Xains Info: July 2008

Non-Blocking message passing pada MPI dengan implementasi pada metode preconditioned conjugate gradient

A limitation of many parallel algorithms implemented in a distributed memory architecture is the existence of dependency on non-local data with synchronous communication. Some times the asynchronous communication can be applied to reduce communication cost, i.e. the computation is carried out while the communication is in progress. This study analizes possibility to increase the performance of a parallel system through the implementation of asynchronous communication which is applied to Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) method. Basically, PCG method has interdependence among steps so that the synchronous communication is more appropriate. Through reformulation of that method, however, the interdepence among steps can be reduced so that asynchronous communication can be applied. From the experiment, compared to the implementation in synchronous communication. Keywords: asynchroronous communication, parallel efficiency, preconditioned conjugate gradient method. Supeno Djanali dan Imam Machdi; Jurusan Teknik Informatika FTIF, ITS

Genomic identification of direct target genes of LEAFY

The switch from vegetative to reproductive development in plants necessitates a switch in the developmental program of the descendents of the stem cells in the shoot apical meristem. Genetic and molecular investigations have demonstrated that the plant-specific transcription factor and meristem identity regulator LEAFY (LFY) controls this developmental transition by inducing expression of a second transcription factor, APETALA1, and by regulating the expression of additional, as yet unknown, genes. Here we show that the additional LFY targets include the APETALA1-related factor, CAULI-FLOWER, as well as three transcription factors and two putative signal transduction pathway components. These genes are up-regulated by LFY even when protein synthesis is inhibited and, hence, appear to be direct targets of LFY. Supporting this conclusion, cis-regulatory regions upstream of these genes are bound by LFY in vivo. The newly identified LFY targets likely initiate the transcriptional changes that are required for the switch from vegetative to reproductive development in Arabidopsis.# Dilusha A. William*,# Yanhui Su*, # Michael R. Smith*, # Meina Lu*# Don A. Baldwin†, and # Doris Wagner*E-mail: wagnerdo@sas.upenn.edu.

Transcriptional Activation of APETALA1 by LEAFY

Plants produce new appendages reiteratively from groups of stem cells called shoot apical meristems. LEAFY (LFY) and APETALA1 (AP1) are pivotal for the switch to the reproductive phase, where instead of leaves the shoot apical meristem produces flowers. Use of steroid-inducible activation of LFY demonstrated that early expression of AP1 is a result of transcriptional induction by LFY. This AP1 induction is independent of protein synthesis and occurs specifically in the tissues and at the developmental stage in which floral fate is assumed. Later expression of AP1 appears to be only indirectly affected by LFY. Doris Wagner, Robert W. M. Sablowski, * Elliot M. Meyerowitz E-mail: meyerow@cco.caltech.edu

Application of the random decrement technique in the identification of damage on submerged stiffened plates

The dynamic response of an intact and damaged stiffened plate model vibrating in air and in water was investigated experimentally and analytically. The random decrement (randomdec) technique was used to calculate experimentally randomdec signatures of the model. A finite elemen model was formulated to generate the numerical free vibration responses of the model. The numerical free vibration responses were then compared with the experimental randomdec signatures. The sensitivities of the experimental randomdec signatures and the analytical free vibration responses to indicate various lengths of crack were analyzed. The results indicated that the randomdec signatures and the free vibration responses could be used to identify the presence of damage and water by changing the signature and response strength, and decreasing the natural frequency. Keywords: Stiffened palte model, randpm decrement technique, randomdec signature.Achmad Zubaydi; Jurusak Teknik Perkapalan FTK,ITS

Studi Konfigurasi Bracing kaki jack-up pengaruh beban gempa

Then goal of this research is to identify responses and an ultimate strength of a jack-up leg structure due to the earthquake loading for various bracing configurations. The research is focused on the structure of the jack-up leg truss typed with bracing configuration systems e.g. K-,Z- and X-bracing system. The main dimension of the jack-up is based on the dimension of the Dyvi Gamma Jack-up as structural data references and as the environmental condition of the operation is the KE-23 Poleng field water area, West part of the Madura islands. The structure is analysed using FEM-approach and the GT Strudl V.25 for the structural analysis. The wave loading is determined with the Morison's equation. The wave theory is Stokes 2nd orde. Keywords: jack-up, earthquake analysis, FEM, LRFD Murdjito dan Pradintio Ariadi

Synthesis and characterization of complex triaquasulfadiazinecopper(II) sulphate

The complex triaquasulfadiazinecopper(II) sulphate, (Cu(L)(H2O)3)SO4, has been synthesized from CuSO4.5H2O and sulfadiazine in methanol. The complex is paramagnetic with uobs of 1,86(I) BM, with cation: anion ratio of 1:1. The IR spectrum indicates that N-secondary is coordinated to Cu2+ion, while the UV-Vis spectrum shows one peak at maks equal to 787.0 nm (a0=151,95 kJ.mol-1,e=14,79 l.mol-1.cm-1), which corresponds to the transition of 2Eg--2T2g. The complex is probably square planar. keywords: synthesis, complex, copper(II), sulfadiazine. Sentot Budi Rahardjo, Sayekti Wahyuningsih, erlyn Saptorini; Jurusan kimia FMIPA Univ. Sebelas Maret, Surakarta.

Prospek Metanol Untuk Bahan Bakar

METANOL
Metanol merupakan cairan polar yang dapat bercampur dengan air, alkohol – alkohol lain, ester, keton, eter, dan sebagian besar pelarut organik. Metanol sedikit larut dalam lemak dan minyak . Secara fisika metanol mempunyai afinitas khusus terhadap karbon dioksida dan hidrogen sulfida. Titik didih metanol berada pada 64,7 oC dengan panas pembentukan (cairan) –239,03 kJ/mol pada suhu 25 oC . Metanol mempunyai panas fusi 103 J/g dan panas pembakaran pada 25 oC sebesar 22,662 J/g. Tegangan permukaan metanol adalah 22,1 dyne/cm sedangkan panas jenis uapnya pada 25 oC sebesar 1,370 J/(gK) dan panas jenis cairannya pada suhu yang sama adalah 2,533 J/(gK) [4]. Sebagai alkohol alifatik yang paling sederhana dengan rumus kimia CH3OH, reaktifitas metanol ditentukan oleh group hidroksil fungsional. Metanol bereaksi melalui pemutusan ikatan C-O atau O-H yang dikarakterisasi dengan penggantian group –H atau –OH.
Metanol dapat diproduksi dari dua macam metoda yaitu metoda alamiah dengan cara ekstraksi atau fermentasi, dan metoda sintesis dengan cara sintesis gas hidrogen dan karbon dioksida atau oksidasi hidrokarbon atau dengan cara elektro/radiasi sintesis gas karbon dioksida. Metanol dapat diproduksi dari berbagai macam bahan baku seperti : gas alam, dan batu bara. Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metanol paling ekonomis diproduksi dari gas alam dibanding dari batu bara. Biaya produksi metanol dari gas alam sekitar 0,736 USD/galon sedangkan dari batu bara sekitar 1,277 USD/galon. Perusahaan penghasil metanol di Indonesia diantaranya adalah Pertamina dan PT. Kaltim Methanol Industry (PT. KMI) dengan bahan baku gas alam. Pabrik metanol Pertamina berada di Pulau Bunyu dengan kapasitas produksi 110 juta galon/tahun sedangkan pabrik metanol PT. KMI berada di Kalimantan Timur dengan kapasitas produksi sekitar 220 juta galon/tahun. Produksi metanol dari Indonesia diperuntukan untuk memenuhi kebutuhan dalam negeri antara 167.000 – 834.000 galon per bulan selebihnya dieksport ke Amerika , Korea , Jepang, dan Taiwan . Saat ini kapasitas produksi metanol dunia diperkirakan sekitar 12,5 milyar galon (37,5 juta ton) per tahun. Jika dilihat dari jumlah ini maka produksi metanol Indonesia hanya sekitar 2,67% dari produksi dunia.
MFCVs merupakan mobil masa depan yang sangat menjanjikan dengan berbagai keunggulan dibanding dengan mobil konvensional ICE. Mobil fuel cell mempunyai efisiensi energi antara 2,1 – 2,6 kali lebih besar dari mobil ICE. Dari hasil penelitian California Air Resources Board (CARB) mobil ini sangat ramah lingkungan karena sangat sedikit melepaskan gas karbon oksida, NMOG (non methane organic gases) dan NOx ke lingkungan. Dari tabel di bawah jelas terlihat bahwa MFCV (Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicle) mengemisikan NMOG, COx, dan NOx masing-masing sekitar 0,0034 ; 0,016 dan 0,0025 g/mil sedangkan DMFCV (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicle) melepaskan NMOG 0,0001 g/mil sedangkan COx dan NOx nihil. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa mobil fuel cell jauh lebih baik dibandingkan dengan jenis mobil ICE yang khusus didesain dengan emisi sangat rendah seperti TLEV (Total Low Emission Vehicle), LEV (Low Emission Vehicle), ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle), dan SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle).

Perpustakaan digital: sudah saatnya

Suatu alternatif pengembangan di perpustakaan Universitas Airlangga Kenyataan bahwa pada era informasi abad 21 ini, teknologi informasi dan komunikasi atau ICT (information and Communication Technology) telah menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari kehidupan global oleh karena itu setiap institusi termasuk perpustakaan berlomba untuk mengintegrasikan ICT guna membangun dan memberdayakan sivitas akademikanya berbasis pengetahuan agar dapat bersaing dalam era global. Dalam menyikapi perkembangan ICT pada era informasi abad 21, Perpustakaan Universitas Airlangga membangun Perpustakaan Digital. Keberadaan perpustakaan digital dapat meningkatkan kualitas dan kecepatan proses layanan pada pengguna perpustakaan, sehingga dapat memperlancar proses belajar-mengajar di lingkungan Universitas Airlangga. Selain itu sistem ini dapat membantu manajemen perpustakaan serta dapat meningkatkan efektifitas dan efesiensi penata laksanaan perpustakaan. Drs. Pudjiono, M.Si; Kepala Perpustakaan Universitas Airlangga.

A Mathematical model in pharmacokinetics

This study aims to develop a mathematical model appearing in pharmacokinetics known as the compartment model. Through multicompartement analysis, the model is used as basis for the determination of the model parameters in the periodic injection system. keywords: pharmacokinetics, mathematical modelling, multicompartement analysis, periodic injection system.Ana Nurani, Julan Hernadi, Aris Thobirin; Jurusan Matematika Univ.Ahmad Dahlan & Univ. Muhammadiyah Ponorogo

Jabatan Fungsional Pustakawan, mengapa tidak?

Jabatan fungsional pustakawan merupakan jabatan karir dan jabatan pilihan yang perlu dikembangkan sesuai tuntutan jaman dan perkembangan IPTEK. Keadaan ini perlu diantisipasi para pustakawan kalau ingin menjadi tenaga profesional, mengapa tidak?. Tujuan diciptakannya jabatan fungsional tersebut yaitu agar para pustakawan dapt meningkatkan karirnya sesuai dengan prestasi dan potensi yang dimilikinya. Sebagai pustakawan merupakan suatu anugerah yang patut disyukuri, maka tidak perlu merasa rendah diri dengan profesi yang kita miliki. Seperti halnya dengan profesi seorang dokter, lawyer dan lain-lain. Untuk itu seorang pustakawan harus profesional sehingga mampu memberikan layanan yang cepat, tepat dan menyenangkan, yaitu dengan mampu menguasai berbagai disiplin ilmu yang ada. Agus Sutiyono, S.Sos.; Staf Perpustakaan Univ.Airlangga.

A mathematical model of TBC epidemic with vaccine preexposure

In a case of epidemic, the basic reproduction number plays a crucial role as measure of its impact. This paper presents a simple mathematical model of the epidemic population dynamics of TBC, and a TBC controlling model with vaccine preexposure. A combined strategy of vaccination and medication against TBC epidemic derived from the basic reproduction number is also discussed. Keywords:TBC, preexposure, basic reproduction number, effectivity.Yudi Ari Adi; e-mail;yudiari@yahoo.com.

I Love Library

I Love Library, istilah ini kali pertama diperkenalkan di pembukaan sampoena corner, bagi sebagian orang yang tidak memiliki perhatian terhadap perpustakaan semboyan ini kurang berarti, tetapi bagi para pekerja yang terlibat di dalam dunia perpustakaan, semboyan ini begitu istimewa, begitu menyentuh. Bila dikaji lebih lanjut semboyan ini mengajak kita untuk mencintai perpustakaan. Selama ini perpustakaan mungkin hanya menjadi kebutuhan kesekian kita, tetapi dengan semboyan ini kita diajak untuk menjadikan perpustakaan sebagai kebutuhan pokok kita, layaknya kita membutuhkan nasi setiap harinya. Usaha yang perlu untuk mendukung semboyan ini adalah sebagai berikut: pimpinan dan karyawan, koleksi desain interior dan ekstrior, serta promosi. Agung Budi Kristiawan, S.Sos.; Staf Perpustakaan Univ. Airlangga

Peran enzim protease endogenus dalam proses pelunakan daging selama post mortem

Proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins is responsible for structural degradation in skeletal muscle leading to meat tenderization. Among endogenous proteases involved in post mortem proteolysis, only calpains (calcium-dependent proteolytic systems) have been proven of having a predominant role in post mortem tenderization. Calpains consistatin (proteinase requiring 5-70uM Ca2+for activity), m-calpain (proteinase requiring 100-2000uM ca2+for activity), calpastatin ( a specific inhibitor to calpains and it also requires Ca2+ to bind to the proteinases). Although calpastatin is a well known inhibitor for calpains activity, present knowledge on the regulation of calpain activity is by no means complete. However, there is no doubt that there are factors other than proteolysis such as elevated doubt that there are factors other than proteolysis such as elevated ionic strength and presence of connective tissues that will certainly affect meat tenderness. Sri Raharjao; Fak.Tek.Pertanian UGM.

Non-blocking message passing pada MPI dengan implementasi pada metode preconditioned conjugate gradient

A limitation of many parallel algorithms implemented in a distributed memory architecture is the existence of dependency on non-local data with synchronous communication. Supeno Djanali dan Imam Machdi; Teknik Informatika, FTIF,ITS Surabaya

PROSPEK METANOL UNTUK BAHAN BAKAR

KENDARAAN FUEL CELL Metanol, umumnya, digunakan sebagai bahan baku untuk berbagai macam produk petrokimia, sintesis kimia (misal: formaldehid, asam asetat, metil amina) dan bahan bakar mesin bakar internal pada kendaraan bermotor yang sudah dikenal sejak sekitar tahun 1960-an. Sekarang metanol akan mulai diterapkan sebagai bahan bakar kendaraan fuel cell . Secara ekonomi metanol mempunyai dampak yang cukup berarti terhadap perkembangan dunia karena dapat menyumbangkan pendapatan 12 milyar USD per tahun dan dapat menciptakan lebih dari 100.000 lapangan kerja. Di negara-negara maju, fuel cell telah berkembang secara pesat. Saat ini, penelitian dan pengembangan proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) sedang diarahkan sebagai mesin kendaraan bermotor. Beberapa produsen mobil seperti BMW, Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Daimler Chrysler, dan Mazda telah berhasil membuat prototip mobil listrik yang disebut Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) dengan bahan bakar metanol. Mesin mobil prototip ini umumnya masih menggunakan metanol secara tidak langsung karena masih memakai reformer untuk merubah metanol menjadi hidrogen murni. Pada sistem ini reformer menjadi masalah oleh karena itu mulai dikembangkan direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) tanpa adanya reformer. Mesin mobil DMFC tinggal menunggu penyempurnaan secara teknik maupun ekonomi sebelum diluncurkan ke pasaran. Penjualan kendaraan fuel cell akan membuka secara luas pasar metanol di dunia, diperkirakan peningkatan kebutuhan metanol sampai dengan tahun 2020 sebesar 34,175 milyar gallon atau 3 kali produksi metanol saat ini 12,5 milyar galon. Ini akan merupakan peluang bisnis yang sangat menjanjikan bagi negara-negara produsen metanol. Indonesia sebagai salah satu produsen metanol dengan kapasitas produksi 330 juta galon per tahun, dapat memanfaatkan kesempatan ini untuk menambah kapasitas produksi dan volume penjualan. Pertamina dan PT. Kaltim Methanol Industry harus tanggap peluang ini karena metanol dimasa mendatang akan menjadi komoditas yang sangat penting. 2. Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)
DMFC merupakan fuel cell jenis proton exchange membrane (PEM) yang merubah secara langsung metanol menjadi energi listrik melalui suatu proses kimia. Prinsip kerja DMFC adalah metanol dan air bereaksi pada anoda menghasilkan karbon dioksida, proton, dan elektron. Selanjutnya proton bermigrasi melalui elektrolit polimer (misal Nafion) menuju katoda kemudian bereaksi dengan oksigen dari udara menghasilkan air. Pada umumnya DMFC beroperasi pada temperatur sekitar 80 o C dengan efisiensi antara 40 – 50 %. Sampai saat ini masih ada berbagai kelemahan pengunaan DMFC baik dari segi biaya produksi maupun dari segi teknik. Berdasarkan data tahun 1999 biaya pembangkitan listrik DMFC per 1 kW masih sekitar 550 USD. Ongkos produksi yang tinggi ini terus ditekan agar mencapai harga 50 USD atau kurang dari nilai tersebut sehingga cukup kompetitif dengan mesin pembakaran internal (internal combustion engine ICE). Diharapkan pada kurun waktu antara tahun 2000 – 2003 akan dapat dicapai nilai 50 USD/ kW. Kelemahan teknis yang masih menjadi kendala ialah adanya metanol yang melintas melalui polimer elektrolit menuju katoda. Hal ini secara langsung akan menurunkan efisiensi dan unjuk kerja DMFC. Untuk mereduksi kelemahan teknis itu, saat ini sedang difokuskan penelitian dan pengembangan untuk mendapatkan bahan penghalang yang lebih maju untuk membendung metanol yang melintas. 3. Mobil Fuel Cell Mobil Fuel cell atau Fuel Cell Vehicles FCVs, merupakan kendaraan bermotor dengan mesin penggerak fuel cell. Dalam pengembangannya FCVs diarahkan pada kendaraan bermotor dengan bahan bakar metanol atau Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicles MFCVs. Sasaran utama pengembangan ini adalah pada penggunaan mesin berteknologi DMFC. Kendaraan bermotor dengan mesin penggerak direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) ini disebut Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicles, DMFCVs. Ada banyak keuntungan dari penggunaan teknologi fuel cell untuk kendaraan bermotor, antara lain ramah lingkungan, bersih, lebih aman, dan resiko yang relatif kecil. FCVs sangat kecil melepaskan COx dan NOx ke lingkugan dan mempunyai resiko kebakaran yang cukup kecil dibandingkan dengan mobil mesin bakar internal ICE (internal combustion engine). Satu hal yang cukup mengesankan adalah unjuk kerja FCVs sangat baik saat berjalan dan berhenti. Hal ini tidak dimiliki oleh mobil dengan sistem mesin konvensional ICE. Dari hasil penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Argonne National Laboratory diperkirakan bahwa mobil fuel cell mempunyai efisiensi energi 2,1 – 2,6 kali lebih besar dari mobil ICE sedangkan data menurut The Pembina Institute diperkirakan 1,76 kali lebih besar dari sistem ICE [2]. Beberapa perusahaan yang telah dan sedang mengembangkan FCVs antara lain Daimler Chrysler, BMW, Ford Motor Company, Mazda, Toyota , Honda, Nissan, General Motor/ Opel, dan Renault. Media Kita- Batan

Prospek Metanol Untuk Bahan Bakar

Mobil ini akan sangat menarik bagi masyarakat, oleh karena itu Departemen Energi Amerika Serikat (DOE) mengestimasikan bahwa penjualan FVCs akan berjumlah sekitar 1,3% dari jumlah pasar mobil baru pada tahun 2010, dan 8,24% pada tahun 2020. Japanese Institute of Energy Economics memperkirakan bahwa pangsa pasar mobil baru FCVs di Jepang akan naik secara cepat dari 0,1% pada tahun 2010 menjadi 33,5% pada tahun 2020 Diperkirakan untuk pertama kalinya FCVs akan diluncurkan ke pasaran sekitar tahun 2004 dengan jumlah sekitar 9.950 unit atau sekitar 0,02% dari seluruh penjualan mobil baru tahun tersebut 60 juta unit. Dengan dimulainya penjualan FCVs diperkirakan jumlah mobil di seluruh dunia akan naik dari 600 juta saat ini, dan menjadi 1 milyar pada sekitar tahun 2015 – 2020.

Aktivitas antibakteri asap cair yang diproduksi dari bermacam-macam limbah pertanian

Liquid smokes were produced from several dry agricultural wastes by pyrolysis at 400oC followed by condensation. The condensates were subjected to investigation of antimicrobial activity against some spoilage and pathogenic bacterias normally occuring on meat. The liquid smokes contained phenol and carbonyl ranging from 2.11-3.50% and 9.3-17.8%, respectively, and had pH values ranging from 2.8-3.1. The antimicrobial activities were high against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and naturally occuring meat flora. Purnama Darmadji; Fak.Tek.Pertanian UGM

MANUFACTURING OF POROSITY BRONZE (Cu-1O%Sn ALLOY) FOR SELF-LUBRICATING BEARING COMPONENT.

Research of manufacturing of self-lubricating Cu-1 O%Sn alloy bearing component was carried out. The rllWmaterials for manufacturing bearing component were pure Cu metal powder, pure Sn metal powder, and addition ofmaterial1orporosity forming. The manufacturing of bearing component was through compacts and sintering treatments. To investigllteinfluence of the porosity distribution in bearing component, addition of material for porosity forming was varied from 2% to20%. Experiment result has shown that alloying process proceed during sintering treatment at temperature 830 .C. Tneformation of Cu-1 O%Sn alloy is caused diffusion mechanism of atomic liquid of Sn to the grain Cu metal powders. Tneformation of porosity mechanism is caused vaporizations processing of porosity forming material during sintering. Examinati mof oil absorption for specimens, increasing of addition of porosity forming material was followed decreasing of density a ldincreasing of oil absorption content, and material for porosity forming content is 4%, results self-lubricating bearing compornntwith density value 5. I 7gicmJ and oil content 27.97%. This associates to ASTM standard designation B 438-84.Key words: Bronze, bearing component, copper powder, tin powder. Yuswono daD Djusman Sayuti; Pusat Penelitian Metalurgi (P2M) -LIPI

THE EFFECT OF RPM MOBILE CHIPPER TO CHIPS SIZE AND QUALITY OF KRAFT PULP.

The contuinity of wood and non-wood chips as raw material for the pulp industry needs much more attention. The continuity ofpulp production will highly depen on the raw material supply and inventory system. The source of raw material such as twigtree and palm-oil petioles at the plantation or forest are still abundantly available and utilized yet. Chipping process at theforest needs such kind of special design chipper which is moveable, that raw material can be directly chipped and move,! tothe close pulp mill. CPP has designed a portable mobile chipper whith the capacity of 0.4-1.6 ton chip/hour for 14 HP dieselmachine using three steel blade at rotation speed of 400 rpm. By using this mobile chipper, 90% standard chips commer(:ialcould be produced. This kind of equipment can be used also to crussher twig from the forest plantation to be utilized asa rawmaterial for compost.Key words: Mobile chipper, chips, twig tree, palm oil petioles. Wawan Kartiwa HaroenBalai Besar Pulp dan Kertas -Deperindag

NANO TECHNOLOGY ON THE SILICA ALUMINA STRUCTURE OF NATURAL CLAYS AND A FUTURE APPLICATIONS.

The nano technology of preparing new material has been .developed so fast in the 21"century. The new super conductor, super magnetic, catalyst and photo catalyst material have been producedby many researcher using nano technology. The new materials have been produced from synthetic anddeveloped from natural material. One of the natural materials can be used as resources materials forproducing a new material are clays. Clay materials have remarkable properties due to their layer structureand high swellability. Based on their swellability the clays have been synthesized successfully for producingnew material with new promising application. In this paper the nano technology of clay to produced newmaterial by using pillared process has been discussed and new application of the resulted pillared clays hasalso been discussed. It hasspeciallybeen presentedthe pillaredclaysfrom IndonesianNaturalBentoniteand their new application.Key word: Nano technology, Natural clays, Silica Alumina, Natural Bentonite Yate manrryanto Kelompok Material Anorganik-Laboratorium Kimia Anorganik. JurusanKimiaF. MIPA Universitas Gadjah Mada Sekip UtaraYogyakarta

CARBOXYMETHYLA TION BACTERIAL CELLULOSE

Plant cellulose differs from that ofbacterial's. Bactl:rialcellulose has greater fibre density than plant cellulose. When sodium hydroxide was added to cellulose, it enlarged the si2e ofpores, hence decreased the cellulose density. Sodium hydroxide treatment has been known to increas the yield for carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) made of those two celluloses. In this experiment, CMC was made from two types of cellulos( bycarboxymethylation using chloroacetic acid. The carboxymethylation was carried out by reacting 18 g of chloroacetic acid ,vith5.5 g cellulose in isopropanol media with NaOH concentration ranging from 30 to 40% at 55.C. Higher NaOH concentrat onsincreased the degree of substitution ofCMC and also lower the amount of water insoluble material. The 35% NaOH prodl cedbetter CMC product as compared to 30% concentration, and higher degree of substitution. Nevertheless, the bacterial cellu loseCMC had lower content of water insoluble material. The degree of polymerization in bacterial cellulose CMC was 142.5 whileit was only 121.4 for the plant cellulose. This study also showed that despite having denser fibre, the bacterial cellulose was nloreaccessible than that of plant cellulose when it was alkalized with NaOH 35%, which makes it easier to react with carboxymethylagent. However, the product was imferior as compared to the requirement for gum cellulose.Key words: Carboxymethyl cellulose, bacterial cellulose, plant cellulose. Ade Awalludin, Suminar Setiati Achmadil dan Novik Nurhidayat; Departemen Kimia, FMIP A -IPB; Laboratorium Biosisternatika, Puslit Biologi -LIPI

Heat Transfer at Supercritical Pressures and the Onset of Deterioration

Kirillov,-Pavel-L.; Grabezhnaya,-Vera-A. (Thermal Physics Department SSC RF - Institute for Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk 249020 (Russian Federation) The comparison of the data on heat transfer at supercritical pressures (SCP) demonstrates that they have a considerable spread, which shows a complex nature of the process and a probable inaccuracy in the methods of data processing caused by a sharp change in thermophysical properties near the pseudo-critical point. The recent experimental data at SCP for upward flow of water are compared with some correlations applicable to engineering analysis. The correlations for the onset of heat transfer deterioration against the experimental data were analyzed. The heat transfer deterioration in this data was far from test section inlet The generalization of data on the onset of heat transfer deterioration for various coolants (water, CO sub 2 , R12) was proposed.

Natural Convection Heat Transfer in a Rectangular Liquid Metal Pool With Bottom Heating and Top Cooling

Lee,-Il-S.; Yu,-Yong-H.; Son,-Hyoung-M.; Hwang,-Jin-S.; Suh,-Kune-Y. (Seoul National University, 599 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-742 (Korea, Republic of)An experimental study is performed to investigate the natural convection heat transfer characteristics with subcooled coolant to create engineering database for basic applications in a lead alloy cooled reactor. Tests are performed in the ALTOS (Applied Liquid-metal Thermal Operation Study) apparatus as part of MITHOS (Metal Integrated Thermo Hydrodynamic Operation System). A relationship is determined between the Nusselt number Nu and the Rayleigh number Ra in the liquid metal rectangular pool. Results are compared with correlations and experimental data in the literature. Given the similar Ra condition, the present test results for Nu of the liquid metal pool with top subcooling are found to be similar to those predicted by the existing correlations or experiments. The current test results are utilized to develop natural convection heat transfer correlations applicable to low Prandtl number Pr fluids that are heated from below and cooled by the external coolant above. Results from this study are slated to be used in designing BORIS (Battery Optimized Reactor Integral System), a small lead cooled modular fast reactor for deployment at remote sites cycled with MOBIS (Modular Optimized Brayton Integral System) for electricity generation, tied with NAVIS (Naval Application Vessel Integral System) for ship propulsion, joined with THAIS (Thermochemical Hydrogen Acquisition Integral System) for hydrogen production, and coupled with DORIS (Desalination Optimized Reactor Integral System) for seawater desalination. Tests are performed with Wood's metal (Pb-Bi-Sn-Cd) filling a rectangular pool whose lower surface is heated and upper surface cooled by forced convection of water. The test section is 20 cm long, 11.3 cm high and 15 cm wide. The simulant has a melting temperature of 78 deg. C. The constant temperature and heat flux condition was realized for the bottom heating once the steady state had been met. The test parameters include the heated bottom surface temperature of the liquid metal pool, the input power to the bottom surface of the section, and the coolant temperature.

Development of Russian's industrial and technological resources required to produce PET center equipment

Shimchuk,-G.G. (Russian Federation Center 'Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics', Moscow (Russian Federation)); Kiselev,-V.A. (Atomic Energy Agency of Russian Federation, Moscow (Russian Federation)); Sidorov,-A.V. (Efremov Scientific Research Institute of Electrophysical Apparatus, St. Peterburg (Russian Federation)); Shtukovsky,-O.A. (Central Research Roentgen-Radiological Institute, St. Peterburg (Russian Federation)); Derevjanko,-E.P. (Bakulev Cardiovascular Surgery Scientific Center, Moscow (Russian Federation)
Positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most sensitive and promising methods of nuclear medicine. During the last 10-15 years positron-emission tomography (PET) has developed into a routine clinical diagnostics approach used in oncology, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry and pharmacokinetics applications. Present broad application of PET is associated with the use of not only very short-lived ''bio-isotopes'', but also of other, longer-lived positron emitters and generator systems. At present, PET technique is becoming increasingly important in clinical functional diagnostics. Considering the growing demand from domestic medical institutions in PET diagnostic equipment, the task of providing the national clinics with such instruments becomes not only topical, but vital. Although to present days major medical institutions in Moscow and in St. Petersburg have started procuring imported instruments for their PET, Russia's industrial and technological resources required to produce PET center equipment are already enough developed. Research and development efforts that have been underway at Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics (ITEP), Efremov Scientific Research Institute of Electrophysical Apparatus (NIIEFA) with participation of Central Scientific Research Roentgen-Radiological Institute (CNIRRI) and Bakulev Cardiovascular Surgery Scientific Center (BCSSC) engendered a theoretical, technical and technological foundation for design and production of the equipment required to implement PET technique in the Russian clinical environment. A several cyclotrons with target systems for PET-radionuclide production has been constructed and manufactured. The line of this cyclotrons including negative ion cyclotron CC-18/9 with vertical magnet and simultaneous dual beam extraction for accelerating 18 MeV protons 100 mu A extracted beam current and 9 MeV deuterons 50 mu A extracted beam current and negative ion cyclotron CC-12 with vertical magnet and simultaneous dual beam extraction for accelerating 12 MeV protons 100 mu A extracted beam current. Set of units for radiochemical laboratories of PET-centers has been manufactured and put in operation for automated radiochemical production of compounds and radiopharmaceuticals labeled by PET radionuclides. The set include modules for the synthesis of sup 1 sup 1 C-fatty acids, of sup 1 sup 1 C-methylation tracers, of sup 1 sup 8 F-FDG and sup 1 sup 3 N-ammonium. Two types of shielding boxes for putting up radiochemical modules have been constructed and manufactured too. A full automated Rb-82 generator infusion system has been constructed. Rb-82 generator system provides bolus and continuous injections under computer control with display output of all required current information. At the 90 years last century experimental specimen of a full-body PET-scanner has been designed and manufactured in ITEP. This scanner comprises two half-rings with 9x18x30 mm bismuth germanate detectors housed in a circle of 1080 mm radius. From December 2005 design of high resolution PETscanner for animal experimental investigations was started in collaboration ITEP and NIIEFA. This scanner will comprise three rings with the arrays of LYSO detectors. The arrays has 11 x 11 elements with pixels 1.6 xl.6 x 10 mm. PET-scanner will be manufactured and put in run in 2007. What is being produced in Russia for PET-centers at present is shown. Complex of technical and clinical trials of presented above units have been done. Two cyclotrons CC18 put in operation in Turku (Finland) and CNIRRI (S.-Peterburg, Russia). Cyclotron CC-12 is under construction now. Set of radiochemical modules now put in ran at CNIRRI and BCSSC and use for clinical investigations more then one thousand of patients. Nine shielding boxes are using in PETcenter CNIRRI now. The Rb-82 generator system have passed integration engineering tests. The system operates reliably within the designed specifications. Now Rb-82 generator system under validation procedure in Miami, USA. Technical parameters and clinical result of using of Russian's PET technique are corresponding world level analogous equipment.

Design of and comparison with verification and validation benchmarks

Oberkampf,-William-L.; Trucano,-Timothy-G, Verification and validation (V and V) are the primary means to assess accuracy and reliability of computational simulations. V and V methods and procedures have fundamentally improved the credibility of simulations in several high-consequence application areas, such as, nuclear reactor safety, underground storage of nuclear waste, and safety of nuclear weapons. Although the terminology is not uniform across engineering disciplines, code verification deals with the assessment of the reliability of the software coding and solution verification deals with the numerical accuracy of the solution to a computational model. Validation addresses the physics modeling accuracy of a computational simulation by comparing with experimental data. Code verification benchmarks and validation benchmarks have been constructed for a number of years in every field of computational simulation. However, no comprehensive guidelines have been proposed for the construction and use of V and V benchmarks. Some fields, such as nuclear reactor safety, place little emphasis on code verification benchmarks and great emphasis on validation benchmarks that are closely related to actual reactors operating near safety-critical conditions. This paper proposes recommendations for the optimum design and use of code verification benchmarks based on classical analytical solutions, manufactured solutions, and highly accurate numerical solutions. It is believed that these benchmarks will prove useful to both in-house developed codes, as well as commercially licensed codes. In addition, this paper proposes recommendations for the design and use of validation benchmarks with emphasis on careful design of building-block experiments, estimation of experiment measurement uncertainty for both inputs and outputs to the code, validation metrics, and the role of model calibration in validation. It is argued that predictive capability of a computational model is built on both the measurement of achievement in V and V, as well as how closely related are the V and V benchmarks to the actual application of interest, e.g., the magnitude of extrapolation beyond a validation benchmark to a complex engineering system of interest.

System Simulation of Nuclear Power Plant by Coupling RELAP5 and Matlab/Simulink

Meng-Lin; Dong-Hou; Zhihong-Xu; Yanhua-Yang; Ronghua-Zhang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 (China) Since RELAP5 code has general and advanced features in thermal-hydraulic computation, it has been widely used in transient and accident safety analysis, experiment planning analysis, and system simulation, etc. So we wish to design, analyze, verify a new Instrumentation And Control (I and C) system of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) based on the best-estimated code, and even develop our engineering simulator. But because of limited function of simulating control and protection system in RELAP5, it is necessary to expand the function for high efficient, accurate, flexible design and simulation of I and C system. Matlab/Simulink, a scientific computation software, just can compensate the limitation, which is a powerful tool in research and simulation of plant process control. The software is selected as I and C part to be coupled with RELAP5 code to realize system simulation of NPPs. There are two key techniques to be solved. One is the dynamic data exchange, by which Matlab/Simulink receives plant parameters and returns control results. Database is used to communicate the two codes. Accordingly, Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is applied to link database in RELAP5, while DLL and S-Function is applied in Matlab/Simulink. The other problem is synchronization between the two codes for ensuring consistency in global simulation time. Because Matlab/Simulink always computes faster than RELAP5, the simulation time is sent by RELAP5 and received by Matlab/Simulink. A time control subroutine is added into the simulation procedure of Matlab/Simulink to control its simulation advancement. Through these ways, Matlab/Simulink is dynamically coupled with RELAP5. Thus, in Matlab/Simulink, we can freely design control and protection logic of NPPs and test it with best-estimated plant model feedback. A test will be shown to illuminate that results of coupling calculation are nearly the same with one of single RELAP5 with control logic. In practice, a real Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) is modeled by RELAP5 code, and its main control and protection system is duplicated by Matlab/Simulink. Some steady states and transients are calculated under control of these I and C systems, and the results are compared with the plant test curves. The application showed that it can do exact system simulation of NPPs by coupling RELAP5 and Matlab/Simulink. This paper will mainly focus on the coupling method, plant thermal-hydraulic model, main control logics, test and application results.

HTTR operation data base (2). Examples of the HTTR core characteristics data base, etc

Nojiri,-Naoki; Ohwada,-Hiroyuki; Fujimoto,-Nozomu (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Oarai Research and Development Center, Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan) For the future HTGR development and the management of the High Temperature engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), the HTTR operation data base is constructed. The data base consists of the sorted or evaluated data based on the measured values from the HTTR's operation, such as excess reactivity of the core, temperature at facilities of the core and the plant, impurities in coolant and so on. The data base also consists of some sub-databases which have objects related to the future HTGR development or the HTTR's operational management in order to manage the important operation data systematically on a long term. This paper describes examples of the HTTR common data base, the HTTR nuclear characteristics data base, the helium purity control data base and the other data base.

High-resolution 3D isotropic MR imaging of mouse flank tumours obtained in vivo with solenoid RF micro-coil

Holmes,-W-M (Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom)); Maclellan,-S (The Doctoral Training Centre, Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom)); Condon,-B (Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom)); Dufes,-C (Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (United Kingdom)); Evans,-T-R-J (Centre for Oncology and Applied Pharmacology, Beatson Laboratories, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom)); Uchegbu,-I-F (The Doctoral Training Centre, Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom)); Schaetzlein,-A-G (The Doctoral Training Centre, Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom) The investigation of mouse flank tumours by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited by the achievable spatial resolution, which is generally limited by the critical problem of signal-to-noise ratio. Sensitivity was improved by using an optimized solenoid RF micro-coil, built into the animal cradle. This simple design did not require extensive RF engineering expertise to construct, yet allowed high-resolution 3D isotropic imaging at 60 x 60 x 60 mu m sup 3 for a flank tumour in vivo, revealing the heterogeneous internal structure of the tumour. It also allowed dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) experiments and angiography (MRA) to be performed at 100 x 100 x 100 mu m sup 3 resolution. The DCE experiments provided an excellent example of the diffusive spreading of contrast agent into less vascularized tumour tissue. This work is the first step in using high-resolution 3D isotropic MR to study transport in mouse flank tumours.

Measurement plan and observational construction program on shaft excavation at the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory project

Morioka,-Hiroshi; Yamaguchi,-Takehiro; Funaki,-Hironori (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Geological Isolation Research and Development Directorate, Horonobe Underground Research Unit, Horonobe, Hokkaido (Japan)); Orukawa,-Go (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Horonobe Underground Research Center, Horonobe, Hokkaido (Japan)Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is carrying out phased investigation in Horonobe, Hokkaido. This investigation named as 'Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory Project' (Horonobe URL Project) targeting sedimentary formations, is intended to confirm the reliability of technologies on geological disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste (HLW) by applying them into in-situ geological environment. On the Horonobe URL Project, 'Phase 1: Surface-based investigations' was finished in 2005FY and construction of the underground facility was started since then. Now, 'Phase 2: Construction phase' (investigations during construction of the underground facilities) is on-going. In Phase 1 of the Horonobe URL Project, investigations were carried out from the surface and modeling of geological environment was carried out. Prediction of influence to the geological environment caused by excavating (in Phase 2) of underground facilities was also carried out. In Phase 2, in-situ detailed (geological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical and rock mechanical) investigations and validation of prediction results in Phase 1 are carried out. In 'Phase 3: Operation phase' (investigations in the underground facilities), detail investigations of geological environmental feature around the shafts will be carried out. In-situ experiments for research and development on geological disposal will be also carried out. On the 'Development of engineering techniques for use in the deep underground environment' in Phase 1, based on the various type of data acquired on investigations from the surface, basic design of underground facilities in advance was carried out. This report summarizes the measurement plan during construction of the underground facility based on the design in advance and the observational construction program for feedback measurements data into design and construction on subsequent steps. This report also describes about design and construction management program for contractor of underground facilities. The measurement plan described in this document is applied to measurements in the underground facilities for validation of the geological environmental model. Then, it will be verified the validity by application into actual construction and will be systematized with modification when necessary.

Mid-term clinical results of tissue-engineered vascular autografts

Matsumura,-Goki; Shin'oka,-Toshiharu; Hibino,-Narutoshi; Saito,-Satoshi; Sakamoto,-Takahiko; Ichihara,-Yuki; Hobo,-Kyoko; Miyamoto,-Shin'ka; Kurosawa,-Hiromi (Tokyo Women's Medical Univ., School of Medicine, Tokyo (Japan) Prosthetic and bioprosthetic materials currently in use lack growth potential and therefore must be repeatedly replaced in pediatric patients as they grow. Tissue engineering is a new discipline that offers the potential for creating replacement structures from autologous cells and biodegradable polymer scaffolds. In May 2000, we initiated clinical application of tissue-engineered vascular grafts seeded with cultured cells. However, cell culturing is time-consuming, and xenoserum must be used. To overcome these disadvantages, we began to use bone marrow cells, readily available on the day of surgery, as a cell source. Since September 2001, tissue-engineered grafts seeded with autologous bone marrow cells have been implanted in 44 patients. The patients or their parents were fully informed and had given consent to the procedure. A 3 to 10 ml/kg specimen of bone marrow was aspirated with the patient under general anesthesia before the skin incision. The polymer tube serving as a scaffold for the cells was composed of a copolymer of lactide and epsilon-caprolactone (50:50) which degrades by hydrolysis. Polyglycolic or poly-l-lactic acid woven fabric was used for reinforcement. Twenty-six tissue-engineered conduits and 19 tissue-engineered patches were used for the repair of congenital heart defects. The patients' ages ranged from 1 to 24 years (median 7.4 years). All patients underwent a catheterization study, CT scan, or both, for evaluation after the operation. There were 4 late deaths due to heart failure with or without multiple organ failure or brain bleeding in this series; these were unrelated to the tissue-engineered graft function. One patient required percutaneous balloon angioplasty for tubular graft-stenosis and 4 patients for the stenosis of the patch-shaped tissue engineered material. Two patients required re-do operation; one for recurrent pulmonary stenosis and another for a resulting R-L shunt after the lateral tunnel method. Kaplan-Meier analysis in relation to patients' survival was 95% within 3 years. There was only 1 patient (who underwent a total cavo-pulmonary connection procedure) requiring re-intervention in the tubular graft group and the material-related event-free rate was 96% within 3 years. This tissue-engineering approach may provide an important alternative to the use of prosthetic materials in the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery. As it is living tissue, these vascular structures may have the potential for growth, repair, and remodeling. However, this approach is still in its infancy, further studies to resolve the problems presented, and longer follow-up in patients are necessary to confirm the durability of this approach.

Final report on the surface-based investigation (phase 1) at the Mizunami Underground Laboratory project

Saegusa,-Hiromitsu; Seno,-Yasuhiro; Nakama,-Shigeo; Tsuruta,-Tadahiko; Amano,-Kenji; Takeuchi,-Ryuji; Matsuoka,-Toshiyuki; Onoe,-Hironori; Mizuno,-Takashi; Ohyama,-Takuya; Hama,-Katsuhiro; Sato,-Toshinori; Kuji,-Masayoshi; Kuroda,-Hidetaka; Semba,-Takeshi; Uchida,-Masahiro; Sugihara,-Kozo; Sakamaki,-Masanori (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Geological Isolation Research and Development Directorate, Mizunami, Gifu (Japan)); Iwatsuki,-Teruki (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Horonobe Underground Research Center, Mizunami, Gifu (Japan)The Mizunami Underground Laboratory (MIU) Project is a comprehensive research project investigating the deep underground environment within crystalline rock being conducted by Japan Atomic Energy Agency at Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan and its role is defined in 'Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy' by Japan Atomic Energy Commission. The MIU Project has three overlapping phases: Surface-based Investigation phase (Phase I), Construction phase (Phase II), and Operation phase (Phase III), with a total duration of 20 years. The overall project goals of the MIU Project from Phase I through to Phase III are: 1) to establish techniques for investigation, analysis and assessment of the deep geological environment, and 2) to develop a range of engineering for deep underground application. During Phase I, the overall project goals were supported by Phase I goals. For the overall project goals 1), the Phase I goals were set to construct models of the geological environment from all surface-based investigation results that describe the geological environment prior to excavation and predict excavation response. For the overall project goals 2), the Phase I goals were set to formulate detailed design concepts and a construction plan for the underground facilities. This report summarizes the Phase I investigation which was completed in March 2005. The authors believe this report will make an important milestone, since this report clarifies how the Phase I goals are achieved and evaluate the future issues thereby direct the research which will be conducted during Phase II. With regard to the overall project goals 1), 'To establish techniques for investigation, analysis and assessment of the deep geological environment,' a step-wise investigation was conducted by iterating investigation, interpretation, and assessment, thereby understanding of geologic environment was progressively and effectively improved with progress of investigation. An optimal procedure from investigation to assessment was compiled as a set of geosynthesis data flow diagram for each investigation step. With regard to the overall project goals 2), 'To formulate detailed design concepts and a construction plan for the underground facilities,' an optimal design of MIU was completed with the aim to provide a foundation for engineering technologies in deep underground to safely construct and operate an underground facility which will be built for the purpose of acquiring data and demonstrating disposal technologies. Thus, this report summarizes geosynthesis procedures to investigate and assess the crystalline rock, and development of individual investigation and assessment methods. At the same time, technical findings and know-how which can serve as foundation to disposal business were compiled. Also, this report clarified the necessity for the Phase II and Phase III investigation by compiling unresolved issues during the Phase I investigation. The results described in this report will be utilized as technical knowledge of disposal technology and effectively used to enhance technical foundation which will support disposal business and safety regulations.

Introduction to nuclear engineering

Bouchard,-J. (CEA Saclay, 91 - Gif sur Yvette (France)); Deffain,-J.P. (CEA Bruyeres le Chatel, 91 (France)); Gouchet,-A. (Sys E.N.R., 91 - Draveil (France) This book is an introductory course to the technology of nuclear reactors, it is based on lectures given to students engaged in nuclear engineering curricula. A brief historical account of nuclear power is given in which Three Miles Island and Chernobyl accidents appear to be the main milestones because of their big impacts on the way to apprehend the safety in the design of a reactor for the first and on the public controversy of nuclear energy for the second. All the concepts and knowledge required to understand the design of a reactor and how it operates, are described: radioactivity, nuclear safety, irradiation effects on materials, uranium enrichment, reactor kinetics, fission products poisoning,... This book is made up of 4 parts: 1) nuclear power, 2) types of power nuclear reactors (PWR, BWR and fast reactors), 3) the fuel cycle, and 4) neutronics basics. (A.C.)

Information exchange mainly on HTGR operation and maintenance technique between JAEA and INET in 2006

Tachibana,-Yukio (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Oarai Research and Development Center, Dept. of HTTR, Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan)); Hino,-Ryutaro (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Science and Engineering Directorate, Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan)); Yu-Suyuan (Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing (China) The worldwide interests in the HTGR (High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor) have been growing because the high temperature heat produced by the reactor can be utilized not only for efficient power generation but also for broad process heat applications, especially for thermo-chemical hydrogen production to fuel a prospective hydrogen economy in future. Presently only two HTGR reactors are operational in the world, including the HTTR (High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor) in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the HTR-10 in the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) of Tsinghua University in China. JAEA and INET have cooperated since 1986 in the field of HTGR development, particularly on the HTTR and HTR-10 projects. This report describes the cooperation with emphasis on HTGR operation and maintenance techniques between JAEA and INET and outlines cooperation activities in 2006.

DURABILITY TESTING OF FLUIDIZED BED STEAM REFORMER WASTE FORMS FOR SODIUM BEARING WASTE AT IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY

Crawford,-C; Carol-JantzenFluidized Bed Steam Reforming (FBSR) processing of Sodium Bearing Waste simulants was performed in December 2006 by THOR sup s sup m Treatment Technologies LLC (TTT) The testing was performed at the Hazen Research Inc. (HRI) pilot plant facilities in Golden, CO. FBSR products from these pilot tests on simulated waste representative of the SBW at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) were subsequently transferred to the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for characterization and leach testing. Four as-received Denitration and Mineralization Reformer (DMR) granular/powder samples and four High Temperature Filter (HTF) powder samples were received by SRNL. FBSR DMR samples had been taken from the ''active'' bed, while the HTF samples were the fines collected as carryover from the DMR. The process operated at high fluidizing velocities during the mineralization test such that nearly all of the product collected was from the HTF. Active bed samples were collected from the DMR to monitor bed particle size distribution. Characterization of these crystalline powder samples shows that they are primarily Al, Na and Si, with > 1 wt% Ca, Fe and K. The DMR samples contained less than 1 wt% carbon and the HTF samples ranged from 13 to 26 wt% carbon. X-ray diffraction analyses show that the DMR samples contained significant quantities of the Al sub 2 O sub 3 startup bed. The DMR samples became progressively lower in starting bed alumina with major Na/Al/Si crystalline phases (nepheline and sodium aluminosilicate) present as cumulative bed turnover occurred but 100% bed turnover was not achieved. The HTF samples also contained these major crystalline phases. Durability testing of the DMR and HTF samples using the ASTM C1285 Product Consistency Test (PCT) 7-day leach test at 90 C was performed along with several reference glass samples. Comparison of the normalized leach rates for the various DMR and HTF components was made with the reference glasses and the Low Activity Waste (LAW) specification for the Hanford Waste Treatment and Vitrification Plant (WTP). Normalized releases from the DMR and HTF samples were all less than 1 g/m sup 2. For comparison, normalized release from the High-Level Waste (HLW) benchmark Environmental Assessment (EA) glass for Si, Li, Na and B ranges from 2 to 8 g/m sup 2. The normalized release specification for LAW glass for the Hanford WTP is 2 g/m sup 2. The Toxicity Characteristic Leach Test (TCLP) was performed on DMR and HTF as received samples and the tests showed that these products meet the criteria for the EPA RCRA Universal Treatment Standards for all of the constituents contained in the starting simulants such as Cr, Pb and Hg (RCRA characteristically hazardous metals) and Ni and Zn (RCRA metals required for listed wastes).

Modeling strategies for unsteady turbulent flows in the lower plenum of the VHTR

Johnson,-Richard-W. Validation simulations are presented for turbulent flow in a staggered tube bank, geometry similar to the lower plenum of a gas-cooled high temperature reactor. Steady 2D RANS results are compared to unsteady 2D RANS results and experiment. The unsteady calculations account for the fact that non-turbulent fluctuations (due to vortex-shedding) are present in the flow. The unsteady computations are shown to predict the mean variables and the total shear stress quite well. Previous workers' results indicate that 3D simulations are needed to obtain reasonable agreement; present results indicate 2D is sufficient. Best practices are based on requirements for the ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering.

FY05-FY06 Advanced Simulation and Computing Implementation Plan, Volume 2

Baron,-AThe Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) is a single, highly integrated technical program for maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. The SSP uses past nuclear test data along with future non-nuclear test data, computational modeling and simulation, and experimental facilities to advance understanding of nuclear weapons. It includes stockpile surveillance, experimental research, development and engineering programs, and an appropriately scaled production capability to support stockpile requirements. This integrated national program will require the continued use of current facilities and programs along with new experimental facilities and computational enhancements to support these programs. The Advanced Simulation and Computing program (ASC) is a cornerstone of the SSP, providing simulation capabilities and computational resources to support the annual stockpile assessment and certification, to study advanced nuclear weapon design and manufacturing processes, to analyze accident scenarios and weapons aging, and to provide the tools to enable stockpile life extension programs and the resolution of significant finding investigations (SFIs). This requires a balanced system of technical staff, hardware, simulation software, and computer science solutions.

Fundamental Issues of Nano-fluid Behavior

Williams,-Wesley-C. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 massachusetts avenue cambridge, ma 02139-4307 (United States). This paper will elucidate some of the behaviors of nano-fluids other than the abnormal conductivity enhancement, which are of importance to the experimental and engineering use of nano-fluids. Nano-fluid is the common name of any sol colloid involving nano-scale (less than 100 nm) sized particles dispersed within a base fluid. It has been shown previously that the dispersion of nano-particulate metallic oxides into water can increase thermal conductivity up to 30-40% over that of the base fluid and anomalously more than the mere weighed average of the colloid. There is a great potential for the use of nano-fluids as a way to enhance fluid/thermal energy transfer systems. Due to the recentness of nano-fluid science, there are still many issues which have not been fully investigated. This paper should act as a primer for the basic understanding of nano-fluid behavior. Particle size and colloid stability are of key importance to the functionality of nano-fluids. The pH and concentration/loading of nano-fluids can alter the size of the nano-particles and also the stability of the fluids. It will be shown through experiment and colloid theory the importance of these parameters. Furthermore, most of the existing literature uses volume percentage as the measure of particle loading, which can often be misleading. There will be discussion of this and other misleading ideas in nano-fluid science.

A study on criticality of coupled fast-thermal core HERBE at RB reactor

Pesic,-M.; Zavaljevski,-M.; Milosevic,-M.; Stefanovic,-D.; Nikolic,-D.; Avdic,-S. (Boris Kidric Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Vinca, Belgrade (Yugoslavia)); Popovic,-D.; Marinkovic,-P. (Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Beograd (Yugoslavia). The coupled fast-thermal core HERBE at the RB zero power heavy water reactor in Vinca was designed with the aim of improving the experimental possibilities in fast neutron fields. The requirements for minimum modifications in the RB construction and the use available fuel, restricted design flexibility of the coupled system. The following core is considered optimal in the light of the foregoing constraints: the central fast core of natural uranium is surrounded by a neutron filter zone (cadmium and natural uranium) and a converter zone (enriched uranium fuel, without moderator). The coupling region is heavy water. The thermal core in the form of the RB heavy water 80% enriched uranium lattice with 12 cm pitch. The criticality of the system is obtained by adjusting the moderator level. The critical heavy water levels were measured for normal reactor operation and some simulated accidental conditions. These data were analyzed by a computer code for the design of thermal and coupled fast-thermal reactor recently developed in IBK Nuclear Engineering Laboratory. Good agreement between the computations and experimental data was achieved.

INTEGRATED PROCESS GAS MODELING FOR TRITIUM SYSTEMS AT THE SAVANNAH RIVER SITE

Hang,-T; Anita-Poore. Significant savings are being realized from the consolidated tritium gas-processing operations at the Savannah River Site. However, the trade-off is some reduction of operational flexibility due to decreased storage capacity for process and waste gases. Savannah River National Laboratory researchers are developing an integrated process gas model for tritium processing using Aspen Custom Modeler(trademark) (ACM) software. The modeling involves fully characterizing process flow streams (gas composition, quantity), frequency of batch transfers, and availability of equipment in the flow stream. The model provides a valuable engineering tool to identify flow bottlenecks, thereby enabling adjustments to be made to improve process operations.

INTEGRATED PROCESS GAS MODELING FOR TRITIUM SYSTEMS AT THE SAVANNAH RIVER SITE

Hang,-T; Anita-Poore, Significant savings are being realized from the consolidated tritium gas-processing operations at the Savannah River Site. However, the trade-off is some reduction of operational flexibility due to decreased storage capacity for process and waste gases. Savannah River National Laboratory researchers are developing an integrated process gas model for tritium processing using Aspen Custom Modeler(trademark) (ACM) software. The modeling involves fully characterizing process flow streams (gas composition, quantity), frequency of batch transfers, and availability of equipment in the flow stream. The model provides a valuable engineering tool to identify flow bottlenecks, thereby enabling adjustments to be made to improve process operations

Evaluation of the Sub-Channel Code COBRA-TF for Prediction of BWR Fuel Assembly Void Fraction Distribution

Aydogan,-Fatih; Hochreiter,-Lawrence-E.; Ivanov,-Kostadin (The Pennsylvania State University, 302 Walker Building, University Park, PA 16802 (United States)); Rhee,-Gene (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001 (United States)); Sartori,-Enrico (OECD/NEA, Le Seine St. Germain, 12 boulevard des Iles, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux (France)); Utsuno,-Hideaki (Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization (Japan) Good quality experimental data is needed to refine the thermal hydraulic models for the prediction of rod bundle void distribution and critical heat flux (CHF) or dry-out. The Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC) has provided a valuable database to evaluate the thermal hydraulic codes [1]. Part of this database was selected for the NUPEC BWR Full-size Fine-Mesh Bundle Tests (BFBT) benchmark sponsored by US NRC, METI-Japan, NEA/OECD and Nuclear Engineering Program of the Pennsylvania State University (PSU). Twenty-five organizations from ten countries have confirmed their intention to participate and will provide code predictions to be compared to the measured data for a series of defined exercises within the framework of the BFBT benchmark. This benchmark data includes both the fine-mesh high quality sub-channel void fraction and critical power data. Using a full BWR rod bundle test facility, the void distribution was measured at mesh sizes smaller than the sub-channel by using a state-of-the-art computer tomography (CT) technology [1]. Experiments were performed for different pressures, flow rates, exit qualities, inlet sub-cooling, power distributions, spacer types and assembly designs. There are microscopic and sub-channel averaged void fraction data from the CT scanner at the bundle exit as well as X-ray densitometer void distribution data at different elevation levels in the rod bundle. Each sub-channel's loss coefficient was calculated with using the Rehme method [2,3], and a COBRA-TF sub-channel model was developed for the NUPEC facility. The BWR assembly that was modeled with COBRA-TF includes two water rods at the center. The predicted sub-channel void fraction values from COBRA-TF are compared with the bundle exit void fraction values measured using the CT-scanner void fraction from the BFBT benchmark data. Different plots are used to examine the code prediction of the void distribution at a sub-channel level for the different sub-channels within the bundle.

Study of purification methods for produced hydrogen by the HTTR-IS system

Kasahara,-Seiji; Kubo,-Shinji; Sato,-Hiroyuki; Sakaba,-Nariaki (Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Science and Engineering Directorate, Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan) Purification methods of hydrogen and oxygen as products of thermochemical hydrogen production iodine sulphur (IS) process thermally connected with the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) was investigated and evaluated. Present state of R and D of membrane separation method, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) method and cryogenic distillation method was researched and their applicability to the HTTR-IS system was evaluated. At present, PSA method was the most effective due to its feasibility, soundness and reliability with past performance. In addition, hydrogen purification systems by using PSA and membrane separation method were described in this paper.

The Human Bathtub: Safety and Risk Predictions Including the Dynamic Probability of Operator Errors

Duffey,-Romney-B. (Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd., 2251 Speakman Drive, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1B2 (Canada)); Saull,-John-W. (International Federation of Airwothiness, 14 Railway Approach, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1BP (United Kingdom) Reactor safety and risk are dominated by the potential and major contribution for human error in the design, operation, control, management, regulation and maintenance of the plant, and hence to all accidents. Given the possibility of accidents and errors, now we need to determine the outcome (error) probability, or the chance of failure. Conventionally, reliability engineering is associated with the failure rate of components, or systems, or mechanisms, not of human beings in and interacting with a technological system. The probability of failure requires a prior knowledge of the total number of outcomes, which for any predictive purposes we do not know or have. Analysis of failure rates due to human error and the rate of learning allow a new determination of the dynamic human error rate in technological systems, consistent with and derived from the available world data. The basis for the analysis is the 'learning hypothesis' that humans learn from experience, and consequently the accumulated experience defines the failure rate. A new 'best' equation has been derived for the human error, outcome or failure rate, which allows for calculation and prediction of the probability of human error. We also provide comparisons to the empirical Weibull parameter fitting used in and by conventional reliability engineering and probabilistic safety analysis methods. These new analyses show that arbitrary Weibull fitting parameters and typical empirical hazard function techniques cannot be used to predict the dynamics of human errors and outcomes in the presence of learning. Comparisons of these new insights show agreement with human error data from the world's commercial airlines, the two shuttle failures, and from nuclear plant operator actions and transient control behavior observed in transients in both plants and simulators. The results demonstrate that the human error probability (HEP) is dynamic, and that it may be predicted using the learning hypothesis and the minimum failure rate, and can be utilized for probabilistic risk analysis purposes