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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 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Sludge Batch 10 Frit Development and Variability Study Matrix Design

The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) is currently preparing to initiate processing of Sludge Batch 10 (SB10), which is comprised of material from Tanks 11H, 13H, 15H, and 26H, and Alternate Feed Stock-2 (AFS-2). H-Canyon also had a need to discard Sodium Reactor Experiment (SRE) material that was stored in Tanks 16.3 and 16.4. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) added a portion of the SRE material to Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) in Tank 40 and the remainder was added to SB10 that is currently being prepared in Tank 51. In support of sludge batch preparation and qualification efforts, SRR requested that the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) complete the following tasks based on the SB10 projections provided by the SRR System Planning group.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling DWPF Hydrogen Gas Retention and Release

Savannah River Remediation (SRR) currently manages the risk for retained hydrogen in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) vessels by implementing a Retained Hydrogen Program. The current program conservatively relies on bounding assumptions concerning gas release and retention to develop allowable vessel Q-times. SRR would like to establish more realistic inputs to the Retained Hydrogen Program. To address this need, SRNL conducted a literature search on work investigating the retention and release of gas from DWPF type slurries. The search revealed that the retained hydrogen is not released instantaneously upon the start of agitation, and that hydrogen gas could be released under quiescent, non-agitated, conditions. The literature search also identified a Lattice-Boltzmann computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that could model and predict hydrogen release from DWPF vessels. SRR requested that Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) personnel pursue this software and focus the model for hydrogen gas retention and release to justify relaxing these conservative assumptions. This report documents the refinement of the CFD software model and application to show its ability to describe retained hydrogen release from DWPF vessels and relax the conservativisms in the Retained Hydrogen Program.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multi-Scale Integrated Monitoring System for Enhancing Methane Emission Detection, Quantification & Prediction

This report details the progress and findings of a comprehensive study on reviewing existing solutions, identifying technology gaps, and formulating an “all-in-one” integrated strategy for developing the next-generation multiscale methane monitoring and modeling platform, conducted under grant number DE-FE0032292. Co-led by Dr. David Ebert, Dr. Binbin Weng, and Dr. Chenghao Wang at the University of Oklahoma, the project’s goal was to develop an integrated approach for building this engineering platform to detect, quantify, and mitigate methane emissions across various temporal scale, spatial scales, and sectors. The planning grant study began with an extensive review of various methane sensing and monitoring technologies and systems, surveying over 100 technology providers globally. This review revealed the prevalence of optical methods over chemical methods in commercially available sensors, with Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR), Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), and Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras being the most prevalent options. A trend towards more advanced optical techniques was observed, driven by increased regulatory focus and technological advancements. The technical evaluation of these sensing technologies provided crucial insights into their capabilities and limitations. The study examined emerging technologies such as Differential Absorption LiDAR (DIAL), which show promise for high-precision and long-range detection. The team then investigated the features and application bandwidth of various sensing platforms, including handheld, fixed/stationary, mobile, aerials, and spaceborne monitors. Pilot field studies were conducted to assess the capabilities of solutions for different emission scenarios. Field work with sensor deployments was conducted at three distinct site types: an oil & gas industry site, a cattle ranching operation, and a waste processing facility. The team also conducted a thorough review of methane flux inverse modeling approaches, focused on physically based methods. These approaches were categorized into simple, intermediate, and advanced methods. A realtime WRF-GHG (Weather Research and Forecasting-Greenhouse Gas) modeling system was developed and applied, incorporating multiple data sources to guide field experiments and inform methane plume detection. The project identified and analyzed numerous categories of methane data sources, including satellite measurements, ground-based sensors, and inventory databases. Key platforms examined include EDGAR, EPA GHGI, NASA TROPOMI, Carbon Mapper, and Climate TRACE, among others. The team proposed an architecture for a comprehensive methane monitoring platform. This system incorporates multi-source data acquisition, advanced data processing and assimilation, interactive visualization tools, and analytical capabilities for emissions forecasting and scenario analysis. The proposed platform aims to provide a user-friendly interface catering to various stakeholders, from researchers to policymakers. The architecture includes sophisticated data ingestion methods, a centralized data warehouse, and advanced analytical tools for data fusion and interpretation. To ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the proposed system, a comprehensive survey was conducted to gather stakeholder input on system requirements. Key findings include a strong need for integrating various data types and formats, a preference for real-time data updates and advanced visualization tools, and a demand for user-friendly interfaces catering to different expertise levels.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2026

MAT 331: Design of Additive Manufacturable Dual Curing Resin Systems Enabling Circular Composite

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a low energy, low waste processing method for producing industry-relevant composite structures with extreme lightweighting potential. We propose a way to combine circularizable (recyclable at the end-of-life) thermosetting chemistry with AM-relevant curing speeds in highly filled composites. Our focus is transforming our recyclable thermoset (PECAN) into a platform with AM-relevant curing speeds while initiated at room temperature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Harvesting Isotopically Pure Ac-225 from Ra-225 Produced in Thorium Target Spallation Reaction

A method for isolating Ra-225 from linear accelerator irradiated Th metal chemical processing waste streams has been established. Separating Ra-225 from the complex matrix following proton irradiation of Th metal provides a source of isotopically pure Ac-225 free of the Ac-227 impurity that is present in accelerator-produced Ac-225. Ra isotopes are first separated from the irradiated Th target via cation exchange methods. Importantly, the Ra-containing fraction is cleaned from residual citrate via dilute nitric acid washes (0.5 M) on AG50W-X8 resin. The mixed Ra isotopes are then further purified from Ba-140 impurity using a Sr resin column. Ra elutes through the resin with successive washes of 2.5 M HNO 3 while Ba-140 is retained. Ac-225 is then harvested by loading the Ra content onto an AG50W-X8 cation exchange column where the Ra-225 parent is eluted with 2.5 M HNO 3 before the Ac-225 daughter is eluted with 8 M HNO 3 .

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Identifying the speciation of salt-based actinides in the presence of contaminants [Slides]

Molten salt reactors (MSR) present advantages over light water reactors, such as higher safety and energy efficiency, convenient waste processing, and the ability to use more abundant thorium instead of uranium as the fuel source. However, due to the high temperatures associated with these reactors the reactor container corrosion product can have a high influence on the molten salt system, and they are considered as a part of the fuel salt system. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the chemical reactions that are occurring in the molten salt in the presence of contaminants such as nickel, manganese, chromium chlorides and oxides. Because they can change the local structure of these salts and the local structures of these salts govern the thermophysical properties of the molten salts, which would determine the safety and operational parameters of the reactor. This study is focused on identifying f-element materials speciation resulting from reaction with corrosion/degradation products in a molten salt environment to understand the flow of MSR. In this work, f-element chlorides are mixed with alkali and alkali earth metals and corrosion products such as transition metal chlorides are introduced systematically, inside a glovebox. Then these are heated to around 700 ? and slowly cooled to room temperature. Afterwards, these are analyzed using different characterization techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction, UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy and solid-state NMR. The initial work was conducted with lanthanide chlorides as a surrogate for actinides and the acquired data strongly indicates that in the presence of corrosion products new phase formation/ change in coordination environments occurs. This work has been presented at multiple conference presentations. The proposed work would allow to extend this work to actinides (depleted uranium and thorium) and this would assist to identify the speciation of actinide chloride in the presence of corrosion products. Also, this work would open an opportunity to compare the coordination behavior of lanthanides with the actinides.

37 - INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL C↗
DOE OSTI2024

Potential applications of microbial genomics in nuclear non-proliferation

As nuclear technology evolves in response to increased demand for diversification and decarbonization of the energy sector, new and innovative approaches are needed to effectively identify and deter the proliferation of nuclear arms, while ensuring safe development of global nuclear energy resources. Preventing the use of nuclear material and technology for unsanctioned development of nuclear weapons has been a long-standing challenge for the International Atomic Energy Agency and signatories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Environmental swipe sampling has proven to be an effective technique for characterizing clandestine proliferation activities within and around known locations of nuclear facilities and sites. However, limited tools and techniques exist for detecting nuclear proliferation in unknown locations beyond the boundaries of declared nuclear fuel cycle facilities, representing a critical gap in non-proliferation safeguards. Microbiomes, defined as “characteristic communities of microorganisms” found in specific habitats with distinct physical and chemical properties, can provide valuable information about the conditions and activities occurring in the surrounding environment. Microorganisms are known to inhabit radionuclide-contaminated sites, spent nuclear fuel storage pools, and cooling systems of water-cooled nuclear reactors, where they can cause radionuclide migration and corrosion of critical structures. Microbial transformation of radionuclides is a well-established process that has been documented in numerous field and laboratory studies. These studies helped to identify key bacterial taxa and microbially-mediated processes that directly and indirectly control the transformation, mobility, and fate of radionuclides in the environment. Expanding on this work, other studies have used microbial genomics integrated with machine learning models to successfully monitor and predict the occurrence of heavy metals, radionuclides, and other process wastes in the environment, indicating the potential role of nuclear activities in shaping microbial community structure and function. Results of this previous body of work suggest fundamental geochemical-microbial interactions occurring at nuclear fuel cycle facilities could give rise to microbiomes that are characteristic of nuclear activities. These microbiomes could provide valuable information for monitoring nuclear fuel cycle facilities, planning environmental sampling campaigns, and developing biosensor technology for the detection of undisclosed fuel cycle activities and proliferation concerns.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Design for waste-management system

Study was made and system defined for water-recovery and solid-waste processing for low-rise apartment complexes. System can be modified to conform with unique requirements of community, including hydrology, geology, and climate. Reclamation is accomplished by treatment process that features reverse-osmosis membranes.

Guarneri, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Reports of planetary geology program, 1976 - 1977

One hundred seventeen investigations undertaken in the NASA Planetary Geology Program in 1976-1977 are reported in abstract form. Topics discussed include solar system formation; planetary interiors; planetary evolution; asteroids, comets and moons; cratering; volcanic, eolian, fluvial and mass wasting processes; volatiles and the Martian regolith; mapping; and instrument development and techniques. An author index is provided.

Arvidson, R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Evaluation of engineered foods for Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)

A system of conversion of locally regenerated raw materials and of resupplied freeze-dried foods and ingredients into acceptable, safe and nutritious engineered foods is proposed. The first phase of the proposed research has the following objectives: (1) evaluation of feasibility of developing acceptable and reliable engineered foods from a limited selection of plants, supplemented by microbially produced nutrients and a minimum of dehydrated nutrient sources (especially those of animal origin); (2) evaluation of research tasks and specifications of research projects to adapt present technology and food science to expected space conditions (in particular, problems arising from unusual gravity conditions, problems of limited size and the isolation of the food production system, and the opportunities of space conditions are considered); (3) development of scenarios of agricultural production of plant and microbial systems, including the specifications of processing wastes to be recycled.

Karel, M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Preliminary risk assessment for nuclear waste disposal in space, volume 2

Safety guidelines are presented. Waste form, waste processing and payload fabrication facilities, shipping casks and ground transport vehicles, payload primary container/core, radiation shield, reentry systems, launch site facilities, uprooted space shuttle launch vehicle, Earth packing orbits, orbit transfer systems, and space destination are discussed. Disposed concepts and risks are then discussed.

Rice, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mineral separation and recycle in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)

The background of the mineral nutrition needs of plants are examined along with the applicability of mineral control and separation to a controlled ecological life support system (CELSS). Steps that may be taken in a program to analytically define and experimentally test key mineral control concepts in the nutritional and waste processing loops of a CELSS are delineated.

Ballou, E. V.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Rationale for evaluating a closed food chain for space habitats

Closed food cycles for long duration space flight and space habitation are examined. Wash water for a crew of six is economically recyclable after a week, while a total closed loop water system is effective only if the stay exceeds six months' length. The stoichiometry of net plant growth is calculated and it is shown that the return of urine, feces, and inedible plant parts to the food chain, along with the addition of photosynthesis, closes the food chain loop. Scenarios are presented to explore the technical feasibility of achieving a closed loop system. An optimal choice of plants is followed by processing, waste conversion, equipment specifications, and control requirements, and finally, cost-effectiveness.

Modell, M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Drainage Evolution in the Debris Avalanche Deposits Near Mount Saint Helens, Washington

The 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens was initiated by a massive rockslide-debris avalanche which completely transformed the upper 25 km of the North Fork Toutle River valley. The debris was generated by one of the largest gravitational mass movements ever recorded on Earth. Moving at an average velocity of 35 m/s, the debris avalanche buried approximately 60 sq km of terrain to an average depth of 45 m with unconsolidated, poorly sorted volcaniclastic material, all within a period of 10 minutes. Where exposed and unaltered by subsequent lahars and pyroclastic flows, the new terrain surface was characterized predominantly by hummocks, closed depressions, and the absence of an identifiable channel network. Following emplacement of the debris avalanche, a complex interrelationship of fluvial and mass wasting processes immediately began operating to return the impacted area to an equilibrium status through the removal of material (potential energy) and re-establishment of graded conditions. In an attempt to chronicle the morphologic evolution of this unique environmental setting, a systematic series of interpretative maps of several selected areas was produced. These maps, which document the rate and character of active geomorphic processes, are discussed.

Gary L Beach↗
NASA NTRS1984

Multiprocess evolution of landforms in the Kharga Region, Egypt: Applications to Mars

In order to understand better the polygenetic evolution of landforms on the martian surface, field studies were conducted in and around the Kharga Depression, Egypt. The Kharga region, on the eastern edge of Egypt's Western Desert, was subject to erosion under mostly hyperarid climatic conditions, punctuated by brief pluvial episodes of lesser aridity, since early Pleistocene time. The region contains numerous landforms analogous to features on the martian surface: yardangs carved in layered surficial deposits and in bedrock, invasive dune trains, wind-modified channels and interfluves, and depressions bounded by steep scarps. Like many of the topographic depresions on Mars, the Kharga Depression was invaded by crescentic dunes. In Egypt, stratigraphic relations between dunes, yardangs, mass-wasting debris, and wind-eroded flash-flood deposits record shifts in the relative effectiveness of wind, water, and mass-wasting processes as a function of climate change.

Breed, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Airborne trace contaminants of possible interest in CELSS

One design goal of Closed Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) for long duration space missions is to maintain an atmosphere which is healthy for all the desirable biological species and not deleterious to any of the mechanical components in that atmosphere. CELESS design must take into account the interactions of at least six major components; (1) humans and animals, (2) higher plants, (3) microalgae, (4) bacteria and fungi, (5) the waste processing system, and (6) other mechanical systems. Each of these major components can be both a source and a target of airborne trace contaminants in a CELSS. A range of possible airborne trace contaminants is discussed within a chemical classification scheme. These contaminants are analyzed with respect to their probable sources among the six major components and their potential effects on those components. Data on airborne chemical contaminants detected in shuttle missions is presented along with this analysis. The observed concentrations of several classes of compounds, including hydrocarbons, halocarbons, halosilanes, amines and nitrogen oxides, are considered with respect to the problems which they present to CELSS.

Garavelli, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Development of space technology for ecological habitats

The development of closed ecological systems for space stations is discussed. Growth chambers, control systems, microgravity, ecosystem stability, lighting equipment, and waste processing systems are among the topics discussed.

Martello, N. V.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Life Science Research Facility materials management requirements and concepts

The Advanced Programs Office at NASA Ames Research Center has defined hypothetical experiments for a 90-day mission on Space Station to allow analysis of the materials necessary to conduct the experiments and to assess the impact on waste processing of recyclable materials and storage requirements of samples to be returned to earth for analysis as well as of nonrecyclable materials. The materials include the specimens themselves, the food, water, and gases necessary to maintain them, the expendables necessary to conduct the experiments, and the metabolic products of the specimens. This study defines the volumes, flow rates, and states of these materials. Process concepts for materials handling will include a cage cleaner, trash compactor, biological stabilizer, and various recycling devices.

Johnson, Catherine C.↗