UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We demonstrate rapid fabrication of submicrometer-diameter pores in borosilicate glass using femtosecond laser machining and subsequent wet-etch techniques. This approach allows direct and repeatable...Full Text Available

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Bulk micromachining generally refers to processes involving wet chemical etching of structures formed out of the silicon substrate and so is limited to fairly large, crude structures. Surface micromachining allows intricate patterning of thin films of polysilicon and other materials to form essentially two-dimensional layered parts (since the thickness of the parts is limited by the thickness of the deposited films). There is a third type of micromachining in which the part is formed by filling a mold which was defined by photolithographic means. Historically micromachining molds have been formed in some sort of photopolymer, be it with x-ray lithography (``LIGA``) or more conventional UV lithography, with the aim of producing piece parts. Recently, however, several groups including ours at Sandia have independently come up with the idea of forming the mold for mechanical parts by etching into the silicon substrate itself. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, we investigate the interstitial injection into the silicon lattice due to high-dose, low-energy arsenic implantation. The approach consists in monitoring the diffusion of the arsenic profile as well as of the boron profile in buried #delta#-doped layers, when amounts of the as-implanted arsenic profile are removed by low-temperature wet silicon etching. The experimental results indicate that the contribution of the implantation damage to the transient enhanced diffusion of boron, and thus the interstitial injection, is not the main one. On the contrary, interstitial generation due to arsenic clustering seems to be more important for the present conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

No abstract available.

CERN Document Server

Increasing the speed and complexity of semiconductor integrated circuits requires advanced processes that put extreme constraints on the level of metal contamination allowed on the surfaces of silicon wafers. Such contamination degrades the performance of the ultrathin SiO sub 2 gate dielectrics that form the heart of the individual transistors. Ultimately, reliability and yield are reduced to levels that must be improved before new processes can be put into production. It should be noted that much of this metal contamination occurs during the wet chemical etching and rinsing steps required for the manufacture of integrated circuits and industry is actively developing new processes that have already brought the metal contamination to levels beyond the measurement capabilities of conventional analytical techniques. The measurement of these extremely low contamination levels has required the use of synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray ...

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First Solar made 9 CdTe PV devices; found two front- and one back-side structures that show improved Jsc and Voc, respectively, compared to base device structure; best cell efficiency was 14.13%.

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Pattern formation on GaAs by Ga{sup +} focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation and subsequent Cl{sub 2} gas etching was carried out. A higher etch rate at the FIB-irradiated area compared with that not irradiated under Cl{sub 2} gas allows pattern construction without a mask process. The degree of residual crystal damage was evaluated using photoluminescence (PL) intensity measurements. The PL intensity in the etched region was one order of magnitude stronger than that of FIB sputtering, and was several times stronger than that of Ga{sup +} FIB-assisted Cl{sub 2} etching. Etch depths of the order of 100 nm, which is five times deeper than that obtained by FIB sputtering, were efficiently performed using moderate Ga{sup +}-ion doses.

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A new technique for radon measurement in the natural environment was investigated. It is based on the use of activated charcoal and a track-etch detector. The charcoal acts as a radon collector from the air and the track-etch detector as a recorder of the alpha particles emitted by radon and its decay products. Our preliminary results show that the response of the new dosimeter to radon, using Deodorant activated charcoal (TOK, Yugoslavia) and a CR-39 track-etch detector, is 1.4 tracks cm{sup -2}/Bqm{sup -3}d, which is about eight times higher than that obtained with a standard track-etch dosimeter. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present FIB-lithography methods for rapid and cost-effective prototyping of metal structures covering the deep-submicron- to the millimeter-range in a single lithography cycle. Focused ion beam (FIB) systems are widely used in semiconductor industry and research facilities for both analytical testing and prototyping. A typical application is to apply electrical contact to micron-sized sensors/particles by FIB induced metal deposition. However, as for E-beam lithography, patterning times for large area bonding pads are unacceptably long, resulting in cost-intensive prototyping. In this work, we optimized FIB lithography processing for negative and positive imaging mode to form metallic structures for large-areas down do the sub-100 nm range. For negative lithography features are defined by implanting Ga"+-ions into a commercial photo resist, without affecting the underlying structures by impinging ions. The structures are highly suitable for following lift-off processing due to the ...

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In the present study, the type and densities of defects in AlN crystals grown on 6H-SiC seeds by the sublimation-recombination method were assessed. The positions of the defects in AlN were first identified by defect selective etching (DSE) in molten NaOH-KOH at 400 C for 2 minutes. Etching produced pits of three different sizes: 1.77 m, 2.35 m , and 2.86 m. The etch pits were either aligned together forming a sub-grain boundary or randomly distributed. The smaller etch pits were either isolated or associated with larger etch pits. After preparing crosssections of the pits by the focused ion beam (FIB) technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to determine which dislocation type (edge, mixed or screw) produced a specific etch pit sizes. Preliminary TEM bright field and dark field study using different zone axes and diffraction vectors ...

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The composition and thickness of etch residues on the base of submicrometer via holes cannot be surmized from data on larger features. Auger sputter depth profiles were used to compare etch residues in 0.55 {mu}m via holes produced by different etch processes and remaining after different cleans. These residues varied significantly in composition and thickness with the processing history of the sample and from those on larger features. A focused ion beam (FIB) sample preparation was developed to expose the bases of via holes and to help reduce sample charging. (author).

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Inductively coupled plasma etching of InGaP, AlInP and AlGaP in BI{sub 3} or BBr{sub 3} discharges was investigated as a function of source power, dc chuck bias and plasma composition. InGaP etches at the fastest rates ({gt}6000thinsp{Angstrom}thinspmin{sup {minus}1}) in both chemistries, followed by AlGaP. It is found that AlInP provides an excellent etch stop for the other two materials in both mixtures. The InGaP surface morphology improves with increasing BI{sub 3} or BBr{sub 3} content, and with increasing dc chuck bias. The etched features for this material are highly anisotropic. Etch selectivities for InGaP over SiO{sub 2} and SiN{sub x} of {ge}8 are obtained in both plasma chemistries, and there is no etch incubation time with either mixture, indicating that both can scavenge the native oxide on InGaP, AlGaP and AlInP. {copyright} {ital 1998 American ...

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The authors report on the nano-fabrication of GaN/AlGaN device structures using focused ion beam (FIB) etching, illustrated on a GaN/AlGaN heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET). Pillars as small as 20nm to 300nm in diameter were fabricated from the GaN/AlGaN HFET. Micro-photoluminescence and UV micro-Raman maps were recorded from the FIB-etched pattern to assess its material quality. Photoluminescence was detected from 300nm-size GaN/AlGaN HFET pillars, i.e., from the AlGaN as well as the GaN layers in the device structure, despite the induced etch damage. Properties of the GaN and the AlGaN layers in the FIB-etched areas were mapped using UV Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Damage introduced by FIB-etching was assessed. The fabricated nanometer-size GaN/AlGaN structures were found to be of good quality. The results demonstrate the potential of FIB-etching for ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Science.gov (United States)

Not Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have fabricated nanometer-spaced electrodes on electron-transparent silicon nitride membranes. A thin Cr/Au layer is evaporated on the backside of the membrane which serves as a gate electrode. Using these devices, we have performed three-terminal electron transport measurements on gold nano-particles at liquid helium temperature. Coulomb Blockade features have been observed and the capacitance to the gate has been extracted. After transport measurements, the Cr/Au back gate is removed and the devices are inspected with a transmission-electron microscope (TEM). TEM inspection reveals the presence of a few nano-particles in the nanogap, which is in agreement with the transport measurements. In addition, the nano-particle size as observed by TEM coincides with the one estimated from the gate capacitance value.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have investigated the characteristics of ion-beam-induced spontaneous etching (IBISE) of GaAs in Cl_2 ambient by using a Ga-focused ion beam (FIB) with an energy ranging from 3 to 15 keV. The etched depth of the irradiated region was more than 20 times greater than that of unirradiated region. When the sputtered depth by FIB irradiation amounted to around 8 A at each ion energy, the etched depth in Cl_2 ambient for 1 hour became saturated. The saturated etched depths were 450, 550, 750 and 800 A at the ion energy of 3, 5, 10 and 15 keV, respectively. The residual damage of the etched surface was also investigated by photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The maximal PL intensity was obtained at around the threshold dose of IBISE and increased with decreasing ion energy. The full recovery of PL intensity was observed at the ion energy of 3 keV after annealing at 400degC. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iron alloys and aluminum were nitrogen implanted in a controlled oxygen atmosphere and the role of hydrogen on the surface etching mechanisms studied. The surface composition was analyzed by in situ photoemission electron spectroscopy (XPS). In iron alloys, hydrogen strongly etches oxygen, improving nitrogen retention on the surface. On the other hand, hydrogen removes nitrogen from aluminum surfaces, with a deleterious effect on the nitriding effectiveness. The oxygen removal in iron alloys is associated with the catalytic effect of electrons in d-orbitals and the nitrogen removal in aluminum is associated with a steric effect.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A chemically assisted micro-beam etching system for 3D microanalysis was designed. Using chemically assisted ion beam etching (CAIBE) method with FIB shave-off scanning, about several hundred micrometers clean cross-section will be acquired in a few hours. We use focused ion beam (FIB) and electron beam (EB) as micro-beams, halogen or halide mainly as reactive gases. The apparatus was manufactured based on this concept. We found that the FIB, Q-MS and SED worked as expected. The instrumentation has been completed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Production of porous membranes using heavy ion bombardment and subsequent chemical etching of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) films has been reported several years ago. However, porous membranes with pore diameter in the nanometer scale requires a better understanding of the chemical etching mechanism. In this work PVDF foils irradiated with Sn ions (2.85 MeV per nucleon) were exposed to several etching conditions which involved permanganate oxidation in different alkaline environments. The solution of KOH 9 mol L{sup -1} and saturated in KMnO{sub 4} was the best etching reactant for PVDF. Functional groups created in the alkaline and oxidative attack by permanganate were studied by FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The spectroscopic data reveals that the formation of pores occurs by a two-step mechanism: (i) double bonds as a result of dehydrofluorination induced by alkaline media and (ii) oxidation of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Focused-Ion-Beam (FIB) is a powerful tool for fast, precision cross-sectioning and inspection of submicron defects in multilayered integrated circuit devices. However, the low contrast between the layers in FIB cross-sections can make the feature of interest difficult to observe, which has become a limitation for FIB cross-sectioning. A technique using plasma etch to decorate the FIB cross-sections has proven to be a simple solution to overcome this limitation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two plasma chemistries, i.e., CH_4/H_2/Ar and Cl_2/Ar, were compared for the etching of InGaP, AlInP, and AlGaP under inductively coupled plasma (ICP) conditions. While the etching with CH_4/H_2/Ar discharges appears to be ion driven, Cl_2/Ar discharges showed an additional strong chemical enhancement. The highest etch rate (#approx#1 #mu#m/min) for InGaP was achieved at high ICP source power (#>=#750 W) with the Cl_2/Ar chemistry. Cl_2/Ar discharges provided very smooth surfaces in all three materials with root-mean-square roughness measured by atomic force microscopy around 2 nm. This result may be due to the efficient ion-assisted product desorption in this chemistry. The etched near-surface region of InGaP (#approx#100 Angstrom) with Cl_2/Ar maintained almost the same stoichiometry as that of the unetched control. By contrast, the CH_4/H_2/Ar plasma chemistry produced somewhat rougher surfaces ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It has often been proposed that track diameter in etched detectors can be used for energy spectrometry. To test this proposition, the relationship between track diameter and energy of alpha particles, in the range 0.1-5.5 MeV, incident on CR-39 was studied. Two sets of detectors were irradiated by a collimated normally-incident beam of {alpha}-particles of different energies, using an Am-241 source. Different foils of the first set were etched for variable lengths of time in such a way that, in each case, the etchant reached the end of the latent track. Foils in the second set were etched for a fixed 'short' time of 2 h, for all {alpha}-energies. The linear rate of energy loss as well as the residual range of {alpha}-particles was determined by using Henke and Benton's computer program. It is found that, for 'short' etching times, the track diameter mimics ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Statement of problem The use of titanium has increased for metal ceramic restorations, as well as for use in titanium implants, with developments in CAD/CAM technology. Some surface treatments of titanium have been introduced to enhance the titanium bond strength to low-fusing porcelains; however, a more reliable, easily used dental laboratory method has not been established. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of laser etching as a titanium surface treatment with 3 other surface treatments (machining, airborne-particle abrasion, and acid etching), evaluating their ability to enhance the bond strength between a titanium substrate and porcelain. Material and methods A total of 64 specimen rods of commercially pure titanium (ASTM grade 2, 20 mm in length and 5.7 mm in...

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Coal bed natural gas (CBNG) development in the Powder River (PR) Basin produces modestly saline, highly sodic wastewater. This study assessed impacts of wetting four textural groups (0-11%, 12-22%, 23 -33%, and > 33% clay (g clay/100 g soil) x 100%))with simulated PR or CBNG water on water retention. Soils received the following treatments with each water quality: a single wetting event, five wetting and drying events, or five wetting and drying events followed by leaching with salt-free water. Treated samples were then resaturated with the final treatment water and equilibrated to -10, -33, -100, -500, or -1,500 kPa. At all potentials, soil water retention increased significantly with increasing clay content. Drought-prone soils lost water-holding capacity between saturation and field capacity with repeated wetting and drying, whereas finer textured soils withstood this ...

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The paper describes uptake of gaseous lodine-131 on silver impregnated organic resin, Amberlite IR-120, available at the Secondary Steam Generator (S.S.G.) Opening at T.A.P.S. in comparison with activated charcoal. The experiments are conducted in dry and wet conditions by soaking the impregnated resin and activated charcoal in distilled water for wet condition. The paper also describes the iodine sampler specially designed and fabricated for these experiments.

Science.gov (United States)

High microwave power (1,000 W) electron cyclotron resonance CH{sub 4}/H{sub 2}/Ar discharges produce etch rates for In{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}P, Al{sub 0.5}In{sub 0.5}P{sub 0.5}, and Al{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}P of {approximately} 2,000 {angstrom}/min at moderate RF power levels (150 W) and low pressure (1.5 mTorr). This is approximately a factor of five faster than for conventional reactive ion etching conditions where much higher ion energies are necessary. The etched surfaces are smooth over a wide range of CH{sub 4}-to-H{sub 2} ratios and microwave powers. AlInP is more resistant to preferential loss of P from the near-surface during etching than is InGaP. While the etching is ion-driven, pure Ar discharges produce rough surfaces and the CH{sub 4}/H{sub 2} is necessary in the achievement of acceptable morphologies. The InGaAlP/GaAs heterostructure is being increasingly utilized in diode ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of the regimes of modification of carbon fibers by an argon ion beam on the change in the angle of their wetting by an epoxy oligomer has been investigated. It has been shown that ion-beam treatment of carbon fibers leads to a considerable decrease in the wetting angles (the difference between the wetting angles for non modified and modified fibers is up to 32.2-38.7). Accordingly, there is also an increase in the value of the equilibrium work of adhesion by 36.2-41.6% in the contact zone. It has been established that ion-beam treatment of carbon fibers by argon ions leads to an increase in the shear strength when microplastics based on them are formed. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document is the final report for Cooperative Agreement DE-FC26-04NT42314, 'Kinetics Study of Mercury Reactions in FGD Liquors'. The project was co-funded by the U.S. DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory and EPRI. The objective of the project has been to determine the mechanisms and kinetics of the aqueous reactions of mercury absorbed by wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, and develop a kinetics model to predict mercury reactions in wet FGD systems. The model may be used to determine optimum wet FGD design and operating conditions to maximize mercury capture in wet FGD systems. Initially, a series of bench-top, liquid-phase reactor tests were conducted and mercury species concentrations were measured by UV/visible light spectroscopy to determine reactant and byproduct concentrations over time. Other measurement methods, such as atomic absorption, were used to measure ...

Science.gov (United States)

The U.S. Department of Energy and EPRI have co-funded this project to improve the control of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants equipped with wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. The project investigated catalytic oxidation of vapor-pha...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Indicators of source water use in different economic branches, water consumption in recycling and recycling-successive water supply in 1980?2006 are analyzed. Trends were identified in variations in specific water consumption in industry, agriculture, and municipal economy. Territorial differentiation of wetness indicators of regional product over federal districts and constituent territories of the RF is shown. Wetness values of gross domestic product in different economies are compared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

[sup 13]C epitaxial diamond films have been grown on [sup 12]C-type IIb diamond substrates doped with boron, using electron assisted chemical vapor deposition. The relation between etch pits to dislocations in [sup 13]C diamond film and the broadening of the first-order Raman peak was examined. The reactant gas was [sup 13]CH[sub 4] of > 99% purity. The substrate temperature was varied from 943 to 1300 C. The uneven surface morphology was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser microscopy. From 943 to 1030 C, etch pit rows along left angle 100 right angle were observed. At 991 C, the etch pit density on a row was 3300 to 5000 pits/cm. The Ar[sup +] laser beam was focused on a transparent area near the row of etch pits, where the boron impurity of the substrate is less than several 10 ppm. The first-order Raman line of [sup 13]C epitaxial diamond film was broadened to 3.6-4.0 cm[sup -1]. ...

Science.gov (United States)

Aluminum, due to its low density and low cost, is a key material for future lightweight applications. However, like other structural materials, aluminum is subject to various forms of corrosion damage that annually costs the United States approximately 5% of its GNP [1]. The main goal is to investigate the effects of various solution anions on aluminum surfaces, and specifically probe pit initiation and inhibition. Using surface analysis techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, results have been correlated with those obtained from electrochemical methods and a radiolabeling technique developed in the Wieckowski laboratory. Analysis of data has indicated that important variables include type of anion, solution pH, and applied electrode potential. While aggressive anions such as chloride are usually studied to elucidate corrosion processes to work ultimately toward inhibition, its corrosive properties can be ...

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Poster session: Abstract is full text. Track membranes are thin polymer foils irradiated by heavy ions. The defects created by the heavy ions are located along the ions trajectory, the track. It is possible to open channels by etching with a chemical agent. These channels are very uniform. Small Angle Scattering (of X rays and neutrons) give global information about the characteristics of the channel shape. As the nanochannels are strictly parallel, an excellent sample orientation is required to obtain interpretable spectra. Then shoulders due to the oscillations of the Bessel function (radial part of the channel shape Fourier transform) are easily seen in the scattered intensity in the PXY data treatment software of SAS spectra allow to determine the channel diameter with its dispersion law, to demonstrate the existence of a wall thickness with a linearly varying density, and to assess the roughness. PXY can also detect non cylindric shapes like single or double ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A technique has been developed for high resolution alpha particle spectroscopy from track length determination in CR-39 plastic. On individual tracks an energy resolution deltaE close to the range straggling limit is obtainable. For 6 MeV alpha-particle deltaE is proportional 35 keV on individual particles and for groups of particles deltaE proportional 20 keV can be achieved using certain data selection criteria. At 100 keV on individual particles deltaE is proportional 20 keV. The analysis requires 1) a knowledge of the track-etch rate (Vsub(T))-range relationship and 2) a theoretical understanding of alpha-particle track structure in CR-39 as a function of particle energy, dip angle and degree of etching. The structure of alpha-particle etched tracks in CR-39 is described and two methods of analysis discussed. Examples are given of the resolution attainable on tracks of alpha-particles as natural decay energy and from ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samples prepared using the focused ion beam (FIB) inevitably contain the surface damage induced by energetic Ga"+ ions. An effective method of removing the surface damage is demonstrated using a plasma cleaner, a device which is widely used to minimize the surface contamination in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Surface bombardment with low-energy Ar"+ ions was induced by biasing the sample immersed in the plasma source, so as to etch off the surface materials. The etch rates of SiO_2, measured with a bias voltage of 100-300 V, were found to vary linearly with both the time and bias and were able to be controlled from 1.4 to 9 nm/min. The removal of the Ga residue was confirmed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) after the plasma processing of the FIB-prepared sample. When the FIB-prepared sample was processed via plasma etching for 10 min with a bias of 150 V, the surface Ga damage was completely ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The presence of soluble sulfide in produced water results in problems for the petroleum industry due to its toxicity, odor, corrosive nature, and potential for wellbore plugging. Sulfide oxidation by indigenous nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB) present in brine collected from wells at the Coleville Unit (CVU) in Saskatchewan, Canada, was investigated. Sulfide oxidation took place readily when nitrate and phosphate were added to brine enrichment cultures, resulting in a decrease in sulfide levels of 99-165 ppm to nondetectable levels (< 3.3 ppm). Produced water collected from a number of producing wells was screened to determine the time required for complete sulfide oxidation, in order to select candidate wells for treatment. Three wells were chosen, based on sulfide removal in 48 hours or less. These wells were treated down the backside of the annulus with a solution containing 10 mM KNO{sub 3} and 100 {mu}M NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 4}. Following a 24- to 72-hour ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Localized beam-processed areas using chemical reactions induced by a 30 keV Ga"+ focused ion beam (FIB) with and without I_2 (etching) and (CH_3)_3CH_3C_5H_5Pt gases (Pt deposition) have been analyzed using a 300 keV Be"2"+ microprobe with a beam spot size of 50-80 nm. The analyzed results have been compared with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis using an electron beam. The EDX analysis only indicated incorporated impurities at high fluence such as Ga, Pt and C, while microprobe RBS analysis could detect residual iodine with low concentration which couldn't be detected by EDS analysis because of the lower sensitivity of the EDX analysis for heavy atoms.

CERN Document Server

CR-39 detectors have been exposed to a 5.9-MeV antiproton beam using the low energy antiproton ring (LEAR) facility at CERN. At this energy, tracks of antiprotons appear in a CR-39 detector after 135 min of etching in 6 M NaOH at 70C. Fluence of the antiproton beam has been determined using track density. We have also found tracks in the etched CR-39 detector at different depths (250-500 mum). These tracks have resulted from the annihilation of antiprotons with the constituents (H, C and O) of the CR-39 detector. The goal of the experiment is to develop a simple and low-cost method to study properties of antiparticles and those formed after annihilation of these particles with the target matter.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Desiccation cracking is a common phenomenon in clay materials, which may considerably increase the hydraulic conductivity of soil. This issue is one of the main concerns in the design and construction of landfill covers, especially, in arid regions. For some highly plastic soils, permeability increases during cyclic drying and wetting are not significant, even though cracking may clearly be noticed in the soil. These cracks may self-heal during subsequent wetting and saturation processes. In the present study, large scale experimental models of various natural clayey soils with various plasticity indices were subjected to cyclic drying and wetting and hydraulic conductivity testing to better understand cracking behaviour and self-healing in fine-grained soils. The soils are candidate clay ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A study was undertaken to assess the effect of different storage temperatures on senescence and postharvest performance of isolated flowers of Ranunculus asiaticus L.. The main aim of the work was to develop a cost-effective storage protocol to reduce the postharvest losses and to bring out the transportation of cut flowers of R. Asiaticus. The flowers were subjected to two different storage treatments, dry storage and wet storage, and their postharvest performance was compared under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, the buds were harvested at 8:00 AM at loose bud stage (Stage II of flower development). The harvested buds were cut to a uniform size of 15 cm and processed for dry or wet storage. For dry storage, the buds were packed after wrapping them in moistened filter papers and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An examination of chemical and radiological characteristics of RI organic liquid waste, wet oxidation by Fenton reaction and decomposition liquid waste treatment process were studied. These items will be applied to develop the equipment of wet oxidation and decomposition liquid waste treatment mixed processes for the safe treatment of RI organic liquid waste which is consisted of organic solvents such as toluene, alcohol and acetone. Two types of toluene solutions were selected as a candidate decomposition material. As for the first type, the concentration of toluene was above 20 vol percent. As for the second type, the solubility of toluene was considered. The decomposition ration by Fenton reaction was above 95 percent for both of them. From the adsorption equilibrium tests, a -Na{sup +} substituted/acid treated activated carbon and Zeocarbon mixed adsorbent was selected for the fixed adsorption column. This mixed adsorbent will be used to ...

Science.gov (United States)

The highly variable and intermittent pollutant concentrations and flowrates associated with wet-weather events in combined sewersheds necessitates the use of storage-treatment systems to control pollution.An optimized combined-sewer-overflow (CSO) control system requires a manage...

Science.gov (United States)

The effects of freeze-thaw cycling on the strength and durability of samples of compacted, stabilized, wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products are reported. The results of laboratory tests show a clear relationship between higher water contents and...

Science.gov (United States)

The authors have presented results of an investigation of wettability of SiC particulates by liquid alloys of the Al-Si-Mg system. The evaluation of wetting has been carried out through the determination of the threshold pressure for infiltration of packed SiC particulates by the liquid alloy. The results indicate that whereas Si and Mg additions do not affect wetting, in the case of the ternary alloys the contact angle decreases in an amount proportional to the content of Mg[sub 2]Si.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In reservoir fluid flow, the situation described by an increase in nonwetting phase saturation followed by an increase in wetting phase saturation causes a relative permeability hysteresis effect that is well known. This paper presents a method which allows the calculation of imbibition relative permeability starting at any saturation. The data required are the drainage curve, the historical maximum non wetting saturation, and a minimum of one additional point on some corresponding experimental imbibition curve. In this development, all imbibition curves are shown to be parallel. Also significant is the fact that the residual nonwetting phase saturation can be calculated without a complete experimental specification of the imbibition curve. 5 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two species of wood, viz. Haldu (Adina Cordifolia) and Jamun (Syzygium Cumini) were vacuum-impregnated with two styrene-based monomer systems and polymerized in situ with gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source. The electrical conductivity of these specimens was determined at various polymer loadings under dry conditions, after wetting and after wet recovery as per ASTM standards. The water absorption characteristics are also presented. The results are discussed with special reference to the role of water. Potential applications are also discussed. 7 figures.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SummaryThe receptors for the second messenger InsP₃ comprise a family of closely related ion channels that release Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores, most prominently...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Focused ion beam (FIB) systems prove to be useful precision micromachining tools for a wide variety of applications. This micromachining technique includes scanning ion microscopy (SIM), micromachining by physical sputtering, and the ion-beam induced surface chemistry for etching and deposition. This technique is applied to image and modify IC's, to micromechanical applications, to modify the tip shape of tungsten emitters, and to prepare cross sections of selected regions for inspection in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stearic acid (C{sub 1}8H{sub 36}O{sub 2}) was treated into Ar and Ar-O{sub 2}(10%) pulsed DC discharge created by a cathode-anode confined system. The samples were placed at the floating potential. The results show that the mass variation of the stearic acid samples after Ar-O{sub 2} plasma exposure is more important than the pure Ar plasma treatments. This comportment demonstrate that the oxygen actives species (O and O{sub 2} in all states) strongly enhance the etching process with regards to A{sup *} species, regardless of their concentration. After treatment by Ar and Ar-O{sub 2} plasma, analyses by X-ray diffraction show a significant structural modification of the samples surface, utilizing Ar-O{sub 2} plasma the modification was more pronounced. The chemical composition evolution shows that the acid function is etched preferentially in the beginning of the treatment (about 5 min) and that after 10 min the carbonic chains seems to be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We investigate a new texturization technique for crystalline silicon solar cells with sodium carbonate (Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) solutions. We show the dependence of the hemispherical surface reflectance on solution temperature, the etching time and the Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} concentration. Furthermore, we investigate what element in Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} solution influences the texturing for reducing the texturing time. As a result of experiments, we find it possible to get low reflectance in a shorter texturing time by the addition of NaHCO{sub 3}. The size of texture becomes smaller by the addition of NaHCO{sub 3} but the etching rate does not change. We conclude carbonic ion and/or its compound seems to play an important role as the initiator of pyramidal structure. This texturing method is cost effective because there is no need of expensive IPA, and the surface reflectance is reduced sufficiently in a short time. This method is promising for a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Careful sample preparation and secondary ion mass spectroscopy have been used to characterize arsenic dose loss to the silicon-oxide interface. Using high resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for microprofiling, we have directly observed the pileup of arsenic at the silicon dioxide-silicon interface. At least half of the pileup is shown to be on the silicon side of the interface in the first monolayer of silicon. Monolayer chemical oxidation and etching are successfully used to profile this pileup in silicon. This pileup contains most of the arsenic dose loss that occurs during transient enhanced diffusion. This result is crucial to correctly model the dose loss and provides physical justification for using a trap/detrap model at the interface, which is necessary to account for the fact that the arsenic surface concentration remains constant during an anneal and the fact that the dose loss is partially reversible. Finally, we have found that normal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Decomposition of organic compounds contained in the spent ion exchange resins is considered effective in reducing the waste volume. A system using the wet-oxidation process has been studied for the treatment of the spent resins stored at Trino Nuclear Power Plant owned by SOGIN. Compared with various processes for treating sludge and resin, the wet-oxidation system is rather simple and the process conditions are mild. Not contaminated ion exchange resin samples similar to those ones used in Trino NPP were processed by wet-oxidation and appropriate decomposition of the organic compounds was verified. After decomposition the residue can be solidified with cement for final disposal. When compared with direct solidification without decomposition, the number of waste packages can be significantly reduced. Additional measures for conditioning secondary waste products have also been studied, and their applicability to the Trino ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The production of de-inked tailings in Quebec has significantly increased during the last decade. From less than 100,000 wet tons in 1990, the production of de-inked tailings reached 500,000 wet tons in 1995, and 510,000 wet tons in 1999. The geotechnical, hydraulic, and physico-chemical properties of de-inked tailings are favorable for its use as soil cover for the prevention of acid mine drainage at mining sites. In this presentation, the authors discussed the three-year monitoring of the behaviour of a membrane covering an old mining site with the potential to produce acid mine drainage. The site is located at the Clinton Mine, near Woburn, Quebec. The mine shaft was filled with the tailings and waste rock scattered around the site and covered with a protective membrane which included de-inked tailings. The profile of the membrane was discussed, as well as construction details. The results confirmed the good performance ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Advanced techniques for focused-ion-beam (FIB) device modification have been developed for complex, multistep modifications to circuitry on planar chip technology. Applying gas-assisted etching (GAE) techniques for high-aspect-ratio milling and the selective milling of both conductive and insulating films enhances process latitude. Localized ion-beam-induced deposition of an insulating film provides reconstructive capability in previously modified areas. The application of both techniques for complex device modification on VSLI devices fabricated with CMOS process technology is reviewed. (UK).

Science.gov (United States)

With the help of self-assembly, thermal sintering, selective etching techniques and sol-gel process, the non-close packed (ncp) face-centered cubic (fcc) photonic crystals of titanium dioxide (TiO2) hollow spheres connected by TiO2 cylindrical tubes have been fabricated using silica template. The photonic bandgap calculations indicate that the ncp structure of TiO2 hollow spheres was easier to open the pseudogaps than close packed system at the lowest energy. PMID:17097102

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The results of weekly radon concentration measurements in an office environment using a novel envelope-type radon monitor for short-term exposure periods are presented. The commercially available LR-115 damage track detectors are used and the chemically etched sheets are spark counted. The measurements were made over a period of one year. The indoor radon concentration varies from {approx} 20 Bq.m{sup -3} to {approx} 300 Bq.m{sup -3} with the average of 130, 81 and 73 Bq.m{sup -3} for three different rooms resulting in the annual dose of 4.5, 2.8 and 2.5 mSv, respectively. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

This letter describes the first lasing experiment of the heterostructure semiconductor Raman laser with lateral confinement of both the Stokes and pump fields. It has a GaP Raman active layer with thickness of 10 ..mu..m and Al/sub 0.1/Ga/sub 0.9/P cladding layers. The stripe of the active layer has been fabricated by a plasma etching technique. Steps should be taken to realize the semiconductor Raman laser pumped by an injection laser, applicable to wideband optical communication.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of a selective epitaxial growth technique for fabricating YBCO thin-film microstructures is described. No film post-deposition processing is required; hence damage to the structure is minimized. The technique is compatible with a passivation process to protect the structure without exposure to air. The microbridges, Josephson junctions and rf SQUIDs protected by an amorphous YBCO passivation have long lifetime even after severe accelerated aging tests. Rf SQUIDs fabricated by this technique show a significant reduction of low-frequency noise when operating in weak magnetic fields compared with SQUIDs fabricated by the conventional ion beam etching technique. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Microfabrication processes for Y-Ba-Cu-O films have been investigated, using ion-beam techniques. High-{Tc} superconducting lines as narrow as 0.8 {mu}m have been fabricated from epitaxial YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7 {minus} {ital y}} films by Ar ion-beam etching (IBE), combined with focused ion-beam (FIB) lithography. The resulting lines, 1.3 {mu}m wide and 2 mm long, showed a zero resistance temperature of 81 K and a critical current density of 1.9 {times} 10{sup 4} A/cm{sup 2} at 77.3 K. Maskless etching was carried out using 130-keV au{sup +} focused ion-beam (FIB) with a 0.1-{mu}m-diameter beam. A 50-nm-thick film was patterned into 0.3-{mu}m-wide lines at a dose of 5 {times} {sup 16} ions/cm{sup 2}. In comparison with Ar IBE, Cl{sub 2} reactive ion-beam etching (RIBE) exhibited an enhancement effect in sputtering yield. Ion implantation with 300-keV Si{sup + +} FIB also indicated the possibility to produce ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Questions: How important is the choice of flow routing algorithm with respect to application of topographic wetness index (TWI) in vegetation ecology? Which flow routing algorithms are preferable for application in vegetation ecology? Location: Forests in three different regions of the Czech Republic. Methods: We used vegetation data from 521 georeferenced plots, recently sampled in a wide range of forest communities. From a digital elevation model, we calculated 11 variations of TWI for each plot with 11 different flow routing algorithms. We evaluated the performance of differently calculated TWI by (1) Spearman rank correlation with average Ellenberg indicator values for soil moisture, (2) Mantel correlation coefficient between dissimilarities of species composition and dissimil...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the examination of hydrated and dried specimens without a conductive metal coating which could be advantageous in the imaging of biological and medical objects. The aim of this study was to assess the performance and benefits of wet-mode and low vacuum ESEM in comparison to high vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the choroid plexus of chicken embryos as a model, an organ of the brain involved in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid in vertebrates. Specimens were fixed with or without heavy metals and examined directly or after critical point drying with or without metal coating. For wet mode ESEM freshly excised specimens without any pre-treatment were also examined. Conventional high vacuum SEM revealed the characterist...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The characteristics of aerosol generation were studied experimentally in an ammonia-based wet flue gas desulfurization process. Particle size distributions and concentrations, morphologies and compositions before and after desulfurization were measured using an electrical low pressure impactor and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results show that aerosols can be generated between ammonia and sulfur dioxide resulting in gas-phase reaction and the aerosol concentration at the outlet of scrubber is significantly higher than at the inlet. Before desulfurization the particles are primarily silica-alumina minerals including O, Al, Si and C, while after ammonia-based desulfurization aerosol particles have smooth surfaces with regular structures, such as cubic and prismatic crystal...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Energy International is developing a technology that will create a staged formulation with the first coal form (Mulled Coal) that can be stored, transported, and pumped. Just prior to combustion, the Mulled Coal (MC) would be modified to provide the properties needed for proper atomization. This concept is an alternative to the expensive and energy intensive thermal drying processing of fine coal wet cakes. The material is suitable for both direct feed use in conventional and fluid bed combustors as well as on-site conversion to combustible slurries. By maintaining the coal form relatively close to the feed wet cake, only minor processing with low additive levels and low energy blending needed at the point of production. Its conversion to slurry or other use-feed form is made near the time of use and thus the requirements for stability, climatic control, and other storage, transport, and handling requirements are much less severe.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Terrain attributes derived from digital elevation models have been used widely for mapping soil organic matter (SOM). Among these attributes, the topographic wetness index (TWI), an index for quantitatively indicating the balance between water accumulation and drainage conditions at the local scale, has been shown to correlate with SOM. However, TWIs used in most studies are calculated using a single-flow-direction (SFD) algorithm, which assumes that all water from a grid cell flows into only one neighboring cell. This assumption is not always valid, especially in areas with low relief where movement of water may be divergent. To overcome this SFD limitation, a multiple-flow-direction (MFD) algorithm has been developed, which distributes flow from a grid cell to several downslope neighbors...

Science.gov (United States)

The 575-mile Statpipe gas transportation system entails 191 miles of wet-gas line running from the Statfjord field across the Norwegian trench to the Karsto, Norway, conditioning plant and 384 miles of dry-gas line from Karsto, again across the trench, to the Heindal and Sleipner fields for final connection at Ekofisk with the Norpipe system for transport to Emden, West Germany. Special construction considerations include the 1000-ft-deep trench crossings, the rocky shore approach and departure, and the subsea tie-ins required at depths of up to 500 ft. The system has an initial annual design capacity of 186 billion CF of wet gas and 260 billion CF through the dry-gas line to Emden.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Part 1 of the Electric Utility Engineer`s Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Manual emphasizes the chemical and physical processes that form the basis for design and operation of lime- and limestone-based FGD systems applied to coal- or oil-fired steam electric generating stations. The objectives of Part 1 are: to provide a description of the chemical and physical design basis for lime- and limestone-based wet FGD systems; to identify and discuss the various process design parameters and process options that must be considered in developing a specification for a new FGD system; and to provide utility engineers with process knowledge useful for operating and optimizing a lime- or limestone-based wet FGD system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A simple model based on surface chemistry is developed, based an simple concepts of contact angle, wetting and spreading. Results of the modeling can be stated by two simplified ``rules of thumb``: (1) A liquid will spread on the surface of a solid if the surface tension of the liquid is lose than the surface free energy of the solid, and (2) The liquid having the surface tension nearest that of the solid will preferentially wet the surface of the solid. These two rules can then be used to define the parameters that constitute a process for formulating a plastic bonded explosive (PBX), which is a crystalline high-explosive material coated with a small amount of plastic polymeric material (the binder). The PBX then can be pressed to a high density, and machined to a specific shape. The pressed and machined explosive material can then be used in a physics experiment to study fundamental properties of either the explosive or some other material.

Science.gov (United States)

The report gives results of a survey of the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems at Kansas Power and Light Co.'s Lawrence Power Station. The systems utilize boiler injection of pulverized limestone, followed by tail-end wet scrubbing: unit 4, with a net...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The addition of titanium to eutectic braze compositions causes these alloys to readily wet and bond to A1N ceramics. Electron microscopic characterizations of the metal-ceramic interfaces reveal the presence of TiN, along with other Ti- and Al-containing phases. The formation of such interfacial reaction products is an additional thermodynamic driving force for the creation of useful metal-ceramic bonds. 12 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.

CERN Document Server

Among the billions of planetary systems that fill the Universe, we would like to know how ours fits in. Exoplanet data can already be used to address the question: How common are Jupiters? Here we discuss a simple analysis of recent exoplanet data indicating that Jupiter is a typical massive planet rather than an outlier. A more difficult question to address is: How common are Earths? However, much indirect evidence suggests that wet rocky planets are common.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The engineering and economic feasibility of using the geothermal resources in East Mesa, California, in a new corn processing plant is evaluated. Institutional barriers were also identified and evaluated. Several alternative plant designs which used geothermal energy were developed. A capital cost estimate and rate of return type of economic analysis were performed to evaluate each alternative. (MHR)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This quarterly report covers the period from January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005. It covers: technical development, permitting status, engineering status, construction status, operations summary and marketing support activities for this period. Plant startup is still continuing. Testing of admixtures to enhance extrusion and SDA wetting is continuing. Efforts are underway to improve plant availability.

Science.gov (United States)

An extended series of measurements at a conventional coal-fired boiler equipped with a wet-limestone flue gas desulfurization unit has shown that sulfate and sulfur dioxide removal efficiencies are dissimilar. The average SO2 scrubbing efficiency was 76% and was observed to decrease over a five-day operating cycle. Total sulfate scrubbing efficiency, averaging about 29%, was invariant throughout the operating cycle. (1 diagram, 3 tables)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The condition of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in wet storage at ten Soviet-designed research reactors has been assessed in the light of international experience in order to identify any associated safety issues. These reactors use Al-clad UO2-Al or U-Al alloy dispersion fuels of ?20% enrichment that were fabricated in Russia; the reactors have been in operation since 1955-70. Although originally sent for reprocessing, much of the SNF generated over the last 25-30 years has been stored in fuel storage pools (FSPs) of variable water quality. The external condition of wet-stored SNF assemblies from the reactors surveyed varied from significant failure due to galvanic corrosion that was driven by poor water quality, through gradual pitting caused by slightly impure water, to a stable condition of no observable change in the oxidized Al alloy surface of the irradiated fuel. SNF stability in wet storage seems to depend on three ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel envelope-type radon monitor has been used for short-term (as little as 1 week) radon concentration measurements in a workplace environment. The commercially available LR-115 type II damage track detector was used in this study and the chemically etched sheets were spark counted. The measurements were made over a period of 1 year in a workplace consisting of three adjacent rooms situated in the lower ground level of multistorey office building in Rome, Italy. The variations of the radon concentration are from [approx] 20 to [approx] 300 Bq m[sup -3] with averages of 130,81 and 73 Bq m[sup -3] for the three different rooms resulting in annual doses of [approx] 3.8, [approx] 2.4 and [approx] 2.2 mSv, respectively. (author) 2 figs., 9 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Environmental radon monitoring activities at the DOE Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEMP) have been conducted extensively since the early 1980`s. Monitoring has been conducted at ambient concentration levels (< 1 pCi/L Rn-222), inside buildings, and at significantly elevated levels (hundreds of thousands pCi/L Rn-222) within the K-65 silo that store concentrated radium bearing wastes. The purpose of this paper/presentation is to present and discuss some of the difficulties encountered/solutions (e.g. reliability, detection limits, affects of environmental factors, data transfer, etc.) that have been discovered while taking measurements using both alpha track-etch passive integrating detectors and alpha scintillation real-time detectors. A short summary and conclusion section is provided following each topic presented.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A concentric reducer tube, which was a part of the top exit roughing hydraulic descaler in a hot strip mill failed prematurely under working pressure. A detailed metallurgical investigation comprising physical examination, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis was carried out to find out the genesis of the failure. Physical examination revealed cracks located symmetrically around the circumference of the tube that ran along its full length, up to the weld beads at both ends. Optical microscopy of etched samples revealed a banded ferrite-pearlite structure and the existence of forging folds near the change-in-section(160? fillets). Cracks were found to initiate from these forging folds. No structural abnormalities were found in the weld beads and...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance of types 304LN and 316LN stainless steels (SS) thermally aged at 823, 873, and 923 K for various durations was assessed by ASTM A262 practice A test (electrolytic etch test) and electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (EPR) test. The results indicated that the type 316LN SS has significantly improved IGC resistance compared to 304LN SS. Based on the results of these tests, time-temperature-sensitization (TTS) diagrams were developed for both alloys. The secondary precipitates formed during thermal aging treatments were electrochemically extracted and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the types of precipitates formed during the aging treatments. The results indicated that the precipitates were mostly of M_2_3C_6 carbides.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A passive dosemeter, based on a Makrofol ED track detector covered with aluminized Mylar, enclosed in diffusion chamber, has been used for radon concentration studies. Detectors have been irradiated, using a "2"4"1Am source, at different energies and fluences in order to obtain the electrochemical etching conditions that allow the optimum registration of alpha particles having energies over 3 MeV. Thirty dosemeters have been sent to the UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) Radon Environmental Chamber for calibration. The sensitivity of the dosemeter has been calculated. Several dosemeters have also been exposed in houses and dwellings in the Barcelona and Madrid areas for monitoring. Values for radon concentration in the areas under study are presented. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Focussed ion beam (FIB) processing has been applied to the fabrication of novel InP-based cleaved coupled cavity (CCC) quantum cascade lasers (QCL). Gas assisted etching using XeF_2 has been shown to significantly reduce the redeposition of sputtered material onto the mirror surfaces during final milling. For the unprocessed laser a broad spread of lasing peaks are observed between 9.72#mu#m to 9.78#mu#m at a current of 380mA (1kA/cm"-"2). After FIB processing, substantial side mode suppression is observed on applying a current of 20mA (100A/cm"-"2) to the short section and the main lasing peak is observed at 9.77#mu#m.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To suit the needs of development for manufacture VLSI, we started to investigate liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) and focused ion beam (FIB) in 1984. Many kinds of emitters viz. neddle type, co-axial type and capillary type of Ga and Au LMIS and three kinds of eutectic alloys LMIS (Au-Si, Au-Si-Be, Pd-Ni-Si-Be-B) have been tested. A program which can calculate focused ion guns has been written. Four kinds of foused ion guns have been operated, a fine beam with diametic 0.1 #mu#m is obtained. Using the FIB a scanning ion microscope has been constructed. Some tests of etching and self-developing of nitrocellulose are described. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A deep band of {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects was created 520 nm below the silicon surface with a 350 keV Si implant followed by a cluster-forming rapid thermal anneal (800 C, 1000 s). Chemical etching was used to vary the depth to the surface of the {l_brace}311{r_brace}-defect band. Afterwards, the defect dissolution was investigated at 750 C for different times. Varying the depth in this fashion assures that only the depth and no other feature of the cluster distribution is changed. The {l_brace}311{r_brace} defects were analyzed by plan-view, transmission electron microscopy. We show that the dissolution time of the {l_brace}311{r_brace}-defect band varies linearly with depth, confirming that surface recombination controls the dissolution and is consistent with analogous observations of transient enhanced diffusion.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This essay reviews key controversies in the history of the Darwinian research tradition: the Wilberforce-Huxley debate in 1860, early twentieth-century debates about the heritability of acquired characteristics and the consistency of Mendelian genetics with natural selection; the 1925 Scopes trial about teaching evolution; tensions about race, culture, and eugenics at the 1959 centenary celebration Darwin?s Origin of Species; adaptationism and its critics in the Sociobiology debate of 1970s and, more recently, Evolutionary Psychology; and current disputes about Intelligent Design. These controversies, I argue, are etched into public memory because they occur at the emotionally charged boundaries between public-political, technical-scientific, and personal-religious spheres of discourse. Ov...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) are widely used for radon measurements and CR-39 is one of the most popular SSNTD. In this work it was determined the calibration factor for radon concentration measurements through the passive method with CR-39 detectors. The detectors were put in a proper device (an adapted Lucas cell) and exposed to the standard radon concentration through the Pylon Model RN-150 flow through radon gas source. After exposure, the detectors were etched for 5.5 hours in a KOH solution at 80 deg C in a bath at a constant temperature. The track density was read in an Axiolab-Zeiss optical microscope, with nominal magnification of X10 connected to a video camera and to a personal computer. The calibration factor was obtained through the relation between standard radon concentration, track density and exposure time. (author)

Science.gov (United States)

The use of Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with in situ sputter etching for revealing the metallurgy of the metal-semiconductor interface is presented. The physical basis, measurement techniques, and data interpretation for Auger analysis of thin-film structures are briefly reviewed. Results of a detailed study of an alloyed multilayered contact (Ni/Au-Ge) on n-type epitaxial GaAs are summarized to illustrate how electrical and metallurgical contact properties can be correlated using AES. In addition, the results of a study of the growth kinetics and chemical phase identification of palladium silicide on single-crystal Si is given, as well as the initial results of a study of aluminum-palladium silicide interaction at elevated temperature. (auth)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Composite nitrides (such as BN, TiN) are widely used in various industrial applications because of their extreme wear and corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical properties. in order to obtain composite materials with these optimal properties, it is important to elucidate whether any chemical reactions occur at nitride/metal interfaces, e.g., those involving BN-Ti/TiN. Materials of interest include the deposition by PVD of Ti and TiN on BN substrates. Some of these systems were then subjected to varying degrees of physical and thermal alteration. Detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has therefore been rendered of these interfaces using cross-sectional display and sputter etching. Resulting structural and morphological features have been investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Diffusion of the nitridation, oxynitride formation and interfacial growth are of general interest.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The role of atmospheric urea on the biogeochemical cycle of Water Soluble Organic Nitrogen (WSON) in the Eastern Mediterranean was assessed by collecting and analyzing wet and dry deposition samples and size segregated aerosols during a one year period (2006). In rain water volume weighted mean (VWM) concentration of urea was found equal to 5.5mM. In atmospheric particles the average concentration of urea in coarse and fine mode was 0.9+/-1.9nmolNm^-^3 (median 0.0nmolNm^-^3) and 2.2+/-3.0nmolNm^-^3 (median 1.1nmolNm^-^3), respectively. The percentage contribution of urea to WSON fraction was 0% and 20% in coarse and fine particles respectively. On an annual basis 0.81mmolm^-^2 and 1.78mmolm^-^2 of urea were deposited via wet and dry deposition, contributing to WSON by 10% and 11% respectiv...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Praseodymium-doped Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi{sub 4-x}Pr{sub x}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800 deg. C exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x = 0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2 {mu}m to less than 50 nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1 {mu}m was observed for x = 0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the addition of x = 0.50, and increasing with further addition of Pr. Dissipation factor (tan {delta}) followed the same trend ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Praseodymium-doped Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x=0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi4-xPrxTi3O12 (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800degreeC exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x=0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2mm to less than 50nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1mm was observed for x=0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the ad...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Before the implementation Water Framework directive, it was usual to forget that a good environment protection of the receiving waters needs a correct and coordinated operation of the subsystems of the water cycle, specially sewerage system, WWTP and receiving waters. This explains that most of the countries have focused their efforts in the treatment of dry weather flows forgetting the management of wet weather flows. Actually the idea that a sewerage system or a WWTP can not be planned or managed independently without considering the effects on the receiving waters is commonly accepted because not only each one of these systems must work correctly but also it is required a minimum impact in the receiving waters of the sewerage and WWTP overflows in dry and wet weather. All these links will affect the management strategy of the sewerage system (storm water detection tanks, gates, pumping stations, etc)., the interceptor, the WWTP and the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Herein, we report engineering of nanostructured p-CuIn3Se5/n-CdS heterojunction thin film on a glass substrate, which is prepared at room temperature using simple wet chemical approach involving ion exchange reactions between CdS and Cu^+, In^3^+ and Se^2^- ions in alkaline medium. The uniform deposition of heterojunction thin films is achieved by optimizing the pH, temperature and molarity of the reactant bath. The as-deposited thin-films were annealed at 200^oC in air for 1h and further characterized for structural, optical and electrical properties using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Hall effect for type of conductivity, and I-V measurement to investigate the char...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finding environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods to remediate soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is currently a major concern of researchers. In this study, a series of small-scale semi-continuous extractions - with and without in situ wet oxidation - were performed on soils polluted with PAHs, using subcritical water (i.e. liquid water at high temperatures and pressures, but below the critical point) as the removal agent. Experiments were performed in a 300 mL reactor using an aged soil sample. To find the desorption isotherms and oxidation reaction rates, semi-continuous experiments with residence times of 1 and 2 h were performed using aged soil at 250 deg. C and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. In all combined extraction and oxidation flow experiments, PAHs in the remaining soil after the experiments were almost undetectable. In combined extraction and oxidation no PAHs could be detected in the liquid phase after the ...

Science.gov (United States)

This study was designed to compare the levels of chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) in scalp hair, blood, and urine of night blindness in children age ranged (3-7) and (8-12) years of both genders, comparing them to sex- and age-matched controls. A microwave-assisted wet acid digestion procedure, was developed as a sample pretreatment, for the determination of Cr and Mn in biological samples of night blindness children. The proposed method was validated by using conventional wet digestion and certified reference samples of hair, blood and urine. The digests of all biological samples were analyzed for Cr and Mn by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated significantly higher levels of Cr, whilst low level of Mn in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of male and female night blindness children, compared with control subjects of both genders. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professional ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The properties of a helium film on the surface of solid parahydrogen are investigated. It is shown that wetting of the solid hydrogen by the liquid helium occurs. The transport velocities along the He II film on the solid parahydrogen surface are measured in broad temperature, film height, and level difference ranges. It is shown that the transport velocity in this case has the least value as compared with its value on other substrates. The thickness of the helium-saturated film is determined on the solid hydrogen surface on the basis of the data obtained, and the value is in good agreement with the results of a computation performed within the framework of the Frenkel' theory.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to remove ash from coal, it is introduced into an aqueous ash removal solution, which contains nitric acid or citric acid and ammonium hydrogen fluoride. The coal without ash is then separated from the aqueous solution. According to the process, either finely ground coal is introduced into the ash removel solution or the coal with the solution is ground in a wet pulveriser.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH_4UO_2PO_4.3H_2O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ElectroScan environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is one of the most exciting new developments in the field of Electron Microscopy. The ESEM differs from conventional Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) by being able to examine materials including liquids and oils in their natural state with no prior sample preparation. Accessory equipment, cooling, heating and manipulating devices allow the manipulation of samples thus making it possible for the first time to image dynamic processes such as wetting, drying, absorption, corrosion, melting, crystallisation, curing and fracturing at high magnification. Papers concerning the historical development of the ESEM are given in a bibliography at the end of this paper. 24 refs., 18 figs.

CERN Document Server

The effect of pair-binding energy variations on the denaturation of double stranded DNAs is investigated. Using a two-parameter renormalization group (RG) analysis and extensive transfer matrix calculations, we find a random quenched-in variations to be marginally irrelevant, indicating that the system is self-averaging at the transition. The effect of a recently-proposed variable backbone stiffness is also investigated. Although irrelevant in the RG sense, it dramatically amplifies the randomness, leading to the appearance of ``multi-step melting'' for realistic sequences. These results are relevant to the adsorption of random heteropolymers and the wetting of disordered substrates.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We discuss the feasibility of a hierarchical protocol whereby the description and prediction of adsorbed fluids in confined systems at the mesoscopic scale is achieved by use of interface potentials that are obtained from raw molecular simulation data. Starting from a microscopic description of a fluid?s interface on a flat substrate, we attempt to extract the minimum information that is required in order to predict the behavior of that fluid at larger length scales from coarse grained surface Hamiltonians. A critical assessment of this procedure hinges on controversial aspects of wetting behavior and more generally on the meaning of metastability and instability of thermodynamic systems.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Examples are given of reference materials for radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis (RXFA) of the environment processed by the National Bureau of Standards and the IAEA. Methods are described used for preparing standard materials for RXFA. For determining air pollutants the sample is prepared by dry or wet mineralization. Water samples have to be preserved prior to analysis. Insoluble components are separated by filtration or centrifugation. Biological materials must be dehydrated and homogenized. Samples of soil, sludges, sediments and solid wastes will sometimes have to be converted into a solution in some cases a leachate will have to be obtained. (ES).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Better understanding and modelling of three-phase flow through porous media is of great interest, especially for improved oil recovery methods such as gas injection processes. Early theoretical and experimental studies have already demonstrated that the wettability characteristics of the solid surface and the spreading characteristics of the fluid system hold the key roles. This observation is confirmed by our theoretical results using DLP theory on the stability and the thickness of static oil films. In most of the works related to three-phase flow processes, homogeneous wettability is assumed. There exist only a few studies demonstrating the tremendous impact of the wettability heterogeneities on gas injection. The objective of the present work is twofold: to demonstrate the effect of small scale wettability heterogeneities on gas injection efficiency, and to develop a tool to predict this impact for various patterns and spatial distributions. To this end an experimental ...

Science.gov (United States)

Most of the synthetic gypsum generated from wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubbers is currently being used for wallboard production. Because oxidized mercury is readily captured by the wet FGD scrubber, and coal-fired power plants equipped with wet scrubbers desire to benefit from the partial mercury control that these systems provide, some mercury is likely to be bound in with the FGD gypsum and wallboard. In this study, the feasibility of identifying mercury species in the FGD gypsum and wallboard samples was investigated using a large sample size thermal desorption method. Potential candidates of pure mercury standards including mercuric chloride (HgCl2), mercurous chloride (Hg2Cl2), mercury oxide (HgO), mercury sulfide (HgS), and mercuric sulfate (HgSO4) were analyzed to compare their results with those obtained from FGD gypsum and dry wallboard samples. Although any of the thermal evolutionary curves obtained ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Precarbon process has been developed jointly by the Bergbauforschung Institute and the Federal German company, Didier. The characteristic feature of the process is the combination of two-stage coal heating in pipe dryers to 200/sup 0/C and its smokeless charging to the coke ovens by means of a Redler conveyor passing over the coke oven battery. Calculations have shown that the use of preheated coal can be justified economically in three cases: (1) To increase coke oven battery outputs. When using standard coals the battery throughput increase of approximately 45% due to coal preheating reduces costs for coking in comparison with wet coal coking, which would require larger coke ovens. (2) To improve coke quality. Use of preheated coal produces a blast furnace coke of the required quality from charges containing increased weakly-coking coal contents. 3. To increase output from coke oven batteries being rebuilt. A recent development of the Precarbon process is the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experiments on the depth dependence of transient enhanced diffusion (TED) of boron during rapid thermal annealing of Ge-preamorphized layers reveal a linear decrease in the diffusion enhancement between the end-of-range (EOR) defect band and the surface. This behavior, which indicates a quasi-steady-state distribution of excess interstitials, emitted from the EOR band and absorbed at the surface, is observed for annealing times as short as 1 s at 900 deg. C. Using an etching procedure we vary the distance x{sub EOR} from the EOR band to the surface in the range 80-175 nm, and observe how this influences the interstitial supersaturation, s(x). The supersaturations at the EOR band and the surface remain unchanged, while the gradient ds/dx, and thus the flux to the surface, varies inversely with x{sub EOR}. This confirms the validity of earlier modelling of EOR defect evolution in terms of Ostwald ripening, and provides conclusive evidence that the surface is the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanoimprinting is a fast-growing technique for nanoscale patterning. One of the remaining issues in nanoimprinting is the removal of the residual layer after nanoimprinting. Traditionally the residual layer is removed by an oxygen reactive-ion etching (RIE) step. The need for a vacuum environment and dedicated equipment in this step lowers the throughput and increases the cost of the nanoimprinting process. It also prevents the possibility of patterning isolated functional polymers because oxygen RIE destroys the functional materials. In this work, novel nanoimprinting schemes are developed to nondestructively remove the residual layer in thermal nanoimprinting by solvent developing and dewetting. Combined with a transfer-bonding technique, three-dimensional polymer scaffolds are achieved. The techniques developed here eliminate the RIE step in thermal nanoimprinting and are compatible with roller nanoimprinting for large-scale patterning of polymer micro- or ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of chemical composition and heat treatment on a low-carbon steel, chromium steel and high speed steel has been examined by polarisation curves and electrochemical parameters deduced from the Tafel plots. The electrochemical corrosion resistance, which is small between the as-received steels become greater after heat treatment, following the order: carbon steel < chromium steel #approx# high speed steel. To explain these differences, the nano- and microstructure of the steels has been characterized by the ex situ techniques of atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy, before and after surface etching with Nital (a solution of 5% HNO_3 in ethanol). This causes preferential attack of the ferrite phases showing the carbide phases more clearly. From these nanostructural studies it was possible to better understand why the passive films formed on chromium steel and high speed steel have superior protective properties to those formed on carbon ...

CERN Document Server

Surface compositional changes in GaAs due to RF plasmas of different gases have been investigated by XPS and etch rates were measured using AFM. Angular Resolved XPS (ARXPS) was also employed for depth analysis of the composition of the surface layers. An important role in this study was determination of oxide thickness using XPS data. The study of surface - plasma interaction was undertaken by correlating results of surface analysis with plasma diagnosis. Different experiments were designed to accurately measure the BEs associated with the Ga 3d, Ga 2p sub 3 sub / sub 2 and LMM peaks using XPS analysis and propose identification in terms of the oxides of GaAs. Along with GaAs wafers, some reference compounds such as metallic Ga and Ga sub 2 O sub 3 powder were used. A separate study aiming the identification of the GaAs surface oxides formed on the GaAs surface during and after plasma processing was undertaken. Surface compositional changes after plasma treatment, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified with poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (also known as Nylon 66) via a controlled polymer solution crystallization method. A 'nanohybrid shish kebab' (NHSK) structure was found wherein the MWNT resembled the shish while Nylon 66 lamellar crystals formed the kebabs. These Nylon 66-functionalized MWNTs were used as precursors to prepare polymer/MWNT nanocomposites. Excellent dispersion was revealed by optical and electron microscopies. Nitric acid etching of the nanocomposites showed that MWNT formed a robust network in Nylon 66. Non-isothermal DSC results showed multiple melting peaks, which can be attributed to lamellar thickness changes upon heating. The crystallite sizes L{sub 100} and L{sup 010} of Nylon 66, determined by WAXD, decreased with increasing MWNT contents. Isothermal DSC results showed that crystallization kinetics increased first and then decreased with increasing MWNT contents in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Inhalation of radon and its daughter products makes the major contribution to the total exposure of the population to natural radiations. In implementing a complex ecological survey, concentrations of radon and its daughter products were measured in different regions of Russia, namely, in the St. Petersburg Region, the Central Territories and the Altay Territory. Two suitable low price versions of the dosemeters for measuring environmental radon concentrations based on track-etch and activated-charcoal detectors were used. The radon daughter product activity and the effective dose equivalents were calculated with an equilibrium factor of 0.5 and a recommended effective dose equivalent factor of 0.061 mSv (Bq m{sup -3}){sup -1}. Indoor measurements were taken in more than 1000 dwellings and public and industrial buildings of 21 towns and villages. The track chambers were exposed for about 2-3 months and the charcoal detectors for 6-10 days, mainly during the summer. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radon concentration measurements were carried out using solid-state nuclear track-etch detectors (SSNTDs) type CA 80-15 cellulose nitrate films, in a Pleistocenic cave at Petralona, in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, at 55 km from the city of Thessaloniki. Radon levels as high as 88 kBqxm"-"3 (2.38 nCi x l"-"1) have been recorded inside the cave equivalent to 11.90 WL in terms of occupational exposure to radon and its decay products. Absorbed dose rates were performed using TL dosimeters, type TLD-200 (CaF_2-Dy) in a continuous monitoring program (integrated measurements). Dose rate levels as high as 110 nGy x h"-"1 were recorded inside the cave. In interpreting the high levels of radiation doses, radioactivity measurements regarding the naturally occurring "2"3"8U, "2"3"2Th and "4"0K radionuclides were carried out in various speleothems found at different sites in the cave. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beneath the harsh deserts of Saudi Arabia lie dark chambers and complex mazes filled with strange shapes and wondrous beauty. Radon concentration measurements have been carried out in the desert caves of Al-Somman Plateau in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Passive radon dosimeters, based on alpha particle etch track detectors with an inlet filter, were used in this study. A total of 59 dosimeters were placed in five caves for a period of six months. Out of 59 dosimeters, 37 could be collected for analysis. Measurements showed significant variations in radon concentrations in caves depending upon their natural ventilation. The results of the study show that the average radon concentration in the different caves ranges from 74 up to 451Bqm"-"3. The average radon concentration in four of the caves was low in the range 74-114Bqm"-"3. However, one cave showed an average radon concentration of 451Bqm"-"3. Radon is not a problem for tourists in the majority of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The United States Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), as part of an energy conservation programme in the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, has collected over 36,000 residential radon concentration measurements. Data were collected between 1983 and 1989 with ambient {alpha} etched track dosemeters. Based on the linear risk coefficient from the BEIR IV report for lifetime lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers, numbers of lung cancer cases attributable to radon exposure were predicted. Numbers of baseline lung cancer cases and numbers of these that were preventable by remediation were also estimated. Remediation to 10 pCi.1{sup -1}, to 4 pCi.1{sup -1}, and to outdoor levels were considered. With vital statistics data, results were extrapolated to populations in the states represented by the BPA data. Costs of remediation were estimated. Results were evaluated in terms of cost per cancer saved and per cent reduction in fatal lung cancer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The formation of porous structures of nanometre size (nanoporous structures) on germanium (Ge) surfaces by focused ion beam (FIB) irradiations was investigated using various FIB conditions such as ion species, irradiation energies, total fluences, fluence rates, and incident angles. FIB-irradiated regions were observed using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. It is found that, using a focused Ga ion beam (Ga FIB) at an energy of 100 keV, the irradiated Ge surface swelled up to ion fluence of 2 x 10"1"7 cm"-"2 with nanoporous structures and then was etched for larger fluences. The shape of swollen nanoporous structures depended on the fluence rate and the incident angle of the Ga FIB. However, such porous structures were observed neither for low-energy (15-30 keV) FIB irradiations using Si and Au ions nor for high-energy (200 keV), heavy ion (Au) irradiation. These observations might be helpful in discussing the formation mechanisms of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coded imaging techniques using thick, micro-Fresnel zone plates as coded apertures have been used to image x-ray emission (2--20 keV) and 3.5 MeV Alpha particle emissions from laser driven micro-implosions. Image resolution in these experiments was 3--8 ..mu..m. Extension of this coded imaging capability to higher energy x rays (approx.100 KeV) and more penetrating charged particles (e.g., approx.15 MeV protons) requires the fabrication of very thick (50--200 ..mu..m), high aspect ratio (10:1), gold Fresnel zone plates with narrow linewidths (5--25 ..mu..m) for use as coded apertures. A reactive ion etch technique in oxygen has been used to produce thick zone plate patterns in polymer films. The polymer patterns serve as electroplating molds for the subsequent fabrication of the free-standing gold zone plate structures.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present paper, the chemical composition of passive films formed on both phases of two types of duplex stainless steels (UNS S31803 and UNS S32304) is determined at the micro-scale using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Samples were either mechanically polished (down to diamond pastes) or electrochemically etched in acidic solutions. The micro-electrochemical behavior of samples was then determined in sodium chloride media by means of the electrochemical micro-cell technique (capillary diameters of 30 ?m). The results obtained were analyzed considering the passive film chemical composition. Quantitative relationships between electrochemical parameters and the distribution of chromium and iron in the oxide layer were found. Due to differences in mechanical properties between ferrite and austenite, a heterogeneous stress distribution is generated in both phases. A method based on thermal-mechanical simulation was used to quantify surface stress gradients and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A technique and a particular apparatus for an inductive measurement of critical currents as a function of temperature and magnetic field in thin-film superconductors are described. The technique has been found to be particularly useful for high-field A-15 compounds 2 to 3 ..mu..m thick. Samples with lower critical current densities would have to be correspondingly thicker to measure over the same broad range of temperature and field. The design of the apparatus is detailed showing that the film can be taken directly from the deposition chamber and mounted without electrical contacts so samples can be changed easily. The principles of operation are developed based on the Critical State Model. These principles are tested by measurements which verify that the measured value of critical curent is independent of the amplitudes and frequency of the small ac magnetic field which is added to a much larger quasistatic field. The inductive measurements are compared with results of transport ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite was fabricated by the squeeze casting and extruded with the extrusion ratios of 44 and 100 at 773 K. Its tensile strength and superplastic characteristics were investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) the {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite exhibits the tensile strengths of about 400 MPa at room temperature and of about 250 MPa at 773 K; (2) the m value of the composite pulled at 818 K is 0.33 in the strain rate range from 0.02 up to 1.0 s{sup {minus}1}; (3) the total elongation of the composite becomes about 173 % at the strain rate of 0.02 s{sup {minus}1} even in the case of the high volume fraction of 0.25; (4) no reaction product on the surface of {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} whisker after removing a matrix by etching was detected except AlN; (5) the fracture surface of the composite includes the melt matrix and small filaments, which shows that interfacial sliding should promote HSRS in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We used light confinement in optical microcavities to achieve a strong enhancement and a precise wavelength tunability of the electrical photoconductance of nanostructured porous silicon (PS). The devices consist of a periodic array of alternating PS layers, electrochemically etched to have high and low porosities - and therefore distinct dielectric functions. A central layer having a doubled thickness breaks up the symmetry of the one-dimensional photonic structure, producing a resonance in the photonic band gap that is clearly observed in the reflectance spectrum. The devices were transferred to a glass coated with a transparent SnO{sub 2} electrode, while an Al contact was evaporated on its back side. The electrical conductance was measured as a function of the photon energy. A strong enhancement of the conductance is obtained in a narrow (17nm FWHM) band peaking at the resonance. We present experimental results of the angular dependence of this photoconductance ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation on writer performance were examined on a perpendicular recording system. The entire top pole was irradiated by FIB with ion doses from 0 to 300 pC/#mu#m"2. PW_5_0 and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were characterized using a spin stand before and after FIB irradiation. It was found that there is degradation of PW_5_0 and SNR due to FIB irradiation. At the maximum dose (300 pC/#mu#m"2), PW_5_0 increased by 33 nm (>30%) and SNR decreased by 5 dB (>25%). The degradation was attributed to the physical pole tip recession and the formation of a magnetic dead layer. The thickness of the magnetic dead layer was estimated by analyzing the write spacing loss. Using atomic force microscopy and stage current change monitored during FIB process, it was found that the entire 4-nm protective carbon layer was etched away with a dose of 25 pC/#mu#m"2. This result implies that the degradation with ion doses <25 pC/#mu#m"2 is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The US Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors an extensive research program to improve the methods, dosimeters, and instruments available to DOE facilities for measuring neutron dose and assessing its effects on the work force. The Total Dose Meter was recently developed for measuring in real time the adsorbed dose of mixed neutron and gamma radiation and for calculating the dose equivalent. The Field Neutron Spectrometer was developed to provide a portable instrument for determining neutron spectra in the workplace for flux-to-dose equivalent conversion and quality factor calculation. The Combination Thermoluminescence/Track Etch Dosimeter (TLD/TED) was developed to extend the effective neutron energy range of the conventional TLDs to improve detection of fast-energy neutrons. An Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter is presently being developed for application to gamma, neutron, and beta radiation. An Effective Dose Equivalent System is being developed to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using standard microfabrication techniques, it is now possible to construct devices that appear to reliably manipulate electrons one at a time. These devices have potential use as building blocks in quantum computing devices, or as a standard of electrical current derived only from a frequency and the fundamental charge. To date, the error rate in semiconductor 'tuneable-barrier' pump devices, those which show most promise for high-frequency operation, have not been tested in detail. We present high-accuracy measurements of the current from an etched GaAs quantum dot pump, operated at zero source-drain bias voltage with a single ac-modulated gate at 340 MHz driving the pump cycle. By comparison with a reference current derived from primary standards, we show that the electron transfer accuracy is better than 15 parts per million. High-resolution studies of the dependence of the pump current on the quantum dot tuning parameters also reveal possible deviations from a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Low-energy focused ion beam (FIB) is a useful tool for shallow doping, gas-assisted etching, and other uses to minimize substrate damage in semiconductor device fabrication. The possibility to form a finely FIB of low energy under 1 keV was suggested in the investigations on the retarding mode in electron optical systems. The abilities of the simplest type of retarding mode FIB column are examined here. The optical properties are calculated for the corresponding model and some images are observed with Ga"+ ion beams <0.3 #mu#m in diameter for beam energies, 10, 5, and 1 keV, using a retarding mode one-lens FIB system. 1-keV and 100-eV Ga"+ FIB was implanted to Ga/As substrate, and the defects are analyzed by deep-level transient spectroscopy. The defect concentration for 100 eV was < (1)/(5) that for 1000 keV.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fluoroalkyl end-capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomer suffered the sol-gel reaction under alkaline conditions in the presence of titanium oxide nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran to afford the corresponding fluorinated oligomer/titanium oxide nanocomposites[RF-(VM-SiO2)n-RF/TiO2] in excellent to moderate isolated yields. These fluorinated composites thus obtained were nanometer size-controlled fine particles, and exhibited good dispersibility and stability in traditional organic solvents except for water. These fluorinated nanocomposites were applied to the surface modification of glass to exhibit not only a completely superhydrophobic characteristic (a water contact angle: 180degree) with a non-wetting property against water droplets but also a good oleophobicity imparted by fluoroalkyl seg...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the process on a floating ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ElectroStatic Precipitator (ESP) removes dust and tar droplets very efficiently from biomass product gas. Dust was removed for more than 99%. The tar dewpoint was reduced from 130C to 21C, which is sufficient for the application of the product gas in a gas engine. Tar removal is not sensitive to the voltage or fluctuations in the gas residence time . The voltage was varied between 28 to 37 kV{sub arith} and the gas residence time between 4 and 11s. Fouling of the ESP collector plates was negligible, which was concluded from visual inspection after 200 hours of operation. A reduction in the residence time reduces the size of the ESP and has a significant impact on the investment costs of the ESP. Keywords: electrostatic filter, tar removal, circulating fluidised bed (CFB)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ag nanoparticles were prepared in a water-phase system with a mixture of silver-ammonia complex, sodium borohydride, and lauric acid according to molar feed ratio of approximately 6:3:1. The mechanism of preparation and separation by chemical reduction-protection method was explored. The as-synthesized Ag nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-vis spectroscopy, respectively. It was found that the size of high purity Ag particles was ranging from 30 to 50 nm with slight agglomeration. In addition, the as-synthesized wet Ag nanoparticles were dispersed stably in organic vehicle to formulate electrically conductive nanopaste. Upon direct-written and sintered, the array pattern of the nanopaste with the resolution of about 30 {mu}m was achieved with the electrical resistivity in the order of magnitude of 10{sup -5} {Omega} cm.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper introduces the method of seismic stability analysis for the increase of fuel storage capacity of wet storage stacks by one or two more stack floor at Wolsung Nuclear Unit 2,3,4, which had been originally licensed assuming 16 tray stack-o-storage. As a basic procedure, tipping and sliding stability of the structure is checked at first thru seismic analysis and the resultant load from dynamic analysis is applied for static stress analysis, and the result of which is reviewed for compatability with applicable standard. As a result, sliding and overturning are not expected under design basis earthquakes for increased storage cases of 17 tray and 18 tray stacks. And it is anticipated the result of stress analysis will be acceptable.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract A fabrication process for Emitter-Wrap-Through solar cells on monocrystalline material with high quality gap passivation by wet thermal silicon dioxide is investigated. Masking and structuring steps are performed by screen-printing technology. Via-holes are created by an industrially applicable high-speed laser drilling process. The cell structure features a selective emitter structure fabricated in a single high temperature step: a highly doped emitter at the via-holes and the rear side, allowing for a low via-hole resistivity as well as a low resistivity contact to screen-printed pastes, and a moderately doped front side emitter exhibiting high quantum efficiency in the low wavelength range. Therefore a novel approach is applied depositing either doped or undoped PECVD silicon d...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract A large remaining source of uncertainty in global model predictions of future climate is how ecosystem carbon (C) cycle feedbacks to climate change. We conducted a field manipulative experiment of warming and nitrogen (N) addition in a temperate steppe in northern China during two contrasting hydrological growing seasons in 2006 [wet with total precipitation 11.2% above the long-term mean (348 mm)] and 2007 (dry with total precipitation 46.7% below the long-term mean). Irrespective of strong intra- and interannual variations in ecosystem C fluxes, responses of ecosystem C fluxes to warming and N addition did not change between the two growing seasons, suggesting independence of warming and N responses of net ecosystem C exchange (NEE) upon hydrological variations in the temperate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A survey of wetlands on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) was conducted in 1990. Wetlands occurring on ORR were identified using National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps and field surveys. More than 120 sites were visited and 90 wetlands were identified. Wetland types on ORR included emergent communities in shallow embayments on reservoirs, emergent and aquatic communities in ponds, forested wetland on low ground along major creeks, and wet meadows and marshes associated with streams and seeps. Vascular plant species occurring on sites visited were inventoried, and 57 species were added to the checklist of vascular plants on ORR. Three species listed as rare in Tennessee were discovered on ORR during the wetlands survey. The survey provided an intensive ground truth of the wetlands identified by NWI and offered an indication of wetlands that the NWI remote sensing techniques did not detect.

Science.gov (United States)

A process is described for the recovery of uranium values from phosphoric acid utilizing an alkyl pyrophosphoric acid (Appa) primary extractant. After extracting the uranium from the phosphoric acid, the appa extractant is deactivated by heating and the uranium values stripped into a phosphoric acid strip solution containing ferric ion as a salting agent. The uranium values may then be re-extracted directly from this stripping solution without adjustment of its concentration into a dialkyl phosphoric acid trialkyl phosphine oxide synergistic extractant from which a relatively pure yellow cake is precipitated. A new procedure for preparing the requisite appa primary extractants is also disclosed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In Japan, the term mizumizushii is used to express beauty. This term mizumizushii is an adjective involving factors for a variety of `beauties full of the feeling of vitality' such as youthful, fresh, watery, dewy and the like. The exact choice of words depends on the circumstances. Mizumizushii-looking skin represents the skin that looks wet with the moisture contained in it and that has a good gloss. However, according to our research carried out using a Corneometer, almost no relationship was found between skin actually including a large amount of moisture in the stratum corneum and mizumizushii-looking skin. We elucidated the `apparently mizumizushii-looking skin,' and tried to develop makeup products having the function of making the skin look mizumizushii, which is to be one of the f...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Real-time neutron radiography was demonstrated to be a viable and useful tool in studying water flow in unsaturated media. The experiment was designed to test the method for following water flow. The wetting front advance, water-flow patterns, and neutron attenuation density were observed in a 7.7-cm diameter sand column. The advance was fit with a simple i = A t/sup B/ equation yielding an excellent correlation. Theoretical calculations presented estimate the minimum and maximum detectable water content in various sizes of columns. The ability of real-time neutron radiography to allow both qualitative and quantitative spatial and time measurements to be made in an nonintrusive manner was demonstrated.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryA meshless numerical model is proposed to investigate shallow-water dam break flows in 1D open channels. The numerical model is to solve the shallow water equations (SWE) based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The concept of slice water particles (SWP) is adopted in the SPH-SWE formulation. The numerical sensitivity analysis is first performed to study the appropriate SWP number and variable smoothing length through dam break flows in an idealized 1D channel with dry/wet beds. Extensive validation by comparison with laboratory and field data is next conducted for four benchmark problems, including dam break flows through a rough flat channel, a rough bumpy channel with various downstream boundary conditions, a nonprismatic channel, and a realistic scale model of the Toce ri...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Carbon black is widely used as an active filler in the rubber industry to improve the physical properties of rubber. The surface energy of carbon black is high compared to that of various elastomers like styrene?butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR) and ethylene?propylene?diene rubber (EPDM). The work aims at reducing the surface energy of carbon black by modifying its surface for application especially in rubber blends. The present paper looks into the possibility of using plasma polymerisation of acetylene as a surface modification technique for carbon black in comparison with silica. Thermogravimetric analysis, wetting behaviour with various liquids of known surface tension and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to characterise the carbon black b...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology has become an indispensable enabling tool for micro nano fabrications. One important application is to use FIB for patterning conducting nanowires of metals down to a few tens of nanometre for applications such as interconnects, heaters and temperature nanosensors. A series of experiments on Au nanowires fabricated by FIB on SixNy membrane show that nanowires with width 50nm have structural instabilities. These are liquid like and first show-up as undulations in nanowire width with clearly defined wave lengths. For smaller widths (20nm) the instabilities grow and the wires eventually break-up into spherical balls. Further experiments show that the nanowires can be made stable to smaller widths by the use of a Cr underlayer to enhance surface wetting. The o...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Equivalent circuit and electrical parameters for H-doped NH{sub 4}UO{sub 2}PO{sub 4}.3H{sub 2}O self supported membranes have been determined by impedance spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out with a dry membrane, at different temperatures, and a wet membrane in contact with different electrolyte solutions. Resistance values for the dry membrane decrease with temperature increase, which agrees with the weak protonic character of the H-doped ammonium uranylphosphate. On the other hand, differences in the electrical parameters, depending on the electrolyte considered were also obtained and are attributed to different conduction mechanisms. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study has confirmed large seasonal and daily variations of Rn in soil gas, developed models for the effects of temperature and moisture on air-water Rn partition, inhibited Rn diffusion from wet soil into sparse large air-filled pores and effects of diffusion into bedrock, demonstrated that organic matter is a major host for 226Ra in soils and that organic-bound Ra largely determines the proportion of 222Rn emanated to pore space, shown that in contrast 220Rn is emanated mainly from 224Ra in Fe-oxides, detected significant disequilibrium between 226Ra and 238U in organic matter and in some recent glacial soils, demonstrated by computer models that air convection driven by temperature differences is expected in moderately permeable soils on hillsides.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The author analyzes conference materials, emphasizing the studies and latest developments useful for industrial heterogeneous catalysis in view of the requirements of green chemistry. Industrial catalysts is developing along a nanometer scale, so especial attention is devoted to analyzing the reports in the Nanochemistry section on the creation of nanocatalysts, the production of active phase nanoparticles, and the formation of new synthesized material properties. The catalysts developed earlier by Russian research in cooperation with Belarusian scientists are considered, and it is shown that not only are expensive nanocontacts extremely promising for industry, but the efficient and economic low-percentage new generation of nanocatalysts synthesized by wet chemistry and containing nanopart...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To study the causes of agricultural declines in south-west Sweden, a multi-proxy study including pollen analysis, bog surface wetness indicators and aeolian sediment influx reconstructions was carried out on the Store Mosse Bog, situated on the coastal plain of Halland. Patterns of agricultural changes during the past 6,000?years from this study were compared to one additional site on the coastal plain (Undarsmosse Bog) and to four sites in the forested upland region. First, we compared land use activity on the coastal plain and in upland regions of south-west Sweden. Three periods with reduced agricultural activities were observed, primarily in records from the coastal plain. Next, the causes for these declines were studied by comparing land use indicators in the pollen records from the S...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Passive microwave soil moisture datasets can be used as an input to provide an integrated assessment of climate variability as it relates to agricultural production. The objective of this research was to examine three passive microwave derived soil moisture datasets over multiple growing seasons in contrasting Canadian agricultural environments. Absolute and relative soil moisture was evaluated from two globally available datasets from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) sensor using different retrieval algorithms, as well as relative soil wetness at a weekly scale from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) sensor. At a daily scale, the Land Parameter Retrieval Model (LPRM) provides a better estimate of surface soil moisture conditions than the National Snow a...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The ability to cope with environmental stress may be expensive in terms of energy and this cost of tolerance is suspected to have negative counterparts such as reduced growth and fecundity. To date, condition indices based on biometric measurements are currently used in bivalves or fish but do not exist in endobenthic worms, despite their interest as bioindicators for the sedimentary compartment in which the major part of pollutants is stored in aquatic environments. In the present work, several biometric variables (jaw and total body length, number of segments, the length of the first three segments L3, wet or dry weight) were measured in the ragworm Nereis diversicolor originating from clean (Authie) and polluted (Seine) estuaries (France) to study size-weight relationships. The producti...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The ECOSYS model is used to estimate ingestion dose in the ARGOS and RODOS decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. It is recommended that nation-specific values for several parameters are used in the model. However, this is generally overlooked when the systems are used in practice. We have estimated first year ingestion doses in two scenarios with wet and dry deposition of 137Cs, using the ECOSYS model. We calculated doses for each country using national dietary data while keeping all other parameters at their default values. These dose calculations were then used to estimate the variation in ingestion doses resulting from the variation in the diets only. The dietary data demonstrated that the average consumption of milk, meat and vegetables varied by a factor of 2-4 am...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Problems can sometimes occur during the construction of cast in-situ concrete piles. These foundations are formed by drilling a substantial hole into the ground and subsequently filling it with steel reinforcement and wet concrete. Several well-documented cases exist where concrete has not filled the hole and substantial voids have been left in the apparently completed pile. A theory has been developed by which it is possible to identify the nature, size and position of a finite defect within a suspect pile. The technique is based on the concept of receptances, and requires information obtained from vibration tests performed on piles after the concrete has hardened, and the nominal dimensions and material properties of the pile. The application of the theory is demonstrated using data relating to a pile with a known defect. The theory described in this paper ignores the effect of the surrounding soil; this can be included by further development of the theory.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report discusses the work done on EPRI program S149-1. In this program the feasibility of cleaning steam generators off line with organic chelants as a means of arresting denting corrosion was investigated. The rationale behind this program is to make use of those periods during which nuclear steam generators are in cold shutdown or wet layup to carry out a low-temperature soak with a combined chelant-inhibitor solution in order to dissolve some of the magnetite which has built up in crevices and to concomitantly remove entrained corrodents such as chloride ion. It was hoped that these soaks would be effective in reducing carbon steel support plate corrosion which produces tube denting.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As research for the chemical properties of lanthanide molecules in the dry system, electrochemical and ultraviolet-visible optical measurements on the chloride molten salt system have been conducted at Research Reactor Institute, Kyoto University. The reduction behavior of Ln(III)-Ln(0) and Ln(II) are measured on La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Yb by the cyclic voltammetry. The molar absorption coefficients of the f-f transition are measured by the measurement of ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra on Pr, Nd, Ho and Gd. From the comparison of the optical data between wet and dry systems, the characteristics of photon absorption are discussed in the molten salt. (H. Katsuta)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) reports on work done in the area of gasification of biomass. The use of dung, manure and sewage sludge as sources of energy is described and discussed. Hydrothermal gasification is proposed as an alternative to conventional gas-phase processes. The aim of the project in this respect is discussed. Here, a catalytic process that demonstrates the gasification of wet biomass to synthetic natural gas (SNG) in a continuously operating plant on a laboratory scale is being looked at. Difficulties encountered in preliminary tests are discussed. Long-term catalyst stability and the installations for the demonstration of the process are discussed, and gasification tests with ethanol are commented on.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Humic acids are primarily a result of the microbiological degradation of surrounding vegetation and animal decay and enter surface waters through rain water run-off from the surrounding land. This often gives rise to large seasonal variations, high concentrations in the wet season and lower concentrations in the dry season. Alone humic acid is just a colour problem but when present in conventional treatment processes like chlorination, carcinogenic by-products like trihalomethane and haloacetic acid are formed. This, in addition to the demand for clean potable drinking water, has sparked extensive research into alternative processes for the production of drinking water from various natural/industrial sources. One of the major areas of focus in these studies is the use of membranes in micro...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The absorption of carbonyl sulfide in aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) was studied over a range of temperatures and MDEA concentrations. MDEA is commonly used for selective absorption of hydrogen sulfide in the presence of carbon dioxide. However, sulfur in the form of COS may also be present and it is necessary that estimates of absorption rates of this compound be made. The objective of this study is to determine the physiochemical properties needed to predict COS absorption rates in aqueous MDEA. Free gas solubility and the diffusivity of COS in MDEA solutions were measured over the temperature range 15 to 40{sup 0}C for MDEA concentrations up to 30 weight per cent using the nitrous oxide analogy method. Solubilities were measured volumetrically in an equilibrium cell and diffusivities were measured using a laminar liquid jet absorber. The kinetics of the reaction between COS and MDEA were studied by measuring absorption rates in a single wetted-sphere ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Plasma arc welding processes are used in off-shore industry for construction and maintenance in the wet surrounding of underwater structures and pipelines. In greater water depth the density of the plasma gas increase because of the greater hydrostatic pressure. This causes the increase of conductive heat losses to the wet surrounding. To keep up the energy flux to the workpiece to be welded, the plasma arc has to burn in a local dry area with an inside pressure of 1 bar. This requirement can be fulfilled by a rotating cylinder with a liquid film flowing down the inner wall. The flow around the rotating cylinder to create a local dry area around the plasma arc under water is experimentally investigated. The rotating cylinder is placed above the work surface which is simulated by a flat plate. According to the centrifugal forces of the rotating flow inside the gap between the lower end of the cylinder and the flat plate the water is forced out ...

Science.gov (United States)

Thermal wet oxidations of GaP and Al{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}P at 650 degree sign C for various times have been performed. Comparisons are made on oxidation rates and post oxidation morphology. Transmission electron microscopy shows that when oxidizing GaP, polycrystalline monoclinic GaPO{sub 4}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O forms without noticeable loss of phosphorus. Oxidation for 6 h or more leads to poor morphology resulting in cracks and detachment. A thickness expansion of about 2.5-3 times is noticed as a result of oxidation. In contrast, oxidized Al{sub 0.4}Ga{sub 0.6}P exhibits much better morphology without cracks or detachment from the substrate. The oxide has an almost amorphous-like microstructure. The oxidation process shows typical diffusion-limited reaction at long anneals. Preliminary work on the oxidation of AlP indicates that the reaction leads to formation of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and possible volatile P{sub 2}O{sub 5} diffusing out of the specimen. Thus, from ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The composition, rank, coal facies, and coal pore structure characteristics of 15 coal samples were investigated systemically using methods of lithotype analysis, maceral analysis, proximate analysis, mercury porosimetry analysis, and nitrogen adsorption analysis. These samples were directly collected from the working faces of No.4, 8, 9 seams in Liulin district, eastern margin Ordos Basin, China. Four types of paleoenvironment including a wet forest swamp, an intergradation forest swamp, a drained forest swamp, and a fresh-water peat swamp were distinguished by lithotype and merceral analysis. An R-cluster analysis was performed to demonstrate the correlations between the coal facies and the pore structures. The results showed that coal rank is the primary factor affecting the development of micropores and transition pores, whereas coal facies control the development of seepage pores in similar coalification conditions, especially in a local district and in a ...

Science.gov (United States)

As a result of the large limestone deposits available in Poland, the low cost of reagent acquisition for the largescale technological use and relatively well-documented processes of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies based on limestone sorbent slurry, wet scrubbing desulfurization is a method of choice in Poland for flue gas treatment in energy production facilities, including power plants and industrial systems. The efficiency of FGD using the above method depends on several technological and kinetic parameters, particularly on the pH value of the sorbent (i.e., ground limestone suspended in water). Consequently, many studies in Poland and abroad address the impact of various parameters on the pH value of the sorbent suspension, such as the average diameter of sorbent particles (related to the limestone pulverization degree), sorbent quality (in terms of pure calcium carbonate [CaCO3] content of the sorbent material), stoichiometric surfeit of CaCO3 in ...

Science.gov (United States)

Gas phase oxidation and catalytic oxidation of element mercury (Hg(0)) to bivalent mercury (Hg(2+)) were proposed to improve the mercury removal efficiency in the wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system. However, the re-emission of Hg(0), generated by the reduction of absorbed Hg(2+), would lead to a damping of the total mercury removal efficiency. In this paper, the absorption and reduction behaviors of bivalent mercury in the Ca-based WFGD slurry were evaluated in our purpose-built device. According to our experimental results, the slurry chemistry (such as CaSO(3) content, SO(4)(2-), Cl(-) and pH value) had a strong influence on the reduction of absorbed bivalent mercury. And the inlet concentrations of SO(2) and O(2) contribute little to the mercury absorption. Within the typical pH value range of 4.5-5.5, about 70% of inlet bivalent mercury was converted to Hg(0). The re-emission of Hg would be greatly retarded with the increase of [SO(4)(2-)] due to the ...

Science.gov (United States)

Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emitted from the mould species Penicillium expansum, P. chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, A. fumigatus, A. niger and Cladosporium cladosporoides were analyzed by means of solid phase microextraction (SPME) and GCMS. The mould species were cultivated on the synthetic agar dichloran chloramphenicol (DG 18) and on wet wall paper. The production of MVOCs was monitored over several weeks to detect changes in the emission rates between the initial stage and later periods of growth. The cultivation on the synthetic agar resulted in MVOC patterns with a wide variety of signals. In contrast, the growth on wet wall paper led to changed MVOC patterns with less signals. The emission rates were drastically reduced. Components emitted by all six fungi species on wall paper were 2-pentanol and 2-pentanone. 1-Octen-3-ol was emitted by five fungi species. 2-Pentanol was only detected in considerable amounts during ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} catalysts are prepared by coprecipitation method, and the activity and stability in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol are investigated in a batch reactor and packed-bed reactor. CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} mixed oxides show the higher activity than pure CeO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2}, and CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} 1/1 catalyst displays the highest activity in the CWAO of phenol. In a batch reactor, COD and TOC removals are about 100% and 77% after 120 min in the CWAO of phenol over CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} 1/1 catalyst at reaction temperature of 150 {sup o}C, the total pressure of 3 MPa, phenol concentration of 1000 mg/L, and catalyst dosage of 4 g/L. In a packed-bed reactor using CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} 1/1 particle catalyst, over 91% COD and 80% TOC removals are obtained at the reaction temperature of 140 {sup o}C, the air total pressure of 3.5 MPa, the phenol concentration of 1000 mg/L for 100 h continue reaction. Leaching of metal ions of ...

Science.gov (United States)

On the basis of the analysis of chemical components of the natural limestones from different deposits in China, the pore structures of the typical limestones, with the different CaCO3 content, were examined. The reactivity of the limestones was investigated by sulfuric acid titration and gas-liquid absorption methods. The research results showed that the specific surface area of the natural limestones studied in this work was about 1.8 m2/g. It was seen that the pH of the limestone slurry rapidly decreased and then back up when the sulfuric acid was added. The higher the CaCO3 content was, or the smaller the particle size was, the larger the pH back-up rate was, and similarly the faster the SO2 concentration of the reactor outlet increased. The Reactivity of the limestone obtained by the sulfuric acid titration had the same features as that obtained by the gas liquid absorption. Compared with the specific surface area, the CaCO3 content had more effect on the reactivity of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The VE (ventilation) test carried out at the Mont Terri underground laboratory in Switzerland intended to evaluate in situ the behaviour of a consolidated clay formation when subjected to alternate periods of flow of wet and dry air during several months. For that, a 10-m gallery was excavated in the Opalinus Clay formation and carefully instrumented. Before and after a second ventilation phase boreholes were drilled. Samples were taken from the drill cores and were analysed from mineralogical and geochemical points of view. Also, the retention curves of these samples were determined in the laboratory following drying paths performed under free volume conditions at 20 degree centigrade, what is the content of this report. Although there are not large differences in the WRC of samples taken from different boreholes, at different distances from the gallery wall or before or after ventilation, those samples taken near the gallery wall and after ventilation tend to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By means of neutron activation analysis, injured and adjacent uninjured human heart tissue from 12 autopsy cases with myocardial infarction are investigated with respect to the concentration of 23 trace elements. The bulk elements K, Na and P are also determined. A recently developed ion-exchange technique, combined with subsequent y-spectrometry, is used. The following trace elements are determined: Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mo, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Zn and W. In the injured tissue compared to the uninjured, calculation on a wet weight basis showed a decrease in Co, Cs, K, Mo, P, Rb and Zn, and an increase in Br, Ca, Ce, La, Na, Sb and Sm. The differences in Ca, La, Mo, P and Zn are dependent on the age of the myocardial infarction, and the regression lines for these elements are given. The concentration of the trace elements in uninjured tissue from infarcted hearts is compared to the concentration of these elements in normal heart ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There is an urgent need to monitor the condition of fluid-filled taped (FFT) cables. The Dissolved-Gas Analysis (DGA) technique that has been successfully applied to power transformers holds great potential for the preventive maintenance of FFT cables. However, before this emerging technique can be properly applied to cables, a suitable fluid sampling and subsequent gas analysis method had to be developed, including the generation of both laboratory and field data to aid in data interpretation. Data on gas saturation levels in various cable fluids have been presented. This paper describes a novel method developed specifically for FFT cables and discusses field results so obtained. The type, distribution and concentration of gases from fluid alone and paper alone under electrical stress has been presented, including the differences between normal and not-so-normal cable systems as demonstrated by DGA. The concept of wet tensile strength has been introduced to the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on various metal, semiconductor or insulator substrates can be easily modified with specific functional groups of interest and have promising applications in surface wetting (hydrophobic/hydrophilic modification), tribology, corrosion protection, sensor electrodes modification, molecular and biomolecular recognition, protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and molecular- or organic-electronic device fabrications. In this paper, we highlight recent progress in the development of SAMs on solid substrates as well as their practical applications, with particular emphasis on the characterization of self-assembled aromatic thiol monolayers with different functional groups on Au(1 1 1) using synchrotron-based photoemission spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. The SAM-related molecular orientation, electronic structures, and chemical bonding are presented. Using copper(II) phthalocyanine as a model system, we ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objectives of this study was to determine the bone density for the purposes of i) determining the age of peak bone mass in each study group and ii) quantifying the differences in bone density as functions of age and sex. The results of estimating the age dependence of mineral density for the femoral neck, spine and total body of healthy women and men using DEXA are given. The age changes in concentrations of major minerals and electrolytes found for compact and trabecular bones of healthy male femoral neck with regard for the wet and dry tissue calculations are represented. Information about femoral neck water content depending on the age of healthy men is tabulated. The number of performed observations and analyses is evidently insufficient to make any final decision, however some preliminary conclusions can be drawn. In accordance with DEXA results, BMD maximum for the femoral neck, spine and total body of healthy women is found for 31-35 age period ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theoretical model for spray evaporation in a direct-injection diesel engine is developed taking into consideration the unsteady evaporation period. For this purpose, the liquid droplets temperatures, masses and velocities are studied. Solving the conservation of energy and mass equations together with the equation of state, a set of ordinary differential equations is achieved. These equations are solved using a special numerical technique. This technique, based on a fourth-order Runge-Kutta integration method is described. Calculated results are compared with experimental data and were found to be in good agreement. Analysis of the obtained results shows that for the combustion-chamber constituents, temperature is a dominant factor in the spray-evaporation process and in shaping the temperature history of the evaporating droplets. The combustion-chamber pressure and the spray volume play a secondary role in the evaporation process. Also, it was found that the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

TaC-4wt.% CNT composites were synthesized using spark plasma sintering. Two kinds of CNTs, having long (10-20mm) and short (1-3mm) length, were dispersed by wet chemistry and spray drying techniques respectively. Spark plasma sintering was carried out at 1850^oC at pressures of 100, 255 and 363MPa. Addition of CNTs leads to an increase in the density of 100MPa sample from 89% to 95%. Short CNTs are more effective in increasing the density of the composites whereas long CNTs are more effective grain growth inhibitors. The longer CNTs are more effective in increasing the fracture toughness and an increase up to 60% was observed for 363MPa sample. Hardness and elastic modulus are found to increase by 22% and 18% respectively for 100MPa samples by addition of long CNTs. Raman spectroscopy, SEM...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the sampling and chemical analyses of smoke gas components for combustion performed in the SP Industry Calorimeter, where continuous measurements of oxygen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are an integrated part of the Calorimeter system. On-line measurements of nitrogen oxides and total amounts of unburnt hydrocarbons were performed. Hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and ammonia in the smoke were sampled and absorbed in impinger bottles and subsequently analyzed using wet chemical techniques. An adsorbent sampling system was designed to allow the identification and quantitative analysis of individual organic compounds in the smoke. Gas chromatography was utilized with a mass spectrometric detector for the identification and a FID for quantification of the total amounts as well as individual components. A procedure for cleaning the smoke gas duct in between the combustion experiments was designed and found to be effective. The materials ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tannin gel particles that have extremely high adsorption capacity for hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) have been developed by controlling gelation of Mimosa tannin extracted from the bark of plants. The gelation process is composed of two stages; partial gelation of Mimosa tannin by reaction with formaldehyde (cross-linking agent) and granulation by dispersing the partially gelated solution into a liquid mixture of decalin ad a polyether nonionic surfactant with vigorous stirring. The structure of the tannin gel particles is controlled by a combination of operating conditions such as reaction time and temperature at both stages. The water content of the tannin gel particles that reflects their structure can be widely changed from 40 to 79 %(wet basis), even for a constant composition of 23 g Mimosa tannin and 6 ml formaldehyde (37 wt %). It is found that it is very important to increase the water content without losing mechanical strength and supply a large amount of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samples of air-dust-concentration- and air-dust-deposit measurements were digested by a standardized wet digestion procedure and the amounts of substances in the dust according to class I TA Luft by Atomic Emission Spectroscopy with Inductively Coupled Plasma (AES-ICP). The characteristic values for procedures according to VDI 2449, sheet 1, were determined for lead, vanadium, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc. By partial automatic control of the digestion procedure the personel expenditure of work could be reduced by a factor 13. Dust filter samples were analysed without sample preparation by evaporating the material with a solid state laser. The absolute detection limit was between 1 and 100 ng/cm"2 for the elements arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, antimony, selen and thallium. For sampling by means of the Beta-Staubmeter the relative detection limits for the laser-ICP were 10-fold lower than by use of a nebulizer. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This invention relates with a pot-type catalyst carrier which excels as a catalyst carrier when such heavy oils as ordinary pressure distillation residue, oil sand oil, and shale oil are decomposed or treated by hydrogenation. The conventional pot-type carrier is produced by dropping a small drop of a slurry (containing a catalyst component) onto a particle bed and drying it. But the demerit is a large particle size and less catalyst activity or strength. In this invention, a mixture of such carrier components as allophane, red mud, bauxite and latellite, etc.. 60 - 80 weight parts. and a binder 20 - 40 weight parts is added with water to form a slurry of 10 - 30 weight% solid concentration. Slurry is wet-crushed to make the average particle size 0.6 - 2.0 micron, then spray-dried and burned to obtain a pot-type catalyst carrier with average particle size 30 - 200 micron and abrasion index below 10. This catalyst showed high yield of kerosene and light oil in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Applications using microwave energy in the chemical processing industry have increased within the last ten years. Recently, interest in waste treatment applications process development, especially solidification, has grown. Microwave waste processing offers many advantages over conventional waste treatment technologies. These advantages include a high density, leach resistant, robust waste form, volume and toxicity reduction, favorable economics, in-container treatment, good public acceptance, isolated equipment, and instantaneous energy control. The results from the {open_quotes}cold{close_quotes} demonstration scale testing at the Rocky Flats nuclear weapons facility are described. Preliminary results for a transuranic (TRU) precipitation sludge indicate that volume reductions of over 80% are achievable over the current immobilization process. An economic evaluation performed demonstrated cost savings of $11.68 per pound compared to the immobilization process currently in use on ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes is very challenging for their applications. The paper here describes a new method to functionalize multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as specific affinity adsorbents. MWCNTs were acid purified and pretreated with (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES) in order to introduce abundant amino groups on the surface of MWCNTs. After the conversion of amino groups to carboxyl groups by succinic acid anhydride, MWCNTs were attached to protein A or aminodextran using 1-ethyl-3,3' (dimethylamion)-propylcarbodiimide as a biofunctional crosslinker. The incorporation of aminodextran as a spacer arm noticeably increased the binding capacity of the APTES-modified MWCNTs for protein A. The application of affinity MWCNTs for purification of immunoglobulin G was then evaluated. The affinity of MWCNTs with AMD spacer exhibited a high adsorption capacity of {approx}361 {mu}g IgG/mg MWCNT (wet basis). About 75% of bound IgG was eluted ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A detailed study of adsorption of automobile exhaust hydrocarbons in Ag{sup +}-exchanged zeolites under cold-start conditions (room temperature and in the presence of water) was carried out with FT-IR spectroscopy, using toluene and propylene as probes. The results show that exchanged Ag{sup +} in zeolites is unique for trapping olefin and aromatic hydrocarbons due to its resistance to water adsorption. In contrast, exchanged Cu{sup 2+} in zeolites, which has good hydrocarbon trapping properties under dry conditions, does not trap hydrocarbons under wet conditions. Here, solvation of Cu{sup 2+} screens the interactions of the cation with adsorbed hydrocarbons. The results also show that, in addition to the nature of the cation, the structure of the zeolite also plays a role in hydrocarbon trapping. Aging at high temperatures, with water vapor (=10%) and SO{sub 2} (=15ppm), leads to a decrease of the trapping centers in the zeolites due to framework dealumination.

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Soil contamination by liquid organic pollutants represents a serious threat to phreatic ground water. These organic liquids get into the ground and migrate through the porous medium until they finally reach the aquifer. After a critical study of the literature, we listed various existing multiple displacements under three-phase conditions of a disconnected polluting phase that may or not spread over water. The aim of this thesis is to model (at pore scale level) and integrate in the pore network model the various flows that occur when three phases (gas, pollutant and air) are present in a porous medium. The porous medium is supposed completely water-wet. The polluting phase may be connected or not, and the spreading coefficient of the pollutant over water may either be positive or negative. The goal of our study is to obtain macroscopic parameters such as relative permeabilities and capillary pressure. These parameters can be then incorporated in a larger-scale ...

Science.gov (United States)

Data are presented on the insulating properties and capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) device-thickness (below approx. 100 nm) native oxides formed by wet thermal oxidation of thin InAlP epilayers lattice matched to GaAs. Low leakage current densities of J=1.4 x 10-9 A/cm2 and J=8.7 x 10-11 A/cm2 are observed at an applied field of 1 MV/cm for MOS capacitors fabricated with 17 nm and 48 nm oxides, respectively. TEM images show that the In-rich interfacial particles which exist in 110 nm oxides are absent in 17 nm oxide films. Quasi-static capacitance-voltage measurements of MOS capacitors fabricated on both n-type and p-type GaAs show that the InAlP oxide-GaAs interface is sufficiently free of traps to support inversion, indicating an unpinned Fermi level. These data suggest that InAlP native oxides may be a viable insulator for GaAs MOS device applications.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to effectively recover uranium, rotation speed of solid cathode was examined, and effect of uranium concentration and current density on electrodeposition were confirmed. And the potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrorefining experiments were conducted. Element used in the experiments were Zr, Nd, La chlorides. The reduction potentials of chlorides metals on liquid Cd cathode were measured by cyclic voltammetry experiments. The electrowinning experiments were performed in order to recover small amounts of uranium in salt. Experimental set-up for the batch type reductive extraction experiments were developed and installed. On the base of experimental results of batch type, multi-stage extraction equipment was set-up, and optimum number of stage and recover yield were measured. In the oxidative extraction study is examine selective separation behavior of the rare earth metals from alloy composed of actinide and lanthanide metals to determine the effective separation condition. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this study, the adoptable essential technologies and reference design concept of the advanced reactor were developed and related basic experiments were performed. (1) Once-through Helical Steam Generator: a performance analysis computer code for heli-coiled steam generator was developed for thermal sizing of steam generator and determination of thermal-hydraulic parameters. (2) Self-pressurizing pressurizer : a performance analysis computer code for cold pressurizer was developed. (3) Control rod drive mechanism for fine control : type and function were surveyed. (4) CHF in passive PWR condition : development of the prediction model bundle CHF by introducing the correction factor from the data base. (5) Passive cooling concepts for concrete containment systems: development of the PCCS heat transfer coefficient. (6) Steam injector concepts: analysis and experiment were conducted. (7) Fluidic diode concepts : analysis and experiment were conducted. (8) Wet thermal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report is in accordance with Phase I of the United States Department of Energy and Bureau of Mines Contract No. USDOE DE-AC01-77QQ90147. A thorough literature search was conducted and the current mining practice at nine coal stripping operations reviewed in detail. A review of the state of the art of blast design using current theory and practice is presented. Based upon this information, a series of recommendations are presented and a detailed test program is outlined for three operations. The recommendations to increase dragline productivity by improved blast design are directed at filling the bucket more quickly, with greater consistency and with a better fill factor: (a) overburden fragmentation, (b) muckpile displacements, and (c) blasting reliability. Recommended blast design concepts and operating procedures to provide the desired blast performance include: (1) Increase energy input per BCY by 40 to 100 percent and improve the effective powder distribution by modifying ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies of basic binary geothermal cycles utilizing mixtures of hydrocarbons have shown better performance than for pure fluids for a moderate temperature (360/sup 0/F) resource. However, a loss is net geofluid effectiveness (watt-hours net plant output/1bm geofluid) results when the geofluid outlet temperature is limited to temperatures in excess of 160/sup 0/F to alleviate a silica precipitation problem. This study examined three working fluids consisting of binary mixtures of hydrocarbons to see if use of regenerative preheating techniques such as turbine exhaust recupation and/or turbine bleed could recover the loss in geofluid effectiveness for a 160/sup 0/F geofluid outlet temperature. Results showed that with the most promising of the three working fluids a turbine exhaust recuperator alone is sufficient to recover all the lost effectiveness while maintaining the geofluid outlet temperature at 160/sup 0/F. A brief study to investigate cold weather operation with that working ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper provides some results of the research works at low pressure components of steam turbines and some construction solutions resulting in a modernisation. The problems of turbine phases for the transonic flow are analysed with respect to reducing profile and margin losses. The origin and flow of wet steam and its influence on corrosion and erosion is investigated. Inlet and outlet casing of the flow channels and transfer diffuser between second last and last phase are mentioned. (orig.) [Deutsch] Im Beitrag werden einige Ergebnisse der Forschung der Teile von ND-Teilen der Dampfturbinen angegeben, und werden irgendeine Konstruktionsloesungen, die fuer ihre Modernisierung guenstig sind, beschrieben. Kurz wird die Problematik der Turbinenstufen fuer die transsonische Stroemung analysiert, mit Hinsicht auf die Erniederung der Profil- und Randverluste. Weiter ist die Aufmerksamkeit der Entstehung und Stroemung des Nassdampfes im Zusammenhang mit dem Phaenomen ...

Science.gov (United States)

In order to model transport of dissolved ions in subsurface environments, one should understand how these ions interact with solid phase adsorbents. Our primary goal has been investigating the reaction mechanisms which affect microcontaminant partitioning between aqueous solutions and solid phase adsorbents, using goethite ({alpha}-FeOOH) as a model adsorbent. Cylindrical internal reflection -- Fourier transform infrared (CIR-FTIR) spectroscopy has been developed as the primary technique for this study. Wet chemical adsorption studies, acoustophoresis and electrophoretic mobility have been used to obtain supporting information as needed. Phenol and o-nitrophenol did not adsorb to goethite. Benzoate, phthalate and p-hydroxybenzoate all adsorbed via a bidentate mechanism to two adjacent iron atoms, while salicylate and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate formed a chelate complex to single iron atoms. Phosphate adsorption was predominately bidentate.

Science.gov (United States)

The history of the urinary test papers does not being in the post-war period. As early as the 1880's some practitioners and pharmacists tried to replace the complicated wet-chemical procedures and apparatus by "dry chemistry." The first popular test paper for sugar and albumin originated in England in 1883. Dry reagents for proving hematuria have been available since the beginning of this century. Until the 1930s a wide palette of commercial urine tests with "modern" brand names was established. A methodological breakthrough was created by the spot test chemistry inaugurated by the Austrian, Fritz Feigl, about 1920. Using the capillary properties of filter paper in enhancing color reactions he founded a new area of analytical chemistry. Many of the pioneers were recruited from Jewish scientists. In this lecture is proposed that their emigration and banishment as well as the Second World War have stopped the development of urinary diagnostics on the European ...

Science.gov (United States)

A novel sorbent for SO2 removal has been investigated. The sorbent is obtained by conventional incipient wetness impregnation of abandoned biomaterials (straw or dried leaves) with an aqueous solution of Na2CO3. A material with the composition 80 wt % Na2CO3/straw shows a desulfurization activity which is both higher and faster than that of the reference sample Na2CO3/gamma-Al2O3. The breakthrough and stoichiometric SO2 adsorption efficiencies for 80 wt % Na2CO3/straw reach 48.9% and 80.6%, respectively, at a temperature of 80 degrees C. The adsorption efficiencies are almost constant in the temperature range 70 to 300 degrees C. According to IR and XPS analysis the main products observed on the spent sorbent are sulfite below 150 degrees C and sulfate at 300 degrees C. The Na2CO3 in 80 wt % Na2CO3/straw can potentially be recycled by the oxidation of the straw with concomitant reduction of the sulfite species to elemental sulfur, making the proposed process CO2 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As a method to enhance the sensitivity (S) of an inorganic resist for focused-ion-beam (FIB), lithography, sub-0.1 #mu#m patterning properties of a columnar structural #alpha#-Se_7_5Ge_2_5 resist have been investigated using 30 keV low-energy Ga"+-FIB exposure and CF_4 reactive-ion etching (RIE). development. The Se_7_5Ge_2_5 thin films were 60 .deg. and 80 .deg. -obliquely deposited on Si substrate and parts of the films were annealed for several minutes at the glass transition temperature (T_g=#approx#220 .deg. C). Columnar structures with the angles of approximately 40 .deg. and 65 .deg. are observed in 60 .deg. and 80 .deg. -obliquely deposited films, respectively, and they disappear after annealing. Despite the disappearance of the columnar structures, a critical decrease in thickness is not observed. For the FIB exposures with a beam diameter of #approx#0.1#mu#m and around the threshold dose, the negative-type fine patterns with linewidth of about ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As part of a study into the properties of ferroelectric single crystals at nanoscale dimensions, the effects that focused ion beam (FIB) processing can have, in terms of structural damage and ion implantation, on perovskite oxide materials has been examined, and a post-processing procedure developed to remove such effects. Single crystal material of the perovskite ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO_3) has been patterned into thin film lamellae structures using a FIB microscope. Previous work had shown that FIB patterning induced gallium impregnation and associated creation of amorphous layers in a surface region of the single crystal material some 20 nm thick, but that both recrystallization and expulsion of gallium could be achieved through thermal annealing in air. Here we confirm this observation, but find that thermally induced gallium expulsion is associated with the formation of gallium-rich platelets on the surface of the annealed material. These platelets are thought to be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For InAs-GaAs based quantum dot lasers emitting at 1300 nm, digital modulation showing an open eye pattern up to 12 Gb s{sup -1} at room temperature is demonstrated, at 10 Gb s{sup -1} the bit error rate is below 10{sup -12} at -2 dB m receiver power. Cut-off frequencies up to 20 GHz are realised for lasers emitting at 1.1 {mu}m. Passively mode-locked QD lasers generate optical pulses with repetition frequencies between 5 and 50 GHz, with a minimum Fourier limited pulse length of 3 ps. The uncorrelated jitter is below 1 ps. We use here deeply etched narrow ridge waveguide structures which show excellent performance similar to shallow mesa structures, but a circular far field at a ridge width of 1 {mu}m, improving coupling efficiency into fibres. No beam filamentation of the fundamental mode, low a-factors and strongly reduced sensitivity to optical feedback are observed. QD lasers are thus superior to QW lasers for any system or network. Quantum dot semiconductor ...

Science.gov (United States)

The long-term durability of bonds between adhesive resins and dentin is of significant importance for the longevity of bonded restorations. We carried out an in vivo one-year study to evaluate the durability of resin-dentin bonds in the oral cavity, as well as to test the hypothesis that the adhesive interface would show morphological changes in vivo over time. Very shallow saucer-shaped dentin cavities were prepared in 12 intact teeth of one Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) under general anesthesia. The cavities were restored with Clearfil Liner Bond II and Clearfil Photo Posterior resin composite. The teeth were extracted at three different times: immediately, and 180 and 360 days after placement of the restorations. One day after the monkey was killed, specimens of the three time periods were subjected to the micro-tensile bond test at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The surfaces of the failed bonds were observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Bond ...

Science.gov (United States)

For visible-light-emitting laser diodes, InGaAsP double heterostructures have been grown on GaAs substrates using liquid-phase epitaxy. As the growth temperature is as high as about 780 /sup 0/C, a large amount of phosphorus evaporates from the solutions for the cladding layers during the growth process. The phosphorus vapor disturbs the solution composition for the active layer, so that very thin and uniform active layers cannot be obtained. By using In-P-Sn solution and supplying the phosphorus partial pressure around the graphite boat, the influence of phosphorus vapor ambient for InGaAsP (lambda/sub P//sub L/ = 805 nm) growth is confirmed. When the phosphorus partial pressure increases, the surface of epitaxial layer becomes rough and the substrate is partly etched back. From x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectral measurements, the composition of the grown layer is also found to be changed. As a result of increasing the flow rate of H/sub 2/ gas in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Transient enhanced diffusion (TED) and dose loss (pile-up) are investigated for phosphorus-implanted samples covered with both oxide and nitride films. P ions were implanted into p-type (1 0 0) CZ-Si (dose 5x10"1"3 cm"-"3, 100 keV) through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) Si_3N_4 film. For a half of samples, Si_3N_4 was etched off and SiO_2 films were grown by CVD. Both samples were annealed for 20-360 min at 700 deg. C. Diffusivity of P and the dose loss were estimated based on the secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) P profiles. Both Si/Si_3N_4 and Si/SiO_2 interfaces were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). There is no significant difference in P diffusivity between the SiO_2 and Si_3N_4 films for the present annealing condition of 700 deg. C for 20-360 min. Regarding dose loss, a distinct different behavior was observed. In case of the SiO_2 cover film, amount of dose decreases with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bremstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy (BIS). The XES spectra were collected using a Specs electron gun for the excitation and the XES 350 grating monochromator and channel plate system from Scienta as the photon detection. Spectra were collected in 'normal mode,' where the electron gun kinetic energy (KE) and the energy position of the center of the channel plate were both fixed and the energy distribution in the photon (hv) spectrum was derived from the intensities distributed across the channel plate detector in the energy dispersal direction. The polycrystalline Ce sample was oxidized by exposure to air at ambient pressures. After introduction to the ultra-high vacuum system, the oxidized sample was bombarded with Ar, to clean the topmost surface region and stabilize the surface and near surface regions. Although CeO{sub 2} would be the thermodynamically preferred composition in an oxygen rich environment, the combination of a vacuum environment and ion ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Between December 2001 and May 2004, a ventilation experiment (VE) was performed in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and co-financed by the Commission of the European Communities. The objective was to investigate the desaturation of consolidated clay formations in consequence of the ventilation of underground openings of a repository in such a formation. The results of the geoelectric measurements performed in the second phase of the Mont Terri ventilation test can be summarized as follows: Geoelectric tomography has been found suitable for monitoring ventilation-induced saturation changes in the Opalinus clay. During ventilation with dry air a desaturation down to below 50% could be detected in both desaturation cycles. The desaturated zone extends less than 0.5 m into the rock around the microtunnel. During the second resaturation phase, ventilation with humid air led to quick resaturation at the tunnel surface, while resaturation of the rock mass took months. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text of publication follows: Slightly over-stoichiometric lithium orthosilicate pebbles have been selected as one optional breeder material for the European Helium Cooled Pebble Bed (HCPB) blanket. This material has been developed in collaboration of Research Center Karlsruhe and the Schott Glass, Mainz. The lithium orthosilicate pebbles are fabricated from lithium hydroxide and silica by a melting and spraying method in a semi-industrial scale facility. Lithium hydroxide was selected as the precursor since enriched lithium hydroxide is commercially available. The lithium orthosilicate pebbles produced by the process contains oxide phases besides orthosilicate, but it was also found that the oxide phases can be decomposed by annealing at high temperatures. The lithium orthosilicate pebbles produced in this way possesses satisfactory pebble characteristics. Therefore, the authors performed out-of-pile annealing tests using the lithium orthosilicate pebbles irradiated in a research ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

From 1946 - 1990, i.e. from shortly after the end of World War II and the rise of the cold war until the German reunification, there had been extensive uranium mining both in Saxony and Thuringia, which formed the southern parts of the former German Democratic Republic. Mining activities started in Saxony in the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge). Mining was conducted by a Soviet, since 1954 by a Soviet- German Incorporated Company named Wismut. It is estimated that about 400,000 persons may have worked in this time period with the company, most of them underground or in uranium ore processing facilities. In the early years, exposure to radiation and dust was particularly high for underground workers. After introduction of several ventilation measures and wet drilling from 1955 onwards, the levels of exposures to the various agents steadily decreased. After German reunification, it was decided by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment to save health data ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Production: This radio iodine produced by three methods: 1) Wet method: The irradiated tellurium is dissolved in an oxidizing mixture which also converts iodine in to iodide. This is a chemical method and iodine that it produced with this method has low purity and efficiency. 2). Dry Method: The irradiated tellurium is dissolved in furnace (750 deg. C) with sublimation method and iodine absorbed in sodium solution . In this case we have more than 99.5 % purity and 80 % efficiency. We are using this type in Iran. 3) Fission fragment method: In this case the iodine separated from fission fragment directly and we have high purity (career free) and specific activity of iodine. Application: Iodine is a versatile tracer element. It is used to determine thyroid cancer metastases, and size, shape and activity of the thyroid gland. Critical organ of iodine is thyroid gland. One of the common diagnostic procedures for determining thyroid function therefore, is to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biomass tensile and shear ultimate failure stresses were measured with the aim of identifying biomass 'weakest mode of failure' or 'natural fracture point' as a basis for future grinder designs. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) ultimate stresses were determined for Alamo and Kanlow varieties over ranges in maturity and moisture content. Alamo had greater ultimate tensile stress than Kanlow (P=0.0091), with mean values of 97.8 and 89.7MPa, respectively. Alamo had greater ultimate shear stress than Kanlow (P=0.0091), with mean values of 20.5 and 17.9MPa, respectively. Shear was the 'weakest mode of failure'. Grinders that use knives, shear bars, and mechanical pinch points that apply opposed-sliding actions are expected to be more energy efficient. Mean ultimate tensile stress and shear stress were significantly different between switchgrass varieties. A survey of failure stresses for a range of biomass feedstocks is recommended for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes a study of the mass of the electron neutrino using electron capture in {sup 163}Ho in Japan for the period from 1981 to 1994. This monograph has two purposes, one is to supplement the papers on the mass of the electron neutrino already published by us and another is to make a record on some details of our experiments for future. Electron capture in a nucleus takes place in a rather small space inside an atom, where atomic physics, nuclear physics and particle physics work closely together. Therefore, this study needed an intimate collaboration of atomic physicists, nuclear physicists and particle physicists. In addition, it was necessary for this study to use various fine techniques, including metallurgy, production of {sup 163}Ho activity, micro-analysis by wet chemistry, isotope-dilution mass spectrometry, undulator radiation source technology, the soft X-ray monochromator technology, a counting technique for very intense soft X-rays and so ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Production of crushed sand in 1996 reached 8% of the total fine aggregates which was more or less 1% in 1994. This research concentrated to develop the up-to-data and economical system for producing crushed sand. To do this, the efficiency survey has been carried out for crusher, classifiers and dewatering devices. From the survey, it was known that rock on rock type V.S.I., and Hydrocyclone type sand unit are the most efficient crusher and classifier which are taking over 50% of the present market According to the quality evaluation, 33.4% was satisfied KSF 2558 standard in finish modulus (F.M) and size distribution and 66.6% appeared under the standard. In pilot test of crushed sand for better quality, the recovery of 56.9-57.9% could be achieved which had been only 55% as of now. And the finish modulus could be increased up to 2.86-3.23 which was 2.60-3.59 before. Accordingly, finish modulus of bellow 3.1 can be achieved when the wet type and appropriate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A laboratory study was done to establish the technical feasibility of producing domestic cooking briquettes to be marketed in Haiti, from the Maissade lignite reserves of that country, which are high in both ash and sulfur and not yet mined. It was found that acceptable briquettes could be made from Maissade char, pyrolized and compacted with a molasses-lime binder and the addition of bagasse to improve strength and burning rate. Molasses, lime and bagasse are all produced in Haiti. Sodium nitrate was added to enhance ignition, and borax as a wetting and release agent. Standard, ''pillow-shaped'' briquettes were successfully produced on a standard, double roll briquetting machine. The recommended process sequence and equipment selection are virtually identical to that used to produce standard US barbecue briquettes from North Dakota lignite. The heating value of the Maissade briquettes is lower due to their high ash level, which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash contains economically significant levels of silver and gold. Bottom ashes from incinerators at Amsterdam and Ludwigshafen were sampled, processed, and analyzed to determine the composition, size, and mass distribution of the precious metals. In order to establish accurate statistics of the gold particles, a sample of heavy non-ferrous metals produced from 15 tons of wet processed Amsterdam ash was analyzed by a new technology called magnetic density separation (MDS). Amsterdam's bottom ash contains approximately 10 ppm of silver and 0.4 ppm of gold, which was found in particulate form in all size fractions below 20 mm. The sample from Ludwigshafen was too small to give accurate values on the gold content, but the silver content was found to be identical to the value measured for the Amsterdam ash. Precious metal value in particles smaller than 2 mm seems to derive mainly from waste of electrical and ...