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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Observation of nuclear-spin Seebeck effect

Thermoelectric effects have been applied to power generators and temperature sensors that convert waste heat into electricity. The effects, however, have been limited to electrons to occur, and inevitably disappear at low temperatures due to electronic entropy quenching. Here, we report thermoelectric generation caused by nuclear spins in a solid: nuclear-spin Seebeck effect. The sample is a magnetically ordered material MnCO 3 having a large nuclear spin ( I = 5/2) of 55 Mn nuclei and strong hyperfine coupling, with a Pt contact. In the system, we observe low-temperature thermoelectric signals down to 100 mK due to nuclear-spin excitation. Our theoretical calculation in which interfacial Korringa process is taken into consideration quantitatively reproduces the results. The nuclear thermoelectric effect demonstrated here offers a way for exploring thermoelectric science and technologies at ultralow temperatures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Contaminant Migration Modeling to Support the In Situ Decommissioning of Hardened Nuclear Facilities - 20215

The decommissioning of hardened nuclear facilities provides a unique challenge in balancing current worker dose with exposure to future receptors and media. In situ decommissioning (ISD) is a cost-effective and safe option for the closure of such facilities but requires a detailed understanding of the threat that radioactive and hazardous constituents remaining in the facilities pose to groundwater and surrounding surface water. The Savannah River Site (SRS) extensively employs contaminant migration models within the decommissioning process to develop site-specific removal, grouting, and monitoring strategies in support of safe and effective final end states of nuclear facilities. This work discusses the use of contaminant migration modeling in the ISD process at SRS, including specific examples from the closure of P-Reactor and R-Reactor, Building 235-F, F-Canyon and F/H Laboratory Complex. Migration models developed during the closure of P-Reactor and R-Reactor were divided into four source areas: the reactor vessel, the process area, the disassembly basin, and the purification wing. Each source area was assigned a specific inventory and migration pathway and was then subject to varying hypothetical removal, capping, and grouting schemes. Modeling indicated that groundwater Maximum Concentration Limits (MCLs) might be exceeded if no action was taken for eleven and ten constituents of concern (COCs) at P-Reactor and R-Reactor, respectively. These exceedances could occur in as few as 200 to 500 years. Alternatively, the migration modeling demonstrated that the selected ISD actions reduced contaminant mobility which allowed for significant radioactive decay and resulted in fewer predicted exceedances of groundwater MCLs (five COCs for P-Reactor; eight COCs for R-Reactor). In response to the modeling results for P-Reactor and R-Reactor, effectiveness monitoring programs were developed to target contaminants, specific to each reactor, that may migrate to groundwater. Contaminant migration modeling also revealed that roof collapse was a large factor in the release of COCs to the environment, giving rise to roof improvements, and an inspection and vegetation control program to ensure roof stability over time. Contaminant migration modeling is also aiding in the closure planning for hardened facilities in F Area. Building 235-F housed the Actinide Billet Line, which produced Np-237 billets for irradiation in SRS reactors, and the Plutonium Fuel Form (PuFF) facility that produced Pu-238 heat sources for the space program. As a result of these missions, areas within Building 235-F contain considerable residual amounts of both Pu-238 and Np-237. Contaminant migration modeling of Building 235-F was originally performed in 2012 to identify the feasibility of ISD and the amount of radioactive material removal required to prevent the exceedance of groundwater MCLs. The original model indicated that a 60% reduction in the PuFF facility Pu-238 inventory could keep groundwater concentrations below standards, while Np-237 did not pose a threat to groundwater. However, updates to the model with an emphasis on source impact pathways revealed that, due to the orientation of the source areas relative to groundwater flow, no amount of reasonable removal of Pu-238 would keep groundwater concentrations below MCLs and that Np-237 could be a large contributor to localized MCL exceedances. With this insight, the refined 2019 model is being used to assist in the development of grouting plans specific to each facility source area, where bentonite may be utilized to slow the migration of Pu-238 and its daughter products from the PuFF facility and a reducing grout may decrease Np-237 transport by ensuring the nuclide remains in the less mobile +IV oxidation state. The beginning phases of contaminant migration modeling are underway for F-Canyon and associated facilities using lessons learned from the Reactors and Building 235-F. A contaminant migration pathway, similar to the pathway used for the reactor vessels, is being developed for the hot and warm canyons. The F-Canyon inventories are being spatially refined to identify specific and localized source zones, comparable to Building 235-F, that may impact groundwater. Contaminant migration modeling provides vital input within the ISD process, from facility investigation to post closure effectiveness monitoring, making it a valuable tool in the development of safe and effective end states for hardened nuclear facilities at SRS. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced biorefinery feedstock from non-recyclable municipal solid waste by mechanical preprocessing

Because of accelerated urbanization and the development of a global economy, a large quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) has been collected and disposed of by the municipalities. Due to this drastic increase in the disposal of MSW, the need for its management is a must to preserve the environment. Currently, approximately 50% of the total MSW generated in the United States has been utilized through various recycling, combustion, and composting technologies, which means the remaining 50% is sent to landfill; this is often known as non-recyclable MSW (nMSW). As this nMSW is physically and chemically heterogenous and contains very high amounts of inorganic material, processing is required prior to using it as a biorefinery feedstock. Thus, this study focused on how mechanical preprocessing advanced the physical and chemical properties of nMSW. The physical and chemical properties were investigated in terms of particle size distribution, bulk density, ultimate and proximate analysis, and the higher heating value (HHV). The combustion properties were examined in terms of ignition temperature, peak heat release rate, and combustion efficiency. Results showed that the variability of physical and chemical properties of nMSW can be reduced by mechanical preprocessing. For example, the variability of the bulk density of the as-received nMSW was approximately 17.3% while it reduced to 5.8% when the sample size was reduced to 2 mm. Similarly, the variability of ash and HHV reduced from 49.2% to 11.0% and 13.4%–4.2%, respectively. Combustion thermograms showed that the size reduction positively improved the combustion properties. For example, 2 mm of spec sample started to ignite approximately 4 times earlier and took 6.5 folds less time to reach the peak heating rate compared to as-received nMSW. Overall, the mechanical preprocessing reduced the variability of physical and chemical properties in addition to the improvement of combustion behavior of the nMSW which is one step forward toward the biorefinery feedstock.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unraveling the Pyrolytic Behavior and Kinetics of Single Polymers and Plastic-Rich Municipal Solid Waste Using Thermal Analysis

Pyrolysis is a highly promising thermochemical recycling technology for converting heterogenous plastic waste into sustainable fuels in a single step. Therefore, understanding the pyrolysis mechanism is essential for enabling rational reactor design and enhancing efficient recycling techniques. In this study, the thermal degradation behaviors and corresponding kinetics of pure polymers (PE, PP, and PET) and plastic-rich MSW were examined using simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experiments were carried out in the temperature range of 30-800°C with variable heating rates from 5°C/min to 20°C/min in an ultra-high purity Argon atmosphere. Our results indicated that the plastic pyrolysis was an endothermic process, with varying decomposition temperature ranges depending on their structure and composition. Various iso-conversional model-free methods (Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Starink, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose) were utilized to determine the apparent activation energy of the plastic degradation, which increased in the following order: PET (214 kJ/mol), PP (218 kJ/mol), PE (245 kJ/mol), and MSW (249 kJ/mol). Finally, Criado’s master plots were employed to identify the best-fitting reaction model and the pre-exponential factor was subsequently determined.

Bashir, Muhammad Aamir↗
NASA NTRS2006

Dehydrating and Sterilizing Wastes Using Supercritical CO2

A relatively low-temperature process for dehydrating and sterilizing biohazardous wastes in an enclosed life-support system exploits (1) the superior mass-transport properties of supercritical fluids in general and (2) the demonstrated sterilizing property of supercritical CO2 in particular. The wastes to be treated are placed in a chamber. Liquid CO2, drawn from storage at a pressure of 850 psi (approx.=5.9 MPa) and temperature of 0 C, is compressed to pressure of 2 kpsi (approx.=14 MPa) and made to flow into the chamber. The compression raises the temperature to 10 C. The chamber and its contents are then further heated to 40 C, putting the CO2 into a supercritical state, in which it kills microorganisms in the chamber. Carrying dissolved water, the CO2 leaves the chamber through a back-pressure regulator, through which it is expanded back to the storage pressure. The expanded CO2 is refrigerated to extract the dissolved water as ice, and is then returned to the storage tank at 0 C

Brown, Ian J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Upcycling and urban mining for nanomaterial synthesis

Responsible processing of complex waste streams, especially through resource recovery and upgrading, is essential to lessen the environmental and societal impacts of materials production and disposal. Upcycling waste into materials that have higher value than their original form, and urban mining, the recovery of metals from electronic waste, are two recent strategies in waste management. Sustainable cradle-to-grave manufacturing means recovering resources that would otherwise contaminate the planet. Here, we discuss upcycling of plastic, rubber, and related carbon waste streams into graphene, as well as the recovery of precious metals and rare earth elements, while removing toxic heavy metals, all using flash Joule heating. Furthermore, this article provides a brief overview of the current state of upcycling and urban mining as it applies to materials conversion, recovery, or nanomaterial synthesis, with a concluding perspective highlighting the considerations, opportunities, and challenges that accompany upcycling and urban mining research.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2022

An Update on the Status of a Reduced Flow Test of a 10MW 700°C sCO2 Integrally Geared Compander

. In order to maintain viability as a future power-generating technology, concentrating solar power (CSP) must reduce its levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). One component of solving this problem is reducing the cost of the power block while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle. One disruptive technology that has the promise to accomplish this is supercritical CO2 based power cycles. These cycles are conceptually similar to steam cycles; however, they have substantially smaller turbomachinery at equivalent power while also delivering more efficiency at turbine inlet temperatures of 500-700 degrees Celsius. This paper will summarize the current status of a US Department of Energy project to develop machinery to support a 10 MW sCO2 power cycle. The team of Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) and Hanwha Power Systems America, proposed to develop an integrally-geared (IG) compressor-expander (compander) for use in a nominal 10 MW-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) plant application. This integrally-geared compander (IGC) comprises multiple pinion shafts interconnected on a single bull gear to create a compact package, and utilizes a low-cost, low-speed driver. In addition, the integrally geared architecture allows each pinion to operate at different rotational speeds to optimize performance and easily allow for inter-stage cooling and turbine re-heat to further enhance both stage and cycle efficiency. The close integration of all turbomachinery elements into a single integrally-geared (IG) machine creates a design that lends itself to power block modularization, which makes it suitable for waste heat recovery, fossil fuel power plants, and especially CSP applications. As part of the commercialization of this technology, it is necessary to reduce risk by validation testing of key components. In the current work, the focus is developing a test loop to enable safe testing of the main compressor stage across a wide range of operating conditions, and to validate the mechanical integrity of the turbine at full pressure, temperature, and speed. Developing a test loop for sCO2 requires balancing a number of design alternatives that impact cost, lead time, safety, and performance. The current work discusses the design process for the reduced flow test loop for the compander, and supporting documentation supporting the viability of the test loop

wilkes, jason↗
DOE OSTI2021

Halogenation of used aluminum matrix test reactor fuel – a bench-scale demonstration with surrogate materials

In this work, experiments with surrogate materials were performed at bench scale to demonstrate a halogenation technique applicable to treatment of used aluminum matrix test reactor fuel. The technique involves dissolution and separation of aluminum from used aluminum matrix test reactor fuel in molten-halide salt systems prior to treatment and disposition of the fuel’s uranium and fission products. Demonstration of the halogenation technique was performed with neodymium metal as a non-radiological surrogate for uranium metal. Experiments involved blending forms of aluminum and neodymium metal with ammonium and lithium chloride or ammonium and lithium bromide, which upon heating decomposed into ammonia gas and the respective hydrogen chloride or bromide gas. The latter reacted with the metals to form the respective aluminum and neodymium halides. At elevated temperatures, aluminum halides gasified away from the respective neodymium halides, which fused with their respective lithium halides. Samples of fused and distillate salts were collected and analyzed, yielding extents of aluminum removal that ranged from 94.5–98.2% for chlorination runs and 91.4–97.8% for bromination runs. No neodymium was detected in the distillate fractions. Some experiments were repeated with excess reactants, and a portion of aluminum chloride distillate was processed into a consolidated waste form.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Gas-phase stability of large lanthanide:diglycolamide clusters evaluated using collision-induced dissociation

Efficient utilization of long-term deep geologic storage repositories is critical for the large-scale deployment of nuclear energy. As the minor actinides (americium and curium) are the largest contributor to the decay heat of used nuclear fuel after a few hundred years, their removal from used fuel prior to disposal can significantly increase the amount of waste that can be stored in a given volume. The development of ligands that can effectively separate the minor actinides from other components of used nuclear fuel are crucial to efficient utilization of geological storage repositories. N,N,N’,N’-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) is a promising extractant for the separation of lanthanides and the minor actinides from other components of used nuclear fuel. While the use of TODGA in f-element separations has been investigated in process-based formulations, gas-phase metal ion cluster experiments enable the study of covalent interactions in reprocessing systems absent from solvent effects. Exploring fundamental differences in lanthanide-ligand covalent interactions can impact the development and implementation of actinide-lanthanide separation systems in nuclear fuels reprocessing. In this study, lanthanide-TODGA clusters were synthesized in the gas-phase and identified using mass spectrometry fragmentation experiments. Large europium and samarium clusters were identified that contained up to 8 and 10 bound TODGA ligands, respectively; this was surprising due to the size and multidentate binding that is normal for TODGA. In addition, while smaller clusters showed evidence of sequential ligand fragmentation, larger clusters displayed the loss of neutral TODGA with applied collision voltage. Interestingly, the voltage required for this removal decreased as more TODGA ligands were bound to the metal, suggesting that the metal coordination sphere was becoming more saturated and TODGA ligands were more weakly bound as the clusters got larger.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Simulation and Optimization of Volatile Fatty Acid Upgrading Strategies for Sustainable Transportation Fuel Production

Underutilized wet waste is a promising feedstock for production of carbon-neutral or carbon-negative liquid transportation fuels. Arrested methanogenesis of wet wastes by microbes, which produces mixtures of C2-C8 carboxylic acids (volatile fatty acids, VFAs), is practiced industrially at a pilot scale and the VFA products can be catalytically upgraded to molecules suitable for use as transportation fuels (alcohols and alkanes) via sequential ketonization and hydrogenation, both steps of which have been demonstrated with high (>90%) yield at the lab scale. We present in this work a simulation-based decision-making framework which evaluates upgrading strategies of VFAs to alcohol- and hydrocarbon-based neat and blended diesel, jet, and gasoline fuels. The processes utilize sequential upgrading steps (ketonization and hydrogenation) accompanied by one distillation step (either separating VFAs before ketonization or alcohols after ketone hydrogenation) to form two liquid streams: a light alcohol stream best suited as a light-duty fuel and a heavy alcohol or hydrocarbon stream best suited as a diesel or jet fuel. Suitability of the liquid products as transportation fuels and maximum blending levels with petrofuels comes from simulation of critical fuel properties (boiling point, flash point, lower heating value, viscosity, melting point, water solubility, and cetane/octane number). Catalytic upgrading steps and fuel property mixing models used by the simulation are experimentally validated. We demonstrate the flexibility of the decision-making algorithm by evaluating processing scenarios for experimentally-observed VFA profiles with varied carbon chain length distributions. Processing scenarios are optimized for either maximum total renewable carbon utilization or production of heavy-duty (jet or diesel) fuels. We evaluate the economic viability and CO2 emissions of each proposed upgrading scenario using techno-economic and life cycle analyses. The decision-making framework developed in this work can also be used to down-select promising strategies for upgrading of other bio-based feedstocks to sustainable fuels and chemicals.

aviation fuel↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advances in electrosynthesis for a greener chemical industry

As nations unite to curb anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the decarbonization of the chemical industry has been propelled to the forefront of scientific research. Renewable electricity will play a central role in this effort. In addition to powering chemical plants and allowing for the sustainable production of heat to drive thermocatalytic processes, renewable electricity also provides the chemical industry with opportunities to engage in the sustainability revolution and broadly reduce its environmental footprint through breakthrough innovations in direct electrochemical transformations. The electrification of chemical synthesis—electrosynthesis—is a promising route to promote sustainability without compromising economic competitiveness. Electrosynthesis uses electrons both as an energy source to drive reactions and as a green reagent for chemical reductions and oxidations under ambient conditions. Therefore, it holds tremendous potential (pun intended) to increase selectivity to desired products, open green reaction pathways for challenging transformations (e.g., Birch reduction, epoxidations, coupling reactions), and reduce chemical waste.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of Polyurethane and Fire-Retardant Foams as a Radiological Contamination Fixatives - 20202

Fixation of radiological contamination in decommissioning and deactivation can reduce worker risk, and mitigate potentially hazardous conditions; however, nearly every marketed contamination fixative has been found to be flammable, a significant concern in radiological facilities. Coupled with this, industry fixatives are normally used as a thin coating which can present problems when attempting to stabilize irregular void spaces or areas that are difficult to access and ensure full coverage. To this end, Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), in conjunction with Florida International University (FIU), have begun investigating the applicability of polyurethane based foaming materials, which will expand to fill a given asymmetric volume and provide fire retardancy to ensure no release of contamination in the event of a facility fire. Commercial foams undergo exothermic reactions resulting in gaseous release that subsequently causes the curing foam material to expand. Heat generation during curing can potentially compromise rubber parts of an enclosure, a significant concern in nuclear facilities. To mitigate large body heat generation, SRNL has also examined multiple layering of the material to ensure compatibility of the curing material with a previously cured body of the same material. Environmental studies were also completed in order to determine the influence on polyurethane based foams curing process. These studies showed that nearly half of the materials tested delaminated from a cured body of the same material, a property not discussed in commercially available documentation on the products. Of note was the compatibility of the foaming material with the substrate, depending on the type material that the foam was cured in/on, significant delamination could occur. Mechanical testing via tensile pull tester, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also performed. (authors)

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

Total Recycling of Copper Cable Scrap and Production of Carbon Using Fast Microwave Technology

The recycling of cable scrap, particularly from discarded electrical wiring, is gaining significant attention due to the rising demand for copper and the need for sustainable management of electronic waste. Traditionally, mechanical and thermal processings have been used to recover copper and plastic from cables. However, these approaches are often energy-intensive, time-consuming, and costly in terms of equipment and labor. In this study, we present a simple and effective method for recovering materials from cable scrap using a domestic microwave oven. Cable pieces (2–2.5 cm long) were exposed to 700 W of microwave irradiation under rotation for 30 s, enabling the rapid and efficient separation of high-quality copper metal from the core wire, and activated carbon from the carbonized plastic sheath. Microwaves facilitate this process through Ohmic heating, which induces electrical resistance in the metal, generating heat that mechanically loosens the metal and carbonized plastic components. The process demonstrates high efficiency, achieving an 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional processings. This fast and energy-efficient method shows strong potential for scaling up to industrial recycling, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to recover high-quality materials for further use or repurposing.

Bourlinos, Athanasios B. (ORCID:0000000256165993)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Survey of Advanced Generation IV Reactor Parameters for Integrated Energy System Modeling Capabilities

This paper is to categorize and characterize advanced Generation IV nuclear reactors that are not water based according to the key parameters for the Integrated Energy Systems (IES) project[1]. A key goal of the IES project is to assess the economic viability of including an advanced nuclear reactor into an IES. The landscape of advanced reactors is heterogeneous: several unique designs with different heat profiles are currently being studied and designed. This report provides a high-level perspective of advanced reactor concepts, including primary loop nuclear output temperatures and operation schemes that could affect secondary side power production or storage. For example, this report addresses the type of thermodynamic system (Brayton, supercritical CO 2 [S-CO 2 ], etc.) and the various pressures and temperatures on the secondary side that are expected to be provided by the various primary side reactor types. Based on these characteristics, it may be possible to determine which type of nuclear power plant could be the most economical for analysis in the IES framework for power production coupled with energy storage and waste heat utilization. The results of this effort will serve as input for model development of various secondary side components, concentrating on off-the-shelf capabilities for current and near future secondary side power generation and heat rejection as simulated in TRANSFORM. Generic models can be created which are agnostic of the nuclear energy supply without violating intellectual property rights of the developer. These models can be used to make informed decisions on the economics of integrating various energy system components with nuclear plant designs. Once complete, conclusions may be drawn regarding (1) the economics, efficiency, and reliability of certain nuclear reactors, (2) certain industry processes and energy storage systems, and (3) prioritization of certain reactor types with the studied industry types.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

The evolution of coal porosity during pyrolysis

Gasification of coal, municipal waste, or other organic materials is a potential hydrogen source that entails complex thermal decomposition and transport processes. This study provides a multiscale analysis of these processes for sub-bituminous (Usibelli, Healy, Alaska) and lignite (Center, North Dakota) coals and provides data useful for process design. The chemistry, mineralogy, and pore structures of pyrolyzed coal and their evolution with thermal decomposition are discussed. Samples pyrolyzed at 200–1000 °C were analyzed by small-angle neutron scattering; ultra-small, small-, and wide-angle X-ray scattering; and other complementary techniques. Scanning electron microscopy showed new pores in the high-temperature-pyrolyzed material. Upon heating, the coals became progressively denser, and the concentration of hydrogen decreased. Changes in pore volume fell into three temperature ranges: an initial, low-temperature range that, for the Usibelli coal, involved an increase in overall porosity; a mid-temperature range associated with pore volume loss; and a high-temperature range associated with significant porosity increase and char formation. This transformation was paralleled by changes in fractal dimension and correlation length. The higher the pyrolysis temperature the greater the small-pore-volume fraction and overall surface area became. Pyrolysis increased the lateral size of coal crystallites, decreased the amorphous fraction, and increased the aromatics fraction and overall coal rank. Comparisons of neutron and X-ray scattering data and subsequent water uptake studies showed that pre-dried coals can re-hydrate relatively rapidly upon exposure to air, which can significantly affect the porosity calculated from small-angle-scattering data. Fits to the cumulative porosity curves provide a method for modeling the physical and chemical transformation of hydrogen-containing feedstock during gasification.

Anovitz, Lawrence {Larry} [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000226↗
DOE OSTI2020

Disposal Concepts for a High-Temperature Repository in Shale.

Disposal of large, heat-generating waste packages containing the equivalent of 21 pressurized water reactor (PWR) assemblies or more is among the disposal concepts under investigation for a future repository for spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in the United States. Without a long (>200 years) surface storage period, disposal of 21-PWR or larger waste packages (especially if they contain high-burnup fuel) would result in in-drift and near-field temperatures considerably higher than considered in previous generic reference cases that assume either 4-PWR or 12-PWR waste packages (Jové Colón et al. 2014; Mariner et al. 2015; 2017). Sevougian et al. (2019c) identified high-temperature process understanding as a key research and development (R&D) area for the Spent Fuel and Waste Science and Technology (SFWST) Campaign. A two-day workshop in February 2020 brought together campaign scientists with expertise in geology, geochemistry, geomechanics, engineered barriers, waste forms, and corrosion processes to begin integrated development of a high-temperature reference case for disposal of SNF in a mined repository in a shale host rock. Building on the progress made in the workshop, the study team further explored the concepts and processes needed to form the basis for a high-temperature shale repository reference case. The results are described in this report and summarized..

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

Environmental, Health and Safety Assessment Application of a Heat Integrated, Post-combustion CO2 Capture System Using Monoethanolamine and Hitachi H3-1 Solvent at the E.W. Brown Coal-fired Power Plant

An Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Assessment was completed for operation of a pilot scale carbon dioxide (CO2) capture system (CCS) at the Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) Energy, LLC (LG&E-KU) E. W. Brown Generating Station in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky. The pilot system was evaluated using two CO2 capture solvents, monoethanolamine (MEA) and Hitachi’s H3-1 solvent. The purpose of the EH&S Assessment was to determine if there were any unacceptable environmental, health or safety concerns that may prevent operation or environmental permitting of a larger scale pilot scale plant. The assessment included review of process flow diagrams, input and output flow rates for primary materials, literature describing similar processes and chemicals used or created during the process, actual air emission and wastewater test data and air emission calculations. The evaluation included identification of risks related to hazardous chemicals, air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid wastes generated and employee hazards. Most potential EH&S issues that were identified are commonly found and successfully managed at large industrial facilities. No risks were identified that could not be successfully managed or would likely prevent implementation or environmental permitting of the pilot or larger scale plant. Potential exposures and resulting health risks from exposure to low concentrations of nitrosamines generated from degradation of the Hitachi H3-1 and possibly MEA solvents may be a health concern for site workers, but additional investigation is needed to accurately assess this risk. Applying the information gained from operating the pilot plant, performing air emission testing and used solvent testing to a large-scale facility at a commercial coal-fired electric generating plant suggests additional air emission control measures may be necessary to reduce potential site worker health risks and possibly community risks. Depending upon the location and regional air quality, considerable effort may be required to obtain the necessary air permit for construction and operation of a similarly configured large-scale PCCCS facility.

gas separation↗
DOE OSTI2020

Environmental, Health and Safety Assessment Application of a Heat Integrated, Post-combustion CO 2 Capture System Using Monoethanolamine and Hitachi H3-1 Solvent at the E.W. Brown Coal-Fired Power Plant

An Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Assessment was completed for operation of a pilot scale carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture system (CCS) at the Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) Energy, LLC (LG&E-KU) E. W. Brown Generating Station in Harrodsburg, Mercer County, Kentucky. The pilot system was evaluated using two CO 2 capture solvents, monoethanolamine (MEA) and Hitachi’s H3-1 solvent. The purpose of the EH&S Assessment was to determine if there were any unacceptable environmental, health or safety concerns that may prevent operation or environmental permitting of a larger scale pilot scale plant. The assessment included review of process flow diagrams, input and output flow rates for primary materials, literature describing similar processes and chemicals used or created during the process, actual air emission and wastewater test data and air emission calculations. The evaluation included identification of risks related to hazardous chemicals, air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid wastes generated and employee hazards. Most potential EH&S issues that were identified are commonly found and successfully managed at large industrial facilities. No risks were identified that could not be successfully managed or would likely prevent implementation or environmental permitting of the pilot or larger scale plant. Potential exposures and resulting health risks from exposure to low concentrations of nitrosamines generated from degradation of the Hitachi H3-1 and possibly MEA solvents may be a health concern for site workers, but additional investigation is needed to accurately assess this risk. Applying the information gained from operating the pilot plant, performing air emission testing and used solvent testing to a large-scale facility at a commercial coal-fired electric generating plant suggests additional air emission control measures may be necessary to reduce potential site worker health risks and possibly community risks. Depending upon the location and regional air quality, considerable effort may be required to obtain the necessary air permit for construction and operation of a similarly configured large-scale PCCCS facility.

gas separation↗