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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 1,099 records · Page 61
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2010

Operational Lessons Learned from the Ares I-X Flight Test

The Ares I-X flight test, launched in 2009, is the first test of the Ares I crew launch vehicle. This development flight test evaluated the flight dynamics, roll control, and separation events, but also provided early insights into logistical, stacking, launch, and recovery operations for Ares I. Operational lessons will be especially important for NASA as the agency makes the transition from the Space Shuttle to the Constellation Program, which is designed to be less labor-intensive. The mission team itself comprised only 700 individuals over the life of the project compared to the thousands involved in Shuttle and Apollo missions; while missions to and beyond low-Earth orbit obviously will require additional personnel, this lean approach will serve as a model for future Constellation missions. To prepare for Ares I-X, vehicle stacking and launch infrastructure had to be modified at Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) as well as Launch Complex (LC) 39B. In the VAB, several platforms and other structures designed for the Shuttle s configuration had to be removed to accommodate the in-line, much taller Ares I-X. Vehicle preparation activities resulted in delays, but also in lessons learned for ground operations personnel, including hardware deliveries, cable routing, transferred work and custodial paperwork. Ares I-X also proved to be a resource challenge, as individuals and ground service equipment (GSE) supporting the mission also were required for Shuttle or Atlas V operations at LC 40/41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At LC 39B, several Shuttle-specific access arms were removed and others were added to accommodate the in-line Ares vehicle. Ground command, control, and communication (GC3) hardware was incorporated into the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP). The lightning protection system at LC 39B was replaced by a trio of 600-foot-tall towers connected by a catenary wire to account for the much greater height of the vehicle. Like Shuttle, Ares I-X will be stacked on a MLP and rolled out to the pad on a Saturn-era crawler-transporter. While Ares I-X was only held in place by the four hold-down posts on its aft skirt during rollout, a new vehicle stabilization system (VSS) attached to the vertical service structure kept the vehicle from undue swaying prior to launch at the pad, LC 39B. Following the launch, the flight test vehicle first stage was recovered with the aid of new parachutes resized to accommodate the five-segment-long first stage, which had a much greater length and mass than the Shuttle s reusable solid rocket boosters. After splashdown, recovery divers exercised extra care when handling the first stage to ensure that the flight data recorders in the fifth segment simulator were not damaged by exposure to sea water. The data recovered from the Ares I-X flight test will be very valuable in verifying the predicted environments and models used to design the vehicle. Lessons learned from Ares I-X will be shared with the Ares Projects through written and verbal reports and through integration of mission team members into the Project workforce.

Davis, Stephan R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Methane Mitigation Using Linear Motor Leak Recovery Compressor

GTI Energy (GTI), in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin - Center for Electromechanics (UT‑CEM), designed, fabricated, and tested a linear motor–driven compressor intended to mitigate methane emissions at natural gas facilities across transmission, storage, gathering, and processing sectors of the gas value chain.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Microstructure Refinement on Hardness Homogeneity of Aluminum Alloy 1100 Processed by Accumulative Roll Bonding

This work examines the effect of grain refinement via accumulative roll bonding (ARB) on the homogeneity of microstructure and hardness through the thickness of commercially pure aluminum AA1100 sheets. The use of 7 cycles of ARB was shown to produce homogeneous ultrafine-grained microstructure, reducing the grain size to 0.46 and 1.03 µm in normal direction and rolling direction, respectively. Examination by electron backscattered diffraction indicates that continuous dynamic recrystallization was the main mechanism for the formation of submicron equiaxed grains bounded with high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs). The fraction of HAGBs increased gradually reaching a maximum of 71.6% after 7 cycles. Through-thickness hardness measurements using Vickers and nanoindentation tests show an increase from 43.5 Hv (0.85 GPa) for as-received sample to 63 Hv (1.1 GPa) after 7 cycles. The heterogeneity in hardness through the thickness of the as-received material was shown to restrain the evolution of uniform hardness across the sheet thickness with increasing ARB cycles. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength is increased to 250 MPa, which is about 2 times its initial value. Owing to the high stacking fault energy of AA1100, strong dynamic recovery occurred with increasing ARB strain which was balanced with the strain hardening property of the material. This resulted in plastic instability at small strains and thus early necking during the tensile test.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2014

High Intensity Exercise Countermeasures does not Prevent Orthostatic Intolerance Following Prolonged Bed Rest

Approximately 20% of Space Shuttle astronauts became presyncopal during operational stand and 80deg head‐up tilt tests, and the prevalence of orthostatic intolerance increases after longer missions. Greater than 60% of the US astronauts participating in Mir and early International Space Station missions experienced presyncope during post‐flight tilt tests, perhaps related to limitations of the exercise hardware that prevented high intensity exercise training until later ISS missions. The objective of this study was to determine whether an intense resistive and aerobic exercise countermeasure program designed to prevent cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning during 70 d of bed rest (BR), a space flight analog, would protect against post‐BR orthostatic intolerance. METHODS Twenty‐six subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: non‐exercise controls (n=11) or one of two exercise groups (ExA, n=8; ExB, n=7). Both ExA and ExB groups performed the same resistive and aerobic exercise countermeasures during BR, but one exercise group received testosterone supplementation while the other received a placebo during BR in a double‐blinded fashion. On 3 d/wk, subjects performed lower body resistive exercise and 30 min of continuous aerobic exercise (≥75% max heart rate). On the other 3 d/wk, subjects performed only highintensity, interval‐style aerobic exercise. Orthostatic intolerance was assessed using a 15‐min 80 head‐up tilt test performed 2 d (BR‐2) before and on the last day of BR (BR70). Plasma volume was measured using carbon monoxide rebreathing on BR‐3 and before rising on the first recovery day (BR+0). The code for the exercise groups has not been broken, and results are reported here without group identification. RESULTS Only one subject became presyncopal during tilt testing on BR‐2, but 7 of 11 (63%) controls, 3 of 8 (38%) ExA, and 4 of 7 (57%) ExB subjects were presyncopal on BR70. Survival analysis of post‐BR tilt tests revealed no differences (p=0.77) between groups. Plasma volume (absolute or relative to body mass index) decreased (p<0.001) from pre to post‐BR, with no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results corroborate previous reports that the performance of a vigorous exercise countermeasure protocol during BR, even with testosterone supplementation, does not protect against orthostatic intolerance or plasma volume loss. Preventing post‐BR orthostatic intolerance may require additional countermeasures, such as orthostatic stress during BR or end‐of‐BR fluid infusion.

Platts, Steven H.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS

The Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) was formed to address pressing challenges in the commercialization of microalgae as a source of biofuel. The “Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS” project formally addressed two US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) goals: (1) Model the sustainable supply of 1 million metric tonnes ash free dry weight (AFDW) cultivated algal biomass and (2) Demonstrate valuable co-products produced along with biofuel intermediates to increase value of algal biomass by 30%. To achieve these goals, the project demonstrated and validated high-value co-products to drive down the cost of biofuel by increasing the value of algae “co-products” towards increasing the selling price of total algae biomass as one of the key drivers of economics and adoption. This was accomplished through five core, interdependent tasks including: (1) strain selection to identify and deliver strains for mass culture, (2) mass culture using a hybrid cultivation system and following key operating parameters for downstream applications to provide algae feedstock, (3) recovery and conversion to evaluate two alternative methods to separate dry algae biomass into oil and residuals for downstream testing, (4) product assessment to determine biofuel, aquafeed or poultry feed product efficacy using algae biomass fractions as well as to provide critical performance data for valuation and (5) commercialization to use technoeconomic and life cycle assessments (TEA/LCA) as iterative design and assessment tools including consideration of target markets, competitors, and distribution channels to guide product assessment, development and valuation. A total of 46 peer-review publications, many open-access, provide detail of much of the work carried out and the results of the tasks. Additional reports and presentations provide other technical and public engagement material. At a high level, using a variety of approaches, more than 1000 marine microalgae strains were evaluated to ultimately identify the seven winners that were down-selected to be grown in mass culture. Strain selection demonstrated that there were no ‘super strains’ and that each candidate had strengths and limitations for specific products, growth conditions or operational considerations. Mass culture growth of these seven strains at >5000 L / 29 m 2 scale found that four them were suitable for product assessment. More than 250 kg of biomass was produced across hundreds of pond runs along with thousands of cultivation entries on the growth and biomass characteristics as well as environmental parameters. In the process, dozens of standard operating procedures were generated as was custom software to process and analyze cultivation data. Recovery and conversion of algae biomass demonstrated that a hexane solvent based extraction protocol was most effective at recovering oil (biocrude) from algae and four strains were processed to produce oil and lipid extracted algae (residuals) for downstream testing. Membrane-based oil separation was less successful, but may still be applicable to other commercial applications in the future. Product testing demonstrated that algae biocrude is of high quality and hydrotreating generated numerous fractions of high quality composition for fuel and lubricate based applications. Aquafeed studies performed at a variety of scales showed that both whole and defatted (lipid extracted algae) microalgae were suitable as a feed ingredient, but that the specifics of the fed animal and biochemical composition of the algae are critical factors when determining formulation. Similarly, poultry studies on whole and defatted microalgae generally showed positive outcomes on animal growth and health, with some microalgae providing enhanced nutritional composition of the animal product. Economic and life cycle assessments covered a wide range of possible commercialization and sustainability scenarios. Replacement value, improved product value added, consumer values marketing added valuation and improved animal health were considered as alternatives for microalgae valuation. Using the open pond system, algae productivity was identified as the key driver of commercialization economics, but combination of co-products (e.g. animal feed) with biofuel production substantially increased the total selling price of algae. Modeled microalgae selling price exceeded $\$$1500/tonne and could generate competitive biofuel selling prices below $\$$5 gallon gas equivalents using realistic algal productivities. Short (process scale) and longer (decadal trends) sustainability assessments show that marine microalgae can enhance the sustainability of energy production and lead to other realized benefits in water, fertilizer and land use for other sectors (e.g. agriculture). This project successfully demonstrated all of the components of an end-to-end process from mass microalgae cultivation and dewatering, to recovery and conversion of algae biomass components, to final product demonstration and process valuation; the combined results provide a framework for future commercialization of algae based biofuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modelling of Wastewater Heat Recovery Heat Pump Systems

Wastewater heat recovery is currently an underutilized technology that could be part of solving the climate crisis. A large portion of the heat that leaves a building in the form of wastewater is potentially recoverable for pre-heating domestic hot water or other service water systems. While there are several different approaches to wastewater heat recovery, this project focused on creating detailed, integrated building models for wastewater heat recovery heat pump systems. EnergyPlus models were developed featuring inputs and assumptions corresponding to manufacturers’ specifications, performance lab test data and feedback from engineering consultants. EnergyPlus’s supervisory control Energy Management System objects were heavily relied upon to overcome modelling challenges. The developed EnergyPlus model was integrated into U.S. Department of Energy New Construction Reference Building models for various climate zones and building types to assess potential energy use, energy cost and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2013

Flight Test Results of an Axisymmetric Channeled Center Body Supersonic Inlet at Off-Design Conditions

Flight-testing of a channeled center-body axisymmetric supersonic inlet design concept was conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center in collaboration with the NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, Ohio) and TechLand Research, Inc. (North Olmsted, Ohio). This testing utilized the Propulsion Flight Test Fixture, flown on the NASA F-15B research test bed airplane (NASA tail number 836) at local experiment Mach numbers up to 1.50. The translating channeled center-body inlet was designed by TechLand Research, Inc. (U.S. Patent No. 6,276,632 B1) to allow for a novel method of off-design flow matching, with original test planning conducted under a NASA Small Business Innovative Research study. Data were collected in flight at various off-design Mach numbers for fixed-geometry representations of both the channeled center-body design and an equivalent area smooth center-body design for direct comparison of total pressure recovery and limited distortion measurements.

inlet↗
NASA NTRS2004

Heavy particle irradiation, neurochemistry and behavior: thresholds, dose-response curves and recovery of function

Exposure to heavy particles can affect the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the dopaminergic system. In turn, the radiation-induced disruption of dopaminergic function affects a variety of behaviors that are dependent upon the integrity of this system, including motor behavior (upper body strength), amphetamine (dopamine)-mediated taste aversion learning, and operant conditioning (fixed-ratio bar pressing). Although the relationships between heavy particle irradiation and the effects of exposure depend, to some extent, upon the specific behavioral or neurochemical endpoint under consideration, a review of the available research leads to the hypothesis that the endpoints mediated by the CNS have certain characteristics in common. These include: (1) a threshold, below which there is no apparent effect; (2) the lack of a dose-response relationship, or an extremely steep dose-response curve, depending on the particular endpoint; and (3) the absence of recovery of function, such that the heavy particle-induced behavioral and neural changes are present when tested up to one year following exposure. The current report reviews the data relevant to the degree to which these characteristics are common to neurochemical and behavioral endpoints that are mediated by the effects of exposure to heavy particles on CNS activity. c2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Review↗
NASA NTRS1973

Cost analysis of oxygen recovery systems

The design and development of equipment for flight use in earth-orbital programs, when optimally approached cost effectively, proceed through the following logical progression: (1) bench testing of breadboard designs, (2) the fabrication and evaluation of prototype equipment, (3) redesign to meet flight-imposed requirements, and (4) qualification and testing of a flight-ready system. Each of these steps is intended to produce the basic design information necessary to progress to the next step. The cost of each step is normally substantially less than that of the following step. An evaluation of the cost elements involved in each of the steps and their impact on total program cost are presented. Cost analyses of four leading oxygen recovery subsystems which include two carbon dioxide reduction subsystem, Sabatier and Bosch, and two water electrolysis subsystems, the solid polymer electrolyte and the circulating KOH electrolyte are described.

Yakut, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Analytical and experimental studies of a short compact subsonic diffuser for a two-dimensional supersonic inlet

An experimental study of a two-dimensional supersonic inlet with a short compact subsonic diffuser, length to exit diameter (dl/d) ratio of 1.25, was conducted to investigate the impact of the short diffuser on inlet performance at low speeds and to assess the diffuser subsonic performance for a simulated diffuser flow corresponding to high-speed inlet conditions near the design flight Mach number of 2.2. For the low-speed testing, a drooped lip was employed to improve the inlet performance at a high angle of attack. For the simulated high-speed testing, air was blown through slots or discrete nozzles as an active boundary-layer control. The results from the low-speed performance test were compared with the results from a previous test program on the same inlet with a long subsonic diffuser (dl/d = 4.5). The comparison indicates that inlet recovery was not affected by the use of the short diffuser for either the baseline (no droop) or the drooped cowl lip configuration. However, the inlet baseline distortion for the short diffuser configuration was substantially higher than for the long diffuser. A comparison of the two configurations with a 70 deg drooped lip showed no significant difference in distortion. For the portion of the experimental program in which diffuser conditions for high-speed flight were simulated, diffuser-induced flow separation occurred. This separation was predicted from an analytical study that used the Hess potential flow panel method and the Herring two-dimensional boundary-layer analysis computer codes. The flow separated mainly on the diffuser ramp. Subsequent tests in which boundary-control systems were utilized showed that blowing with either slots or discrete nozzles could suppress the flow separation in the short subsonic diffuser, thereby substantially improving the diffuser performance.

Iek, Chanthy↗
DOE OSTI2023

Frequency Recovery in Power Grids Using High-Performance Computing

Maintaining electric power system stability is paramount, especially in extreme contingencies involving unexpected outages of multiple generators or transmission lines that are typical during severe weather events. Such outages often lead to large supply-demand mismatches followed by subsequent system frequency deviations from their nominal value. The extent of frequency deviations is an important metric of system resilience, and its timely mitigation is a central goal of power system operation and control. This paper develops a novel nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) method to minimize frequency deviations when the grid is affected by an unforeseen loss of multiple components. Our method is based on a novel multi-period alternating current optimal power flow (ACOPF) formulation that accurately models both nonlinear electric power flow physics and the primary and secondary frequency response of generator control mechanisms. We develop a distributed parallel Julia package for solving the large-scale nonlinear optimization problems that result from our NMPC method and thereby address realistic test instances on existing high-performance computing architectures. Our method demonstrates superior performance in terms of frequency recovery over existing industry practices, where generator levels are set based on the solution of single-period classical ACOPF models.

nonlinear model predictive control↗
NASA NTRS1953

Performance Characteristics of Plane-Wall Two-Dimensional Diffusers

Experiments have been made at Stanford University to determine the performance characteristics of plane-wall, two-dimensional diffusers which were so proportioned as to insure reasonable approximation of two-dimensional flow. All of the diffusers had identical entrance cross sections and discharged directly into a large plenum chamber; the test program included wide variations of divergence angle and length. During all tests a dynamic pressure of 60 pounds per square foOt was maintained at the diffuser entrance and the boundary layer there was thin and fully turbulent. The most interesting flow characteristics observed were the occasional appearance of steady, unseparated, asymmetric flow - which was correlated with the boundary-layer coalescence - and the rapid deterioration of flow steadiness - which occurred as soon as the divergence angle for maximum static pressure recovery was exceeded. Pressure efficiency was found to be controlled almost exclusively by divergence angle, whereas static pressure recovery was markedly influenced by area ratio (or length) as well as divergence angle. Volumetric efficiency. diminished as area ratio increased, and at a greater rate with small lengths than with large ones. Large values of the static-pressure-recovery coefficient were attained only with long diffusers of large area ratio; under these conditions pressure efficiency was high and. volumetric efficiency low. Auxiliary tests with asymmetric diffusers demonstrated that longitudinal pressure gradient, rather than wall divergence angle, controlled flow separation. Others showed that the addition of even a short exit duct of uniform section augmented pressure recovery. Finally, it was found that the installation of a thin, central, longitudinal partition suppressed flow separation in short diffusers and thereby improved pressure recovery

Reid, Elliott G↗
NASA NTRS2012

2012 Ground Testing Highlights

As part of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program and a collaborative effort with Boeing, and Lockheed Martin this past year a series of sonic boom test were completed in the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). One of the goals was to develop new test techniques and hardware for measuring sonic boom signatures in the transonic and supersonic regimes. Data for various model designs and configurations were collected and will be used to validate CFD predictions of sonic boom signatures. Reactivation of the NASA Ames Mitsubishi compressor system was completed this past year. The compressor is intended to replace and augment the existing UPWT Clark Compressor as the primary Make Up Air (MUA) source. The MUA system provides air and vacuum pumping capability to the Ames UPWT. It will improve productivity and reliability of the UPWT as a vital testing and research facility for the U.S. aerospace industry and NASA. Funding for this task was provided from the American Recovery Investment Act (ARRA). Installation and validation of a Noncontact Stress Monitoring System (NSMS) for the 3-stage compressor was completed at the 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. The system, originally developed at AEDC, consists of 36 pairs of LED light sources with optic beam send and receive probes along a 1-per rev signal. The new system allows for continuous monitoring and recording of compressor blade bending and torsion stress during normal test operations. A very unusual test was completed in the 11 FT TWT to acquire aerodynamic and flow field data for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) to validate CFD methods and tools. Surface pressure distribution measurements and velocity measurements in the wake of the command module back to the drogues parachute location were acquired. Testing methods included Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP), Schlieren Infrared Imaging (IR) and boundary layer survey and skin friction.

Buchholz, Steven J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Development of a condenser for the dual catalyst water recovery system

Conceptual evaporation/condensation systems suitable for integration with the catalytic water recovery method were evaluated. The primary requirements for each concept were its capability to operate under zero-gravity conditions, condense recovered water from a vapor-noncondensable gas mixture, and integrate with the catalytic system. Specific energy requirements were estimated for concepts meeting the primary requirements, and the concept most suitable for integration with the catalytic system was proposed. A three-man rate condenser capable of integration with the proposed system, condensing water vapor in presence of noncondensables and transferring the heat of condensation to feed urine was designed, fabricated, and tested. It was treated with steam/air mixtures at atmospheric and elevated pressures and integrated with an actual catalytic water recovery system. The condenser has a condensation efficiency exceeding 90% and heat transfer rate of approximately 85% of theoretical value at coolant temperature ranging from 7 to 80 deg C.

Budinikas, P.↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Statistical Filtering Approach for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Gravity Data

We describe and analyze a statistical filtering approach for GRACE data that uses a parametrized model for the temporal evolution of the GRACE coefficients. After least-squares adjustment, a statistical test is performed to assess the significance of the estimated parameters. If the test is passed, the parameters are used by the filter in the reconstruction of the field; otherwise they are rejected. The test is performed, and the filter is formed, separately for annual components of the model and the trend. This new approach is distinct from Gaussian smoothing since it uses the data themselves to test for specific components of the time-varying gravity field. The statistical filter appears inherently to remove most of the "stripes" present in the GRACE fields, although destriping the fields prior to filtering seems to help the trend recovery. We demonstrate that the statistical filter produces reasonable maps for the annual components and trend. We furthermore assess the statistical filter for the annual components using ground-based GPS data in South America by assuming that the annual component of the gravity signal is associated only with groundwater storage. The un-destriped, statistically filtered field has a X2 value relative to the GPS data consistent with the best result from smoothing. In the space domain, the statistical filters are qualitatively similar to Gaussian smoothing. Unlike Gaussian smoothing, however, the statistical filter has significant sidelobes, including large negative sidelobes on the north-south axis, potentially revealing information on the errors, and the correlations among the errors, for the GRACE coefficients.

Davis. J. L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Preliminary Tests and Beam Dynamics Simulations of a Straight-Merger Beamline

Beamlines capable of merging beams with different energies are critical to many applications related to advanced accelerator concepts and energy-recovery linacs (ERLs). In an ERL, a low-energy "fresh" bright bunch is generally injected into a superconducting linac for acceleration using the fields established by a decelerated "spent" beam traveling on the same axis. A straight-merger system composed of a selecting cavity with a superimposed dipole magnet was proposed and recently test at AWA. This paper reports on the experimental results obtained so far along with detailed beam dynamics investigations of the merger concept and its ability to conserve the beam brightness associated with the fresh bunch.

Al Marzouk, A. A.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Off-Gas Condensate and Cast Stone Analysis Results

A sample of off-gas condensate produced during a demonstration test of the direct-feed low-activity waste (DFLAW) Radioactive Waste Test Platform using waste retrieved from Hanford storage tank AP-105 waste was analyzed for major cations, anions, total cyanide, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) metals, selected radionuclides, and selected organic compounds. The remaining off-gas condensate was concentrated through evaporation and then used to produce Cast Stone waste forms. After the solid waste forms cured for 28 days, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1311 (EPA 1992) Toxicity Characteristic Leach Procedure (TCLP) tests were conducted on two samples. The TCLP leachates were analyzed for RCRA metals, fluoride, and total cyanide. These chemical analyses were conducted to collect data on the waste form performance and to determine if the waste form will meet the disposal requirements of the Waste Control Specialists LLC (WCS) Federal Waste Disposal Facility (FWF) in Texas (WCS 2015) and the Integrated Disposal Facility at Hanford. The radionuclide results in the off-gas condensate were used to estimate concentrations in the Cast Stone waste forms; these estimates were then compared to Class C limits (30 TAC 336.362 Appendix E). With the possible exception of U-232, all measured radionuclides were determined to be below their respective Class C limits. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure most of the radionuclides. It is not possible to differentiate the isotope measured at mass 232 between U 232 and Th-232 by mass spectroscopy. Class C limit comparisons were made by assuming two maximum possible scenarios; one in which all the isotope at mass 232 occurred as Th-232, and another assigning the entire mass contribution to U-232. If the isotope at mass 232 is all Th-232 then the waste form is well below its Class C limit; however, if the isotope at mass 232 is all U-232, then the Class C limit would be exceeded by more than a factor of 8. A chemical procedure to separate uranium from thorium followed by reanalysis by ICP-MS would be required to resolve this issue. A similar issue occurs at mass 238, which could be U-238 or Pu-238; however, in this case Pu-238 can be ruled out as a contributor to the isotope measured at mass 238 for the following reasons. Pu-238 has a half-life of 87.7 years and its daughter product (U-234) has a half-life of 2.5 × 105 years and a measured concentration of < 0.002 µg/L. If significant concentrations of Pu-238 were present in this waste, then the amount of measurable U 234 would have increased over the decades of storage in the Hanford tanks. Because this was not observed, it is concluded that the isotope measured at mass 238 is all U-238. A total of 68 organic compounds were targeted for analysis in the off-gas condensate. Of these compounds, only nine were measured above their respective minimum reportable concentration. These compounds were acenaphthene, acetone, n-butyl alcohol, p,p’-DDT, methyl ethyl ketone, nitrobenzene, o nitrophenol, pyridine, and toluene. Of the detectable compounds, only acenaphthene, acetone, o nitrophenol, and pyridine were above wastewater standards (40 CFR 268.48 - Universal Treatment Standards). None of the organic compounds exceeded the non-wastewater standards (40 CFR 268.48 - Universal Treatment Standards). Analysis of the TCLP leachates from the Cast Stone waste forms indicated that none of the analytes exceeded the Universal Treatment Standard and, in general, all were well below the standards.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗