Some of this week's stories

House defeats attack on electrorefiner

The project is developing and demonstrating a technology that could save taxpayers billions of dollars in disposing of spent nuclear fuel at U.S. Department of Energy sites around the nation.

"The nation owes a debt of gratitude to Harris Fawell, who led the effort, and to the Illinois House delegation, particularly Dennis Hastert and Richard Durbin ," said Argonne Director Dean Eastman. "Idaho Representative Michael Crapo was also a big help in mustering support."

In defeating the amendment, the House voted to keep $20 million for the project in its version of the Energy and Water Development Bill.

"The Senate's version of the bill originally included $20 million for the project also, but now contains $25 million, thanks to Idaho Senators Dirk Kempthorne and Larry Craig, who fought hard for the additional funding," Eastman said.

A conference between the House and Senate in September will resolve this and other differences before a final version of the bill is sent to the president for signature.

A demonstration of the electrorefiner technology started last June at Argonne-West, where it is treating used fuel from Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II).

The electrorefiner will separate EBR-II fuel into uranium, which can be preserved for future use in new reactor fuel, and waste, which includes both short-lived radioactive by-products of fission and the long-lived transuranic elements, such as plutonium.

The process generates no secondary wastes, and the total high-level waste volume occupies about one-tenth the volume of the original spent fuel.

The electrorefiner technology could save taxpayers billions of dollars in disposing of some 3,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel stored at various DOE sites. Some of it cannot be disposed of safely until it is treated to form a stable waste package suitable for a nuclear-waste repository. DOE's inventory includes fuel that is seriously degraded, highly enriched with fissionable or chemically reactive materials, and lacking the chemical integrity to remain stable during long-term storage.

Argonne's electrorefining process can treat all of DOE's spent fuel, converting it into a common waste form suitable for treatment and long-term storage. A single process for this task would save billions of dollars compared to the alternative of developing dozens of processes to treat dozens of different fuel types.

Motorola chairman
Robert Galvin to speak

The colloquium will begin at 3 p.m. in the APS Conference Center Auditorium, Argonne-East's Building 402. The colloquium is the latest in the "Partners in Progress: Science, Technology and Society" series in honor of Argonne's 50th anniversary.

Galvin is chairman of the executive committee of Motorola, Inc. He chaired the task force established by Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary to examine options for change in DOE's 10 major laboratories. The result was "Alternative Futures for the Department of Energy National Laboratories" -- The Galvin Report.

Galvin was elected to the National Business Hall of Fame, and received the National Medal of Technology in 1991.

Under Galvin's direction, Motorola has set the standard for quality managment among U.S. businesses for the past decade.

Laser-optics to improve oil refining

Argonne and a consortium of companies will join forces to improve feed nozzles for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units. The FCC process is the major conversion process used by petroleum refiners to convert heavy crude oil components into gasoline and other valuable products.

The companies involved in the joint project include Amoco Corporation, Naperville, Ill., Chevron Research and Technology Company, Richmond, Calif., Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville, Okla., and UOP, Des Plaines, Ill.

During the past 15 years, FCC technology licensors and refiners have identified the importance of creating small feed droplets and injecting them evenly into the catalyst stream. The refining industry, however, has lacked the ability to accurately measure droplet size and size distribution, and has not been able to develop the necessary mathematical tools to predict what would be the most effective feed-spray pattern.

The combination of more accurate spray measurement and mathematical modeling of feed/catalyst behavior will enable the industry to further improve this critical piece of FCC technology.

Researchers at Argonne will study spray characteristics of commercial feed nozzles under different operating conditions.

"We will use computer-controlled laser-optical instruments to measure the size, speed and distribution of atomized droplets in the air," said engineer Rajesh Ahluwalia (TD).

"These measurements will enable Argonne engineers to develop a computer model and a numerical database for use by the oil companies to understand how atomized droplets interact with themselves and with catalyst particles in the FCC process," he said.

The data will help the oil companies design and fabricate better feed nozzles, which will then be used in field experiments to identify any deficiencies. Further testing of redesigned nozzles will follow.

This three-year project is funded through the Laboratory Technology Research Program in the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Research, which will contribute $821,128 for Argonne's effort. The consortium's contribution is $720,000 for a total of $1,541,128.

Research to tap recycle value
of used household appliances

The new process could save millions of dollars a year in disposal costs. The plant is part of a 16-month joint research project between ARCA and Argonne to tap the large economic value of raw materials in old appliances that are now discarded. It will be coming on line in August in Minneapolis.

"More than 2.8 million tons of household appliances -- things like refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, ranges and dishwashers -- are being discarded annually," said Argonne industrial engineer Dimitrios Karvelas (ES).

"About 25 percent of it," he said, "is non-metallic waste. It is rich in high-quality plastics that have good market value as raw manufacturing materials. Yet today virtually all of it is discarded in landfills at a cost of $10 to $40 a ton."

Argonne and ARCA will use the pilot plant to study economical ways to separate and recover highly pure plastics, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), from shredded household appliances. The estimated value of the recyclable materials is about 55 to 60 cents per pound for ABS and 30 to 35 cents per pound for HIPS.

The pilot demonstration plant is being installed in ARCA's appliance shredder facility. ARCA will test recovered materials with the aim of developing recoverable plastics that can be marketed as raw manufacturing feedstock.

Argonne will evaluate the processes and materials and seek ways to improve the efficiency of plastic recovery and separation.

ARCA will contribute $400,000 toward the project, and the Laboratory Technology Research Program in the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Research will contribute $400,000 through Argonne.

Argonne at 50:

Research helps safeguard
nuclear workers worldwide

A small facility at Argonne played a big role in safeguarding people around the world who work with radioactive materials at nuclear power plants, hospitals and laboratories

Argonne's "Janus" reactor began its program of experiments in radiation biology and risk assessment 32 years ago Saturday, Aug. 3. The small facility was shut down in 1992 and emptied of nuclear fuel.

The main goal of research at Janus was to determine the effects of neutron radiation, both in short, high-intensity doses and long-term exposure.

Janus featured a pair of rooms for irradiation experiments on opposite sides of the reactor core. Thick doors allowed neutrons from the reactor core to enter the rooms -- hence the name Janus, the two-faced Roman god of doorways.

Thousands of mice were irradiated in Janus's "high-flux" room over the life of the reactor. Radiation biology data from research at Janus are still used world-wide for assessing risk to people exposed to radiation.

"Janus allowed us to grind out the kind of information you need to make sensible decisions about human health and safety," said Douglas Grahn, who headed radiation biology research at Janus for many years.

Some of the results were controversial, Grahn said. For example, Janus research found that low, protracted exposures to neutrons caused more damage than short, high-level doses. Similar research done elsewhere on the effects of gamma and X-rays found more tissue damage in short, high-level doses.

Despite the counter-intuitive nature of the results, the research stood because of Janus's "remarkably clean" neutrons -- the design of the high-flux room kept gamma-ray contamination to a minimum. Gamma rays, which would have complicated interpretation of the data, were reduced to negligible levels by special shielding arrangements -- including a four-inch-thick lead lining in the high-flux room.

"When we said something was neutron-induced, it was neutron-induced," Grahn said. "Janus was the cleanest source of neutrons available to anyone."

The last operating reactor at Argonne's Illinois site, Janus was shut down for the last time in April 1992.

Beck, 1st to find medical use
for ultrasound, dies at 72

Those who worked with Beck, who worked at Argonne-East for 39 years, said he was known for his giving nature and inventive mind. He made many contributions to Argonne and the scientific community.

Shortly after his arrival at Argonne in 1955, Beck discovered the medical use of ultrasound while working with the technology to improve ways to inspect nuclear reactor fuel. During one trial, he substituted his arm for the fuel plate and, after tuning the instrument, found he could distinguish between flesh and bone.

He was not involved in the further development of the technology for medical applications, but his discovery ultimately led to modern ultrasonic scanners used in hospitals all over the world.

Beck later worked as the experiment manager for Experimental Breeder Reactor Two, where he did analyses and worked with the EBR-II organization and experimenters.

While he served as a Navy pilot in World War II, Beck modified the famous Mae West life jacket so it would automatically inflate when it hit the water.

"He was inventive everywhere he went," said Dave Walker (STA), who worked with Beck through his career.

Beck is survived by his wife, Beverly; two sons, Bill and John; a daughter, Belinda; three grandchildren and two step grandchildren; and one brother and two foster sisters. Services were held June 19 at Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet.

Bowlers wanted

The league meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 4, 1996 at Strike 'N Spare II in Lockport.

To join the league or for more information, contact Sue Walker (HR) at ext. 2-2978 or Laurie Langosch (OTD) at ext. 2-6119 by Friday, Aug. 16.

ESH's Coll certified
safety professional

Certification is awarded to individuals who meet academic and professional safety experience requirements, including two seven-hour examinations. The examinations cover engineering and management aspects of safety, applied sciences, legal and regulatory matters, professional affairs and ethics, and other safety related topics.

Certified safety professionals specialize in protecting workers, the public, property, and the environment by identifying, evaluating and controlling hazards and manage work to ensure their workplace meet safety principles and federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Argonne scientists may be eligible
to use NERSC supercomputers

Scientists who receive funds from DOE's Office of Energy Research (ER) are eligible to participate in the Energy Research Computing Allocation Process (ERCAP). ERCAP requests for fiscal year 1997 must be received by Aug. 16.

The NERSC Center has one Cray C-90 and one Cray J-90 machine. The center expects to receive several more supercomputers, including a Cray T3E and three more J-90 machines. Scientists can access the NERC Center through a high-speed network called ESnet. This network can move information at speeds up to 155 million bits per second.

NERSC Center consultants can be reached by e-mail at consult@nersc.gov or by phone at 1-800-666-3772.

Wastewater Treatment Plant
upgrade improves efficiency

Because the facility was more than 40 years old, some of the equipment was not working properly, said project manager Susan Rabidou (EMO). The renovation improved the pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and solids handling operations. Process instruments and control facilities also were improved, leading to a reduction in biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and bacteria in the effluent.

The original treatment facilities were built in 1951. Duplicate process units that doubled the original plant's capacity were constructed in 1961.

`Fed Ex' drop boxes for
printed materials only

Federal Express drop boxes are located at Buildings 201, 208, 360, 401 and 900. Drop boxes should be used only for printed material with a U.S. destination, and the material should fit inside the box.

International (including Canada and Mexico) and oversized packages should be brought to Building 5 Shipping with a completed shipping order (ANL 126C) before 2 p.m., weekdays.

Employees sending anything other than printed matter should call the Shipping Department at ext. 2-2930 or 2-2934 for instructions.

Employees must remember to check the "FedEx Gov't. Overnight" box under the service section on the FedEx airbill. Packages will be delivered by noon the next business day at a substantial cost savings.

FedEx airbills are issued to the requester's cost center and should be kept in a secure location. Any and all charges related to the use of FedEx airbills will be incurred by the division. FedEx supplies are available by contacting the shipping department.

Final pick up by FedEx is 6 p.m. weekdays at Building 900 and 7 p.m. for all other locations. For more information, call Debbie Dedo (PFS) at 2-4939 or Shipping at 2-2930 or 2-2934.

NEW ARRIVALS

A girl, Caroline Anna, born July 11 to Heidi Hartmann (EAD) and husband David Lofredo; a girl, Kaitlin, born Aug. 1 to Kelly and Carl Ollivier-Gooch (MCS); a girl, Marianne, born June 23 to Michelle and Doug Crawford (ED); a boy, Kenneth Jr., born May 30 to Ken and Nancy Bonomo (OD); a girl, Brittany, born May 30 to Karen and Scott Wilde (RPS); a boy, Bradley Marshall, born July 3 to Tony and Kerie Norris (RPS); a boy, Chase, born May 17 to Alana and Shaun Clements (RPS); a girl, Arista Marie, born May 27 to Bambi and Jeff Ferguson (RPS). Proud grandparents: a granddaughter, Katarina Lynne Rericha, born July 17 for Ron (APS) and JerriLea (DND-CAT) Hopf; a grandson, Jaren, born July 16 for Kay and Charles Till (OTD-ERA).

WELCOME

HR welcomes Robert Johns. RA welcomes Tom H. Fanning. RE welcomes Jenq-Yann Ku, Zejun Geng and Bruce Herdt. PHY welcomes Steve Daley, Haiyan Gao, Mark Lindsay and Peter Reiter. ES welcomes Edward St. Martin. AW-TD welcomes R. Scott Herbst.

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Win Bezella (RE) who has returned from sick leave.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Robert D'Annucci (DEP) was named the 1996 "Active Volunteer of the Year" by the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area. Retiree Abraham Smaardyk recently received his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Indiana Institute of Technology. Michael F. Simpson (AW-TD) received a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. Congratulations to Marjorie and Donald Yuhas (ES) who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary July 31.

GET WELL WISHES

Wishes for a speedy recovery to Bill Helenberg (RE) who is recovering from surgery and to Sharon Meacham (OD) who is recovering from viral pneumonia.

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS

Congratulations to Pat Mansker (HR) and Bruce Trent (EMO) on their May 26 wedding; to Janet and Johnny Torrez (OD) on their June 21 marriage; to Sabrina and Cal Morgan (ED) on their July 20 wedding; to Candice and John Poston (RPS) on their July 1 marraige; to DeAnn and Chuck Abbott (RPS) on their June 7 wedding; to Lisa and George Danklefsen (RPS) on their June 1 marriage; to Charles and Terri Carroll (RPS) on their March 29 wedding and to Michael Schlapp (PHY) and Anke Wirbelauer on their June 28 wedding. Congratulations to David Brulc (ACU) on his engagement to Elizabeth Congdon and to Andy Huttenga (EAD) on his engagement to Sherry DeBoer.

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Ken Goretta (ET) on the death of his father; to B.J. Pruitt-Deal (EAD) on the death of her grandmother; to Faith Ruppert (EAD) on the death of her great aunt; to Lois Ondracek (RE) on the death of her brother-in-law; to Cathy (RE) and Jim Derry (PFS-DR) on the death of Cathy's great aunt; to Lauren Strohl (ES) on the death of her grandfather; to Paul Randall (ED) on the deathof his wife; to Bevin Brush (RPS) on the death of his mother-in-law and to Don Johnson (ES) on the death of his father-in-law.

TRANSITIONS

Good luck to John Hoffecker (EAD) who has transferred to the lab's Denver office and to David Barber who transferred to TD from RPS.

FAREWELL

Good luck to Melanie Dovel (EAD) and Melody Taylor (AW-TD) who have left the laboratory.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to this issue's contributors: Judy Beumer (MCS); Sylvia Hagamann (ET); Connie Hutchens (AW); Eileen Johnson (RA); Jo Ann Parnell (ES); Faith Ruppert (EAD); Kim Tomasko (RE) and Barb Weller (PHY).

Monday, Aug. 12

Energy Technology Division Seminar: "Material Aspects of Flywheel Containment, Meteoroid Impact, Turbine Fragmentation, and Other High-Strain-Rate Events" by Harold Swift, University of Dayton Research Institute, Ohio. 9:45 a.m., Bldg. 212, Conference Room A157.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

Chemical Technology Division Seminar: "Applications of NMR to the Study of Zeolites" by G. Joe Ray, Senior Research Associate, Amoco Research Center, Naperville, Ill. 10:30 a.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.

Friday, Aug. 16

Joint Chemistry and Materials Science Divisions Seminar: "Polymeric Phases in Fullerenes" by Hans Kuzmany, Institute of Materials Physics, University of Vienna, Austria. 11 a.m., Bldg. 200, Conference Room J183.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Joint Chemistry and Materials Science Divisions Seminar: "Sputtering of MCs+ Molecular Ions: Fundamental Processes and Analytical Applications" by Hubert Gnaser, Institut für Oberflächen und Schichtanalytik and Fachbereich Physik, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. 11 a.m., Building 200, Conference Room J183.

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