents, although they can occur anywhere, are rare. Also, although the health consequences are usually slight, accidents involving radioactive materials generally cause a great deal of concern, both for the emergency responders and the general public. How can communities be prepared for an event that requires some technical knowledge, but is so rare that it will never occur in most areas, without expending an effort disproportionate to the actual risk? How can one appropriately deal with an event that may cause excessive public concern? These questions are at the heart of the preparedness issues this program addressed. The overall goal of the Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program was to establish the framework for a coordinated response by all levels of government to a transportation accident involving radioactive material. The Program involved both preparedness activities and the development, conduct and evaluation of a field exercise in Saratoga County, New York. This Report concentrates on the functional activities, lessons learned, recommendations, and action plans for improving preparedness and response to a transportation accident involving radioactive materials.

Data and supporting documentation were compiled and analyzed for 26 cases of gas grab samples taken during waste-tank core sampling activities between September 1, 1995 and December 31, 1997. These cases were tested against specific criteria to reduce uncertainties associated with in-tank sampling location and conditions. Of the 26 possible cases, 16 qualified as drill-string grab samples most likely to represent recently released waste gases. The data from these 16 ``confirmed`` cases were adjusted to remove non-waste gas contributions from core-sampling activities (argon or nitrogen purge), the atmospheric background, and laboratory sampler preparation (helium). The procedure for subtracting atmospheric, laboratory, and argon purge gases was unambiguous. No reliable method for determining the exact amount of nitrogen purge gas was established. Thus, the final set of ``Adjusted`` drill string gas data for the 6 nitrogen-purged cases had a greater degree of uncertainty than the final results for the 10 argon-purged cases. Including the appropriate amounts of uncertainty, this final set of data was added to the set of high-quality results from the Retained Gas Sampler (RGS), and good agreement was found for the N{sub 2}, H{sub 2}, and N{sub 2}O mole fractions sampled from common tanks. These results indicate that under …

By combining the separation technology of CDCE (constant denaturing capillary electrophoresis) with high fidelity DNA amplification the authors devised a reliable means to measure mutant fractions of any and all point mutations in human cell or tissue mitochondrial DNA arising at mutant fractions at or above 10 {sup {minus}6}. Measurements in nuclear genes are more difficult than in mitochondrial genes. First, the average mutant fractions per base pair in middle-aged human T cells` hprt gene are about 10{sup {minus}8} which is much lower than the approximately 3 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} they have found for mitochondrial point mutations in several human tissues. To see point mutational nuclear hotspots they need an analytical procedure which is reliable at mutant fractions of 10{sup {minus}7} and higher. Fortunately, they are close to that goal. At this writing, reconstruction experiments with human cells indicate they have achieved a sensitivity at least as low as 5 {times} 10{sup {minus}7} so they are optimistic that they can reach the required criterion.

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a distributed, high fidelity simulation system for training and planning small team Operations. The system provides an immersive environment populated by virtual objects and humans capable of displaying complex behaviors. The work has focused on developing the behaviors required to carry out complex tasks and decision making under stress. Central to this work are techniques for creating behaviors for virtual humans and for dynamically assigning behaviors to CGF to allow scenarios without fixed outcomes. Two prototype systems have been developed that illustrate these capabilities: MediSim, a trainer for battlefield medics and VRaptor, a system for planning, rehearsing and training assault operations.

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This is a quarterly report of CALSTART's progress with their programs. Their overall objectives remain: (1) efficiently and responsible management of the program and; (2) assist in the commercialization of the technology by doing the following: identifying potential strategic partners; explaining need and value of turbogenerator; reach important audiences for AlliedSignal; showcase technology at key conferences/briefings; raise technology profile via custom Web information; and extend AlliedSignal turbogenerator outreach efforts.

Small organic scintillators that exhibit pulse shape differences (PSD) in response to charged particles have been investigated as possible neutron detectors in the energy range from 1 to 200 MeV. Neutrons in this energy range can induce reactions such as (n,p) and (n,alpha) in these scintillators, and the cross sections for these reactions vary with energy. Pulse-height and PSD distributions were measured as a function of neutron energy for small crystals of NaI(Tl) and CsI(Tl) at the LANSCE-WNR pulsed spallation neutron source. PSD information indicating the relative numbers of protons and alphas produced can give information about the neutron spectrum in fast-neutron radiation fields such as those encountered in space exploration.

Hanford Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order, also known as the Tri-Party Agreement Milestone M-89-05 requires US Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office to complete a 324 Building Special Case Waste Assessment in Support of the 324 Building Closure. This document has been prepared with the intent of meeting this regulatory commitment. Alternatives for the Special Case Wastes located in the 324 Building were defined and analyzed. Based on the criteria of safety, environmental, complexity of interfaces, risk, cost, schedule, and long-term operability and maintainability, the best alternative was chosen. Waste packaging and transportation options are also included in the recommendations. The waste disposition recommendations for the B-Cell dispersibles/tank heels and High-Level Vault packaged residuals are to direct them to the Plutonium Uranium Extraction Facility (PUREX) Number 2 storage tunnel.

A reliable, simple fast-rise-time diagnostic has been developed for measuring the breakout time of the detonation wave in a detonating high explosive. The intrinsic rise time of the signals generated is less than one nanosecond. The technique, called FAT (<i>F</i>iber <i>A</i>rrival <i>T</i>ime), consists of an optical fiber with one end coated with ~1500 Å Aluminum. The coated end is placed in intimate contact with the surface of the explosive. The detonation wave interacting with the Al surface causes a prompt flash of light which is recorded at the output end of the fiber. The active area of the FAT probe end is 100 µm in diameter and centered to within ±10 µm also giving excellent spatial precision. When used in this mode, FAT overcomes difficulties of electronic and past fiber optic pins. When looking at a flyer plate arrival the time response appears to be a function of the metal plate velocity.