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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.

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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Gas Separation Membrane Module Modeling: A Comprehensive Review

Membrane gas separation processes have been developed for diverse gas separation applications that include nitrogen production from air and CO2 capture from point sources. Membrane process design requires the development of stable and robust mathematical models that can accurately quantify the performance of the membrane modules used in the process. The literature related to modeling membrane gas separation modules and model use in membrane gas separation process simulators is reviewed in this paper. A membrane-module-modeling checklist is proposed to guide modeling efforts for the research and development of new gas separation membranes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

High contrast imaging with Spitzer: constraining the frequency of giant planets out to 1000 au separations

We report results of a re-analysis of archival Spitzer IRAC direct imaging surveys encompassing a variety of nearby stars. Our sample is generated from the combined observations of 73 young stars (median age, distance, spectral type = 85 Myr, 23.3 pc, G5) and 48 known exoplanet host stars with unconstrained ages (median distance, spectral type = 22.6 pc, G5). While the small size of Spitzer provides a lower resolution than 8 m class AO-assisted ground-based telescopes, which have been used for constraining the frequency of 0.5–13 M {sub J} planets at separations of 10–10{sup 2} au, its exquisite infrared sensitivity provides the ability to place unmatched constraints on the planetary populations at wider separations. Here we apply sophisticated high-contrast techniques to our sample in order to remove the stellar point-spread function and to open up sensitivity to planetary mass companions down to 5″ separations. This enables sensitivity to 0.5–13 M {sub J} planets at physical separations on the order of 10{sup 2}–10{sup 3} au, allowing us to probe a parameter space that has not previously been systematically explored to any similar degree of sensitivity. Based on a color and proper motion analysis, we do not record any planetary detections. Exploiting this enhanced survey sensitivity, employing Monte Carlo simulations with a Bayesian approach, and assuming a mass distribution of dn/dm∝m{sup −1.31}, we constrain (at 95% confidence) a population of 0.5–13 M {sub J} planets at separations of 100–1000 au with an upper frequency limit of 9%.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Centrifugal separator devices, systems and related methods

Centrifugal separator devices, systems and related methods are described. More particularly, fluid transfer connections for a centrifugal separator system having support assemblies with a movable member coupled to a connection tube and coupled to a fixed member, such that the movable member is constrained to movement along a fixed path relative to the fixed member are described. Also, centrifugal separator systems including such fluid transfer connections are described. Additionally, methods of installing, removing and/or replacing centrifugal separators from centrifugal separator systems are described.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2012

Separation of carbon nanotubes into chirally enriched fractions

A mixture of single-walled carbon nanotubes ("SWNTs") is separated into fractions of enriched chirality by preparing an aqueous suspension of a mixture of SWNTs and a surfactant, injecting a portion of the suspension on a column of separation medium having a density gradient, and centrifuging the column. In some embodiments, salt is added prior to centrifugation. In other embodiments, the centrifugation is performed at a temperature below room temperature. Fractions separate as colored bands in the column. The diameter of the separated SWNTs decreases with increasing density along the gradient of the column. The colored bands can be withdrawn separately from the column.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Gas separation using ultrasound and light absorption

An apparatus and method for separating a chosen gas from a mixture of gases having no moving parts and utilizing no chemical processing is described. The separation of particulates from fluid carriers thereof has been observed using ultrasound. In a similar manner, molecular species may be separated from carrier species. It is also known that light-induced drift may separate light-absorbing species from carrier species. Therefore, the combination of temporally pulsed absorption of light with ultrasonic concentration is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of separation by ultrasonic concentration alone. Additionally, breaking the spatial symmetry of a cylindrical acoustic concentrator decreases the spatial distribution of the concentrated particles, and increases the concentration efficiency.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2012

Electrochemically modulated separations for material accountability measurements

A method for the accurate and timely analysis of accountable materials is critical for safeguards measurements in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. Non-destructive analysis (NDA) methods, such as gamma spectroscopy, are desirable for their ability to produce near real-time data. However, the high gamma background of the actinides and fission products in spent nuclear fuel limits the use of NDA for real-time online measurements. A simple approach for at-line separation of materials would facilitate the use of at-line detection methods. A promising at-line separation method for plutonium and uranium is electrochemically modulated separations (EMS). Using an electrochemical cell with an anodized glassy carbon electrode, Pu and U oxidation states can be altered by applying an appropriate voltage. Because the affinity of the actinides for the electrode depends on their oxidation states, selective deposition can be turned “on” and “off” with changes in the applied target electrode voltage. A high surface-area cell was designed in house for the separation of Pu from spent nuclear fuel. The cell is shown to capture over 1 µg of material, increasing the likelihood for gamma spectroscopic detection of Pu extracted from dissolver solutions. The large surface area of the electrode also reduces the impact of competitive interferences from some fission products. Flow rates of up to 1 mL min-1 with >50% analyte deposition efficiency are possible, allowing for rapid separations to be effected. Results from the increased surface-area EMS cell are presented, including dilute dissolver solution simulant data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Development and Testing of an Americium/Lanthanide Separation Flowsheet Using Sodium Bismuthate

The separation of Am from the lanthanides and curium is a key step in proposed advanced fuel cycle scenarios. The partitioning and transmutation of Am is desirable to minimize the long-term heat load of material interred in a future high-level waste repository. A separation process amenable to process scale-up remains elusive. Given only subtle chemistry differences within and between the ions of the trivalent actinide and lanthanide series this separation is challenging ; however, higher oxidation states of americium can be prepared using sodium bismuthate and separated via solvent extraction using diamylamylphosphonate (DAAP) extraction. Among the other trivalent metals only Ce is also oxidized and extracted. Due to the long-term instability of Am(VI) , the loaded organic phase is readily selectively stripped to partition the actinide to a new acidic aqueous phase. Batch extraction distribution ratio measurements were used to design a flowsheet to accomplish this separation. Additionally, crossflow filtration was investigated as a method to filter the bismuthate solids from the feed solution prior to extraction. Results of the filtration studies, flowsheet development work and flowsheet performance testing using a centrifugal contactor are detailed.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2014

High gliding fluid power generation system with fluid component separation and multiple condensers

An example power generation system includes a vapor generator, a turbine, a separator and a pump. In the separator, the multiple components of the working fluid are separated from each other and sent to separate condensers. Each of the separate condensers is configured for condensing a single component of the working fluid. Once each of the components condense back into a liquid form they are recombined and exhausted to a pump that in turn drives the working fluid back to the vapor generator.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Safety shutdown separators

The present invention pertains to electrochemical cells which comprise (a) an anode; (b) a cathode; (c) a solid porous separator, such as a polyolefin, xerogel, or inorganic oxide separator; and (d) a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the separator comprises a porous membrane having a microporous coating comprising polymer particles which have not coalesced to form a continuous film. This microporous coating on the separator acts as a safety shutdown layer that rapidly increases the internal resistivity and shuts the cell down upon heating to an elevated temperature, such as 110.degree. C. Also provided are methods for increasing the safety of an electrochemical cell by utilizing such separators with a safety shutdown layer.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2016

System and process for efficient separation of biocrudes and water in a hydrothermal liquefaction system

A system and process are described for clean separation of biocrudes and water by-products from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product mixtures of organic and biomass-containing feedstocks at elevated temperatures and pressures. Inorganic compound solids are removed prior to separation of biocrude and water by-product fractions to minimize formation of emulsions that impede separation. Separation may be performed at higher temperatures that reduce heat loss and need to cool product mixtures to ambient. The present invention thus achieves separation efficiencies not achieved in conventional HTL processing.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Hollow fiber apparatus and use thereof for fluids separations and heat and mass transfers

A hollow fiber fluid separation device includes a hollow fiber cartridge, comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged around a central tubular core, a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective distal ends of the hollow fiber bundle. The tubesheets have boreholes in fluid communication with bores of the hollow fiber membrane. In at least one of the tubesheets, the boreholes are formed radially and are in communication with the central tubular core. The hollow fiber fluid separation device can be utilized in liquid separation applications such as ultrafiltration and in gas separation processes such as air separation. The design disclosed herein is light weight and compact and is particularly advantageous at high operating temperatures when the pressure of the feed fluid introduced into the bores of hollow fibers is higher than the pressure on the shell side of the device.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Final Project Report (Oct 2014-Dec 2017): Zeolite Membranes for Krypton/Xenon Separation from Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Off-Gas

The overall focus of this project is to develop and understand SAPO-34 zeolitic membranes that can separate mixtures of radioisotope krypton-85 and xenon released as off-gases during used nuclear fuel recycling. The primary advantage of separating 85 Kr from Xe is to reduce the volume of radioactive waste for storage. The second advantage is the revenue generated from the sale of high-purity Xe. Zeolite membranes are attractive because of their much lower energy requirements relative to cryogenic distillation, and their high resistance to radiation degradation. We report the detailed study of silicoaluminophosphate zeolite SAPO-34 materials and membranes for this application, due to hypothesized favorable molecular sieving properties. In the 3-year Mission Support project, we developed a novel, high-performance, low-energy intensity, lower-cost zeolite membrane process for Kr/Xe separation during SNF processing; and investigated the underlying molecular adsorption and transport processes in both ‘idealized’ and ‘realistic’ operating conditions to develop reliable synthesis-structure-property relationships for such membranes. Adsorption and diffusion measurements on SAPO-34 crystals indicate their potential for use in Kr-Xe separation membranes, but also highlight competing effects of adsorption and diffusion selectivity. SAPO-34 membranes synthesized on α-alumina substrates via steam-assisted conversion seeding and hydrothermal growth are characterized in detail, with Kr permeances 26 GPU and ideal Kr/Xe selectivities >20 at 298 K after thickness reduction. Post-synthesis cation exchange shows large (>50%) increases in selectivity at ambient or slight sub-ambient conditions. In addition, we confirm that SAPO-34 membrane is stable under radiation exposure and the impact of radiation exposure on membrane performance would not be substantial. We also successfully synthesized hollow-fiber SAPO-34 membranes with the same performance levels as the disk-type and tubular membranes. This important development will allow a very compact and low-cost Kr/Xe separation system. Finally, a detailed process calculation for techno-economic analysis was performed by integrating Maxwell-Stefan model into cross-flow membrane system, in order to estimate the required number of membrane stages and the total cost.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thin-film composite membrane and processes for the separation of alkenes from a gaseous feed mixture

This invention discloses an improved thin-film composite membrane and processes that use the membrane for the separation of gaseous mixtures that include an alkene. The membrane is particularly useful for separation of alkenes from alkanes or the separation of alkenes from other non-hydrocarbon gases. The membrane has a more mechanically durable and defect-free gas-separation layer that is fabricated from an ionomer solution that is substantially free of dissolved ionic species not associated with the ionomer and the mean helium permeability of the thin-film composite membrane is less than two times greater than the intrinsic helium permeability of the gas-separation layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Ultrasonic in-situ water-cut measurement using ultrasonic oil-water separation for affecting sound speed calibration

An apparatus and method for the separation of an oil-water mixture into its components are described. An acoustic radiation force moves oil droplets to the nodes of an acoustic standing wave generated in a vertical column containing the oil-water mixture. Once the droplets are sufficiently close together, attractive forces become dominant and the droplets may coalesce to form larger droplets, which have greater buoyancy, and separation of the mixture into a layer of oil and a layer of water occurs, not possible by simple gravitational separation. Acoustically-driven oil-water separation may be used for water-cut measurements in oil production wells, since separation of the oil from the water permits accurate sound speed measurements to be made for both the oil and the water, thereby allowing frequent in situ calibrations of the apparatus to determine whether sound speed measurements on the mixture are accurate in the event that one or both of the mixture constituents is changing.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrochemical cells with ionic sequestration provided by porous separators

Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Municipal solid waste source-separated collection in China: A comparative analysis

A pilot program focusing on municipal solid waste (MSW) source-separated collection was launched in eight major cities throughout China in 2000. Detailed investigations were carried out and a comprehensive system was constructed to evaluate the effects of the eight-year implementation in those cities. This paper provides an overview of different methods of collection, transportation, and treatment of MSW in the eight cities; as well as making a comparative analysis of MSW source-separated collection in China. Information about the quantity and composition of MSW shows that the characteristics of MSW are similar, which are low calorific value, high moisture content and high proportion of organisms. Differences which exist among the eight cities in municipal solid waste management (MSWM) are presented in this paper. Only Beijing and Shanghai demonstrated a relatively effective result in the implementation of MSW source-separated collection. While the six remaining cities result in poor performance. Considering the current status of MSWM, source-separated collection should be a key priority. Thus, a wider range of cities should participate in this program instead of merely the eight pilot cities. It is evident that an integrated MSWM system is urgently needed. Kitchen waste and recyclables are encouraged to be separated at the source. Stakeholders involved play an important role in MSWM, thus their responsibilities should be clearly identified. Improvement in legislation, coordination mechanisms and public education are problematic issues that need to be addressed.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2013

Reprocessing system with nuclide separation based on chromatography in hydrochloric acid solution

We have proposed the reprocessing system with nuclide separation processes based on the chromatographic technique in the hydrochloric acid solution system. Our proposed system consists of the dissolution process, the reprocessing process, the minor actinide separation process, and nuclide separation processes. In the reprocessing and separation processes, the pyridine resin is used as a main separation media. It was confirmed that the dissolution in the hydrochloric acid solution is easily achieved by the plasma voloxidation and by the addition of oxygen peroxide into the hydrochloric acid solution.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

A flowsheet concept for an Am/Ln separation based on Am{sup VI} solvent extraction

The separation of Am from the lanthanides and curium is a key step in proposed advanced fuel cycle scenarios. The partitioning and transmutation of Am is desirable to minimize the long-term radiotoxicity of material interred in a future high-level waste repository. However, a separation amenable to process scale-up remains elusive. Higher oxidation states of americium have recently been used to demonstrate solvent extraction-based separations using conventional fuel cycle ligands. Here, the successful partitioning of Am{sup VI} from the bulk of lanthanides and curium using diamyl-amyl-phosphonate (DAAP) extraction is reported. Due to the instability of Am{sup VI} in the organic phase it was readily selectively stripped to a new acidic aqueous phase to provide separation from co-extracted Ce{sup IV}. The use of NaBiO{sub 3} as an oxidant to separate Am from the lanthanides and Cm by solvent extraction has been successfully demonstrated on the bench scale. Based on these results, flowsheet concepts can be designed that result in 96 % Am recovery in the presence of a few percent of the remaining Cm and the lanthanides in two extraction contacts. Preliminary results also indicate that the DAAP extractant is robust toward γ- irradiation under realistic conditions of acidity and dissolved oxygen concentration.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗