Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since actinide mononitride has several superior thermal and neutronic properties, nitride fuel is considered as a candidate for future nuclear systems, such as advanced fast reactors and accelerator-driven system. Establishing reprocessing technology is one of key technologies for the development of nitride fuel cycle. In addition to general advantages of pyrochemical process, such as the potential for economy, radiation and proliferation resistance, recycling of N-15 in nitride fuel seems to be practical in comparison with conventional hydro-process. Following the electrochemical measurements of nitride fuel in LiCl-KCl molten salt, the experimental study on closing nitride fuel cycle has been carried out in JAEA by used of TRU nitride and burnup simulated nitride samples. Recent progress of the study is summarized in this paper.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Presently, industrial maturity can be claimed for two fuel cycle strategies, viz. the 'Once Through Fuel Cycle' (OTC), and the 'Reprocessing Fuel Cycle' (RFC) in which plutonium and very limited uranium quantities are being recycled. It is helpful to recall some key data that set the stage for any discussion of fuel cycle options: 1. Worldwide, the annual spent fuel discharge is in the range of 10500-11000 t heavy-metal (HM), while the industrial reprocessing capacity amounts to #approx# 5000 t HM (OECD NUCLEAR ENERGY AGENCY, Accelerator-driven Systems (ADS) and Fast Reactors (FR) in Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles: a Comparative Study, Paris, 2002). Hence, less than 1/2 of the discharged spent fuel can be processed. 2. Worldwide, the cumulative inventory of stored spent fuel is estimated to be #approx# 190000 t HM, and the amount of reprocessed spent fuel is estimated to be #approx# 70000 t HM. The latter inventory has been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Computational fluid dynamics(CFD) code FLUENT was used to simulate the thermal hydraulic processes occurring in conceptual design of the accelerator-driven subcritical reactor(ADSR) liquid lead target. The purpose of the analysis is to investigate the thermal hydraulic characteristics of liquid lead as ADSR target material with various target geometries and injection locations of proton beam. In the calculation analysis, the local temperature of the liquid lead target rises to the boiling temperature very rapidly. When the proton beam is injected from the bottom of the target system, the duration time to reach the boiling temperature is longer and the temperature distribution is flatter than other cases.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effect of asymmetric laser pulses on electron yield from a laser wakefield accelerator has been experimentally studied using > 10{sup 19} cm{sup -3} plasmas and a 10 TW, > 45 fs, Ti:Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} laser. Laser pulse shape was controlled through non-linear chirp with a grating pair compressor. Pulses (76 fs FWHM) with a steep rise and positive chirp were found to significantly enhance the electron yield compared to pulses with a gentle rise and negative chirp. Theory and simulation show that fast rising pulses can generate larger amplitude wakes that seed the growth of the self-modulation instability and that frequency chirp is of minimal importance for the experimental parameters.

CERN Document Server

Upcoming high-intensity laser systems will be able to probe the quantum-induced nonlinear regime of electrodynamics. So far unobserved QED phenomena such as the discovery of a nonlinear response of the quantum vacuum to macroscopic electromagnetic fields can become accessible. In addition, such laser systems provide for a flexible tool for investigating fundamental physics. Primary goals consist in verifying so far unobserved QED phenomena. Moreover, strong-field experiments can search for new light but weakly interacting degrees of freedom and are thus complementary to accelerator-driven experiments. I review recent developments in this field, focusing on photon experiments in strong electromagnetic fields. The interaction of particle-physics candidates with photons and external fields can be parameterized by low-energy effective actions and typically predict characteristic optical signatures. I perform first estimates of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study has been performed for the development and assessment of a subchannel analysis code which is purposed to be used for the analysis of advanced reactor conditions with various configurations of reactor core and several kinds of reactor coolant fluids. The subchannel analysis code was developed on the basis of MATRA code which is being developed at KAERI. A GUI (Graphic User Interface) system was adopted in order to reduce input error and to enhance user convenience. The subchannel code was complemented in the property calculation modules by including various fluids such as heavy liquid metal, gas, refrigerant,and supercritical water. The subchannel code was applied to calculate the local thermal hydraulic conditions inside the non-square test bundles which was employed for the analysis of CHF. The applicability of the subchannel code was evaluated for a high temperature gas cooled reactor condition and supercritical pressure conditions with water and Freon. A ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A novel scheme is proposed to drive a low-power subcritical fuel assembly by means of a long Cylindrical Radially-convergent Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (CRIEC) used as a neutron source. The concept is inherently safe in the sense that the fuel assembly remains subcritical at all times. Previous work has been done for the possible implementation of CRIEC as a subcritical assembly driver for power reactors. However, it has been found that the present technology and stage of development of IEC-based neutron sources can not meet the neutron flux requirements to drive a system as big as a power reactor. Nevertheless, smaller systems, such as research and training reactors, could be successfully driven with levels of neutron flux that seem more reasonable to be achieved in the near future by IEC devices. The need for custom-made expensive nuclear fission fuel, as in the case of the TRIGA reactors, is eliminated, and the CRIEC presents ...

ScienceCinema

...global warming problem became undeniable ...as global warming are a number also review they world energy ...global warming temperatures on the models and people take what's called ...? story combat global warming conservation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

At the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe the HGF Strategy Fund project entitled 'Innovative Technology to Reduce Radiotoxicity' is performed which delivers an essential scientific contribution to the application oriented fundamental research for Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS). The addressed topics are in the areas of heavy liquid metal technology, thermalhydraulics and materials / corrosion. An ADS consists of three main components: an proton accelerator, a spallation target and a subcritical blanket. The strategic objective of an ADS is the transmutation of long-lived radioactive waste (plutonium, minor actinides and long-lived fission products) into short-lived isotopes or stable elements, thus closing the fuel cycle. The objective of one task of the HGF Strategy Fund Project is the numerical calculation of a closed spallation target module. In a consequent next step such a spallation target can be experimentally investigated ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the framework of spallation neutron sources and accelerator-driven systems, the international PISA (Proton-induced Spallation) collaboration has initiated measurements of total- and double-differential cross-sections for products of spallation reactions in a wide range of target nuclei (GU) at the COSY proton accelerator in Julich (Germany). The purpose is to study secondary particle production created in structural, window and target materials via proton beams up to 2.5 GeV of incident kinetic energy. Residual nuclei [H, He up to intermediate mass fragment (IMF)] production cross-sections are of great importance for estimating the damage to target and structure materials involving the planned spallation neutron sources, given that the lifetime of window and target materials is directly associated to those cross-sections. The demand for reliable theoretical predictions on production cross-sections is by no means satisfied by the models and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We review the status of free electron laser (FEL) research being conducted at LBL and LLNL as part of a broader program of research on two beam accelerators (TBAs). Induction accelerator-driven FELs for use as power sources for high-gradient accelerators are discussed, along with preliminary cost estimates for this type of power source. Finally, a promising new version of an FEL/TBA is described. 25 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Following a recent refurbishment of the NPL Thermal Neutron Facility, the spectrum of the epithermal and fast neutron component of the beam produced by the thermal column of this facility was measured over the energy range from thermal to 20 MeV using a Bonner sphere spectrometry system. The effect of the presence of epithermal and fast neutrons on the measured response of commonly-used thermal neutron dosemeters was calculated. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this report is to provide management with performance data on key performance indicators selected from the FFTF Early Warning System performance indicators.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactor presented includes a fuel assembly made up of several long sub-assemblies rising side by side. Each of the sub-assemblies of an external area of the fuel assembly comprises an electromagnetic braking system for regulating the flow of coolant in the sub-assembly, the magnetic fields of the braking systems being temperature sensitive.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of the work reported in this paper was to measure the radionuclide buildup in primary heat transport system cell No. 3 at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) and to compare the results with predicted values from a model based on experimental studies and experience at similar reactors. The information obtained is used for maintenance planning and to enhance ability to assess radionuclide buildup in the future at FFTF and in other reactors.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results for development of methods and computer programs for integrated optimization of parameters of perspective fast reactors are given. The possibilities of the program for the reactor campaign calculation are analysed. This program is based on utilisation of the Bubnov-Galerkin method and Wigner disturbance theory. The possibility of application of approximation methods for the optimization researches is discussed. The results of development of the programs for complex reactor computations with account of control rods system and change of physical parameters in the reactor campaign are discussed. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 Mw(t), loop-type, sodium-cooled, fast neutron reactor. It is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the United States Department of Energy at Richland, Washington. The FFTF is a multipurpose test reactor used to irradiate fuels and materials for programs such as Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) research, fusion research, space power systems, isotope production and international research. FFTF is also used for testing concepts to be used in Advanced Reactors which will be designed to maximize passive safety features and not require complex shutdown systems to assure safe shutdown and heat removal. The FFTF also provides experience in the operation and maintenance of a reactor having prototypic components and systems typical of large LMR (LMFBR) power plants. The 5 year operational performance of the FFTF reactor is discussed in this ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A major initiative to develop and irradiate a long-life, mixed-oxide fuel system in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has been implemented by Westinghouse Hanford Company for the US Department of Energy. The FFTF, shown in Figures 1 and 2, is a 400 megawatt thermal, fast liquid metal reactor that tests liquid metal, space and fusion fuels and materials. The new fuel system, called the Core Demonstration Experiment (CDE) demonstrates the capability of achieving a three- to four-year life in a prototypic heterogeneous reactor environment under prototypic power and temperature conditions. This fuel system will greatly increase fuel performance and lifetime from the current standard FFTF driver fuel. New design features, fabrication development, CDE assembly fabrication, and irradiation status have been described.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The 6911 m long Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) at CERN with a peak energy of 450 GeV is at the top of the LHC preaccelerator-complex. Apart from the LHC, the SPS is with the Tevatron the accelerator with the largest stored beam energy of up to 2.5 MJ. The SPS has a known vulnerability to fast equipment failures that led to an uncontrolled loss of a high intensity beam in 2008, which resulted in major damage of a main dipole. The beam loss was caused by a fast tune decrease towards an integer resonance. Simulations and distinct experimental studies provide clear understanding of the beam dynamics at different SPS tune resonances. Diverging closed orbit oscillations, dispersion explosion and increased beta-beating are the driving effects that lead to a complete beam loss in as little as 10 turns (230 #mu#s) after reaching the stop band of the resonance. Dedicated experiments of fast failures of the main power converters ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macroparticle acceleration driven by low current, high voltage cathode spots has been investigated for potential applications ranging from micrometeoroid simulation to nanoparticle deposition/implantation. Acceleration by this process was observed to occur when nanometer and micrometer-sized particles were exposed to a high voltage pulse in the presence of a plasma discharge. The applied negative voltage pulse initiates the formation of multiple, high voltage, low current cathode spots which provide the mechanism of actual acceleration of the charged dust particles. Dust streams generated by this process were detected using laser scattering techniques. Cathode spot behavior was also documented. The particle impact craters observed at the surface of downstream witness badges were documented using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The observed impacts suggest the presence of energetic macroparticles formed during this process.

Science.gov (United States)

In systems of fast decimal counters, there are three problems to be resolved: to study a bistable having a short switching time, to form with the aid of three bistables a circuit divisible by 5, and to normalize the input pulses. The solutions to these problems for the nonsecond scaler are presented. (J.S.R.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A reliable inventory control system was developed at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to keep track of the occupancy of 900 refueling facility locations, to compile historical data on the movement of each reactor assembly, and to simulate assembly moves. The simulate capability is valuable because it allows verification of documents before they are issued for use in the plant, and eliminates the possibility of planning illegal or impossible moves. The system is installed on a UNIVAC 1100 computer and is maintained using a data base management system by Sperry Univac called MAPPER.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Taking into consideration India's limited reserves of natural and vast reserves of thorium, the fast reactor route holds a great promise for India's energy supply in future. The fast reactor fueled with "2"3"9Pu/"2"3"8U (unused or depleted) produces (breeds) more fissionable fuel material "2"3"9Pu than it consumes. Calculations show that a fast breeder reactor (FBR) increases energy potential of natural uranium by about 60 times. As the fast reactor can also convert "2"3"2Th into "2"3"3U which is a fissionable material, it can make India's thorium reserves a source of almost inexhaustible energy supply for a long time to come. Significant advantage of FBR plants cooled by sodium and their world-wide operating experience are reviewed. There are two main safety issues of FBR, one nuclear and the other non-nuclear. The nuclear issue concerns core disruptive accident and the non-nuclear one concerns the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new type of multi-channel analyzer system is introduced, which takes advantage of Universal Serial Bus to communicate with computer and gets the merit of fast speed, universality and Plug and Play. The authors discussed the framework of the system, primary functions, display of spectrum date and the way of communication with hardware. The environment of the program is Visual Basic 6.0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Proceeding from commercially available instruments, a simple measuring system has been established, which renders possible fast and simple discontinuous analysis of individual elements. This measuring system is described, giving some examples of utilization in nonferrous metallurgy (mining, ore dressing, metallurgical treatment), and specific details, such as error of measurement, ranges of measurement and limits of utilization. (author).

J-STORE (Japan)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A fast production scheduling algorithm suitable for generation expansion studies is described in this paper. It can handle several independent rivers, thermal plants, pumped storage plants, import, export, and internal non-firm markets. Inflows and load are deterministic and a one-reservoir limit is imposed on each river. The scheduling problem is formulated as a generalized network problem which is efficiently solved by an adaption of the simplex method. The algorithm is part of a program developed by Hydro-Quebec to conduct preliminary evaluations of alternative expansion plans. The program and the scheduling algorithm are presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Critical experiments have been analyzed to verify a nuclear analysis system for fast reactors used in Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC). The experiments were performed in a collaboration work between JNC and the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering of Russia to dispose Russian surplus weapons plutonium, focusing on the effect of the introduction of uranium-plutonium mixed-dioxide (MOX) fuel and stainless steel reflector into the current BN-600 core that is comprised of UO_2 fuel and blanket. The analysis results agreed well with measured values on most of the nuclear characteristics. The accuracies are comparable to those obtained for the conventional MOX fueled fast reactors. It suggests that the JNC analysis system can analyze accurately nuclear characteristics in uranium fueled cores as well. A significant improvement was achieved on the sodium void reactivity by employing an ...

Science.gov (United States)

Macrokinetics of benzene sulfonation in liquid-liquid and gas-liquid systems has been studied in continuous mixed reactors. It has been shown that the rate of sulfonation of benzene at 25/sup 0/C in two liquid phases using concentrated sulfuric acid is kinetically controlled. Whereas the rate of the latter reaction by gaseous sulfur trioxide at the same temperature is largely affected by the diffusional phenomena. At this temperature, the rate of reaction in gas-liquid system was described by a model assuming a fast reaction in the liquid phase. However, by increasing the temperature, the fast reaction region gradually changed to instantaneous reaction regime. A model, describing such a regime has also been developed and verified experimentally.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reliability analysis of the Fast Flux Test Facility reactor shutdown system was reevaluated. Failure information based on five years of plant operating experience was used to verify original reliability numbers or to establish new ones. Also, system modifications made subsequent to performance of the original analysis were incorporated into the reevaluation. Reliability calculations and sensitivity analyses were performed using a commercially available spreadsheet on a personal computer. The spreadsheet was configured so that future failures could be tracked and compared with expected failures. A number of recommendations resulted from the reevaluation including both increased and decreased surveillance intervals. All recommendations were based on meeting or exceeding existing reliability goals. Considerable cost savings will be incurred upon implementation of the recommendations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Calculations of refrigerant thermal properties are desired to be very fast and stable in cases of simulation of refrigeration system, etc. The traditional method based on equation of state cannot meet such requirement because of unavoidable iterations in calculation. In this paper, a new calculation method for refrigerant thermal properties is presented. Low order implicit polynomial equations are got by using curve-fitting method at first, and then explicit formulae for calculating refrigerant thermal properties quickly are obtained by getting the analytical solution of these implicit equations. Explicit fast calculation formulae for thermal properties of R22 and R407C, covering the saturated temperature of -60{approx}80 {sup o}C and superheat of 0-65 {sup o}C, are presented as examples. The calculation speeds of the formulae of R22 are about 140 times faster than those of REFPROP 6.01 while the formulae of R407C are about ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes an improved method of remotely identifying irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies. The method uses existing in-cell TV cameras to input an image of the notch-coded top of the fuel assemblies into a computer vision system, which then produces the identifying number for that assembly. This system replaces systems that use either a mechanical mechanism to feel the notches or use human operators to locate notches visually. The system was developed for identifying fuel assemblies from the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor, but could be used for other reactor assembly identification, as appropriate.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has developed a gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plant computer aided engineering (CAE) system, which creates cycle heat balance automatically on given configurations of gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, steam turbines and auxiliaries. The system can predict the performance of the plant as a function of control set points, loads, process steam requirements and ambient conditions, which enables accurate and fast design of gas turbine combined cycle and cogeneration plants. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400-megawatt (thermal) sodium-cooled reactor designed for irradiation testing of fuels, materials and components for LMRs. It is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the US Department of Energy on the government-owned Hanford reservation near Richland, Washington. The first 100-day operating cycle began in April 1982 and the eighth operating cycle was completed in July 1986. Argon is used as the cover gas for all sodium systems at the plant. A program for cover gas monitoring has been in effect since the start of sodium fill in 1978. The argon is supplied to the FFTF by a liquid argon Dewar System and used without further purification.

CERN Document Server

The fast rotating wire scanners installed in the PS and the PS booster are used for the precise transversal profile measurements in horizontal and vertical planes. The scanners may show large position measurement errors if no special treatment is applied to the acquired data. The aim of the calibration is to obtain a correction algorithm for the systematic position measurement error due to mechanical and electronic offsets. A new calibration system has been developed and introduced at CERN for the scanners implementing position feedback control. The calibration method is based on a substitution of a particle beam by a laser one where the laser beam position is well known. According to the previous experience the following crucial requirements to the system have been taking into consideration: heavy and mechanically stable design of the calibration bench to reduce mechanical oscillations of scanner parts; automation of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We present the recent results of our research on the high power ultra-fast silicon RF switches. This switch is composed of a group of PIN diodes on a high purity silicon wafer. The wafer is inserted into a cylindrical waveguide under TE{sub 01} mode, performing switching by injecting carriers into the bulk silicon. Our current design uses a CMOS compatible process and the device was fabricated at SNF (Stanford Nanofabrication Facility). 300 ns switching time has been observed, while the switching speed can be improved further with 3-D device structure and faster driving circuit. Power handling capacity of the switch is at the level of 10 MW. The switch was designed for active X-band RF pulse compression systems--especially for NLC, but it is also possible to be modified for other applications and other frequencies.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF)is a 400 MW (th) sodium-cooled fast flux test reactor located on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State. The FFTF is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the United States Department of Energy. The FFTF is a three loop plant designed primarily for the purpose of testing full-scale core components in an environment prototypic of future liquid metal reactors. The plant design emphasizes features to enhance this test capability, especially in the area of the core, reactor vessel, and refueling system. Eight special test positions are provided in the vessel head to permit contact instrumented experiments to be installed and irradiated. These test positions effectively divide the core into three sectors. Each sector requires its own In-Vessel Handling Machine (IVHM) to access all the core positions. Since the core and the in-vessel refueling components are submerged under ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Object: To minimize the range of the liquid level variation of the cooling system and reduce the time required for the liquid level control by sealing the gas of a cover gas respiration system which acts upon an evaporator and pump overflow column. Structure: In liquid level control by the cover gas pressure of a high-speed reactor secondary cooling system, upon occurrence of a sudden change in the rate of flow of the recirculated liquid, automatic check valves provided in an evaporator and pump overflow column cover gas respiration system are completely or substantially closed, while at the same time the recirculation cooling medium is sucked up and an automatic check valve provided in the overflow system is closed. (Kamimura, M.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A neutron collimator system is being designed as part of a neutron imaging facility for computed tomography and real-time neutron radiography research at the through beam port of the University of Texas TRIGA reactor. Lack of sufficient information about collimator systems in a through port from the literature necessitated the use of Monte Carlo calculations using the MCNP code 3 to search for optimal design configuration and materials that maximize the thermal neutron intensity at the image plane while minimizing the fast neutrons and gamma radiation.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Determination of thermal to fast neutron flux ratio (ffast) and fast neutron flux (phi-fast) is required for fast neutron reactions, fast neutron activation analysis, and for correcting interference reactions. The ffast and subsequently phi-fast were determined using the absolute method. The ffast ranged from 48 to 155, and the phi-fast was found in the range 1.03x1010-4.89x1010 n cm-2 s-1. These values indicate an acceptable conformity and applicable for installation of the fast neutron facility at the MNA research reactor.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The performance requirements of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) challenge the control system in a number of areas. This paper will review a few applications of advanced technology in the control and monitoring of the APS. The application of digital signal processors (DSPs) and techniques will be discussed, both from the perspective of a large distributed multiprocessor system and from that of embedded systems. In particular, two embedded applications will be highlighted, a beam position monitor processor and a DSP-based power supply controller. Fast data distribution is often a requirement. The application of a high-speed network based on reflective memory will also be discussed in the context of the APS global orbit feedback system. Timing systems provide opportunities to apply technologies such as high-speed logic and fiber optics. Examples of the use of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis deals with the reduced-order modeling of electrical machines and interconnected power systems in the medium time scale using integral manifold techniques. First, an improved model for power system stabilizer design that captures the damping due to the amortisseur windings while retaining the simplicity of the DeMello-Concordia model is presented. Second, time scales of the regulated synchronous machine are analyzed using the linearized models, and the well-known effects of the high-gain regulator on the system are explained. A reduced-order model that captures the damping due to the power-system stabilizer is presented. Third, speed-damping terms are obtained in the swing equation in a multimachine environment by approximating the integral manifold associated with fast damper windings. This provides a theoretical basis for the practice of adding cross-damping terms to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Technical studies on constructing the J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex) are presented by five authors: (1) on the wiring for electromagnets of the 50 GeV synchrotron, (2) on the fast beam-extraction from the 50 GeV synchrotron into two opposite directions, (3) on the target chamber system for the generation of muons, (4) on the design of large aperture electromagnets, and (5) on the maintenance and control of the electromagnet power supplies. (K.Y.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The neutron data required to completely analyze fission reactors includes many isotopes and covers a broad energy range. In both fast and thermal reactors, the neutron inventory is a fine balance determined by the fission properties of "2"3"5U, "2"3"9Pu and "2"3"8U and by the capture cross sections of "2"3"8U, fuel materials, structural materials and coolant materials. In fast reactors, the spectrum of neutrons ranges from 1 keV to 3 MeV and is influenced by the elastic and inelastic scattering properties of "2"3"8U and the structural and coolant materials. For neutron shielding applications, the important neutron data include the total cross sections of structural and coolant materials in the MeV range. The impact of these basic nuclear data in fission reactor applications is most suitably described by sensitivity analysis. For example, sensitivity coefficients computed for a typical large plutonium fueled fast reactor ...

Science.gov (United States)

The dynamic behavior of electrooptic bistable devices with delayed feedback is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The operation principle of the system is analyzed by the method of iterated maps. Stable, bistable, periodic, higher periodic, and chaotic solutions are discussed and realized experimentally by using an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer on LiNbO3 as a basic nonlinear element. Taking into account the periodic modulator characteristic, the application of this device as a simple and fast bistable and monostable multivibrator is demonstrated. In addition, the synchronization properties of the astable multivibrator are investigated.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a liquid-metal-cooled, fast neutron test reactor located on the Hanford Site. A dual computer system has been developed to monitor the reactor cover gas to detect and characterize any fuel or test pin fission gas releases. The system acquires gamma spectra data, identifies isotopes, calculates specific isotope and overall cover gas activity, presents control room alarms and displays, and records and prints data and analysis reports. The Fission Gas Monitor System (FGMS) integrates commercially available hardware and software, providing a reliable and easily maintained system. The design provides extensive automation of previous manual operations, reducing the need for operator training and minimizing the potential for operator error. The dual nature of the system allows either system ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study emphasizes the need for a systematic and in-depth connection between the progress in quantum theory of energetic ion collisions and applications to hadron therapy. Scattering theory for fast ion beams has reached its stage of development where accurate and robustly applicable methodologies can advantageously be exported to applied fields such as space research, fusion energy program, medicine, etc. In particular, distorted wave collision theories at high energies readily provide total, partial and fully differential cross sections for inelastic collisions of ionic projectiles with any target system. By numerous and thorough testings, such theoretical cross sections were found to exhibit excellent agreement with experimental data on atomic targets. Adequate extensions of these me...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This work aimed to develop a fast-dissolving film made of low dextrose equivalent maltodextrins (MDX) containing nicotine hydrogen tartrate salt (NHT). Particular attention was given to the selection of the suitable taste-masking agent (TMA) and the characterisation of the ductility and flexibility under different mechanical stresses. MDX with two different dextrose equivalents (DEs), namely DE 6 and DE 12, were selected in order to evaluate the effect of polymer molecular weight on film tensile properties. The bitterness and astringency intensity of NHT and the suppression effect of several TMA were evaluated by a Taste-Sensing System. The films were characterised in term of NHT content, tensile properties, disintegration time and drug dissolution test. As expected, placebo films made of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Starting from the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor project of Oak-Ridge, we have performed parametric studies in terms of safety coefficients, reprocessing requirements and breeding capabilities. In the frame of this major re-evaluation of the molten salt reactor (MSR), we have developed a new concept called Molten Salt Fast Reactor or MSFR, based on the Thorium fuel cycle and a fast neutron spectrum. This concept has been selected for further studies by the MSR steering committee of the Generation IV International Forum in 2009. Our reactor's studies of the MSFR concept rely on numerical simulations making use of the MCNP neutron transport code coupled with a code for materials evolution which resolves the Bateman's equations giving the population of each nucleus inside each part of the reactor at each moment. Because of MSR's fundamental characteristics compared to classical solid-fuelled reactors, the classical Bateman equations have to be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper describes the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Operations initial training program utilizing the Operator Training Simulator (OTS). The OTS is a computer-driven system that provides real time response of essential FFTF plant functions to a control room mockup. The FFTF, a 400 Megawatt, three-loop, sodium-cooled fast test reactor will test fuels, materials and equipment for the U.S. Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Program. Construction is expected to be completed in August 1978. Initial criticality is expected in early 1979. This schedule will require FFTF control room operators to be fully qualified to operate the facility by late 1979. Because FFTF is like no other U.S. nuclear reactor, existing U.S. utility plants could not be depended on to provide highly experienced people to operate FFTF. Therefore, an Operator Training Simulator has been built. The OTS will play a vital role in the ...

Science.gov (United States)

TART97 is a coupled neutron-photon, 3 dimensional, combinatorial geometry, time dependent Monte Carlo transport code. This code can run on any modern computer. It is a complete system to assist you with input preparation, running Monte Carlo calculations, and analysis of output results. TART97 is also incredibly fast: if you have used similar codes, you will be amazed at how fast this code is compared to other similar codes. Use of the entire system can save you a great deal of time and energy. TART 97 is distributed on CD. This CD contains on-line documentation for all codes included in the system, the codes configured to run on a variety of computers, and many example problems that you can use to familiarize yourself with the system. TART97 completely supersedes all older versions of TART, and it is strongly recommended that users only use the most recent ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The identification of the unknown parameters of the Duffing's mechanical system, based on an algebraic approach, is presented. This approach is fast, accurate, and simple to numerically implement. Also, the method, combined with a suitable invariant filter, can became robust against high frequency output measurement noises. Our method uses the availability of one measurable output and produces an exact formula for the unknown parameters, which may be realized in terms of iterated convolutions. First, we show that the Duffing's system parameters are linearly identifiable with respect to the position variable, then we obtain a linear system where the unknowns are the unavailable parameters. Suitable algebraic operations on the output differential equations makes the identification schema independent of the unavailable initial conditions of the underlying nonlinear dynamical system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Requirements are provided for NSLS beam line front ends and vacuum interlocks. Guidelines are provided for UHV beam line vacuum systems, including materials, vacuum hardware (pumps, valves, and flanges), acoustic delay lines and beam line fast valves, instrumentation, fabrication and testing, and the NSLS cleaning facility. Also discussed are the design review for experimenters' equipment that would be connected to the NSLS and acceptance tests for any beam line to be connected with the ring vacuum. Also appended are a description of the acoustic delay line as well as the NSLS vacuum standards and NSLS procedures. (LEW)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The performance of a high temperature ion source coupled to a helium gas-jet transport system for an efficient mass separation of neutron-rich alkaline earth and lanthanide isotopes is reported and the results of overall efficiency measurements using different cluster materials in the gas-jet are given. A fast, microprocessor controlled tape transport system for ..gamma..-spectroscopic studies on short-lived isotopes is described. Some results on the decay of 3.8sub(-s) /sup 152/Pr are presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fast On-Orbit Recording of Transient Events (FORTE) satellite being built by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has as its most prominent feature a large deployable (11 m by 5 m) log periodic antenna to monitor emissions from electrical storms on the Earth. This paper describes the antenna and the design for the long elements and explains the dynamics of their deployment and the damping system employed. It also describes the unique paraffin-actuated reusable tie-down and release mechanism employed in the system.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During the operation of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), radioactive gases, primarily xenon and krypton, will be produced which will require processing and storing. Two systems have been installed in the FFTF for handling these gases: (1) one to handle, primarily, the reactor cover gas system, and (2) a second to handle the cells and cover gas systems, other than the reactor, whose atmosphere may become contaminated. The system that processes the reactor cover gas, which is argon, is called the Radioactive Argon Processing System (RAPS). The effluent argon from RAPS will normally be sufficiently decontaminated to allow its reuse as the reactor cover gas. If the radioactive level in the RAPS becomes too high, the exhaust stream will be diverted to the Cell Atmosphere Processing System (CAPS), a system which can ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The great advantage of the helical ionization cooling channel (HCC) is its compact structure that enables the fast cooling of muon beam 6-dimensional phase space. This compact aspect requires a high average RF gradient, with few places that do not have cavities. Also, the muon beam is diffuse and requires an RF system with large transverse and longitudinal acceptance. A traveling wave system can address these requirements. First, the number of RF power coupling ports can be significantly reduced compared with our previous pillbox concept. Secondly, by adding a nose on the cell iris, the presence of thin metal foils traversed by the muons can possibly be avoided. We show simulations of the cooling performance of a traveling wave RF system in a HCC, including cavity geometries with inter-cell RF power couplers needed for power propagation.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Electric supply industry is facing deregulation all over the world. Under deregulated power supply scenario, power transmission congestion has become more intensified and recurrent, as compared to conventional regulated power system. Congestion may lead to violation of voltage or transmission capacity limits, thus threatens the power system security and reliability. Also the growing congestion may lead to unanticipated divergent electricity pricing. Owing to these facts congestion management has become a crucial issue in the deregulated power system scenario. Fast and precise prediction of nodal congestion prices in real time deregulated/spot power market may enable market participants and system operators to keep pace with the congestion by taking preventive measures like transaction resc...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Quantitative digital imaging, using planar laser light scattering techniques is being developed for the analysis of turbulent and reacting flows. Quantitative image data, implying both a direct relation to flowfield variables as well as sufficient signal and spatial dynamic range, can be readily processed to yield two-dimensional distributions of flowfield scalars and in turn two-dimensional images of gradients and turbulence scales. Much of the development of imaging techniques to date has concentrated on understanding the requisite molecular spectroscopy and collision dynamics to be able to determine how flowfield variable information is encoded into the measured signal. From this standpoint the image is seen as a collection of single point measurements. The present effort aims at realizing necessary improvements in signal and spatial dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution in the imaging system as well as developing excitation/detection ...

CERN Document Server

In dissipative ordinary differential equation systems different time scales cause anisotropic phase volume contraction along solution trajectories. Model reduction methods exploit this for simplifying chemical kinetics via a time scale separation into fast and slow modes. The aim is to approximate the system dynamics with a dimension-reduced model after eliminating the fast modes by enslaving them to the slow ones via computation of a slow attracting manifold. We present a novel method for computing approximations of such manifolds using trajectory-based optimization. We discuss Riemannian geometry concepts as a basis for suitable optimization criteria characterizing trajectories near slow attracting manifolds and thus provide insight into fundamental geometric properties of multiple time scale chemical kinetics. The optimization criteria correspond to a suitable mathematical formulation of "minimal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

During this project we experimentally evaluated the below-ground biomass and carbon allocation and partitioning of four different fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine located in Scotland County, NC, in an effort to increase the long-term performance of the crop. The trees were subjected to optimal nutrition and control since planting in 1993. Destructive harvests in 1998 and 2000 were used for whole?plant biomass estimates and to identify possible family differences in carbon acquisition (photosynthesis) and water use efficiency. At regular intervals throughout each year we sampled tissues for carbohydrate analyses to assess differences in whole-tree carbon storage. Mini rhizotron observation tubes were installed to monitor root system production and turnover. Stable isotope analysis was used to examine possible functional differences in water and nutrient acquisition of root systems between the various ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book applies the Los Alamos Solar Load Ratio (SLR) method to the design of passive solar heating systems, with an emphasis on the average annual heating energy consumption. Recommendations are given on minimizing heating energy consumption by appropriate choices of conservation level and solar system parameters. Analytical methods and supporting tables are presented which enable simple, fast estimates of the heating energy consumption as part of the design process. Topics considered include SLR correlations, the load collector ratio (LCR) method, sensitivity data, cooling considerations, conservation formulas, design procedure, life-cycle costs, high-mass direct gain buildings, low-mass sun-tempered buildings, sunspaces, off-reference night insulation, correlation equations, and mixed systems.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Impedance Noise Identification is an in-situ method of measuring battery impedance as a function of frequency using a random small signal noise excitation source. Through a series of auto- and cross-correlations and Fast Fourier Transforms, the battery complex impedance as a function of frequency can be determined. The results are similar to those measured under a lab-scale electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement. The lab-scale measurements have been shown to correlate well with resistance and power data that are typically used to ascertain the remaining life of a battery. To this end, the Impedance Noise Identification system is designed to acquire the same type of data as an on-board tool. A prototype system is now under development, and results are being compared to standardized measurement techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A brief description of the Impedance Noise Identification ...

CERN Document Server

A growing number of applications that generate massive streams of data need intelligent data processing and online analysis. Real-time surveillance systems, telecommunication systems, sensor networks and other dynamic environments are such examples. The imminent need for turning such data into useful information and knowledge augments the development of systems, algorithms and frameworks that address streaming challenges. The storage, querying and mining of such data sets are highly computationally challenging tasks. Mining data streams is concerned with extracting knowledge structures represented in models and patterns in non stopping streams of information. Generally, two main challenges are designing fast mining methods for data streams and need to promptly detect changing concepts and data distribution because of highly dynamic nature of data streams. The goal of this article is to analyze and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent advances in steering algorithms have made it possible to accurately control electron beam position in storage rings, implement fast and slow feedback systems, and in some cases detect hardware errors. In practice, however, the program operator would like to reduce the overhead of selecting variables and constraints and to easily view the data. To simplify the process, we constructed an interactive orbit control program in MATLAB [1]. The program modules are easily adapted to new algorithms or beam lines. This paper describes the program functionality and architecture.

CERN Document Server

CERN, DESY, Fermilab and SLAC have joined forces to build INSPIRE, the next-generation HEP information platform offering innovative tools for information discovery and communication. Representing a natural community-based evolution of SPIRES, INSPIRE provides fast access to the entire body of HEP literature. As a subject repository it will host fulltexts of preprints, Open Access journal articles and supplementary material like conference slides and multimedia, enabling novel text- and data mining applications. In the spirit of Web2.0 INSPIRE will also supply tools for collaboration and user-enriched content.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System (Accuracy Incorporated, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is used worldwide to treat tumors and neurological disorders anywhere in the body with sub-millimetre beam delivery accuracy. Accuracy has developed a number of new technologies in recent years to enhance the treatment of cancer patients. Such new technologies include a fast Monte Carlo Dose Calculation algorithm, Sequential Optimization dose planning, the IrisTM Variable Aperture Collimator, an 800 MU/min Linear Accelerator, and Optimized Path Traversal. These technologies enable physicists and physicians to plan treatments quickly and easily and deliver them with unrivalled accuracy and precision

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shut Down System - 2 (SDS - 2) of TAPP-3 and 4 works on the principle of rapid injection of gadolinium nitrate poison solution into bulk moderator in calandria using high pressure helium to shut down the reactor. This is a new system, in the context of Indian PHWRs, designed, engineered, commissioned and being operated in TAPP-3 and 4. The system design incorporates passive features such as floating polyethylene ball with ball-ball seat arrangement and locked open isolation ball valves with key interlock arrangement. This arrangement eliminates active valves downstream of poison tanks during SDS - 2 actuation. A series parallel arrangement of fast acting pilot controlled air operated valves, which keep the high pressure helium isolated from poison tanks in poised state, are the only active components. During commissioning and initial period of operation of TAPP-4, problems were encountered and were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Use of an adaptive optimal control algorithm for two realtime control applications, optimal excitation control of a synchronous generator (OEC) and power system stabilizer (PSS) is described in this paper. Experimental studies on a physical model of a power system show that the proposed OEC and PSS can track the controlled system by parameter identification at different operating conditions. The proposed control algorithm is based on the linear optimal control theory and a special 5th order discrete Riccati equation is solved in each sampling period. The proposed OEC and PSS can always guarantee that in closed loop the controlled system is stable based on the identified parameters. As the actual output of the controlled system and control are directly used in the controller, no observer is required. Also, the proposed OEC and PSS can track the controlled system ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The application of neural networks, alone or in conjunction with other advanced technologies (expert systems, fuzzy logic, and/or genetic algorithms), to some of the problems of complex engineering systems has the potential to enhance the safety, reliability, and operability of these systems. Typically, the measured variables from the systems are analog variables that must be sampled and normalized to expected peak values before they are introduced into neural networks. Often data must be processed to put it into a form more acceptable to the neural network (e.g., a fast Fourier transformation of the time-series data to produce a spectral plot of the data). Specific applications described include: (1) Diagnostics: State of the Plant (2) Hybrid System for Transient Identification, (3) Sensor Validation, (4) Plant-Wide Monitoring, (5) Monitoring of Performance and ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Chlorazole fast pink 2BL inhibited the classical complement pathway in rat serum both in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro potency of chlorazole fast pink against the alternative pathway could not be...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The University of Virginia's real-time neutron radiography facility was characterized by measurement of the total neutron flux, gold/cadmium ratio, neutron/gamma ratio, and the effective collimar length-to-aperture diameter (L/D) ratio. The real-time neutron imaging system and collimator were further characterized by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the system. The collimator effectiveness was measured by using the MTF to determine the ''unparallelism'' of the neutron beam. The computer-based image processing system allowed rapid calculation of the MTF and the collimator effectiveness. The results of these measurements, using no collimator and a simple tube collimator, demonstrated the method's ability to determine the effective L/D ratio. The MTF measurement scheme provided a fast, reliable, and reproducible means of monitoring ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fourteen irradiated Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) fuel pins were subjected to representative overpower transients in six flowing sodium loop experiments conducted in the TREAT reactor. The transient tests were extended to substantial overpower levels well beyond protected levels, with some tests intentionally run to failure to identify failure thresholds and characteristics. Test variables included transient ramp rate (5, 50, and 100 cents/s) and burnup (2 to 58 MWd/kg). Performance limits and failure characteristics were identified, and cladding strain and fuel melting data were obtained for development and verification of transient analysis codes. The test results demonstrated that FFTF Reference fuel pins are capable of surviving overpower levels well beyond the FFTF secondary Plant Protection System (PPS) trip limit of 1.25 times normal rated power. Based on analytical evaluations to interpolate and extrapolate test results to the full ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One of the key features of ANL's Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) concept is a close-coupled fuel cycle. The proposed fuel cycle is similar to that demonstrated over the first five to six years of operation of EBR-II, when a fuel cycle facility adjacent to EBR-II was operated to reprocess and refabricate rapidly fuel discharged from the EBR-II. Locating the IFR and its fuel cycle facility on the same site makes the IFR a self-contained system. Because the reactor fuel and the uranium blanket are metals, pyrometallurgical processes (shortned to ''pyroprocesses'') have been chosen. The objectives of the IFR processes for the reactor fuel and blanket materials are to (1) recover fissionable materials in high yield; (2) remove fission products adequately from the reactor fuel, e.g., a decontamination factor of 10 to 100; and (3) upgrade the concentration of plutonium in uranium sufficiently to replenish the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The generation of fusion power from the Fast-Liner Reactor (FLR) concept envisages the implosion of a thin (3-mm) metallic cylinder (0.2-m radius by 0.2-m length) onto a preinjected plasma. This plasma would be heated to thermonuclear temperatures by adiabatic compression, pressure confinement would be provided by the liner inertia, and thermal insulation of the wall-confined plasma would be established by an embedded azimuthal magnetic field. A 2- to 3-mu s burn would follow the approx. 10"4 m/s radial implosion and would result in a thermonuclear yield equal to 10 to 15 times the energy initially invested into the liner kinetic energy. For implosions occurring once every 10 s a gross thermal power of 430 MWt would be generated. The results of a comprehensive systems study of both physics and technology (economics) optima are presented. Despite unresolved problems associated with both the physics and technology of the FLR, a conceptual power ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Power Fluidic systems for the control of liquids and gaseous flows have been adopted for use in radioactive processing plants in the UK. These devices are intrinsically reliable with no mechanical moving parts because they are able to make use of the hydrodynamics of the fluids being controlled. This reliability feature leads to a zero cell maintenance concept and the elimination of mechanical drive/control systems in cell. The first phase of the development work led to their use in the Fast Reactor Reprocessing Plant at Dounreay and the Highly Active Liquor Storage facility at Sellafield. The success of these early developments has led to an extensive development programme for an extended range of applications in the Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant and its associated waste treatment facilities at Sellafield. The technology has now been fully demonstrated and adopted for these plants with considerable benefit over a wide ...

Science.gov (United States)

A position-sensitive event-counting electronic readout system for microchannel plates (MCPs) is described that offers the advantages of high spatial resolution and fast time resolution. The technique relies upon a four-quadrant electron-collecting anode located behind the output face of the microchannel plate, so that the electron cloud from each detected event is partly intercepted by each of the four quadrants. The relative amounts of charge collected by each quadrant depend on event position, permitting each event to be localized with two ratio circuits. A prototype quadrant anode system for ion, electron, and extreme ultraviolet imaging is described. The spatial resolution achieved, approx. =10 ..mu.., allows individual MCP channels to be distinguished. (AIP)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: A method to measure noise power spectrum of a full field digital mammography system is presented. The effect of X-ray radiation dose, size and configuration of region of interest on normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) was investigated. Flat field images were acquired using RQA-M2 beam quality technique (Mo/Mo anode-filter, 28 kV, 2 mm Al) with different clinical radiation doses. The images were cropped at about 4 cm from the edge of the breast wall and then divided into different size of non-overlapping or overlapping segments. NNPS was determined through de trending, 2-D fast Fourier transformation and normalization. Our measurement shows that high radiation dose gave lower NNPS at a specific beam quality. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two sodium cooled reactors are currently being operated in the United States of America for the US Department of Energy. These are Experimental Breeder Reactor 11, EBR-11, and the Fast Flux Test Facility, FFTF. EBR-11 is located near Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the FFTF is near Richland, Washington. These reactors are currently engaged in a wide range of testing including fuels and materials tests, and plant system performance and safety development. The US DOE program also includes designs of a next generation sodium cooled power reactor. The FFTF and EBR-11 communities are providing input to these designs. This paper discusses the efforts to develop and operate cover gas systems for the sodium cooled nuclear reactor program in the USA.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A major new initiative to develop and irradiate a long-life mixed oxide fuel system in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has been implemented by the Westinghouse Hanford Company at the Hanford Engineering Development Lab. for the US Dept. of Energy. The purpose of this new fuel system, called the Core Demonstration Experiment (CDE), is to demonstrate the capability of achieving a 3-yr life in a prototypical heterogeneous reactor environment under prototypical power and temperature conditions. Three Core Demonstration Lead Experiments (CDLEs) will establish the performance characteristics of entire fuel assemblies of wire-wrapped, large diameter, advanced oxide fuel pins with HT-9 stainless steel alloy cladding and wire wrap and an HT-9 duct. Their performance characteristics provided the basis for design, fabrication, and irradiation of the CDE.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to study nuclear criticality safety related to the development of fast breeder technology, /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis measurements were performed with a Pu-U nitrate solution in a slab tank of various heights and thickness varying 11.43 cm to 19.05 cm. The results and conclusions of these experiments are (1) a capability to measure the subcriticality of a multiplying system of slab geometry to a k/sub eff/ as low as 0.7 was demonstrated, (2) calculated neutron multiplication factors agreed with those from the experiments within approx.0.02, and (3) the applicability of the method for plutonium solution systems was demonstrated. This paper describes measurements in which the height of the slab was varied for a fixed thickness and the thickness varied for a fixed height, which are the first applications of this measurement method to slab geometry.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The low budgets of local governments and Federal States in Germany as well as lack of financial means of renters delaying thorough modernisation of existing heating systems in residential and public buildings, novel heat supply and related customer services are emerging on the market. Heat supply companies and housing construction associations increasingly use modern electronics and telecommunication systems for heating system upgrading and reliable operation and maintenance. This option holds an enormous potential of saving money today and in the future. Installation of remote control and maintenance systems and the related telephone-based services offer fast repair and other services via electronic telecommunications systems, thus saving money and manpower for the repair services of heat suppliers or plumbers, or financial losses due to rents being docked for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents the experience faced by people who works in PETROBRAS Business Unit (UN-RNCE), located in Rio Grande do Norte Province, Brazil, during the implementation of a pipeline leak detection system. That application involved nine multiphase oil pipelines distributed along several production facilities. Because of the emergency after the leakage that polluted the Guanabara bay and due to the two phases and multi phases pipelines characteristics, the UN-RNCE decided to apply the Pressure Point Analysis (PPA) technology in order to detect leakages. It is a statistical method for leak detection e uses a very simple instrumentation which facilitates the installation and maintenance. However, in order to get the best performance of the system, it is necessary to know thoroughly the whole process and have a fast and reliable SCADA system for long distance communication. Finally it will be shown the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In Sweden, spent nuclear fuel will be encapsulated and placed in a deep geological repository. In this procedure, reliable and accurate spent fuel data such as discharge burnup, cooling time and residual heat must be available. The gamma scanning method was proposed in earlier work as a fast and reliable method for the experimental determination of such spent fuel data. This thesis is focused on the recent achievements in the development of a pilot gamma scanning system and its application in measuring spent fuel residual heat. The achievements include the development of dedicated spectroscopic data-acquisition and analysis software and the use of a specially designed calorimeter for calibrating the gamma scanning system. The pilot system is described, including an evaluation of the performance of the spectrum analysis software. Also described are the gamma-scanning measurements on 31 spent PWR fuel ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An experiment was performed with a mock-up of the core of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor to evaluate three reactivity measurement methods for application to liquid-metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBR): modified source multiplication measurements with the low-level flux monitor for refueling (35 dollars subcritical) of FFTF, noise analysis to 35 dollars subcritical, and inverse kinetics rod drop to 12 dollars subcritical. To investigate the spatial dependence of these measurement methods and to resolve discrepancies previously reported, detectors were placed in the core, reflector, and radial shield, and experimental data were collected with the reactivity at near delayed criticality to 35 dollars subcritical. Conclusions from this experiment are the following. Low-level flux monitors in the shield of the FFTF will be adequate for reactivity surveillance during refueling, using the modified source multiplication method calibrated near ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Most of the anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide result from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy production. Photosynthesis has long been recognized as a means, at least in theory, to sequester anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Aquatic microalgae have been identified as fast growing species whose carbon fixing rates are higher than those of land-based plants by one order of magnitude. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), Aquasearch, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii are jointly developing technologies for recovery and sequestration of CO{sub 2} from stationary combustion systems by photosynthesis of microalgae. The research is aimed primarily at demonstrating the ability of selected species of microalgae to effectively fix carbon from typical power plant exhaust gases. This report covers the reporting period 1 April to 30 June 2003 in which PSI, Aquasearch and University of Hawaii conducted their tasks. Based ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Increasingly stringent safety requirements governing the nuclear industry have made it essential to gain in-depth knowledge of the injuriousness of cracking phenomena in auxiliary and secondary nuclear power plant systems, and to devise methods of rapidly evaluating potentially injurious flaws. The Defect Injuriousness Diagnosis and Treatment Package (DIDTP) discussed in this paper was developed by Framatome, a French-based PWR builder, with this goal in mind. A general description is given of the DIDTP, which is made up of tables and nomographs illustrating the injuriousness of flaws liable to be encountered in the most severely loaded regions of plant systems. The basic principles underlying the DIDTP, together with computational methods and application procedure, are detailed. Two practical examples illustrating the use of the diagnostic system are presented, one applied to the main steam line, the other to gate valve ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Compact dielectric wall (DWA) accelerator technology is being developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The DWA accelerator uses fast switched high voltage transmission lines to generate pulsed electric fields on the inside of a high gradient insulating (HGI) acceleration tube. Its high electric field gradients are achieved by the use of alternating insulators and conductors and short pulse times. The DWA concept can be applied to accelerate charge particle beams with any charge to mass ratio and energy. Based on the DWA system, a novel compact proton therapy accelerator is being developed. This proton therapy system will produce individual pulses that can be varied in intensity, energy and spot width. The system will be capable of being sited in a conventional linac vault and provide intensity modulated rotational therapy. The status of the developmental new technologies that make the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The isopod parasite Ceratothoa oestroides becomes hard to eradicate in intensive fish rearing systems and in addition to causing weight loss in adult fish it causes mortalities in larval and juveniles stages of sea bass and sea bream. Faced with the fast emergence of this infection in Adriatic finfish facilities, an effective compound had to be tested for bath treatment. Ivermectin was chosen for this purpose on the basis of extensive practice in northern European countries which used ivermectin administered in food with good results in treatment of Lepeophtheirus sp. and Caligus sp. infections. For determination of toxicity of ivermectin, a short-term toxicity bioassay on 40-day-old sea bream, Sparus aurata, L., was conducted, following FAO and UNEP procedures for methodology in aquatic t...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A total of 86 experimental fuel pins with various fuel, liner, and cladding candidate materials have been irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor as part of the SP-100 fuel pin irradiation testing program. Postirradiation examination results from these fuel pin are key in establishing performance correlations and demonstrating the lifetime and safety of the reactor fuel system. This paper provides a brief description of the in-reactor fuel pin tests and presents the most recent irradiation data on the performance of wrought rhenium (Re) liner material and high density UN fuel at goal burnup of 6 atom percent (at. %). It also provides an overview of the significant variety of other fuel/liner/cladding combinations which were irradiated as part of this program and which may be of interest to more advanced efforts.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Advances in nuclear reactor technology and the use of gas-cooled fast reactors require the development of new materials that can operate at the higher temperatures expected in these systems. These include refractory alloys base on Nb, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, and Re; ceramics and composites such as those based on silicon carbide (SiCf-SiC); carbon-carbon composites; and advanced coatings. Besides the ability to handle higher expected temperatures, effective heat transfer between reactor componets is necessary for improved efficiency. Improving thermal conductivity of the materials used in nuclear fuels and other temperature critical components can lower the center-line fuel temperature and thereby enhance durability and reduce the risk of premature failure.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DBEs (Design Basis Event) of KALIMER-600 (Korea Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor) were analyzed in one dimension by KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). KALIMER-600 is the pool type SFR (Sodium cooled Fast Reactor), thereby the sodium of primary system is prohibited movement to out of a reactor vessel. There are many contacting and including compositions in the sodium hot pool, such as IHX (Intermediate Heat eXchanger), DHX (Decay Heat eXchanger), Pump, UIS (Upper Internal Structure), and core. Moreover, the complex phenomena are occurred in sodium hot pool during steady and transient states. Therefore, the one dimensional analysis is modified to the multi-dimensional analysis through modification of sodium hot pool from one to three dimensions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Much research has been carried out in order to manage structured documents such as SGML documents and to provide powerful query facilities which exploit document structures as well as document contents. In order to perform structure queries efficiently in a structured document management system, an index structure which supports fast document element access must be provided. However, there has been little research on the index structures for structured documents. In this paper, we propose various kinds of new inverted indexing schemes and signature file schemes for efficient structure query processing. We evaluate the storage requirements and disk access time of our schemes and present the analytical and experimental results.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The greater amberjack, Seriola dumerilii (Risso 1810) is a semi-pelagic fish and a worldwide species; it is considered a promising candidate for the diversification of Mediterranean aquaculture. In this paper an experimental injection with Listonella (Vibrio) anguillarum was performed to study the immune response of S. dumerilii. Antibody titres to L. anguillarum O1 were determined with indirect-ELISA at different times over a period of 42 days. Results showed that the antibody levels against L. anguillarum were significantly higher in the challenged fish compared to the control. They started developing since the 5th day reaching the highest peak on day 20 after injection, indicating a fast response of the immune system. The observed antibody titre was very high versus L. anguillarum if co...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a new method and newly developed stabilizing equipment to prevent the loss of synchronism of generators in pumped-storage plants from spreading. The proposed method includes functions to estimate the swing of each generator by using on-line generator output sampled at a rate of 600 times per second after an occurrence of disturbance such as fault, faulty equipment and so on, to predict generator swing 200-300 milliseconds ahead and loss of synchronism between generators in pumped-storage plants and those in thermal and nuclear plants, and to decide the number of generators that must be shed to maintain stability. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) installed the newly developed stabilizing equipment based on this method in the power system in June, 1986.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thin Pt, Pd, Pt/sub 2/Si, PtSi, Pd/sub 2/Si, Ni, Mo, W, Nb, Ti, V films deposited on Si single crystal were treated by using electron beam pulses of 60 ns duration in the 0.4-4 J/cm/sup 2/ energy density range. Irradiation of these structures produces at the same time many phases. Post-thermal annealing of the reacted layer induces the formation of a stable phase, the same obtained by only thermal treatment in a conventional furnace. A linear relationship between the energy density range and the lowest eutectic temperature of the compounds formed has been found. Further SEM observations seem to identify a liquid layer from which the phases are forming by subsequent fast cooling.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The need for safe food products has motivated food scientists and industry to find novel technologies for antimicrobial delivery for improving food safety and quality. Controlled release packaging is a novel technology that uses the package to deliver antimicrobials in a controlled manner and sustain antimicrobial stress on the targeted microorganism over the required shelf life. This work studied the effect of controlled release of nisin to inhibit growth of Micrococcus luteus (a model microorganism) using a computerized syringe pump system to mimic the release of nisin from packaging films which was characterized by an initially fast rate and a slower rate as time progressed. The results show that controlled release of nisin was strikingly more effective than instantly added (?formulated...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dust particles in a plasma are charged negatively and are subject to various types of forces, including a drag force by plasma particles and a force due to the collective nature of a plasma. Dust particles are found in a sheath in laboratories balanced by the gravitational force and the electric force, while dust particles in space are ubiquitous, including planetary magnetospheres and interstellar space. Because of the novel nature of a complex system involving plasma particles and dust particles in a collective way, the dusty plasma is often called a complex plasma. The complex plasma is characterized by two distinctly different scales in time and in space. The plasma with electrons, ions and neutrals is characterized by the collective motion with a fast time scale and a short wavelength, while the dust particles move in a slow time scale and a long spatial scale. Some fundamental aspects of a complex plasma are reviewed and possible ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 MW(th) sodium cooled reactor and is the largest test reactor of its type in the world. It was designed and is being operated to serve two purposes: gaining liquid metal system experience and serving as a test bed for fuels and materials. During test operations it is possible that cladding breaches and escape of fission gas to the reactor cover gas region can occur. To identify the source of such a leak all 78 fuel pin assemblies contain ''gas tag'' with a unique ''tag'' mixture in each assembly. The mass spectrometric identification of tag isotope ratios makes possible rapid location and thus faster removal (if required) of breached test pins.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method for determining the reactivity of highly subcritical systems of fissile material, using neutron-noise power spectral densities in conjunction with a /sup 252/Cf source, had previousy been tested in two fast reactor critical assemblies (a mockup of the Fast Flux Test Facility reactor and unreflected enriched uranium metal assemblies) and one thermal reactor (a light-water moderated and reflected lattice of Oak Ridge Research Reactor fuel elements). The last-mentioned test demonstrated the effectiveness of the method in water-moderated systems and thereby prompted the present study of its application to facilities for fuel preparation, reprocessing, and storage. To investigate the applicability of this method to facilities for fuel preparation, reprocessing, and storage, limited experiments were performed with a uranyl fluoride solution. The Los Alamos National Laboratory SHEBA facility, an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The design of the KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) tokamak (R{sub 0} = 1.8 m, a= 0.5 m, {kappa} = 2, {delta} = 1.8 B{sub T} = 3.5 T, I{sub p} 2 MA, {tau}{sub pulse} = 300 s) is being undertaken to do long-pulse. high {beta}, advanced tokamak operating-mode fusion physics experiments. The ion cyclotron (IC) system will deliver 6 MW of rf power to the plasma in the 25 - 60 MHz frequency range, using a single four-strap antenna mounted in a midplane port. It will be used for ion heating, fast-wave current drive (FWCD), and mode conversion current drive (MCCD). The phasing between current straps in the antenna will be adjustable quickly during operation to provide the capability of changing the current-drive efficiency. The IC system will be capable of 300 s operation with 12 MW (upgrade) of rf power to the plasma. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Fast Wave Current Drive (FWCD) system at DIII-D has increased its available radio frequency (RF) power capabilities with the addition of two new high power transmitters along with their associated transmission line systems. A Sun Sparc-10 workstation, functioning as the FWCD operator console, is being used to control transmitter operating parameters and transmission line tuning parameters, along with acquiring data and making data available for integration into the DIII-D data acquisition system. Labview, a graphical user interface application, is used to manage and control the above processes. This paper will discuss the three primary branches of the FWCD computer control system: transmitter control, transmission line tuning control, and FWCD data acquisition. The main control program developed uses VXI, GPIB, CAMAC, Serial, and Ethernet protocols to blend the three branches ...

CERN Document Server

FastSLAM is a framework for simultaneous localization using a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter. In FastSLAM, particle filter is used for the mobile robot pose (position and orientation) estimation, and an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used for the feature location's estimation. However, FastSLAM degenerates over time. This degeneracy is due to the fact that a particle set estimating the pose of the robot loses its diversity. One of the main reasons for loosing particle diversity in FastSLAM is sample impoverishment. It occurs when likelihood lies in the tail of the proposal distribution. In this case, most of particle weights are insignificant. Another problem of FastSLAM relates to the design of an extended Kalman filter for landmark position's estimation. The performance of the EKF and the quality of the estimation depends heavily on correct a priori knowledge of the process ...

Science.gov (United States)

The family of natriuretic peptides consists of the atria natriuretic peptide (ANP), the cerebral natriuretic peptide (BNP), the type C natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the peptide isolated from the dendroaspis snakes' poison (DNP), whose presence in humans has not been confirmed. The physiological function of ANP is in the control of arterial blood pressure by regulation of systemic vascular resistance of blood vessels. BNP is produced as one of the factors in the acute response to inflammatory tissue damage, mainly in coronary vessels. Increased serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides have been found in stress situations, such as trauma or major surgery, systemic hypotension, and in intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. High concentrations of natriuretic peptides were observed in severe sepsis, septic shock and in multiple organ failure, probably due to increased secretion by mediators of the inflammatory process.The highest concentrations of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A reflux condensing start-up system includes a steam generator, a start-up vessel connected parallel to the steam generator, a main steam line connecting steam outlets of the steam generator and start-up vessel to a steam turbine, a condenser connected to an outlet of the turbine and a feedwater return line connected between the condenser and inlets of the steam generator and start-up vessel. The start-up vessel has one or more heaters at the bottom thereof for heating feedwater which is supplied over a start-up line to the start-up vessel. Steam is thus generated to pressurize the steam generator before the steam generator is supplied with a heat transfer medium, for example liquid sodium, in the case of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor. The start-up vessel includes upper and lower bulbs with a smaller diameter mid-section to act as water and steam reservoirs. The start-up vessel can thus be used not only in a start-up operation but as a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A heavy ion gas detector system consisting of a Bragg-curve spectroscopy ionization chamber for particle identification and a multiwire proportional chamber as position sensitive fast trigger device is described. The Bragg IC has been tested with several beams up to Z=36 to investigate some aspects of the BCS method. Results are reported on energy resolution and linearity, Z resolving power and mass sensitivity. The energy resolution is well below 1%. The Bragg-peak amplitude is fairly independent of the energy in a wide energy range and single elements are identified up to Z=38 with a resolving power Z/..delta..Zproportional50-80. Isotope identification by range measurement is limited by the straggling in the ionization process and the mass resolving power is M/..delta..Mproportional20-26 for S and Si isotopes. The MWPC allows subnanosecond time resolution and position identification along the in-plane coordinate within +-0.5 mm.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calculations have been made to determine the production of "1"8"8W from "1"8"6W in several US fission reactor systems, e.g., Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Important input to these calculations are the cross-section parameters for "1"8"6W, "1"8"7W, and "1"8"8W. Only two values have been measured for "1"8"7W and none for "1"8"8W. Consequently, results from integral measurements play a crucial role in determining the "1"8"7W and "1"8"8W values. This has been studied for irradiations in the FFTF and the Oregon State Univ. (OSU) research reactor. Short irradiation of enriched "1"8"6W in both the FFTF and the OSU reactors have produced #mu#Ci/g quantities of "1"8"8W/"1"8"8Re. Measurements were made of the "1"8"8W gamma ray emission. These results were incorporated with other available data to provide more accurate "1"8"8W calculations in fission reactor ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The BEATRIX-II irradiation experiment is an in-situ tritium release experiment being carried out in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor to evaluate the tritium release characteristics of fusion solid breeder materials. A sophisticated tritium gas handling system has been developed to continuously monitor the tritium recovery from the specimens and facilitate tritium removal from the experiment's sweep gas flow stream. The in-situ recovery experiment accommodates two different in-reactor specimen canisters with individual gas streams and temperature monitoring/control. Ionization chambers have been specifically designed to respond to the rapid changes in the tritium release rate at the anticipated tritium concentrations. Two ceramic electrolysis cells have proved effective in reducing the moisture in the gas streams to hydrogen/tritium. A tritium getter system, capable of reducing the tritium level by a ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In the present work, fast disintegrating tablets of prochlorperazine maleate were designed with a view to enhance patient compliance by direct compression method. In this method mucilage of Plantago...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Forest research on fast growing Eucalyptus hybrids in the Congo, using coppice shoots for propagation, is described. The hybrids can grow 20 ft in 15 months and it is suggested that the application of such methods in Britain may increase the growth rates of hardwoods such as oak or walnut.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

English 2009 p. 79 Ukraine Brudgam, M. Lauber, Ph. Garcia Munoz, M.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... brakes lmfbr type reactors breeder reactors epithermal reactors fast reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... beam monitoring betatrons delay circuits errors fluctuations gamma radiation

Science.gov (United States)

... negative diplooocci, to determine the type of pneumococi, to study staphylococa proteas, ehigla, sallmnefla, pasteurella, brucela, linters, leptosp ,s ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Due to the fast cooling of steam turbines, the shutdown time during maintenance or when repairing faults and damage can be shortened. This booklet describes various processes for cooling steam turbines. It is recommended that fast cooling should be planned in designing new plants and corresponding arrangements should be provided in the form of pipe connections and valves. (DG).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A prototype for a quasi-cw, and high-average power free electron laser (FEL) driven by a 15 MeV superconducting rf linac has been developed, and constructed at Tokai, JAERI since 1989. Cryogenic and accelerating fields' performances of four JAERI superconducting accelerator modules have been realized without any serious problem in the FEL accelerator vault and experimental hall. Since modification and related maintenance of the cryogenic refrigerator system for the driver were completed in the middle of October 1995, the system has run with no trouble, and the driver has been continuously run very successfully up to now. The optical resonator system and related electron beam transport system have been modified to realize larger acceptance than the old for both of the undulator radiation and energetic electron beam in 1995 Japanese fiscal year. In the modification, an alignment and distance measurement ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report discusses the safety approach of the Advanced Liquid Metal reactor program, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, which relies upon passive reactor responses to off-normal condition to limit power and temperature excursions to levels that allow safety margins. Gas expansion modules (GEM) have included in the design to provide negative reactivity to enhance these margins in the extremely unlikely event that pumping power is lost and the highly reliable scram system fails to operate. The feasibility and beneficial features of these devices were first demonstrated in the core of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) in 1986. Preapplication safety evaluations by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission have identified areas that must be addressed if these devices are to be relied on. One of these areas is the response of the reactor when it is critical and the pumps are turned on, resulting in positive reactivity being added to the core. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A Vacuum Circuit Breaker demonstrated its ability to interrupt short circuits with faster than normal rates of rise of Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) at levels greater than those produced by most transformer secondary faults. Two recent exploratory test programs evaluated the interrupting ability of a 15kV Vacuum Circuit Breaker containing interrupters of the rotating arc type with contacts made from a Chromium-Copper powder metal mixture. The interrupting conditions covered a wide range of currents from 10% to 130% of the 28kA rated short circuit current of the tested circuit breaker and a wide range of TRV rates of rise, including the relatively slow rate of rise, normally used in testing and found in most indoor circuit breaker applications; two faster rates of rise equaling and exceeding those found in a known power plant transformer secondary protection application; and the fastest rates of rise possible in the laboratory which exceed the requirements of most transformer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present paper we estimate the effect of sodium in the in-service inspection of non-magnetic steam generators tubes using eddy current technique and eddy current probes based on a differential double bobbin coil configuration. Experimental measurements of defects signals in steam generator tubes of fast breeder reactor are compared with simulations results of a two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element code to validate a reliable electromagnetic model of the system (eddy current coils, steam generator tube, defect) when there is no sodium on the outer steam generator tube surface. The electromagnetic code is used to evaluate the sodium band and sodium layer signals when a defect is located under steam generator support plate. Using a multi-frequency algorithm, its parameters are determined in the 'no sodium condition' (there is no sodium on the outer steam generator tube surface), defects signal is enhanced during eddy currents ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The field of neutron imaging has a broad scope of applications and has played a pivotal role in visualizing and quantifying hydrogenous masses in metallic matrices. The field continues to expand into new applications with the installation of new neutron imaging facilities. In this scope, a neutron imaging facility for computed tomography and real-time neutron radiography is currently being developed around 2.0 MW TRIGA MARK-II Reactor at Maamora Nuclear Research Centre in Morocco (CENM). The neutron imaging facility consists of a neutron collimator, a real-time neutron imaging system and imaging process systems. In order to reduce the gamma-ray content in the neutron beam, the reactor tangential channel was selected. For power of 250 kW, the corresponding thermal neutron flux measured at the inlet of the tangential channel is around 3.1011 n*cm2/s. This facility will be based on a conical neutron collimator with two circular diaphragms with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The latest inclined mine winder started operation in April, 1995 at the Kushiro Mining Station of Taiheiyo Coal Mining Co. A permanent magnet synchronous motor, a cycloconverter, and H{sub {infinity}} control are employed to complete the latest inclined mine winder. The winder is the world`s longest and fastest inclined mine winder, and the torque of the permanent magnet synchronous motor is the largest in the world. A report is made on the driving system placing emphasis on the points considered in the design. The gallery has the length of world`s longest 6,626m and the average gentle inclination of 6 degree. The worker transport car runs at the world`s fastest speed of 420m/min from the mouth to the bottom of the pit, making a round trip in 40 minutes. Speed is adjusted smoothly by the cycloconverter, and the car arrives at the destination safely in a short time due H{sub {infinity}} controlling. By the application of H{sub {infinity}} control, the tension of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this thesis, a new ab-initio method for molecular dynamics within the framework of density functional theory was developed and implemented. It is strongly related to the projector-augmented-wave method (PAW) by P. Bloechl, but also includes elements of a pseudocharge method proposed by M. Weinert for the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FLAPW). Like the FLAPW-method, the PAW-method is an all-electron method. In the later case, the hamiltonian takes quite a simple form similar to the one obtained when using normconserving Kleinman-Bylander-type pseudopotentials or ultrasoft Vanderbilt pseudopotentials. The PAW-method allows for an efficient calculation of systems containing virtually any element of the periodic table, including those which require high numerical effort when treated using normconserving pseudopotentials (e.g. 2p-elements like oxygen or 3d-transitional metals like copper). In addition, a higher accuracy compared to the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) interim examination and maintenance (IEM) cell is used for the remote disassembly of irradiated fuel and material experiments. The absorber open-test assembly (AOTA) is a 12-m (40-ft)-long instrumented absorber (control-rod-material) test assembly. Its primary purpose is to characterize the FFTF control-rod-material reaction rate during reactor operation. Instrumentation allowed temperature and pressure measurements at various locations in several absorber pins during reactor operation. After residing several months in the reactor, the assembly was transferred to the IEM cell by the closed-loop ex-vessel machine (CLEM) for separation of the irradiated portion of the experiment from the instrument stalk. After separation, the 3.6-m (12-ft)-long assembly was processed through the sodium removal system and shipped off-site for examination. This success allowed the timely completion of a major task on the FFTF ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inherent safety tests were performed during 1986 in the 400-MW (thermal) Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor to demonstrate the effectiveness of an inherent shutdown device called the gas expansion module (GEM). The GEM device provided a strong negative reactivity feedback during loss-of-flow conditions by increasing the neutron leakage as a result of an expanding gas bubble. The best-estimate pretest calculations for these tests were performed using the IANUS plant analysis code (Westinghouse Electric Corporation proprietary code) and the MELT/SIEX3 core analysis code. These two codes were also used to perform the required operational safety analyses for the FFTF reactor and plant. Although it was intended to also use the SASSYS systems (core and plant) analysis code, the calibration of the SASSYS code for FFTF core and plant analysis was not completed in time to perform pretest analyses. The purpose of this paper is to present the results ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An overall plant design was developed for a gas-cooled fast reactor employing a direct supercritical Brayton power conversion system. The most important findings were that (1) the concept could be capital-cost competitive, but startup fuel cycle costs are penalized by the low core power density, specified in large part to satisfy the goal of significant post-accident passive natural convection cooling; (2) active decay heat removal is preferable as the first line of defense, with passive performance in a backup role; (3) an innovative tube-in-duct fuel assembly, vented to the primary coolant, appears to be practicable; and (4) use of the S-Co2 GFR to support hydrogen production is a synergistic application, since sufficient energy can be recuperated from the product H2 and 02 to allow the electrolysis cell to run 250 C hotter than the reactor coolant, and the water boilers can be used for reactor decay heat removal. Increasing core power ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Classification and ranking of the solid solution on their reaction to the irradiation is suggested on the basis of binary system structure controlled by mixing enthalpy sign, melting temperatures relation of components and solidus curves slope. Several combinations of these characteristics permit to pick out three groups of substitutional elements capable of forming the vacancy-solute atom complexes either low-mobile or fast-mobile ones as compared to monovacancies migration. The radiation hardening (and embrittlement) of binary alloys should be intensified respectively either due to heterogeneous point defect clusters nucleation on solute traps or due to solute atom clusters/ precipitate formation. A local cohesion decrease may also occur especially if low-melting elements (characterized by low surface energy) are segregating on internal sinks or grain boundaries. The predicted specifics of different alloy group under irradiation and during ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Video images of laser beams imprinted with distinguishable features are used for alignment of 192 laser beams at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Algorithms designed to determine the position of these beams enable the control system to perform the task of alignment. Centroiding is a common approach used for determining the position of beams. However, real world beam images suffer from intensity fluctuation or other distortions which make such an approach susceptible to higher position measurement variability. Matched filtering used for identifying the beam position results in greater stability of position measurement compared to that obtained using the centroiding technique. However, this gain is achieved at the expense of extra processing time required for each beam image. In this work we explore the possibility of using a field programmable logic array (FPGA) to speed up these computations. The results indicate a performance improvement of 20 using the FPGA ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) systems have become a popular choice in recent years for marginal, fast-track or deepwater field developments world wide. However, the majority of these developments have incurred significant project delays and budget overruns as a result of commercial structure, project management and design/operating problems. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) commissioned IGL Engineering Ltd to perform a study to highlight specific areas where safety concerns have arisen. The study also aims to identity the fundamental causes of problems and identify key lessons to be learned from such projects which can be used to the benefit of future developments. In summary, there are five fundamental areas where weaknesses can and have lead to the problems experienced in FPSO developments. The areas are all interrelated and many problems stem from deficiencies in more than one area. The areas are: commercial ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The mission of the Emerging Technologies thrust area at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is to help individuals establish technology areas that have national and commercial impact, and are outside the scope of the existing thrust areas. We continue to encourage innovative ideas that bring quality results to existing programs. We also take as our mission the encouragement of investment in new technology areas that are important to the economic competitiveness of this nation. In fiscal year 1992, we have focused on nine projects, summarized in this report: (1) Tire, Accident, Handling, and Roadway Safety; (2) EXTRANSYT: An Expert System for Advanced Traffic Management; (3) Odin: A High-Power, Underwater, Acoustic Transmitter for Surveillance Applications; (4) Passive Seismic Reservoir Monitoring: Signal Processing Innovations; (5) Paste Extrudable Explosive Aft Charge for Multi-Stage Munitions; (6) A Continuum Model for Reinforced Concrete at High Pressures and ...

Science.gov (United States)

This paper proposes a new pattern recognition system employing optical joint transform correlation (JTC) technique which offers a great number of advantages over similar digital techniques, including very fast operation, simple architecture and capability of updating the reference image in real time. The proposed JTC technique incorporates a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) of the target image estimated from different training images to make the pattern recognition performance invariant to noise and distortion. It then involves four different phase-shifted versions of the same target SDF reference image, which are individually joint transform correlated with the given input scene. When the correlation signals are combined, it produces a single cross-correlation peak corresponding to each potential target present in the given input scene. The proposed technique also includes a fringe-adjusted filter to generate a delta-like correlation peak ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Science.gov (United States)

OBJECTIVE To identify patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who will need antenatal insulin treatment (AIT) by using a risk-prediction tool based on maternal clinical and biochemical characteristics at diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 3,009 women attending the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital GDM Clinic, Australia, between 1995 and 2010 were studied. A risk engine was developed from significant factors identified for AIT using a logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 51% of GDM patients required AIT. Ethnicity, gestation at diagnosis, HbA(1c), fasting and 60-min glucose oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and diabetes family history were significant independent determinants of AIT. Notably, only 9% of the attributable risk for AIT can be explained by the clinical factors studied. A modeled risk-scoring system was therefore a poor predictor of AIT. CONCLUSIONS Baseline maternal characteristics including HbA(1c) alone ...

Science.gov (United States)

Digital libraries play a crucial role in distance learning. Nowadays, they are one of the fundamental information sources for the students enrolled in this learning system. These libraries contain huge amount of instructional data (text, audio and video) offered by the distance learning program. Organization of the digital libraries is therefore very important for easy and fast access to the desired information. Improper categorization of data may mislead the students searching the library. Since manual categorization of huge amount of data might be challenging, an automatic and reliable method is needed. In this sense, this paper proposes an automated categorization scheme for digital libraries in distance learning. The categorization scheme is designed and developed by a pattern recognition approach. Effectiveness of the proposed scheme is evaluated on widely used Reuters database. The results of the experimental study verify that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: To evaluated artifacts of unexpended stents and to determine their exact position for MR-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using real-time sequences. Materials and Methods: By using an in vitro model, 11 unexpended stents - 9 nitinol, 1 stainless steel, and 1 cobalt alloy - were investigated by MR. Each stent was studied in a vessel-phantom filled with saline solution. Imaging was performed using five different realtime sequences: fast low angle shot (Flash 2D), fast imaging with steady precession (true FISP, FISP, interactive true FISP) and segmented echo planar imaging (seg. EPI). Artifacts of the introducer system and the stent were calculated by four blinded radiologists (scale: 1 - artifacts, making an excellent contribution to visualization; 2 - artifacts, making mainly a contribution to visualization; 3 - artifacts, making no contribution to visualization). Furthermore, an evaluation of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The liquid-liquid extraction behavior of short-lived molybdenum and tungsten isotopes from HCl and HNO{sub 3} as well as HF/HNO{sub 3} acid media was studied using the {alpha}-benzoinoxime/chloroform system. The goal of the present experiments was to find an extraction system with a high selectivity for the group 6 elements in the periodic table which is suitable for the study the solution chemistry of seaborgium (Z = 106). It was found that Mo and W are both effectively extracted using {alpha}-benzoinoxime as an extractant and the maximum extraction yield is 100% and 94% for Mo and W, respectively. Ions of MO{sub 2}{sup 2+} (M = Mo, W) exist in HCl between the concentration range of 0.1-3 M and can be extracted quantitatively into the organic phase. The decrease of extraction yields at lower or higher acid concentration is due to the formation of anionic species MO{sub 4}{sup 2-} or MO{sub 2}Cl{sub 3}{sup -}. The extraction behavior of Mo and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A concept for a fast spectrum irradiation facility has been developed for insertion in the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The design is based on the very large fast flux that is available in this reactor combined with the use of a strongly-absorbing thermal neutron shield. The preferred concept from the several considered consists of a three-pin design surrounded by a Eu{sub 2}O{sub 3} thermal neutron shield located in the reactor flux trap. Preliminary analyses showed that this concept can provide a fast flux larger than 1x10{sup 15} n/cm{sup 2}{center_dot}s and a fast-to-thermal flux ratio greater than 300 while having an acceptable impact on the HFIR operation. Additional analyses are necessary to confirm that this design is feasible and meets the requirements for fast fuel irradiation. If the design proves to be suitable, it can provide a relatively ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Monitoring nuclear plants components enable to save on operation and maintenance costs by reducing incidents gravity and casual plant stoppages thank to early detection and fast diagnosis. Improving the knowledge of the behaviour of the plant will also allow to optimize maintenance and to increase plant life. In order to improve monitoring and diagnosis capabilities in nuclear power plants. Electricite de France (EDF) is extending the existing data processing chains towards automatic aided interpretation and diagnosis. Therefore, EDF has designed an integrated monitoring and diagnosis assistance system: PSAD-Poste de Surveillance et d'Aide au Diagnostic, including several monitoring functions of the main components. It integrates on-line monitoring, off-line diagnosis and knowledge based systems. PSAD stations provide homogeneous aids to diagnosis which enable plant personnel to pinpoint the mechanical behaviour of plant ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We present and characterize an experimental system in which we achieve the integration of an ultrahigh finesse optical cavity with a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). The conceptually novel design of the apparatus for the production of BECs features nested vacuum chambers and an in vacuo magnetic transport configuration. It grants large scale spatial access to the BEC for samples and probes via a modular and exchangeable ''science platform.'' We are able to produce 87Rb condensates of 5x106 atoms and to output couple continuous atom lasers. The cavity is mounted on the science platform on top of a vibration isolation system. The optical cavity works in the strong coupling regime of cavity quantum electrodynamics and serves as a quantum optical detector for single atoms. This system enables us to study atom optics on a single particle level and to further develop the field of quantum atom optics. We describe the technological ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A recently developed neutron diagnostic probe system has the potential to satisfy a significant number of van-mobile and fixed- portal requirements for nondestructive verification of sealed munitions and detection of contraband explosives and drugs. The probe is based on a unique associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object of interest with a low-intensity beam of 14-MeV neutrons generated from the deuterium-tritium reaction and that detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron inelastic scattering and fission reactions identify nuclides associated with all major chemicals in chemical warfare agents, explosives, and drugs, as well as many pollutants and fissile and fertile special nuclear material. Flight times determined from determined from detection times of the gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate tomographic image of each identified nuclide. The APSTNG also ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Criticality was first achieved with the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) a little more than 10 yr ago on February 9, 1980. Although the FFTF was designed and built primarily for testing fuels, materials, and components for the liquid-metal fast breeder reactor program, it has, over its first 10 yr of operation, provided valuable information in many other areas. This paper provides a summary of the contributions to the physics of liquid-metal reactors (LMRs) obtained from operation of and testing in the FFTF, with emphasis on some of the more significant and interesting accomplishments.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several fast neutral pressure gauges have been installed on NSTX [National Spherical Torus Experiment] to measure the vessel and divertor pressure during inductive and coaxial helicity injected (CHI) plasma operations. Modified, PDX [Poloidal Divertor Experiment]-type Penning gauges have been installed on the upper and lower divertors. Neutral pressure measurements during plasma operations from these and from two shielded fast Micro ion gauges at different toroidal locations on the vessel mid-plane are described. A new unshielded ion gauge, referred to as the In-vessel Neutral Pressure (INP) gauge is under development.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper provides a brief description of the fuel characterization for Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). The development and characterization of mechanical properties of Alloy D9 clad and wrapper tubes are discussed. The problems associated with fusion welding of Alloy D9 are outlined. Non-destructive characterization of cladding tubes by optimum encircling eddy current probes, on-line and off-line neural network methods is presented. Both the on-line and off-line neural network methods could readily detect and size defects specified by the designers

Science.gov (United States)

Nanosized particles are important because of their unique properties, different from the bulk, which leads to their enhanced catalytic, photocatalytic and electronic properties. This work has dealt with three different nanoparticle systems in the context of three different aspects of nanoparticle properties: (a) photocatalytis (TiO2/metal) system, (b) luminescence (CdSe) (c) alloying (Pt-Ag and Pd-Ag). The initial photocatalytic enhancement obtained by adding noble metal on semiconductor nanoparticles, degrades as fast as in 15 minutes and questions their long-term performance. XANES measurements on such irradiated systems like TiO2/Au, TiO2/Pt, TiO2/Ir indicates a positive oxidation state of these noble metals which renders them as recombination centers for photo-excited electrons and explains the decreased photocurrent. The oxidation is caused by holes. The EXAFS results also indicate a change of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The design of the absorber blocks for internal and external dumping of the SPS proton beam is discussed. In addition, the external target stations for slow and fast extracted proton beams are described.

Science.gov (United States)

... Composite sandwich panels with fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) faces and low 3 density foam cores are fast becoming the structural material of ...

Science.gov (United States)

The FFTF reactor is described. Procedures and equipment used to protect personnel from potential hazards of oxygen deficient environments are described.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... technique aBF n-Butyiferrocene P-33 Thermal carbon black PAP Porous Amnmonium Perchlorate Plastinox 711 Antioxidant ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The implicit curve-fitting method has been used for fast and stable calculations of thermodynamic properties of subcritical refrigerants, and it has to use the saturated liquid or vapor state as the reference state. In order to extend the application range of this method in supercritical region, an isothermal state in the supercritical region is used as the reference state, and the implicit equations for supercritical refrigerants in this state and out of this state are established, respectively. The new calculation method can be used in the entire supercritical region. With the new method, thermodynamic properties of supercritical CO{sub 2} and R410A are predicted and compared with REFPROP 8. It shows that the total mean relative deviations of the fast calculation formulae from REFPROP 8 are less than 1%, while the mean calculation speeds of the fast calculation formulae are more than 100 times faster than those of REFPROP ...

Science.gov (United States)

... zariensis is restricted to fast flowing water between Matadi and Kinshasa on the Zaire River. Although it ... region, where it was known from DRC at Matadi. DBL collections have recently extended its know...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Of some interest is the comparison between the actinide nuclide burning up (fission) rates such as americium 241, americium 242, curium 244, and neptunium 237, in the reactors with fast or thermal neutron spectra.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper proposes an integrated method for using experimental data and CFD modeling to develop engineering correlations for atrium smoke management. Part I focused on the experimental program and validation of a CFD model of the experimental facility. Part II describes the extension of this model to a parametric study of balcony spill plumes. Smoke management in buildings during fire events often uses mechanical ventilation systems to maintain smoke layer elevation above a safe evacuation path. Design of these systems requires accurate correlations for the smoke production or mass flow rate of the buoyant fire plume. One design issue is the mass flow rate of fire plumes which spill out from a fire compartment, under a balcony and up through an atrium or other large volume. Current engineering correlations for these balcony spill plumes (BSPs) are based on a combination of one-tenth scale test data and theoretical analysis. The suitability of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smoke management in buildings during fire events often uses mechanical ventilation systems to maintain smoke layer elevation above a safe evacuation path. Design of these systems requires accurate correlations for the smoke production rate of the buoyant fire plume. One design issue is the smoke production rate of fire plumes which spill out from a fire compartment, under a balcony and up through an atrium or other large volume. Current engineering correlations for these balcony spill plumes are based on a combination of one-tenth scale test data and theoretical analysis. Questions have arisen over the suitability of these correlations for real-scale designs. A combined program of full-scale experimentation and CFD modeling is being conducted to analyze the accuracy of these correlations. A full-scale experimental facility was constructed with a 5 m by 5 m by 15 m fire compartment connected to a four-story atrium. Propane fires in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1 - Description: Format: MATXS. Number of groups: 80 neutron-, 24 photon-groups. 97 Nuclides: 1-H-1, 1-H-2, 2-He-3, 2-He-4, 3-Li-6, 3-Li-7, 4-Be-9, 5-B-10, 5-B-11, 6-C- nat., 7-N-14, 7-N-15, 8-O-16, 9-F-19, 11-Na-23, 12-Mg-nat., 13-Al-27, 14-Si-nat., 15-P-31, 17-Cl-nat., 18-Ar-40, 19-K-nat., 20-Ca-nat., 22-Ti-nat., 23-V-nat., 24-Cr-50, 24-Cr-52, 24-Cr-53, 24-Cr-54, 25-Mn-25, 26-Fe-54, 26-Fe-56, 26-Fe-57, 26-Fe-58, 27-Co-59, 28-Ni-58, 28-Ni-60, 28-Ni-61, 28-Ni-62, 28-Ni-64, 29-Cu-nat., 31-Ga-nat., 39-Y-89, 40-Zr-nat., 41-Nb-93, 42-Mo-nat., 47-Ag-107, 47-Ag-109, 48-Cd-nat., 50-Sn-nat., 63-Eu-151, 63-Eu-153, 64-Gd-152, 64-Gd-154, 64-Gd-155, 64-Gd-156, 64-Gd-157, 64-Gd-158, 64-Gd-160, 73-Ta-181, 74-W-182, 74-W-183, 74-W-184, 74-W-186, 75-Re-185, 75-Re-187, 79-Au-197, 82-Pb-nat., 83-Bi-209, 90-Th-232, 91-Pa-233, 92-U-232, 92-U-233, 92-U-234, 92-U-235, 92-U-236, 92-U-237, 92-U-238, 93-Np-237, 93-Np-238, 94-Pu-238, 94-Pu-239, 94-Pu-240, 94-Pu-241, 94-Pu-242, 95-Am-241, 95-Am-242, 95-Am-242m, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Asia-Pacific region will see tremendous growth in demand for electricity in the next few decades and will be an important market for generation equipment and associated services. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries alone anticipate additional power demand of more than 37,000 NM by the year 2000, with an estimated total expenditure of US $85 billion. Trends in recent years show natural gas-fired combined cycle in plants to be fast gaining in popularity over conventional thermal plants. The advantages include increased primary energy conversion efficiency coupled with significant reduction in pollutant emissions, shorter construction times, faster loading rates and reduced staffing requirements. In the computer model used for generation capacity expansion planning in Tenaga Nasional Berhad, clean coal technology models are not used as candidate plants. In the opinion of the authors, this results from a lack of comprehensive data regarding ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The conversion of highly radioactive waste liquor into glass by the pot vitrification process has been studied at Harwell using a full-scale inactive pilot plant. A summary of the off-gas behavior and its interpretation is presented. Experimental runs were carried out on 3 representative wastes (MAGNOX - thermal reactor, metal fuel, THORP - thermal oxide fuel and PFR - fast reactor oxide fuel) using 2 methods of feeding the glass-formers (slurry and crizzle). Materials were carried over from the vitrification vessel into the off-gas system by entrainment supplemented by volatilization. The overall behavior of the off-gas was consistent with the presence in it of 5 separate aerosols of particulate matter. Sources of entrainment gave rise to 3 aerosols, and a further 2 aerosols were formed as a result of chemical reaction (Ru) and condensation (Cs) processes involving the volatile species. Entrainment was enhanced when the feed contained free ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previous experiments in fast critical assemblies demonstrated a method of determining reactivity from power spectral density measurements with /sup 252/Cf. This method determines reactivity from properties of the reactor only at the subcritical state of interest, thus it does not require a calibration near delayed criticality. The interpretation of the measured data to obtain reactivity does not require knowledge of the relative or absolute values of the source intensity, knowledge of the detection efficiencies, or knowledge of the detection instrumentation frequency responses. An experiment was performed at the Pool Critical Assembly to evaluate the possibility of /sup 252/Cf source driven neutron noise spectral density measurements in light water moderated reactors. This experiment showed that using commercially available detectors, such measurements can be performed in a reasonable time, that is, the measurement of the quantity of interest (the ratio of spectral ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The performance of two-cell planar solid oxide fuel cell stacks using coal syngas, with and without hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S), was studied. All cells were tested at 850 C with a constant current load of 15.2 A (current density of 0.22 A cm{sup -2} per cell) and 30% fuel utilization. The H{sub 2}S injection immediately and significantly affected the power degradation of the stack system regardless of the carrier fuel. Results for the test with only H{sub 2} and N{sub 2} in the presence of H{sub 2}S (119-120 ppm) indicated that the power decay and area-specific resistance (ASR) degradation values were lower than those for the tests where simulated syngas containing CO and increased water content was used. The results indicate that contact points in the stack contributed to the power degradation of the system. Other factors, including contamination from the upstream fuel gas tubing, may have contributed to the higher degradation under simulated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Isothermal reaction experiments were performed in the temperature range of 1000 - 1300 C in order to determine the chemical interactions between Zircaloy-4 fuel rod cladding and Inconel-718 spacer grids of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) under severe accident conditions. It was not possible to apply even higher temperatures since fast and complete liquefaction of the components occurred as a result of eutectic interactions during heatup. The liquid reaction products formed enhance and accelerate the degradation of the material couples and the fuel elements, respectively. Only small amounts of Inconel are necessary to liquefy large amounts of Zircaloy. Thin oxide layers on the Zircaloy surface delay the beginning of the chemical interactions with Inconel but cannot prevent them. In this work the reaction kinetics have been determined for the system: as-received and pre-oxidized Zircaloy-4/Inconel 718. The interactions can be described by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The IAEA has requested several member states to present their proposal of the application of the Integrated Safeguards (IS) system in their nuclear facilities. This report contains a IS proposal for Finland prepared under the Task FIN C 1264 of The Finnish Support Programme to IAEA Safeguards. The comprehensive safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been one of the main tools in the fight against nuclear proliferation since the entry-into-force of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty three decades ago. In the 1990s some of the inherent weaknesses of this so-called traditional safeguards system were revealed first in Iraq and then in North Korea. Therefore, the member states of the LAEA decided to give the Agency additional legal authority in order to make its control system more effective as well as more efficient than before. This was accomplished by the approval of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A technique for measurement of the energy spectra of fission fragments is discussed. The fine structure found in the spectra of fragments from spontaneous fission of {sup 242}Cm and fast-neutron fission of {sup 242{ital m}}Am is analyzed. The quantitative parameters of the structure and their analogy with the characteristics of cold fission are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Four unique deisgn features are described which make the Fast Flux Test Facility eminently suitable for irradiation test programs. These features are a fast flux level of 7 x 10"1"5 neutrons/cm"2/sec, a 36-inch reference (breeder reactor) core height, test volumes suitable for testing of statistical quantities of materials, and the capability for direct (contact) or indirect (proximity) instrumentation of active core experiments.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To meet growth in the fast developing Pearl River Delta economic zone in China`s Guangdong province, a 270 MW oil-fired combined cycle at Foshan was built and commissioned in only 22 months from financial closure. This article describes the Foshan power station, specifications, design, procurement, construction and operating concerns. 5 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) will provide a prototypic test environment for advanced fuels and materials development within the U. S. LMFBR program. As a fast test reactor, the FFTF also provides a potentially unique capability for conduct of safety experimentation relevant to selected LMFBR safety issues associated with postulated core disruption events. The utility and feasibility of possible extension of FFTF testing into the area of safety research is being investigated. 5 fig.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) is proposing to develop a sodium-cooled fast-spectrum reactor (SFR) to transmute and consume actinides from discharged nuclear fuel. To meet performance objectives, new and advanced fuels and targets need to be developed. The fuels to be irradiated include metal and oxide mixed actinides (U-Np-Pu-Am-Cm); for the target concept, Am-Cm has been considered. A significant part of the development process is the irradiation of the fuel and cladding in a prototypic fast reactor environment to determine the performance under irradiation. Analysis results are presented in this paper for a fast-neutron irradiation facility design based on the large fast neutron flux available in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) combined with the use of a strongly-absorbing thermal neutron shield. Several designs were assessed; the preferred ...

CERN Document Server

Shared memory multiprocessors come back to popularity thanks to rapid spreading of commodity multi-core architectures. As ever, shared memory programs are fairly easy to write and quite hard to optimise; providing multi-core programmers with optimising tools and programming frameworks is a nowadays challenge. Few efforts have been done to support effective streaming applications on these architectures. In this paper we introduce FastFlow, a low-level programming framework based on lock-free queues explicitly designed to support high-level languages for streaming applications. We compare FastFlow with state-of-the-art programming frameworks such as Cilk, OpenMP, and Intel TBB. We experimentally demonstrate that FastFlow is always more efficient than all of them in a set of micro-benchmarks and on a real world application; the speedup edge of FastFlow over other solutions might be bold for fine grain ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The proton beam has an advantage of the sharp dose falloff in dose distribution called Bragg peak while conventional radiation therapy modalities such as photons exhibit considerable amount of exit dose. To take advantage of this property it is important to know the exact location of the distal dose falloff. An error can cause overdose to the normal tissue or underdose to the tumor volume. The only way of finding out the dose distribution in-situ in particle therapy is to measure the gammas produced by nuclear reactions with tissue materials. Two kinds of gammas can be used: one is prompt gamma and the other is coincident gamma from the positron-emission isotopes. We chose to detect prompt gammas, and developed a prompt gamma scanning system (PGS). The proton beams of the proton therapy facility at National Cancer Center were used. The gamma distribution was compared to the dose distribution measured by an ionization chamber at three different energies of 100, 150, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We investigated activity patterns of 17 elementary school students aged 10-12, and 19 high school students aged 13-17, in suburban Los Angeles during the oxidant pollution season. Individuals' relationships between ventilation rate (VR) and heart rate (HR) were calibrated' in supervised outdoor walking/jogging. Log VR was consistently proportional to HR; although calibrations' were limited by a restricted range of exercise, and possibly by artifact due to mouthpiece breathing, which may cause overestimation of VR at rest. Each subject then recorded activities in diaries, and recorded HR once per minute by wearing Heart Watches, over 3 days (Saturday-Monday). For each activity the subject estimated a breathing rate--slow (slow walking), medium (fast walking), or fast (running). VR ranges for each breathing rate and activity type were estimated from HR recordings. High-school students' diaries showed their ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To get a considerable reduction of the radiotoxicity due to americium, a thermal neutron fluence of 2.10{sup 22} cm{sup -2} or a fast neutron fluence of 2.10{sup 24} cm{sup -2} is required. Irradiation in a thermal neutron flux leads to lower masses of {sup 234}U and precursors and of {sup 237}Np and precursors, but to higher curium masses and much higher neutron emission rates than irradiation in a fast neutron flux. Therefore, irradiation in a fast neutron flux has preference when multiple recycling is adopted. When once-through burning is applied, irradiation in a thermal neutron flux can be applied. Then irradiation in a HWR has preference above irradiation in a PWR or in a HTGR. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A design of a compact free-electron laser (FEL), generating ultra-fast, high-peak flux, XUV pulses is presented. The FEL is driven by ahigh-current, 0.5 GeV electron beam from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) laser-plasma accelerator, whose active acceleration length is only a few centimeters. The proposed ultra-fast source (~;;10 fs) would be intrinsically temporally synchronized to the drive laser pulse, enabling pump-probe studies in ultra-fast science. Owing to the high current (>10 kA) of the laser-plasma-accelerated electron beams, saturated output fluxes are potentially greater than 10^13 photons/pulse. Devices based both on self-amplified spontaneous emission and high-harmonic generated input seeds, to reduce undulator length and fluctuations, are considered.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 Mwt sodium-cooled fast reactor operating at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory, Richland, Washington, to conduct fuels and materials testing in support of the US Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) program. Startup and initial power testing included a comprehensive series of nonnuclear and nuclear tests to verify the thermal, hydraulic, and neutronic characteristics of the plant. A specially designed series of natural circulation tests were then performed to demonstrate the inherent safety features of the plant. Early in 1982, the FFTF began its first 100-day irradiation cycle. Since that time the plant has operated very well, achieving a cycle capacity factor of 94% in the most recent irradiation cycle. Seventy-five specific test assemblies and 25,000 individual fuel pins have been irradiated, some in excess of 80 MWd/Kg.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using indigenously developed computer program, coupled neutron gamma multi-group libraries have been generated from MA TXS-NJOY files. The MATXS format contains all the details for each reaction. Temperature and dilution factor dependent cross-sections have been generated and used in discrete ordinates method for benchmark studies of fast critical experiments. We have analyzed criticality benchmarks, which includes CSEWG fast critical benchmarks, "2"3"3U and Pu spheres and enriched uranium spheres using 30-group neutron cross-sections. Neutron and gamma spectra for spheres with point neutron source at the center, are also calculated with 42-group coupled neutron gamma cross-sections. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An ionization chamber with fast timing properties was built at CERN for measuring fission cross-sections of minor actinides at the n(_)TOF neutron beam. The design of this new chamber and of the front-end electronics was optimized to match the innovative features of the n(_)TOF facility, in particular the high instantaneous neutron flux and low background. For the most radioactive isotopes, a special version of the chamber, designed according to the ISO2919 standards, was built in order to comply with the radioprotection requirements at CERN. The detector and front-end electronics are here described, together with the simulated and measured response to fission fragments and #alpha#-particles. The performances of the chamber during the first measurement campaign at n(_)TOF are presented, focusing in particular on the fast time response, the good background rejection capability, low-background and high detection efficiency.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) modular stellarator is under construction at the Max-Planck-Institut fuer Plasmaphysik in Greifswald, Germany. The W7-X magnet system contains 70 coils made up from helium cooled superconducting cables in aluminium alloy (EN AW-6063) jackets. Several hundred connections of the jacket to the cable joints are made by aluminium-to-aluminium welds. Due to geometrical and thermal boundary conditions these welds cannot be accomplished free from defects. Microscopic analyses of the welds show that a variety of small flaws such as cracks and pores develop during welding. The welds have thus to be dimensioned accordingly, and appropriate weld qualification, investigation and testing has to be done in order not to jeopardise the structural integrity and leak tightness. The weld is mechanically loaded during cool-down due to the difference in thermal contractions between the GRP insulation and the aluminium, and during operation by bending moments ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

One approach in the design of neutral oxotechnetium complexes is based on the simultaneous substitution of a tridentate dianionic ligand and a monodentate monoanionic coligand on a [Tc(V)O]"+"3 precursor. Following this ''mixed ligand'' concept, a novel "9"9"mTc complex with N,N-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N'N'-diethylethylenediamine as ligand and 1-octanethiol as coligand is prepared and evaluated as potential brain radiopharmaceutical. Preparation of the complex at tracer level was accomplished by using "9"9"mTc-glucoheptonate as precursor. The substitution was optimized and a coligand/ligand ratio of 5 was selected. Under this conditions the labeling yield was over 80% and a major product (with radiochemical purity > 80%) was isolated by HPLC methods and used for biological evaluation. Chemical characterization at carrier level was developed using the corresponding rhenium complex as structural model. The Re complex was also prepared by substitution method and isolated as a crystalline ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dose calculations for radiation arc therapy are traditionally performed by approximating continuous delivery arcs with multiple static beams. For 3D conformal arc treatments, the shape and weight variation per degree is usually small enough to allow arcs to be approximated by static beams separated by 5"0-10"0. But with intensity-modulated arc therapy (IMAT), the variation in shape and dose per degree can be large enough to require a finer angular spacing. With the increase in the number of beams, a deterministic dose calculation method, such as collapsed-cone convolution/superposition, will require proportionally longer computational times, which may not be practical clinically. We propose to use a homegrown Monte Carlo kernel-superposition technique (MCKS) to compute doses for rotational delivery. The IMAT plans were generated with 36 static beams, which were subsequently interpolated into finer angular intervals for dose calculation to mimic the continuous arc delivery. Since MCKS ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Segmented Rail Phased Induction Motor (SERAPHIM) is a compact, pulsed linear induction motor (LIM) offering a unique capability for very high speed train propulsion. It uses technology developed for the Sandia coilgun, an electromagnetic launcher designed to accelerate projectiles to several kilometers per second. Both aluminum cylinders and plates were accelerated to a kilometer per second (Mach 3) by passing through a sequence of coils which were energized at the appropriate time. Although this technology was developed for ultra-high velocity, it can be readily adapted to train propulsion for which, at sea level, the power required to overcome air resistance limits the operational speed to a more modest 300 mph. Here, the geometry is reversed. The coils are on the vehicle and the ``projectiles`` are fixed along the roadbed. SERAPHIM operates not by embedding flux in a conductor, but by excluding it. In this propulsion scheme, pairs of closely spaced coils on the vehicle straddle ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are being developed and commercialized around the world at a rate never before seen. These efforts are driven by the prospect of vehicles with lower emissions and higher fuel efficiencies. The widespread adaptation of such vehicles promises a cleaner environment and a reduction in the rate of accumulation of greenhouse gases, Critical to the success of this technology is the use of electrochemical power sources such as batteries and fuel cells, which can convert chemical energy to electrical energy more efficiently and quietly than internal combustion engines. This overview will concentrate on the work being conducted in the US to develop advanced propulsion systems for the electric and hybrid vehicles, This work is spearheaded by the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) for electric vehicles and the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicle (PNGV) for hybrid-electric vehicles, both of which can be read about on the world ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The FFTF is a 400-MWt sodium-cooled fast neutron flux test reactor located on the US government-owned Hanford Site in southeastern Washington state. The reactor is operated for the US Department of Energy by the Westinghouse Hanford Company. Since FFTF started routine operation in 1982, the commercially fabricated driver fuel has performed flawlessly to well beyond the design goal peak burnup of 80 MWd/kgM. The core average discharge exposure is now some 60% beyond the original design expectations and attests to the ruggedness and reliability of the mixed oxide fuel system. In Cycle 9 sixteen long-life assemblies were installed to begin the irradiation of mixed oxides in the advanced low-swelling alloy HT-9 as the Core Demonstration Experiment (CDE). Operation of the plant from initial startup testing to ten cycles of operation has confirmed that the nuclear characteristics are well within the design predictions, and all parameters have ...

Science.gov (United States)

Ratiometric fluorescent dyes are often used to monitor free ion concentrations in vivo, especially in cells that are recalcitrant to transformation with genetically encoded fluorescent markers. Although intracellular dye distributions are often found to be cytosolic, dye localisation has often not been examined in detail. We began exploring the use of BCECF (2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein) to monitor pH in the giant alga Chara australis and discovered that younger leaf cells could be loaded using the acetoxymethyl ester of BCECF. However, we were puzzled to find in microphotometric measurements that the fluorescence ratio appeared insensitive to manipulations affecting cytosolic pH. Confocal imaging of C. australis cells loaded with BCECF showed an accumulation of the dye in two locations: (1) on the outside of the chloroplasts in irregularly shaped stationary bodies; (2) within 1-1.5 mum structures that moved rapidly with the pericellular cytoplasmic streaming. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Accurate automated alignment of laser beams in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is essential for achieving extreme temperature and pressure required for inertial confinement fusion. The alignment achieved by the integrated control systems relies on algorithms processing video images to determine the position of the laser beam images in real-time. Alignment images that exhibit wide variations in beam quality require a matched-filter algorithm for position detection. One challenge in designing a matched-filter based algorithm is to construct a filter template that is resilient to variations in imaging conditions while guaranteeing accurate position determination. A second challenge is to process the image as fast as possible. This paper describes the development of a new analytical template that captures key recurring features present in the beam image to accurately estimate the beam position under good image quality conditions. Depending on ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the present work, the introduction of alternative energy of biogas in agricultural communities for the sustainable development was studied through exploitation of residual biomass and also getting as by-product the biological fertilizer. A fast composting of the domestic residue with the organic was made possible where part of this residue after processing was taken together with effluent to the biodigestor. The bibliographical research on the processes of generation of biogas, about composting and the equipment for processing had been carried through. The projects Engineering with the use of computational tools had been developed with the Software Super Pro 4,9 Design and ORC GPEC 2004 by our research group. Five case studies had been elaborated, where different scenes related with our innovation, that uses of the residue for the composting together with domestic effluent for digestion. Several economic parameters were obtained and our work proved the viability ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reported on a new cutting mechanism that cuts fresh wood into small pieces instead of wood chips in order to avoid the problem of fermentation that occurs in storage. The prototype cutting device performs a gradual and oblique cut. It consists of a large auger in which a knife is inserted on the outer edge of the helicoid. Tree trunks up to 20 cm in diameter are fed perpendicularly into the machine and are pushed along the axis where slices are cut off against a fixed sharp-edged counter blade. The cylinder enclosing the auger is the main frame of the machine, and is closed at one end, where a heavy flywheel delivers the energy coming from the tractor's power take-off (PTO). The wood pieces ranging in length from 4 to 19 cm exit through the opposite end. The auger is 700 mm in diameter with a 300 mm pitch spacing. The logs are pushed into the machine by counter-rotating rollers placed in the feed funnel. Tests were conducted to determine the operative performance ...