The device, called an "on-board methanol reformer," releases the hydrogen bound up in methanol (methyl alcohol). Because it is more compact than other reformers, it could enable fuel cells to power electric cars.
Fuel cells are like a batteries with fuel tanks. Unlike batteries, they produce electricity as long as they have fuel, and they never need recharging. The Department of Energy is currently investigating them as possible electric-vehicle power sources.
"Fuel cells are much more efficient and much less polluting than internal combustion engines," said Romesh Kumar (CMT). The device was developed by Kumar, Shabbir Ahmed and Michael Krumpelt (all CMT).
A major problem in using fuel cells to power electric cars, Kumar said, is that they are fueled by hydrogen, a very light gas that is difficult to store. Currently available hydrogen-storage technologies are so heavy and bulky that they would limit the driving range of any car that used them.
"But an on-board reformer like ours," he said, "could solve this problem by reforming methanol from the gas tank and feeding the hydrogen into a fuel cell."
The Argonne device takes up less volume than a seven-gallon container, Kumar said. This makes it the first fuel reformer small enough to fit under the hood of a compact car beside a 50-kilowatt polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cell, DOE's top candidate for an electric-vehicle fuel cell.
Argonne's reformer would combine methanol with oxygen from the air to produce a hydrogen-rich mixture of gases that would be injected into the fuel cell.
Compared to other reformers, Argonne's is light-weight, compact and energy-efficient. In addition, Kumar said, it is flexible enough to respond well to frequent startups and shutdowns and to the rapidly changing engine demands of daily stop-and-go driving.
The design is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, Kumar said. It consists of a cylinder packed with a common and inexpensive catalyst. A nozzle sprays liquid methanol into the cylinder, and an ignition source starts it.
In addition to hydrogen, the reformer produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. A small on-board chemical reactor would convert the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.
Development of the on-board fuel reformer was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Transportation Technologies.
Mainframe's days are numbered
Administrative employees at Argonne-East are quickly ending their dependence on
the site's central computer, the IBM 3084QX9 mainframe, before it shuts down
forever in January, 1995.
The shutdown is one of many milestones marking the laboratory's move toward a decentralized administrative computing system in which "distributed servers" -- an interconnected network of computers -- take over the mainframe's tasks, said John Volmer (ECT), manager of Central Computing Resources. Volmer coordinates the decommissioning of the IBM mainframe.
This decentralized system should make administrative work more efficient and effective, said Manager Diane O'Brien (IPD-MIS), team leader of the OPS Computing Implementation Team.
Administrative employees will have access to multiple databases from their desktop computers. Users will be able to acquire, manipulate and analyze data themselves. Personnel information, financial reports and other records are already being processed by distributed servers.
Later this year, the Job Hazard Checklist will be available electronically to generate training profiles, said David Haugen (EEST), chairman of the Training Management System User Group.
Paperwork will be reduced considerably as standard forms and purchase orders go on-line. Eventually it could include the ability to authorize documents electronically without a traditional written signature.
To familiarize users with the new administrative computing system, O'Brien and representatives from other administrative divisions are easing the transition with surveys and open monthly meetings. -- Christine V. Mathews
OPA employee's novel published on audio tape
By day, OPA Public Information Director David Baurac carefully crafts news
releases to present information about Argonne research in concise, direct
terms. After hours, however, his writing turns to subtle details, half-truths,
double-crosses, beautiful women in trouble and the occasional slashed throat.
Now Baurac can claim success at both styles of writing: his first book, a hard-boiled detective novel called "Only the Young Die Good," was recently published on audio tape.
As Baurac's book opens, Chicago private eye Ned Cassidy wakes up in a hotel room staring down the muzzle of a .45 automatic. His partner's throat has been cut and the child they were guarding kidnapped. As the story unfolds, Cassidy tangles with the mob, the police and his dead partner's sensuous, lonely girlfriend.
The 5.5-hour tape features Chicago actors, sound effects and saxophone-driven theme music written especially for the production. "Only the Young Die Good" has the feel of an old-time radio show, minus the Ovaltine commercials.
"The private eye is a traditional American hero," Baurac said. "The roots go back to Natty Bumppo of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales. It's the same type of character moved up into modern times."
The book was more than a decade in the making. Baurac began it in the early 1980s but shelved the project for several years while he worked on an M.B.A. at the University of Chicago, married and started a family. A fiction-writing class at the College of DuPage brought him back to the manuscript.
"My method was to write a page a day, no matter how long it took," he said. "At the end of a year, I had the rough draft of a novel." He also used outlines and extensive dossiers on each of the main characters, which included everything from their ages to family history.
After shopping the book around to many publishers, Baurac found a home for Detective Cassidy at Sound Publications, Inc., a Lombard, Ill. firm specializing in adapting books to tape.
Baurac is happy with the Radio Theatre production, although some changes were made to adapt the book to an audio presentation. "Ninety-eight percent of the words are exactly as I wrote them," he said. "The print version was slightly more graphic."
The book on tape has received glowing reviews, including a nationally syndicated column by Sandy Bauers recently printed in the Chicago Tribune. It is available at Anderson's Bookstore in Downers Grove and Border's bookstore in Oak Brook.
Pioneers plan reunion dinner
The Argonne Pioneers will hold their 10th reunion dinner Sunday, Oct. 8, at the
Orland Chateau Restaurant, 14500 LaGrange Road, Orland Park, Ill.
Pioneers are all current and former Argonne, Met Lab, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC/DOE) and Credit Union employees who worked in these organizations between 1942 and 1965. Pioneers include all present employees with 30 years of service.
The family-style dinner costs $20 per person, including tax and tip. Registration and friendship time will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., immediately followed by dinner. A cash bar and music will be provided. Spouses and guests of those attending are welcome.
Reservations must be made by Monday, Sept. 25, 1995. Checks should be sent and made payable to Argonne Pioneers Reunion, P.O. Box 8326, Argonne, Ill. 60439.
The Pioneers are seeking current addresses of all present and former employees who qualify as described above. Information should be provided to Evie Fagan (OPA-201) or mailed to the Pioneers reunion post office box.
Milton Blander (CMT) retired July 14 with 24 years of service.
Hobert T. Coburn (PFS-DR) retired June 30 with 34 years of service.
Herbert Diamond (CHM) retired June 30 with 46 years of service.
Jesse L. Formhals (ECT-ELT) retired July 28 with 33 years of service.
Robert E. Heerdt (SSD-MAT) retired July 14 with 33 years of service.
Gordon L. Holmblad (CMB) retired July 3 with 33 years of service.
Lawrence J. Moran (PFS-FPE) retired July 31 with 15 years of service.
Meyrick J. Peak (CMB) retired July 3 with 18 years of service.
Patricia A. Traczyk (DIS) retired June 30 with 16 years of service.
R. D. Doctor (ES), Small Business Innovative Research "How To" Workshop, Chicago, July 13.
A. J. Goldman (OTD), DePaul University Master of Public Service Program, "Implementing Quailty Management at a National Laboratory," June 7.
J. E. Morgenthaler (OPA), Robert Emmet School, Chicago, Careers for Youth Program, "Science, An Exciting Career," July 31.
W. F. Podolski (CMT), Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Judge, Museum of Science and Industry, March 31.
F. L. Robinson (ESH), College of DuPage, "Fire Protection and Safety Features at Advance Photon Service," May 18.
W. M. Swift (CMT), Chicago Public Schools Student Science Fair Judge, Museum of Science and Industry, March 31.
-- Seminars --
Monday, August 14
Physics Division Seminar: "Report of the Gordon Conference on Nuclear Physics and QCD" by Naomi Makins & Craig Roberts (PHY). 3:30 p.m., Bldg. 203, Conference Room R150.
Wednesday, August 16
Chemical Technology Division/Materials Science Division Joint Seminar: "Spectroscopic Characterization of Conducting Polymer Systems" by Graham A. Bowmaker, Department of Chemistry, University of Auckland. 10:30 a.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.
Thursday, August 17
Theoretical Physics Seminar: ""Low-Energy Reactions of
Astrophysical Interest on Few-Nucleon Systems" by Rocco Schiavilla, CEBAF, Newport News, VA. 3 p.m., Bldg. 203, Conference Room B221.
Monday, Aug. 21
Physics Division Seminar -- Conference Reports:"International Conference on Exotic Nuclei and Atomic Masses" by Cary Davids (PHY) and "Groningen Conference on Giant Resonances" by David Hofman (PHY). 3:30 p.m., Building 203, Conference Room R-150.
Tuesday, August 22
Environmental Research Division Seminar: "On the Structure of Humic Substances and Soil Organic Matter: Hypothesis and Environmental Consequences" by Hans-Rolf Schulten, Fachhochschule Fresenius, Department of Trace Analysis, Wiesbaden, Germany. 2 p.m. -- Building 203, Conference Room E142.
MISCELLANEOUS
BIKE -- Ladies 26" Huffy, 18 speed w/water bottle, fanny pack & added new padded seat, beautiful color, ridden only 2 miles, like new. $75. Beverly Maske, (708) 910-6444.
PAINTBALL GUN -- Autococker w/bottom line, 200 round hopper, trigger job, smart part barrel, 20 oz. tank, new grips, Rock regulator w/knob, JT mask, 2 - 200 round loaders w/pouch, pump conversion kit, ball detent, threaded timing rod & other accessories. $700. Jim Hlavin, (815) 436-5621.
BENCH PRESS -- Marcy Monster 501 & 175 lbs. of weights, bench has flat & include press, leg extension & curls. New $200 - asking $99. Teena Weddige, (708) 246-5391 - ask for Chris.
CAMERA -- Cannon SLR outfit, T-70 w/28mm, 50mm, 24-70mm Macro, 80-210 mm Macro lenses, 2x Macro focusing teleconverter, plus filters. $900 o.b.o. Mark Petri, (708) 759-2670.
DINING ROOM SET -- Table, 6 chairs, buffet, china cabinet, pecan wood, table has four smoke glass inserts on top, chair pads are pastel color. $600. Shirley Laidler, (708) 920-8773.
BIKE -- Ladies 26" Schwinn, 10 speed. Good condition. $30 o.b.o. Judi Mertz, (708) 964-3124.
GOLF CLUBS -- Tommy Armour 1995 845 irons, 1 - sand wedge, custom made w/Aldila HM-40 graphite shafts, used 1 month. New $1,100 - asking $500. Fred Onesto, (708) 985-2623.
MISCELLANEOUS GOLF -- Ladies Wilson Staff "Patty Berg" irons, 3-PW. $75. Lite weight collapsible carry bag w/matching head covers. $20. Lite weight carry bag. $25. All in very good condition. Fred Onesto, (708) 985-2623.
CRIB -- Simmons, white, wood w/arches, in great condition. $150. Jim Jakubowski, (708) 968-6331.
MEMORIES -- 1 meg, 30 pin DRAM modules, left from upgrade. $35 each or $225 for 8. Dave Donkers, (708) 554-1904.
OFFICE FURNITURE -- Hon Simplicity II workstation, panel system w/keyboard drawer. $800. Hon 38000 desk, metal w/laminated top. $250. Hon swivel chair. $150. Hon fabric chairs w/walnut frames (set of 4). $500. Black video stand, accommodates up to 27" TV w/power. $80. Cathey Dial, (708) 961-2349.
CHINA HUTCH -- 45" X 78" X 16", Early American style, 2 etched glass doors on top half, excellent, like new condition. $145. Diane Hoffmann, (708) 598-9556.
DRYER -- Whirlpool electric. $100 o.b.o. Yvette Collazo, (708) 759-8211.
DEHUMIDIFIER -- Removes 27 pints of moisture from air per day. Hotpoint, w/automatic humidistat control. $45. Richard Konecny, (708) 964-3660.
COMPUTER -- Mac Classic, 2 years old, 4 MB RAM, 40 MB HD, also HP DeskJet b/w printer for Mac, great for term papers, etc. $500 o.b.o. for both. Mark Jilek, (815) 436-0152.
GOLF BALLS -- Experiences, like new, cheap, white, yellow & orange. Helen Kuzma, (815) 838-6057.
MISCELLANEOUS -- Vidal Sasson hair crimper. $6. Cool mist blow drier w/diffuser, like new. $8. Angle curling iron. $6. Magnavox portable TV stand. $23. Adorable kitten wall hanging, perfect for baby or girls room. $10. Cheryl Tucek, (708) 983-0383.
MISCELLANEOUS -- Kenmore full sized refrigerator, coppertone. $55. King bed comforter & matching shams in peach w/ecru lace trim. $55. Matching table skirt. $10. Girl's 20" Huffy bike, white & pink w/fenders. $20. Cheryl Tucek, (708) 983-0383.
LAPTOP PC -- Premium, 386, 1 Meg RAM, 40 Meg HD, Diconix 180 portable printer. $600. Sue Forst, (815) 723-5250.
PET PORTER -- Used very little, airline approved, for medium to large dog. $40. Jim Spindler, (815) 467-7045.
CLOTHING -- Big man's (3X), clothing - pants, jackets, sport shirts, shorts, undershirts, socks, etc. Varied prices. L. Robinson, (815) 722-4893.
EXPERIENCED NANNY -- Would you want someone to treat your child as mom would? We have educational toys, meals and snacks & loads of fun, Bolingbrook. Mary Mauritzen, (708) 378-4167 - ask for Kristie.
MISCELLANEOUS -- Lazy Boy recliner & rocker chair, both dark brown. $35 each. Selectric III correcting electric typewriter. $200. Nintendo video game w/accessories. New $125 - asking $75 o.b.o. L. Robinson, (815) 722-4893.
DISHWASHER -- 7 years old, under counter, model DU 6000 XR, new motor, includes pack color selection, needs new basket. $50. John Stoffel, (708) 653-6655.
WATER BED -- King size w/mirror, shelf, drawers & heater, excellent condition. $100. Wenbing Yun, (708) 654-4668.
SIGNS -- Apartment for Rent; Open House, all 6 assorted signs for $10. Peter Turula, (708) 968-3527.
MISCELLANEOUS -- Standing halogen lamp, contemporary black, in box. $20. Golf clubs, Wilson woods, 1-4, MacGregor irons, 2-9, fair. $9. Standing lamp, brass, old, no shade. $20. Hanging lamp, brass, old. $20. Magnavox home entertainment center, early American maple wood finish furniture, AM/FM phonograph, excellent condition. $50. Yong Shin, (708) 246-8983.
AUTOMOBILES
1984 TOYOTA -- Supra, 5 speed, loaded, leather interior, power moon roof, 87K miles, runs excellent, good condition. $3,500 o.b.o. Dave Garbin, (815) 727-0991.
1985 CHEVY TRUCK -- C-10 w/cap, 8' bed, 6 cylinder, 83K miles. $2,850 o.b.o. Monty Harris, (815) 433-6174.
1985 DODGE -- 600, convertible, fun car, runs well, new exhaust. $1,875. June Townsend, (708) 964-2872 - ask for Larry.
1990 MAZDA -- RX-7, Turbo II, white/black leather, all power options, 5 speed, ABS, custom CD sound, aero package, drivetrain warranty, 54K miles. $10,800. Bill Lee, (708) 378-5008.
1989 BUICK -- LeSabre, custom, loaded, power everything, AM/FM cassette, no rust, perfect mechanical condition, 45K miles. $5,000. Tracy Rogness, (708)739-4507.
1992 NISSAN -- NX200, T-top coupe, dark gray, manual shift, AC, AM/FM cassette, 25K miles, perfect condition. $7,700 o.b.o. Mike Meshii, (708) 432-2554.
1991 VOLKSWAGEN -- Vanagon Garat, in excellent condition, 32K miles, ideal for big family or business. $13,500. Carlos Melendres, (708) 257-5059.
1984 MAZDA -- RX-7, GS, AM/FM, charcoal gray exterior, 126K miles. $1,600 o.b.o. Sam, Reyes, (708) 759-3211.
1989 FORD -- Taurus GL, PS, PB. AC. AT. 80K miles, excellent condition. $4,000 o.b.o. Moshe Shiloh, (708) 852-9345.
1989 MUSTANG -- LX sedan, original owner, new tires & battery, good condition, well maintained. $3,900 o.b.o. Mark Surchik, (708) 687-6490.
1988 CHEVY -- S-10 Blazer Tahoe, 4 wheel drive, 4.3L V-6, PW, PD, tilt, cruise, rear defroster, towing package, clean, new tires, brakes & more, high mileage, runs well. $5,500 o.b.o. Deb Jilek, (815) 436-0152.
1986 FORD -- High cube truck, equipped w/3000 p.s.i. commercial power washer, both in excellent condition. $9,500. Rick Chlapecka, (708) 385-2779 - leave message.
1983 CHEVY -- K5 Blazer, 4 wheel drive, 305 V8, low mileage on new engine, 4 speed manual transmission. $3,800 o.b.o. Rick Chlapecka, (708) 385-2779 - leave message.
1982 SUZUKI -- GS450L motorcycle, very good condition , adult owner, less than 7K miles, classic style cruiser. $575. Frances Anderson, (708) 759-2889.
1985 HONDA -- CRX Si, black, sun roof. $2,200 o.b.o. Gib Bassett, (708) 246-4824.
1985 CADILLAC -- Cimorron, good running car. $1,000 O.B.O. Irving Vaughn, (708) 306-1663.
1970 CAMARO -- Hugger orange, black vinyl top, 307 engine, air spoiler, rally wheels, sport mirrors, center console & turbo-hydra-matic, approx. 77K miles, no rust, excellent condition. $7,000 o.b.o. Konnie Moeller, (708) 362-8485 - ask for Ken.
1991 CAMRY -- DX, AC, PW, PL. just over 40K miles, perfect condition. $9,500. Chi Zhang, (708) 397-4657 - leave message.
1987 OLDS -- Calais, 4 door, V6. AT. AC. PS, recent transmission, alternator, exhaust, oil gaskets, tires, brakes, 158K miles. $2,700 o.b.o. Andreas Goldbach, (708) 910-4384.
1987 FORD -- Escort GT, sport version, 5 speed manual, recent tires, new muffler, clean, runs well, no rust, 1 owner. $1,500. Jim Kuiper, (708) 810-9247.
1977 CHEVY -- Caprice Classic, 305 V8, AC, PS, PB, PDL, PW, black w/red interior, recent rebuilt transmission, two new tires. $575 o.b.o. Paul Johnson, (708) 910-0126.
1995 VW -- Passat GLX, fully loaded, excellent condition, 5.5K miles. $22,000. Joseph Gea, (815) 741-2027.
HOUSING
HOUSE/SALE -- Countryside, 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, brick tri-level, 2.5 car garage, CA, many updates, 23 x 14 family room, very nice home on quiet, dead end street. Call for more details. Raymond Ziegler, (815) 436-0185.
TOWNHOME/SALE -- Darien, beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths, end unit, fireplace, cathedral ceiling, skylight, oak hardwood floors in kitchen and foyer, 2 car garage. $149,800. Nadine Kijak, (708) 325-8212.
APARTMENT/RENT -- 3 rooms, unfurnished, has stove & refrigerator, 1.5 miles from lab, available 8-1-95. References & lease required. Grace Snyder, (708) 985-8511.
HOUSE/SALE -- New construction, Plainfield school district, 81 x 178 lot w/ mature trees on dead-end street, 2-story w/2.5 car garage, tan vinyl siding w/aluminum soffet, facia & gutters, thermalpane windows, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen w/island, dinette & pantry, laundry room, banister overlooks 23 x 13 living room, oak cabinets, doors & trim throughout, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, full basement. $144,900. Maria Addison, (708) 257-0092.
HOUSE/SALE -- Lemont - Open house, Aug. 13, 19 & 20, noon - 4 p.m., 519 Sixth Street, 2 story, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, living, dining, family room w/cathedral ceiling, main level laundry, carpeted basement, cedar deck w/gazebo, cul-de-sac. Diane Redman, (708) 429-7857.
WANTED
Science equipment for high school. Have a box of beakers collecting dust? Put them to good use. Equipment only - no reagents. Susan Rhoads, (708) 665-5942.
Car pool, opening available in September from Chicago North Suburbs, e.g., Evanston, Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove, Wilmette, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mike Weinstein, (708) 251-3414.
Cage for parakeet. Roger Blomquist, (708) 983-4054.
Looking for a car pool from DeKalb or nearby to Argonne. Christopher Klaus, (815) 740-3736.
Stereo (dissecting) microscope. Mac Robinet, (708) 848-3141.
Nice Chinese lady would like to care for baby & kid at home w/love & patience. Zian Wang, (708) 985-4553.
Sewing machine, Singer feather weight. Robert Zolecki, (815) 838-0177.
Lead vocalist needed for heavy metal band, we practice in the Joliet area. Rob Everhart, (815) 886-5329.
Canoeing partners, any tine, any skill, anywhere, have canoes. Tim Jonasson, (815) 838-5867.
Visiting scientist would like to sublet furnished two bedroom apartment close to lab., possibly to another visitor, Aug. 26 - Sept. 15 or some part thereof. $43/day. J. Woods Halley, (612) 624-0395.
Responsible female to supervise 7 year old from 6:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and accompany to nearby school (Fairmount school in Downers Grove), excellent hourly wage. Louis Baker, (708) 969-5348.
Wooden swing set/jungle gym. Marianne Mintz, (708) 986-8338.
Intern student wants to carpool from Evanston or downtown Chicago first two weeks of September. Ebru Demir, (708) 492-8523.
TO BE GIVEN AWAY
WOOD FENCE -- Dog ear style, 6' fall, 2 panels. Russ Nietert, (708) 305-0073.
-- 30 --
Deadline Information
Deadline for all materials is
Story ideas, comments and suggestions are welcome. The Argonne Week office is in Building 201, room 2Q-02 (OPA-201). The fax number is ext. 2-5274. Send E-mail to Argonne Week editor Dave Jacque.
Seminar listings: Send by inter-office mail to Evie Fagan, Building 201, room 2U-09 (OPA-201). Fax to ext. 2-5274, or send by E-mail.
Classified ads: Please limit ads to 25 words. Send by inter-office mail to Evelyn Fagan, Building 201, room 2U-09 (OPA-201). A drop box is located at the Argonne Week office.
Classified Ads sent by electronic mail cannot be accepted!