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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

The production and separation of 161 Tb with high specific activity at the University of Utah

Targeted radiotherapy (TRT) is an increasingly prominent area of research in nuclear medicine, particularly in the context of treating cancerous tumors. One radionuclide of considerable interest for TRT is terbium-161 (t 1/2 = 6.95 days), which undergoes beta emission and shares similar decay properties as 177 Lu (FDA-approved as LUTATHERA® and PLUVICTO®). Besides beta emission, 161 Tb also emits a significant number of conversion and Auger electrons further enhancing its therapeutic potential. Terbium-161 can be produced using nuclear reactors through an indirect neutron capture reaction, $^{160}_{64}$Gd(n,γ) $^{161}_{64}$Gd → (3.7 min, β – ) $^{161}_{65}$Tb, from 160 Gd targets. However, a key challenge in utilizing 161 Tb for TRT lies in effectively separating target and product materials to attain high specific activity for radiolabeling. Here, we detail the production of no-carrier added 161 Tb using low flux research reactors (mean thermal (< 0.625 eV) neutron flux: 1.356 ×10 12 n • cm –2 • s –1 ) like the University of Utah TRIGA Reactor, using enriched 160 Gd 2 O 3 targets (1.5 ± 0.3 µCi of 161 Tb per mg of 160 Gd target per hour of irradiation). We also developed a separation technique based on cation exchange and extraction chromatography, suitable for mCi level irradiations with targets exceeding 200 milligrams. In a simulated full-scale irradiation, 161 Tb was successfully isolated from large mass targets using cation exchange (AG 50W-X8, with 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid at 70 mM, pH 4.75) and extraction chromatography (LN Resin, 0.5 – 0.75 M HNO 3 ) methods. Here, this resulted in high apparent molar activities of [ 161 Tb]Tb-DOTA (113 ± 3 MBq/nmol), demonstrating high purity 161 Tb relevant for potential future preclinical applications.

161Tb↗
DOE OSTI2024

DASEventNet: AI‐Based Microseismic Detection on Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data From the Utah FORGE Well 16A (78)‐32 Hydraulic Stimulation

Abstract Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) has emerged as a promising seismic technology for monitoring microearthquakes (MEQs) with high spatial resolution. Efficient algorithms are needed for processing large DAS data volumes. This study introduces a deep learning (DL) model based on a Residual Convolutional Neural Network (ResNet) for detecting MEQs using DAS data, named as DASEventNet. The test data were collected from the Utah FORGE 16A (78)‐32 hydraulic stimulation experiments conducted in April 2022. The DASEventNet model achieves a remarkable accuracy of 100% when discriminating MEQs from noise in the raw test set of 260 examples. Surprisingly, the model identified weak MEQ signatures that have been manually categorized as noise. The decision‐making process with the model is decoded by the classic activation map, which illuminates learning features of the DASEventNet model. These features provide clear illustrations of weak MEQs and varied noise types. Finally, we apply the trained model to the entire period (∼7 days) of continuous DAS recordings and find that it discovers >5,700 new MEQs, previously unregistered in the public Silixa DAS catalog. The DASEventNet model significantly outperforms the traditional seismic method Short‐Term Average/Long‐Term Average (STA/LTA), which detected only 1,307 MEQs. The DASEventNet detection threshold is M w −1.80 compared to the minimum magnitude of M w −1.14 detected by STA/LTA. The spatiotemporal distribution of the newly identified MEQs defines an extensive stimulation zone and more accurately characterizes fracture geometry. Our results highlight the potential of DL for long‐term, real‐time microseismic monitoring that can improve enhanced geothermal systems and other activities that include subsurface hydraulic fracturing.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Sequential Fracture Activation and Stress Evolution During EGS Stimulation at Utah FORGE Revealed by Waveform Cross‐Correlation

Mapping fracture networks in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) is essential for optimizing reservoir performance, yet complex fracture evolution during stimulation remains difficult to resolve. This study examines the evolution of microseismicity and fracture networks during stage 3 of the 2022 EGS stimulation at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site. We map the fracture network represented by 20 clusters of seismic events identified by waveform similarities with cross-correlation. We characterize their geometric properties such as strike, dip, length, and width, and analyze the time evolution of activated fractures. The results reveal a systematic fracture evolution: early activation of pre-existing natural fractures, complex network development during peak injection, and continued activation of less favorably oriented fractures post-injection. Magnitude calibration using the Principal Component Analysis of cross-correlated waveforms improves relative amplitude measurements, refining estimations of the Gutenberg-Richter b-values with spatial variations in b-values suggesting stress re-distribution across the stimulated area. Analysis of the stress state of selected fractures further shows that fractures requiring higher excess pore pressure primarily activate at the end of injection and post-injection, highlighting stress transfer due to pore pressure as a dominant triggering mechanism. These findings provide insights into fracture propagation, stress evolution, and seismic hazard assessment in EGS reservoirs.

Asirifi, Richard [Texas A & M Univ., College Stati↗
DOE OSTI2024

3D modeling of deep borehole electromagnetic measurements with energized casing source for fracture mapping at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy

Here, we present a 3D numerical modelling analysis evaluating the deployment of a borehole electromagnetic measurement tool to detect and image a stimulated zone at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy geothermal site. As the depth to the geothermal reservoir is several kilometres and the size of the stimulated zone is limited to several 100 m, surface-based controlled-source electromagnetic measurements lack the sensitivity for detecting changes in electrical resistivity caused by the stimulation. To overcome the limitation, the study evaluates the feasibility of using a three-component borehole magnetic receiver system at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site. To provide sufficient currents inside and around the enhanced geothermal reservoir, we use an injection well as an energized casing source. To efficiently simulate energizing the injection well in a realistic 3D resistivity model, we introduce a novel modelling workflow that leverages the strengths of both 3D cylindrical-mesh-based electromagnetic modelling code and 3D tetrahedral-mesh-based electromagnetic modelling code. The former is particularly well-suited for modelling hollow cylindrical objects like casings, whereas the latter excels at representing more complex 3D geological structures. In this workflow, our initial step involves computing current densities along a vertical steel-cased well using a 3D cylindrical electromagnetic modelling code. Subsequently, we distribute a series of equivalent current sources along the well's trajectory within a complex 3D resistivity model. We then discretize this model using a tetrahedral mesh and simulate the borehole electromagnetic responses excited by the casing source using a 3D finite-element electromagnetic code. This multi-step approach enables us to simulate 3D casing source electromagnetic responses within a complex 3D resistivity model, without the need for explicit discretization of the well using an excessive number of fine cells. We discuss the applicability and limitations of this proposed workflow within an electromagnetic modelling scenario where an energized well is deviated, such as at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site. Using the workflow, we demonstrate that the combined use of the energized casing source and the borehole electromagnetic receiver system offer measurable magnetic field amplitudes and sensitivity to the deep localized stimulated zone. The measurements can also distinguish between parallel-fracture anisotropic reservoirs and isotropic cases, providing valuable insights into the fracture system of the stimulated zone. Besides the magnetic field measurements, vertical electric field measurements in the open well sections are also highly sensitive to the stimulated zone and can be used as additional data for detecting and imaging the target. We can also acquire additional multiple-source data by grounding the surface electrode at various locations and repeating borehole electromagnetic measurements. This approach can increase the number of monitoring data by several factors, providing a more comprehensive dataset for analysing the deep-localized stimulated zone. The numerical analysis indicates that it is feasible to use the combination of the energized casing and downhole electromagnetic measurements in monitoring localized stimulated zone at large depths.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utah FORGE 1-2409: PetroQuip Energy Services Zonal Isolation Solution for Geothermal Wells - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Zonal Isolation Solution for Geothermal Wells by PetroQuip Energy Services, presented by Robert Coon. This video slide presentation discusses the proposed design and development of a multi-stage system consisting of an Open-Hole Packer (OHP), a Locking Bridge Plug (LBP), and a corresponding Locating Profile (LP). This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 14, 2024.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Jurassic deserts and CO2 sequestration: the Glen Canyon Group in Utah, western USA

The Early Jurassic in the Western Interior of USA consisted of an extensive desert environment, including one of the largest ergs in geologic history. The Navajo erg has been estimated to extend as much as 2.2 million square kilometers, though the preserved extent is somewhat smaller. The Mesozoic was a global greenhouse phase, and during the Jurassic this region experienced fluctuations in climate aridity, reflected in the depositional environment. In addition to extensive dunefields, interdune deposits (lakes and oases) and fluvial systems are also documented within formations of the Glen Canyon Group. The Navajo Sandstone has received much attention as a potential CO2 injection target in recent years. It consists of thick, aeolian sandstones with high porosity and permeability, occurs in both outcrop and subcrop, and has industry data. Mapping of stratigraphic and sedimentologic changes within the Navajo Sandstone has been undertaken in localized areas, however piecing together these studies and developing regional models for CO2 potential has not received as much attention. There is significant industry data across Utah, and utilizing this data to pivot from a focus on hydrocarbon extraction to CO2 injection is an effective way to move forward with green energy, and to meet carbon neutral emission goals. Using legacy well data, we are developing a more comprehensive study of the Navajo Sandstone as a potential CO2 reservoir, in addition to identifying other zones of interest within the Glen Canyon Group, and improving understanding of stratigraphic complexity within one of the most significant aeolian systems in the world.

Mahon, Elizabeth↗
NASA NTRS1972

Origin of quaternary basalts from the Black Rock Desert Region, Utah.

An evaluation has been made of the relative roles of fractional crystallization and crustal contamination in the genesis of basaltic magmas from the Black Rock Desert region in Utah. As a result, geochemical variations of these basalts have been defined as a function of their ages of eruption.

Condie, K. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic studies of the Permian Cutler and Elephant Canyon formations in Utah.

Study of the Permian Cutler formation and the upper 15 meters of the Permian Elephant Canyon formation at 0.6-meter stratigraphic intervals southwest of Moab in eastern Utah. The directions of natural remanent magnetization show a pronounced streak distribution, but thermal demagnetization successfully isolates the stable paleomagnetic direction. All directions are reversed, and no significant long-term change in pole position is observed throughout the entire section. The pole calculated from the Elephant Canyon data lies at 43.6 N, 119.6 E; the Cutler pole lies at 44.4 N, 116.2 E. Rock-magnetic analyses suggest that the secondary magnetization results from the iron hydroxides and was acquired after recent surface exposure.

Gose, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Mineral exploration and fracture trends in Utah and Nevada, by ERTS-1 imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Major structural trends have been compiled on five separate maps, at a scale of 1:1,000,000, of Utah and Nevada from ERTS-1 imagery. An arbitrary length of ten kilometers has been chosen as a minimum length of the trends. The selection is based upon: (1) obvious displacement of structures; (2) continuity or persistence of trends across structures; (3) line-up of outcrop patterns, drainage, erosional features or vegetation; and (4) near-linear trends. Several recognizable trend directions have noted, viz., N 10-15 deg W, N 35 deg W, N 80 deg W, N 30 deg E, and E-W. More than 1500 structural trends have been identified, some of which are mineralized and extend into pediment or shallow alluvial cover. Those fracture trends that exhibit mineralization in exposed bedrock will be assayed for mercury content with a soil-gas analyzer and similar collection will be done over alluvial posture blankets by the same technique with the hope of discovering blind mineralized zones that are not exposed on the surface.

Jensen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Fracture trends identified by ERTS-1 imagery in Utah and Nevada

The author has identified the following significant results. In the Utah-Nevada area, linear structural trends recorded on ERTS-1 imagery conform in part to previously recognized structures. In addition, the ERTS-1 imagery reveals cryptic structures not previously identified and not readily apparent in other imagery. These structures are illustrated by prominent east-west trending structures which appear to be concentrated in pre-volcanic rocks. This suggests that the structures are older than many of those with other trends which are equally prominent in volcanic and non-volcanic terrain. Since the older east-west structures may have controlled early Tertiary emplacement of magma or the ascent of mineralizing fluids, their recognition is important in minerial exploration. Soil-gas sampling and analysis for mercury content is being continued over structures, and projected trends of buried structures which appear, from studies of ERTS-1 imagery, to be favorable to mineralization. Comparison of ERTS-1 and Skylab imagery indicated that ERTS-1 imagery records more previously unrecognized linear structures than the Skylab imagery. In differentiating and identifying different rock types, the Skylab imagery appears to be more effective.

Jensen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Remote sensing of algal blooms by aircraft and satellite in Lake Erie and Utah Lake

During late summer, when the surface waters of Lake Erie reach their maximum temperature, an algal bloom is likely to develop. Such phenomena, which characterize eutrophic conditions, have been noticed on other shallow lakes using the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1). The concentration of the algae into long streamers provides additional information on surface circulations. To augment the ERTS Multispectral Scanner Subsystem data of Lake Erie, an aircraft was used to obtain correlative thermal-IR and additional multiband photographs. A large bloom of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae observed in Utah Lake together with recent bloom history in Lake Erie is used to verify the Great Lakes bloom.

Strong, A. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Satellite microwave observations of the Utah Great Salt Lake Desert

Microwave data acquired over the Great Salt Lake Desert by sensors aboard Skylab and Nimbus 5 indicate that microwave emission and backscatter were strongly influenced by contributions from subsurface layers of sediment saturated with brine. This phenomenon was observed by Skylab's S-194 radiometer operating at 1.4 GHz, S-193 RADSCAT (Radiometer-Scatterometer) operating at 13.9 GHz and the Nimbus 5 ESMR (Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer) operating at 19.35 GHz. The availability of ESMR data over an 18 month period allowed an investigation of temporal variations. Aircraft 1.4 GHz radiometer data acquired two days after one of the Skylab passes confirm the satellites observations. Data from the ESMR revealed similar responses over the Bolivian deserts, which have geologic features similar to those of the Utah desert.

Ulaby, F. T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Summary of space imagery studies in Utah and Nevada

The author has identified the following significant results. An enhanced enlargement of a S190B color image at a scale of 1/19,200 of the Bingham porphyry copper deposit has compared a geological map of the area with the space imagery map as fair for the intrusion boundaries and total lack of quality for mapping the sediments. Hydrothermal alteration is only slightly evident on space imagery at Bingham, but in the Tintic mining district and the volcanic piles of the Keg and Thomas ranges, Utah, hydrothermal alteration is readily mapped on color enlargements of S190B. Several sites of calderas were recognized and new ones located on space imagery. One of the tools developed is a mercury soil-gas analyzer that is becoming significant as an aid in locating hidden mineralized zones which were suggested from space imagery. In addition, this tool is a prime aid in locating and better delineating geothermal sites.

Jensen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of Landsat imagery to metallic mineral exploration in Utah

Standard interpretive techniques were used to study the mosaic of two Landsat images of north central Utah including several major mining districts. Correlation of major Landsat-identified lineaments with the major metallic mining districts suggests that the Landsat-identified lineaments are fractures and that their distribution may be a valuable guide for identifying other mineralized areas. The imagery provides a more complete understanding of the geological information for identifying major tectonic and structural trends in the area. Several of the major mines are located on or closely adjacent to the intersections of at least two major lineaments. Landsat data should therefore be used to complement current mineral exploration programs.

Anderson, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Application of standard photogeologic techniques to LANDSAT imagery for mineral exploration in the basin and range province of Utah and Nevada

The author has identified the following significant results. Standard photogeologic techniques were applied to LANDSAT imagery of the basin and range province of Utah and Nevada to relate linear, tonal, textural, drainage, and geomorphic features to known mineralized areas in an attempt to develop criteria for the location of mineral deposits. No consistent correlation was found between lineaments, mapped according to specified criteria, and locations of mines, mining districts, or intrusive outcrops. Tonal and textural patterns were more closely related to geologic outcrop patterns than to mineralization. A statistical study of drainage azimuths of various length classes as measured on LANDSAT showed significant correlation with mineralized districts in the length class of 3-6 km. Alignments of outcrops of basalt, a rock type highly visible on LANDSAT imagery, appear to be colinear with acidic and intermediate intrusive centers in some areas and may assist on the recognition of regional fracture systems for mineral exploration.

Lattman, L. H.↗