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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Miscibility Evaluation Of The Next Generation Solvent With Polymers Currently Used At DWPF, MCU, And Saltstone

The Office of Waste Processing, within the Office of Technology Innovation and Development, funded the development of an enhanced Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (CSSX) solvent for deployment at the Savannah River Site for removal of cesium from High Level Waste. This effort lead to the development of the Next Generation Solvent (NGS) with Tris (3,7-dimethyl octyl) guanidine (TiDG). The first deployment target for the NGS solvent is within the Modular CSSX Unit (MCU). Deployment of a new chemical within an existing facility requires verification that the new chemical components are compatible with the installed equipment. In the instance of a new organic solvent, the primary focus is on compatibility of the solvent with organic polymers used in the affected facility. This report provides the calculated data from exposing these polymers to the Next Generation Solvent. An assessment of the dimensional stability of polymers known to be used or present in the MCU, Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), and Saltstone facilities that will be exposed to the NGS showed that TiDG could selectively affect the elastomers and some thermoplastics to varying extents, but the typical use of these polymers in a confined geometry will likely prevent the NGS from impacting component performance. The polymers identified as of primary concern include Grafoil ® (flexible graphite), Tefzel ® , Isolast ® , ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and fluorocarbon rubber (FKM). Certain polymers like NBR and EPDM were found to interact mildly with NGS but their calculated swelling and the confined geometry will impede interaction with NGS. In addition, it was found that Vellumoid (cellulose fibers-reinforced glycerin and protein) may leach protein and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) may leach plasticizer (such as Bis-Ethylhexyl-Phthalates) into the NGS solvent. Either case will not impact decontamination or immobilization operations at Savannah River Site (SRS). Some applications have zero tolerance for dimensional changes such as the operation of valves while other applications a finite dimensional change improves the function of the application such as seals and gaskets. Additional considerations are required before using the conclusions from this work to judge outcomes in field applications. Decane, a component of Isopar L that is most likely to interact with the polymers, mildly interacted with the elastomers and the propylene based polymers but their degree of swelling is at most 10% and the confined geometry that they are typically placed in indicate this is not significant. In addition, it was found that Vellumoid may leach protein into the NGS solvent. Since Vellumoid is used at the mixer in Saltstone where it sees minimum quantities of solvent, this leaching has no effect on the extraction process at MCU or the immobilization process at saltstone. No significant interaction is expected between MaxCalix and the polymers and elastomers used at MCU, DWPF, and Saltstone. Overall, minimal and insignificant interactions are expected on extraction and immobilization operations when MCU switches from CSSX to NGS solvent. It is expected that contacting NGS will not accelerate the aging rate of polymers and elastomers under radiation and heat. This is due to the minimal interaction between NGS and the polymers and the confined geometries for these polymers. SRNL recommends the use of the HSP method (for screening) and some testing to evaluate the impact of other organic such as alcohols, glycolate, and their byproducts on the polymers used throughout the site.

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

Glass Frit Clumping and Dusting

DWPF mixes a slurry of glass frit (Frit 418) and dilute (1.5 wt%) formic acid solution with high level waste in the Slurry Mix Evaporator (SME). There would be advantages to introducing the frit in a non-slurry form to minimize water addition to the SME, however, adding completely dry frit has the potential to generate dust which could clog filters or condensers. Prior testing with another type of frit, Frit 320, and using a minimal amount of water reduced dust generation, however, the formation of hard clumps was observed. To examine options and behavior, a TTQAP [McCabe and Stone, 2013] was written to initiate tests that would address these concerns. Tests were conducted with four types of glass frit; Frit 320, DWPF Frit 418, Bekeson Frit 418 and Multi-Aspirator Frit 418. The last two frits are chemically identical to DWPF Frit 418 but smaller particles were removed by the respective vendors. Test results on Frit Clumping and Dusting are provided in this report. This report addresses the following seven questions. Short answers are provided below with more detailed answers to follow. 1. Will the addition of a small amount of water, 1.5 wt%, to dry DWPF Frit 418 greatly reduce the dust generation during handling at DWPF? a. Yes, a small scale test showed that adding a little water to the frit greatly reduced dust generation during handling. 2. Will the addition of small amounts of water to the frit cause clumping that will impair frit handling at DWPF? a. No, not with Frit 418. Although clumps were observed to form when 1.5 wt% water was mixed with DWPF Frit 418, then compressed and air-dried overnight, the clumps were easily crushed and did not form the hardened material noted when Frit 320 was tested. 3. What is the measured size distribution of dust generated when dry frit is handled? (This affects the feasibility and choice of processing equipment for removing the dust generating fraction of the frit before it is added to the SME.) a. The size distribution for the dust removed from fresh DWPF Frit 418 while it was being shaken in a small scale LabRAM test was measured. The median size on a volume basis was 7.6 μm and 90% of the frit particles were between 1.6 and 28 μm. The mass of dust collected using this test protocol was much less than 1% of the original frit. 4. Can the dust be removed in a small number of processing steps and without the larger frit particles continuing to spall additional dust sized particles? a. Test results using a LabRAM were inconclusive. The LaRAM performs less efficient particle size separation than the equipment used by Bekeson and Multi-Aspirator. 5. What particle size of frit is expected to create a dust problem? a. The original criterion for creating a dusting problem was those particle sizes that were readily suspended when being shaken. For that criterion calculations and Microtrac size analyses indicated that particles smaller than 37 μm are likely dust generators. Subsequently a more sophisticated criterion for dust problem was considered, particle sizes that would become suspended in the air flow patterns inside the SME and possibly plug the condenser. That size may be larger than 37 μm but has not yet been determined. 6. If particles smaller than 37 μm are removed will bulk dust generation be eliminated? a. Video-taped tests were performed using three gallons each of three types of frit 418, DWPF frit, Bekeson frit and Multi-Aspirator frit. Frit was poured through air from a height of approximately eight feet into a container half filled with water. Pouring Bekeson frit or Multi-Aspirator frit generated markedly less visible dust, but there was still a significant amount, which still has the potential of causing a dust problem. 7. Can completely dry frit be poured into the SME without having dust plug the condenser at the top of the vessel? a. Because of the complexity of air currents inside the SME and the difficulty of defensible size scaling a more prototypical test will be required to answer this question. We recommend construction of a full scale mockup of the top half of the SME with a shallow basin of water at the bottom and a simulated condenser at the top. It could be made from simple materials such as PVC pipe, cardboard and clear plastic and tested with dry frit. Depending on results, this may need to be coupled with the proposed pneumatic transfer system.

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

Advanced Test Reactor Complex Sewage Lagoon Evalua

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) Complex located in Butte County, Idaho at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has an existing evaporative wastewater system to collect and treat sanitary wastewater from the facility. The existing system includes two cells, Cell #1 has a surface area of 2.9 acres and Cell #2 has a surface area of 13.8 acres. Cell #1 incorporates a soil liner system and Cell #2 includes both a PVC geomembrane and a soil liner. In 2010, both cells were tested in accordance with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality requirements and measured seepage was within acceptable limits.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Evaluation of Air Barriers for Residential Buildings

In this project we aimed to increase the knowledgebase on air barriers for residential buildings. To this end, we evaluated nine air barrier assemblies following a modified version of the ASTM E2357 Standard Test Method from the American Society for Testing and Materials. The assemblies included the eight air barrier types that are readily available in the US, even if some of these are currently mostly used in commercial construction. This decision was made because technologies that are utilized in the commercial sector may be adopted by residential builders in the future. We also followed ASTM Standard E283 to estimate the air leakage rates through flow paths that are typically found in walls before and after these were sealed following typical techniques. Assessed leakage paths included wall to foundation joints, as well as penetrations through air barrier systems due to PVC pipes, steel ducts, electrical outlets and brick ties. In addition to the gathered measurements, this report also includes recommendations and considerations on each of the air barrier types. Findings from this research will contribute to the improvement of construction practices that will help meet airtightness requirements set by building codes and programs that seek to reduce energy consumption in homes.

Air Barrier↗
DOE OSTI2015

Improved Method for the Production of Tetrahydrofuran From Biomass

Statement of the Problem: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a large volume, commodity chemical used as a basic building block for polyurethane stretch fibers (Spandex), other elastomers, solvents for PVC cements, pharmaceuticals, and coatings. Current THF production requires petroleum-based raw materials and significant energy inputs, representing inefficient use of petroleum resources and placing the U.S. at a manufacturing disadvantage compared to chemical manufacturers in other world areas. Pulp and paper manufacture is one of the largest industries in the U.S., representing about 6% of the manufacturing sector of the U.S. GDP. In recent decades, the pulp and paper industry has struggled with a declining market, poor profitability, and competition from other world areas, leading to the shutdown of many U.S. pulp and paper mills, and loss of U.S. employment. The production of chemicals, such as THF from pulp and paper waste hydrolysate, can provide new technologies and products from pulp and paper manufacture which can enhance industry profitability. The iCARD technology will produce and sell THF from selected pulp and paper byproduct hydrolysates without deleterious effect on ongoing pulp production of the mill. Overall Objective: The overall goal of this Small Business Innovation Research Phase II Project was to complete the research, development, and design tasks required to commercialize an innovative technology using catalytic reactive distillation to achieve process intensification for the manufacture of “green” THF from pulp mill waste hydrolysate. The new technology will benefit the U.S. pulp and paper industry by providing new technologies and products from pulp and paper manufacture, which can enhance industry profitability, and increase industry employment. Development of commercially competitive biomass based technologies will reduce consumption of scarce hydrocarbon resources, and improve long term U.S. competitiveness in global markets. Conclusions: The novel catalytic reactive distillation technology successfully demonstrated the technical and economic feasibility of the manufacture of THF production from dilute aqueous biomass solutions. New catalyst compositions were developed with catalytic activity for conversion of furfural to THF which exceed the activity of conventional catalysts by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. The feasibility of achieving selectivity to the desired THF product approaching 100% was demonstrated. The novel catalysts also demonstrated catalyst stability far superior to conventional furfural decarbonylation catalysts. The novel technology also demonstrated the ability to produce other valuable commercial products such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2-methyl furan, and 2-tetrahydromethylfuran as co-products with THF. Based on the use of waste pulp mill hydrolysate as the biomass raw material source, the new technology will produce THF for a total manufacturing cost less than the raw material cost for the hydrocarbon-based feed stocks for conventional THF production. Commercial Applications: Selective catalytic reactive distillation of pulp mill waste hydrolysate will allow commercial production of “green” THF from biomass feedstocks for the production of “green” elastomer fibers, and industrial solvents. The new technology will benefit the U.S. pulp and paper industry by providing new technologies and products from pulp and paper manufacture, which can enhance industry profitability, and increase industry employment. Development of commercially competitive biomass based technologies will reduce consumption of scarce hydrocarbon resources, and improve long term U.S. competitiveness in global markets.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Endomembrane Cation Transporters and Membrane Trafficking

Multicellular, as well as unicellular, organisms have evolved mechanisms to regulate ion and pH homeostasis in response to developmental cues and to a changing environment. The working hypothesis is that the balance of fluxes mediated by diverse transporters at the plasma membrane and in subcellular organelles determines ionic cellular distribution, which is critical for maintenance of membrane potential, pH control, osmolality, transport of nutrients, and protein activity. An emerging theme in plant cell biology is that cells respond and adapt to diverse cues through changes of the dynamic endomembrane system. Yet we know very little about the transporters that might influence the operation of the secretory system in plants. Here we focus on transporters that influence alkali cation and pH homeostasis, mainly in the endomembrane/ secretory system. The endomembrane system of eukaryote cells serves several major functions: i) sort cargo (e.g. enzymes, transporters or receptors) to specific destinations, ii) modulate the protein and lipid composition of membrane domains through remodeling, and iii) determine and alter the properties of the cell wall through synthesis and remodeling. We had uncovered a novel family of predicted cation/H + exchangers (CHX) and K + efflux antiporters (KEA) that are prevalent in higher plants, but rare in metazoans. We combined phylogenetic and transcriptomic analyses with molecular genetic, cell biological and biochemical studies, and have published the first reports on functions of plant CHXs and KEAs. CHX studied to date act at the endomembrane system where their actions are distinct from the better-studied NHX (Na/K-H + exchangers). Arabidopsis thaliana CHX20 in guard cells modulate stomatal opening, and thus is significant for vegetative survival. Other CHXs ensure reproductive success on dry land, as they participate in organizing pollen walls, targeting of pollen tubes to the ovule or promoting fertilization. Based on localization and mutant analyses, we conclude that CHXs modulate the ion balance, pH or both in micro-regions of endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes and prevacuolar compartment (PVC), and so influence membrane trafficking and signaling resulting in proper osmoregulation in guard cells and seed formation. We also demonstrated for the first time that AtKEA2 associates with chloroplasts, especially at the two poles of developing plastids. These results show that AtKEA1 and AtKEA2 transporters in specific microdomains of the inner envelope link local osmotic, ionic, and pH homeostasis to plastid division and thylakoid membrane formation. The first 3-D structure model of AtCHX was generated, and architecture-directed mutagenesis identified critical residues of the transport core giving insights to the transport mode of this family. Thus we have revealed for the first time crucial roles of an unknown K + /H + transport family on plant growth (KEA), gas exchange, pollen cell wall, and different phases of reproduction (CHXs). The dynamic endomembrane of plant cells is integral to cytokinesis, cell expansion, defense, and cell wall formation, thus these studies are directly relevant to the mission of the Department of Energy and to a better understanding of determinants for enhancing plant biomass and plant tolerance to abiotic stress.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

ATLOG Modeling of Buried Cables from the November 2016 HERMES Electromagnetic Pulse Experiments

This report compares ATLOG modeling results for the response of a finite-length dissipative buried conductor interacting with a conducting ground to a measurement taken November 2016 at the High-Energy Radiation Megavolt Electron Source (HERMES) facility. We use the ATLOG frequency-domain method based on transmission line theory. Estimates of the impedance per unit length and admittance per unit length for a cable laying in a PVC pipe embedded in a concrete block are reported. Current wave shapes from both a single conductor and composite differential mode and antenna mode arrangements are close to those observed in the experiments.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Separation and processing of plastic films

A successful flexible plastic packaging (FPP) recycling process will require the best of technological development, conscientious industry strategy, an environmentally aware community and likely, governmental support and legislation. FPP is used in almost every industry and can have a wide range of physical and chemical characteristics that lead to the series of challenges encountered at current recycling facilities. FPP is typically a one-time use product, and makes up about 30% of municipal waste plastics (Davis, 2016). Due to its versatility and light weight nature, plastics are the second most commonly used packaging material next to corrugated board (WPO, 2008). Furthermore, FPP and glass are the most detrimental of recyclables to the success of recycling processes. While glass is known to jam conveyors and melt in some separations at recovery facilities, FPP is far more burdensome and challenges the separation processes at recycling facilities. In the U.S. over 250 M tons of solid trash is generated each year, about 32 M tons consisting of plastic (Sandford, 2016; EPA, 2015b). 8.7 M tons of FPP was produced in 2013 in the U.S. (Sandford, 2016) with only 7.5% of FPP being recycled currently (EPA, 2015a). Of the material that is being recycled, 83% originated from commercial sources with 51% of it being clear polyethylene (PE) stretch wrap and poly bags, 20% consisting of mixed color PE stretch wrap films and 12% PE agricultural films (Moore Recycling Associates, 2017). Of the remaining recycled films, 16% originated from consumer sources as PE retail bags, sacks and wraps collected at store and consumer drop off centers. Only 1% of recycled PE films were obtained from curbside recycling programs and processed through material recovery facilities (MRFs). Other types of films such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) are essentially not recycled. Only 43% of the recycled FPP is truly recycled back into films/sheets, 44% is down-gauged into plastic composite lumber and the remaining material goes to uses such as marine and agricultural products, crates, buckets and pallets (Moore Recycling associations, 2017).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Neutrino Tridents in the NOvA Near Detector

NOvA is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment based at Fermilab that uses theNuMI beam line and two detectors to measure neutrino rates at a near location, and 810 km away at a far location.The detectors are made from PVC extrusions which segment the volume in to 4x6 cm cells which alternate orientations to provide 3D tracking of particles in the detector.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

8 Ft Vessel Refinishing Contract Introduction [Slides]

LANL utilizes spherical vessels for numerous basic science, materials, and system performance experiments. The 8 ft vessel was fabricated in the early 2000s to ASME B&PVC Section VIII Division 1 using HSLA-100 material. This vessel was not used operationally due to programmatic change in direction. Years of improper maintenance and storage has resulted in deterioration of sealing surfaces and bolt hole threads. New mission needs call for expanded capabilities in terms of vessel sizes, therefore refinishing the 8ft vessel is crucial.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Submersible Multistage Centrifugal Pump for Versatile Test Reactor Cartridge Test Loop

Submersible multistage centrifugal pumps are ideal for pumping in narrow confined spaces and achieving necessary head pressures and flow rates. Once a diameter is determined then manipulation of the number of stages and motor speed are all that are required to meet desired flow conditions. The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) closed loop cartridge systems will need forced convection cooling independent of the main reactor. A multistage centrifugal pump can meet the necessary flow rates and pumping pressures while minimizing space taken. The pump considered for this work was based off a deep well submersible pump, a variation of a multistage centrifugal pump. We experimented with two pump sizes, 5 cm (2 inch) and 7.5 cm (3 inch) diameters. These diameters were chosen to fit into the inner diameter of standard 5 and 7.5 (2 and 3 inch) Schedule 40 pipe, respectively. This made the design for the test loop both simpler and less expensive as the need for an engineered pump housing was eliminated. Initial test cartridge planning indicated space for only a 5 cm (2 inch) diameter pump, though early testing of this size showed the need for an abnormally high-speed and high-power motor. Fine tuning of the cartridge design allowed a pump size increase to 7.5 cm (3 inches), which was the pump size most extensively tested in this work. The test loop is composed of various sizes of PVC and aluminum piping components in a loop configuration. The pump is driven by a Pittman 250 W (1/3 horsepower) electric motor with maximum speed of 3,450 RPM. Testing consisted of running the pump at a constant motor speed while varying a control valve to restrict flow through the loop, with differential pressure and flow rate recorded. This was done for one and two stage configurations for the 5 cm (2 inch) diameter impeller design and one, two, and three stage configurations for the 7.5 cm (3 inch diameter) impeller design, respectively. Due to pumping power requirements, two and three stage 7.5 cm (3 inch) diameter impeller testing at higher flowrates lowered the motor speed substantially. In regions where motor speed could not be maintained constant, the data were discarded. The test loop was also reconfigured to allow for the pump to be tested for pressure drop in a stalled or inoperable (0 RPM) flow condition. Demonstration of adequate natural convection cooling of the test cartridge fuel type is necessary under accident conditions, and this will depend upon the flow resistance through the impeller assembly when the pump is not operating. Thus, accurate knowledge of the effective impeller assembly loss coefficient is important for safety evaluations. The test loop was modified to provide water inlet and outlets on either side of the pump impeller stack, and a metered flow of lab water was provided in order to measure the pressure drop across the cartridges as a function of flowrate. Data from the pump head curve testing developed as part of this work and supported by analysis using pump head affinity laws indicates that a three stage 7.5 cm (3 inch) pump impeller design will meet target requirements for coolant flow within the VTR cartridge sodium cartridge at full power conditions [1] with margin; this corresponds to a flowrate of 45 l/min (12 gpm) at a pressure drop of 6.1 m (20 feet) of water head. The results of the pressure loss measurements across the impeller assembly when the pump is stationary (i.e., at 0 RPM) indicate that the pressure loss coefficient is 0.921 for a two impeller stack configuration; this value is calculated based on the flow velocity through the minimum available flow area within a single stage of the impeller which corresponds to 1.4 cm2.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Life-Cycle Analysis Datasets for Regionalized Plastic Pathways

The carbon intensity (CI) of producing five different resins – polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – in four different international regions – United States of America (USA), Western Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA), and China – is calculated on a cradle-to-gate basis using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model. The list of factors that can potentially vary the CI of the five resins in different international regions include the CI of electricity and natural gas (NG) production, steam cracking feedstock mix, propylene sourcing technology mix, terephthalic monomer (TM) mix, use of hydrogen co-product from steam cracking process, and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production technology mix.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Climate Impact of Primary Plastic Production

Plastics show the strongest production growth of all bulk materials over the last decade. The industry’s current growth trajectory is exponential and plastic production is expected to double or triple by 2050. The rapidly increasing production of plastics and the continued reliance on fossil fuels for production, have contributed to numerous environmental problems and health harms. As a result, plastic pollution has become an increasing threat to natural ecosystems, human health and climate. However, there is a lack of granularity on the contribution of the primary plastics specifically to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on the remaining global carbon budget needed to stay below a 1.5°C or 2°C global average temperature rise. In this report, we explore the contribution of primary plastic production to climate change disaggregated by polymer and technology. To this end, we have developed comprehensive bottom-up modeling of GHG emissions from global primary plastic production, with a special focus on polymer value chains. We have analyzed the results under various growth scenarios in the context of carbon budgets compatible with a 1.5°C global trajectory. Modeling includes the material flows of all production stages, processes and technologies used in primary plastic production value chains, including from the extraction of fossil fuels required for production to shaping the final product. We specifically focus on nine major types of fossil fuelbased plastic polymers that are produced and consumed in large quantities: three types of polyethylene (PE) – low-density (LDPE), linear low-density (LLDPE), and high-density (HDPE) – as well as polypropylene (PP); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polystyrene (PS) and other key styrene-based plastics such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyurethane (PU). Together these account for about 80% of plastics production.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Climate Impact of Primary Plastic Production

Plastics show the strongest production growth of all bulk materials over the last decade. The industry’s current growth trajectory is exponential and plastic production is expected to double or triple by 2050. The rapidly increasing production of plastics and the continued reliance on fossil fuels for production, have contributed to numerous environmental problems and health harms. As a result, plastic pollution has become an increasing threat to natural ecosystems, human health and climate. However, there is a lack of granularity on the contribution of the primary plastics specifically to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on the remaining global carbon budget needed to stay below a 1.5°C or 2°C global average temperature rise. In this report, we explore the contribution of primary plastic production to climate change disaggregated by polymer and technology. To this end, we have developed comprehensive bottom-up modeling of GHG emissions from global primary plastic production, with a special focus on polymer value chains. We have analyzed the results under various growth scenarios in the context of carbon budgets compatible with a 1.5°C global trajectory. Modeling includes the material flows of all production stages, processes and technologies used in primary plastic production value chains, including from the extraction of fossil fuels required for production to shaping the final product. We specifically focus on nine major types of fossil fuel-based plastic polymers that are produced and consumed in large quantities: three types of polyethylene (PE) – low-density (LDPE), linear low-density (LLDPE), and high-density (HDPE) – as well as polypropylene (PP); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polystyrene (PS) and other key styrene-based plastics such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyurethane (PU). Together these account for about 80% of plastics production.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lifetime extension drop-test of real-world corroded 5 Quart Hagan nuclear material storage container

A 5Qt Hagan container with a 20-year history of nuclear material storage was challenged with three successive drop tests at a height of 3.7 meters. The total mass of the test package was 12.1 kg. The 1st and 2nd drop tests (center of gravity over the container bottom corner but 180 degrees apart on the container bottom face) passed the pre- and post- impact helium leak criterion at less than 1.00E-6 atm-cc/sec (ambient cubic centimeters per second). The 3rd and final test (center of gravity over top corner) failed with a post-impact gross leak of 1.1E-1 atmcc/sec. The RRFMC (Respirable Release Fraction Measurement Chamber) is a drop tower test system that is critical for the sustainability of the SAVY-4000™ series and Hagan-type (NFT Inc. Golden CO) nuclear material storage containers. These are the primary in-use nuclear material storage container types at the Los Alamos National Laboratory TA-55 facility. Results are presented to expand the technical knowledge basis for container lifetime, regarding actual exposure to corrosive gas species on the container inner surfaces. The primary source of general corrosion throughout the container is gaseous hydrogen chloride (HCl). This gas is generated by the degradation of the polyvinylchloride (PVC) bag-out bag. Additionally, in most cases, the nuclear material itself also releases HCl gas (due to residual chemical components associated with the material formation). The RRFMC drop tower gives the end-user the ability record and analyze high-speed video and photography and if needed aerosol mass release measurements. In this report the principal issue is the physical deformation of the 5Qt Hagan container. There were no mass release experiments of test aerosol mass in the present study.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

NOvA in 10 Minutes

NOvA is a long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment based at Fermilab, IL, USA, that observes $\nu_\mu \ (\bar{\nu}_\mu) \to \nu_\mu\ (\bar{\nu}_\mu)$ disappearance and $\nu_\mu \ (\bar{\nu}_\mu) \to \nu_e \ (\bar{\nu}_e)$ appearance oscillations from a beam of muon neutrinos (anti-neutrinos) provided by the Fermilab's NuMI beamline. The experiment consists of two functionally identical active liquid scintillattor tracking calorimeters, both situated 14.6 mrad off-axis to the beam direction. The detectors are made out of extruded PVC cells arranged in alternating horizontal and vertical planes for 3-dimensional reconstruction of neutrino events. The NOvA experiment has a wide-ranging scientific program that includes studying standard 3-flavor neutrino oscillations, resolution of neutrino mass orderings, measuring the CP-violating phase, $\delta_{CP}$, beyond standard model (BSM) phenomenon such as non-standard interactions (NSI) and sterile neutrino searches, neutrino-nucleus cross-section measurements, exotics, astrophysics and more. The NOvA experiment leverages its identical detector technology to mitigate systematic uncertainties for its neutrino oscillation analysis. This talk will provide an overview of the experiment's detector design and the data-driven techniques used by the experiment in its neutrino oscillation analysis.

Choudhary, Brajesh [Delhi U.]↗
DOE OSTI2025

SPRUCE Surface N2O fluxes measured with LI-7820, 2024

This dataset contains N2O (nitrous oxide) efflux rates measurements from the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experimental site within the Marcell Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota, USA. Measurements were made manually with a LiCor N2O/H2O analyzer (LI-7820) and paired SmartChamber (LI-8200-01S) in June, August, and October (2024-06-24 to 2024-10-22). During each measurement, the SmartChamber was placed on 8” PVC collars that were installed in May 2024. N2O flux was derived from 10-minute flux measurements processed using SoilFluxPro software (v5.3.1) and fit to a linear model. Model slope and R2 are reported along with soil water, soil temperature, and air temperature observations made with SmartChamber sensors. N2O is a gaseous N species formed during the microbial processes of denitrification and ammonia oxidation, and is a powerful greenhouse gas. This dataset contains one data file in comma-separate values (*.csv) format. Additional metadata are provided: one data dictionary and a file-level metadata file in comma-separate values (.csv) format and a user guide in PDF (*.pdf) format.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Compatibility Assessment of Fuel System Thermoplastics with Bio-Blendstock Fuel Candidates Using Hansen Solubility Analysis

The compatibility of key fuel system infrastructure plastics with 39 bio-blendstock fuel candidates was examined using Hansen solubility analysis. Fuel types included multiple alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones, alkenes and one alkane. These compounds were evaluated as neat molecules and as blends with the gasoline surrogate, dodecane, and a mix of dodecane and 10% ethanol (E10D). The plastics included polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), along with several nylon grades. These materials have been rigorously studied with other fuel types, and their volume change results were found to correspond well with their predicted solubility levels.The compatibility was assessed using Hansen solubility parameters and in many instances peak solubility occurred for blends rather than the neat fuel components. The results showed that good compatibilities can be expected for PPS, PVDF, PET, nylons, acetal, PEI, PVC, HDPE and PBT. PTFE showed potential incompatibilities at low blend concentrations, especially when E10D was used as the base fuel blend. Although, the nylons show good overall compatibility, the results do indicate that mid-range and high alcohol contents may not be suitable for Nylon 6 and Nylon 11 in applications requiring low volume swell. Poor potential compatibility was limited to two plastic types; PETG exposed to mid and high blend levels of the ethers and PP exposed to sabinene and the aromatics. In general, the data showed good compatibility for the majority of the candidate fuels and plastics.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗