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At least 487 records · Page 27

2022 MB3a Infrasound Sensor Type Approval Evaluation

Sandia National Laboratories has tested and evaluated an updated version of the MB3a infrasound sensor, designed by CEA and manufactured by SeismoWave. The purpose of this infrasound sensor evaluation is to measure the performance characteristics in such areas as power consumption, sensitivity, full scale, self-noise, dynamic range, response, passband, sensitivity variation due to changes in barometric pressure and temperature, and sensitivity to acceleration. The MB3a infrasound sensors are being evaluated for use in the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Preparatory Commission to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

2022 Chaparral 64S Infrasound Sensor Type Approval Evaluation

Sandia National Laboratories has tested and evaluated a new version of the Chaparral 64S infrasound sensor, designed and manufactured by Chaparral Physics. The purpose of this infrasound sensor evaluation is to measure the performance characteristics in such areas as power consumption, sensitivity, full scale, self-noise, dynamic range, response, passband, sensitivity variation due to changes in barometric pressure and temperature, and sensitivity to acceleration. The Chaparral 64S infrasound sensors are being evaluated for use in the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Preparatory Commission to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Summary of NDC Capacity Building Workshop and Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) in combination with Data Sharing and Integration Training

The NNSA Seismic Cooperation Program (SCP) sponsored Stephen Myers (LLNL), Michael Begnaud (LANL), Brian Young (SNL) and Istvan Bondar (Research Center for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Hungary) to serve as a presenters/trainers at the “NDC Capacity Building Workshop and Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) in combination with Data Sharing and Integration Training” September 4-8 2022 in Muscat, Oman (See Appendix A for the agenda). The workshop and training (workshop from here forward) was organized by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS). The first half of the week was devoted to NDC workshop activities, and the second half was devoted to RSTT training. Fifty-five participants from 27 countries and the CTBTO-PTS attended the 5-day workshop (See Appendix B for list of participants and countries of origin). Presentations from the PTS described the International Monitoring System (IMS), International Data Centre (IDC) products, and metrics of regional data utilization. Contributed presentations from each country’s scientists included descriptions of regional and national networks, methods of data analysis, and needs for material and technical assistance. Training included an overview of the RSTT method and instruction on how to locate seismic events with the iLoc program, which utilizes RSTT travel times to reduce bias in event location estimates. Methods of seismic tomography and the need for a high-quality tomographic set, including seismological “ground truth”, were emphasized. Seismological “ground truth” or “GT” is a term that has come to mean both events with known location and events with well-characterized locations that are estimated using seismological data, typically with epicenter accuracy of 5 km or better. Notably, the instructional platform has migrated from UNIX shell scripts to Jupyter Notebooks. Jupyter Notebooks have the advantage being more visually intuitive, including display of graphics within the notebook. Each notebook includes every processing step that participants need to reproduce the entire exercise.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Critical Interference Mechanisms for Marine Renewable Energy-powered Ocean Observing Platforms

Marine renewable energy devices, such as wave energy converters or tidal turbines, not only have the potential to provide clean, reliable power to the grid but may also offer new opportunities for ocean exploration by providing power for oceanographic sensors where other sources cannot. However, an important consideration in making this vision a reality is understanding whether the marine energy devices may interfere with oceanographic measurements. Interference may occur through several pathways, including sound produced by the device and the motion of the device itself. In this report, we provide an overview of interference pathways and their implications before exploring two use cases for marine energy-powered ocean observing platforms: a tidal-powered passive acoustic monitoring system and wave-powered wave measurement buoys. For each use case, we review the relevant literature and underlying physics of the systems as they are relevant to the desired measurements before making recommendations for design of such systems.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Installation of Lysimeters Near Engineered Trench 3, Slit Trench 8, and Slit Trench 9

Nine new lysimeter stations were installed at the E-Area Low Level Waste Facility (ELLWF). Six lysimeter stations were installed near Engineered Trench 3 (ET3), one installed near Slit Trench 8 (ST8), and two installed near Slit Trench 9 (ST9) as shown in Figure ES-1. Two lysimeters were installed at each station at the depths shown in Table ES-1. Lysimeter placements were based on borehole lithology and were comparable to existing nearby lysimeter stations. The deepest lysimeter at each of the new lysimeter stations was designated as the action-level lysimeter. Following installation, the lysimeters were purged and placed under vacuum for sampling. Sampling occurred in April 2023. Analytical results from the sampling will be provided in the Spring 2023 Lysimeter Tritium Data technical memo and the 2023 Annual Summary Report. With the addition of the new lysimeters at ET3, ST8, and ST9, the vadose zone monitoring system is now comprised of 327 active lysimeters at 111 lysimeter stations. There are 102 action-level lysimeters at 111 stations.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Measurement of Argon-37 Background Concentrations in the Atmosphere

Radioisotopes of noble gases, primarily xenon and argon, are important indicators of underground nuclear explosions. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) includes monitoring capabilities to identify potential nuclear explosions conducted in violation of the CTBT. This monitoring currently focuses on measurement of the xenon isotopes 133 Xe, 135 Xe, 131 mXe and 133 mXe. However, it is predicted that within 100 days of an underground nuclear explosion (UNE) 37 Ar would be released to the atmosphere at higher concentrations than xenon isotopes (Haas et al. 2010). Therefore, inclusion of 37 Ar measurement capabilities at atmospheric International Monitoring System (IMS) stations could improve the capability to detect a nuclear explosion. At an IMS station, it could be difficult to determine what constitutes an elevated concentration as a result of an UNE without first understanding the expected range of background concentrations. This work describes our analysis of atmospheric samples for 37 Ar to evaluate the range of background concentrations. The range of 37 Ar concentrations measured in atmospheric air samples was relatively narrow ranging between less than 1 mBq/m 3 to greater than 2 mBq/m 3 . The average atmospheric concentration of all samples was 0.98 mBq/m 3 , with a standard deviation of 0.5 mBq/m 3 . This is consistent with previous published results. The results presented here demonstrate the capability to detect background concentrations of 37 Ar in atmospheric air.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Cost Benefit Analyses through Integrated Online Monitoring and Diagnostics (Final Report)

The objective of this research is to improve the economic competitiveness of advanced reactors through the optimization of cost and plant performance, which can be achieved by coupling intelligent online monitoring with asset management decision-making. As advanced reactors are early in the development life-cycle, online monitoring systems and associated sensor networks can be incorporated directly into the design without constraints related to retrofitting and system upgrades

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Data Visualization: Augmented Reality

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in developing new technologies for automated characterization and visualization of condition monitoring data. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that is being developed to improve such data visualization. Augmented reality has been defined as a technology that merges virtual and physical components in real-time, and in three dimensions. Wearable, commercially-available AR devices allow onsite engineers and technicians to perform inspection tasks with significantly more available information such as comparisons of past and present sensor and imager data, onsite data analysis and result displays, and various forms of metadata including technical drawings, previous inspection reports and maintenance histories, operation manuals, codes and standards, and holograms representing data analysis results superimposed onto the in situ monitored system.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Building Monitoring and Energy Efficiency Training for Small and Mid-Sized Commercial Buildings in Non-Urbanized Areas of Alaska

The goal of this project was to create an effective training that increases understanding, competency and capacity in monitoring critical building data. Mentorship, verification and follow-up ensured participants now have necessary skills to install and maintain building monitoring systems. This training sought to empower building managers and maintenance staff to properly and efficiently operate their buildings for energy savings and increased lifespan of equipment. Through the project, participants’ knowledge of the building was increased through hands-on training using a familiar building environment and eliminating common barriers to effective training through peer-to peer delivery. In successful cases the host organization will save money and resources due to more efficient operation of building equipment already in place.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Applying Automated Detectors for Regional Infrasound Signals to Global Networks: A Case Study Using the 2022 Hunga Tonga Volcanic Eruption

The January 15, 2022 Tonga Hunga volcanic eruption was the largest event to be recorded across the International Monitoring System infrasound network. Signals from the eruption were identified at all 53 operational stations by International Data Centre analysts. This report contains descriptors for signal detection bulletins produced by infrasound researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Manual detection bulletins were produced by laboratory staff. Automated detection bulletins were produced using automated infrasound processing tools developed at both laboratories. Initial results are provided to evaluate the utility of extending tools developed for regional infrasound event analysis to global-scale events.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Real-time In-process Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing (Final CRADA Report)

Phase 3D has invented a real-time in-process monitoring system which can retrofit any industrial 3D printer to provide actionable part quality data. Designed to provide value to builders through dimensional measurements of several in-situ part features, the system reduces lost schedule time and wasted energy via allowing for earlier part scrap.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Automated Airborne Pathogen Monitoring for Agriculture (CRADA Final Report)

As part of the Cyclotron Road program, Root Applied Sciences investigated the use of DNA-based assays under field conditions to detect airborne plant pathogens in environmental samples. Robust DNA-based assays are critical for automated monitoring of plant pathogen concentrations in the air using Root’s air samplers. A fully automated air sampler coupled with DNA-based assays capable of operating under field conditions will accelerate the delivery of disease risk alerts based on airborne inoculum loads. Timely and accurate alerts of pathogen loads in the air can help growers manage airborne diseases more precisely, avoiding fungicide applications when there is no threat, and focusing cultural practices in the right areas. This project built upon other work done by Root to study the in-field performance of a liquid DNA-based assay for detection of grape powdery mildew. Growers working with Root’s airborne powdery mildew monitoring system have reported 20-80% reductions in pesticides.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Interpreting Forced Oscillation Notifications from ESAMS: General Guidance for Reliability Coordinators

The Eastern Interconnection Situational Awareness Monitoring System (ESAMS) project demonstrated the feasibility of aggregating synchrophasor measurements from across an interconnection, analyzing them, and providing real-time wide-area situational awareness to system operators who may have excellent visibility within their footprint but lack an interconnection-wide view. An application within ESAMS that has garnered industry interest involves detecting forced oscillations visible across multiple areas, identifying the region where the oscillation originated from, quantifying the uncertainty in source localization results, and notifying users in real-time if the detected oscillation amplitudes cross a specified threshold. It is expected that system operators will utilize their internal SCADA/EMS/synchrophasor systems in conjunction with information provided by ESAMS to take effective mitigation actions if forced oscillation notifications are received. This report provides some general guidance on how the ESAMS information can be used for source localization and coordination among multiple reliability coordinators; and also identifies potential enhancements to ESAMS notifications for improved interpretability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Annual Site Environmental Report: 2020 (ASER) for the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

To satisfy the requirements of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) SLAC Site Office approved Site Compliance Plan for DOE Order 231.1B (Change 1, 2012, “Environment, Safety and Health Reporting,” the Environment, Safety and Health Division (ES&H) of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory prepares an annual report describing its environmental programs and activities. This Annual Site Environmental Report: 2020 summarizes the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory compliance with standards and requirements, describes the management and monitoring systems in place, and highlights significant accomplishments for the year.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Annual Site Environmental Report: 2019 (ASER) for the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

To satisfy the requirements of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) SLAC Site Office approved Site Compliance Plan for DOE Order 231.1B, “Environment, Safety and Health Reporting,” the Environment, Safety and Health Division (ES&H) of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory prepares an annual report describing its environmental programs and activities. This Annual Site Environmental Report: 2019 summarizes the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory compliance with standards and requirements, describes the management and monitoring systems in place, and highlights significant accomplishments for the year.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technology (AMMT): Process understanding for qualifying LPBF 316H SS

Investigations were conducted in fiscal years (FY) 2023 and 2024 to gather relevant data sets addressing challenges related to qualifying 316H stainless steel (SS) for use in future nuclear reactors. This work was a collaborative effort involving researchers from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Key outcomes included: • Development of process-structure-property data sets to better understand the relationships between manufacturing processes, material structure, and performance characteristics. • Establishment of an in-situ monitoring system to link these various data sets together. • Detailed characterization of the raw material feedstock to further strengthen the understanding of process-structure and process-property relationships. Building on this foundation, in FY25 there was interest in exploring the behavior of additively manufactured 316H SS under different test conditions to support the overall material qualification process. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was tasked with providing specimen samples to the collaborating labs, who then conducted a round-robin study examining factors like selective heat treatment, low-cycle fatigue (LCF), and tensile-creep (T-C) properties. Additionally, high-temperature differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed by LANL to better understand how the material's thermal characteristics change as it is heated up to the melting point. This provided a more comprehensive understanding of the material's behavior. The combined results from these investigations could potentially be used to support the inclusion of 316H stainless steel in Section III, Division 5 of the relevant codes and standards, allowing its use in future nuclear reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗