The countercurrent flow (CCF) performance in the fuel element region of the HFIR is examined experimentally and theoretically. The fuel element consists of two concentric annuli filled with aluminum clad fuel plates of 1.27 mm thickness separated by 1.27 mm flow channels. The plates are curved as they go radially outward to accomplish constant flow channel width and constant metal-to-coolant ratio. A full-scale HFIR fuel element mock-up is studied in an adiabatic air-water CCF experiment. A review of CCF models for narrow channels is presented along with the treatment of CCFs in system of parallel channels. The experimental results are related to the existing models and a mechanistic model for the annular'' CCF in a narrow channel is developed that captures the data trends well. The results of the experiment are used to calculate the CCFL heat flux of the HFIR fuel assembly. It was determined that the HFIR fuel assembly can reject 0.62 Mw of thermal power in the CCFL situation. 31 refs., 17 figs.

Recent developments in the application of damped time advance methods to plasma simulations include the synthesis of implicit and explicit adjustably damped'' second order accurate methods for particle motion and electromagnetic field propagation. This paper discusses this method.

The Electric Power Monthly (EPM) is prepared by the Electric Power Division; Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric and Alternate Fuels, Energy Information Administration (EIA), Department of Energy. This publication provides monthly statistics at the national, Census division, and State levels for net generation, fuel consumption, fuel stocks, quantity and quality of fuel, cost of fuel, electricity sales, and average revenue per kilowatthour of electricity sold. Data on net generation are also displayed at the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) region level. Additionally, company and plant level information are published in the EPM on capability of new plants, net generation, fuel consumption, fuel stocks, quantity and quality of fuel, and cost in fuel. Quantity, quality, and cost of fuel data lag the net generation, fuel consumption, fuel stocks, electricity sales, and average revenue per kilowatthour data by 1 month. This difference in reporting appears in the national, Census division, and State level tables. However, at the plant level, all statistics presented are for the earlier month for the purpose of comparison. 12 refs., 4 figs., 48 tabs.

Nitrate and nitrite have been almost completely removed from the synthetic effluent steam with good efficiency by affecting a separation across a pair of ion exchange membranes. In addition to recovering acid and base in this process, the volume of the remaining effluent is reduced considerably by transport of water across the membrane. One of the problems that remains with this process, however, is the stability of the membranes and particularly the stability of the anion exchange membrane. This membrane is exposed to both nitric acid and strongly alkaline solutions in the cell and to date long term stability has been a problem with the membranes tested. It is recommended that further work should evaluate other newly available membranes as well as study the effects of radiation on the performance of the membranes. The direct reduction of nitrate and nitrite has been studied at several different electrode materials and it has been demonstrated that cathode material has a large effect on both the efficiency and the gas product distribution. Highest current efficiencies for the reduction process are seen at those electrode materials that are known to show high hydrogen overpotentials. Flow cell studies have demonstrated that temperature and current density …

Nitrate and nitrite have been almost completely removed from the synthetic effluent steam with good efficiency by affecting a separation across a pair of ion exchange membranes. In addition to recovering acid and base in this process, the volume of the remaining effluent is reduced considerably by transport of water across the membrane. One of the problems that remains with this process, however, is the stability of the membranes and particularly the stability of the anion exchange membrane. This membrane is exposed to both nitric acid and strongly alkaline solutions in the cell and to date long term stability has been a problem with the membranes tested. It is recommended that further work should evaluate other newly available membranes as well as study the effects of radiation on the performance of the membranes. The direct reduction of nitrate and nitrite has been studied at several different electrode materials and it has been demonstrated that cathode material has a large effect on both the efficiency and the gas product distribution. Highest current efficiencies for the reduction process are seen at those electrode materials that are known to show high hydrogen overpotentials. Flow cell studies have demonstrated that temperature and current density …

This report discusses the following topics in relationships to plasma simulation: unstructed grids; particle tracking; and field propagation. (LSP)

The traveler participated in a conference on environmental technology in Paris, sponsored by the US Embassy-Paris, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the French Environmental Ministry, and others. The traveler sat on a panel for environmental aspects of energy technology and made a presentation on the potential contributions of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to a planned French-American Environmental Technologies Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Evry, France. This institute would provide opportunities for international cooperation on environmental issues and technology transfer related to environmental protection, monitoring, and restoration at US Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. The traveler also attended the Fourth International Conference on Environmental Contamination in Barcelona. Conference topics included environmental chemistry, land disposal of wastes, treatment of toxic wastes, micropollutants, trace organics, artificial radionuclides in the environment, and the use biomonitoring and biosystems for environmental assessment. The traveler presented a paper on The Fate of Radionuclides in Sewage Sludge Applied to Land.'' Those findings corresponded well with results from studies addressing the fate of fallout radionuclides from the Chernobyl nuclear accident. There was an exchange of new information on a number of topics of interest to DOE waste management and environmental restoration needs.

This report consists of copies of previous progress reports, and copies of viewgraphs presented in a talk at Los Alamos. The report describes activities carried out as part of a project to evaluate the design and performance of a superconducting wiggler magnet design. It includes work on evaluating the appropriate materials for the magnet coils and poles, and stress evaluations for the design. It includes work on beam optics through the magnet, and design considerations to optimize extraction: work on the cryocooling system; weight minimization efforts; and design work on the vacuum liner for the magnet. A major concern in all of this design work is heat loads which will be dissipated in different parts of the system during operation, as well as transient events.

The objective of this travel was to advance provisional planning of an activity to coordinate research and development (R D) activities on fusion materials among the existing fusion materials R D programs of the ITER parties. This objective was accomplished in discussions with the Executive Committee for the IEA Implementing Agreement on Fusion Materials in Karlsruhe, Germany, and with the ITER management and staff of Garching, Germany. The IEA Executive Committee deferred substantive consideration of the topic at the insistence of the Ex-Officio member from European Community (EC), Brussels. Discussions with ITER management and staff were positive. It was noted the the draft ITER Long-Term Technology Research and Development Plan contains recommendations for major program effort in materials R D and includes recommendations for coordination among the existing programs of the parties to meet those materials R D needs. ITER management discussions were in the context that decisions on specific activities for the ITER engineering design activity (EDA) must await formal action by the parties on the ITER EDA.

This report discusses the following topics on the ARIES tokamak: systems; plasma power balance; impurity control and fusion ash removal; fusion product ripple loss; energy conversion; reactor fueling; first wall design; shield design; reactor safety; and fuel cost and resources. (LSP)

Soudan 2 is an 1100-ton tracking calorimeter which is being built 713 m underground to search for nucleon decay and to study neutrino and cosmic-ray physics. The detector is assembled from 256 identical 4.3-ton calorimeter modules. Each module consists of finely segmented iron and drift tubes, and records three space coordinates and dE/dx for every tube crossing. It is surrounded on all sides by a 1700 m{sup 2} active shield of proportional tubes. The first atmospheric neutrino interactions and a magnetic monopole search are described. Prospects for cosmic ray studies are summarized.

We have modified the B2 edge-plasma code to include the effects of classical fluid drifts across the magnetic field lines and plasma currents. This report presents preliminary results of these effects for the CIT parameter regime. The basic plasma model described by Braams involves solving the continuity equation, the parallel momentum balance equation, and separate energy balance equations for the ions and the electrons. If multiple ion species are present, they are all assumed to have a common temperature, but their densities and parallel velocities are solved for using additional continuity and parallel momentum balance equations for each species. Momentum and heat transport parallel to the magnetic field, B, are given by the classical collisional theory. On the other hand, transport perpendicular to B is represented by anomalous diffusion coefficients which are adjusted to agree with experimental measurements. These transport coefficients are generally taken to be constant in radius and poloidal angle, although this is not necessary. The goal of our work has been to include both the classical cross-field drift terms and the effects of parallel currents in the equations used in the B2 code. The motivation for including the cross-field terms comes from simple model calculations which indicate …

Research programs from NIPER are briefly summarized. Topics include: Development of Analytical Methodology for Analysis of Heavy Crudes, and Thermochemistry and Thermophysical Properties of Organic Nitrogen- and Diheteroatom-Containing Compounds. 1 ref.

A 14-MeV deuterium-tritium (D-T) neutron source for accelerated end-of-life testing of fusion reactor materials has been designed on the basis of a linear two-component collisional plasma system. An intense flux (up to 5 {times} 10{sup 18}/m{sup 2}{center dot}s) of 14-MeV neutrons is produced in a fully ionized high-density (n{sub e} {approx equal} 3 {times} 10{sup 21} m{sup {minus}3}) tritium target by transverse injection of 60 MW of neutral beam power. Power deposited in the target is removed by thermal electron conduction to large end chambers, where it is deposited in gaseous plasma collectors. We show in this paper that the major physics issues have now been experimentally demonstrated. These include magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium and stability, microstability, startup, fueling, Spitzer electron thermal conductivity, and power deposition in a gaseous plasma collector. However, an integrated system has not been demonstrated. 28 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.

The Fifth International Conference on the Physics of Highly Charged Ions drew more than 200 participants, providing an excellent overview of this growing field. Important technical developments and experimental results in electron-ion collisions were reported. The merging of fast ion beams from accelerators or storage rings with advanced high-intensity electron-beam targets has yielded data of unprecedented quality on radiative and dielectronic recombination, providing stringent tests of theory. Long-awaited technical innovations in electron-impact excitation measurements were also reported. The level of activity in multicharged ion-surface interactions has increased. More sophisticated experimental studies of the neutralization process have shown the inadequacy of previously accepted mechanisms, and theoretical activity in this area is just being initiated. The IAEA meetings addressed atomic and molecular data needs for fusion research, with ITER providing a key focus. Such data are especially critical to modeling and diagnostics of the edge plasma. The ALADDIN data base system has been universally accepted and has streamlined the exchange of numerical data among data centers and the fusion community. The IAEA continues to play a pivotal role in the identification of data needs, and in the coordination of data compilation and research activities for fusion applications.

Creating low-energy electrons in the stratosphere by photoelectric emission has the beneficial effect of suppressing ozone destruction by Cl. This is because Cl is converted to Cl{sup {minus}}, which is less reactive. Critical to the success of this scheme is the ability to attach most of the electrons to Cl{sup {minus}} and its hydrates Cl{sup {minus}} (H{sub 2}O). We found that this attachment efficiency is rather high. This is remarkable given the fact that the electron affinity of Cl{sup {minus}} is less than that of NO{sub 3}{minus}. Photoddetachment of NO{sub 3}{minus} is the key factor that leads to this high efficiency. Computer calculations show that ozone increases with electron injection, and most of the electrons end up attaching to Cl{sup {minus}}(H{sub 2}O). We also point out that 40 km, the altitude at which most of the ozone destruction occurs, is also the optimum altitude for injecting photoelectric electrons. 12 refs., 6 figs.

The primary objective of the collaborative studies with EITU was to study curium bismuthide using energy dispersive X-ray diffraction to monitor its structure as a function of pressure. This objective was accomplished and the material was investigated up to 0.48 megabars of pressure. These studies were a continuation of established and productive collaborations between ORNL and EITU. The study of this curium compound is significant in that it is the first 5f-element bismuthide to be studied under pressure. Bismuth has the highest Z and the largest radius of the pnictogen group of elements (important for Hill Plot assessments) and has the greatest potential to form f-p type bonding with actinides under pressure. From a preliminary assessment of our experimental data it has been determined that two structural transitions occurred in the curium bismuthide sample as a result of the applied pressure.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

The objective of this project is to design a conceptual slurry reactor for two indirect liquefaction applications; production of methanol and production of hydrocarbon fuels via Fischer-Tropsch route. The work will be accomplished by the formulation of reactor models for both the processes and use computer simulation. Process data, kinetic and thermodynamic data, heat and mass transfer data and hydrodynamic data will be used in the mathematical models to describe the slurry reactor for each of the two processes. The cost of current vapor phase reactor systems will be compared with cost estimated for the slurry reactor systems. For the vapor phase systems, upstream and downstream processing equipments may have to be included during cost analysis for a meaningful cost comparison.

Two systems for monitoring benzene in aqueous streams have been designed and assembled by the Savannah River Technology Center, Analytical Development Section (ADS). These systems were used at TNX to support sampling studies of the full-scale {open_quotes}SRAT/SME/PR{close_quotes} and to provide real-time measurements of benzene in Precipitate Hydrolysis Aqueous (PHA) simulant. This report describes the two ADS Benzene Monitor System (BMS) configurations, provides data on system operation, and reviews the results of scoping tests conducted at TNX. These scoping tests will allow comparison with other benzene measurement options being considered for use in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) laboratory. A report detailing the preferred BMS configuration statistical performance during recent tests has been issued under separate title: Statistical Analyses of the At-line Benzene Monitor Study, SCS-ASG-92-066. The current BMS design, called the At-line Benzene Monitor (ALBM), allows remote measurement of benzene in PHA solutions. The authors have demonstrated the ability to calibrate and operate this system using peanut vials from a standard Hydragard{trademark} sampler. The equipment and materials used to construct the ALBM are similar to those already used in other applications by the DWPF lab. The precision of this system ({+-}0.5% Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) at 1 sigma) is …

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether businesses which style hair, apply makeup, and take a portrait for a single fee are subject to the Cosmetology Regulatory Act, V.T.C.S., article 8415a, and related questions (ID# 16516)

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Authority of the Board of Barber Examiners to require a barber who rents or leases space in an existing, licensed barber shop to obtain a “Booth Rental Permit” (ID# 16699)

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether a physician contracting with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice would be eligible for state indemnification under chapter 104, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, on a malpractice claim (ID# 17439)

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether, in cases in which law enforcement agency other than the sheriff’s department obtains a pre-indictment warrant for arrest of an individual who is then arrested in another county, the duty to bring the prisoner back tot he county issuing the warrant rests on the sheriff’s department or the law enforcement agency that obtained the warrant (RQ-197)