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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Development of Processing Technology for Radioactively Contaminated Water at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant - 19656

During the operation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, distillation by evaporation was the main method for processing radioactively contaminated water. When the plant was decommissioned, the evaporation facility was mothballed and floor drain treatment was suspended in 2016. At present, the existing tanks with the capacity of 26,000 m{sup 3} are more than 60% full with radioactively contaminated floor drains, which requires alternative processing methods. The current process flow for radioactive waste management at State Specialized Enterprise 'Chernobyl NPP' includes processing of accumulated liquid radioactive wastes at a liquid radioactive wastes processing plant. Under the processing technology, liquid radioactive waste is immobilized at the plant by cementation and the resulting solid radioactive waste is then buried in a near-surface storage. Key factors for the selection of alternative radioactively contaminated water processing methods are the possibility to clear the processed water (no control monitoring), which requires the same degree of processing as for drinking water, and minimization of radioactive waste generation due to the lack of free space for solid waste disposal in the near-surface storage. Floor drains that require processing contain radionuclides such as {sup 137}Cs, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 60}Co and {sup 40}K. The current level of the total beta and gamma activity is about 4*105 Bq/kg. The following criteria are set for the Chernobyl NPP site for water to be disposed to the sewerage system: - Max. 37 Bq/kg for the total beta and gamma containing radionuclide activity; - Max. 0.7 Bq/kg for the total alpha containing radionuclide activity. METOIL produces inorganic sorbents for removing radionuclides from liquids and develops sorbent-based technology for a variety of applications related to liquid radioactive waste processing. In 2017-2018, experts from the Chernobyl NPP and METOIL ran several joint laboratory tests to evaluate the efficiency of inorganic sorbents made by METOIL for processing floor drains at the Chernobyl NPP. The test procedure included treatment of radioactively contaminated water in a two-stage sorption process: static sorption (sorbents are mixed in a liquid) and dynamic sorption (the liquid is filtered through a sorbent column). NIKET and MODIKS sorbents were provided for the tests. The results of the test measurements showed that the total alpha containing radionuclide activity is less than 0.026 Bq/kg and the total beta and gamma containing radionuclide activity is 9.2 Bq/kg. The physical and chemical parameters after processing also met the water disposal criteria. High sorption capacity of the sorbents used for the tests allows processing hundreds of water volumes with just one sorbent volume. At present, preparations are underway for full-scale tests at a pilot plant with a capacity of minimum 10 m{sup 3}/day. At a later stage, spent sorbents may be immobilized by inclusion into the cement matrix, which will substantially reduce the amount of radioactive waste to be buried. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS2014

Novel Catalysts and Processing Technologies for Production of Aerospace Fuels from Non-Petroleum Raw Materials

Transportation fuels production (including aerospace propellants) from non-traditional sources (gases, waste materials, and biomass) has been an active area of research and development for decades. Reducing terrestrial waste streams simultaneous with energy conversion, plentiful biomass, new low-cost methane sources, and/or extra-terrestrial resource harvesting and utilization present significant technological and business opportunities being realized by a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs. We examine several new approaches to catalyst fabrication and new processing technologies to enable utilization of these non-traditional raw materials. Two basic processing architectures are considered: a single-stage pyrolysis approach that seeks to basically re-cycle hydrocarbons with minimal net chemistry or a two-step paradigm that involves production of supply or synthesis gas (mainly carbon oxides and hydrogen) followed by production of fuel(s) via Sabatier or methanation reactions and/or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Optimizing the fraction of product stream relevant to targeted aerospace (and other transportation) fuels via modeling, catalyst fabrication and novel reactor design are described. Energy utilization is a concern for production of fuels for either terrestrial or space operations; renewable sources based on solar energy and/or energy efficient processes may be mission enabling. Another important issue is minimizing impurities in the product stream(s), especially those potentially posing risks to personnel or operations through (catalyst) poisoning or (equipment) damage. Technologies being developed to remove (and/or recycle) heteroatom impurities are briefly discussed as well as the development of chemically robust catalysts whose activity are not diminished during operation. The potential impacts on future missions by such new approaches as well as balance of system issues are addressed.

propellants↗
DOE OSTI2018

Advanced Manufacturing Office Clean Water Processing Technologies: Workshop Series Summary Report

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) held a series of three clean water processing technologies workshops focusing on technical challenges and opportunities. The first workshop focused on energy optimized desalination technology development and was held in San Francisco on Nov. 5th and 6th, 2015 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. The next two occurred in summer 2017 starting with a workshop held in Dallas, Texas at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre on July 10th and 11th, 2017 followed by the third workshop in Cleveland, Ohio at the Wyndham Cleveland at Playhouse Square on August 23rd and 24th, 2017. Below is a high level summary of scope and outcomes from each workshop.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1986

Distributed automatic control of technological processes in conditions of weightlessness

Some problems associated with the automatic control of liquid metal and plasma systems under conditions of weightlessness are examined, with particular reference to the problem of stability of liquid equilibrium configurations. The theoretical fundamentals of automatic control of processes in electrically conducting continuous media are outlined, and means of using electromagnetic fields for simulating technological processes in a space environment are discussed.

Kukhtenko, A. I.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Strategic Coupling of Advanced Induction Heating with Magnetic Field Processing Technologies Provides Innovative Solutions for Elevated Industries Demands

Industry s relentless pursuit of product performance improvements is now challenging the capability of available/existing Thermal processing technologies, i.e., Heat Treating. In fact, the EPA-mandated requirement for light-weighting vehicles underscores the urgent US need for achieving higher product strength improvements.

Ludtka, Mackiewicz-Ludtka↗
DOE OSTI2017

Bench-Scale Evaluation of the Genifuel Hydrothermal Processing Technology for Wastewater Solids

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) and Catalytic Hydrothermal Gasification (CHG) proof-of-concept bench-scale tests were performed to assess the potential of the Genifuel hydrothermal process technology for handling municipal wastewater sludge. HTL tests were conducted at 300-350°C and 20 MPa on three different feeds: primary sludge (11.9 wt% solids), secondary sludge (9.7 wt% solids), and post-digester sludge (also referred to as digested solids) (16.0 wt% solids). Corresponding CHG tests were conducted at 350°C and 20 MPa on the HTL aqueous phase output using a ruthenium based catalyst. A comprehensive analysis of all feed and effluent phases was also performed. Total mass and carbon balances closed to within ± 15% in all but one case. Biocrude yields from HTL tests were 37%, 25%, and 34% for primary sludge, secondary sludge, and digested solids feeds, respectively. The biocrude yields accounted for 59%, 39%, and 49% of the carbon in the feed for primary sludge, secondary sludge, and digested solids feeds, respectively. Biocrude composition and quality were comparable to that seen with biocrudes generated from algae feeds. Subsequent hydrotreating (i.e., upgrading) of the biocrude produced from primary sludge and digested solids resulted in a product with comparable physical and chemical properties to petroleum crude oil. CHG product gas consisted primarily of methane, with methane yields (relative to CHG input) on a carbon basis of 47%, 61%, and 64% for aqueous feeds that were the output of HTL tests with primary sludge, secondary sludge, and digested solids, respectively. Siloxane concentrations in the CHG product gas were below the detection limit and well below fuel input composition limits set by several engine manufacturers. Relative to that of the sludge feeds, the HTL-CHG process resulted in a reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of greater than 99.9% and a reduction in residual solids for disposal of 94-99%. The test results, as a whole, support further long term testing in a larger scale integrated system that is representative of what would be installed at a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) in order to fully assess the technical and economic viability of this technology for wastewater sludge treatment.

biocrude↗
NASA NTRS2004

Automated Composites Processing Technology: Film Module

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has developed a technology that combines a film/adhesive laydown module with fiber placement technology to enable the processing of composite prepreg tow/tape and films, foils or adhesives on the same placement machine. The development of this technology grew out of NASA's need for lightweight, permeation-resistant cryogenic propellant tanks. Autoclave processing of high performance composites results in thermally-induced stresses due to differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the fiber and matrix resin components. These stresses, together with the reduction in temperature due to cryogen storage, tend to initiate microcracking within the composite tank wall. One way in which to mitigate this problem is to introduce a thin, crack-resistant polymer film or foil into the tank wall. Investigation into methods to automate the processing of thin film or foil materials into composites led to the development of this technology. The concept employs an automated film supply and feed module that may be designed to fit existing fiber placement machines, or may be designed as integral equipment to new machines. This patent-pending technology can be designed such that both film and foil materials may be processed simultaneously, leading to a decrease in part build cycle time. The module may be designed having a compaction device independent of the host machine, or may utilize the host machine's compactor. The film module functions are controlled by a dedicated system independent of the fiber placement machine controls. The film, foil, or adhesive is processed via pre-existing placement machine run programs, further reducing operational expense.

Hulcher, A. Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1990

A piloted comparison of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. FLIGHTLAB, a new simulation development and analysis tool, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and quantitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary↗
NASA NTRS1991

Comparisons of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology for piloted simulations

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. A simulation development and analysis tool, FLIGHTLAB, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and quantitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary↗
NASA NTRS1991

Comparison of elastic and rigid blade-element rotor models using parallel processing technology for piloted simulations

A piloted comparison of rigid and aeroelastic blade-element rotor models was conducted at the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) at Ames Research Center. A simulation development and analysis tool, FLIGHTLAB, was used to implement these models in real time using parallel processing technology. Pilot comments and qualitative analysis performed both on-line and off-line confirmed that elastic degrees of freedom significantly affect perceived handling qualities. Trim comparisons show improved correlation with flight test data when elastic modes are modeled. The results demonstrate the efficiency with which the mathematical modeling sophistication of existing simulation facilities can be upgraded using parallel processing, and the importance of these upgrades to simulation fidelity.

Hill, Gary↗
NASA NTRS1998

Workshop on Research for Space Exploration: Physical Sciences and Process Technology

This report summarizes the results of a workshop sponsored by the Microgravity Research Division of NASA to define contributions the microgravity research community can provide to advance the human exploration of space. Invited speakers and attendees participated in an exchange of ideas to identify issues of interest in physical sciences and process technologies. This workshop was part of a continuing effort to broaden the contribution of the microgravity research community toward achieving the goals of the space agency in human exploration, as identified in the NASA Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) strategic plan. The Microgravity program is one of NASA'a major links to academic and industrial basic research in the physical and engineering sciences. At present, it supports close to 400 principal investigators, who represent many of the nation's leading researchers in the physical and engineering sciences and biotechnology. The intent of the workshop provided a dialogue between NASA and this large, influential research community, mission planners and industry technical experts with the goal of defining enabling research for the Human Exploration and Development of Space activities to which the microgravity research community can contribute.

Singh, Bhim S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Generic Modeling of a Life Support System for Process Technology Comparison

This paper describes a simulation model called the Life Support Systems Analysis Simulation Tool (LiSSA-ST), the spreadsheet program called the Life Support Systems Analysis Trade Tool (LiSSA-TT), and the Generic Modular Flow Schematic (GMFS) modeling technique. Results of using the LiSSA-ST and the LiSSA-TT will be presented for comparing life support system and process technology options for a Lunar Base with a crew size of 4 and mission lengths of 90 and 600 days. System configurations to minimize the life support system weight and power are explored.

lunar base life support systems processes simulati↗
NASA NTRS1992

A path to in-space welding and to other in-space metal processing technologies using Space Shuttle small payloads

As we venture into space, it becomes necessary to assemble, expand, and repair space-based structures for our housing, research, and manufacturing. The zero gravity-vacuum of space challenges us to employ construction options which are commonplace on Earth. Rockwell International (RI) has begun to undertake the challenge of space-based construction via numerous options, of which one is welding. As of today, RI divisions have developed appropriate resources and technologies to bring space-based welding within our grasp. Further work, specifically in the area of developing space experiments to test RI technology, is required. RI Space Welding Project's achievements to date, from research and development (R&E) efforts in the areas of microgravity, vacuum, intra- / extra- vehicular activity and spinoff technologies, are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to results for G-169's (Get Away Special) microgravity flights aboard a NASA KC-135. Based on these achievements, a path to actual development of a space welding system is proposed with options to explore spinoff in-space metal processing technologies. This path is constructed by following a series of milestone experiments, of which several are to utilize NASA's Shuttle Small Payload Programs. Conceptual designs of the proposed shuttle payload experiments are discussed with application of lessons learned from G-169's design, development, integration, testing, safety approval process, and KC-135 flights.

Tamir, David↗
NASA NTRS1993

(abstract) Generic Modeling of a Life Support System for Process Technology Comparisons

This paper describes a simulation model called the Life Support Systems Analysis Simulation Tool (LiSSA-ST), the spreadsheet program called the Life Support Systems Analysis Trade Tool (LiSSA-TT), and the Generic Modular Flow Schematic (GMFS) modeling technique. Results of using the LiSSA-ST and the LiSSA-TT will be presented for comparing life support systems and process technology options for a Lunar Base and a Mars Exploration Mission.

life support system long-duration missions simulat↗
DOE OSTI2015

Melt Processed Crystalline Ceramic Waste Forms for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles CRP T21027 1813: Processing technologies for high level waste, formulation of matrices and characterization of waste forms, Task 17208 (Final Report)

A multi-phase ceramic waste form is being developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for treatment of secondary waste streams generated by reprocessing commercial spent nuclear. The envisioned waste stream contains a mixture of transition, alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide metals. Ceramic waste forms are tailored (engineered) to incorporate waste components as part of their crystal structure based on knowledge from naturally found minerals containing radioactive and non-radioactive species similar to the radionuclides of concern in wastes from fuel reprocessing. The ability to tailor ceramics to mimic naturally occurring crystals substantiates the long term stability of such crystals (ceramics) over geologic timescales of interest for nuclear waste immobilization. A durable multi-phase ceramic waste form tailored to incorporate all the waste components has the potential to broaden the available disposal options and thus minimize the storage and disposal costs associated with aqueous reprocessing. This report summarizes results from three years of work on the IAEA Coordinated Research Project on “Processing technologies for high level waste, formulation of matrices and characterization of waste forms” (T21027), and specific task “Melt Processed Crystalline Ceramic Waste Forms for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles” (17208).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Melt Processed Crystalline Ceramic Waste Forms for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles: CRP T21027 1813: Processing technologies for high level waste, formulation of matrices and characterization of waste forms, Task 17208 (Final Report)

A multi-phase ceramic waste form is being developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for treatment of secondary waste streams generated by reprocessing commercial spent nuclear. The envisioned waste stream contains a mixture of transition, alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide metals. Ceramic waste forms are tailored (engineered) to incorporate waste components as part of their crystal structure based on knowledge from naturally found minerals containing radioactive and non-radioactive species similar to the radionuclides of concern in wastes from fuel reprocessing. The ability to tailor ceramics to mimic naturally occurring crystals substantiates the long term stability of such crystals (ceramics) over geologic timescales of interest for nuclear waste immobilization [1]. A durable multi-phase ceramic waste form tailored to incorporate all the waste components has the potential to broaden the available disposal options and thus minimize the storage and disposal costs associated with aqueous reprocessing. This report summarizes results from three years of work on the IAEA Coordinated Research Project on “Processing technologies for high level waste, formulation of matrices and characterization of waste forms” (T21027), and specific task “Melt Processed Crystalline Ceramic Waste Forms for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles” (17208).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Idaho-Developed Technologies, Processes Offer Unique Solutions to Waste Management Challenges - 19281

INL Site cleanup contractor Fluor Idaho, LLC (Fluor Idaho) and its predecessors have developed a host of state-of-the-art technologies and specialized processes for nuclear waste handling, treatment, storage, and shipping. The cleanup program has also repurposed and upgraded previously idled Cold War-era buildings to treat and repackage both on- and off-site generated radioactive and hazardous wastes. And lastly, Fluor Idaho is using one-of-a-kind equipment to protect waste management personnel as they undertake their work to meet cleanup commitments that the Department of Energy (DOE) made to the state of Idaho. Such applications, although developed for Idaho's wastes, have the potential to benefit other facilities within the DOE Complex. Engineers and fabricators have teamed up to develop truly unique devices made of specialized metals, like stainless steel alloys, and more readily available materials such as Lexan. All waste types that Fluor Idaho manages daily - spent nuclear fuel, both high- and low-level wastes, and both remote-handled (RH) and CH-TRU - benefit from these innovations. Without question, the greatest number of specialized equipment, processes, and worker-protection technologies developed are for the retrieving, characterizing, repackaging, and shipping of TRU wastes, which makes sense considering the INL Site stores the most TRU waste in the DOE Complex. On the CH-TRU retrieval front, crews are using specially modified Gradall excavators to protect workers while they exhume Rocky Flats Plant wastes that were sent to Idaho in the 1950's and 1960's and buried in a shallow landfill. The excavators are supplied with extra Lexan windows to protect operators from the potential for flying debris during exhumation. On-board supplied air, pumped into the cab, and individual air supplies protect workers from inhalation hazards. Also on-board infrared cameras allow operators to detect heat generating from reactive metals at the dig face. At the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Facility (AMWTP), Brokk robotic arm operators use a 'super clam' claw, designed and built at the INL Site, on the remotely operated heavy equipment to size-reduce waste boxes, drums, concrete, and metal containing TRU constituents. The super clam is so powerful and dexterous that operators can crush a 55-gallon drum into the size of a basketball, but also delicately turn the pages of a magazine. Boxes too large to be sized at the AMWTP's box-lines are sent to the Accelerated Retrieval Project VII facility to be sized by Waste Management personnel. Such waste boxes, which sometimes contain 'flighty' plutonium-238 material, have forced the project to employ a heavily ventilated and filtered interior tent. Not all technologies developed for the Waste Management program are high-technology; in fact, one piece of equipment is so simple it's literally ingenious. Operators who inspect and repackage RH-TRU inside a hot cell at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) needed a backup plan in case the hot cell port couldn't be closed in the event of a power outage. Engineers and fabricators collaborated to develop a port cover actuator mechanism, which allows operators to open and close the cell's hatch cover with nothing more than a cordless drill. Also at INTEC, Maintenance Shop fabricators developed a Lexan container or 'pig' suitable for shielding neutron-emitting TRU waste sources. Lexan was chosen as the preferred shielded container material for this special type of waste because neutrons are best shielded with materials containing lots of hydrogen, such as plastics, which are composed of carbon and hydrogen molecules. Once approved for shipment, the high-activity waste will be loaded into specialty casks and shipped to WIPP for permanent disposal. Although all these technologies and processes were initially developed for resolving challenges at the INL Site, their applications could be far-reaching. Like the INL Site, many other facilities in the DOE Complex manage, treat, store, and ship TRU, low-and high-level wastes, and spent nuclear fuel. The technologies and processes developed in Idaho protect Waste Management personnel as they undertake their work, but these benefits could be utilized by other facilities and personnel doing similar work. (authors)

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

Development of the technological process for the IGR reactor's highly-enriched irradiated uranium-graphite fuel immobilization

The immobilization of irradiated highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel is a critical component of nuclear waste management and non-proliferation efforts. In Kazakhstan, at National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan special attention is given to managing legacy HEU fuel from research reactors. One such case involves the IGR research reactor, whose first core containing irradiated HEU uranium-graphite fuel was operated from 1961 to 1966 and removed following reactor modernization. This fuel now requires a reliable and secure immobilization strategy. Here, this paper presents the development of a technological process for immobilizing this fuel to reduce its enrichment to below 20 % in terms of 235U content. The proposed method involves down-blending irradiated HEU fuel with depleted uranium, followed by encapsulation in a Portland cement matrix. Full-scale experiments were conducted to assess the uniformity of uranium distribution within the matrix. The results confirm the effectiveness of this approach, ensuring reliable immobilization of fuel in accordance with international requirements, including IAEA standards and Kazakhstan's regulatory framework. These findings contribute to the broader effort of adapting immobilization strategies for the safe management of spent fuel from research reactors.

12 - MGMT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTE↗