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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Seal Strength Calculations for Low Mass DDT Vessel

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is collaborating with Colorado School of Mines (Mines), to field the first dynamic experiments on the 3-ring flash radiography system (3-ring). One set of experiments for 3-ring concerns the deflagration to detonation transition (DDT), within a sealed column of high-explosives. The high-explosive material is ignited at one end with a BK-80, an igniter made from Boron Potassium-Nitrate (BKNO 3 ). The initial deflagration reaction will increase the pressure in the sealed vessel, resulting in the formation of a dense "plug" of material ahead of the deflagration front. The transition to detonation is thought to be related to the plug formation. Previous experiments have been able to resolve the plug geometry, but only in a two dimensional radio-graph. 3-ring offers a novel diagnostic tool which could provide three dimensional density fields via few-view reconstruction algorithms and computed tomography.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Financial Exposure After a Sealed-Source Release: Insurance Limits, Federal Cost Pathways, and Implications for Gamma Irradiator Substitution

This report assesses whether private insurance and existing federal authorities would likely provide meaningful financial protection to private operators of self-shielded gamma irradiators after a major sealed-source release. It does not answer this question quantitatively because publicly observable data on premiums, limits, uptake, and claims outcomes for this risk class appear sparse. Instead, it uses a qualitative structural analysis based on prior literature, review of relevant federal authorities, limited observable insurance-market evidence, expert outreach, and historical analogs. The analysis finds that available public and private mechanisms do not combine into a clear, dependable, or readily verifiable compensation structure for ordinary private sealed-source operators. Institutions therefore should not assume that either insurance or government response will make them financially whole after a severe incident. Source reduction and replacement remain more dependable than post-event financial mechanisms for reducing institutional exposure and broader radiological risk.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

On Caprock Seal Integrity of Tuscaloosa Mudstone at Cranfield, MS (USA), CO 2 Injection Site

Saline formations deep underground are among the most promising targets for large-scale geologic carbon storage. The caprock seal integrity evaluation is an important component of commercial-scale CO 2 sequestration projects. Measurements of the porosity and permeability of mudstone samples from the NETL-supported Cranfield Project were performed using a helium porosimeter and a core flow apparatus, before and after exposure in a CO 2 -saturated brine environment. The permeability of the core samples rapidly decreased with the increase in confining pressure and did not fully recover after decompression. On the other hand, exposure to CO 2 led to an increase in the permeability by at least an order of magnitude. The porosity changes after the exposure were not substantial. The post-exposure increase in permeability was subsequently offset by its rapid decrease during the higher-pressure confinement. Extrapolation of the observed permeability trends to in situ reservoir conditions suggests that Tuscaloosa mudstone can effectively serve as a natural seal.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermionic cathode with a graphene sealing layer and method of making the same

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermionic cathode includes: a cathode body having an outer surface, and a sealing layer including one or more graphene sheets on the outer surface of the cathode body. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a thermionic cathode includes: depositing a sealing layer including one or more graphene sheets on an outer surface of a cathode body.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Self-sealing container for protecting air sensitive samples

A self-sealing container, used for transferring one or more air sensitive samples between vacuum systems, includes a housing with a cavity that holds the sample(s), and a lid disposed on top of the housing. The lid is configured to interface with the housing to form a seal over the cavity when the lid is closed. At least two flexure systems, each coupled to the housing and the lid, are disposed on opposing sides of the housing. The flexure systems apply forces to the lid that move the lid horizontally and vertically above the housing, into an open position. A pneumatic actuator, movably coupled to the housing and the lid, that is actuated by a change in ambient pressure. When actuated, it applies forces that move the lid horizontally and vertically to the closed position, in opposition to and in excess of the forces applied by the flexure systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measured Moisture Performance of Sealed and Insulated Attics with Permeable Insulation In California Homes

This study performed detailed thermal and moisture measurements in two homes in Fresno and Clovis, California with sealed attics insulated with glass fiber insulation to determine moisture performance in inland California climates. Data were recorded once every minute for more than a year in each home to allow detailed observation of time-varying moisture and thermal conditions. Moisture measurements were taken at multiple locations in each attic and included wood moisture, surface condensation and surface relative humidity. The results showed that there are strong solar-driven diurnal cycles in attic wood and air moisture content, as well as longer-term seasonal and annual variations. Mold growth was obdserved on the North roof deck in one of the two homes even in this sunny dry climate with attics built in compliance with California building codes that specifically address sealed and insulated attics with vapor-permeable insulation. We investigated moisture stratification in the attic and found that, although there is stratification during sunny daytime hours, this was not when wood moisture content, surface humidity or surface condensation are high. Therefore, other moisture transport mechanisms are acting to increase moisture levels near the roof peak. Finally, our measurements also showed that the attic with the highest measured moisture levels did not have any mold growth, while mold was visually observed in the attic whose measurements indicted little or no concern, indicating that the state-of-the-art in moisture measurement and mold growth prediction in building assemblies may be insufficient.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Method for sealing a void in a well using a smart gel sealant

Embodiments of the disclosure include swellable smart gel sealants. In certain embodiments, the smart gel sealants reversibly swell when exposed to a certain trigger, such as temperature or pH. In specific embodiments, the smart gel is disposed within voids in a well and triggered to swell in order to seal the voids. One application of the smart gel sealant is to seal the casing of a well against the leakage of gas, such as CO2.

Goodman, Harvey Edwin↗
DOE OSTI2021

Seal assembly for a rotary machine

A seal assembly of a rotary includes a radially oriented plate that axially opposes a front and rear support plates of a stator interface. The seal assembly also includes a film-riding shoe coupled with the radially oriented plate. The shoe forms a shoe fluid bearing between the shoe and a rotating component responsive to rotation of the rotating component and pressurization of fluid in the rotary machine upstream of the stator interface. One or more of the stator interface or the film-riding shoe includes one or more ports or pathways through which higher-pressure fluid upstream of the stator housing in the rotary machine flows to form an aft axial fluid bearing between the radially oriented plate and the rear support plate of the stator interface.

Bidkar, Rahul Anil↗
DOE OSTI2022

Method for sealing a void in a well using smart gels

Embodiments of the disclosure include swellable smart gel sealants and methods of using smart gel sealants. In certain embodiments, the smart gel sealants reversibly swell when exposed to a certain trigger, such as temperature or pH. In specific embodiments, the smart gel is disposed within voids in a well and triggered to swell in order to seal the voids. One application of the smart gel sealant is to seal the casing of a well against the leakage of gas, such as H2S.

Roback, Robert Clifford↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vacuum insulated glazing, valve, flexible seal, and method for making vacuum insulated glazing

A vacuum insulated glazing includes first and second spaced apart glass panes having perimeter portions defining a vacuum space between the glass panes. A vacuum valve is positioned at the perimeter portions of the glass panes and includes a valve body extending between the perimeter portions of the glass panes, and having first and second ends and a fluid conduit extending from the first end to the second end of the valve body and in fluid communication with the vacuum space. A one-way valve in the fluid conduit permits fluid flow from the vacuum space, and prevents fluid flow into the vacuum space. A suction fitting is provided for connecting the valve body to a suction device. An end seal between the perimeter portions of the glass panes is provided for hermetically sealing the vacuum space. A valve for a VIG and a method of making a VIG are also disclosed.

Bhandari, Mahabir↗
DOE OSTI2025

Idaho National Laboratory’s Mobile Hot Cell Transportation: Engineering Solutions for Global Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources.

Title: Idaho National Laboratory’s Mobile Hot Cell Transportation: Engineering Solutions for Global Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources. Abstract: The Mobile Hot Cell (MHC), currently under development by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the Off-Site Source Recovery Project (OSRP), is designed to help international partners meet the unique challenges of end-of-life radioactive material management. The MHC will provide a critical resource for countries that require assistance securing and disposing of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) and orphaned sources in challenging environments, allowing these sources to be secured against misuse and nefarious activities. The MHC is a rapidly deployable system for conditioning and preparing end-of-life radioactive sources for transportation or storage. It is designed to handle sources of up to 1,000 Ci Co-60 equivalent while maintaining full radiological and biological containment. It will be deployable within 48 hours of an alert, making it ideal for emergency situations. The MHC features an operational suite for control, support racks for electronics, pneumatics, and welding systems, and a modular robust steel structure providing radiological shielding and internal robotic support. This design allows configurations for multiple device types to be conditioned and the ability to safely manage routine issues such as leaking or damaged sources. The MHC has been designed with the transportation challenges of rapid deployment to difficult environments in mind. The system weighs approximately 150,000 pounds, with individual systems breaking down into pieces not exceeding 20,000 pounds. Components are to be transportable on standard 20ft ISO containers, with shielding shells on 20ft flat racks. It is estimated that a total of eight containers and flat racks will be required. The use of 20ft containers, as opposed to 40ft containers, minimizes the impact on less developed road infrastructures, enabling the MHC to be positioned in constrained environments such as hospital parking lots. The system’s modularity also allows for deployment using smaller equipment, such as a 10-ton boom truck or forklift, which is crucial given the potential logistical challenges in different countries. This transportation strategy, evaluated in collaboration with Utah State University, ensures the MHC can be deployed via ground, rail, sea, or air, addressing the primary concern of international transport logistics.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Mobile Hot Cell for Conditioning Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources for Storage or Transportation

An innovative Mobile Hot Cell (MHC) has been developed for conditioning Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) category 1 and 2 for storage or transportation. The MHC is designed to provide both Radiological and Biological containment with a maximum capacity of 1000 Ci Co60 or 5000Ci Cs137 source and can be transported via standard cargo containers. This project has been supported through the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) Offsite Source Recovery Program (OSRP). The project is intended for the international community rather than domestic although domestic use is a possibility. Many countries have significant stockpiles of these devices that are often stored in less-than-optimal circumstances. This necessitates that these devices be addressed expeditiously, and the sources secured. The MHC utilizes robotics, automation, and other non-traditional methods for disassembling, characterizing, and packaging these sources that have reached end of life or are otherwise not needed. These innovative approaches are necessary to facilitate an expedited timeline to efficiently and safely secure these sources in a non-proliferation effort. Conditioning efforts include disassembling the device such as a teletherapy head used for cancer treatment, or blood/research irradiators such that the radioactive sources may be removed safely. The sources are then characterized. Leak checks are performed, dimensions are verified, and serial numbers are confirmed. Upon completion, the sources are typically placed into a Standard Forms Capsule which is seal welded closed. It is leak tested and placed into a Long-Term Storage Shield (LTSS) which can either be secured for storage directly or loaded into an appropriate cask for transportation. Further innovations include multiple deployment scenarios that include a full deployment of MHC components, deployment of the MHC automation internal components to an existing hot cell, deployment of minimally required MHC components and incorporation of sand for shielding, and integration of the MHC for Silo Storage, or Bore Hole Storage efforts. The MHC has evolved from a very specific use case to a “Swiss Army Knife” type of a tool in that it can be readily adapted to a large variety of situations. Innovative approaches such as the use of robotics, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining centers, automated welding equipment, HDMI Cameras, and LED lighting are some of the developed technologies incorporated into the MHC design. Shielding is accomplished with a steel walled Base Box which is surrounded by four nesting doll shield shells which when combined limits the external dose rate to 5mr/hr when a 1000 Ci Co60 source is exposed inside.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Facile Size-Selective Defect Sealing in Large-Area Atomically Thin Graphene Membranes for Sub-Nanometer Scale Separations

Atomically thin graphene with a high-density of precise subnanometer pores represents the ideal membrane for ionic and molecular separations. However, a single large-nanopore can severely compromise membrane performance and differential etching between pre-existing defects/grain boundaries in graphene and pristine regions presents fundamental limitations. Here, we show for the first time that size-selective interfacial polymerization after high-density nanopore formation in graphene not only seals larger defects (>0.5 nm) and macroscopic tears but also successfully preserves the smaller subnanometer pores. Low-temperature growth followed by mild UV/ozone oxidation allows for facile and scalable formation of high-density (4–5.5 $\times$ 10 12 cm –2 ) useful subnanometer pores in the graphene lattice. We demonstrate scalable synthesis of fully functional centimeter-scale nanoporous atomically thin membranes (NATMs) with water (~0.28 nm) permeance ~23$\times$ higher than commercially available membranes and excellent rejection to salt ions (~0.66 nm, >97% rejection) as well as small organic molecules (~0.7–1.5 nm, ~100% rejection) under forward osmosis. $\times$

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

ResStock Measure Documentation: Advanced Air Sealing With Drill-and-Fill Wall Insulation

This report is part of a series describing different ResStock(TM) measures. "Measures" refers to energy efficiency retrofits that can be applied to buildings during modeling. This documentation covers the "Air Sealing With Drill-and-Fill Wall Insulation" measure upgrade methodology and briefly discusses key results.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

ResStock Measure Documentation: Duct Sealing and Insulation

This report is part of a series describing different ResStock measures. "Measures" refers to energy efficiency retrofits that can be applied to buildings during modeling. This documentation covers the "Duct Sealing and Insulation" measure upgrade methodology and briefly discusses key results.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Laser Welded Edge Seals for Glass/Glass Modules

Polymers used in module construction are often involved in degradation mechanisms and hamper recycling. This project explores femtosecond (fs) laser welding of glass/glass modules to enable polymer-free modules. We are utilizing the knowledge base of the industrial laser community to apply glass/glass fs laser welding technology to solar modules. Experimentally measured stress intensity factors for glass welds are input into a COMSOL model of a full-size module to test weld failure under static loading. If successful, fs laser welding could enable modules that are polymer-free that will extend module warrantees, allow hermetically sealed glass/glass modules for moisture-sensitive semiconductors, and improve module recyclability.

COMSOL finite element model↗
DOE OSTI2023

Laser Welded Edge Seals for Polymer-Free Glass/Glass Modules

This presentation covers fs lasers which enable crack-free and stress-free glass/glass welds. Welds are nearly as strong as the glass (KI, weld ~ KI, glass) and static load test passed, enabling: 1) polymer-free; 2) hermetically sealed; and 3) recyclable modules. Next steps are: 1) follow-on funding; 2) develop feed throughs (metal/glass welds already achieved for other devices); and 3) weld mini modules for further IEC module testing.

DuraMAT↗
DOE OSTI2025

SPC-71188 Rev 0 MARVEL Control Drum Rotary Shaft Seal Procurement Specification

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is developing a microreactor to produce electrical power utilizing a small nuclear core under the Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) program. This procurement specification defines the requirements for fabrication of the MARVEL Control Drum Rotary Shaft Seal.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗