8 research outputs found
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Uses of the Internet in post-emergency response: Some issues
Can the Internet be of value in post-emergency response? The answer is yes, to judge by its use following the Kobe earthquake in Japan and the ice storms in the US and Canada last winter. This will not be a technical account of the Internet, but rather a quick look at some advantages, disadvantages, promising applications, and issues that may arise in using the Internet for post-emergency response
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Potential of nuclear methods for development of novel on-line sensors for coal analysis
A study has been conducted to identify nonstandard and novel instrumental analysis techniques and to evaluate their potential for development to provide new types of sensors for on-line analysis of coal and for other fossil energy applications. New methods from basic research, and methods used or considered for use in other industries such as mineral and basic metal industries, in petroleum and other well logging, and in biomedical applications have been examined. Particular fossil energy applications have been identified, and equipment requirements and spoolpiece and window requirements for process stream measurements, development status, obstacles to be overcome in development, and other relevant topics have been investigated. Over 60 distinct nuclear techniques (or variations on techniques) have been identified, most of which can be used to determine element concentrations in bulk materials, many of which have potentially significant applicability to coal analysis. The present paper highlights and summarizes some of the more important substantive content abstracted from an extensive and detailed report of the investigation. 9 references, 6 tables
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Review of radiological surveys of the General Services Administration's Raritan Depot in Edison, New Jersey
This report reviews two recent radiological surveys of the General Services Administration (GSA) Raritan Depot in Edison, New Jersey, that were conducted after somewhat elevated levels of radiation were detected within a depot building. The first survey indicated gamma radiation levels were higher than natural background levels in some buildings and identified the probable source of the radiation as gypsum-like building tiles that contained natural uranium-chain radionuclides at a level 20 times higher than other materials. Elevated levels of radon and radon decay products also were detected in some buildings. A follow-on survey was conducted to confirm the January measurements and to measure radiation levels at other locations: additional buildings at the depot, buildings on the Middlesex County College campus, and a possible outdoor disposal site. EPA measurements established that ceiling material is the primary source of the radiation. Radioisotope analysis of the ceiling tile material from buildings with elevated radiation levels showed the presence of radium-226 at levels of approximately 25 picocuries per gram (pCi/g); this material would thus have to be treated as hazardous waste, should it be removed. This report critiques the methodology and results of the two surveys and recommends further action
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Methodology for assessing performance of waste management systems
The purpose of the methodology provided in this report is to select the optimal way to manage particular sets of waste streams from generation to disposal in a safe and cost-effective manner. The methodology described is designed to review the entire waste management system, assess its performance, ensure that the performance objectives are met, compare different LLW management alternatives, and select the optimal alternative. The methodology is based on decision analysis approach, in which costs and risk are considered for various LLW management alternatives, a comparison of costs, risks, and benefits is made, and an optimal system is selected which minimizes costs and risks and maximizes benefits. A ''zoom-lens'' approach is suggested, i.e., one begins by looking at gross features and gradually proceeds to more and more detail. Performance assessment requires certain information about the characteristics of the waste streams and about the various components of the waste management system. Waste acceptance criteria must be known for each component of the waste management system. Performance assessment for each component requires data about properties of the waste streams and operational and design characteristics of the processing or disposal components. 34 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab
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Neutron induced gamma spectrometry for on-line compositional analysis in coal conversion and fluidized-bed combustion plants
Nuclear techniques involving relatively penetrating radiation may offer the possibility of non-invasive, continuous on-line instrumental monitoring which is representative of the full process stream. Prompt gamma rays following neutron capture are particularly attractive because the penetrating power of the neutrons and the, typically several MeV, capture gammas makes possible interrogation of material within a pipe. We are evaluating neutron capture gamma techniques for this application, both for elemental composition monitoring and for mass-flow measurement purposes, and this paper will present some recent work on composition analysis by neutron induced gamma spectrometry