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At least 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

Epsilon Metal Summary Report Fiscal Year 2011

The Epsilon-metal (ε-metal) phase was selected in FY 2009 as a potential waste form to for immobilizing the noble metals found in the undissolved solids + aqueous stream, and the soluble Tc from ion-exchange process, each resulting from proposed aqueous reprocessing. ε-metal phase is observed in used nuclear fuel and the natural reactors of Oklobono in Gabon, where the long-term corrosion behavior was demonstrated. This makes ε-metal a very attractive waste form. Last fiscal year, ε-metal was successfully fabricated by combining the five-metals, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd and Re (surrogate for Tc), into pellets followed by consolidation with an arc melter. The arc melter produced fully dense samples with the epsilon structure. However, some chemistry differences were observed in the microstructure that resulted in regions rich in Re and Mo, and others rich in Pd, while Ru and Rh remained fairly constant throughout. This year, thermal stability (air), and corrosion testing of the samples fabricated by arc melting were the main focus for experimental work. Thermal stability was measured with a differential scanning calorimeter - thermogravimetric analyzer, by both ramp heating as well as step heating. There is clear evidence during the ramp heating experiment of an exothermic event + a weight loss peak both beginning at ≈700°C. Step heating showed an oxidation event at ≈690°C with minimal weight gain that occurs just before the weight loss event at 700°C. The conclusion being that the e-metal begins to oxidize and then become volatile. These findings are useful for considering the effects of voloxidation process. Three different pellets were subjected to electrochemical testing to study the corrosion behavior of the epsilon-metal phase in various conditions, namely acidic, basic, saline, and inert. Test was done according to an interim procedure developed for the alloy metal waste form. First an open circuit potential was measured, followed by linear polarization sweeps. The linear polarization sweep range was the Tafel equation was fit to the linear polarization sweep data to determine the corrosion rate of each pellet in each test solution. The average calculated corrosion rates of the three pellets according to solution conditions were: -1.91 x 10 -4 mm/yr (0.001 M NaOH), -1.48 x 10 -3 mm/yr (0.01 M NaCl), -8.77 x 10 -4 mm/yr (0.001 M H 2 SO 4 ), -2.09 x 10 -3 mm/yr (0.001 M NaOH + 0.01 M NaCl), and -1.54 x 10 -3 mm/yr (0.001 M H 2 SO 4 + 0.01 M NaCl). Three single-pass flow through (SPFT) test were conducted at a flow rate of 10 ml/day, at 90°C, and pH of 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0 for up to 322 days. Results of the tests indicate that dissolution rates were 5 x 10 -4 g m -2 d -1 at pH 9.0, 1.2 x 10 -4 g m -2 d -1 at pH 7.0, and 2 x 10 -4 g m -2 d -1 at pH 2.5. The sample used for the pH 7.0 SPFT test contains extra Re compared to samples used for the other two SPFT test, which came from a single pellet. The corrosion data measured this year indicate that the ε-metal phase is chemically durable. The two chemically different phases, but structurally the same, behave differently during dissolution according to the microstructure changes observed in both the electrochemical and in SPFT test. Characterization of the test specimens after testing suggests that the dissolution is complex and involves oxidative dissolution followed by precipitation of both oxide and metallic phases. These data suggest that the dissolution in the electrochemical and SPFT tests is different; a process that needs further investigation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Papers from the SLAC DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Program (SULI 2011)

SPIRES, an aging high-energy physics publication data base, is in the process of being replaced by INSPIRE. In order to ease the transition from SPIRES to INSPIRE it is important to understand user behavior and the drivers for adoption. The goal of this project was to address some questions in regards to the presumed two-thirds of the users still using SPIRES. These questions are answered through analysis of the log files from both websites. A series of scripts were developed to collect and interpret the data contained in the log files. The common search patterns and usage comparisons are made between INSPIRE and SPIRES, and a method for detecting user frustration is presented. The analysis reveals a more even split than originally thought as well as the expected trend of user transition to INSPIRE.

ACCPHY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Review of Recent Literature Relevant to the Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Devices, Task 2.1.3: Effects on Aquatic Organisms – Fiscal Year 2011 Progress Report Environmental Effects of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy

A literature search was conducted by using the Web of Science® Databases component of the ISI Web of KnowledgeSM to identify recent articles that would be useful to help assess the potential environmental effects of renewable energy development in the ocean, with emphasis on marine mammals, seabirds, and fish. Several relatively recent general review articles that included possible effects of marine renewable energy devices on marine mammals and seabirds were examined to begin the search process (e.g., Boehlert et al. 2008; Thompson et al. 2008; Simas et al. 2009). From these articles, several general topics of potential environmental effects on marine mammals, seabirds, and fish were derived. These topics were used as the primary search factors. Searches were conducted with reference to the potential effects of offshore wind farms and MHK devices on marine mammals, seabirds, and fish. Additional sources were identified by cross-checking the Web of Science databases for articles that cited the review articles. It also became clear that often the potential effects were offered as hypotheses that often were not supported by the presentation of appropriate documentation. Therefore, the search was refined and focused on trying to obtain the necessary information to support or challenge a proposed potential effect to a specific concern. One of the expressed concerns regarding MHK devices is that placing wave parks in coastal waters could compromise the migration patterns of whales. Disruption of the annual migration of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), which swims at least 30,000 km on its round trip from breeding grounds in Baja California to feeding areas in the Bering Sea, is of particular concern. Among the hypothesized effects on the migrating gray whales are increased predation risk by constricting migration corridor to between array and shore or by forcing the whales to swim into deeper waters, increased metabolic energy costs and delays in reaching the destinations, and interrupting feeding by blocking access to benthic areas under arrays. The literature search focused on identifying published studies that could provide information to evaluate these concerns. The results were developed into a case study that evaluated the potential effects of the placement of wave parks in coastal waters along the migration route of the gray whale. Wave parks and other MHK arrays may have additional effects on gray whales and other marine mammals, including entanglement in mooring lines and interference with communications among other effects, that were not included in this case study. The case study results were rewritten into a simpler form that would be suitable for placement on a web blog

Kropp, Roy K.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Annual Report of Groundwater Monitoring at Centralia, Kansas, in 2011

Periodic sampling is performed at Centralia, Kansas, on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA) by Argonne National Laboratory, in accord with the current interim monitoring program approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE 2009). The objective is to monitor levels of carbon tetrachloride contamination identified in the groundwater sitewide (Argonne 2003, 2004, 2005a), as well as the response to the interim measure (IM) pilot test that is in progress (Argonne 2007b). An earlier monitoring plan (Argonne 2005b) was also approved by the KDHE (2005). Under this earlier plan, the groundwater was sampled twice yearly from September 2005 until September 2007 for analyses for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as measurement of selected geochemical parameters to aid in the evaluation of possible natural contaminant degradation processes (reductive dechlorination) in the subsurface environment (Argonne 2006, 2007a, 2008a). The results from the two-year sampling program demonstrated the presence of carbon tetrachloride contamination at levels exceeding the KDHE Tier 2 risk-based screening level (RBSL) of 5 µg/L for this compound, in a localized groundwater plume that has shown little movement. The relative concentrations of chloroform, the primary degradation product of carbon tetrachloride, suggested that some degree of reductive dechlorination or natural biodegradation was talking place in situ at the former CCC/USDA facility on a localized scale. After two years of monitoring under the earlier plan, the CCC/USDA developed an Interim Measure Conceptual Design (Argonne 2007b), proposing a pilot test of the Adventus EHC technology for in situ chemical reduction (ISCR). The proposed IM was approved by the KDHE in November 2007 (KDHE 2007). Implementation of the pilot test occurred in November-December 2007. The objective was to create highly reducing conditions that would enhance both chemical and biological reductive dechlorination in the injection test area (Argonne 2009a).

LaFreniere, L. M.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effective Grid Utilization: A Technical Assessment and Application Guide, April 2011 - September 2012

In order to more fully integrate renewable resources, such as wind and solar, into the transmission system, additional capacity must be realized in the short term using the installed transmission capacity that exists today. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Transmission and Grid Integration Group supported this study to assemble the history ofregulations and status of transmission technology to expand existing grid capacity. This report compiles data on various transmission technology methods and upgrades for increased capacity utilization of the existing transmission system and transmission corridors. The report discusses the technical merit of each method and explains how the method could be applied within the current regulatorystructure to increase existing transmission conductor and/or corridor capacity. The history and current state of alternatives to new construction is presented for regulators, legislators, and other policy makers wrestling with issues surrounding integration of variable generation. Current regulations are assessed for opportunities to change them to promote grid expansion. To supportconsideration of these alternatives for expanding grid capacity, the report lists relevant rules, standards, and policy changes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Compliance Monitoring of Juvenile Yearling Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Survival and Passage at The Dales Dam, Spring 2011 (Compliance Report)

The study estimated dam passage survival at The Dalles Dam as stipulated by the 2008 Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) Biological Opinion (BiOp) and provided additional performance measures as stipulated in the Columbia Basin Fish Accords. This summary report focuses on spring run stocks, yearling Chinook salmon and steelhead.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Fusion Materials Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Progress during Fiscal Year 2012: October 1. 2011 through September 30, 2012

The realization of fusion energy has proved a formidable challenge with its significant achievements coming through a close integration of the plasma physics and applied technology disciplines. Presently, the most significant technological challenge for the near-term experiments such as ITER, and next generation of fusion power systems, is the inability of current materials and systems to withstand the harsh fusion nuclear environment. The overarching goal of the ORNL fusion materials program is to provide the applied materials science support and understanding to underpin the ongoing DOE Office of Science fusion energy program while developing materials for fusion power systems. In doing so the program must be integrated both with the larger U.S. and international fusion materials communities, and with the international fusion design and technology communities. The overall program at ORNL on materials development will continue to actively develop low activation structural materials such as the Reduced Activation Ferritic/Martensitic Steels, the higher strength/higher creep resistance Nano Composted Ferritic steels, and Silicon Carbide Composites. A significant change this year was the increased emphasis on high heat flux testing and the development of refractory metals. This included the new use of an existing ORNL facility, adapted for the thermal testing of irradiated materials, the development and evaluation of new tungsten materials, and the study and understanding of the irradiation performance of tungsten through coupled modeling and experiment. In each case the materials will be developed in a design-informed fashion where properties improvements will be led by the latest fusion relevant designs and directed at advancing the Technology Readiness Level of the materials systems. A limited effort within the ORNL program is directed towards diagnostic materials and high-temperature superconductors. In the area of diagnostics, ORNL continues to develop irradiation-hardened dielectric mirrors and to support basic irradiation materials science of ceramics for diagnostic systems. For high temperature superconductors the ORNL program has undertaken a limited program to quantify the irradiation sensitivity of the most recently developed tape materials. Finally, this workscope integrates fundamental modeling into the development efforts as much as practicable.

Snead, Lance Lewis↗
DOE OSTI2012

2011 Site Environmental Report

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) prepares an annual Site Environmental Report (SER) in accordance with DOE Order 231.1B, Environment, Safety and Health Reporting of the U.S. Department of Energy. The report is written to inform the public, regulators, employees, and other stakeholders of the Laboratory’s environmental performance during the calendar year in review. Volume I of the SER summarizes environmental data; environmental management performance; compliance with applicable DOE, federal, state, and local regulations; and performance in restoration and surveillance monitoring programs. BNL has prepared annual SERs since 1971 and has documented nearly all of its environmental history since the Laboratory’s inception in 1947.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

RCRA Permit for a Hazardous Waste Management Facility Permit Number NEV HW0101 Annual Summary/Waste Minimization Report Calendar Year 2011

This report summarizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identification number of each generator from which the Permittee received a waste stream; a description and quantity of each waste stream in tons and cubic feet received at the facility; the method of treatment, storage, and/or disposal for each waste stream; a description of the waste minimization efforts undertaken; a description of the changes in volume and toxicity of waste actually received; any unusual occurrences; and the results of tank integrity assessments. This Annual Summary/Waste Minimization Report is prepared in accordance with Section 2.13.3 of Permit Number NEV HW0101.

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

Sitewide monitoring at Agra, Kansas, June 2011

In 1985, carbon tetrachloride was discovered in the groundwater at Agra, Kansas, during routine sampling of public water supply wells. Two of Agra’s four public water supply wells contained low but detectable levels of carbon tetrachloride; the concentrations in wells PWS-3 and PWS-4 exceeded the maximum contaminant level. These wells were removed from service in 1986. Other public wells, outside the area of contamination, supply drinking water for the city of Agra. Both PWS-3 and PWS-4 remain available for uses other than drinking water.

LaFreniere, L. M.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Performance Analysis: Issues Tracking System Data through September 2011

This report presents the results from an analysis of issues and assessments in LLNL’s Issues Tracking System (ITS). The analysis is conducted to identify issues that may require additional management attention and noncompliances that may not have been previously identified that meet the threshold for reporting to the DOE Noncompliance Tracking System (NTS) or to the DOE Safeguards and Security Information Management System (SSIMS).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Biota Dose Assessment at LANL for 2011

Beginning with the Manhattan Project, the earliest work with radioactive material was located in what is now the center of Los Alamos townsite, and some of those materials were released into the environment or disposed of as waste. These radioactive materials have been extensively studied and assessed in many reports during the past 60 years. The assessments consider many activities relevant to dose assessment, such as adventurous children who burrow into and eat the soil, as well as the activities of pets and wildlife. Even for the most extreme scenarios, the doses are less than a few mrem per year, well below the DOE limit for the public, and four orders of magnitude below the DOE limit to terrestrial animals, which is 0.1 rad per day. Locations that pose even a very small risk to humans or pets are fenced, locked, and posted as controlled areas. However, it is recognized that biota such as plants, birds, mice, and worms live in these controlled areas. The DOE standard is intended to protect these biota. Contaminated sites in and near Los Alamos consist of areas known as solid waste management units (SWMU) and areas of concern (AoC) that have been identified and studied extensively in many reports. LA-UR-90-4300 lists these locations, and many subsequent reports provide extensive details and assessments. Between these areas, the levels of detectable radioactive materials are many orders of magnitude smaller. Because they are not a focus of concern, the areas outside of SWMUs and AoCs have not been as extensively studied or sampled. The highest concentrations of radioactive materials resulting from historic LANL operations are buried in material disposal areas (MDAs) such as MDA A, B, C, G, T, etc. Much of this material is sealed in containers that are not accessible to biota (McNaughton 2005). In some cases, it is buried below the reach of tree roots or burrowing animals, and in some cases it is encased or embedded in concrete. Of particular relevance to the present report, the hills to the west of LANL, where the Las Conchas fire burned, are not contaminated with LANL‐derived substances. The radioactivity in these hills consists of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and global fallout.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

DOE 2010 Occupational Radiation Exposure November 2011

This report discusses radiation protection and dose reporting requirements, presents the 2010 occupational radiation dose data trended over the past 5 years, and includes instructions to submit successful ALARA projects.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2012

DOE Basic Overview of Occupational Radiation Exposure 2011 (Pamphlet)

This pamphlet focusses on two HSS activities that help ensure radiation exposures are accurately assessed and recorded, namely: 1) the quality and accuracy of occupational radiation exposure monitoring, and 2) the recording, reporting, analysis, and dissemination of the monitoring results. It is intended to provide a short summary of two specific HSS programs that aid in the oversight of radiation protection activities at DOE. The Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOELAP) is in place to ensure that radiation exposure monitoring at all DOE sites is precise and accurate, and conforms to national and international performance and quality assurance standards. The DOE Radiation Exposure Monitoring Systems (REMS) program provides for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of occupational radiation exposure information. The annual REMS report is a valuable tool for managing radiological safety programs and for developing policies to protect individuals from occupational exposure to radiation. In tandem, these programs provide DOE management and workers an assurance that occupational radiation exposures are accurately measured, analyzed, and reported.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2012

FY 2012 INL Site Sustainability Plan with the FY 2011 Annual Report (Revision 3)

It is the policy of the Department of Energy (DOE) that sustainable energy and transportation fuels management will be integrated into DOE operations to meet obligations under Executive Order (EO) 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management," the Instructions for Implementation of EO 13423, as well as Guidance Documents issued in accordance thereto and any modifications or amendments that may be issued from time to time. In furtherance of this obligation, DOE established strategic performance-based energy and transportation fuels goals and strategies through the Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative, which were incorporated into DOE Order 430.2B "Departmental Energy, Renewable energy, and Transportation Management" and were also identified in DOE Order 450.1A, "Environmental Protection Program." These goals and accompanying strategies are to be implemented by DOE sites through the integration of energy and transportation fuels management into site Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗