Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Pilot Plant”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

Effect of the Addition of a Low Equivalent Stress Mechanism to the Analysis of Geomechanical Behavior of the SPR West Hackberry Site

Sandia National Laboratories has long used the Munson-Dawson (M-D) model to predict the geomechanical behavior of salt caverns used to store oil at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Salt creep causes storage caverns to deform inward, thus losing volume. This loss of volume affects the salt above and around the caverns, puts stresses and strains on borehole casings, and creates surface subsidence which affects surface infrastructure. Therefore, accurate evaluation of salt creep behavior drives decisions about cavern operations. Parameters for the M-D model are typically fit against laboratory creep tests, but nearly all historic creep tests have been performed at equivalent stresses of 8 MPa or higher. Creep rates at lower equivalent stresses are very slow, such that tests take months or years to run, and the tests are sensitive to small temperature perturbations (<0.1°C). A recent collaboration between US and German researchers, recently characterized the creep behavior at low equivalent (deviatoric) stresses (<8 MPa) of salt from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. In addition, the M-D model was recently extended to include a low stress creep “mechanism”. This paper details new simulations of SPR caverns that use this extended M-D model, called the M-D Viscoplastic model. The results show that the inclusion of low stress creep significantly alters the prediction of steady-state cavern closure behavior and indicate that low stress creep is the dominant displacement mechanism at the dome scale. The implications for evaluating cavern and well integrity are demonstrated by investigating three phenomena: the extent of stress changes around the cavern; the predicted vertical strains applied to wellbore casings; and the evaluation of oscillating stress changes around the cavern due to oil sale cycles and their potential effect on salt fatigue.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Fission Product Hydrochlorination

This work supports the recovery of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU, uranium enriched in 235 U to >5% and <20%) from used nuclear fuel through a process based on the zirconium extraction (ZIRCEX) process. The ZIRCEX process starts with the dry head-end removal of zirconium or aluminum cladding from the nuclear fuel via chlorination or hydrochlorination, which results in the separation of cladding from the fuel as the metal chloride (e.g., aluminum trichloride or zirconium tetrachloride). The hydrochlorination process is included in the Material Recovery Pilot Plant (MRPP), a ZIRCEX-based demonstration plant at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The experiments outlined in this report assessed fission product (FP) volatility and transport under the hydrochlorination conditions used to separate cladding from used nuclear fuel.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

An Open-Source Framework for the Computational Analysis and Design of Autothermal Chemical Processes

The main project object was to develop software tools for simulating non-equilibrium autothermal processes, improving the prospects for identifying and designing such systems. The project demonstrates the use of these tools to simulate autothermal pyrolysis, a process recently developed at the pilot-plant scale at Iowa State University. In such process, instead of externally heating a reactor to pro-vide the enthalpy of pyrolysis, sufficient oxygen in the form of air is introduced into the reactor to support partial oxidation of reactants and products with the exothermic energy released supporting endothermic pyrolysis reactions. A fluidized bed is used to assure good mixing of biomass and oxidant and provide an isothermal reaction environment. The amount of oxygen required depends upon the kind of biomass being pyrolyzed and parasitic heat losses from the reactor. For example, for woody biomass pyrolyzed under conditions that simulate adiabatic operation, equivalence ratios can be as low as 0.06, compared to 0.20 or higher for autothermal gasifiers. By removing the heat transfer bottleneck of conventional pyrolysis, operation in autothermal mode allowed a significant increase in reactor throughput process, approaching five times the throughput of the conventionally operated pyrolyzer. Different simulation strategies were considered and developed: a zero-dimensional chemistry model was used to verify the applicability of kinetic schemes to predict biomass fast pyrolysis in autothermal conditions. Conventional chemical reactor models such as the plug flow reactor and the partially stirred reactor were used to investigate the role of mixing in the fluidized bed pyrolyzer and to establish the impact of mixing time on the gas-phase reactions. A comprehensive multiphase computational fluid dynamics (mCFD) framework, including polydisperse granular phase modeling and detailed chemical kinetics was formulated and used to model the experimental setup for autothermal biomass fast pyrolysis at ISU. Multiphase CFD was also used to investigate the role of biomass feed positioning on the mixing of biomass in the pyrolizer. Finally, a reduced order model (ROM), suitable to be implemented in process simulators was obtained. Both the mCFD and the ROM were validated against experiments.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

A Novel Process for Converting Coal to High-Value Polyurethane Products

Battelle has demonstrated a patented process for making high-value, polyurethane (PU) foam from coal, based on preparing liquefied coal via direct liquefaction, converting it to polyols as an intermediate via ozonation, and then making PU foams from these polyols. This process represents a breakthrough in innovative utilization of U.S. coals, and is applicable to bituminous as well as sub-bituminous coals. The resulting PU foam products are projected to have an extremely high value (i.e., over $\$5,000$ /ton), with nearly 100% of carbon utilization from coalderived liquid feedstock, and 31.5% to 43.5% of the carbon in the PU foam polyol product being bio-based. The targeted products represent an extremely large (i.e., over $80 billion/year), existing PU foam market, which could expand into making coatings and adhesives. The process can further help reduce petroleum imports, while improving the economics of PU foam production. This work was completed with funding from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), with cost share from the State of Ohio’s Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) and others, and has advanced the process to 10 kg/day continuous scale and thus to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. A total of 48 coal-based polyols were prepared and evaluated. The initial 28 polyols focused on range finding for ideal conditions. The later 20 polyols were produced as part of process optimizations. These optimizations were targeted around a continuous ozonolysis process to evaluate extended time reactions and to create the necessary intermediate for production of 1-gallon samples of polyol. The most unique attribute of Battelle’s polyol is in the utilization of coal’s aromaticity to gain final foam rigidity. Typically, polyols depend on the isocyanate fraction and cross-linking to gain rigidity. By utilizing coal, we were able to maintain rigidity while reducing the overall hydroxyl value of the polyol. This is important as lower hydroxyl value leads to greater percent weight of the coal-based polyol because less isocyanate is required for foaming. This leads to greater foam cost savings. This report provides the details, process, and process cost models of the conversion of coal to polyols and further to PU foams. Battelle’s process begins with coal liquids. These liquids can be obtained by two processes: coal coking or pyrolysis to produce coal tar, and Battelle’s biobased coal-to-liquids (CTL) process to produce heavy syncrude after liquifying >85% coal. After liquification, Battelle utilizes ozonolysis to create functionalization on the polyaromatic coal structure. The functionalization is then converted to the final polyester polyol through transesterification, or to hydroxyamide polyol through amidification. Equivalent or better standard properties have been obtained for 2 lb/ft 3 density rigid, water and freon-alternative blown foams, including compressive strength, density, R-value, and dimensional stability. Target applications for these foams are insulation, packaging, and energy-absorbing foams. Some exploratory testing also showed promise for adhesives applications. A detailed economic analysis showed that Battelle’s polyol process is economical, at a 140 metric tons per day (MTD) polyol production scale. An attractive return on investment (ROI) at competitive pricing validates the process is ready for a pilot-plant demonstration. A scale-up plan is provided.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Thermal Ratcheting Analysis of TEDS Packed-bed Thermocline Energy Storage Tank - Modeling Methodology and Data Validation

This report investigates numerical modeling methods for thermal ratcheting analysis of packed-bed thermal energy storage (TES) tank and discusses the validation results via comparison with experimental data. The experimental data obtained from various design characteristics of packed-bed thermocline tanks, including the Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS) TES tank at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), were used to validate thermal and mechanical models developed in this study to evaluate the thermal ratcheting potential. The thermal model was shown to predict the transient thermal propagation through the packed-bed thermocline tanks generally well. However, a larger discrepancy was observed during the comparison with the data from TEDS, presumably due to the uncertainty of boundary conditions given from the experiment. Based on the comparative study between the thermal model predictions and experimental data of various packed-bed thermocline tanks, potential improvements were suggested for the future TEDS experiments for more precise validation study. For mechanical (thermally induced stress) analysis, two different modeling approaches were tested to evaluate hoop stress applied to the packed-bed TES tank wall, which is a major cause of thermal ratcheting process: (i) infinite rigidity model and (ii) Drucker-Prager (DP) model. The ‘model (i)’ is a conservative method with infinite rigidity assumption of granular filler inside a TES tank, whereas the ‘model (ii)’ is a method that takes into account more realistic processes such as thermal expansion of filler and tank wall as well as inter-particle interactions during the cyclic operation of a packed-bed TES tank. The validity of each modeling method was examined by comparing the numerical simulation with the experimental data obtained from the packed-bed TES tank for Solar One pilot plant. Then, the effects of various model parameters were discussed to evaluate the thermal ratcheting potential of the TEDS TES tank. The preliminary thermal ratcheting analysis implies that the TEDS TES tank will hold its structural integrity during the normal operation cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Combined Cycle Integrated Thermal Energy Storage “CiTES” (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

The Phase I of this project confirmed the technical feasibility of a Combined Cycle integrated Thermal Energy Storage “CiTES” system, calculated the key performance parameters like power efficiency and costs, and proved its commercial value with full-year simulations for several US electricity markets with high degree of variable renewable generation and volatile hourly electricity prices. The core element of this project is the Electro Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) technology from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy GmbH, using thermally stable and inexpensive volcanic rocks as storage material and air as heat transfer medium. This technology is backed by more than 10 years of experience and a 440MMBTU (130MWh-th) pilot plant in Hamburg, Germany, which is in operation since 2019. The integration of this thermal storage in an existing combined cycle power plant (CCPP) is typical power plant technology without any major technology risks. It allows the storage of inexpensive renewable energy during times of surplus renewable generation and the discharge of this energy in times of high energy demand when the fossil plant is in operation. This supplements the fossil power generation with CO2-emission-free energy. The secondary effect of the CiTES system is that a small part of the stored thermal energy is used to keep the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and steam turbine (ST) of the combined cycle power plant in hot and ready-to-start condition. This enables the plant to start rapidly when fossil generation is required to satisfy demand as soon variable generation drops off in the evenings or during cloud cover and calm wind periods. Without pre-warming of the HRSG and ST, the CCPP would need several hours for a cold or warm start, burn a lot of gas and release high NOx emissions during start and wouldn’t be able to use the short times of high energy prices in an efficient or economical manner. The economic parameters of CiTES were determined by a full year “8760” simulation using a data set calculation for each of the hours of the year, and historical electricity and gas prices. For consistency, the simulations were focused on the pre-COVID year 2019. The financially most attractive markets were in the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region, which allowed substantial value generation with arbitrage (charge with cheap energy during renewable surplus times and discharge when energy is needed and expensive). The improvement of flexibility with the CiTES system by pre-heating and warm-keeping of the CCPP allowed for additional power generation during short time periods when demand is high but renewable generation is down; when the hourly energy prices are highest in these markets. The simulations are based on 2019 data, when ERCOT had 27GW of installed photovoltaic (PV) and wind generation. They showed that the created revenue with the prototypically sized CiTES system of 1,000MMBTU (300MWh-th) falls a little bit short of what is expected from a commercially viable investment. The system has optimization opportunities for cost reduction and increased effectiveness which will be realized during a potential Phase II Pre-FEED study following this project. Furthermore, it is safe to assume that a lot of renewable generation capacity will be added all over the US in the coming years. As an example, ERCOT is predicting to more than double its renewable generation from 27GW in 2019 to a forecasted 63GW in 2023. This will increase the amount of renewable overproduction exponentially. This rapid increase of local overproduction and the need to curtail renewable generation is well documented by the California ISO (www.CAISO.com / managing oversupply). However, the simulations also revealed a weakness in the structure of the electricity markets in the US. More specifically, when electricity prices are very low and approaching negative levels, the owners of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) will curtail a part of their facility to stabilize the price by reducing supply. This results in a situation in which storage facilities, which are integrated in existing fossil assets and don’t have the behind-the-meter benefit of a VRE, won’t be able to purchase low cost – otherwise curtailed – renewable energy off the grid. A special tariff, which motivates VRE owners to sell otherwise curtailed renewable energy to storage facilities (Hydrogen, thermal, pumped hydro, etc.) can solve this issue. The implementation of such a regulating tariff by Independent System Operators, thus avoiding renewable curtailment, is a pre condition for successful commercialization for renewable energy storage technologies. With this advancement of design and technology and improvements in the market environment, it can be expected that the Combined Cycle integrated Thermal Energy Storage proves itself as an important innovation to keep highly efficient, natural gas-based power generation economically successful and relevant for the power industry in the United States of America.

Wolf, Thorsten↗

Uranium Oxide Elutriation at Higher Flow Rates and Longer Times

This work supports the recovery of high-assay low-enriched uranium (i.e., U enriched in 235 U to >5% and <20%) from used nuclear fuel. One step includes elutriating triuranium octoxide (U 3 O 8 ) from a fluidized bed of alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) that fills the main reaction chamber. The experiments outlined in this report assessed the effects of the time and flow rate on the elutriation of U 3 O 8 powder from the reaction vessel. Testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was performed in a one-fourth scale experimental apparatus based on a pilot-scale system, which is the Material Recovery Pilot Plant (MRPP) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The experimental system comprises a supply of pressurized nitrogen (N 2 ), a gas heater, the reaction vessel, a knock-out pot, and a water trap where elutriated particles are collected for sampling. An Al 2 O 3 fluidized bed is contained within the reaction vessel. A bed of Al 2 O 3 with a nominal size of 180 µm and U 3 O 8 with a nominal size of 7 µm was fluidized at 2 different flow rates so the U 3 O 8 physically separated from the bed. The apparatus was simple and had no valves or sharp bends downstream from the reactor. The flow exited the reactor through a side port at the top. The flow passed through a knock-out vessel before the flow was passed through a bubbler to capture the U 3 O 8 . Seven tests were completed with U 3 O 8 using an elutriating gas of N 2 heated to 200°C. Tests were performed with bed loadings that comprise 25.0 g of U 3 O 8 , or 3.6 wt% of the bed mass. Except for one test performed at 12 SLPM, the gas flow rate through the bed for the other experiments was set at 10 SLPM as measured by the mass flow meter. Linear velocities through the bed were calculated as 28 and 34 cm/s, or 0.9 and 1.1 ft·s -1 . The duration of the tests ranged from 20 to 180 min, and one test had a flow cycled between 0 and 5 SLPM every 5 min for 40 min. The testing successfully demonstrated elutriation of U 3 O 8 from the fluidized bed as up to a 100% of the U 3 O 8 was transferred out of the bed. The removal of U 3 O 8 had a logarithmic dependence on flow rate. The design changes made the apparatus easier to clean, and the mass balances were better than those used in previous studies. Some elutriated Al 2 O 3 collected in the tubing that connected the reactor to the knock-out pot, but the amount of Al 2 O 3 was minimal for 10 SLPM. The flow at 12 SLPM showed considerable transport of Al 2 O 3 bed material into the reaction-vessel headspace and the transfer line to the knock-out pot.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Analysis Report for Determination of pH Correction Factors for Brines under AP-157 Rev.1

This Analysis Report (AR) documents the determination of pH correction factors for the observed pH readings. The correction factor converts the observed pH reading recorded from the brines used in geochemical studies in support of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) to a corrected pH value. The data analysis in this AR falls under AP-157 Rev. 1 Analysis Plan for Determination of pH Correction Factors in Brines (Kirkes et al, 2021). Measurement of pH in some solutions can be challenging due to numerous factors such as high ionic strength, elevated or lowered temperature, complex matrix composition, etc. (Knauss et al., 1990; and Rai et al., 1995). The measured pH can be corrected by applying the correction factor, empirically obtained from a specific test solution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Actinide (III/IV) - Silica Colloids in the WIPP

During the completeness process for the 2019 Compliance Recertification Application (CRA) for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised concerns about the possible presence of actinide-silica colloids in the WIPP. Several publications that studied the An(IV)- silica system indicated that these colloids could form under conditions similar to WIPP. Colloids are important for WIPP Performance Assessment (PA) as these are a mobile fraction of actinides that contribute to release. As the previously published papers did not explore the formation of actinide-silica colloids under the high ionic strength environment expected in WIPP, an experimental strategy to study these systems was developed.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Solubility of An(OH) 3 am and An(OH) 3 cr in the presence of Citrate and EDTA

The solubility of An(III), which pertains to Pu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III), in brine is an important contributor in WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) performance assessment (PA) models to calculate the potential release of transuranic elements in the near-field environment of the WIPP repository. Americium, although present in much smaller quantities than plutonium (~ 336 kg on year 2033 is potentially WIPP-bound primarily as Am-241), has a significant impact on release due to its higher activity during the earlier times of repository history (~26% initially, decreasing to 17% and ~0% at 1000 and 10,000 years after emplacement) (SOTERM, 2019). Lanthanide analogues such as Nd 3+ possess physical and chemical characteristics that allow them to be used to examine the chemical behavior of trivalent actinides (Lucchini, et al., 2007).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Waste Control Specialists Technical Review Team Report

1. Modeling of Drum 68660 and the WCS Drums: A calibrated model of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Drum 68660 indicates that pressurization of the drum by restriction of drum venting could have led to the thermal runaway reaction at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in 2014, supporting the hypothesis that the contents of the drum were not fundamentally different from the overall remediated nitrate salt (RNS) waste stream. 2. Nitric Acid Reactions and Aging of the Waste: The stability of the WCS RNS waste with respect to autocatalytic thermal runaway due to nitric acid chemistry should increase over time as the nitric acid is depleted from chemical reactions in the drum. However, this cannot be confirmed because of the lack of long-term experimental data on the impact of aging on the reactivity of RNS waste. The calibrated model indicates that the waste drums retain most of their reactive components, metal nitrate salts and sWheat Scoop ® , even after eight years. 3. Pressure Effects and Runaway Reactions: The calibrated model indicates that if the drums and standard waste boxes (SWBs) are not allowed to pressurize during transport or storage and they are stored at historical WIPP repository temperatures, then an autocatalytic thermal runaway event is not expected to occur. Since the cause of Drum 68660 pressurization is not known, decision makers are not able to tailor mitigating strategies to the initiating event. Consequently, mitigating strategies must consider all feasible internal and external events that could lead to the pressurization of the drums. 4. Temperature Effects and Runaway Reactions: Temperature also has a strong influence on the stability of the waste. The calibrated model indicates that cooling the drums or SWBs can reduce the possibility of autocatalytic thermal runaway reactions. Simulations suggest that for a drum with a plugged vent, the probability of thermal runaway may be reduced or eliminated if wastes are maintained at or below 43 °F through active cooling measures from the initiation of transport until emplacement at WIPP.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Neptunium (V) Solubility in the Presence and Absence of WIPP Relevant Ligands

CRA (Compliance Recertification Application)-2024 will update the oxidation state specific model used to calculate actinide solubility in the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant). The pentavalent Np(V) ion is the most stable ion in solution within the An(V) series. This valence stability of Np(V) in aqueous solution makes Np a useful representative element for studying the aqueous complex chemistry of all An(V), but in the predicted WIPP scenario, this is the only TRU component that increases in the inventory with time as it is the main daughter product of 241 Am decay (alpha, n) so its relative importance increases throughout the 10,000-year performance period of the WIPP, it is only used to represent itself. This work is focused on confirming organic, borate and carbonate effects on solubility of Np(V) in WIPP simulated brines and 5 M NaCl and reassessing the predicted model speciation to strengthen the overall WIPP An(V) model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effects of Borate and Organics on U(VI) Solubility in WIPP Brine

The solubility of uranium (VI) in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)-relevant brine was determined to support ongoing WIPP recertification activities. This research was performed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory Carlsbad Operations (LANL-CO) Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP). The WIPP Actinide Source Term Program (ASTP) did not develop a model for the solubility of actinides in the VI oxidation state. The solubility of UO 2 2+ , in the absence of WIPP specific data, is presently set to be equal to a conservatively high 1 mM within the WIPP Performance Assessment (PA) for all expected WIPP conditions (SOTERM, 2019) as selected at the recommendation of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) (EPA, 2005). According to the current WIPP chemistry model assumptions and conditions, the expected pC H+ is about 9.5 and controlled by MgO buffering CO 3 2- . The goal of this study is to perform screening experiments that account for the contributions of organics and borate on uranium solubility. In this report, the solubility of U(VI) was determined at pC H+ 9 WIPP brine in the absence or presence of borate and organics at under-saturation approach. Experiments were equilibrated for about 135 days. Organic compounds present in WIPP waste can form strong complexes with actinides and can affect the oxidation states of actinides. The organic compounds addressed in WIPP performance assessment include EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), oxalate, citrate, and acetate (SOTERM, 2019). These data quantify the effects of WIPP-relevant concentrations of borate and organics effects on the solubility of U(VI) to challenge the predictions of the WIPP actinide model and inform decisions and recommendations made in the upcoming recertification of the WIPP (CRA-2024). The experiments performed were done according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved Test Plan entitled “Experimental Strategy to Challenge Actinide Solubility Predictions” and designated LCO-ACP-26. All data reported were obtained under the LANL-CO Quality Assurance Program, which is compliant with the DOE Carlsbad Field Office, Quality Assurance Program Document (CBFO/QAPD) (QAPD, 2017).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Plutonium Oxidation State Distribution under WIPP Relevant Conditions (Rev. 2)

The oxidation state of plutonium in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) environment has been a topic of interest since the initial compliance certification application. Plutonium (Pu) was initially expected to be present primarily as Pu(IV), but since the presence of Pu(III) could not be ruled out, it was also included in performance assessment (PA) calculations. The redox of the other variant actinides, uranium (U) and neptunium (Np), are also coupled to the plutonium redox. This led to a position in performance assessment calculations that is commonly referred to as “50/50”. In which half of the PA realizations assume solubility is dominated by the low oxidation state [U(IV), Np(IV), Pu(III)] and the other half assume solubility is dominated by the higher oxidation state [U(VI), Np(V), Pu(IV)]. Recently, a joint group of WIPP project participants from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office (DOE-CBFO) agreed on a new path forward for the oxidation state model in PA which will decouple the redox active actinides and will instead consider their redox as a function of E h . This will take the current binary approach and turn it into a system with four possible redox states.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Chemical and Cement Components 2021 Inventory Estimates for Additional Panels National Environmental Policy Act Analysis

This standard analysis report provides the estimates for the chemical (oxyanions and complexing agents) and cement components with a data collection cut-off date of December 31, 2021. These estimates will be included in a response to an inventory data request developed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) performance assessment (PA) for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis on additional panels for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Packaging Capacity Calculation: Pu Oxide Packaging Options with the 2 Quart SAVY Container

This calculation supports programmatic efforts to Dilute and Dispose Pu. Metal is to be oxidized at LANL, then transported to SRS for dilution at SRS. Ultimately, the diluted oxide will be disposed of at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Currently 3013 containers are used to package the oxide, which are placed in to 9975 Type B shipping containers. The Oxide Packaging Technology Maturation Plan determined that a transition to the used of 2-qt SAVY containers placed in 9977 would increase efficiency in shipping and handling and increase programmatic flexibility. The 2-quart SAVY container meets DOE M 441.1 and TA-55 Documented Safety Analysis requirements for handling and storage of Pu oxide at LANL.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Overview of Virtual Test Bed FY23 Activities

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) was created for accelerating the deployment of novel reactor concepts. This will be achieved by providing both physical and virtual spaces for building and testing various components, systems, and complete pilot plants. The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) represents the virtual arm. It is being developed in collaboration with Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗