Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “WASTE UTILIZATION”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

System Health and Status Reporting is Used to Improve Infrastructure Systems at the Hanford Site - 20449

Reliable physical infrastructure systems are vital to completing the clean-up mission and the start-up and commissioning of new nuclear waste processing facilities at the Hanford Site. Key infrastructure systems at Hanford include water, sewer, and electrical utilities, roads, telecommunications/network systems, and fire systems. All of the infrastructure systems are non-nuclear, General Service systems that are being maintained under formal engineering configuration control and none are specifically credited in any documented safety analysis (DSA). Starting in calendar year 2017, the Hanford Site's infrastructure and services contractor started producing system health and status reports for a total of 15 critical infrastructure systems as means to get a better understanding of each system's health and how it could be improved to ensure better and more reliable service delivery. As the reporting, tracking, and use of the metrics has matured, the number of systems for which reports are being developed has been expanded to a total of 23. Each of the critical infrastructure systems are assigned primary and alternate design authorities that complete qualifications on each assigned system. The design authorities actively manage and maintain configuration control on each of their systems and track metrics associated with availability, maintenance (corrective and preventive), and configuration of the technical baseline. The metrics are based on the principles established in Chapter V of DOE O 420.1C, Facility Safety, [1] and have been tailored as appropriate to each of the key infrastructure systems. An overall assessment of system health is performed and documented on a routine basis (e.g., quarterly). Included in this documentation is a quantitative score for each of the metrics (i.e., availability, maintenance, configuration management) along with results of system walk-downs, description of any permanent design modifications, identification of new or emerging issues and vulnerabilities affecting the system, and an assessment by the design authority of actions necessary to improve the system health score. The overall status scores are calculated using a formula and based on a pre-determined grading scale, a color is assigned for simple presentation. The information gained from developing the reports is being used to (1) assist with making timely and better informed decisions through the use of solid technical bases that are increasing the overall reliability and capabilities of the Site's infrastructure systems as new expense and capital projects in the Reliability Projects Investment Portfolio (RPIP) are prioritized and executed; (2) feed the risk management program, and (3) integrate the technical content of Master Plans that describe the Site's needs for the system and the system's capabilities to meet those future needs. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electronic Structures and Magnetism of Zr-, Th-, and U-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by Density Functional Theory

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently gained wide interest as candidate materials for nuclear waste immobilization. While the fundamental thermodynamic properties, such as the substitution energies determine the favorability of radionuclide sequestration by utilization of a MOF matrix, the studies of MOF electronic structure reveal the role of d-, and/or f-electrons on changes in physical properties of actinide-containing materials. We use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the electronic structures of Zr-, Th-, and U-MOFs, including their electronic band structures and, where appropriate, their magnetic properties. We employ various DFT methods including DFT+U, collinear spin-polarization, spin-orbit coupling, and different flavors of exchange-correlation functionals to assess the robustness to the specific exchange-correlation functional. Unlike the Zr-, and Th-MOFs, the U-MOF is found to be sensitive to electron localization and spin; hence we explore the magnetic structure of the U-MOF in further detail.

Metal-Organic Framework, MOF, Actinides, DFT↗
DOE OSTI2026

Novel Modular Heat Engines with sCO 2 Bottoming Cycle Utilizing Advanced Oil-Free Turbomachinery

This report presents the thermal, mechanical, and electric machine design of a 27krpm rotating test rig aimed at reducing technical risks with hermetic oil-free super-critical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) turbomachinery. The test rig rotor system is based on a conceptual turbomachine design discussed that evaluates a sCO 2 waste heat recovery (WHR) unit for land-based gas turbines at natural gas (NG) compressor stations. The key novelty of the hermetic sCO 2 turbomachine concept is the utilization of additively manufactured CO 2 gas bearings and a CO 2 -immersed direct-drive permanent magnet (PM) electric machine. The previous effort on conceptual design identified 3 main technical risks, which included thrust bearing load capacity, rotordynamics, and thermal performance of the system. Therefore, key requirements of the test vehicle include the ability to test the rotor system in a 400psi (27.6 bar) hermetic CO 2 operating environment, apply up to 1,500 lbs (6.7 kN) of rotor thrust loads, capability to assess rotordynamics with radial gas bearings, inclusion of instrumentation to assess thrust bearing load capability, and flexibility for varying secondary cooling flows to confirm thermal model predictions. Design topics such as rotordynamics, bearing design, and electric machine design are addressed, while highlighting critical elements. In addition, additive build trials for Inconel 718 radial and thrust bearings were performed to prove the manufacturability of the bearing design concepts. The results of the design efforts yield a test rig concept with ability to operate at 27,000 rpm, apply thrust loads to 1,500 lbs, deliver CO 2 up to 800psi, and modulate cooling flows.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Current Developments of Carbon Capture Storage and/or Utilization–Looking for Net-Zero Emissions Defined in the Paris Agreement

An essential line of worldwide research towards a sustainable energy future is the materials and processes for carbon dioxide capture and storage. Energy from fossil fuels combustion always generates carbon dioxide, leading to a considerable environmental concern with the values of CO2 produced in the world. The increase in emissions leads to a significant challenge in reducing the quantity of this gas in the atmosphere. Many research areas are involved solving this problem, such as process engineering, materials science, chemistry, waste management, and politics and public engagement. To decrease this problem, green and efficient solutions have been extensively studied, such as Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) processes. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was established, wherein the global temperature increase limit of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels was defined as maximum. To achieve this goal, a global balance between anthropogenic emissions and capture of greenhouse gases in the second half of the 21st century is imperative, i.e., net-zero emissions. Several projects and strategies have been implemented in the existing systems and facilities for greenhouse gas reduction, and new processes have been studied. This review starts with the current data of CO2 emissions to understand the need for drastic reduction. After that, the study reviews the recent progress of CCUS facilities and the implementation of climate-positive solutions, such as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage and Direct Air Capture. Future changes in industrial processes are also discussed.

Regufe, Maria João (ORCID:0000000327748302)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Demonstration and analysis of volumetric additive manufacturing via sub-orbital spaceflight testing

Computed Axial Lithography (CAL) represents a significant advancement in the emerging field of Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (VAM). CAL addresses key limitations of traditional photopolymer additive manufacturing technologies, by eliminating the need for layering and support structures. Unlike conventional methods, CAL prints components by illuminating all points within a desired geometry simultaneously, using tomographic reconstruction to form the object in a single step. This unique approach eliminates the relative motion between the object and the precursor material, enabling faster printing speeds and reducing the waste associated with support structures. However, CAL parts require post-processing steps before they can be utilized. CAL's core attributes make it particularly suited for In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), due to its fast fabrication times, wide breadth of materials it can use, and minimized footprint. CAL has been successfully demonstrated in microgravity during parabolic flight experiments. However to fully validate and understand CAL's behaviour in microgravity, all manufacturing and post-processing steps must be integrated. In June 2024, we conducted SpaceCAL Mission 3, testing this entire workflow on a suborbital flight aboard Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. During ~140 s of microgravity, the system autonomously manufactured and post-processed four parts using PEGDA700 resin. Post-flight analysis showed that 2/4 parts were recognisable, while others were distorted due to bubble formation from residual water droplets, off-axis optical aberrations, and non-uniform solvent rinsing. Despite these limitations, this study represents the first integrated CAL workflow in space, providing an initial experimental demonstration and analysis for closed-loop in-space manufacturing.

Waddell, Taylor [Department of Mechanical Engineer↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of semivolatile organics in liquid radioactive residue using sorptive stir bar and solvent back-extraction

Current methods for semivolatiles analysis in radioactive samples can produce large volumes of radioactive solvent residue. A method utilizing stir-bar sorptive extraction has been explored in this work for its applicability to radioactive waste samples. This low solvent analytical method may accelerate remediation, minimize hazardous solvent waste, and reduce exposure risk to workers. Organic compounds (polyaromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated aromatics, and phenolic compounds) were chosen as surrogates for common Liquid Waste System (LWS) contaminants at Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC). Stir-bar extraction parameters (extraction time, matrix modification, and effective pH range) and solvent back extraction parameters (solvent type, volume, and extraction time) were optimized experimentally for the chosen compounds. Affinity of the stir-bar extraction polymer to radionuclides Cs-137 and Am-241 was observed to determine radionuclide concentration effects. The stir-bar method achieved mean recovery of 100 ± 0.7% (1σ), relative to 114 ± 7% using solvent extraction, while reducing weekly method hands-on time by 93.4% and solvent volume consumption by 99.3%. Sensitivity was improved by 378% in simulated tank waste and 278% in real-world LWS matrix, relative to solvent extraction. This work has produced a safe and optimized method for the low solvent analysis of organics in legacy radioactive tank waste by stir-bar sorptive extraction.

GC-MS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Partners for life: building microbial consortia for the future

We report new technologies have allowed researchers to better design, build, and analyze complex consortia. These developments are fueling a wider implementation of consortium-based bioprocessing by leveraging synthetic biology, delivering on the field’s multitudinous promises of higher efficiencies, superior resiliency, augmented capabilities, and modular bioprocessing. Here we chronicle current progress by presenting a range of screening, computational, and biomolecular tools enabling robust population control, efficient division of labor, and programmatic spatial organization; furthermore, we detail corresponding advancements in areas including machine learning, biocontainment, and standardization. Additionally, we show applications in myriad sectors, including medicine, energy and waste sustainability, chemical production, agriculture, and biosensors. Concluding remarks outline areas of growth that will promote the utilization of complex community structures across the biotechnology spectrum.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Reactivity of Polyethylene Microplastics in Water under Low Oxygen Conditions Using Radiation Chemistry

Polyethylene (PE) is an intensely utilized polymer, which has consequently led to it becoming a common environmental contaminant. PE and other plastic waste are known to be highly persistent in surface waters; however, chemical and physical changes do take place over time, dependent mostly on highly variable natural conditions, such as oxygen (O2) availability. Gamma radiation was used to generate reactive oxygen species, namely hydroxyl radicals, in initially aerated aqueous solutions to simulate the natural weathering of microplastics in waters where there are fluctuations and often depletions in dissolved O2. The headspace of the irradiated PE-containing solutions was probed for the formation of degradation products using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers in combination with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). The major species detected were n-dodecane, with trace levels of tridecane, 2-dodecanone, and hexadecane, which were believed to be predominately adsorbed in the PE microplastics in excess of their aqueous solubility limits. Surface characterization by Raman spectroscopy and light and dark field microscopy indicated no change in the chemical composition of the irradiated PE microplastics under low O2 to anaerobic conditions. However, morphological changes were observed, indicating radical combination reactions.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2025

Carbonation reaction of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA): CO 2 mass consumption under various treatment conditions

Concrete is a key building material around the world due to its excellent strength and durability. Recycling demolished concrete for new construction materials may play a significant role in sustainable development. Producing recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) from waste concrete is one approach for such an initiative. However, using RCA may pose challenges, such as reduced density, lower elastic modulus and strength, and increased water absorption. Recently, the carbonation of RCA has emerged as a method to address those concerns. This study explores the carbon sequestration capacity of RCA through carbonation, examining various parametric conditions, including initial CO 2 pressure, relative humidity, temperature, and pre-treatment approach. Both lab-scale and large-scale carbonation tests were conducted. Additionally, a cost analysis and CO 2 footprint assessment were performed. The findings showed that applying higher initial CO 2 pressures (e.g., 40–60 psi) and optimal relative humidity (~55 %) could significantly enhance the carbonation efficiency of RCA. Elevating temperature also led to accelerated CO 2 consumption, being more effective on the lab scale. The economic analysis presented potential cost benefits when substituting natural aggregates with CO 2 -treated RCA. All in all, these results suggest that the carbonation of RCA may provide significant environmental benefits through carbon sequestration, promoting sustainable construction practices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Q4 Milestone Report - Bioenergy Technologies Office

Objective: The objective of this task is to identify the costs of sorting municipal solid wastes (MSW) into different product streams that would be suitable for inclusion in potential low-cost feedstock blends. Expected Outcome: Progress Milestone – Complete a MSW sorting process model that includes unit operations of shredding, screening, sieving, air classification, magnetic separation and eddy current separation in conjunction with a MSW sorting equipment supplier. This model will be scalable such that it can be utilized in both large urban areas and rural areas.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Site Ambient Temperatures and Operating Schedules for EIC - Utility CW Considerations

The heat dissipated by the EIC accelerator system and components is ultimately removed by the conventional water-cooling systems that will be ultimately dissipated the waste heat to the atmosphere. An estimated 45 MW of heat will be dissipated to water during full beam operation and that will need to be effectively rejected to the atmosphere. Approximately 50% of the heat is required to be rejected to a low temperature heat sink that cannot be achieved by an evaporative cooling tower during summer. To operate during these summer months, a secondary chilled water refrigeration system will be required that would increase the cost of the cooling water system. Further, operating chiller compressor in the summer months will increase the energy consumption of the machine. This analysis is being prepared to evaluate the impact on operating and capital costs on the cooling system for various summer operating schedules while utilizing the most cost-effective scenario of an evaporative cooling system. The technology selection for the various heat sinks is addressed in a separate write-up and are not expected to change the conclusions of this write-up.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Triphenylphosphine Oxide-Derived Anolyte for Application in Nonaqueous Redox Flow Battery

Recent advances in redox flow batteries have made them a viable option for grid-scale energy storage, however they exhibit low energy density. One way to boost energy density is by increasing the cell potential using a nonaqueous system. Molecular engineering has proven to be an effective strategy to develop redox-active compounds with extreme potentials but these are usually challenged by resource sustainability of the newly developed redox materials. Here, we investigate the utility of phosphine oxides as anolytes with extremely negative potentials. Specifically, we found that cyclic triphenylphosphine oxide (CPO), has a highly negative potential (–2.4 V vs Fc/Fc + ). Importantly, CPO is synthesized from triphenylphosphine oxide, a common industrial chemical waste with no commercial value. Structural and electrochemical characterization of the reduced radical anion showed that enhanced stability is due to cyclization or extended pi-conjugation. Importantly, mechanistic investigation into the decomposition of CPO under various solvents and electrochemical conditions allowed us to utilize an acetonitrile/DMF binary solvent system to enable a long-lived anolyte which exhibited no fade over 350 cycles. In conclusion, this work led to the development of a waste-derived cyclic phosphine oxide that exhibits excellent cycling stability making it an ideal anolyte toward the development of energy-dense RFBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Computer vision-based rock bolt detection in orthomosaic imagery obtained in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant underground facility

Assessing structural integrity of large underground tunnel facilities is often a time consuming and human-labor intensive task. Thus, research using various modes of sensing and automated detection of key structural components in mines is posed to aid in safety assessments and establishing overall structural health. We propose an approach utilizing off-the-shelf camera and lidar technology fixed to a custom sensing platform, image stitching techniques, fine-tuned object detection models, and specialized model-inference methods to automatically detect, count, and map roof bolts for assessment of structural safety in man-made underground tunnels. Results show a novel workflow for effective object counting in orthomosaic tunnel ceiling images generated from collections in GPS-denied mining environments. Additionally, we demonstrate effective fine-tuning of EfficientDet object detectors utilizing state-of-the-art image augmentation techniques known as the mosaic and mixup transformations. Our work is demonstrated on sensed data and imagery collected from the Department of Energy (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) where miles of tunnel ceiling must be assessed for structural integrity.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Single-Atom Nickel Dispersed on Mo 2 TiC 2 T x MXene for Upcycling of Polyolefins via Catalytic Hydropyrolysis for Fuels and Lubricants

Plastic waste has been a major social and environmental problem. Chemical upcycling of plastic waste into transportation fuels or lubricant oil has emerged as an attractive and promising approach to convert plastic waste into valuable products. However, conventional catalyst systems often require high-pressure hydrogen, prolonged residence time, and the use of noble metal catalysts. Here, we present zero-valent nickel single atoms on Mo-based MXenes (Ni/Mo 2 TiC 2 T x ) for effective hydrogenation of polyolefins. In situ spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations demonstrate the formation of Ni–Mo and Ni–C bonds at a low Ni loading, resulting in the formation of dispersed intercalated Ni atoms. The catalysts were then employed to convert polyethylene into fuels and lubricant molecules under atmospheric hydrogen pressure, short vapor residence time (τ < 1 s), and mild reaction temperature (300 °C). We further demonstrated the possibility of tuning the Ni structure by changing the Ni loading, attributed to the strong metal–support interactions (MSIs) with the Mo 2 TiC 2 T x support. Under optimized conditions, 22.5 C% gasoline, 12.0 C% diesel, 19.2 C% jet fuel (JP-8), and 37.4 C% lubricant were produced over 0.5% Ni/Mo 2 TiC 2 T x . This work highlights the potential of utilizing MSIs of Mo 2 TiC 2 T x MXenes to synthesize single-atom catalysts (SACs) for upcycling plastic waste into higher-value products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

A synthetic strategy for the preparation of alkoxy‐functionalized bis‐1,2,4‐triazinyl‐2,6‐pyridines

Heteroaryl-1,2,4-triazine complexants are commonly utilized in separation science for the selective chelation of minor An from Ln in simulated high-level waste. Furthermore, to facilitate access to relevant chemical entities for hypothesis-driven inquiry toward improved separations performance, a synthetic method to construct various alkoxy-complexant derivatives was required. In this work, a convergent synthetic strategy for the production of 3,3′- and 4,4′-tetraalkoxy-bis-1,2,4-triazinyl-2,6-pyridines from readily available starting materials via a dealkylation/alkylation/condensation approach is described. Synthetic method development, substrate scope, preliminary solubility, and hydrolytic stability data in various process-relevant diluents are reported herein.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

A simulation-based model studying monoethanolamine and aprotic heterocyclic anion ionic liquid (AHA-IL) mixtures for carbon capture

Capturing of waste CO 2 , particularly from large industrial point sources, is necessary for either permanent storage or CO 2 utilization. Amine solvents used for carbon capture have certain drawbacks, particularly the high energy required by the reboiler for solvent regeneration and degradation of the amine with absorption/regeneration cycling. These challenges may be overcome using ionic liquids (ILs) that can be tailored for operating under typical flue gas stream conditions (8–10% CO 2 , 18–20% H 2 O, 2–3% O 2 , and 67–72% N 2 ). ILs, however, oftentimes suffer from high viscosities, leading to diffusion limitations when compared to amine solvents. This work models the combinations of aprotic heterocyclic anion ILs (AHA-IL) with monoethanolamine (MEA) and studies the carbon capture effectiveness of these mixtures. Furthermore, this study found that all AHA-IL/MEA mixtures exhibited 32 % lower enthalpy of reaction (compared to MEA) and 64 % lower viscosity (compared to AHA-IL), which are desirable characteristics for CO 2 capture solvents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Emission factors of industrial boilers burning biomass-derived fuels

Boilers are combustion devices that provide process heat and are integral to many industrial facilities. Historically, outside of the pulp and paper industry, most boilers burned fossil fuels, although interest in decarbonization has been leading to an increased use of renewable fuels in boilers. These boilers, including those in the biorefineries, are often large sources of air pollutant emissions, and the characterization of these emissions is critical to obtaining air permits and ensuring protection of the surrounding air quality. Several industrial boilers and new biorefineries allow utilization of biomass-derived fuels (e.g. wastewater sludge, lignin, etc.) produced during their operation as a fuel for the boiler to meet process energy needs. However, there is limited empirical data on emission factors for the burning of unconventional fuels, such as solid-gas mixtures containing biomass residues. To fill this gap, we carry out a comprehensive data survey, collecting information on emission factors for boilers burning either a single or a mixture of solid and gaseous biomass-derived fuels. We review multiple hard-to-obtain and unconventional data sources, such as air permit applications, stack test data, and industry-sponsored data collection efforts, to compile emission factors for biomass-derived fuels. We then compare this data with wood residue emission factors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AP-42 emission factor database. Our results indicate that the emission factors for boilers burning unconventional fuels vary widely depending on the fuel composition, boiler type, and fuel characteristics. Overall, we find that median emission factors of selected biomass-derived fuels are typically lower than those of wood residue boilers in AP-42. The information collected herein could be useful to permitting agencies and industries utilizing boilers who may want to reduce the carbon impact of their facilities by combusting biomass-derived wastes for process energy needs, for more accurate emission estimation for permitting.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

NG-CT Peaker Upgrades with Bottoming Cycle: Preliminary Analysis

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has conducted a preliminary analysis exploring a significant opportunity to increase the nation's power grid capacity and reliability. The study focuses on retrofitting under-utilized natural gas combustion turbines (NG-CTs), often called "peaker" plants, with a bottoming cycle to capture waste heat and generate additional electricity. This analysis shows that upgrading these existing assets could add approximately 26,250 MW of new power capacity across the United States. A detailed study of the PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest grid operator, confirmed the benefits of these upgrades. Key findings for the PJM region include: - A median increase in the plants' capacity factor by 17 percentage points. - A projected 36.2% median reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for the upgraded plants, with nearly 88% of them expected to break even. - An average reduction in the regional wholesale price of electricity by approximately 3.0% in the year 2030. - A significant boost to grid reliability, with a 46% reduction in projected Loss of Load Hours (LOLH). These findings suggest that retrofitting peaker plants is a promising and economically viable strategy to enhance grid performance, reduce electricity costs, and meet future demand without the challenges associated with building entirely new facilities.

bottoming cycle↗