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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Comparison of wild-type KT2440 and genome-reduced EM42 Pseudomonas putida strains for muconate production from aromatic compounds and glucose

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a robust, aromatic catabolic bacterium that has been widely engineered to convert bio-based and waste-based feedstocks to target products. Towards industrial domestication of P. putida KT2440, rational genome reduction has been previously conducted, resulting in P. putida strain EM42, which exhibited characteristics that could be advantageous for production strains. Here, we compared P. putida KT2440-and EM42-derived strains for cis,cis-muconic acid production from an aromatic compound, p-coumarate, and in separate strains, from glucose. To our surprise, the EM42-derived strains did not outperform the KT2440-derived strains in muconate production from either substrate. In bioreactor cultivations, KT2440-and EM42-derived strains produced muconate from p-coumarate at titers of 45 g/L and 37 g/L, respectively, and from glucose at 20 g/L and 13 g/L, respectively. To provide additional insights about the differences in the parent strains, we analyzed growth profiles of KT2440 and EM42 on aromatic compounds as the sole carbon and energy sources. In general, the EM42 strain exhibited reduced growth rates but shorter growth lags than KT2440. We also observed that EM42-derived strains resulted in higher growth rates on glucose compared to KT2440-derived strains, but only at the lowest glucose concentrations tested. Transcriptomics revealed that genome reduction in EM42 had global effects on transcript levels and showed that the EM42-derived strains that produce muconate from glucose exhibit reduced modulation of gene expression in response to changes in glucose concentrations. Overall, our results highlight that additional studies are warranted to understand the effects of genome reduction on microbial metabolism and physiology, especially when intended for use in production strains.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dark energy survey year 3 results: High-precision measurement and modeling of galaxy-galaxy lensing

We present and characterize the galaxy-galaxy lensing signal measured using the first three years of data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES Y3) covering 4132 deg 2 . These galaxy-galaxy measurements are used in the DES Y3 3 × 2 pt cosmological analysis, which combines weak lensing and galaxy clustering information. We use two lens samples: a magnitude-limited sample and the redmagic sample, which span the redshift range ∼ 0.2 – 1 with 10.7 and 2.6 M galaxies, respectively. For the source catalog, we use the metacalibration shape sample, consisting of ≃ 100 M galaxies separated into four tomographic bins. Our galaxy-galaxy lensing estimator is the mean tangential shear, for which we obtain a total SNR of ∼ 148 for maglim ( ∼ 120 for redmagic), and ∼ 67 ( ∼ 55 ) after applying the scale cuts of 6 Mpc / h . Thus we reach percent-level statistical precision, which requires that our modeling and systematic-error control be of comparable accuracy. The tangential shear model used in the 3 × 2 pt cosmological analysis includes lens magnification, a five-parameter intrinsic alignment model, marginalization over a point mass to remove information from small scales and a linear galaxy bias model validated with higher-order terms. We explore the impact of these choices on the tangential shear observable and study the significance of effects not included in our model, such as reduced shear, source magnification, and source clustering. We also test the robustness of our measurements to various observational and systematics effects, such as the impact of observing conditions, lens-source clustering, random-point subtraction, scale-dependent metacalibration responses, point spread function residuals, and B modes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Uranium Oxide Elutriation at Higher Flow Rates and Longer Times

This work supports the recovery of high-assay low-enriched uranium (i.e., U enriched in 235 U to >5% and <20%) from used nuclear fuel. One step includes elutriating triuranium octoxide (U 3 O 8 ) from a fluidized bed of alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) that fills the main reaction chamber. The experiments outlined in this report assessed the effects of the time and flow rate on the elutriation of U 3 O 8 powder from the reaction vessel. Testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was performed in a one-fourth scale experimental apparatus based on a pilot-scale system, which is the Material Recovery Pilot Plant (MRPP) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The experimental system comprises a supply of pressurized nitrogen (N 2 ), a gas heater, the reaction vessel, a knock-out pot, and a water trap where elutriated particles are collected for sampling. An Al 2 O 3 fluidized bed is contained within the reaction vessel. A bed of Al 2 O 3 with a nominal size of 180 µm and U 3 O 8 with a nominal size of 7 µm was fluidized at 2 different flow rates so the U 3 O 8 physically separated from the bed. The apparatus was simple and had no valves or sharp bends downstream from the reactor. The flow exited the reactor through a side port at the top. The flow passed through a knock-out vessel before the flow was passed through a bubbler to capture the U 3 O 8 . Seven tests were completed with U 3 O 8 using an elutriating gas of N 2 heated to 200°C. Tests were performed with bed loadings that comprise 25.0 g of U 3 O 8 , or 3.6 wt% of the bed mass. Except for one test performed at 12 SLPM, the gas flow rate through the bed for the other experiments was set at 10 SLPM as measured by the mass flow meter. Linear velocities through the bed were calculated as 28 and 34 cm/s, or 0.9 and 1.1 ft·s -1 . The duration of the tests ranged from 20 to 180 min, and one test had a flow cycled between 0 and 5 SLPM every 5 min for 40 min. The testing successfully demonstrated elutriation of U 3 O 8 from the fluidized bed as up to a 100% of the U 3 O 8 was transferred out of the bed. The removal of U 3 O 8 had a logarithmic dependence on flow rate. The design changes made the apparatus easier to clean, and the mass balances were better than those used in previous studies. Some elutriated Al 2 O 3 collected in the tubing that connected the reactor to the knock-out pot, but the amount of Al 2 O 3 was minimal for 10 SLPM. The flow at 12 SLPM showed considerable transport of Al 2 O 3 bed material into the reaction-vessel headspace and the transfer line to the knock-out pot.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Flue-Gas Desulfurization Effluent Management using an Innovative Low-Energy Biosorpotion Treatment System to Remove Key Contaminants

Among the most critical water contaminants of concern affecting wide geographical regions and a number of industries and natural systems is selenium. Selenium found in surface, ground and wastewater in originates from natural sources, as well as industrial sources such as petroleum refineries, electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and coal power plants and mining also contribute to selenium contamination in water in the US. At high concentrations, selenium is toxic to human and wildlife. There are a number of technologies that have been used to treat selenium and other similar contaminants in water. Biological treatment of selenium has been used in the past to reduce soluble SeVI and/or SeIV to insoluble Se0, which is then filtered in the same vessel. The insoluble selenium (Se0) is then backwashed from the system and solids are separated for subsequent disposal, if they meet the leaching and water content criteria. In order to promote biological reduction to insoluble Se0, heating of bioreactor is needed in some applications, and excess food source (electron donor) is added so that all selenium can be filtered. An additional disadvantage of these systems is the significant amount of water lost due to extensive and frequent backwash and rinse cycles. When comparing the advantages and energy requirements of the various treatment technologies, RO membrane filtration immediately stands out due to the excessive energy expenditure needed to pump water across the membrane although RO is an effective way to remove selenium. In addition, RO requires extensive pretreatment, such as MF membrane, and frequent maintenance, rendering it an expensive option that may be out of reach for certain applications. In fact, although the performance was good during the pilot testing by the NSMP Working Group for treatment naturally occurring selenium in the surface water, the high electricity requirements and significant reject water stream made it an infeasible alternative. While conventional ion exchange maybe an effective treatment option, it requires frequent regeneration of the resin when applied to highly contaminated water, which leads to several tons of contaminant-laden, high-salinity brine that needs to be disposed off-site each day. One of the water systems in the west coast currently uses ion exchange for selenium treatment and has been trucking selenium laden hazardous brine waste weekly in the last several years. Pneumatic pumping and rinse water pumping required for ion exchange also increase the energy usage. In comparison, adsorption process is a passive treatment system where contaminated water comes in contact with an adsorption media in a vessel. Typically, there is no mixing, backwash, or recycle pumping required, thus significantly reducing the energy usage. A passive single-use adsorption system does not require backwash, thereby generating small amount of process waste, and producing the highest water yield among the alternatives. The energy and water efficiencies, and applicability for SeVI and SeIV are summarized in Table 1. Despite these benefits though, adsorption typically does not work for the most oxidized form of selenium (SeVI). The innovative biosorption process integrates both process to increase the treatment efficiency while minimizing energy, chemical, and time required to treat both SeVI and SeIV. Additional advantages include simple partial biological reduction with reduced on-site waste generation, which lead to water and electricity savings, and less operational need compared to biological treatment alone. This makes biosorption especially suitable for remote areas, where liquid backwash and brine disposal may be cost prohibitive or infeasible.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling Summary of ASNF in DOE Sealed Standard Canisters

A pathway for road-ready and final disposition packaging configurations for the aluminum-clad spent nuclear fuel (ANSF) fuel dictates storage within helium backfilled sealed DOE standard canisters. The typical packaging configuration for the 15-foot DOE canisters places 10 advance test reactor (ATR) elements within a Type 1a basket, and three baskets are loaded within each DOE canister. During in-reactor operations and cooling pond storage conditions, oxyhydroxide layers form on the surface of the aluminum clad fuel. These layers produce hydrogen gas over time due to the fuel’s radiation field. As part of the packing procedure, the ATR fuel should be dried to remove any residual physio-/chemi- sorbed water bound to the surface. The results of this modeling will include results at fully saturated and fully dried conditions. In addition, fuels that are currently stored at the Savannah River Site were also studied for their potential for hydrogen and pressure build up. These two additional fuels modeled were the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) fuel, which is packaged in the same configuration as the ATR, but with a 10-foot-tall DOE standard canister. This was selected due to its relatively high decay heat compared to other DOE-managed ASNF. The second additional fuel studied with the modeling effort was the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) fuel. This fuel is modeled as two separate DOE canisters with the inner and outer annulus split for storage. The HFIR was selected for study due to its high aluminum cladding surface area. In the associated experimental work, Task 2 - Oxyhydroxide Layer Radiolytic Gas Generation Resolution, additional tests were completed in a helium environment, and updated G-values for the radiolytic production of hydrogen from the oxyhydroxide layers were provided. These values were 2.92 ×10 -4 µmol/J at 50% relative humidity and 4.12 ×10 -4 µmol/J at 100% relative humidity. These values are lower than the value for Argon that was used in prior modeling results. In addition, prior modeling results have been completed with the G-value applied to just the mass of the corrosion layer, and this has been updated to apply the G-value for hydrogen generation to the full mass of the fuel. These two effects combine to show much smaller pressure and hydrogen build up for the sealed canister model. For a nominal scenario of stored ATR fuel, after 50 years the model results give a 1.36 atm total pressure, 7% mole percent hydrogen, for the upper decay heat, 1.51 atm total pressure, 16% mole percent hydrogen, and for upper decay heat with undried fuel 2.6 atm total pressure, 15% mole percent hydrogen. For the MURR nominal case, the model results give 1.34 atm and 6% hydrogen, for upper decay heat this gives 1.41 atm total pressure with 10.8 % hydrogen, and for upper decay heat with undried fuel, this gives 2.38 atm total pressure with 9.9% hydrogen. The nominal scenario for HFIR fuel gives 1.39 atm total pressure with 9.9% hydrogen, the upper decay heat case gives 1.43 atm with 12.1% hydrogen, and the upper decay heat with undried fuel gives 2.17 atm total pressure with 11.9% hydrogen. These results confirm the ATR scenario bounds the other intact ASNF modeled here. No case modeled yields significant oxygen, and the lower decay heat cases for all fuels modeled have hydrogen concentrations that are under the 4% flammability limit after 50 years of storage. In addition, the modeled pressures for all cases are all significantly below the 500-psi limit for the DOE standard sealed canister.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimized purification methods for metallic contaminant removal from directly recycled Li-ion battery cathodes

Metallic contaminants pose a significant challenge to the viability of directly recycling Li-ion batteries. To date, few strategies exist to selectively remove metallic impurities from mixtures of shredded end-of-life material (black mass; BM) without concurrently damaging the structure and electrochemical performance of the target active material. We herein present tailored methods to selectively ionize two major contaminants—Al and Cu—while retaining a representative cathode (LiNi 0.33 Mn 0.33 Co 0.33 O 2 ; NMC-111) intact. This BM purification process is conducted at moderate temperatures in a KOH-based solution matrix. We rationally evaluate approaches to increase both the kinetic corrosion rate and the thermodynamic solubility of Al 0 and Cu 0 , and evaluate the impact of these treatment conditions on the structure, chemistry, and electrochemical performance of NMC. Specifically, we explore the impacts of chloride-based salts, a strong chelating agent, elevated temperature, and sonication on the rate and extent of contaminant corrosion, while concurrently evaluating the effects on NMC. The reported BM purification process is then demonstrated on samples of “simulated BM” containing a practically relevant 1 wt% concentration of Al or Cu. Increasing the kinetic energy of the purifying solution matrix through elevated temperature and sonication accelerates the corrosion of metallic Al and Cu, such that ∼100% corrosion of 75 μm Al and Cu particles is achieved within 2.5 hr. Further, we determine that effective mass transport of ionized species critically impacts the efficacy of Cu corrosion, and that saturated Cl – hinders rather than accelerates Cu corrosion by increasing solution viscosity and introducing competitive pathways for Cu surface passivation. The purification conditions do not induce bulk structural damage to NMC, and electrochemical capacity is maintained in half-cell format. Testing in full cells suggests that a limited quantity of residual surface species are present after treatment, which initially disrupt electrochemical behavior at the graphite anode but are subsequently consumed. Process demonstration on simulated BM suggests that contaminated samples—which prior to treatment show catastrophic electrochemical performance—can be recovered to pristine electrochemical capacity. The reported BM purification method offers a compelling and commercially viable solution to address contamination, particularly in the “fine” fraction of BM where contaminant sizes are on the same order of magnitude as NMC and where traditional separation approaches are unfeasible. Thus, this optimized BM purification technique offers a pathway towards viable direct recycling of BM feedstocks that would otherwise be unusable.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plant Nutrition Influences Resistant Maize Defense Responses to the Fall Armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda )

Plants are often confronted by different groups of herbivores, which threaten their growth and reproduction. However, they are capable of mounting defenses against would-be attackers which may be heightened upon attack. Resistance to insects often varies among plant species, with different genotypes exhibiting unique patterns of chemical and physical defenses. Within this framework, plant access to nutrients may be critical for maximal functioning of resistance mechanisms and are likely to differ among plant genotypes. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that access to nutrition would alter the expression of plant resistance to insects and alter insect performance in a manner consistent with fertilization regime. We used two maize (Zea mays) genotypes possessing different levels of resistance and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) as model systems. Plants were subjected to three fertilization regimes prior to assessing insect-mediated responses. Upon reaching V4 stage, maize plants were separated into two groups, one of which was infested with fall armyworm larvae to induce plant defenses. Plant tissue was collected and used in insect bioassays and to measure the expression of defense-related genes and proteins. Insect performance differed between the two plant genotypes substantially. For each genotype, fertilization altered larval performance, where lower fertilization rates hindered larval growth. Induction of plant defenses by prior herbivory substantially reduced naïve fall armyworm growth in both genotypes. The effects between fertilization and induced defenses were complex, with low fertilization reducing induced defenses in the resistant maize. Gene and protein expression patterns differed between the genotypes, with herbivory often increasing expression, but differing between fertilization levels. The soluble protein concentrations did not change across fertilization levels but was higher in the susceptible maize genotype. These results demonstrate the malleability of plant defenses and the cascading effects of plant nutrition on insect herbivory.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Liquid-phase turbulence measurements in air-water two-phase flows using particle image velocimetry

Liquid-phase turbulence plays a vital role in determining various gas-liquid two-phase flow parameters, such as void fraction distribution, bubble morphology, bubble-bubble interactions, and interfacial area concentration. In this study, a two-phase flow database including both the gas- and liquid-phases measurements was developed focusing on three bubbly flow conditions in an air-water two-phase flow loop with a vertical one-inch diameter circular pipe test section. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) system integrating an optical phase separation method, i.e., the planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique using fluorescent particles and optical filtration, was applied to measure the liquid-phase turbulence information, including the time-averaged velocity, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy for the liquid phase. The PIV measurements were taken at three ports along the test section at 14.5, 51.5, and 88.5 pipe inner diameters downstream of a bubble injector. In addition, a double-sensor conductivity probe was used to measure radial distributions of the local time-averaged void fraction and gas velocity. The measured liquid-phase turbulence was used to benchmark Sato's turbulence model considering the bubble-induced shear stress for the three tested bubbly flows. The benchmark results showed good agreement between the PIV measurements and model predictions. Lastly, in the two bubbly flows tested that have low void fractions being less than 3%, the effect of the bubble-induced turbulence was found not significant. However, the bubble-induced shear stress becomes important with the increase of the void fraction.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic Nanoparticle Extraction of Lithium from Produced Waters - CRADA 483 (Final Report)

The demand for lithium in the energy production industry is expected to increase sharply, development of simple and cost-effective techniques for lithium production and recovery from various lithium sources is essential. In this project, core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were successfully designed to selectively extract lithium from aqueous lithium sources as an extension of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s magnetic nanofluid extraction technology. The core/shell magnetic nanoparticles are composed of manganese oxide-based lithium ion sieve shells, which allow selective lithium uptake from brines with multiple coexisting ions, over iron oxide cores, which can respond to external magnetic fields for effective recovery and reuse of adsorbents from a liquid. The synthesized lithium ion-sieves and core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were characterized using several techniques to reveal their crystallinity and morphology. The lithium uptake properties of the lithium ion-sieves and core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of lithium adsorption capacity, removal percentage, selectivity, and cycling performance in simulated and natural brines. Magnetic properties of the core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were tested by measuring magnetic saturation, and magnetic response of colloidal solutions containing the core/shell magnetic nanoparticles was tested with permanent magnets.

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

Back-to-Back Inclusive Dijets in Deep Inelastic Scattering at Small x : Complete NLO Results and Predictions

We compute the back-to-back dijet cross section in deep inelastic scattering at small x to next-to-leading order (NLO) in the color glass condensate effective field theory. Our result can be factorized into a convolution of the Weizsäcker-Williams gluon transverse-momentum-dependent distribution function (WW gluon TMD) with a universal soft factor and an NLO coefficient function. The soft factor includes both double and single logarithms in the ratio of the relative transverse momentum P ⊥ of the dijet pair to the dijet momentum imbalance q ⊥ ; its renormalization group (RG) evolution is resummed into the Sudakov factor. Likewise, the WW TMD obeys a nonlinear RG equation in x that is kinematically constrained to satisfy both the lifetime and rapidity ordering of the projectile. Exact analytical expressions are obtained for the NLO coefficient function of transversely and longitudinally polarized photons. Our results allow for the first quantitative separation of the dynamics of Sudakov suppression from that of gluon saturation. They can be extended to other final states and provide a framework for precision tests of novel QCD many-body dynamics at the Electron-Ion Collider. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Convective Heat Transfer Potential of Particles/Airflow Through Single Cell Thick Additively Manufactured Octet-Shaped Lattice Frame Material

Abstract Particle-to-Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (sCO2) heat exchangers are one of the most critical components of the next-generation Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. There have been several efforts to enhance the overall heat exchanger performance which essentially comprises of thermal resistances offered by sCO2 channel, wall (separating sCO2 with particles) thickness, particle-wall contact resistance and particle-side effective heat transfer coefficient. This study is focused towards reducing the particle side thermal resistance by incorporating single unit cell thick reticulated Octet lattice frame structures on the falling particle side to enhance the effective thermal conductivity of the particle channel and to enhance convective heat transfer between the falling particles and the solid phase of the falling particle channel (endwalls and fibers). Steady-state experiments were conducted to measure the effective thermal conductivity of lattice frame material for two cases: a) when void space was occupied by air, b) when void space was occupied with particles. Further, convective heat transfer experiments have been conducted with both air (steady-state) and particles (quasi steady-state) as “working fluid” for panels sandwiching the Octet array. Three different lattice porosities ranging from 0.75 to 0.9 have been tested for a wide range of air flow rates and a fixed particle flow rate (highest potential).

Aider, Youssef↗
DOE OSTI2019

Contaminant Cation Effect on Oxygen Transport through the Ionomers of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

We characterized the effects of cobalt (Co 2+ ) and other cation contaminants on the oxygen (O 2 ) transport properties of the PFSA ionomer used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and gained insight into the mechanisms by which contaminant cations inhibit O 2 transport. Such cations can be released by alloy catalysts and environmental conditions and pose a significant challenge to maintaining high current density performance with low platinum (Pt) loadings. We used a test cell capable of isolating the ionomer from the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), allowing for O 2 transport resistance (R O2 ) measurements using a limiting current technique. We contaminated ionomer membranes with Li + , Na + , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , and Ce 3+ and found a general increase in R O2 for increased contamination levels and decreased water activity. In addition, our Co 2+ results indicated distinct concentration-dependent regimes. The other cation-form ionomers allowed us to separate the impacts of ion pair strength, multivalency, and reduced water uptake. We believe that these factors cause a more compressed hydrophilic domain and tortuous O 2 diffusion path, and a commensurate increase in R O2 . Lastly, we studied the impact of Co 2+ on an operating PEMFC and found an increase in R O2 consistent with the results of our isolated membrane tests.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Comprehensive Investigation into the Effect of a Low Surface Energy Treatment on Gas Hydrate, Asphaltene, and Wax Formation, Deposition, and Adhesion

The formation/precipitation and deposition of pipeline solids, such as gas hydrates, asphaltenes, and waxes have long plagued production fields. Given the vast differences in chemistries of these solids, any current prevention or mitigation strategy, particularly for cases in which multiple issues are a concern, is likely to involve an extensive assortment of chemical additives that are both costly and add complexity to the system. Surface treatments (coatings), on the other hand, present a relatively viable option for management strategies. A chemically and physically robust surface treatment with the ability to address deposition issues for multiple pipeline solids could not only decrease the operating expenditures for a field through material cost savings and obviation of downstream separation, but could also simplify produced fluids by eliminating additional chemicals from the mixture. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of a particular surface treatment as part of a solids management strategy. This work used an omniphobic surface treatment to probe its effects on gas hydrate, asphaltene, and wax deposition. Specifically, an interfacial tensiometer (IFT) collected contact angle measurements for wettability studies. High-pressure rocking cells studied gas hydrate nucleation and deposition. A bench-scale flow loop quantified the deposition of oil and asphaltenes after a set time period. Finally, a mechanical shear device measured the adhesion force of wax deposits on untreated/treated surfaces. Static contact angle results showed that the omniphobic surface treatment had reduced surface interaction with water droplets in air, altering from the complete wetting on corroded surfaces to slightly hydrophobic conditions of greater than 100°. In addition, rocking-cell tests indicated that these omniphobic surface treatments may prevent gas hydrate deposition for up to 72 hours. The gas hydrate rocking-cell tests also demonstrated possible increases in induction time and occasional elimination of hydrate nucleation with the surface treatment. Finally, the surface treatment application, which also decreased surface roughness, showed that crude oil and asphaltene particles deposition, as well as the shear required to remove solidified wax deposits, could be reduced by a large factor. Overall, promising results were recorded for all major flow-assurance solids in the presence of the surface treatment.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Lattice-Mismatched GaInAsP for Radiation Hardness

We develop lattice-mismatched GaInAsP as an alternative alloy to pure As-based alloys currently used in III-V multijunction solar cells. Increasing the alloy phosphorous and indium content while maintaining an optimal bandgap may allow high efficiency multijunction devices with increased radiation hardness. Here, 1.0-eV GaInAsP is developed and implemented into single and multijunction solar cell devices. The lattice-mismatched GaInAsP must be grown strain free, and the subcell thickness must be maintained below the thickness where surface-driven phase separation occurs. As observed in transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence imaging, phase separation strengthens in the GaInAsP layer and leads to interfacial defect formation when the cell thickness is too great. We show single junction 1.0-eV Ga 0.5 In 0.5 As 0.7 P 0.3 with excellent carrier collection and a bandgap-voltage offset of 0.40 V. This material quality approaches that of 1.0-eV Ga 0.7 In 0.3 As used in inverted metamorphic multijunction devices, but has increased phosphorus content and consequently is expected to have a higher radiation resistance. We incorporate the 1.0-eV GaInAsP subcell into a 3-junction inverted metamorphic solar cell to test the performance of the subcell in a multijunction. No additional loss is observed upon integration into a multijunction cell: both the carrier collection and voltage of the GaInAsP subcell are unchanged from single junction devices. While further materials development and radiation testing is still required, these preliminary results indicate that lattice-mismatched GaInAsP can be effectively used in multijunction solar cells to replace radiation-soft materials.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Date Release Report for Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment (LSECE) Nevada National Security Site

The DTRA sponsored 2020-2022 Large Surface Explosion Coupling Experiment (LSECE) consists of two large ground surface chemical explosions, data collection, analysis and modeling carried out in 2020-2022. The LSECE chemical explosions were carried out at the site of prior NNSA sponsored buried chemical explosions that were part of the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) Phase II in Dry Alluvium Geology (DAG). This report described the data collected under LSECE that is being made publicly available. The prior buried explosion DAG data are described in a separate report (https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1825534) and are also publicly available. The LSECE explosions, data analysis and numerical modeling work sponsored by DTRA were intended to address three objectives: 1) Generate seismo-acoustic data to test and improve numerical models of explosion energy coupling in dry alluvium geology; 2) To improve seismo-acoustic yield estimation techniques as a function of depth and medium properties; 3) To study and improve acoustic propagation modeling under two different atmospheric conditions. The LSECE data that were collected have expanded the prior DAG buried explosion dataset to include surface chemical explosions recorded on a common set of seismo-acoustic stations. They have allowed a more detailed study of above and below surface seismo-acoustic energy coupling with applications to explosion monitoring and assessment. The two approximately 1-ton TNT equivalent yield LSECE explosions were detonated at different times of the day to explore the effects of the different atmospheric conditions. The first chemical explosion “Artemis” was conducted before dawn when temperature inversions were present. The second chemical explosion “Apollo” was conducted on a sunny afternoon when the temperature gradient was more linear. The LSECE chemical explosion data were also collected across a variety of different sensor types to allow evaluation of their effectiveness in recovering useful information. The LSECE instrumentation included fiber optic or Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), a dense array or Large-N array of seismometers, borehole accelerometers, DAS and a velocity meter, airborne acoustic instruments and a variety of visual and remote sensing data.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluation of Desiccation Behavior in Basalt Microfiber–Reinforced Bentonite Clay for Geological Repositories of Nuclear Spent Fuel Using Digital Image Correlation

ABSTRACT Secure storage of nuclear spent fuel (NSF) is of great concern for protecting public health and safety. The preferred long-term solution is underground containment in geological repositories, where one or more engineered barrier materials (EBM) encapsulate the NSF and separate it from the natural rock. Bentonite clay is commonly used as an EBM due to its many advantageous properties including low hydraulic conductivity, which ensures limitation of water infiltration to the system and the subsequent risk of corrosion in NSF canisters. However, bentonite clay subjected to heating from nuclear decay may form desiccation cracking. This study conducted disk-shaped free shrinkage tests and ring-shaped restrained shrinkage tests of bentonite clay samples reinforced with basalt microfibers. Digital image correlation was used as a noncontact full-field displacement measurement to track the time-evolving shrinkage and desiccation cracking phenomena and make quantified comparisons between plain bentonite and bentonite with varying contents of basalt microfibers (i.e., 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % wt.). Results indicate that plain bentonite and basalt microfiber-reinforced samples showed similar free shrinkage behavior, while desiccation cracking behavior was significantly altered by adding basalt microfibers. Microfiber reinforcement effectively reduced major cracks through a “crack-bridging” effect while causing minor cracks to initiate earlier and at higher moisture contents than plain bentonite. Results infer that reinforcing plain bentonite with inorganic microfibers can potentially control desiccation cracking, leading to safer and improved nuclear waste management.

Materials Science↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hydrolytic Softening of Ocean Water for Carbon Dioxide Removal

This project provided the proof of concept testing for hydrolytic softening, a process for ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) based on precipitation softening, where the hydrated lime used to initiate carbonate precipitation is regenerated using a low-energy thermochemical cycle. These proof of concept tests demonstrated each key step of the hydrolytic CDR process including: 1) precipitation of dissolved carbon dioxide from seawater using hydrated lime, 2) decomposing the precipitated calcium carbonate to separate a high-purity stream of carbon dioxide, and 3) regenerating hydrated lime from the decomposition products to complete the cycle. The experimental results were used as the basis for a chemical process model of hydrolytic CDR, which was then used to estimate the techno-economic performance of a conceptual full-scale system. Results included a total energy consumption estimate of 248 kJ per mole of separated and compressed CO 2 . The predicted levelized cost of ocean CDR using hydrolytic softening could reach the Department of Energy’s Carbon Negative Shot target of $\$$100/tCO 2 assuming optimally-sited wind power resources with a power cost of $\$$26/MWh. If developed further, hydrolytic CDR could be a near-term, scalable, and cost-effective method to draw down legacy carbon dioxide emissions that have been absorbed in the oceans. Offshore operations would create highly skilled jobs directly at the CDR facilities in addition to supporting a wider network of coastal service providers and their communities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

DOE Hanford Tank Side Cesium Removal System (TSCR) Update: Fabrication and Factory Acceptance Testing - 20300

The Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) System is a modular, quickly-deployable, and passively safe system for efficiently removing solids and cesium from alkaline liquid waste raffinate created by fuel processing on the Hanford site. This paper provides an overview of the project with particular emphasis on completion of fabrication and factory acceptance testing (FAT). All TSCR System components are inside three enclosures known as the Process Enclosure, Ancillary Enclosure, and Control Enclosure. The Process Enclosure is seismic design category II (SDC-II) and built to withstand the rigors of transportation and lifting, high winds, volcanic ash fall, and heavy precipitation (snow) over a temperature range of -25 to 115 deg. F. The Process Enclosure and Control Enclosure were fabricated in AVANTech's Columbia, SC facility, while the Ancillary Enclosure was fabricated in AVANTech's Richland, WA facility. The design and preliminary documented safety analysis were completed in December 2019, with all work being performed in accordance with ASME NQA-1 quality assurance requirements. The Process Enclosure, Ion Exchange Columns (IXCs), and several other TSCR components have a nuclear safety function and are designated as safety significant structures, systems, and components (SS-SSCs). The NQA-1 Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) process was used to identify critical characteristics in order to accept materials and items used for fabrication of several safety significant TSCR components. This paper also addresses unique aspects and challenges of implementing CGD in DOE facilities and systems. After fabrication and preliminary testing, the Process and Control Enclosures were shipped to AVANTech's Richland facility where the complete TSCR System was setup and connected in a represented layout and configuration that will be used on the Hanford site. Test tanks and pumps were put in place and connected to the TSCR Process Enclosure in a manner that mimicked interfacing Double Shell Tanks in the 241-AP Tank Farm. The TSCR System was then tested/operated under conditions equivalent to those planned for onsite operation. Testing was separated into five separate phases as defined below: - Phase 1: Confirmation of TSCR System readiness for the FAT; - Phase 2: Verification of TSCR System operation under standard conditions; - Phase 3: Demonstration of TSCR System operation under non-standard conditions; - Phase 4: Demonstration of ion exchange media removal from an IXC; and - Phase 5: Completion of TSCR System lift plans and site mobilization. The Hanford Tank Operations Contractor, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS), participated in all phases of testing. Testing at AVANTech's Richland Facility allowed WRPS personnel to familiarize themselves with TSCR operations in a radiologically clean facility prior to onsite mobilization. Engineering and operations personnel gained valuable experience that allowed them to better refine onsite operational protocols and procedures - including handling and movement of IXCs with a forklift. This paper describes the technologies used by the TSCR System as well as how these technologies are deployed and operated to advance the Hanford mission of safely, efficiently, and effectively treating tank waste. It also provides detailed information on fabrication and FAT, including operational data from simulated tank waste runs. A project schedule for WRPS' planned construction acceptance testing, operational acceptance testing, and actual tank waste treatment is provided. This presentation should be of great interest to parties responsible for the design, testing, and mobilization of modular NQA-1 technologies for the treatment of raffinate and similar liquid wastes containing high concentrations of radioactive cesium. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗