Oak Ridge National Laboratory ! ev·e VOLUME 13 NUMBER 2 SPRING 1980

1 Sa .e of the La a tory THE COVER: The past year has seen the culmination of a five-year trend at the ORNL as Consultant Laboratory toward increasing interaction By HERMAN POSTMA with other agencies and the private sector. Both in the management of subcontracts and in the offering of staff expertise outside and across its own disciplines, ORNL has 19 With A Deliberate Assurance made growing contributions to the nation's QA at ORNL technology. This direct contact and transfer of science formed the theme, ORNL as By C. S. LISSER Consultant, of Herman Postma's State of the Laboratory address, delivered last January. 24 Remem ranees of an Accelerator Past By WILFRED M. GOOD

Editor BARBARA LYON 30 es a ch lmpac s of Environmental Assessments By CAROLYN KRAUSE Staff Writer CAROLYN KRAUSE Consulting Editor 40 Ch omo ome Rep · e e r ice ALEX ZUCKER (Based on an interview with Walderico Generoso by LaRue Foster) Art Director BILL CLARK DEPAR 1\IENTS Publication Staff: Technical Editing/ 18 Books Carolyn Andrews, Myrtleen Sheldon; Typography/Linda Jeffers; Makeup/ 22 Information Meeting Highlights Ginger Turpin; ORNL Photography and 28 Lab Anecdote Reproduction Departments. 39 Take a Number 44 Awards and Appointments

The Review is published quarterly and distributed to employees and others asso- . ciated with the Oak Ridge National Lab­ oratory. The editorial office is in Building 4500-North, Oak Ridge National Labora­ tory. P.O. Box X, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830. Telephone: Internal 4-7183; com­ OA RIDGE AL ORA 0 mercial (615) 574-7183; FTS 624-7183. OPERATED BY UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ORNL as Consultant By HERMAN POSTMA

f, at the outset of this new How successful we and the rest of that will greatly affect the Labora­ decade, we pause to take stock the technical community are in tory for years to come. of events in the headlines both here wrestling with the problems of In only one respect was 1979 an and abroad, at least one theme energy supply, demand, and con­ ordinary year for ORNL. That becomes evident and will become servation-in 1980 and throughout was in the expected extraordinary more evident to all of us with each this decade-will be a crucial factor scientific achievements, exciting passing year. This recurring theme in our national well-being and technological results, and quality is that energy-its availability, world stability. I feel that no task accomplishments. However, as is cost, and control-is having an is more urgent or compelling than usual in this address, I can only increasing impact on national the one we are facing. The chal­ give you a small sample of those affairs and on the global political lenge and the opportunity are technical highlights. order. Where and how we go from ours. Mainly because of events such as here will obviously depend to no This past year was not just Three Mile Island (TMI), 1979 was small extent on how successfully another year for ORNL or for a most unusual year for ORNL. We we as a nation can manage our anyone. It was a year of events in were called upon to be consultants, energy future. energy and politics that continue to catalysts for decisions, and, in As a mission-oriented laboratory astound and influence us all. Many some cases, brush fire artists. Even whose primary focus is on energy, of those events set a course in the though 1979 was unusually active, ORNL has a unique opportunity to commitment of this country to responding in the above capacities help shape that national destiny. research and development areas is an accustomed role for ORNL

SPRING 1980 and one that serves the Depart­ to demonstrate and pave the way tivities in fossil energy, conserva­ ment of Energy (DOE) and the for commercial application of R&D tion, biotechnology, and solar re­ country well. I will expand on this developments. The goal is to create search. It will allow our research role later, as it forms the theme for liaisons, extend our strengths, and staff to work in areas more this address. provide for better use of Laboratory appropriate to their outstanding In 1979 there emerged the matur­ resources. Such movement has accomplishments. ing and culmination of a number been aided by new technical pro­ Finally, in this first year of the of important directions that had gram management responsibilities 1980s, our operating budget will been established in the mid-1970s. assigned by DOE. We are increas­ exceed $300 million, thus continu­ Although at times somewhat dis­ ingly involved in the technical ing the steady climb that began in quieting, these changes have pre­ direction of major R&D programs the mid-1970s and indicating once pared ORNL for new missions, new in areas where we have expertise. again the confidence that is placed roles, and new ways of doing Many of our important tech­ in ORNL. things that will be characteristic nology development and demon­ The Laboratory has fared well of DOE's approach to solving stration initiatives now involve recently in anticipating technical national energy problems. industrial partners, as evidenced problems and being appropriately The major technology-oriented in the fusion program with the involved in activities that are programs (fission, fusion, fossil, Engineering Test Facility Design most meaningful for attacking the and conservation) grew rapidly Center, the ELMO Bumpy Torus nation's energy problems. How­ during the 1970s. Fossil energy proof-of-principle experiment, and ever, in contrast with previous and conservation grew from em­ the Large Coil Test Facility; in the years, the President's FY 1981 bryonic efforts to full-fledged, fossil program with the atmo­ budget carries the bad news that mature companions to our tradi­ spheric fluidized-bed test facility; the budgets for the Liquid-Metal tional areas of expertise. We anti­ and in the familiar areas of nuclear Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) cipate that the fusion and fossil fuel reprocessing and low-level and gas-cooled reactor programs energy programs, in particular, waste management. will be seriously cut in the coming will continue to increase in the In the sciences our major facili­ year. Not only does this cut coming decade. ties and unique capabilities are represent a major change in energy On the other hand, I am con­ becoming more and more the focus direction for the country, it could cerned that the applied technology of user-oriented activities. These also have serious implications for programs grew much faster than increase our interaction with out­ ORNL. those for the basic sciences, thus side researchers and broaden not The now traditional confronta­ disrupting the balance I believe only our contacts, but also our tion between Congress and the necessary. In the coming years the contributions. administration on the Clinch River balance must be restored through Whereas the 1970s saw national Breeder Reactor has been extended concerted efforts by all of us. policies evolving, I trust that the to the heretofore-protected LMFBR The new missions assigned to 1980s will be a time when more base technology program and as­ the Laboratory beginning in 1975 decisive actions are taken to meet sociated reprocessing as well as to allowed both strong growth and our energy problems. Hesitation the gas-cooled reactor develop­ substantial changes in program­ and debate will hopefully be re­ ment. Whereas the impasse be­ matic directions. Now, with a placed by major new initiatives tween Congress and the adminis­ maturing of those programs, over­ and commitments to go forward tration only indirectly affected all personnel levels will show only aggressively with key develop­ ORNL before, this year we will slow growth. Even within that ment and demonstration efforts-a be caught in the midst of that constraint, however, substantial strength of ORNL. debate. Major uncertainties will change will be necessary and As was announced in the probably persist until September, possible because of the flexibility President's budget, we also expect and, although I have every hope and breadth of the Laboratory's to see construction of ORNL's that Congress will restore the research staff. first major general-purpose facil­ original DOE request, this will be a We have by intent begun to ity since the early 1960s, the time of uncertainty for us all and a interact increasingly with the Energy Systems Research Labora­ time for contingency planning. Tennessee Valley Authority, in­ tory. This long-awaited and badly Already, through our institu­ dustry, and universities to build the needed addition will house the tional planning effort, many of you broader base that will be necessary Energy Division and various ac- have been involved in defining and

2 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review The forthcoming Energy Systems Research Laboratory, to be sited on the corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street, will house the Energy Division and activities in fossil energy, biotechnology, conservation, and solar research.

developing some of the major direc­ tively when called upon, have is wrong with the nuclear regula­ tions our programs will be taking created numerous opportunities to tory process, we can see some very in the 1980s. Ialsorecommendthat work with others and to solve clear examples of what is right. you read the brief staff version of important problems. Particularly evident is the payoff our long-range plan, ORNL Trends Three Mile Island. The events at from the long-term, high-quality and Balances, 1980-1985. TMI are an outstanding example of R&D that provides the technical this role. More than 75 staff foundation for reactor regulation 0 .l 8 (, members, as listed in the fall issue and the capability to respond when The primary theme that I have oftheORNLReuiew, wereinvolved things go wrong. Several elements chosen for this year's address is directly at the site and in technical of the ORNL response in this "ORNL as a consultant." This role support and analytical roles here. context deserve special mention. is, in fact, a multiplicity of roles The newspapers and the Review Bob Brooksbank's team from that have been highly visible and have reported in detail on various the Chemical Technology Division unusually important in 1979. These facets of that involvement as well provided leadership for the difficult activities reflect the pattern of as on our contribution to the task of controlling both liquid and increasing outside interaction, Presidential Commission on TMI. gaseous effluents from TMI-2. The which has become so important to As we will see, ORNL analyses measure of their success was the our work. and problem solving have con­ virtual absence of any detectable Consultant activity is only one of tributed significantly to the re­ 1a1 I, which would have been the a growing number of bridges covery from last year's accident. principal short-term public health between our staff and what usually I firmly believe that the many hazard during the period before the is referred to as "the real world." lessons learned will put nuclear reactor was brought to a cold (I only hope that ours is not all that power plant operation and the shutdown. Control and cleanup of unreal!) The Laboratory's demon­ public acceptance of nuclear en­ the 4.5 x 103 m3 (1.0 x 106 gal) of strated technical strength and ergy on a much firmer and more contaminated water in the reactor, leadership, coupled with its reputa­ realistic basis for the future. the containment, and the auxiliary tion for being able to respond Although a persistent theme of building represent a challenge of promptly, creatively, and objec- the post-TMI debate has been what equal dimensions. Our expertise

SPRING 1980 3 ~ N Members of the Industrial Safety and Applied Health Physics Division monitored =r radiation near Three Mile Island. provided the major input for design of the flow sheets that are now being used to process low-, inter­ mediate-, and high-level radioac­ tive water in a safe and environ­ mentally acceptable manner. The Analytical Chemistry Divi­ sion analyzed teaspoon-size sam­ ples of water from the TMI primary system and containment to accu­ LANCASTER racies of parts per billion. Our capability for diverse, detailed, and integrated analyses made ORNL the prime analytical facility to YORK ~ provide data for understanding the accident, assessing its severity, and devising cleanup processes. ~--- A key contribution to achiev­ ing a stable condition in thereactor was the application of "noise anal­ ysis" techniques by Bob Kryter neering Physics and Computer major input to the Kemeny Com­ and Dwayne Frye. These were Sciences divisions, led by Dave mission (and Governor Thornberg) developed in the Instrumentation Bartine, provided assistance on on health physics and dosimetry. and Controls Division and can shielding questions and radiation Finally, a team under Dave determine postaccident conditions effects. Thomas of the Engineering Tech­ in the core, particularly boiling in At the request of the Electric nology Division has fabricated a the core, and entrained or trapped Power Research Institute (EPRI), new electrical core for the Thermal­ gas in the primary system. Joel Buchanan of the Nuclear Hydraulic Test Facility that sim­ Mario Fontana's group in the Safety Information Center assisted ulates TMI accident conditions. Engineering Technology Division in analysis of the hydrogen bubble The data from these experiments, provided analyses of the cooling of that formed in the reactor pressure involving the most sophisticated the disrupted core and calculations vessel; the Chemical Technology core simulatorin the United States, that established the limits to which Division supported this work with will be used by NRC to verify core debris could be cooled under valuable information on hydrogen licensing calculations. various hypothesized alternative chemistry and radiolytic gas gen­ More Nuclear Consulting. Before event sequences. Analysis of fuel eration and recombination. In ad­ leaving the nuclear area, I will and cladding effects by members of dition to EPRI, other segments briefly mention several other activ­ the Metals and Ceramics and of the nuclear industry continue to ities in which we have been Chemical Technology divisions, draw heavily on this consulting involved as consultant. The Inter­ led by Dave Hobson, provided data assistance. national Nuclear Fuel Cycle Eval­ on fission product releases, the An Industrial Safety and Ap­ uation, involving more than 50 na­ amount of hydrogen generated, plied Health Physics Division tions, is now drawing to a close. and characteristics of neutron group led by Roy Clark provided The evaluation evolved from the detectors. Members of the Engi- onsite radiation monitoring and Carter Administration's just con-

4 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review John Wolfe and Cliff Littleton stand at the foot of a highly sophisticated electrical core fabricated for the Thermal-Hydraulic Test Facility Program. The device has been used to simulate Three Mile Island accident conditions.

result will be increased efficiency of fuel usage. Recovery of Uranium from Phosphates. Last year Chemical Engineering recognized ORNL for development of a process already being used commercially to extend U.S. uranium ore production. This process recovers dissolved urani­ um as a by-product of the chemical production of phosphoric acid, one of the principal ingredients used in making fertilizer. The 3175 t cern with the potential for prolif­ beads that are so tiny that they can (3500 tons) of uranium recoverable eration of nuclear weapons capa­ be shipped easily and without the annually represents a 20% increase bilities; the number of nations usual constraints imposed by high in uranium production and a producing power from nuclear en­ radiation levels. Moreover, micro­ current market value of some ergy is expected to increase from sampling, combined with high­ $300 million. The two-cycle sol­ the present 20 to 40 during the performance mass spectrometric vent extraction process, known next decade. Not surprisingly, analysis, provides great sensitivity as DEPA-TOPO, is a joint effort ORNL, with its long tradition in and good accuracy as well as in­ of teams led by Fred Hurst fuel cycle research, has been the formation on isotopic abundances. of the Chemistry Division and source, through Bill Harms and A New Standard for Decay Heat. Dave Crouse of the Chemical Don Ferguson, of substantial in­ The application of state-of-the-art Technology Division. Through the puts to that evaluation and also experimental techniques to solve a researchers' consultation with in­ to its U.S. counterpart, the Nuclear practical problem in a timely dustry, three large commercial Alternative Systems Assessment fashion is evident in an Engineer­ plants are in operation and at least Program. ing Physics Division contribution. two others are under construction. The ability to safeguard spe­ Kirk Dickens and colleagues As with other resource recov­ cial nuclear materials is at the shared their research with an ery processes, the benefits are heart of the proliferation con­ American Nuclear Society (ANS) both economic and environmental, cern. Joel Carter of the Analytical working group that subsequently since valuable uranium is also Chemistry Division has developed developed a new standard for removed as a radioactive con­ unique methodology for micro­ decay heat. The ORNL data on taminant. sampling and analyzing samples, 23SU, 239Pu, and 241 Pu thermal­ Fossil Fuel Assistance. We turn a procedure that is having an in­ neutron fission substantially in­ now to fossil-energy-related con­ ternational impact on safeguards fluenced the new ANS standard sultation. Full implementation of analysis and that has been the sub­ adopted this past year. The sig­ the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ject of active consultation involv­ nificance of this work is that an important cornerstone of the ing DOE and the State Department present licensing requirements for nation's energy policy, will provide as it is implemented by other decay heat are shown to be ex­ a 90-day supply of petroleum that nations. The microsampling tech­ tremely conservative. Indeed, if can be drawn upon in the event nique involves acquiring inexpen­ regulations are now changed in of another oil embargo. The ORNL sive samples of ion exchange resin accord with the ORNL data, the Environmental Impacts Program

SPRING 1980 5 Microsampling has been made possible in the Analytical Chemistry Division whereby samples of ion exchange resin beads may be analyzed in quantities that can be shipped without extensive radiation shielding. supplied experts to assist DOE's Source Evaluation Board over a ten-week period in reviewing the ecological and geological aspects of 35 industry proposals for de­ velopment of the storage com­ plexes. Laboratory aid was also sought in a dramatic problem­ solving role when a fire seri­ ously disrupted operation of a salt dome storage cavern in West Hackberry, Louisiana. Bob Gray and Gerry Slaughter of the Metals and Ceramics Division investi­ gated the fire and found that oil leaks in a well head had caused it; they also assessed fire damage to ing closely with TVA on projects The Life Sciences Synthetic Fuel a brine-carrying casing. ranging from magnetic coal prep­ Program, under Ken Cowser, is As part of the newly acquired aration and coal gasification to providing a model for comprehen­ DOE Fossil Energy Materials Pro­ fuel cells and pumped storage. sive health and environmental gram, Jim Keiser, Vivian Baylor, In a new and important rela­ assessment of a synfuels demon­ and Bob Swindeman of the Metals tionship, DOE's Oak Ridge Opera­ stration in DOE's Gasifiers in and Ceramics Division are per­ tions is drawing on ORNL techni­ Industry Program, with interac­ forming onsite inspections of failed cal support and consulting services tions from the Environmental Pro­ components at coal liquefaction in connection with three large tection Agency (EPA) and the pilot plants. These inspections are synfuels demonstration projects National Institute for Occupa­ followed by detailed metallurgical for which it is responsible-Solvent tional Safety and Health. The focus examination at ORNL to identify Refined Coal (SRC) Plants I and II of this effort is a gasifier that will the cause of failure. The informa­ and H-Coal. Our tasks have in­ replace the use of fuel oil and that is tion is reported to the pilot plant cluded evaluation of the environ­ now beginning operation at the operator and, through DOE and mental and health status of SRC University of Minnesota (Duluth) the National Bureau of Standards, processes, net energy analysis, heating plant. The model will to the fossil energy community. materials testing and failure anal­ permit DOE and other federal We are providing major support ysis, technology reviews, and re­ agencies to judge the potential to TVA for its 20-MW(e) pilot and view of design-related demonstra­ health and environmental impacts 200-MW(e) demonstration plant tion plant information for SRC-I and consequent environmental ac­ projects to test the applicability of and SRC-II. ceptability of further commercial­ fluidized-bed technology in large Chuck Boston's Fossil Energy ization of low-Btu gasification utility boilers. Materials reliability Environmental Project is carried processes. Eight ORNL divisions in the fluidized-bed combustion out in collaboration with DOE and support these evaluations, which atmosphere is a key issue that is its industrial partners on all six are specific both to the process and being addressed by ORNL. Work major synfuels-from-coal demon­ to the site. by John Jones and Bob Holcomb strations now under way. The work Conservation Consulting. Since of the Engineering Technology involves both technical recom­ 1977, Mike Kamitz of the Energy Division also includes coal-feed mendations for monitoring pro­ Division and Mitch Olszewski of testing, bed-slumping tests, and grams and preparation of en­ the Engineering Technology Divi­ sulfur-capture tests using TVA vironmental impact statements sion, working under Irv Spiewak, coals and limestones in ORNL's required by the National Environ­ have been studying the application bench-scale facility. We are work- mental Policy Act. of a new hot water district heating

6 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Fred Hurst works in the laboratory where members of the Chemistry and Chemical Technology divisions developed the DEPA­ TOPO process for extracting uranium during production of phosphoric acid.

manufacturers, and potential mu­ nicipal and industrial users. The next major demonstration will be a 200 m 3/ d plant to be built in cooperation with the city of Knoxville. Representatives from several industries, including those for potato processing and meat packing, also have sought our as­ sistance in .developing ANFLOW­ based technologies for onsite wastewater treatment. Another environmental control contribution is a development by Chuck Hancher and Brad Patton of the Chemical Technology Division. system based on Swedish tech­ mated to offer savings of 2% ofU .S. Their treatment technology, which nology in the Minneapolis-St. Paul energy usage. Glass furnaces alone uses bacteria, was applied to solve metropolitan area. The base heat account for a potential savings a discharge problem at the Ports­ supply will probably be cogenera­ of nearly $1.5 million per day mouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, tion coal power plants, resulting in in equivalent oil at $3.81/m3 where a nitric acid solvent waste significant savings of fuel oil and ($24/ bbl). However, higher effi­ stream would not have met im­ natural gas. The study, conducted ciencies available through glass pending EPA standards using cooperatively with state and local furnace recuperation in place of present procedures. Portsmouth governments and Northern States current systems have not been re­ will use the pilot plant data to Power, has stimulated the forma­ alized, primarily because of tech­ design a production unit with a tion of a nonprofit St. Paul District nology and materials limitations. daily capacity of 200 to 1000 kg of Heating Development Corporation Vic Tennery of the Metals and nitrous oxide. under the leadership of the mayor Ceramics Division, under a pro­ We have witnessed the increas­ of St. Paul. The Laboratory will gram initiated by DOE's Office ing contribution of the social continue its management and con­ of Industrial Programs, has sciences to ORNL programs, par­ sulting role in the first demonstra­ been evaluating potential refrac­ ticularly in impact assessments tion of this fuel-efficient heating tory structural ceramic materials of energy facilities. We have also system for a major U.S. metropoli­ as candidates for use in glass assisted DOE's Office of Energy tan area. Happily, throughout our furnace recuperators with exhaust Research as it considers the need conservation program, there are gas temperatures up to 1370°C. to recognize the social sciences many similar examples of R&D This is significantly above the more broadly as basic energy that is moving out of the laboratory 980°C limit on present stainless sciences. In this role we have and into commercial demonstra­ steel recuperators imposed by identified research needs and tion or applications of the type creep, corrosion, and oxidation. helped link DOE with the social described here. Extensive consultation with poten­ science research community. An­ In the industrial sector, a truly tial users in the high-process-heat other contribution has been to help enormous potential exists for fuel industries is part of this test build impact assessment into the savings among the four major program. energy policymaking process, as users of process heat-the steel, The Laboratory's energy-con­ was done by a task force led by glass, aluminum, and cement in­ serving wastewater treatment sys­ Tom Wilbanks toward the formula­ dustries. Use of waste heat recu­ tem, ANFLOW, is leading to ac­ tion of the second National Energy peration systems has been esti- tive consultation with designers, Plan this past year.

SPRING 1980 7 Internal Interaction sion has developed fast-gas mix­ ORNL metallurgists Bob Gray and Gerry tures that make possible the Slaughter were called to West Hackberry, Louisiana, to determine the cause of a fire in Although consulting is most highest known drift velocities a salt dome storage cavern. frequently considered an interac­ in radiation detectors such as tion with outside organizations, ion chambers and proportional there are also excellent examples counters, enhancing their back­ in which ORNL as a consultant ground rejection capability and of problem solving within the and a catalyst is dealing with real­ Laboratory where expertise in one increasing the maximum count life problems and providing real­ area helps to solve problems in rate. These fast gases will be used time solutions. another. For example, far-infrared in a new generation of high­ formic acid lasers developed by sensitivity fission counters being Don Hutchinson of the Physics developed by Manfred Kopp and ical Hi hli Division provided the diagnostic Ken Valentine of the Instrumenta­ capability used by the Fusion tion and Controls Division. Other Because the preceding discus­ Energy Division to measure plas­ applications are in position-sensi­ sion began with the technologies, I ma electron densities and current tive proportional counters, which shall start this accounting of some profiles on ISX-B. This tool is require high count rates for effi­ R&D highlights with the sciences. important in evaluating a number cient detection of synchrotron ra­ The first two come from the areas of of important plasma properties, diation in small-angle x-ray scat­ atomic and nuclear physics. including magnetic island forma­ tering experiments and in radio­ Channeling Radiation. In 1979, tion and rapid plasma density and nuclide imaging and transmission ORNL collaborated in the dis­ magnetic field fluctuations. radiography in nuclear medicine. covery of channeling radiation, a Loucas Christophorou of the To me, these examples provide phenomenon identified recently by Health and Safety Research Divi- an impressive catalog of the ways Science News as one of the top ten

8 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review John Jones and Bob Holcomb at ORNL's bench-scale fluidized bed that will be tested by TVA in a demonstration plant.

mers. These isomers are formed when a beam of heavy ions bombards a target of uranium or similar heavy element in an accel­ erator such as the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron. Until this technique using lasers was demon­ strated by members of the Physics, Analytical Chemistry, and Health and Safety Research divisions, it had been virtually impossible to study any of the 35 known fission­ ing isomers because these excited nuclei exist for only a thousandth to a billionth of a second before decaying. In their normal nuclear ground states, nuclei of actinides such as developments in physics in 1979. Physics Division used our tandem uranium and americium are per­ Channeling radiation is a stream Van de Graaff accelerator to dis­ manently deformed and resemble of intense, directed x rays emitted cover a resonant coherent excita­ footballs, each with one axis when particles pass through a tion effect when positive ions about 20% longer than the crystal. It was demonstrated for stripped of all but one elec­ other. However, it has been the first time at the Electron­ tron (such as N6+) are channeled thought that fission isomeric states Positron Linear Accelerator at through silver or gold crystals. are larger and more deformed. Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, This highly excited state provides Now, the new ORNL technique, where Sheldon Datz of the Chem­ new insight into the influence of laser-induced nuclear polariza­ istry Division and John Barrett crystal fields on the electronic tion (LINUP), has provided the of the Solid State Division worked energy levels of ions penetrating first direct experimental proof for with scientists from Stanford solids and also on the electrons of the large deformations expected University and Lawrence Liver­ the solid. For example, as the for fission isomers. Specifically, more Laboratory. The experiments heavy ion plows through the sea of LINUP has found that spon­ showed that the swift passage electrons in the crystal, it creates a taneously fissioning isomers of of positrons or electrons through wake of increased electron density 240 Am are also shaped like foot­ open channels in a silicon crystal that trails behind the ion. The balls- only more elongated, with produced a new kind ofx rays. This negatively charged wake acting on one axis about twice as long as the channeling radiation is unique in the positive ion generates a new other. that it contains only a very narrow electric field that interacts with the The acronym LINUP is very band of energies and is tunable and forces exerted by lattice-bound appropriate since the technique highly directional. Applications atoms. uses a laser beam to line up the may develop in chemistry, physics, Laser-Induced Nuclear Polariza­ fleeting nuclei so that they fission and medicine. tion. In another truly fascinating prefereiltially in one direction. The It is fitting that ORNL have a achievement in the world of fast­ difference between the known fre­ hand in the latest achievements in moving particles, a team of physi­ quency for ground-state 240 Am and channeling research because ion cists led by Curt Bemis of the that for the fission isomer is the channeling in solids was dis­ Physics Division has developed a optical isomer shift, which pro­ covered here in the early 1960s. In new technique for determining the vides a direct measure of the another development, groups led unique size, shape, and other change of nuclear volume, or by Datz and Charlie Moak of the nuclear properties of fission iso- deformation.

SPRING 1980 9 Pyrolysis in Coal. In the basic Wilson Pitt at the ORNL-deueloped energy sciences, the Chemistry wastewater treatment system, ANFLOW, which will be demonstrated soon by the city Division has several projects under of Knoxville. way to facilitate understanding of the chemical reactions underly­ ing coal liquefaction processes. least ten elementary reactions are One current study, conducted required to describe the free-radical by Ralph Livingston and Henry decomposition of bibenzyl. Zeldes, examines pyrolysis, which Liquefaction Research. Other occurs when coal is heated to such surprises have resulted from high temperatures that it decom­ joint experiments performed by poses, breaking down complex Poutsma and a group of engineers polymers into simpler compounds in the advanced technology section to make liquids. Pyrolysis also of the Chemical Technology Divi­ produces free radicals, that is, sion. Simulating direct coal lique­ molecules and atoms possessing an faction processes, which involve odd, unpaired electron. A method to slurrying pulverized coal in a identify free radicals and follow process-derived solvent and heat­ their reactions at high tempera­ ing it under hydrogen pressure at tures would provide more informa­ 450°C, the researchers observed tion on the type and sequence of organic reactions involving the events that occur in coal during various functional groups in coal sperm from males that have been pyrolysis. and the process solvent. One dis­ treated with the chemical under Fortunately, such a method covery, made by John Larsen of the investigation. exists using electron spin reso­ Chemistry Division and also The The study suggests that appar­ nance spectroscopy to detect mag­ University of Tennessee, is that of ently negative results from the netism caused by the unpaired the ability of phenol to liquefy coal dominant lethal test may be the electron in a free radical. This in the absence of additional hydro­ result of the ability of the egg cells method promises to be a powerful gen. This suggests the possibility to repair damage done to the tool for studying free-radical reac­ of using hydrogen originally pres­ fertilizing sperm and that the tions. Our extension of such studies ent in the coal structure to produce results might be significantly dif­ to fluids at high temperatures has hydrogen-rich liquids for fuel ferent if another mouse strain were been the first application of this rather than using externally pro­ used. The fundamental signifi­ technique to pyrolysis of hydro­ duced hydrogen. cance of this discovery is far carbons that are models for coal. A Genetic Repair. In the Biol­ reaching because for the first number of radicals have been ogy Division, geneticists led by time a repair-deficient laboratory positively identified by their spec­ Walderico Generoso have discov­ mammal is available for studying trum at 500 to 600°C. Examples ered a phenomenon having impor­ repair processes. The discovery include the benzyl radical formed tant implications for screening could also provide a new under­ by the decomposition of the biben­ studies on chemical mutagens. standing of the important relation­ zyl molecule, a model for weak They found that mouse egg cells ship between repair processes and carbon-carbon bonds in coal. It is are able to repair genetic damage mutagenesis, teratogenesis (the noteworthy that the reaction yields in the sperm that fertilized them production of a highly abnormal toluene and has been found to be and that different genetic strains fetus), and carcinogenesis. Because reversible. of mice vary widely in their ability cancer causes are not only elusive Complementing these spectros­ to perform this repair. The findings but unavoidable, the understand­ copic studies is a series of investi­ are particularly important to toxi­ ing of repair is truly important. gations by Marv Poutsma of the cologists who work with the widely New Mutagen. Another Biology Chemistry Division. Kinetic and used "dominant lethal" test for Division discovery by Bill Russell product analysis methods that also mutagen screening. In this test, and colleagues has received wide promise to provide clues to what mutagenicity-the ability to dam­ attention. This is a laboratory is happening in high-temperature age chromosomes- is determined chemical called ENU, which is by coal reactions are used. One study, by the percentage of embryo deaths far the most powerful mutagen for example, has shown that at after an egg is fertilized with yet discovered. Tests reported by

10 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Ceramic Recuperator Analysis Facility FLUE GAS OUTLE DAMPER used at ORNL for experimental testing of

SUCTION PYROMETER AND structural ceramic heat exchanger REFRACTORY FL~E GAS COLLECTIO. SYSTEM materials in fossil fuel combustion L1 tNG environments at temperatures up to 1250°C. Results are used to determine BLOWER fuel-ash components damaging to state-of-the-art candidate ceramics and to VIEWPORT develop advanced materials for OPTICAL ' construction of very high-temperature heat PYROMETER exchangers for use in highly contaminated THE'lMvCOUPLE CON'IIECTOR environments.

CERA .... c TUBES tion of hydrogen and oxygen by photosynthesis, representing an intriguing way to capture and 'lE~'RACTORY convert solar energy into stored L'J G chemical free energy. The experi­ ments involve the use of a cell-free system composed of isolated chlo­ roplasts (spinach) as the starting FLuE GAS INLET material. Noteworthy in this de­ velopment is that all three of the known potential direct photo­ synthetic water-splitting systems [blue-green algae, green algae, and the chloroplast-ferrodoxin­ hydrogenase (CFH) system] have now been shown to photoproduce molecular hydrogen and oxygen for prolonged periods. The ORNL work is believed to be the first measurement of simultaneous pho­ toproduction of hydrogen and oxy­ gen in the CFH system. The data suggest that this system is capable of performing true biophotolysis of water. Although currently ob­ served rates of oxygen and hydro­ gen production are too low to be Russell in the November 1979 nature of mutation induction in of practical interest, it is believed Proceedings of the National Acad­ mammals because ENU can now that they can be improved sig­ emy of Sciences showed that the serve as a model compound in nificantly by additional study. The mutation rate with ENU was five exploring the effect of such factors ideal photosynthetic water-split­ times that of the most effective as dose response, dose fractiona­ ting system would perform hydro­ acute dose of x rays (600 R). The tion, sex, and cell stage on the genic photosynthesis in much the ENU rate was 15 times that mutagenic action of a chemical. same way that normal photo­ obtained with procarbazine, the Hydrogen and Oxygen Produced synthesis is performed. Hydrogen most mutagenic chemical previ­ in Photosynthesis. In the ex­ and oxygen would be evolved ously known in the mouse, and tended energy debate no one yet continuously in a ratio of 2:1 upon 87 times that of naturally occurring has suggested that green plants illumination with sunlight. This is mutations in mice. From a basic may be the answer. However, a challenging problem because it research standpoint, this develop­ Eli Greenbaum of the Chemical means taking over the photochem­ ment provides a foundation for Technology Division has demon­ ical machinery of photosynthesis further research into the actual strated the simultaneous produc- in a way that provides no obvious

SPRING 1980 11 An electron-positron linear accelerator at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory successfully demonstrated channeling radiation last year at the hands of a team that included Sheldon Datz and John Barrett. Here, Datz (center) discusses their achievement with California colleagues

0.12

0.01 A (electron donolty) 0.01 ta.u.) 0.03

-0.03 ·10 10 X (8.U.) A heavy positive ion creates a wake of electron density as it moves through a solid (in this case, away from the viewer). Oakley Crawford and Rufus Ritchie have shown that this wake has an appreciable effect on the electronic energy levels of the ion. metabolic benefit to the organism. Jack Lackey of its "sol-gel" ble solids containing up to 25 wt % Much fundamental information technology, developed over nearly simulated radioactive sludge can still is needed on the physics 20 years for reactor fuel fabrica­ be made by subjecting the cementi­ and chemistry of oxygen evolution, tion, to the fixation of radioactive tious mixtures to temperatures the movement of electrons through waste in either glass or crystalline from 100 to 250°C and pressures up the electron transport chain link­ forms. Materials typically sinter to 4.14 x 106 Pa (600 psi) for 24 h. ing the two systems, and the to strong spheres of minimum In actual practice the thermal manner in which these electrons porosity at temperatures several power of the incorporated waste are coupled to the hydrogenase hundred degrees lower than those would be used to help attain the enzyme. required for conventional powder temperature and pressure required Long-Term Waste Storage. In the processes. Our preparation of during hardening. The advantage nuclear area, the need for even Synroc pellets indicates that dense of these materials appears to be better stable long-term storage waste forms can be produced ease of use and low costs. forms to isolate and immobilize without the need for hot pressing Permanent Waste Isolation. On radioactive wastes continues to or melting, which would be more still another new frontier of waste attract high-quality and imagina­ complex for remote operation. form development, researchers in tive R&D. Many candidate forms Another promising host material the Solid State, Chemistry, Analyt­ and processes are being considered being developed by a team in the ical Chemistry, and Metals and in a national program to which Chemical Technology Division led Ceramics divisions have collabo­ ORNL is an important contributor. by John Moore involves the fixa­ rated on a potential candidate for The development of the ceramic­ tion of waste in concrete, in reality permanently isolating the longest­ metal (cermet) form as a spin-off a low-temperature ceramic. This lived nuclear wastes. Working un­ of our isotope target fabrication process could also be considered a der Lynn Boatner at the Transura­ activity in the Solid State Division spin-off-in this case, from our use nium Research Laboratory, they was described last year. This year, of cementitious grouts in the hy­ have synthesized a mineral called the Metals and Ceramics Division drofracture process to fix and monazite, a crystalline material reported another potentially im­ permanently dispose of locally found in nature (frequently a host portant spin-off from an estab­ generated low- and intermediate­ for thorium and uranium) and lished program. This was the level waste solutions. The group known to be stable for as long as a application by a group led by found that reasonably hard, dura- billion years. The studies show that

12 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Ralph Livingston, pictured, and Henry Waldy Generoso discovered agenetic repair Zeldes have been studying the mechanism mechanism in female germ cells which acts actinide ions such as Pu, Am, underlying coal pyrolysis. on damage in the sperm. Cm, and U can be incorporated into the synthetic monazite. Further­ Ceramics Division does not come with C. T. Ward in Combustion more, the actinide-spiked mona­ forth with an important new mate­ Engineering of Chattanooga, has zites grown in the laboratory are as rials development and this year is good ductility and high-tempera­ resistant to leaching as the natural no exception. One of these is a new ture strength comparable to type crystals. These results suggest that 9 Cr-1 Mo ferritic steel alloy 304 stainless steel. Minor alloying encapsulating nuclear wastes in considered to be a potential re­ elements such as tin, niobium, and synthetic monazites and embed­ placement for higher-cost, higher­ vanadium impart the unique prop­ ding them in a natural rock chromium stainless steel alloys erties of the new material, which is formation such as granite would currently used for superheaters now being prepared for testing in a effectively isolate the longest-lived in coal-fired plants. Successful TV A fossil plant superheater. radioactive materials from the demonstration of this material The Metals and Ceramics Divi­ human environment. would offer the advantage of sion has also reported significant Although it would not be practi­ lowering our dependence on un­ progress in developing alternative cal to grow spiked crystals in stable foreign sources of chro­ hard materials for cutting, grind­ making actual waste forms, it mium. This alloy has excellent ing, and wear-resistant applica­ appears that synthetic monazites resistance to stress corrosion and tions that are not dependent on can be formed from reactor fuel thermal shock. In addition, an all­ scarce foreign sources of supply. wastes by adding only small ferritic-steel alloy system would The usual material is cobalt­ amounts of phosphate chemicals eliminate the need for the dif­ bonded tungsten carbide, but co­ and calcining the mixture because ficult transition weld joints that balt is now classed as strategic and rare-earth oxides are already pres­ lessen system reliability. Until unreliably available. Work by ent in spent reactor fuel at rela­ now, such readily fabricable alloys Wayne Clark and C. F. Yen tively high concentrations. Further have generally had lower strengths has shown that titanium diboride, studies are planned to check the than austenitic steels at 500 to bonded by nickel, offers erosion feasibility of this still very experi­ 600°C and hence their use has resistance comparable to that mental approach. been restricted. The modified of cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide Materials Development. It is a 9 Cr- 1 Mo steel developed by and uses materials available in the rare year when the Metals and ORNL's Vinod Sikka, together United States. The Y-12 Plant has

SPRING 1980 13 Bill Russell heads the team that discovered ENU, the most powerful mutagen known to man.

A group led by John Moore has discovered that radioactive sludge can be fixed in cementitious grout with relative stability under high pressure and temperature. The sample on the right, with the hairline crack, was tested at 900°C for 24 h. confirmed its desirable charac­ develop its design in sufficient responsibility for the project and teristics for machine-tool applica­ detail to support eventual authori­ for technical coordination of the tions. zation of the ETF project. The national EBT program. Fusion Energy Research. The location of the design center here The outstanding fusion R&D fusion program continues its recent provides us with a very active achievement occurred with the string of successes. Based on the role in this key development and injection of up to 1 MW of neutral recent advances here and else­ demonstrates not only the breadth beam power into ISX-B, our current where, there appears to be growing and quality of our fusion program, tokamak experiment. This injec­ support by the scientists and but also our ability to organize, tion resulted in central values in both the administration and coordinate, and conduct a national of beta-the ratio of plasma pres­ Congress for accelerating the pace design effort crucial to the future of sure to magnetic field pressure­ of this program. Much of that fusion. of up to 8%. Plasma pressure discussion now centers on the This was also a year of substan­ may be taken as a measure of timetable for the Engineering Test tial achievement in the ELMO the fusion power produced, where­ Facility (ETF), which would bridge Bumpy Torus (EBT) Program. The as magnetic pressure is a mea­ the gap between near-term devices EBT, invented at ORNL, is now a sure of the power usage and such as the Tokamak Fusion Test leading alternative to tokamaks for cost. Thus the higher the value Reactor at Princeton and a long­ achieving power from fusion. A of beta, the more economical a term engineering prototype reac­ significant milestone has been the fusion reactor will be. So far, no tor, the final step before construc­ design effort this year culminating saturation of beta with beam power tion of a commercial demonstra­ in acceptance of a reference design or decrease in confinement time tion reactor. Early in 1979 ORNL's for the proof-of-principle experi­ has been observed. This is signifi­ selection as host site for the ETF ment. Under Laboratory direction cant because the values of beta Design Center was announced. The this activity will be the first actual achieved are even in excess of those ETF organization currently has a cooperative enterprise in which that would be expected for the onset staff of 20 people, most of them industry has been given almost of an instability predicted by ideal from industry. Its task will be to complete responsibility for design, magnetohydrodynamic theory. By establish technical requirements fabrication, and installation. The increasing neutral beam power for the major components of a Department of Energy has as­ further and changing the shape of prototype fusion reactor and to signed ORNL overall management the plasma, we hope to achieve

14 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Ron Baldwin steadies a commercially cast even higher betas with ISX-B lyst, both to outside organizations valve body as a crane moves it over his head, during the next two years. Assum­ and within our own structure. The while Vinod Sikka holds a centrifugally cast, cold pilgered boiler tube made for use in ing that there are no instabilities, it examples were taken from a year the TVA power plant at Kingston. Both appears that the projected beta that seemed particularly active. items are made of modified 9 Cr-1 Mo alloy, should shortly reach the reactor­ There were, of course, many as are the massive ingots shown. relevant regime, which is only other activities during this year. a factor of 2 to 4 from present We dedicated the Environmental covering of which will demonstrate achievements. Sciences Laboratory and applied an innovative approach to energy the finishing touches to that first conservation. Here ORNL is ·a Summ ry nd Out oo new major programmatic labora­ partner with Vanderbilt and The Scientifically and technically, tory and office space in many years University of Tennessee. We have 1979 has been another excellent for ORNL. We watched with eager seen the National Science Founda­ year for ORNL staff. As always anticipation as the final touches tion neutron scattering facility in the State of the Laboratory were also applied to the Holifield come into being and begin shake­ address, I have only been able to Heavy-Ion Research Facility and down operation. New waste facil­ give a few examples of those look forward in the next few ities have been completed, and a achievements from among many months to its operation. We saw the steam plant that releases us from outstanding contributions. I have groundbreaking for a companion dependence on oil and natural gas emphasized the continuing role of facility, the Joint Institute for and frees those resources for other ORNL as a consultant and cata- Heavy-Ion Research, the earth uses is now in operation.

SPRING 1980 15 Ruth M. Clusen, Assistant DOE Secretary for Environmental and Biological Sciences, contributions of that supporting involvement but, after working visited ORNL in 1979 to speak at the staff, but also by those who have with us for a while, became our dedication of the new Environmental left the Laboratory. In reminiscing strong supporters. Sciences Laboratory. they mention how often they Fortunately, this year there has appreciated the work and contribu­ been a reversal in the trend In addition to all that I have tions of those people, how easy it of reduced support for basic sci­ discussed, there is still another was to get so much done in so short ences within DOE. Last year the very significant factor, one that is a time, and what a unique asset President's budget for the first time not often mentioned explicitly but they are to the Laboratory. To these brought a meaningful increase in that is absolutely vital. That is the many people we owe our thanks the basic physical sciences. For role of our service and support again this year. FY 1981 we see a similar reversal in staff, whose members contributed I mentioned earlier, but it is im­ the downward trend for the life in a crucial way to all of the portant to reiterate, the significant sciences. In fact, there will be achievements that I have men­ contributions made by many in relative growth for the basic biolog­ tioned and to many others. establishing programs and direc­ ical sciences for the first time in Their innovations, ideas, tech­ tions that were nontraditional at many years. niques, and devotion have contrib­ ORNL but that are now part of the We see continuing growth in the uted and add up jointly to the fabric of the Laboratory. Recogni­ federal government's investment teamwork necessary for achieve­ tion is accorded those who tried so in R&D related to energy not only ment. I have been reminded of their hard and ultimately succeeded in in absolute value compared with all role not only by those individuals gaining the confidence for these other nations, but also as an currently at the Laboratory who activities. In many areas sponsors increase in the percentage of the come up to me and mention the were wary of ORNL's possible gross national product devoted to

16 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ------,

Tokamak experiment ISX.B demonstrated the success of neutral beam injection with new high values of beta- the ratio ofplasma pressure to magnetic field pressure, or the measure of fusion reactor efficiency.

to be part of a system that, as a result, must vacillate and be subject to turmoil. This is not conducive to excellence in research, nor does it result in an atmosphere in which the best thinking can be done. Finally, each year brings me new excitement in the discoveries that represent the outstanding work of the Laboratory. I hope that each of you similarly can share not only in the excitement of your own work, but also in that of your colleagues as it is published in articles and given other forms of recognition. Oak Ridge National Laboratory energy R&D. The Laboratory has The Joint Institute for Heavy-Ion Research can remain great only by continu­ will be housed in an energy-conserving certainly shared in and contributed building of innovative design. ing its committal to excellence toward that investment. and to the choice of important However, at the same time, we ble consequence of the pervasive and crucial problems for research. are impacted more directly by the nature of the energy problem and Again this year, I find enormous politics of energy R&D, a trend that the constituencies built up to reason to be proud of our past has been going on for the last few advocate different energy solu­ accomplishments and to be opti­ years. Perhaps this is an inevita- tions. It is nonetheless disquieting mistic for the future. ll!ID

SPRING 1980 17 BOOKS

Comp er Lib, by Theodor Nelson; distributed by the author, 702 S. Michigan, South Bend, IN 46618 (paperback, 5th printing, 1974). A two-in-one book, 69 and 59 pages respectively; $7.00. (Reviewed by David E. Fields, Health and Safety Research Division.)

heodor Nelson has worked of vignettes about computer­ a second loss in encountering and played with computers related topics. The topics are numerous penned-in changes and for much of his life, and Computer occasionally depicted by an deletions, not to mention the tiny Lib is his overview of computer annotated diagram but more often five-point type. The overall applications. The book is general in take the form of printed copy impression is that this was perhaps content and global in scope, ranging from a few lines to as much an experimental publication that examining the entire range of as two pages. The text is liberally was recognized by its readers for machine sizes and applications cross-referenced, as one would the valuable resource it truly is from computer graphics to services expect from an original thinker, only after it had been released. But purchased from one's local which the author obviously is. One why not "clean it up" in subsequent franchised computer network of his dreams is to implement a printings? It is possible that outlet. Nelson explains the latter truly elegant computer system Nelson (1) is publishing the books possibilities and his view of just called the Xanadu Machine, which himself and (2) suspects, probably what the local computer outlet would permit communication in correctly, that the books are should be in fascinating detail. "hyper-text." reaching his intended audience; he An unusual publication, Hyper-text in its simplest form therefore sees no need for Computer Lib is actually one work resembles a linearly organized improvements. If this is so, that comprises two titles: piece of writing such as this review however, I would be surprised "Computer Lib" and "Dream but with added lines from various because he is a former member of Machines." It resembles the dual sentence elements linked to words the senior staff of Harcourt Brace sci-fi pocket books of yesteryear · and phrases of a parallel text on an Jovanovich, Inc., and consultant to (except for its size, an unwieldy 27 x adjacent page.* For hyper-text to Bell Telephone Laboratories and 35 em) in that the first manuscript really work, one needs a more Columbia Broadcasting System starts on the front cover and is read powerful pointer capability, and laboratories. toward the back, whereas the that is where the computer becomes Nelson writes well, often in a second starts on the back cover and useful. I have written letters in my folksy style. His books, supposedly is read toward the front, the two own version of hyper-text, with written for the layman, are full of meeting in the middle. Each lines linking digressions and surprises, and I recommend them offering is printed upside down parallel thoughts, but to anyone who is interested in with respect to the other, so both unfortunately paper is not the gaining perspective on the subject. are perfectly legible. proper medium. More like magazines than books, This book does have deficiencies, *If the advantages of such a scheme are "Computer Lib" and "Dream the most glaring of which is the not immediately apparent, consider the Machines" each comprise a series lack of an index. The reader suffers value of footnotes.

18 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ------··------

In the accompanying article, C. S. Lisser states the case for quality assurance (QA). In 1976 he became the Laboratory's QA auditor after 21 years in the Instrumentation and Controls Division as a development and project engineer. In his present capacity he audits the QA programs of each of the ----- Laboratory's divisions and support organizations, counsels divisional OA coordinators , offers QA orientation to new employees , and conducts appropriate courses on the subject at all four Nuclear Division plants. To Lisser, QA is a way of formalizing the standard of excellence for which the Laboratory has long been known .

Wit All Deliberate Assuran£e QAatORNL By C. S. LISSER

e cannot prove that good we had the unremitting drive for that plan, and verify the data. The W maintenance prevents auto­ excellence imputed to old-time tool for this is the QA Program. At mobile accidents, nor can we prove Swiss clockmakers, we would not ORNL, as in other institutions, this that applying quality assurance need such systematic assurance. program is a collection of (QA) keeps our work trouble-free. But we must admit that the procedures to direct a disciplined But in both cases we rightfully clockmaker' s search for perfection handling of work. suspect that we improve our has been tempered somewhat in Quality assurance is employed in chances by looking ahead. The our civilization. We, too, are de­ scientific and technical work, in Laboratory's QA Program is our voted to our work; but it does space exploration, in food way of very deliberately seeking compete with jogging, chamber production, in medicine, and in freedom from doubt. The plan­ music, kids, boats, lawns, and most industries. Although it has ning, the double checking, the cabins. been practiced in all industrialized testing, and the proving are all Our work has become more countries, Japan was the first to part of ensuring the quality of intricate; our deadlines, more make it a national policy. Before our work. demanding; our research, less the war, cameras and optics Simply put, QA is the sys­ simple. To ensure quality, we must traditionally came from Germany, tematic search for quality. If carefully plan our approach, follow watches were made in Switzerland,

SPRING 1980 19 ... today the Laboratory is a respected leader in the judicious application of QA to research and development work

motorcycles came from Britain, Keeping the progress of work Stonehenge sighting ports and cars were built in the United unimpaired, both with respect to probably took their toll among States. Now the Japanese make all delays imposed by procedures and careless stone setters, and early these products, and we expect high those imposed by false starts and pottery must have been a risky quality when we buy them. failures is the goal of QA How export line. The Laboratory has been many false starts or failures QA Doctrinal QA came with the formally participating in a QA prevents we cannot say with industrial revolution. People began program for a decade. The Atomic certainty. We do total the costs of to check what had been produced in Energy Commission first directed fixing reported failures. What we cottage industry and on the farm to us to enter the field, primarily to cannot show is the amount of make sure that the product met the ensure the quality of work done for money we have saved because of needs. Improved communications the Division of Reactor the QA Program. led others to publish only doubly Development and Technology. We could probably say that if we checked work as defense against Since then other sponsoring had not practiced QA for the last immediate and heated refutations agencies have joined the ten years, Washington would have by colleagues elsewhere. movement, and today the channeled much less work here. Today we have arrived at the Laboratory is a respected leader in Without QA we might have concept of QA with the clearly the judicious application of QA to encountered environmental stated belief that one must plan the research and development work. problems like the Paducah oil spill whole job and that this planning Judicious is the operative word. into the sewers- except that our includes surveyi,ng possible Mindless conformity to regulations spill might have been radioactive. unexpected failures and means is self-defeating. We tailor the The fact is, we do not know what for their prevention. Quality implementation of the ORNL QA problems we have escaped through assurance is trying to ensure Program to the specific work. No the use of QA as a technical that what i5 developed and bench top assembly of glassware management tool. designed is what was intended is. nrima facie. a candidate for QA Quality assurance must have and that the product will answer procedures; nor is classical, always been a self-governing the need. disciplined QA adaptable to paper feature of man's work. Arrows and However, we must bear in mind studies. On the other hand, ORNL axes either worked well or the that a product is not necessarily an staff members are expected to developer paid the supreme penalty object. At ORNL the scientist turns adopt all reasonable measures to for slipshod work. Cave shelters out a data product, the engineer ensure that work is done well, were either designed for efficient translates research into correctly, repeatably, and ventilation or had to be abandoned development and design, the reportably. posthaste in the morning. The tall craftsman builds the engineered

20 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ... most research and development installations have QA programs ...

units, and administrators and they can successfully plan their professionals have enjoyed other personnel produce the services, fit clients to destinations, considerable authority and support base that is so vital in our and have alternative action plans independence. This autonomy, civilization. Is it reasonable to to take care of unexpected failures. however, does not preclude apply the concept of formal QA to The travel industry uses check­ professional and institutional our work at ORNL? Absolutely. In listen surveys that are filled out by responsibility for quality." fact, most research and scouts sent to reconnoiter Our approach to QA at ORNL is development installations have conditions such as the quality of simple: Whenever a job of any size QA programs, as do service the beaches, the fitness of the town is under consideration, we look at industries where no manufactured for different age groups, and the what we are about to do and product is involved, such as the distance from the hotel to the evaluate whether normal good health care industry and even the entertainment centers. Other practice will get the job done right tourist industry. procedures instruct the staff how to the first time. The evaluative look The German Quality Society react to specific problems and is recorded on a one-page QA publishes a periodical in which I procure alternatives and even how assessment form. If the form found an interesting article about to take care of a krisen-notfall concludes that good practice will QA applied to tourism. The (when everything goes sour). A not necessarily ensure an excellent interviewed head of the travel hundred thousand clients a year chance of success, then we make a bureau extolled QA in glowing write in to laud, inform, or QA plan to spell out what "shoals" terms and cited standard QA complain, and their comments are we foresee and means for avoiding procedures employed in his punctiliously fed into the computer them. Then, having carefully industry. "Quality," he said, in free data packages for each tour, city, planned our action, we make sure translation, "is fitness for intended hotel, and time of year. that the plan is followed. If the plan use. That applies to services as well As for the health care does not work, we report the failure as to products. Travel is a pure professionals, it is my guess that to ensure that the same mistake service industry, and we apply QA they lead all other professionals in will not be made again. The ORNL successfully." Much of the the use of QA techniques. They are staff is expected to "look before motivation for using the technique perhaps more exposed to legal leaping." This makes good sense, probably comes from lawsuits and penalties for uncertain quality, but and the ORNL QA Program damage awards filed against still they have identified the need requires it. CD travel agents, airlines, hotels, etc., for and do use QA. As a report when services fail to measure up to published by the Veterans promises. Regardless of the Administration Research Hospital incentive, these people show that in Chicago puts it: "Health

SPRING 1980 21 more energy levels of the gas, the ionization signal is greatly enhanced and the resulting spectra are simplified. information meeting highlights Williamson and Compton pioneered the two-laser technique and applied it to the iodine molecule. The optical spectrum of molecular iodine is exceedingly complex , and molecular spectroscopists have HEALTH NO SAFETY RESEARCH. Compton, Ashley Williamson (a former spent lifetimes interpreting the spectra postdoctoral student from the California of 12 . However, the 12 spectrum is arch 5 and 6 Institute of Technology) , and John Miller greatly simplified when . two laser pho­ have used pulsed dye lasers to photo­ tons are in resonance with the 12 energy ionize the rare gases xenon , krypton , levels- that is, when one photon is tuned · ho 11 S and argon as well as gaseous organic to a particular vibrational and rotational A high-powered dye laser tightly fo­ compounds such as benzene, methyl level of iodine and the other is tuned in cused on target molecules can ionize iodide, pyrrole, furan , naphthalene, and the region of 5 x 10-3 m (5000 ..&.) . the molecules and , in many cases , blow uranocene. At sufficiently high power Compton , Miller, Ada Carter, and them into multiple fragments. For ex­ levels , a laser beam of any wavelength Peter Kruit (a visiting scientist from ample, if visible light is tightly focused will ionize a gas, but the ionization the FOM Institute in Amsterdam) have into benzene vapor, the ions resulting signal will be enhanced if the photons pioneered a new technique called MPI from bombardment of this carbon­ are in resonance with one or more of the photoelectron spectroscopy (MPI-PES) . hydrogen compound (CsH 6 ) are W, c·. gas energy levels. That is, if the photon Tom Carlson and Manfred Krause of the and Ci . The ion and electron fragments has the exact energy (wavelength) re­ Chemistry Division are well known in can be detected by a mass spectrometer, quired to raise the outer electron of an the area of conventional photoelectron an electron multiplier, or a proportional atom or a molecule from a lower to a spectroscopy (PES) , a technique whereby counter. higher energy level , the eventual ioniza­ photons from a helium light source are Bob Compton and his colleagues in the tion of the atom or molecule will be used to expel electrons from a target Health and Safety Research Division resonantly enhanced. A strong ionization gas. An electron energy analyzer mea­ (HASRD) have been bombarding gas signal in the target gas indicates that the sures the range of kinetic energies molecules with laser photons whose laser is properly tuned and that the of ejected electrons. Compton and his combined energy strips away the loosely photons are in resonance . colleagues have studied the kinetic en­ bound outer electrons of the target gas. This information on the energy absorp­ ergies of electrons knocked loose by This technique, called multiphoton ion­ tion spectra of the atom or molecule multiple photons for the first time. Says ization (MPI) , permits the determination adds to the scientific understanding he: "We're finding some interesting dif­ of previously unknown molecular energy of the properties and structure of the ferences in the kinetic energy spectra levels . The technique can also use species. In particular, energy levels of electrons produced by MPI as opposed visible light from the laser to excite the that cannot be absorbed in one-photon to single-photon ionization ." target gas into the vacuum ultraviolet processes may be allowed in multiple­ Perhaps the most fascinating finding region of the spectrum , a region of invisible photon absorption. Scientists have of MPI studies at ORNL has been the light that has a shorter wavelength than mapped the absorption spectra for single observation of MPI as a function of gas the visible spectrum and can only be used photons in various atoms and molecules pressure. P. M. Johnson at the State in a vacuum because it would be totally for the last 50 years . However, mole­ University of New York reported that MPI absorbed by air. According to Compton , cules can be excited to other energy had not enabled him to detect the lowest MPI appears to be the most selective levels by absorption of two photons known resonance level of xenon. He did , analytical technique for identifying and simultaneously. In fact, according to however, observe strong ionization sig­ quantifying pollutants because of its rigid selection rules, some energy states nals when he tuned his laser to higher ability to differentiate among isomers can be achieved by absorption of two energy levels. His studies of xenon were (molecules that differ in structure but not in photons but not one, and vice versa. If it carried out at pressures above 133 Pa mass) . The method is expected to be useful is possible to use photons having two or (1 torr). However, when Miller and in 14 C dating and in many other areas of more different wavelengths so that the Compton tried five-photon ionization on mass spectrometry. photons are in resonance with two or xenon at pressures less than 133 Pa,

22 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review they observed the lowest resonance level alpha-emitting actinides from fuel cycle Cost studies and risk analyses have to produce the most intense ionization wastes , and in the transmutation of been performed to determine P-T viabil­ signal of xenon's MPI spectrum . The these actinides to less harmful iso­ ity. Incremental costs of P-T were a little ORNL group has obtained similar results topes by neutron irradiation has led under 1.3 mills/kWh(e) [$9.2 x 106 per with krypton and argon. to a feasibility study reported by GW(e)-year], equivalent to 2.9% of the Why is intense ionization of rare Allen Croff. Partitioning-transmutation average cost of U.S. residential elec­ gases observed at low pressures, (P-T) is a method of treating wastes tricity in 1978, or $1.50 for each person. whereas none is seen at high pressures? before subsequent disposal. The risk analyses showed that P-T Ray Garrett, head of HASRD's Chemical The candidate nuclides are primarily increased the relative short-term radio­ Physics Section , and Marvin Payne have the transuranic actinides, with special logical risk ~Y a factor of 5 and the proposed a theory: When the laser interest given Np, Pu , Am , and Cm. Of dominant nonradiological risks by a photons are tightly focused in xenon , the secondary interest are the long-lived factor of -3. The expected long-term resulting excited xenon atoms are close fission products 1291 and 99 Tc . These health effects, integrated over a mil­ and begin to "feel" each other. As nuclides would be found in a wide vari­ lion years of repository life, showed the pressure increases, the average ety of wastes produced by spent-fuel re­ a person-rem equivalent of 25,500 com­ separation between the excited atoms processing and uranium/ plutonium fuel pared with the reference figure of 25,800 . is so small that they form a collective fabrication plants. Thus the benefit of P-T is a reduction of state and radiate collectively on a time The proposed actinide separation and about 300 person-rems per GW(e)-year. scale much shorter than the radiation recovery method for the high-level The study showed this benefit to be lifetime of a single, excited xenon atom. wastes involves additional Purex extrac­ equivalent to about 0.001 % of natu­ Because the light emitted by the collec­ tion during its generation followed by ral background radiation . Moreover, the tive state has an energy of exactly three bidentate extraction of actinides and impacts of the actinides are virtually times that of the exciting laser photon, trivalent lanthanides and separation of eclipsed by the long-lived 99 Tc and 129 1. it is called third-harmonic generation the trivalent actinides by cation ex­ Therefore, the costs and short-term light. The key point is that the ionization change chromatography. Recovery of risks of P-T, balanced against the long­ disappears because the third-harmonic actinides from salt wastes is based on term risk reduction , result in a net light depletes the excited states that alcohol extraction followed by tributyl increase in risk (because the short-term would be ionized by the laser. phosphate (TBP) and bidentate extraction increase is greater than the long-term Payne and Garrett developed a theory steps. Solid wastes are prepared for reduction) as well as substantial short­ of harmonic light generation together actinide recovery by leaching with nitric term costs. Because P-T increases the with the collective state phenomenon . acid containing either hydrofluoric acid neutron activity of fuels , the actinides Fortunately, in the case of xenon and or eerie nitrate. would require more stringent protection other rare gases, their theory and the Transmutation of actinides i"s entirely in the form of thicker shielding , remote experimental results agree. Also , this feasible in thermal reactors and liquid­ handling, and esoteric shipping cask vacuum ultraviolet light is bright, pulsed , metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs) in design. tunable , and very monochromatic and a variety of recycle modes. Recent The study group concluded that acti­ can be used for a multitude of purposes, studies have shown that fusion reactors nide partitioning appears to be feasible some of which are being studied in are not as effective for actinide trans­ with current technology, but the small HASRD. One important application is mutation as was orig inally thought. benefits make its practice or further the detection of hydrogen atoms in Actinide transmutation rates in thermal investigation inadvisable. Partitioning of tokamak plasmas. reactors proved to be about 6.4% per 129 1 is probably feasible , but transmuta­ full-power year of reactor operation , or tion is most likely not. The feasibility about 3% per calendar year , and about of 99 Tc partitioning is unknown , but its CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY. 50% higher in an advanced-oxide LMFBR . transmutation appears to be feasible . If The low transmutation rate for 129 1 conservative repository risk analyses March 24 and 25 (about 3% per full -power year) and other continue to be used, there may be Partitioning and Transmutation of Actinides problems make its transmutation un­ incentives for reducing the levels of from Radioa ive a es likely; however, the transmutation rate these latter two nuclides. for 99 Tc , about 11% per full-power Recent interest in waste partitioning, year, makes its transmutation probably which is the separation and recovery of feasible .

SPRING 1980 As he makes clear in the accompanying reminiscence, physicist Bill Good came to the Laboratory in the very early days. In 1974 he left the Physics Division to join the Health Physics Division, from which he retired in 1978. He frequently consults for his former colleagues, however. He is shown here with fellow retiree Art Snell (standing) at the high-voltage terminal of the now defunct 3-MV Van de Graaff accelerator, which is stripped of its protective shell. On the left is the radio-frequency ion source developed for it by Charlie Moak. During its operation, the entire terminal was held at up to three million volts positive potential with respect to ground. The pioneer accelerator was decommissioned in the summer of 1979.

12ememberan£e~ vf an 4££eleratvr ()a~t

By WILFRED M. GOOD

n July 1979 a short ceremony of the Atomic Energy Advisory Alvin Weinberg had recently I formally ended the life of the Committee was that ORNL's sister become the new director of 3-MV Van de Graaff accelerator as laboratories at Los Alamos, research, and Art Snell had been an ORNL research tool. This Argonne, and Brookhaven were appointed as head of the Physics instrument, often referred to as the adequate to carry on the nation's Division. 3 MV, in its origin and during its program to develop nuclear energy Such was the climate when maturity saw the Laboratory for peacetime use; if ORNL were Weinberg and Snell asked me to develop from beginnings filled to continue its participation, it take the responsibility of starting a with uncertainty to the position of would have to continue without Van de Graaff accelerator respectability that it holds today. new facilities. Nevertheless, there program. The objective was clear: My connection with the 3 MV prevailed at ORNL a spirit of neutrons were the key to the new began in uncertain early days, and enthusiasm over the prospects for frontier of applied nuclear energy; my recollections begin around peaceful applications of nuclear to fully exploit neutrons, their 1948, when I had been at the energy and a strong conviction behavior must be thoroughly Laboratory for about two years. At that the Laboratory had understood; and the Van de Graaff that time the predominant opinion contributions to make. was the only known source of

24 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review neutrons of precisely determined Jack Gibbons and Dick Macklin in August, 1964, prepare for neutron capture experiments, energies above 1 keV. using the 3 MV. Their cross section measurements were to make cosmic theory history. My background did not include experience with accelerators, and I no applicable experience, no discontinued Y-12 operations, but a considered myself a weak funding, and no equipment. more significant item was a candidate for the responsibility At the zenith of its career, the General Electric betatron that the that I was asked to take. However, I 3 MV to which this article is Laboratory had purchased earlier. accepted it. My motivation was dedicated became a sophisticated However, this instrument was first the desire to contribute, if instrument for neutron research; obsolete almost before it was possible, to the realization of but in the beginning it was a rather delivered, and Snell courageously nuclear energy as the ultimate simple 2.5-MV electron accelerator. recommended that it be abandoned energy source, beginning with The evolution from a 2.5-MV device in favor of one that produced nuclear fission, and second, the to the 3-MV instrument took place positive ions. desire to broaden my horizons. during a period of time that Knowledge came from The undertaking called, of extended roughly from 1950 to Don Richardson that the course, for some sort of group 1964. The course of that evolution Chemistry Division had another endeavor; the first step in this was strongly influenced by the resource in the form of a 2.5-MV direction came about when initial condition that we electron accelerator. The eventual Charlie Moak agreed to join me in necessarily had to "make do" with acquisition of this machine for the effort. Thus the Physics what we had on hand. The protons was somewhat Division acquired a Van de Graaff resources at hand included an coincidental in that group-a group of two persons with assortment of materials from the Dick Lamphere, an engineer in the

SPRING 1980 25 Instrumentation and Controls target with the proton beam in nanoseconds. This problem was Division, had worked with produces a stream of neutrons. solved by John Neiler, who was Professor Trump at the By this time changes were taking relatively new in the Physics Massachusetts Institute of place in the Laboratory and new Division. Time-of-flight data Technology to develop the personnel were coming in at a proved to be voluminous, and other prototype of the machine. Thus, we steady rate. In particular, the new division members, Phil Miller proposed a joint program between Physics Division was acquiring and later John Biggerstaff, the Chemistry and the Physics personnel to support a Van de adapted the data to computer divisions to convert the electron Graaff accelerator program. Two of processing so that the mass of accelerator to a proton (positive the persons were Joe Bair, who information could be efficiently ion) accelerator compatible with brought with him the 5-MV Van de managed. It was not long after electrons, provided Lamphere Graaff that he had promoted for neutron measurement became could be induced to engineer the Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion more or less routine that the need to conversion. Clancy Hochanadel of Aircraft, then being merged with supplement two-parameter data and John Ghormley of the ORNL, and Joe Fowler, who was to with three-parameter data became Chemistry Division, for whom the direct the new and larger Van de apparent. Neiler and Biggerstaff, 2.5-MV electron machine was Graaff laboratory. The time had along with certain foreign principally procured, agreed to the thus come to dedicate the 3 MV participants, provided an on-line plan, and Lamphere joined us in fully to neutron investigation. solution, which was novel at the our efforts. Although it was already partially time. Space does not permit a detailed devoted to neutron study, the However, neutron intensity chronicle of the immediately soundest approach to full-time remained a problem. Thus, when ensuing developments and their dedication seemed to be an P.R. Bell brought with him from anecdotes. Briefly, Lamphere adaptation for applying to fast his visit to the Soviet Union word made some calculations from neutrons the time-of-flight about a radically different ion which he reached the hopeful principles that had proved so source invented by Von Ardenne conclusion that the 2.5-MV electron successful for slow neutrons. and called the duoplasmatron, he accelerator might be converted to 3- The plan to utilize time-of-flight promoted a renewed interest in ion MeV protons-subject, however, to principles for fast neutrons sources. Moak, who investigated the disturbing condition that an imposed challenging new the source, found it to have ion source having ten times the problems. To begin with, there was singular advantages and adapted efficiency of those currently in use the problem of using the full beam it to Van de Graaff use. To achieve could be devised. Lamphere potential ofthe new source without the ultimate with this source brought with him an electrical sacrifice. It already seemed clear consistent with the available engineer, Rutledge King, and that essentially the only approach power, King, in a separate several technicians, thus providing was the novel one of producing the development, provided klystron the Physics Division with required 10-ns proton bursts inside bunching at the terminal so that considerable expertise and a the terminal (at 3 MV potential) the inevitable energy spread consequent saving of time. prior to acceleration rather than associated with burst production The development of the ion using the prevailing practice of could be profitably used to further source was undertaken by postacceleration burst production increase the intensity of the pulses Charlie Moak, who, in due time, on the emerging beam. The scheme at the target. Thus for a short time, produced a new type with was successfully accomplished in the 3 MV reached the pinnacle as a essentially the required due time by Moak and source for neutron studies at characteristics. By good fortune, Rutledge King, although mention energies above 2 keV. Other almost simultaneously should be made of participation by contributors to the development Lamphere's accelerating tube that Cleland Johnson, especially for his and operation of the 3 MV include he had designed for protons was observation that the "beam­ Gene Banta for the successful completed. It was a great day when chopping" employed for burst targets and for general planning, the 2.5-MV electron machine production introduced an energy John Judish for execution of delivered a 3-MeV beam of protons spread in the pulsed beam. details and efficient day-to-day of record proportions-more Data acquisition was a separate operation of the instrument, and protons, in fact, than we knew how matter that brought with it at once Jim Johnson for the ingenious and to use. Bombarding a lithium the new problem of measuring time intricate spatial designs in the

26 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ------

terminal; all were members of the flight, a full-time program of contribution was in furthering the Instrumentation and Controls neutron reaction study above Laboratory effort to demonstrate Division. 2 ke V neutron energy was ion-beam plasma heating and A genuine need for further initiated. The measurements were enter into the field of increases in neutron intensity still then made in the distinguishable thermonuclear research and existed. The technology and areas of total cross sections, development. Pilot experiments principles of positive-ion-induced radiative capture cross sections, under the direction of Bell and neutron pulses had been radiative capture gamma-ray John Luce were expedited by using established by the 3 MV. However, spectroscopy, and fission. the 3 MV's ion source development the existing machine had reached Jack Gibbons, who was already and test equipment as well as its limits in regard to further experienced in isotopic cross prototype ion sources. The results development. Furthermore, a sections, helped Miller and Neiler provided the basis for ORNL's competing device, the linear institute a systematic effort to exhibition at the first Geneva (electron) accelerator (LINAC), extend information on isotopic conference. An indirect which had undergone development total cross sections. Dick Macklin contribution to the Laboratory was elsewhere almost simultaneously later joined this group as it the 3 MV's influence on acquiring with the 3 MV at ORNL, had undertook the more difficult a modern computer at ORNL to greater versatility and flexibility problem of radioactive capture replace the obsolete Oak Ridge than had the 3 MV. Hence, to meet cross sections; their measurements Automatic Computer and Logical its future needs for greater of isotopic capture cross sections on Engine (ORACLE). The basis for neutron intensity, ORNL received the 3-MV pulsed Van de Graaff this computer was the requirement funds for the new LINAC. The made history by verifying for essentially on-line data 3 MV was slowly abandoned for quantitatively the theories processing for effective and neutron research in anticipation of propounded at California Institute efficient time-of-flight data superior results with this new of Technology by W. A. Fowler's acquisition. instrument. group, which regarded the origins When neutron study with the Throughout the development of the elements by nucleosynthesis 3 MV ceased by virtue of a newer period of the 3 MV, opportunities to in the centers of stars. Finally, and more intense neutron source, perform physics experiments were Biggerstaff joined the group and, the 3 MV continued to function in seized upon whenever in association with certain foreign other capacities-but that is circumstances permitted and visitors, successfully obtained another chapter for another modest contributions were made. resonant capture gamma-ray author. In retrospect, the 3 MV was In the course of the original ion spectra. This achievement was the a gamble. From the viewpoint of a source development, it was possible first of its kind above 2 keV, and physicist, the gamble was to study a few light charged­ interesting new results were to somewhat disappointing in that it particle reactions, principally by come. yielded no surprising new virtue of the unique availability at As soon as performance began to information and no new insights ORNL of H3 and He3. Thus, it was be routine, the neutron facility as crowning achievements for the possible (1) to establish the became available to researchers effort. Some measurements that existence of a doubtful state in the outside the Physics Division; the were made utilized properties that He5 and Li5 nuclides, (2) to show the studies of fission by Larry Weston were unique to the 3 MV, and these likely instability of the diproton to and Gerard DeSaussure and the may never be repeated. The establish new energy level schemes studies of neutron nonelastic refinements of detail that the for BeB and BB, and (3) to measure reactions by Francis Perey and instrument's higher resolution the cross sections for the He3 + Kirk Dickens, all of the Neutron gave to existing information He3 -+ He4 + 2 p stellar reaction. Physics Division, deserve special served to further confirm the After the 3 MV became mention. essential correctness of the basic operational and before it was In addition to its general understanding of neutron adapted for time-of-flight data, contributions to instrumental interactions.a neutron reaction study had already technology and to physics, the 3- commenced with a study of the MV project made modest angular distribution of fission contributions, both directly and fragments by Lamphere. indirectly, to Laboratory Following the adaptation to time of programs. Its most notable

SPRING 1980 lab anecdote Ioi Lasterren Wake-Potentziala Egoera Solidoan

former guest scientist of Basque language lacked the theory, which has been worked out the Laboratory and an capability of meeting the needs of further by Ritchie, Echenique, and ORNL physicist recently published scientific societies. Said the Werner Brandt of New York the first research physics article official: "One cannot talk about University (NYU). These ever printed in Basque, a language nuclear physics in Basque." experiments are being performed that has survived attempts to The interview gave Echenique at ORNL, NYU, Argonne National suppress it. the idea of writing a scientific Laboratory, Weizmann Institute in The former guest scientist is research paper in Basque. Ritchie Israel, and the Institute of Pedro Echenique, an enthusiastic approved the idea and offered Nuclear Physics in Lyon, Basque and collaborator of encouragement, so Echenique France. Some experiments have Rufus Ritchie, a well-known began writing the paper while shed light on the structure of theorist in ORNL's Health and working at the University of molecular ions penetrating solids. Safety Research Division and one Barcelona in Spain. A recent ORNL experiment that of several scientists recently Entitled "Wake Potential of helped substantiate the wake designated Corporate Research Swift Ions in Solids," this paper, theory resulted in the discovery of Fellow by the Nuclear Division of coauthored by Echenique and the "resonant coherent excitation" Union Carbide Corporation. Ritchie, was recently published in effect. Echenique first met Ritchie in 1975 the journal ELHUYAR, the only Echenique, who left ORNL in when the ORNL physicist was a publication in Basque that deals 1979 for the University of visiting professor at the Cavendish with the physical sciences. The California at Berkeley, is excited Laboratory, the physics article concerns the wake theory, by the publication of the physics department of Cambridge which was developed by article in Basque because of his University in England, where Jake Neufeld and Ritchie in 1955. interest in upgrading education Echenique earned his Ph.D. According to this theory, a swift · and encouraging academic In 1976 Ritchie invited positive ion passing through the scholarship and research among Echenique to ORNL as a "sea" of electrons in a metal crystal the Basques. His hopes for the postdoctoral fellow to conduct or liquid attracts electrons and academic advancement of the theoretical studies related to creates a "wake" of electron Basques are encouraged by the surface physics and the density that oscillates as it trails presence at ORNL of penetration of fast particles behind the ion. Various effects may Jacinto Iturbe, a young Basque through condensed matter. Shortly be caused by the electric field scientist who is working for after his arrival, Echenique created by the negatively charged Sam Hurst of the Health and learned of an interview with a high wake on the positive ion. Safety Research Division. Spanish official by the French Since 1973 a number of The Basques include about three magazine Paris-Match, in which experiments have helped to million people who live around the the Spaniard stated that the substantiate and resolve the wake Bay of Biscay on both sides of the

28 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Rufus Ritchie (left) discusses the wake theory with Pedro Echenique.

Occidental Pyrenees on the border resurrection of Basque has been Surrounded by Romance between France and Spain. achieved." languages, it is an island tongue. It Recently, the Basques were With financing from private is a linguistic treasure for language granted some autonomy by the sources, the Basque schools experts all over the world who are Spanish government. However, for (ikastolas) have begun teaching in fascinated by its grammatical many years after the Spanish Civil Basque at the elementary stage. structure and other peculiarities. War, the Basque language was Today, some university professors When Echenique left ORNL last forbidden at schools, and there was are teaching physics and year, he stated how much he no Basque radio, television, or chemistry in Basque at the appreciated the hospitality of newspapers. "It is not surprising University of Bilbao. Basque is a Ritchie's group and how pleased he that very little physics has been pre-Indo-European language of was to have collaborated with written in Basque," says western Europe, but it is not related Ritchie in writing the first physics Echenique. "What is really to any Indo-European language or research paper to be published in surprising is that Basque is alive at to the other two pre-Indo-European Basque. Or, as he put it in Basque, all. But it is alive, and thanks to the languages alive in "Fisika ikerketaz euskaraz idatzi work of many people, a Europe-Hungarian and Finnish. den lehen lanetan. "-C.K.

SPRING 1980 29 Research Impacts o EnvironmentalAssessments

By CAROLYN KRAUSE

ne of the first environmental (NRC) consists of thousands of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) reports drafted by a utility pages filling nearly 20 volumes, a was ordered to issue detailed in compliance with the National stack of which may equal the environmental impact statements Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) height of a ten-year-old child. for nuclear power plants in the of 1970 is 20 pages long. A decade The proliferation of paperwork planning stages or in operation. later, a typical environmental spawned by NEPA really began According to Tom Row, head of impact statement submitted to the after the landmark Calvert Cliffs the Environmental Impact Section Nuclear Regulatory Commission decision of July 23, 1971, when the of ORNL's Energy Division, the

30 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ,------·------.

Tom Row (left), Bob Craig, and Bud Zittel of Early large impact statements energy facilities has provided the Energy Division pore over an ORNL devoted hundreds of pages to the excellent guidance for the report. At top right is a three-volume discussion of fish protection, with development of these plans. environmental report to which ORNL made significant contributions. Row heads only a few pages dealing with The Laboratory has considered a ORNL 's Environmental Impact Section, reducing unfavorable impacts on number of questions raised by which prepares environmental assessments people. These priorities have NEPA assessments of potential and impact statements on federally funded changed because of NEPA inter­ impacts of nuclear power plants in projects in nuclear energy, coal conversion, pretations calling for considera­ an effort to find a balance between fossil fuel combustion, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, tion of power plant impacts on the costs and benefits that the and fusion. community as well as the American society considers environment. Thus, at ORNL the acceptable. Some examples are: Social Impacts Assessment Group How much radioactive material is early environmental reports were of the Energy Division was formed released to the environment by slim because of the vagueness of to examine the socioeconomic discharges of gases during normal the law and the paucity of research impacts of reactors on area operation of nuclear plants? What related to water quality and other residents during construction and are the impacts on aquatic environmental impacts of power during and after operation. Most of organisms passing through power plant operation. Since then, court today's impact statements plant cooling systems or exposed to decisions, changes in government include monitoring and mitigation heated water discharged by the agency posture, and impact plans to help communities prepare nuclear facility? What are the statement work performed by for adverse impacts that may environmental effects of cooling ORNL, Argonne National precede beneficial effects. Research towers? How can cooling water Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest on the construction and intake and discharge structures be Laboratory have firmed up the operational phases of these large constructed and operated to interpretation of NEPA. The questions raised by NEPA have also sparked a considerable amount of field research and computer modeling studies, the results of which have contributed to the expansion of environmental impact statements and assessments. Says Row: "The impact of this program on research at ORNL has been exceptional. It has broadened the scope of research activities into many new energy areas." Some of the environmental research and modeling work was done at ORNL, which has a wide range of disciplines and experience that could be applied to questions that ORNL writers of impact statements were trying to tackle. One well-known example of ORNL research pertinent to impact assessment is the work that led to the development of the temperature-sensitive ultrasonic fish tag to determine the effects on fish of heat discharges from power plants using ambient waters for " ... and in this room we keep the 5000-page statement on the impact on cooling. pulpwood forests of the environmental Impact statement efforts."

SPRING 1980 31 A temperature-sensing ultrasonic fish tag has been inserted into this striped bass from Cherokee Reservoir.

Fish Temperature Telemetry

Fish don't wander about just anywhere in the lakes, rivers, and estuaries that man wishes to use for energy developments such as power plant cooling. Siting facilities for minimal damage to fishery resources requ ires a knowledge of where important fish populations are located, when they are found at particular spots in daily and seasonal cycles, and what environmental cues lead them to certain habitats. Traditional methods of surveying each proposed site by collecting large numbers of fish with nets or other devices are both expensive and destructive of the resource we want to protect. Better methods became needed as the number of projected facilities rose dramatically about ten years ago. Early fishery studies of power plant impacts at Hanford on the Columbia River and at the Connecticut Yankee Atomic Plant on the Connecticut River demonstrated the values of ultrasonic transmitters for following fish movements past thermal discharges. The major drawback to these early studies was the difficulty of correlating movements with the environmental factors being changed, mainly temperature. It was also difficult to use these site-specific fish behavior data to predict responses at new sites, which is the major task of environmental impact assessments_ The need to accurately predict responses of fish species to temperature changes was apparent. One solution seemed to be with an electronic fish tag that would transmit temperature data as the fish responded to environmental changes. A temperature-sensing ultrasonic fish tag was thus developed at ORNL by Jim Rochelle of the Instrumentation and Controls Division. Since 1971, Chuck Coutant and his Environmental Sciences Division team have been using this fish tag in field research to determine temperature preference data. Preferential temperatures for adult largemouth bass (27°C), smallmouth bass (25°C), and striped bass (20°C) have been measured in local waters. Several companies now sell temperature-gathering telemetry equipment based on the ORNL device. The Tennessee Valley Authority and many other utilities or their consultants employ temperature telemetry as a standard procedure in field monitoring. Fish telemetry work at ORNL stimulated recognition of the importance of temperature selection for determining power plant impacts on fish. Thermal preferences of a species were found to correspond with its optimum temperature for growth, which is an important determinant of water temperature standards. Avoidance of temperatures above those preferred was recognized as a major mechanism for preventing environmental damages so long as cooler temperatures were available nearby. Routes and mechanisms of avoidance thus became key points for impact evaluations. The Laboratory has tabulated thermal preferences of nearly 100 fish species from a variety of literature sources for use in defining environmental requirements in impact assessments. These data are a standard reference tool of impact assessments today.

32 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review Aboard a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat, Tom Row takes part in a site visit to several Hudson River power facilities, including the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant seen in the background.

impact statements. This reputation is partly a result of our development and use of mathematical models for the assessment of power plant impact on aquatic environments. The various transport models and their computer codes were developed in 1971-73 in a joint program between ORNL and The University of Tennessee under the direction of Bill Fulkerson, now director of the Energy Division, and consultant minimize their impact on fish and during normal operation for all Arsev H. Araslan. other aquatic life? What impacts proposed nuclear power plants. For example, several models can result from discharge of This task was carried out by have been used for predicting the cooling system treatment Frank Binford and Tom Hamrick impact of multiple power plant chemicals such as chlorine to a of the Operations Division, operations on the aquatic life of the receiving body of water? assisted by George Parker of the Hudson River. Impacts are We have also studied problems Reactor Chemistry Division, calculated by simulating scenarios related to impacts of nonnuclear Michael Ball of the Chemical of accidental radionuclide releases, energy sources, such as the effects Technology Division (now with thermal discharges, formation of of geothermal energy development NRC), and Tom Row (then with the potentially hazardous chloramines on an American Indian Reactor Division). caused by chlorine discharges, and community, the environmental The result was a design for entrainment and impingement of effects of exploiting small dams for generating "source terms" for use fish by power plant cooling power generation, and electricity in calculating the nuclear plant's systems. These models save time demand forecasting. environmental impact due to and money in their site-specific gaseous radioactive effluents. analyses of power plant impact Source terms are lists of the and are in widespread use. Impacts of Nuclear Energy quantities of isotopes expected Fish Population Modeling. The Source from plant operation and the Fish Population Modeling Project Radioactive Emissions. Shortly fraction that would actually be started in 1971 when after the Calvert Cliffs decision, it released. The procedures are still in Phil Goodyear, formerly of the became apparent that the required use, with some modification. Environmental Sciences Division analysis of environmental impacts Binford and Hamrick also and now with the Fish and Wildlife of nuclear power plants on a mass developed a standard procedure Service of the Department of the basis could be greatly expedited by taking atmospheric dispersion into Interior, had to grapple with the standardizing some of the account to calculate the average question of entrainment mortality, analytical procedures. The dose rates to the public which result particularly of striped bass, at the Laboratory's Environmental from radioactive gaseous Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant Reports Project, formed in late 1971 emissions during normal on the Hudson River. Entrainment under Ed Struxness to aid the AEC operation. mortality refers to the killing of in preparing dozens of impact Unified Transport Approach. small organisms such as fish eggs, statements for reactors, assumed The Laboratory is reputed to have larvae, and fry that are drawn the assignment to develop a all the necessary capabilities for through a power plant in its cooling standard method for computing preparing scientifically sound and water. There was also concern the release of radioactive material publicly defensible environmental about fish losses due to

SPRING 1980 33 Pat Parr records data while Fred Taylor r•..,. ' · •· prepares a lysimeter to detect possible drift • • 'N chemicals from the Paducah Gaseous .• ; ·~,~):""'; . Diffusion Plant cooling towers. •t: · impingement-capture of larger fish on intake screens. The Laboratory initiated modeling efforts directed both at answering questions raised at Indian Point and at developing tools that could be applied in other situations where environmental assessments were required. The federal government is still using these models in adjudicatory hearings to argue that newer power plants on the Hudson River should install cooling towers because they withdraw substantially less than 10% as much water as once-through cooling systems and therefore have a much less severe impact on fish. The scope of this research- carried out in the Environmental Sciences Division by Larry Barnthouse, Environmental Sciences Division assessments of cooling towers at Sig Christensen, Bernadette Kirk, have conducted studies since 1973 the Portsmouth, Ohio, and Webb Van Winkle, and Doug at the Department of Energy's Paducah, Kentucky, diffusion Vaughan-has been expanded to (DOE's) uranium enrichment plants. include other projects related to facilities. Because hexavalent Other cooling tower drift studies power plant impacts on the aquatic chromium is a constituent of a are conducted under a program environment. corrosion inhibitor widely used in called METER- Meteorological Cooling Tower Drift. In cooling towers, Taylor became Effects of Thermal Energy implementing NEPA, the Atomic interested in examining the extent Releases. This program, headed by Safety and Licensing Board to which this toxic chemical and Aristides Patrinos of the (ASLB) in 1973 ordered the potential carcinogen entered and Engineering Technology Division, installation of a cooling tower at persisted in the environment. studies the extent to which heat the Indian Point Nuclear Power Studying drift at an Oak Ridge and moisture discharged into the Plant. The cooling tower was Gaseous Diffusion Plant cooling atmosphere by cooling towers at viewed as a means of meeting tower, he found that almost 75% fell energy centers may cause thermal discharge requirements within 1 km downwind within inadvertent weather effects, such and reducing fish losses due to DOE properties and that as excessive rain and fog. entrainment and impingement. hexavalent chromium inhibits Fish Protection Devices. To However, because drift from growth of tobacco plants. reduce entrainment and cooling towers deposits toxic salts Taylor and Par are also looking impingement mortality caused by and treatment chemicals on land, at the transfer of drift chemicals once-through cooling systems, the ASLB decision shifted the along food chains and studying engineers and biologists are potential for adverse their movement in soils by designing fish protection devices environmental impacts from the moisture flow. Results of their for intake structures. Their aquatic to the terrestrial area. research have aided in improving incentive is Section 316(b) of the To understand these impacts, environmental monitoring and Federal Water Pollution Control Fred Taylor and Pat Parr of the preparing environmental Act, which requires the use of the

34 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ~~~~------~------~------~----

structures. They concluded that suggesting that these compounds alternative devices are available in cooling water are not an which could reduce impingement environmental hazard. Many other and, to a lesser extent, entrainment products, however, have not yet mortality but that the extent of been identified. reduction achievable is site Mattice and Bud Zittel of the specific. Energy Division have developed a Power Plant Chlorination. model for predicting the toxicity of Chlorine is routinely used in power residual chlorine compounds. This plant cooling systems to control model takes into account site­ fouling organisms like mussels and specific dilution factors and allows bacterial slimes, which can reduce higher limits for chlorine the heat exchange across the discharges (and hence higher condensers and thus decrease the chlorination levels) in cases where efficiency of electricity generation. dilution is extremely rapid. Used In the early 1970s, NEPA for environmental assessments requirements called for a more and recently adopted by comprehensive look at the Environmental Protection Agency Schematic of a radial well, an exclusion environmental impacts of power Region V for setting chlorine device designed for the cooling system of a plant chlorination. At that time, discharge limits, this model power plant. fish kills had been linked to provides input for decisions on excessive releases of chlorinated plant design and operational best available technology in the effluent to waterways and specifications and on the possible design of intake structures. Under compounds formed by the reaction need to consider the use of the leadership of Johnnie Cannon of chlorine with organic chemicals alternative biocides. Several of the Energy Division, in water were considered to be environmental scientists at ORNL Kim Campbell and Don Lee of the potentially toxic and carcinogenic. are examining aspects of this Energy Division and Glen Cada Several ORNL research projects model empirically. and Adam Szluha of the have attempted to resolve a Milt Lietzke of the Chemistry Environmental Sciences Division question debated by regulators, Division has developed a chemical examined the engineering utilities, environmentalists, and kinetic model that traces the fate of feasibility, biological effectiveness, writers of impact statements: What chlorine when it enters cooling and costs of available fish is the minimum level of chlorine water under various conditions. protection devices. The report on required to prevent fouling and The model traces reactions of their findings was used in the to ensure efficient operation of chlorine with nitrogen compounds testimony in the Hudson River condenser cooling systems without to produce toxic chloramines and power case and is expected to be inflicting unnecessary insults also reactions of chlorine helpful to the utility industry, upon the environment and public with organic compounds. The regulators, and writers of impact health? John Trabalka, model has been tested by using statements. Jack Mattice, and S.C. Tsai of the data from several power plants. Cannon and his team looked at Environmental Sciences Division devices such as the fish-bucket­ have studied the toxic effects on type traveling screen, which carp embryos and water fleas of Impacts of Nonnuclear Energy catches fish in a compact bucket 4 trihalomethanes and 17 chlo­ Sour es beneath each screen panel and rinated organic compounds Geothermal Energy and the transports them to a sluice for identified as constituents of Indians. Geothermal energy return to the source water; the secondary sewage by Bob Jolley of existing in geyser and hot spring cylindrical wedge-wire screen and the Chemical Technology Division. areas may be tapped by drilling radial well intake, exclusion They found that the concentration wells into the reservoirs of hot devices conceptually designed with of these compounds that kills 50% water and steam contained by intake velocities so low that few of the test organisms is about 1000 rocks near a heat source within the fish are drawn in; and the louvered times as high as the measured earth. The steam or hot water that and angled screen diversion average concentrations of chlorine rises to the surface can be used to systems that guide fish past intake released from power plants, power turbines that generate

SPRING 1980 35 The effect of power plant chlorination on 2.0 I I I I I Il l aquatic organisms depends on the PLANT ENTRAINMENT concentration of chlorine in the cooling water and the time of exposure of 1.0 ...... organisms. Cases I-III represent con­ CASE I centration-time regimes for organisms ...... entrained in the plume of a hypothetical 0 .5 i""--... ' I"- ...... ""'~~~o...... ~ ...... :CACUTE MORTALITY THRESHOLD plant under increasing rates of discharge ~ dilution. Organisms passing through the X. ~ ...... plant in all cases or entrained after E " ....._ ~~ y discharge in Cases I and II would be z 0.2 r--- CASE""' ui'-1\..' expected to suffer some mortality, because 0 r--..., t= r-..r-. ' doses exceed the acute mortality threshold.

36 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ------· ------·- - · ------~-~ - -

Water rights and Indian religion make this Vapor plumes and pipes dominate this view geothermal drill rig at Baca, New Mexico, a of the 100-MW geothermal power plant at center of environmental interest. Geysers, California, north of San Francisco. constraints and benefits to the About 80% of the geothermal steam escapes environment of developing to the atmosphere rather than being The FEIS concludes that returned to the ground. technology for small hydroelectric portions of the flow of some springs plants. and the Jemez River consist of In October 1978, geothermal fluid outflow. communities, industries, and the Steve Hildebrand and Development of the geothermal power grid. Hence, in 1977, DOE Ralph Turner prepared the reservoir could thus deplete the initiated the Small Hydroelectric Environmental Subprogram Plan discharge and impact the Pueblo Power Development Program to and ORNL was selected as the lead culture. The Indians have publicly encourage and accelerate the organization to implement the expressed their concerns; court redevelopment of existing dams research. During 1979, Jim Loar, action may result. with capacities of 15 MW or less for Lynn Dye, Hildebrand, and Turner Small Hydroelectric Plant hydroelectric generation. Because prepared a report analyzing the Technology. Fifty years ago a third dams have the potential for environmental constraints of of the electricity in the United adversely affecting aquatic and dredging that may be required at States came from hydroelectric terrestrial ecosystems and land small hydroelectric dam sites. dams, many of which have been and water use, DOE requested that Under a subcontract held by The destroyed or abandoned in the ORNL prepare an environmental University of Washington, recent era of cheap oil. Now that oil assessment of the program. Hildebrand prepared a report is becoming more expensive and In August 1978, Harry Arnold addressing design considerations harder to get, interest has been and Kim Campbell of the Energy for facilities that may be required revived in water power. By some Division and Dick Roop and to pass fish around dams. estimates, there are many small Glen Suter of the Environmental Hildebrand, Turner, and dams, some with turbines, that Sciences Division prepared a draft Adam Szluha initiated an analysis have a potential total generating environmental assessment of the of the effects of water level capacity equivalent to that of DOE hydroelectric program. Then fluctuation at small hydroelectric many nuclear power plants. There DOE asked the Environmental dam sites. is considerable enthusiasm now for Sciences Division to prepare an Electricity Demand Modeling. retrofitting existing dams to Environmental Subprogram Plan Writers of environmental impact provide electricity for local that would analyze the potential statements for power plants must

SPRING 1980 37 This 80-year-old Boston Falls Dam on the Winooski River in western Vermont was once a hydroelectric facility. Green Mountain Power Corporation proposes to reactivate the 50-ft-high dam to produce up to 6500 kW for 6 hi d.

show that there is a need for model for NRC that has been challenges. A recent ORNL report additional power-generating applied to a wide variety of states that the methods, theory, capacity to justify the construction hypothetical cases expected under and data bases used for impact and operation of each power plant NEPA as well as to actual cases in analysis "are continually being by a specified time. Forecasting Greene County, New York; New developed so that the job is not electricity demand has not been England; Charlestown, Rhode really repetitive." The report easy in the past decade because Island; Sundesert, California; and compares assessment work to some power costs rose dramatically Erie, Ohio. Other models are being fields of engineering development instead of steadily declining and developed by Richard C. Tepel and having codes of practice that must the growth of electricity John L. Trimble for utility service be followed but that leave room for consumption dropped to 3%, areas. innovation. down from 7 to 8% annual Benefits of NEPA Work. Some Numerous innovative research growth. To improve the accuracy of people have criticized ORNL's projects have been stimulated at energy demand forecasts, involvement in NEPA activities, ORNL by the need for information economists in ORNL's Energy saying that the work is not creative to resolve questions posed by Division have developed a or fulfilling enough for the staff. NEPA assessments. And there is computer model that takes into Row disagrees with this criticism, likely to be more research as ORNL account the many factors that pointing out that each impact does follow-up studies of energy influence electricity demand by statement requires a unique projects it has assessed as a way of classes of electricity consumers. approach and that the growing validating its environmental These factors include population amount of assessment work in the impact statements and improving growth, household sizes, personal nonnuclear field offers new future ones. ell income, prices of electricity and substitute fuels, heating and Additional information on ORNL's involvement in environmental cooling degree-days, and industrial assessment is available in "ORNL and the Calvert Cliffs Decision," output. Wen S. Chern of the Energy ORNL Review, Summer 1972; "The Hudson River Power Case," ORNL Division and Brady D. Holcomb of Review, Winter 1979; "Socioeconomic Impacts of Nuclear Power the Computer Sciences Division Plants," ORNL Review, Falll979; and "Is It Raining in Georgia?" have developed a state-level ORNL Review, Summer 1978. electricity demand forecasting

38 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review ------~------

t Take ANumber . • • • • BY V. R. R. UPPULURI 7

Is There a Best Strategv?

Suppose we have a die called B. with the Suppose we have another die called C. with 2 number 3 on each of its six faces. When die B is on four faces and 6 on two faces. Because 3 rolled once, the probability of getting a 3 is appears in every roll of die B. it is clear that die B equal to 1. Suppose we have another die called beats die C with probability 2/3. A, with 0 on two faces and 4 on four faces. When Suppose we have another die called D. with 1 die A is rolled once, the probability of getting a 0 on three faces and 5 on three faces. It can be is equal to 2/6 = 1 /3 and the probability of verified that die C beats die D with probability getting 4 is equal to 4/6 = 2/3. 2/3. Further. it can also be verified that die D If both die A and die Bare rolled once, we may beats die A with probability 2/3. say that die A beats die B because the This means that if someone picks up a die probability of finding a 4 on the roll of die A from the four dice A = {0.0.4.4.4.4}. B = is 2/3, and 4 beats 3. If we are playing this {3,3,3,3,3,3}. C = { 2,2,2,2,6,6}. and chance game, die A will be the winner more 0 = {1,1,1,5,5,5} . his opponent can pick up a die often in the long run; the probability that A beats that beats it with probability 2/3. Thus, it seems B is 2/3. important that one know all the strategies before he can determine the best.

' .

SPRING 1980 39 Waldy Generoso, a senior scientist in the Mammalian Genetics section of the Biology Division, came to ORNL as a postdoctoral fellow in 1967 after receiving his graduate degrees at the University of the Philippines and the University of Missouri. He joined the staff the following year and has since performed extensive research in the field of mouse genetics and mutagenesis. Recently, he and his colleagues discovered an extraordinary repair mechanism that occurs in the fertilized eggs of mice impregnated with genetically damaged sperm.

Chromosome ~pair rn ~mae /\rce (based on an interview with Walderico Generoso by LaRue Foster)

discovery by geneticists in chromosomes, the genetic material known to cause inheritable the mammalian genetics and that is passed on from parent to changes by breaking chromosomes development group in the Biology offspring. But questions remained: in germ cells. One way scientists Division has important Could the eggs also possibly repair measure the extent to which a implications for further research. damage that might exist in sperm chemical damages chromosomes is Walderico Generoso and fellow cells used to fertilize them? If so, at by the percentage of embryo deaths researchers Katherine Cain, what stage of embryo development among eggs that have been Maryala Krishna, and would the repair take place? fertilized by sperm from males Sandra Huff knew from earlier The answers to these questions exposed to the mutagenic chemical. studies that unfertilized female are of interest not only to The chemically induced damage to germ cells from mice have the geneticists, but also to toxicologists the sperm does not interfere with ability to repair chemically who study the effects of chemical egg fertilization but results in induced damage to their mutagens-chemicals that are "dominant lethality," the death of

40 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review -

Generoso points to the single unsuccessful embryo in the otherwise healthy litter. The dominant lethal mutagen usually strikes within five days of uterine implantation of the resulting embryo early in its low of 9% in another. Clearly the the fertilized egg. development. wide variation in the survival rate To answer these questions, of the embryos, although only one in the egg, and one or more repair Generoso and his colleagues stock of treated males was used in mechanisms might be missing in conducted a series of so-called the experiment, suggested that the some stocks. dominant-lethal experiments, repair mechanism present in an The salient clue, to be sure, that which measure the percentage of unfertilized egg could not only alerted Generoso and his research embryo mortality in cases where repair its own damage but damage team to the existence of the repair chromosome damage is expected to to the sperm that fertilized it as mechanism in fertilized eggs was be lethal to the fertilized egg. well. the wide discrepancy in response First, the scientists mated female Generoso and his group also by the different female stocks to the mice of four different stocks with found that the ability of fertilized chemical insult. But the initial use males of a single hybrid stock eggs to carry out repair and permit of more than one female stock was which had been treated with a survival of the embryo varied from not a matter of choice, but luck. At mutagenic chemical at doses that one stock to another (sometimes first the work was of relatively low are expected to produce about a 50% diametrically), depending on the priority, and first choice of mortality rate in embryos. chemical mutagen used. This available mouse stocks always Surprisingly, the actual mortality finding suggests interesting pos­ went to high-priority projects. As rate varied widely, ranging from a sibilities: there might be more Generoso says, "There weren't high of 81% in one female stock to a than one type of repair mechanism enough mice of any single variety

SPRING 1980 41 Lynn Cunningham (left) and Carol Hellwig, technicians in Generoso's laboratory, work with the impregnated mice.

42 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Review available, so we had to take the because the mortality rate among exist in somatic cells, that is, those leftovers from several stocks." The embryos had been affected by the not related directly to reproduction. leftovers turned out to be the best female mice used in the Cytological and biochemical possible choice. experiments. The effectiveness of studies now under way by A significant first step had been the egg repair mechanism could Anton Beck and taken by the biologists, but it was make the chemical appear to be less Edward Bernstine, also of the just that, a first step. The next step harmful than it actually is. mammalian genetics and was to determine at what stage of Greater accuracy in future development group, may provide embryo development the repair dominant-lethal and other germ­ an answer. This research promises takes place. Microscopic analyses cell mutation studies can now be to yield certain basic information, of the fertilized eggs at different expected because the mice for such not only on the important stages of cell division following experiments can be selected from relationship between repair fertilization revealed that changes those stocks that lack the ability to processes and mutagenesis, but were already evident by the time of repair chromosome damage. By also between these processes and the first division. Eggs from female breeding repair-deficient female teratogenesis (the production of an stocks that yielded a high stocks with chemically treated abnormal fetus) and percentage of lethal embryos also males, the testing of suspected carcinogenesis (the development of showed a high percentage of mutagens should become much cancer). If the repair mechanism is chromosome damage at this early more reliable. Generoso and his found to extend to other body cells, stage. Stocks with high rates of group have already started the this finding could have great embryo survival showed a low search for such stocks for use in significance for cancer research, percentage of damage. The practical testing. leading the way to exploration of researchers concluded that repair For Generoso and his co-workers, the variation in susceptibility to must begin very early, between the the answers to their questions have cancer among different time of fertilization and the time opened up more lines of inquiry. individuals. Much of the the egg first divides, affirming the They have yet to learn the exact information that can now be researchers' belief that the repair nature of the repair mechanism. It obtained by using carefully mechanism must have previously could be an enzyme or, more likely, selected breeding stocks for the been present in the egg and a complex set of enzymes that experiments will enable scientists supporting the evidence to this effects the repair to damaged to work with greater accuracy. effect derived from earlier studies chromosomes. How the process Generoso acknowledges the luck that had led them to their present works is also unknown. Currently, that his "leftover" mice brought. work. Generoso is conducting studies to Furthermore, he says, "At ORNL, The discovery has important determine the genetic nature of the we are fortunate to have the implications for toxicologists who repair process. So far, he has found opportunity to follow up on new test chemicals for mutagenic that the ability to repair discoveries. At many laboratories a effects. The dominant-lethal test in chromosome damage appears to be discovery such as our initial find mice is one of the methods used a dominant trait. would simply have been noted and today to determine the extent of Another question that the scien­ shelved in favor of other priorities. chromosome damage caused by a tists are considering is whether Here, we can pursue basic research chemical in germ cells. It is not repair capability differences that where not every project has an obvious whether results of previous exist among the egg cells from immediate payoff but benefits tests could have been distorted, females of different stocks also science over the long term."m:l

SPRING 1980 43 awards and appointments

A number of ORNL staff members excellence went to Joe Gollehon and and conference papers, the award of and departments won awards in the Bill Clark for Science and Engineer­ distinction was won by J. E. Jobst, recent publications competition, spon­ ing at Oak Ridge; and the award the Engineering Technology Division, sored by the East Tennessee chapter of of merit (3rd place) was won by and Ann Ragan and Jane Parrott of the Society for Technical Communica­ Ruby Miller and Bill Clark for the ETDPO for "The Aerial Measuring tion (STC), and art competition, co­ Environmental Sciences at ORNL. Systems Program," Nuclear Safety, sponsored by STC and Industrial In the compilations and bibliog­ Vol. 20, No. 2; awards of excellence Graphics International (IGI). The raphies category, the award of ex­ were won by H. R. Meyer, J. E. Till, "Best of Show" and first- and second­ cellence was shared by Edward W. E. S. Bomar, W. D. Bond, L. E. place winners in the jointly held local Hagen and the Engineering Tech­ Morse, V. J. Tennery, and M. G. competions were also entered in the nology Division Publications Of­ Y alcintas, the Engineering Tech­ International STC publications and fice (ETDPO) for Common-Mode/ nology Division, and Ann Ragan and art competition, where Laboratory Common-Cause Failure: A Review Jane Parrott of the ETDPO for publications took three awards. Local and a Bibliography and by "Radiological Impact of Thorium competition winners received their Debbie Queener and the ETDPO for Mining and Milling," Nuclear Safety, prizes at the Awards Banquet, which Bibliography of Microfiched Foreign Vol. 20, No.3, and by John McBride, was held January 15 at the Hyatt Reports Distributed Under the NRC Robert Moore, John Witherspoon, Regency Hotel in Knoxville, Ten­ Reactor Safety Research Foreign Jr., Ray Blanco, and Catherine nessee. Winners in the international Technical Exchange Program, 1978. Shappert for "Radiological Impact competition received their awards at In the handbooks and manuals of Airborne Effluents of Coal and the 27th International Technical category, the award of distinction was Nuclear Plants," Science, Vol. 202. The Communications Conference, which given to the CPO, Donna Griffith, latter three entries won awards of was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in and John Waggoner for ORGDP Site excellence, merit, and achievement May 1980. Planning; and the award of merit respectively, at the International STC The "Best of Show Award," which went to the Health and Laboratory publications competition. Also in the covers all categories, went to John Protection divisions, the CPO, and same category in the regional contest, Waggoner (Engineering Division) Donna Griffith for Physical Fitness an award of merit was given to S.M. and the Information Division's Central Handbook for Security Personnel. Adams and R. B. McLean, the Publications Office (CPO), Donna In the house organs category, the Engineering Technology Division, and Griffith (editor), for ORGDP Site award of excellence was won by the ETDPO for "Unique Ecological Planning-A Master Plan for Site Barbara Lyon and Carolyn Krause Impacts Associated with Offshore Development. This publication also for the Spring 79 issue of the ORNL Floating Nuclear Power Plants," received the award of distinction Review; the award of merit was won by Nuclear Safety, Vol. 20, No. 5. (1st place) in the handbooks and the PP&A office, the Publications and Awards of achievement were given to manuals category. Visual Arts section, and the CPO for Manfred Krause and Bill Nestor for In the annual reports category, the ORNL Directions 1979-1984; the "Comparison of Experimental and award of excellence (2nd place) was Winter 79 issue of the ORNL Review Theoretical Binding and Transition given to the Program Planning and won the award of achievement Energies in the Actinide Region," a Analysis (PP&A) office, the CPO, and (4th place). paper in the proceedings of the Donna Griffith for the 1978-1984 In the category of journals, the Symposium on Electron Spectroscopy ORNL Institutional Plan. award of distinction went to held in Uppsala, Sweden, and to In the bulletins and brochures cate­ William B. Cottrell and the ETDPO B. Zane Egan, Charles D. Scott, and gory, the award of distinction went to for Vol. 20, Nos. 2 and 4, of Nuclear Martha G. Stewart for "Let Hy­ Bonnie Talmi, Tykey Truett, and Safety; the award of excellence was drogenase Do It," CHEMTECH, the CPO for the ORNL Technical given to Fred O'Hara, Jr., and the Vol. 8. Information Center Program; the Engineering Coordination and Anal­ In the category of newsletters, award of distinction went to the ORNL ysis section of the Chemical Tech­ the award of distinction went to Library System staff, the CPO, and nology Division for the Coal Liquefac­ LaRue Foster, Lynda Lewis, and Donna Griffith for The ORNL tion Advanced Research Digest. Joanne Gailer for the August 1979 Library System and You; the award of In the category of journal articles special issue of Lab News;

44 OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORYReuiw LaRue Foster also won the award views of the Environmental Effects serve on the program committee for the of merit for the February 1978 issue of of Pollutants: V. Cyanide; and to 1980 conference and as general Lab News. L. F. Truett, Maureen Hafford, chairman for the 1982 conference. In the news articles category, and the Information Center Com­ Don Jared has been elected to the Foster also won the award of plex for Reviews of the Environ­ executive committee of the National distinction for "Accident at Three mental Effects of Pollutants: VI. Science Foundation's Federal Lab­ Mile Island: How ORNL Re­ Beryllium. oratory Consortium for Technical sponded," appearing in the Fall 79 In the art competition in the category Transfer. issue of the ORNL Review; the of illustrations, Larry Wyrick and award of excellence was won by Leon Smith each won an award of The winner in·both local and regional Carolyn Krause for "Ductile excellence and two awards of merit; competitions in the "1979 Gateway to Ordered Alloys: Materials for Ad­ and Bill Clark won the award of Energy Conservation Awards Pro­ vanced Energy Systems?" appear­ excellence in the category of brochure gram," sponsored by the American ing in the Winter 79 issue of the design. Among the awards won in the Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Review; Krause also won the International Association of Business Air-Conditioning Engineers was an award of merit for "Enzymes, Plants, Communicators' District II competi­ exhibit showing special modifications and Drugs," appearing in the Summer tion in Nashville last fall was the first to the heating and cooling systems for 79 issue of the Review. place award won by Barbara Lyon the two east corridors of 4500N. In the periodic progress report and the ORNL Review in the Receiving the prize was Dick Peden, category, the award of excellence went category of one-, two-, and three-color field engineer for the project. toW. S. Lyon, Irene Brogden, and magazines. Stanley I. Auerbach has been the CPO for the Analytical Chemistry appointed to a three-year term on the Division Annual Progress Report, J. Peyton Moore was chosen to receive the 1979 International Thermal Commission of Natural Resources of December 21, 1978. the National Research Council (NRC). In the category of topical reports, Conductivity Award given by the 1979 International Thermal Conductivity David Reichle has consented to serve an award of distinction was given on the NRC's Board of Agriculture and to Dick Rush, Anna Jo Shelton, Conference for his contributions to thermal conductivity research. Renewable Resources as a member of J. L. Rich, and the CPO for Final its Committee on Alternative Pro­ Environmental Statement Related Don Gardiner was elected a fellow in grams for Belt-Wide Cotton Insect to Construction of Greene County the American Association for the Management. John Witherspoon, Nuclear Power Plant; the award of Advancement of Science (AAAS). Jr., has accepted appointments to the excellence was won by Katherine Dick Raridon has been reelected to a Committee on Federal Research on M. Samuels, R. K. Kibbe, and the second three-year term on the council of Biological and Health Effects of CPO for Proposed New Initiatives the AAAS, one of two AAAS council Ionizing Radiation in the Division of in Research, Development, and members representing the National Medical Sciences of NRC's Assembly Demonstration for Light Water Association of Academies of Sciences of Life Sciences. Witherspoon has Reactor Safety and Technology; (NAAS). The NAAS is made up of also been asked to serve on Task Group the award of merit went to delegates from the state and regional 2 of Scientific Committee 64 of the Anna Hammons, John Drury, academies of science that are affiliated National Council on Radiation and Carol McGlothin for Investi­ with AAAS, including the Tennessee Protection and Measurements. His gations of Selected Environmental Academy of Science (TAS). Raridon is group will be charged with Pollutants: 1, 2-Dichloroethane; a past president of both T AS and identification and evaluation of and awards of achievement were NAAS. environmental models for estimate of given to K. B. Franz, Cresson H. dose from discharge to surface waters. Kearny, and Anna Jo Shelton Martin Lubell has been elected to a Serving on Task Group 3, which is for Maintaining Nutritional Ade­ six-year term on the conference board responsible for identification and quacy During a Prolonged Food of the Cryogenics Engineering Orga­ evaluation of environmental models Crisis; to Carol McGlothin, nization; he is a member of the for estimate of dose from discharge to Maureen Hafford, and the In­ advisory committee of the applied atmosphere, is Owen Hoffman. formation Center Complex for Re- superconductivity conferences and will U.S. Postage PA I 0 BULK RATE Oak Ridge, Tenn. OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY REVIEW Permit No. 3 P.O. BOX X: OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE 37830

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