Science.gov (United States)

The aim of the classical multiple test strip is to perform routine chemical analysis in one single operation, yielding maximum diagnostic and prognostic information. A maximum of 10 test areas should not be exceeded. The efficiency of the currently marketed test strips is discussed and improvements within acceptable price limits are suggested. PMID:10841930

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The author describes the purpose, classification and main process of acceptance test of full scope simulator of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, including the correction of non-conformance items which are discovered during the performance of acceptance tests. The results of the acceptance tests show that the model accepted by the full scope simulator of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant is fully able to cope with the simulation of normal transients and incidental transients and the performance of the simulator indeed compiled with the technical specifications which are defined n the relevant contracts.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility has been in operation for approximately five years, including about one thousand days of full power operation of the Fast Test Reactor. During that time the collective dose equivalents received by operating personnel have been about two orders of magnitude lower than those typically received at commercial light water reactors. No major contamination problems have been encountered in operating and maintaining the plant, and release of radioactive gas to the environment has been minimal and well below acceptable limits. All shields have performed satisfactorily. Experience to date indicates an apparent radiological superiority of liquid metal reactor systems over current light water plants.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The SY-101 Equipment Removal System 100 Ton Hydraulic Trailer was designed and built by KAMP Systems, Inc. Performance of the Acceptance Test Procedure at KAMP`s facility in Ontario, California (termed Phase 1 in this report) was interrupted by discrepancies noted with the main hydraulic cylinder. The main cylinder was removed and sent to REMCO for repair while the trailer was sent to Lampson`s facility in Pasco, Washington. The Acceptance Test Procedure was modified and performance resumed at Lampson (termed Phase 2 in this report) after receipt of the repaired cylinder. At the successful conclusion of Phase 2 testing the trailer was accepted as meeting all the performance criteria specified.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radioactive waste shipping and receiving facilities presently planned for commercial and defense high-level nuclear waste will handle waste packages at frequencies far in excess of those in common practice today. If current limits for radiation levels at the cask surface and current handling methods are used, high cumulative personnel exposure to ionizing radiation is projected to occur. To reduce these exposure levels, alternate handling methods are being developed and demonstrated. The production nature of cask receiving operations, suggests commercial robotics be incorporated into a remote handling system to reduce predicted worker exposure to acceptable levels while maintaining or increasing throughput. The first phase of cask handling system development culminated in a proof-of-principle test demonstrating the feasibility of performing cask receiving and unloading operations in a remote and partially automated manner.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By tests about pipe failure under extreme bending, moment at cross sections affected by circumferential cracks, admissible strains for securing the integrity in the area of a flow link are indicated. These are 7% for austenic and ferritic materials in the undisturbed cross section. From d/t-ratios of 20 onwards the strains are limited by pipe bulging on the pressure-load side. In this connection, circumferential flaws do not have any influence on the behaviour on the strained side, when their expansion does not exceed the investigated limitis of <60 circumferential expansion and crack depth of 0,3 t. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

15 to 75% of the gun barrel diameter. Similarly, model masses typically vary from 0.01 to 100 .... taining acceptable levels of gun barrel erosion. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tritium, a beta emitting gas at room temperature causes a biological hazard in the locations where it is present beyond acceptable limits. The hazard can be due to inhalation, and absorption by skin. Hence is the necessity of Tritium monitoring instruments/systems for ensuring safety in the PHWRs and the nuclear research plants and laboratories. It is desirable that the instruments address satisfactorily to certain factors like the following: (i) Wide range of Tritium concentrations - 1 to 104 DAC ( Derived Air Concentration) (ii) On-line monitoring features (iii) Small response time (On-spot instantaneous measurements) (iv) Portability (v) Mitigation of memory effects. This paper presents an overview of the Online Tritium in Air Monitoring Systems manufactured by ECIL for Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors at Tarapur, Kaiga, and Rawatbhata. Significant aspects of design, function, testing, limitations of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The guide describes a method acceptable to the NRC staff for complying with the Commission's regulations with regard to quality assurance requirements for installation, inspection, and testing of mechanical equipment and systems for water-cooled and high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear power plants.

CERN Document Server

We give a general local central limit theorem for the sum of two independent random variables, one of which satisfies a central limit theorem while the other satisfies a local central limit theorem with the same order variance. We apply this result to various quantities arising in stochastic geometry, including: size of the largest component for percolation on a box; number of components, number of edges, or number of isolated points, for random geometric graphs; covered volume for germ-grain coverage models; number of accepted points for finite-input random sequential adsorption; sum of nearest-neighbour distances for a random sample from a continuous multidimensional distribution.

CERN Document Server

Phase II collimators will complement the existing system to improve the expected high RF impedance and limited efficiency of Phase I jaws. An international collaborative effort has been launched to identify novel advanced materials responding to the very challenging requirements of the new collimators. Complex numerical calculations simulating extreme conditions and experimental tests are in progress. In parallel, an innovative modular design concept of the jaw assembly is being developed to allow fitting in alternative materials, minimizing the thermally induced deformations, withstanding accidents and accepting high radiation doses. Phase II jaw assembly is made up of a molybdenum back-stiffener ensuring high geometrical stability and a modular jaw split in threes sectors. Each sector is equipped with a high-efficiency independent cooling circuit. Beam position monitors (BPM) are embedded in the jaws to fasten setup time ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The acceptances to be obtained during the first operational run, refer to measures proving the functional integrity of the turbine control system and assuring the compliance with the maximum allowable overspeed in case of lead changes or perturbations. The Guideline concerns essentially speed, power, and pressure controllers coupled to generators. It may be appropriately extended to steam turbines serving other purposes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper is concerned with methods of limiting the build-up of transient voltages between sheath and armor in long armored power cables. Calculations by a frequency dependent cable model demonstrate that this voltage can be efficiently limited to an acceptable level by introducing sheath-armor bondings at regular intervals, or by using a semiconductive sheath-armor interlayer. The paper investigates the required minimum length between bondings, as well as the required conductivity of the sheath-armor interlayer if the use of bondings is to be avoided.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Information is presented concerning GCFR design and limiting faulted events; selection of PC-5 temperature limit; and verification test programs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The operational limits of the Tower Shielding Reactor-2 (TSR-2) have been revised to account for placing the reactor in a beam shield, which reduces convection cooling during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). A detailed heat transfer analysis was performed to set operating time limits which preclude fuel damage during a LOCA. Since a LOCA is survivable, the pressure boundary need not be safety related, minimizing seismic and inspection requirements. Measurements of reactor component emittance for this analysis revealed that aluminum oxidized in water may have emittance much higher than accepted values, allowing higher operating limits than were originally expected. These limits could be increased further with analytical or hardware improvements. 5 refs., 7 figs.

Science.gov (United States)

This study presents the data of an evaluation of the automated Nuclisens easyMAG and EasyQ systems versus the Roche AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR combination for testing of high-volume human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load. This represents a follow-up of a previous study investigating the performance of the real-time Nuclisens assay using the semiautomated NucliSENS miniMAG extraction procedure. Three hundred eighteen patient samples were analyzed using both methods. The easyMAG-EasyQ HIV type 1 system has a higher sensitivity and broader dynamic range than the Cobas AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR system when the standard Roche assay is used alone, 25 to 3,000,000 IU/ml versus 400 to 750,000 HIV RNA copies/ml, respectively. There was significant correlation between the assays (0.93; P < 0.0001), with good accuracy (percent similarity mean ? = 96%), good precision (percent similarity standard deviation = 4.97%), and overall good agreement with a low percent similarity coefficient of ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The achievement of governmental transformation through the use of electronically delivered services is a worthy goal that requires significant planning and research to achieve. In order to reach transformational paradigm shifts in governmental operation, it will first be necessary to understand and optimize present governmental e-Service provisions. Of these, the revenue function of taxation is paramount. This paper describes factors related to the use and acceptance by accounting professionals of information technology intended to facilitate electronic tax filing systems. Though tested in the context of governmental tax management systems in Turkey, our findings on the use and acceptance of e-Tax systems are relevant and applicable to a great number of nations and contexts as the ongoing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The effects of reservoir layering and gravity segregation on nonisothermal injection and falloff tests are investigated. Results show that layering does not affect injection or falloff data if all the layers are permeable and accept fluids from the wellbore. In such cases, the average permeability, skin factor, and distance to the thermal front can be calculated using the techniques developed for homogeneous reservoirs. Special considerations have to be taken for cases where several layers are impermeable or are permeable but do not accept fluids of the well face. In the first case (impermeable layers), knowledge of the total thickness of the permeable layers is required for the existing techniques to be applied successfully. In the second case, the existing techniques cannot be applied, but characteristic responses from injection and falloff test are seen; therefore, this case can be identified easily. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Accelerated aging tests such as high temperature burn-in, which are in current use on Bendix Kansas City Division's (BKC) purchased small and medium scale integrated circuits, were evaluated to determine if they are effective and necessary to ensure the required reliability. A theoretical analysis, a literature search, and a study of lot acceptance results were used to assess the value of integrated circuit burn-in.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A cylindrical multiwire drift chamber is the central detector of the AMPIR spectrometer. It has 4#pi# acceptance angle and was designed to study pion-nucleon reactions. The chamber can determine the three coordinates through the electron drift time and charge division ration. The paper describes the layout and design of the chamber, the test bench, the data output circuit, the design parameters, and the results of computer simulations and tests.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

I describe a search for anomalous production of Z pairs through a new massive resonance X in 2.5-2.9 fb{sup -1} of p{bar p} collisions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV using the CDFII Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. I reconstruct Z pairs through their decays to electrons, muons, and quarks. To achieve perhaps the most efficient lepton reconstruction ever used at CDF, I apply a thorough understanding of the detector and new reconstruction software heavily revised for this purpose. In particular, I have designed and employ new general-purpose algorithms for tracking at large {eta} in order to increase muon acceptance. Upon analyzing the unblinded signal samples, I observe no X {yields} ZZ candidates and set upper limits on the production cross section using a Kaluza-Klein graviton-like acceptance.

Science.gov (United States)

A clinical laboratory evaluation was conducted on the Clinitek Auto 2000, the Super Aution Analyzer and the Urotron RL9 for the determination of glucose, protein, pH, blood, ketone-bodies and bilirubin.Precision of the systems was tested using three commercial control urine materials, and reported as the percentage of times the instrument repeats a certain value. Good repeatability was obtained with all the instruments.Accuracy of the systems was evaluated by comparison with quantitative procedures, and to check agreement between methods yielding semi-quantitative and quantitative results, ranges of acceptability were defined, based on the criteria reported in a previous paper [2]. It was then found that 87.5 to 98.9% of results from the Urotron RL9 and the Clinitek Auto 2000 were acceptable. With the Super Aution Analyzer the level of agreement was apparently lower because of the higher number of concentration steps used ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Automatic segmentation of anatomical structures in medical images is a valuable tool for efficient computer-aided radiotherapy and surgery planning and an enabling technology for dynamic adaptive radiotherapy. This paper presents the design, algorithms and validation of new software for the automatic segmentation of CT images used for radiotherapy treatment planning. A coarse to fine approach is followed that consists of presegmentation, anatomic orientation and structure segmentation. No user input or a priori information about the image content is required. In presegmentation, the body outline, the bones and lung equivalent tissue are detected. Anatomic orientation recognizes the patient's position, orientation and gender and creates an elastic mapping of the slice positions to a reference scale. Structure segmentation is divided into localization, outlining and refinement, performed by procedures with implicit anatomic knowledge using standard image processing operations. ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives(1) Evaluate various insitu techniques for determination of the permeability of slurry walls and investigate the extent of material disturbance and fracturing during drilling and testing.~%~~%~(2) Perform laboratory tests of block samples obtained from the field testing site and compare the results with field measurements.~%~~%~(3) Investigate the mechanisms of drilling using a newly developed instrumented self-boring device and develop a theoretical framework for drilling mechanisms in soils.~% [continued...]DescriptionCement-bentonite and clay liner systems are used as components of containment systems by the environmental industry to control the migration of pollution. In the interest of public safety, following construction, there is a requirement to test these structures in orde to assess if they meet the design critetia. At present this is done only ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Image representations have gained wide acceptance in displaying data collected during optical, ultrasonic, radiographic, and thermographic inspections. Applying imaging techniques to eddy current testing is explored in this article. The authors show that flaw interpretation and characterization are made considerably simpler when images are used to visualize the impedance changes in eddy current probes.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cited are the results of physico-chemical studies and industrial tests of a copolymer of methacrylic acid and diethylammonium salt, used for limiting the influx of stratum waters into a well.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Surface doses received by patients and operators were measured during 30 interventional radiological procedures (ten percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages, ten percutaneous nephrostomies, ten percutaneous transluminal angioplasties). In addition, organ doses to the patient were determined using an Alderson-Rando phantom. These served as a basis for calculating the so-called somatic dose indices. It was found that the somatic radiation risk to the patient is relatively small despite prolonged periods of fluoroscopy. However, exposure of the hands and lenses of the operator could easily reach the limits thought acceptable while carrying out these procedures with additional angiography. (orig).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The prevailing hypothesis of linear extrapolation from high to low radiation doses without any threshold level is being questioned more and more strongly for radiobiological and epidemiological reasons and, consequently, also on socio-economic and ethical grounds. A cost-benefit analysis based on scientific facts and made plausible to the general public, concentrating on a comparison with demonstrable natural and manmade risks, most probably would result not only in the permissible limits being raised by a considerable margin, but also in billions of costs saved, and in greater acceptance of all peaceful uses of radiation, nuclear power included. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aluminum hydroxide coatings on fuel elements stored in aluminum canisters in K West Basin were measured in July and August 1998. Good quality data was produced that enabled statistical analysis to determine a bounding value for aluminum hydroxide at a 99% confidence level. The updated bounding value is 10.6 kg per Multi-Canister Overpack (MCO), compared to the previously estimated bounding value of 8 kg/MCO. Thermal analysis using the updated bounding value, shows that the MCO generates oxygen concentrate that are below the lower flammability limits during the 40-year interim storage period and are, therefore, acceptable.

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)

Science.gov (United States)

The performance of the leukocyte test area of the new multiple urine test strip, Multistix-10-SG, was evaluated in both field trials and model experiments. The detection limit was found to be adequate for routine purposes. Unspecific reactions are rare and generally indicated by the results of the other test areas. PMID:3572312

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As an integral part of the Fast Test Reactor Vibration Program for Reactor Internals, the flow-induced vibrational characteristics of scaled Fast Test Reactor core internal and peripheral components were assessed under scaled and simulated prototype flow conditions in the Hydraulic Core Mockup. The Hydraulic Core Mockup, a 0.285 geometric scale model, was designed to model the vibrational and hydraulic characteristics of the Fast Test Reactor. Model component vibrational characteristics were measured and determined over a range of 36 percent to 111 percent of the scaled prototype design flow. Selected model and prototype components were shaker tested to establish modal characteristics. The dynamic response of the Hydraulic Core Mockup components exhibited no anomalous flow-rate dependent or modal characteristics, and prototype response predictions were adjudged acceptable.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of this project was to demonstrate that a new low-expanding ceramic (Ca{sub 0.6},Mg{sub 0.4})Zr{sub 4}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6}, hereafter referred to as CMZP, could be used as an exhaust manifold liner in off-road diesel engines and provide improved engine efficiency (by permitting higher engine operating temperature). This study has successfully demonstrated this improvement and further engine testing (and possible manufacturing) is presently underway at Caterpillar Inc. Laboratories. Basically this program involved two subcontracts: one to Virginia Tech to develop sintering procedures for CMZP, and one to Caterpillar, Inc. to develop slip casting procedures for CMZP. Nearly 100kg of CMZP were prepared by MATVA, Inc. and Virginia Tech for use by Caterpillar. Virginia Tech developed detailed sintering procedures for CMZP and Caterpillar developed slip casting procedures and manufactured several exhaust manifold elbows. These elbows have been cast into prototype ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of addition of rosemary and oregano extracts on the sensory quality of irradiated beef burger was investigated. Batches of beef burgers were prepared with 400 ppm of rosemary or oregano extract and a group prepared with 200 ppm of synthetic butyl-hydroxytoluene (BHT)/butyl-hydroxy-anisol (BHA) was used as a control. Half of each formulation was irradiated at the maximum dose allowed for frozen meat (7 kGy). Samples were kept under frozen conditions (-20 deg. C) during the whole storage period, including during irradiation. Two analyses were performed after 20 and 90 days to verify the influence of the addition of the different types of antioxidants and the effect of irradiation and storage time on the acceptance of the product. Thirty-three and thirty-four untrained panelists were invited to participate in the first and second test, respectively. A structured hedonic scale ranging from 1 to 9 points was used in both analyses. BHT/BHA ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In robotics inverse dynamics is a standard control concept for highly nonlinear multibody systems. It is shown, however, that inverse dynamics results in a high energy demand. Therefore, linear energy efficient state feedback controllers are designed in a way that a performance index representing the energy consumption is minimized. At the same time inequality constraints such as control error and limited input variables have to be met. For the control design an analytical solution by pole placement is presented as well as a numerical controller optimization. This control design includes small motions in the neighborhood of the operating point. Then, linear controllers are tested with respect to control error and energy consumption when undergoing large displacement motion. It is shown that linear state feedback can only save energy if large control errors are accepted. Therefore, nonlinear systems are optimized as a whole ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The insulating oil used in a transformer is a critical component, as its service life is typically 20 years with possibly little or no maintenance. Partial discharges (PD), thermal overloads and static discharges continually subject the oil to chemical deterioration during its operating life. To ensure equipment reliability during service, it is important that the initial quality of the new insulating oil should meet the required acceptance specifications and preferably be pre-tested before use. Accelerated aging tests have been devised to determine the life expectancy of oil in service by using forced air or oxygen flow into the oil, the presence of a copper catalyst, and at elevated temperatures. The more important standards relating to transformer application are discussed and highlights of the more important aspects of the oxidation chemistry of hydrocarbons are included. The ultimate aim of the project is the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A brief FFTF project description is provided which includes general plant siting information, general layout, plant design parameters, description of principal systems and components, and description of support facilities. The current status of the FFTF project is provided, including status of plant construction, overall status of the plant checkout and test program, status of operating authorization and plant operating procedures and personnel, and status of reactor core components and experiments. Specific information on the acceptance test program and early program results is discussed. The role of FFTF in the future breeder program is described, including its objectives for verification of plant system and components designs and operability and use as an irradiation test facility.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ideal free distribution (IFD) models are perhaps the group of mathematical models of behavior that have been the most widely and successfully applied by empiricists. These models can be applied to nearly any situation in which consumers compete?by any mechanism?for resources that are patchily distributed in their environment. Although IFD models have come to be broadly accepted, experiments that simultaneously test more than a single prediction are rare. Instead, investigators normally either test (1) for a relationship between the distribution of consumers and the distribution of resources or (2) whether average fitnesses are equal across resource patches. We conducted experiments with pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) feeding on two patches of fava beans (Vicia faba L.) to fully in...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To dispose the radioactive waste drums, the waste form's integrity and the nuclides inventories must be assured according to the national and site waste acceptance criteria. Because they might be would gravely affected the performance objectives of disposal site. Our national regulation for the waste inventory related to 'Radioactive Waste Acceptance Criteria' requires that the activities of 13 nuclides and gross #alpha# must be measured and the 95 % of nuclides incorporated in the drum must be identified. It is very difficult to measure the radioactivity with accuracy from the regulated waste drum(200L), and have a large error in the analysis results. In present, there are two system, SGS (Segmented Gamma Scanning System) and TGS (Tomographic Gamma Scanning System) for the analysis of radionuclides from the waste drums. In general, it is known that the accuracy of TGS is below 20 % and that of SGS is below 30 %. The accuracy of TGS is better ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Whenever moving surfaces interact, wear particles are produced. Microscopic examination of the morphology of such wear debris is an accepted method for machine condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Wear particle analysis has not, however, been widely accepted in industry because it is dependent on expert interpretation of particle morphology and relies on subjective assessment criteria. Consequently, the methods are time consuming and expensive and are not always consistent. The use of automated computer image analysis systems to assess the morphology of debris promises to overcome these limitations by making the methods more time and cost efficient, and also more consistent and effective. The first step required for automation of the analysis procedure is to develop objective criteria for assessing the wear particle morphology. Numerical parameters to describe the morphology have been developed and are outlined in this ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

HEDL is conducting an experimental transient testing program to evaluate the performance of prototypic Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) fuel pins up to the cladding integrity limit. The relationship is described of the HEDL/TREAT transient overpower test program to the confirmation of FFTF fuel pin design bases via the FFTF fuel pin design procedure.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Various electrochemical capacitors (ultracapacitors) are being developed for hybrid vehicles as candidate power assist devices for the fast response engine. The primary functions of the ultracapacitor are to level the dynamic power loads on the primary propulsion device and recover available energy from regenerative breaking during off-peak power periods. Ultracapacitors show promise toward being able to accept high regenerative pulses while exhibiting very high cycle life. This paper will present test data from selected US Department of Energy (DOE) supported ultracapacitor projects designed to meet the fast response engine requirements. Devices containing carbon, conducting polymers, and metal oxide electrode materials in combination with aqueous or organic electrolytes are being supported by the DOE. This paper will present and discuss testing data obtained from recent prototype capacitors supplied by Maxwell Energy ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The power industry is moving toward the use of high-voltage transmission lines on tall, flexible towers. These towers are designed for heavier loadings than were previous towers, but the secondary effects of tower displacement tend to be ignored in the present day tower analysis. This paper examines the secondary effects from the large displacement of flexible towers, reviews the secondary stresses arising from joint rigidity and member continuity, and examines the reliability of tower strength predicted by the ASCE design guidelines. More realistic tower test acceptance criteria and a more reliable tower design methodology are suggested.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Taconite tailings and their component asbestiform minerals in Lake Superior water had no demonstrable effect on the chronic toxicity of cadmium to the flagfish, Jordanella floridae. Maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations determined in life cycle tests, where effects on survival, growth, reproduction, and bioconcentration were used as endpoints, were between 3.3 to 7.4, 3.0 to 6.5, and 3.4 to 7.3 micrograms cadmium/liter at 0.004, 0.08, and 0.95 mg/liter taconite tailings concentrations, respectively.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document describes the development testing phase associated with the OTA Shear activity and defines the controls to be in place throughout the testing. The purpose of the OTA Shear Program was to provide equipment that is needed for the processing of 40 foot long, sodium wetted, irradiated core components previously used in the FFTF reactor to monitor fuel and materials tests. There are currently 15 of these OTA test stalks located in the Test Assembly Conditioning Station (TACS) inerted vault. These need to be dispositioned for a shutdown mission to eliminate this highly activated, high dose inventory prior to turnover to the ERC since they must be handled by remote operations. These would also need to be dispositioned for a restart mission to free up the vault they currently reside in. The waste handling and cleaning equipment in the J33M Cell was designed and built for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

ASME Subcommittee 2 on materials presented a series of questions to PVRC regarding the acceptability of using the criteria of ASME Section 2, Part D, Appendix 1 for extending design limits for AISI 304 stainless steel beyond 1,500 F to 2,000 F and Alloy 800 HT from 1,650 F to 1,800 F respectively. This paper describes a project supported by PVRC to try and find an answer to this question. The project consisted of three parts. The first was a survey to determine the intent behind the wording of the ASME criteria in order to make an extrapolation of methods for setting design limits to higher temperatures. The second was a demonstration of a methodology for developing very high temperature limits, using a set of creep data for Alloy 800 HT. The third was a parametric study to evaluate the feasibility of using the minimum creep rate based deformation criterion used in the ASME Code to set strain related ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper the authors show the means putting in place for examination of steam generators tubes. These means (eddy current probes, ultrasonic testing) associated with a knowledge on degradation phenomena allow mapping controlled tubes and limiting undesirable obturations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simulations of the x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator are presented that include transverse effects and realistic Bragg crystal properties with the two-dimensional code GINGER. In the present cases considered the radiation divergence is much narrower than the crystal acceptance, and the numerical algorithm can be simplified by ignoring the finite angular bandwidth of the crystal. In this regime GINGER shows that the saturated x-ray pulses have 109 photons and are nearly Fourier-limited with peak powers in excess of 1 MW. Wealso include preliminary results for a four-mirror cavity that can be tuned in wavelength over a few percent, with future plans to incorporate the full transverse response of the Bragg crystals into GINGER to more accurately model this tunable source.

Science.gov (United States)

A model is presented for heat and fluid flow during hammer and anvil splat cooling. Predictions are made for the effects of superheat and hammer speed on splat thickness, cooling rate, and subsequent glass formation. The regime of Newtonian heat flow is extended well beyond the previously accepted limiting value of Nusselt number. Measurements of the structure, stability, and thickness of Fe{sub 80}B{sub 20} and Pd{sub 80}Si{sub 20} hammer and anvil splats qualitatively confirm the model prediction. Variations of superheat in shock tube splats produced similar trends to those observed in the hammer and anvil device. In an attempt to vary the equivalent of hammer speed in a shock tube device, an orifice producing a supersonic shock wave was utilized. Significant splat flake thickness reductions resulted as compared to subsonic orifices.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A detailed assessment of the FFTF Primary Heat Transport System (PHTS) piping has led to the conclusion that the integrity of the piping is assured such that there is no realistic potential for a rupture. Nevertheless, consistent with the practice of showing design margins even for hypothetical events, a spectrum of postulated PHTS ruptures has been analyzed. The analyses showed that upstream of the reactor vessel inlet downcomer, rupture areas of any size including a double-ended rupture could be tolerated with no core coolant boiling. At the most limiting location, the reactor inlet nozzle, rupture areas of 75 in."2 and 55 in."2 could be tolerated for three-loop and two-loop operation, respectively. This paper will present the following: (1) the criterion with which consequences of postulated pipe ruptures are compared; (2) the general transient response of the FFTF to postulated ruptures; and (3) the acceptable rupture sizes for the FFTF ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A large acceptance, high stopping power, Bragg curve spectrometer has been developed for use in coincidence experiments with heavy ions. The electron collection fields are radial and position information is obtained from a resistive anode. The detector is 60 cm deep and operates at pressures of up to 2.5 atm of P-10 gas. It is mated to a scattering chamber which allows it to be moved out of plane during coincidence measurements. The detector design was aided by the results of computer simulations of the electron collection process in the detector, and of the signal processing in the electronics. The signals from the Bragg curve spectrometer are recorded in a waveform digitizer and the Bragg peak height, range, position and pileup rejection information are determined from software analysis of the recorded signals. Factors limiting the performance of the detector are discussed, and results obtained with the detector are presented. (orig.).

Science.gov (United States)

The results of a study conducted by Working Group 10 of the AGARD Fluid Dynamics Panel to investigate the limits of boundary layer methods, both the integral and field type formulations, for calculating three-dimensional turbulent separated flow are presented. Test cases used to assess the boundary layer calculations included the DFLVR prolate spheroid at angle of attack and the NASA-Ames Wing C. Comparisons between boundary layer calculations and experimental data are presented for these test cases along with observations, conclusions, and recommendations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The repeated use and limited lifetime of a composite tiring vessel compel a need to survey techniques for monitoring the structural integrity of the vessel in order to determine when it should be retired. Various nondestructive techniques were researched and evaluated based on their applicability to the vessel. The methods were visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, surface mounted strain gauges, thermal inspection, acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, radiography, eddy current testing, and embedded fiber optic sensors. It was determined that embedded fiber optic sensor is the most promising technique due to their ability to be embedded within layers of composites and their immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fast Test Reactor core internal and peripheral components were assessed for flow-induced vibrational characteristics under scaled and simulated prototype flow conditions in the Hydraulic Core Mockup as an integral part of the Fast Test Reactor Vibration Program. The Hydraulic Core Mockup was an 0.285 geometric scale model of the Fast Test Reactor internals designed to simulate prototype vibrational and hydraulic characteristics. Using water to simulate sodium coolant, vibrational characteristics were measured and determined for selected model components over the scaled flow range of 36 to 110%. Additionally, in-situ shaker tests were conducted on selected Hydraulic Core Mockup outlet plenum components to establish modal characteristics. Most components exhibited resonant response at all test flow rates; however, the measured dynamic response was neither abnormal nor anomalously ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

For the safety of astronauts and to ensure the stability and integrity of the genome of microorganisms and plants used in bioregenerative life support systems, it is important to improve our knowledge of the combined action of (space) radiation and microgravity. The SOS-LUX-TOXICITY test, as part of the TRIPLE-LUX project (accepted for flight at Biolab in Columbus on the International Space Station, (ISS)), will provide an estimation of the health risk resulting from exposure of astronauts to the radiation environment of space in microgravity. The project will: (i) increase our knowledge of biological/health threatening action of space radiation and enzymatic DNA repair; (ii) uncover cellular mechanisms of synergistic interaction of microgravity and space radiation; (iii) provide specified...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An industrial design of turbodrill with oil-filled gear reducer has been made and has passed comprehensive field tests. In its energy characteristics, durability and operating properties, it is acceptable for broad introduction into drilling practice. In all regions of drilling, the use of the reducer increases the drilling per drill bit, and with sufficient depth, the run velocity of drilling. In certain regions (for example, West Siberia) it is possible to increase the mechanical velocity by high torque at the reducer outlet. The inter-repair service life of the oil-filled reducers for West Siberia and Tatariya exceeds on the average 100 hours. For wells with high face temperatures (over 1502)C) it reaches 42.6 hours. Further increase in the service life is associated with an increase in the thermoresistance, primarily, of the lubricator assembly. The design of the oil-filled reducer makes it possible to repair it in the existing turbine ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

While it is difficult to prove that a specific material is causing contamination in a landfill, tests have been conducted at waste-to-energy facilities that indicate that household batteries contribute significant amounts of heavy metals to both air emissions and ash residue. Hennepin County, MN, used a dual approach for developing and implementing a special household battery collection. Alternative collection methods were examined; test collections were conducted. The second phase examined operating and disposal policy issues. This report describes the results of the grant project, moving from a broad examination of the construction and content of batteries, to a description of the pilot collection programs, and ending with a discussion of variables affecting the cost and operation of a comprehensive battery collection program. Three out-of-state companies (PA, NY) were found that accept spent batteries; difficulties in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a liquid-metal-cooled fast reactor, which is designed to test a variety of different structural and fuel materials. A safety analysis is performed for each experiment that is irradiated in FFTF. The FFTF final safety analysis report (FSAR) assumed that all driver fuel assemblies would maintain cladding integrity during normal operations and all design transients. Maintenance of cladding integrity retains three barriers to any fission gas release to the public and also prevents any potential contact between the fuel and coolant. Experiments are, in general, expected to meet the same criterion. Selected experiments can, however, be classified as run-to-cladding-breach experiments (RTCB). The purpose of this paper is to describe alternative acceptance criteria for RTCB experiments that they feel provide protection equivalent to the maintenance of cladding integrity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pipe whip tests or jet discharge tests have been performed at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, which simulate the instantaneous guillotine break of primary coolant piping in nuclear power plants. This paper describes the results of the 4-inch pipe whip tests(RUN 5407, 5501, 5504, 5603), under the BWR LOCA conditions, which were performed from 1979 to 1981. The test pressure was 6.8 MPa and test temperature 285/sup 0/C. In these tests, clearance was kept constant at the value of 100 mm and overhang lengths were 250, 400, 550 and 1,000 mm, respectively. The main purpose of these tests is to investigate the effect of overhang length on pipe whip behavior. From the tests results, the pipe movement is effectively limited by the restraints if the overhang length is 250 mm or 400 mm. The ...

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A porous tooling system was selected for the processing of Graphite/PMR-15 Polyimide laminates in thickness up to 3.2 mm. (0.125 inch). This tool system must have a reasonable strength, permeability dimensional stability, and thermal conductivity to accomplish curing at 600 F and 200 psi and 200 psi autoclave temperature and pressure. A permeability measuring apparatus was constructed and permeability vs. casting water level determined to produce tools at three different permeability levels. On these tools, laminates of 5, 11, and 22 plies (.027, .060, and 0.121 inch) were produced and evaluated by ultrasonic, mechanical, and thermal tests to determine the effect of the tool permeability on the cured laminates. All tools produced acceptable laminates at 5 and 11 plies but only the highest permeability produced acceptable clear ultrasonic C-Scans. Recommendations are made for future investigations of design geometry, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many types of pipe whip restraints are installed to protect the structural components from the anticipated pipe whip phenomena of high energy lines in nuclear power plants. It is necessary to investigate these phenomena accurately in order to design the pipe whip restraints properly and/or to evaluate the acceptability of the pipe whip restraint design. Various research programs have been conducted in many countries to develop analytical methods and to verify the validity of the methods. In this study, various types of finite elements in ANSYS, the general purpose finite element computer grogram, was used to simulate the postulated pipe whips to obtain impact loads and the calculted results were compared with the specific experimental results from the sample pipe whip test for the U-chaped pipe whip restraints. Some calculational models, having the gap element or the spring element between the pipe whip restraint and the pipe line, give ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liquid high-level nuclear waste will be immobilized at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by vitrification in borosilicate glass. The glass will be produced and poured into stainless steel canisters in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). Eventually these canistered waste forms will be sent to a geologic repository for final disposal. In order to assure acceptability by the repository, the Department of Energy has defined requirements which DWPF canistered waste forms must meet. These requirements are the Waste Acceptance Preliminary Specifications (WAPS). The WAPS require DWPF to identify the crystalline phases expected to be present in the final glass product. Knowledge of the thermal history of the borosilicate glass during filling and cooldown of the canister is necessary to determine the amount and type of crystalline phases present in the final glass product. Glass samples of seven projected DWPF compositions were cooled following the ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe overall objective is to establish rigorous and verified means of deploying FACTS devices as damping controllers so that stability limits of a congested grid can be expanded, with confidence, toward to the thermal limits. A key to this is to ensure that damping of oscillatory modes of the system are robust to the acknowledged variations of the system.~%~~%~The goals are:~%~~%~a) to apply model order reduction techniques to realistic grid systems and verify modes are adequately expressed,~%~~% [continued...]DescriptionTraditionally, the phenomena of inter-area oscillation between generation groups, e.g. England and Scotland, has been avoided through operating point constraints on tie-lines and acceptance of operation at less than thermal capacity. The need to support long distance trading makes such constraints unacceptable. Stability problems can be solved ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper describes the experimental and analytical results of the pipe whip tests performed under the PWR LOCA conditions using 4, 6 and 8 inch test pipes. The tests were carried out at an initial pressure and a temperature of 15.7 MPa and 325 "0C. Two different types of tests were performed. One was the cantilever type pipe whip test using the test pipe of 3000 mm in length and U-shaped restraints. The other was the cross-over leg pipe whip test using a 1/6 model of piping in the PWR nuclear power plants. The cantilever type pipe whip tests were performed to investigate the influences of overhang length and pipe diameter on the pipe whip behavior. The movement of the test pipe is limited effectively by the restraints when the overhang length is short. The restraint force ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is a slide-based oral presentation given to the COG/IAEA: Fifth technical committee meeting on 'Exchange of operating experience of pressurized heavy water reactors' held in Mangalia, Romania on 7-10 September 1998. Since energization of Wolsung Unit 3 station service transformer on July 12, 1996 a line of initial test program was conducted as follows: 1. ILRT/SIT; 2. Pre-operational and Hot Functional testing with a Light Water and without Fuel in Systems; 3. Load D_2O in Moderator System; 4. Initial fuel loading; 5. Load D_2O in PHT System; 6. Hot Functional Testing with Heavy Water and Fuel in Systems; 7. Criticality and Low Power Physics Testing; 8. Power Ascension Test and, then finally, phase-D test; the plant acceptance test was accomplished after having a Mini-Overhaul to prepare for Commercial Operation. ...

Science.gov (United States)

The aims of the study were to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Thai Family Health Routines (TFHR) scale, a 70-item self-report questionnaire used to measure the health of Thai families through their routine behaviors in daily life. Development of the TFHR was based on the structural domains of Denham's Family Health Model. The TFHR scale was initially composed of 85 items and tested on 1,040 families living in the central region of Thailand. The confirmatory factor analysis, with an acceptable factor structure model, yielded 70 items aligned with six factors: self-care, safety and prevention, mental health behavior, family care, family caregiving, and illness care routines. The preliminary psychometric properties demonstrated that the TFHR scale had satisfactory internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity. The test results suggested that the TFHR scale has ...

CERN Document Server

The CLIC (Compact Linear Collider) high-gradient RF structure testing program has been carried out in order to gain insight into the physical processes involved in RF breakdown, determine the mechanisms that limit gradient and produce damage so that technical concepts can be developed which allow higher accelerating gradients. Two main paths towards higher gradients have emerged from this program, and the performances of two new structures which incorporate them are presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: The purpose of this course is to review the physical principles underlying design, clinical application and execution of interstitial and intracavitary implants in the classical low dose-rate (LDR) range. This year, the course will focus on quality assurance of sources, applicators and treatment planning software. In addition, development of procedures and QA checks designed optimize treatment delivery accuracy and patient safety during each individual procedure will be reviewed. The level of presentation will be designed to accommodate both physicists and physicians. Implementation of recently published AAPM Task Group reports (no. 40, 'Comprehensive Quality Assurance' and No. 43, 'Dosimetry of Interstitial Brachytherapy Sources') will be reviewed. Outline: (A) General Principles (1) QA endpoints: temporal accuracy, positional accuracy, dose delivery accuracy, and safety of the patient, personnel, and the institution (2) QA procedure development: forms, checklists, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The author describes the history of the Soviet Unions nuclear weapons testing in Siberia from the first bomb on 29th August 1949 until the test-ban treaty of 1963. The effects of the weapons testing on the local population is only now becoming widely known. Levels of cancers and cataracts are significantly higher than in uneffected populations, and there are also high levels of some lung, bone, skin and digestive conditions. Perhaps the most important information relates to cataracts, previously thought to be caused by single large bursts of radiation. Regulatory authorities worldwide will need to tighten the safety limits for eye radiation exposure to these findings. (U.K.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Long-term aging of organic materials in reactor containment buildings has become a major issue within the nuclear community. In this article, the status of radiation-aging qualification test requirements in several countries is reviewed, and problems with the current aging methodologies are described. These problems include dose-rate and synergistic effects and environmental synergisms, which have been found for many different polymeric materials. A number of approaches to improved accelerated-radiation-aging tests for prediction of long-term aging behavior are discussed together with their limitations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the design of a well test to determine two-phase hydraulic properties of a low permeability, low porosity formation. Estimation of gas-related parameters in such formations is difficult using standard pumping tests mainly because of the strong fluctuations in the pressure and flow rate data which are a consequence of gas bubbles evolving in the test interval. Even more important is the fact that the data do not allow distinguishing among alternative conceptual models. The estimated parameters are therefore uncertain, highly correlated, and ambiguous. In this study we examine a test sequence that could be appended to a standard hydraulic testing program. It is shown that performing a series of water and gas injection tests significantly reduces parameter correlations, thus decreasing the estimation error. Moreover, the extended ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new package for the air transport of hazardous materials is currently being developed in the Transportation Systems Department at Sandia National Laboratories. The baseline design has a unique impact limiter which uses layers of aluminum screen wire and aramid cloth fabric. A primary motivation for selecting this unusual combination of materials is the need for the impact limiter to not only limit the amount of load transmitted to the primary container but also remain in place during impact events so that it provides a thermal barrier during a subsequent fire. A series of uniaxial and confined compression tests indicated that the layered material does not behave like other well characterized materials. No existing constitutive models were able to satisfactorily capture the behavior of the layered material; thus, a new plasticity model was developed. The new material model was then used to characterize ...

CERN Document Server

The traditional way of estimating the gravitational field from observed motions of test objects is based on the virial relation between their kinetic and potential energy. We find a more efficient method. It is based on the natural presumption that the objects are observed at a random moment of time and therefore have random orbital time phases. The proposed estimator, which we call "orbital roulette", checks the randomness of the phases. The method has the following advantages: (1) It estimates accurately Keplerian (point-mass) potentials as well as non-Keplerian potentials where the unknown gravitating mass is distributed in space. (2) It is a complete statistical estimator: it checks a trial potential and accepts it or rules it out with a certain significance level; the best-fit measurement is thus supplemented with error bars at any confidence level. (3) It needs no a priori assumptions about the distribution of orbital parameters of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The data and information collected for the Public Service Electric and Gas Company`s (PSE&G) electric vehicle demonstration program were intended to support and enhance DOE`s Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Site Operator Program. The DOE Site Operator Program is focused on the life cycle and reliability of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Of particular interest are vehicles currently available with features that are likely to be put into production or demonstrate new technology. PSE&G acquired eight GMC Electric G-Vans in 1991, and three TEVans in 1993, and conducted a program plan to test and assess the overall performance of these electric vehicles. To accomplish the objectives of DOE`s Site Operator`s test program, a manual data collection system was implemented. The manual data collection system has provided energy use and mileage data. From September 1991 to October 1994 PSE&G logged 69,368 miles on eleven test ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

My assignment on the SP-100 Vacuum Vessel Vacuum System Team was to perform a transient pump down analysis for the vacuum vessel that will house the SP-100 reactor during testing. Pump down time was calculated for air and helium. For all cases the proposed vacuum system will be able to pump down the vessel within the required time. The use of a larger rotary piston pump (DUO250) improves the pump down time by 35 minutes and therefore should be considered. The 6-inch duct for the roughing line is optimal, however, because all cases are well below the 24 hour time frame, the 4-inch duct is sufficient. The use of the single turbomolecular pump during pump down is sufficient. A pump down with helium in the vessel and a helium inleakage delays the time to achieve the base pressure marginally and is acceptable.

CERN Document Server

In pp collisions at 1.25 GeV kinetic energy, the HADES collaboration aimed at investigating the di-electron production related to $\\Delta$ (1232) Dalitz decay ($\\Delta^+ \\to pe^+e^-$). In order to constrain the models predicting the cross section and the production mechanisms of $\\Delta$ resonance, the hadronic channels have been measured and studied in parallel to the leptonic channels. The analyses of $pp\\to np\\pi^+$ and $pp\\to pp\\pi^0$ channels and the comparison to simulations are presented in this contribution, in particular the angular distributions being sensitive to $\\Delta$ production and decay. The accurate acceptance corrections have been performed as well, which could be tested in all the phase space region thanks to the high statistic data. These analyses result in an overall agreement with the one-$\\pi$ exchange model and previous data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quantitative, experimentally based assessments of the biases of the methods used to develop the neutronics design of the FTR are presented together with brief descriptions of the design methods. Uncertainties in biases have been established that are sufficiently small to allow a high degree of confidence in the nuclear design. Experimental data for these assessments have been developed in full-scale zero-power mockups of the final design of the reactor, except for Doppler data from SEFOR. Temperature, power coefficient, and stability methods evaluations are necessarily deferred to acceptance testing during initial startup of the FTR. Sodium voiding and small sample worths continue to be the technical areas of greatest complexity with least experiment-theory correlation. Critical mass, Doppler effects, control rod worth, and spatial power distribution have generally good experiment-theory correlations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radioactively contaminated acidic aqueous wastes and organic liquids were discharged to the soil column at three disposal sites within the 200 West Area of the Hanford Site, Washington. As a result, a portion of the underlying groundwater is contaminated with carbon tetrachloride several orders of magnitude above the maximum contaminant level accepted for a drinking water supply. Treatability testing and cleanup actions have been initiated to remove the contamination from both the unsaturated soils to minimize further groundwater contamination and the groundwater itself. To expedite cleanup, innovative technologies for (1) drilling, (2) site characterization, (3) monitoring, (4) well field development, and (5) contaminant treatment are being demonstrated and subsequently used where possible to improve the rates and cost savings associated with the removal of carbon tetrachloride from the soils and groundwater.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aluminum is a principal element in alkaline nuclear sludge waste stored in high level waste (HLW) tanks at the Savannah River Site. The mass of sludge in a HLW tank can be reduced through the caustic leaching of aluminum, i.e. converting aluminum oxides (gibbsite) and oxide-hydroxides (boehmite) into soluble hydroxides through reaction with a hot caustic solution. The temperature limits outlined by the chemistry control program for HLW tanks to prevent caustic stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) in concentrated hydroxide solutions will potentially be exceeded during the sludge mass reduction (SMR) campaign. Corrosion testing was performed to determine the potential for CSCC under expected conditions. The experimental test program, developed based upon previous test results and expected conditions during the current SMR campaign, consisted of electrochemical and mechanical testing to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Historical information about the F-Area Railroad Crosstie Pile is limited. The unit is believed to have been a borrow area for earth fill that began receiving railroad crossties during the 1960s. The number of crossties at the unit began to increase significantly in 1984 when major repair of the SRS rail system was initiated. An estimated 100,000 used railroad crossties have accumulated at the unit since 1984. In an effort to determine the impact of the railroad crossties on the environment a total of 28 soil samples were collected from four test borings in March of 1991. Sample depths ranged from ground surface to 21.5 feet. Three of the borings were extended to the water table and groundwater samples were collected, one in an upgradient background'' area, and two downgradient from the unit. Few analytes were reported above detection limits. Test results are summarized in Section 4.0 ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Aim- Two alternative hypotheses attempt to explain the upper elevation limit of tree lines world-wide, the carbon-limitation hypothesis (CLH) and the growth-limitation hypothesis (GLH); the altitudinal decrease of temperature is considered the driver constraining either carbon gain or growth. Using a widely distributed tree line species (Nothofagus pumilio) we tested whether tree line altitude is explained by the CLH or the GLH, distinguishing local from global effects. We elaborated expectations based on most probable trends of carbon charging with altitude according to both hypotheses, considering the alternative effects of drought. Location- Two climatically contrasting tree line ecotones in the southern Andes of Chile: Mediterranean (3654- S) and Patagonia (4604- S). Methods- ...

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Under 10CFR50 Appendix B, utilities have a commitment to establish and maintain material control programs to assure the safety and reliability of their power plants. The guidelines in this report discuss methods of establishing, maintaining, and extending the shelf life of limited life items. In addition, these guidelines establish justifiable shelf lives for a sample of 70 items and review the effects of environmental conditions. Moreover, the guidelines are consistent with utility qualification test documentation and provide for evaluation of items with expired shelf lives. These guidelines set precedent by indicating that the shelf life is greater than previously available for many items. This increase in shelf life has been established through natural and accelerated aging tests.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) infected over 8000 people and killed 774. Transmission of SARS occurred through direct and indirect contact and large droplet nuclei. The World Health Organization recommended the use of household disinfectants, which have not been previously tested against SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), to disinfect potentially contaminated environmental surfaces. There is a need for a surrogate test system given the limited availability of the SARS-CoV for testing and biosafety requirements necessary to safely handle it. In this study, the antiviral activity of standard household products was assayed against murine hepatitis virus (MHV), as a potential surrogate for SARS-CoV. Methods A surface test method, which involves drying an amo...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Material degradation of pressure tubes, which are the most important components in CANDU fuel channel, can only be evaluated by removing and examining them(material surveillance). This study aimed at establishment of overall evaluation technology including the evaluation of the material degradation for the integrity of pressure tubes of Wolsung units. Material tests for pressure tubes were performed as follows; (1) Evaluation on life limiting factors of pressure tubes (2) Review on leak-before-break and integrity maintenance technology of pressure tubes (3) Survey on selection criteria for tubes to be inspected and on related regulations for material surveillance (4) Analysis of material surveillance test procedure (5) Basic examinations of Wolsung unit 1 pressure tube material(TEM, texture, chemical component etc) (6) Manufacture of test equipments and test (DHCV, hydriding, grip ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this work group was to identify obstacles to the development of better risk management practices and performance standards in the pipeline industry. An outline of developments in pipeline risk assesment management was presented, including an update of the Risk Based Design and Assessment annex and other CSA Z662 code developments. It was suggested that progress in risk management require that acceptable levels of risk and reliability need to be defined. Environmental and safety consequence analysis was recommended, as well as failure frequency estimation and assessment of distribution systems. Guidelines for Integrity Management Programs (IMPs) were reviewed. It was noted that CSA Z662 will become mandatory for sour gas in 2005 and may become mandatory for all onshore pipelines in 2007. Operating company procedures in relation to hazards with significant consequences were discussed. It was noted that companies should assess risks associated with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previous studies have found that classrooms are often inadequately ventilated, with the resultant increased risk of negative impacts on the pupils. This paper describes a series of field measurements that investigated the indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustic performance of nine recently built secondary schools in England. The most significant conclusion is that the complex interaction between ventilation, thermal comfort and acoustics presents considerable challenges for designers. The study showed that while the acoustic standards are demanding it was possible to achieve natural ventilation designs that met the criteria for indoor ambient noise levels when external noise levels were not excessive. Most classrooms in the sample met the requirement of limiting the daily average CO{sub 2} concentration to below 1500 ppm but just a few met the need to readily provide 8 l/s per person of fresh air under the easy control of the occupants. It would seem that ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Trying to achieve the optimal utilization of oil shale resources, and the production of a more environmentally acceptable fuel, as well as a solid waste with a low a sulphur content, thereby reducing acidic leachates, has led to this investigation. In this article, the influences of the bed temperature and the choice of fluidizing gas on the quality and quantity of the produced fuel gas, using a continuous feed fluidized bed reactor, were investigated. The composition and calorific value of the generated gas were determined. There was a nearly linear increase in the amount of fuel gas produced as a function of temperature, reaching {approx}350 kg per 10{sup 3} kg of dry raw shale and the gross calorific value ranged from 15 to 23 MJ-kg{sup -1} with CO and H{sub 2} being the major constituents. Subsequent experiments were carried out, employing a thermogravimetric analyser under similar conditions as applied to the fluidized bed reactor. Gasification of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liquid pipeline codes generally stipulate placement of block valves along liquid transmission pipelines such as on each side of major river crossings where environmental hazards could cause or are foreseen to potentially cause serious consequences. Codes, however, do not stipulate any requirement for block valve spacing for low vapour pressure petroleum transportation, nor for remote pipeline valve operations to reduce spills. A review of pipeline codes for valve requirement and spill limitation in high consequence areas is thus presented along with a criteria for an acceptable spill volume that could be caused by pipeline leak/full rupture. A technique for deciding economically and technically effective pipeline block valve automation for remote operation to reduce oil spilled and control of hazards is also provided. In this review, industry practice is highlighted and application of the criteria for maximum permissible oil spill and the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This regulatory guide describes methods acceptable to the NRC staff for calculating radon fluxes through earthen covers and for calculating the resulting minimum cover thickness needed to meet NRC and EPA standards. The guide also suggests methods for obtaining the various parameters used in calculating the radon fluxes and earthen cover thicknesses and suggests default values for certain parameters. This regulatory guide is applicable to active uranium tailings sites. The NRC staff is using the methods stated in this guide as a basis for review and concurrence of DOE remedial action plans for inactive sites. The guidance is intended to be used for calculating radon flux attenuation by earthen uranium mill tailings covers. The parameter values and examples presented are limited to earthen cover materials, but the diffusion theory and the methods presented are also applicable to man-made materials. Detailed supporting information for calculating ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Piping in nuclear power plants is vital to the proper operation and safety of these facilities. To assure safety in the unlikely event of a pipe break, it is necessary to evaluate the consequences from the resulting whipping pipe on neighboring components and structures. Numerical simulations allow for rapid evaluation of these consequences. Before simulations can be accepted, however, the methodology and computer codes must be validated against experimental results. This paper uses a probabilistic approach to validate pipe whip simulations against limited experimental results. Probabilistic analysis software was developed and coupled to existing deterministic finite element software. An example of a whipping pipe impacting against a reinforced concrete slab was simulated. The described probabilistic approach was used to validate the numerical simulations. The conclusions obtained were that the numerical simulations of whipping pipe impact were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aim: To systematically review the currently available high quality evidence evaluating treatments for moist desquamation in radiotherapy patients. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: Electronic databases, websites, reference lists, key journals and conference proceedings were searched. Attempts were also made to uncover unpublished material. Relevant studies proceeded to data extraction and quality assessment. Results: Twenty studies were found; 10 were eligible for inclusion. Although many studies were small, none had unacceptably poor quality. No meta-analysis was undertaken as the studies were not homogenous in their interventions or methods. No convincing evidence for any intervention was found. Conclusion: Despite being recommended by many guidelines (College of Radiographers Summary of Intervention for Acute Radiotherapy Induced Skin Reactions in Cancer Patients (London, 2001); NHS Quality Improvement Scotland Best Practice Statement: Skincare of Patients Receiving ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The deactivation rate of a resid hydrotreating catalyst is determined by a complex set of factors involving both chemical and physical changes in the catalyst structure. The various chemical changes that are associated with resid conversion involve thermal and catalytic steps of relatively large molecular weight species with the overall rates significantly affected by mass transfer limitations. The deposition of coke and the variation in the effective promoter level by the accumulation of metals deposited from the resid are the principal factors governing deactivation. The relative importance of mass transfer restrictions on activity and catalyst deactivation can be observed in studies where the average pore diameter of the catalyst has been varied. Several models have been proposed to characterize the deactivation of resid hydroprocessing catalysts. In this paper, the authors discuss some accelerated aging tests with a relatively large pore ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A vortex diode has been developed as a reverse flow limiter in the primary circuit of an advanced gas cooled reactor. In addition to the development work on a prototype diode to optimise performance and geometry, measurements were also made on an available experimental diode of similar size with pressure differences up to 4 MPa and temperatures up to 600 K using nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide as the test fluids. Correlation of data from all tests was satisfactorily obtained using isentropic one-dimensional nozzle flow equations. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

CIRNAT, a one-dimensional code for natural circulation analysis, was described. The homogeneous approach was adopted for the two-phase flow regime and different heat transfer regimes were considered. The code was exhaustively tested for one-phase flow systems. For two phase flows a boiling/condensing system was simulated. The results are qualitatively correct but the oscillations observed at the system were not captured by the model. Other two-phase flow tests must be done to show the limits of the homogeneous approach before the introduction of a more complex model. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

System instability as result of high power generation of one of the largest plants of the Iranian electric power grid prevented the plant to be fully utilized. PSSs were installed on the generating units of the power station, to improve its small signal stability, and enhance the stable generation limit. Domain separation and pole assignment techniques were applied for the PSS design. Several field tests were also carried out to verify its effectiveness. This paper presents the PSS tuning procedure, including the design criteria and some of the field test results.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Supplementing the collection of artificial neural network methodologies devised for monitoring energy producing installations, a general regression artificial neural network is proposed for the identification of the two-phase flow that occurs in the coolant channels of boiling water reactors. The utilization of a limited number of image features derived from radiography images affords the proposed approach with efficiency and non-invasiveness. Additionally, the application of counter-clustering to the input patterns prior to training accomplishes an 80% reduction in network size as well as in training and test time. Cross-validation tests confirm accurate on-line flow regime identification.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Savannah River Site is a Department of Energy facility. The facility stores, processes, and works with fissionable material at a number of locations. Technical standards and US Department of Energy orders, require these locations to be monitored by criticality alarm systems under certain circumstances. The Savannah River Site calls such instruments Nuclear Incident Monitors or NIMs. The Sole purpose of the Nuclear Incident Monitor is to provide an immediate evacuation signal in the case of an accidental criticality in order to minimize personnel exposure to radiation. The new unit is the third generation Nuclear Incident Monitor at the Savannah River Site. The second generation unit was developed in 1979. It was designed to eliminate vacuum-tube circuits, and was the first solid state NIM at SRS. The major design objectives of the second generation NIM were to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Ten prototype units have been built and tested. This ...

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 factor greater than 4000, is used to reduce the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Safety Analysis Report for the TRUPACT-II Shipping Package [Transuranic Package Transporter-II (TRUPACT-II) SARP] set limits for gas generation rates, wattage limits, and flammable volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in transuranic (TRU) waste containers that would be shipped to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Based on existing headspace gas data for drums stored at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) and the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), over 30 percent of the contact-handled TRU waste drums contain flammable VOC concentrations greater than the limit. Additional requirements may be imposed for emplacement of waste in the WIPP facility. The conditional no-migration determination (NMD) for the test phase of the facility required that flame tests be performed if significant levels of flammable VOCs were present in TRU waste ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The development of light-weight vehicle is in great demand for enhancement of fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. The vehicle weight can be reduced effectively by using lightweight materials such as magnesium alloys. However, the use of magnesium alloys in sheet forming processes is still limited because of their low formability at room temperature and the lack of understanding of the forming process of magnesium alloys at elevated temperatures. In this study, uniaxial tensile tests of the magnesium alloy AZ31B-O at various temperatures were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of this alloy relevant for forming of magnesium sheets. To construct a FLD (forming limit diagram), a forming limit test were conducted at temperature of 100 and 200 deg. C. For the evaluation of the effects of the punch temperature on the formability of a rectangular cup drawing with AZ31B-O, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The optimum conditions of complex formation of rhenium(IV) with acetylacetone in water-ethanol medium were found, and a spectrophotometric method for determining rhenium with limit of detection 0.1 ..mu..g/ml was proposed. Rhenium can be determined in the presence of a 1000-fold excess of molybdenum. The procedure was tested on model solutions and used for the determination of rhenium in alloys.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analytical expressions for thermoluminescence (TL) dating based on the modified Zimmerman model were derived. The non-linear behaviour of TL sensitivity is reexamined and is found to be due to electron capturing competitions in both test-dose excitation and the readout stages. A curve fitting method is proposed to determine the paleodose for the additive dose dating method. The multiple activation technique is also investigated, from which the paleodose should be regarded as an upper limit.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phased array provides many advantages over conventional ultrasonic testing method, but phased array has also limitations. This paper describes typical results of the experimental sound field analysis generated from the array probe. A photo-elastic ultrasonic visualization technique was applied in this study. The sound fields of shear wave generated from the array probe was equivalent to that from the fixed angle probe. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The fluid-induced vibration level of instrumented capsule, which was manufactured for fuel irradiation test at the reactor core of HANARO, was investigated. For this purpose, the instrumented capsule was loaded at the OR site of the HANARO design verification test facility that could simulate identical flow condition as the HANARO core. Then, vibration signals of the instrumented capsule subjected to various flow conditions were measured by using vibration sensors. In time domain analysis, maximum amplitudes and RMS values of the measured acceleration and displacement signals were obtained. By using frequency domain analysis, frequency components of the fluid-induced vibration were analyzed. In addition, natural frequencies of the instrumented capsule were obtained by performing modal test. The frequency analysis results showed that the natural frequency components near 7.5Hz and 17.5Hz were dominant in the fluid-induced ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previous laboratory tests of elastomer O-rings in coal liquefaction solvents conducted at L'Garde, Inc., indicated that certain ethylenepropylenediene monomer (EPDM) compounds provided the best performance when a backup ring was used to limit swelling. Before service testing in a pump at the Wilsonville, Alabama, Advanced Coal Liquefaction Research and Development Facility, tests of six selected elastomers in the appropriate Wilsonville-produced solvent were conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The ORNL tests measured the elastomers' changes in cross section, weight, density, and relative flexibility. Although two perfluoroelastomers showed less degradation of most properties during these tests, it was decided to proceed with service testing of two EPDM elastomers because of their much lower cost. 5 refs., 14 ...

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)

The present work summarizes efforts on the simulation of natural convection cooling within the IFMIF target and test cell. The simulations have been performed with the STAR-CD code using the k-#omega# high-Reynolds number turbulence model. A dedicated thermohydraulic model has been devised including Lithium loop components. Nuclear heat production has been calculated by the Monte-Carlo code McDeLicious for different parts of the target and test cell walls and was used as input for the STAR-CD simulations. Helium atmospheres at several pressures from 0.1 to 10"-"5 MPa have been investigated. In order to limit the maximum temperature of the concrete walls to 80 deg. C it was necessary to add thermal insulation layers to the hot Lithium loop surfaces and a conceptual system of two cooling layers in different depths of the concrete walls.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

One proposed solution to the problem of ballast-mediated aquatic invasions involves chemically treating ballast water to kill key target organisms. Here, we examine the efficacy of three commercially available ballast water biocides using vegetative microalgae, dinoflagellate resting cysts and bacteria as test organisms. Chemicals tested were the ballast water biocides SeaKleen and Peraclean Ocean, and the chlorine dioxide biocide Vibrex. Results demonstrate that the applicability of each of the three chemical biocides as a routine ballast water treatment is limited by factors such as cost, biological effectiveness and possible residual toxicity of the discharged ballast water (assessed on the basis of impact on motility of vegetative marine microalgae). Of the three biocides tested, Perac...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Research is in progress to obtain a satisfactory creep ductility for alloy 800 when used as heat exchanger material in sodium-cooled fast reactors (LMFBR). The creep test characteristics at present available show that a pronounced tendency to reduced elongation by creep failure may arise after prolonged testing in the 500-700 deg C temperature range. This phenomenon is now agreed to be primarily inherent to the conditions for Ni_3(Ti,Al) precipitation in the material and hence to the Ti and Al concentrations. By structural studies and hardness measurements on material subjected to creep tests and taken from a large number of castings, the relationship was established between the (Ti+Al) content and the structural hardness effect of Ni_3(Ti,Al) at 600 deg C. Below a certain Ti+Al concentration, no precipitation occurs and hence the creep ductility to failure can be improved considerably by limiting the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of this study was to compare a 1-day with a 2-day iodine bowel preparation for CT colonography in a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening population. One hundred consecutive patients underwent CT colonography and colonoscopy with segmental unblinding. The first 50 patients (group 1) ingested 7*50 ml iodinated contrast starting 2 days before CT colonography. The latter 50 patients (group 2) ingested 4*50 ml iodinated contrast starting 1 day before CT colonography. Per colonic segment measurements of residual stool attenuation and homogeneity were performed, and a subjective evaluation of tagging quality (grade 1-5) was done. Independently, two reviewers performed polyp and carcinoma detection. The tagging density was 638 and 618 HU (p = 0.458) and homogeneity 91 and 86 HU for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.145). The tagging quality was graded 5 (excellent) in 90% of all segments in group 1 and 91% in group 2 (p = 0.749). Mean per-polyp ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The commercial Modular High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (MHTGR) achieves improved reactor safety performance and reliability by utilizing an integrated sequence of completely passive thermal storage and heat transfer mechanisms to reject decay heat in the event that all its active cooling systems fail to operate. During such events, the initial heatup transient in the core is followed by a quasi-steady state cooldown process which, if uninterrupted, can continue for several days. A buoyancy-driven natural convection cooling system called the RCCS facilitates the continuous heat removal by circulating ambient air through the reactor cavity, where it is heated and then exhausted to the outside environment. The peak thermal load on the RCCS occurs approximately at the time that the vessel reaches its highest temperature. To confirm the adequacy of the RCCS design, detailed analytical models were developed to simulate the decay heat removal process and predict the maximum vessel ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYA study of microbicide acceptability among high-risk African American, Puerto Rican, non-Hispanic White, and other women in Hartford, Connecticut indicated...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A 2-stage cold (non-tritium) PMR system was tested with the ITER mix in 61 days of continuous operation. No decrease in performance was observed over the duration of the test. Decontamination factor (DF) was found to increase with decreasing inlet rate. Decontamination factors in excess of 1.4x10"5 were obtained, but the exact value of the highest DF could not be determined because of analysis limitations. Results of the 61-day test were used to design a 2-stage PMR system for use in tritium testing. The PMR system was scaled up by a factor of 6 and built into a glovebox in the Tritium Systems Test Assembly (TSTA) of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. This system is approximately 1/5"t"h of the expected full ITER scale. The ITER mix was injected into the PMR system for 31 hours, during which 4.5 g of tritium were processed. The 1"s"t stage had DF =200 and the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A modulation transfer function (MTF) calibration method based on binary pseudo-random (BPR) gratings and arrays [Proc. SPIE 7077-7 (2007), Opt. Eng. 47, 073602 (2008)] has been proven to be an effective MTF calibration method for a number of interferometric microscopes and a scatterometer [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A616, 172 (2010)]. Here we report on a further expansion of the application range of the method. We describe the MTF calibration of a 6 inch phase shifting Fizeau interferometer. Beyond providing a direct measurement of the interferometer's MTF, tests with a BPR array surface have revealed an asymmetry in the instrument's data processing algorithm that fundamentally limits its bandwidth. Moreover, the tests have illustrated the effects of the instrument's detrending and filtering procedures on power spectral density measurements. The details of the development of a BPR ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For a reliable design against fatigue failure of high-temperature components of different types of the heat resistant material Alloy 800, verified parameters of the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour are required. These parameters were obtained by a scatterband evaluation of the results of low-cycle fatigue tests, using a computerized data bank which includes all available actual data sets. The results of the evaluation are presented as mean fatigue curves with the upper and lower boundary limits of the scatterbands. For the type Alloy 800 in the recrystallization annealed condition, the results cover a temperature range from 20 to 750deg C; for the solution annealed types they cover a temperature range from 20 to 950deg C. Specimens tested in HTR helium at high temperatures had longer lives than specimens tested in air. This effect was represented quantitatively by the ratio of the total strain ranges ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Although some polymer conductors of electricity (ex. Polyanilines) are materials known for more than 100 years, only recently have the interesting chemical, electrical and optic properties of their insulating and conducting forms been recognized. Advances made in the chemistry of polymer conductors have also led to improvements in processing them. This work studies a practical application of these materials: the use of polymer conductors for the remote welding of insulating thermoplastic polymers, using energy from microwaves for the local heating of the union. Many thermoplastics (for ex. Polyethylene) do not absorb, or absorb very little, energy from microwaves. Different conductor materials (conductor polymers, carbon nanotubes), however, heavily absorb energy from microwaves with the resulting heating. In this way the welding zone can be heated without affecting the rest of the piece. Conductor polymers (polyanilines) were synthesized chemically and they were characterized by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Because of the chaotic nature of the corrosion process and the complexity of the electrochemical noise signals that are generated, there is no generally accepted method of measuring and interpreting these signals that allows the consistent detection and identification of sustained localized pitting (SLP) as compared to general corrosion. We have reexamined electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) of localized corrosion using different hardware, signal collection, and signal processing designs than those used in conventional ENA techniques. The new data acquisition system was designed to identify and monitor the progress of SLP by analyzing the power spectral density (PSD) of the trend of the corrosion current noise level (CNL) and potential noise level (PNL). Each CNL and PNL data point was calculated from the root-mean- square value of the ac components of current and potential fluctuation signals, which were measured simultaneously during a short time period. The PSD ...

CERN Document Server

Microstructure of market dynamics is studied through analysis of tick price data. Linear trend is introduced as a tool for such analysis. Trend arbitrage inequality is developed and tested. The inequality sets limiting relationship between trend, bid-ask spread, market reaction and average update frequency of price information. Average time of market reaction is measured from market data. This parameter is interpreted as a constant value of the stock exchange and is attributed to the latency of exchange reaction to actions of traders. This latency and cost of trade are shown to be the main limit of bid-ask spread. Data analysis also suggests some relationships between trend, bid-ask spread and average frequency of price update process.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Possible accident scenarios for a fusion reactor include breaches in the vacuum or cooling system. Intruding air or steam could react with structural or plasma facing materials, possibly mobilizing radioactive isotopes. Safety assessments must consider the early dose at the site boundary from the release of these activated materials. Previous calculations have indicated that cobalt isotopes dominate dose calculations for designs using stainless steel. Values used in these calculations, however, had been largely determined by the measurement limits of the chemical analysis methodology instead of measured releases. The purpose of the current study was to refine the analytical method to reduce the limit for detecting cobalt, and then test PCA steel in air and steam between 973 and 1473 K. Goals were to obtain more accurate measurements of cobalt mobilization in terms of g/m{sup 2}{center_dot}h and insight into the mobilization ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

All these summaries will be included in the database from the published literature sources. (PSB)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To compare the accuracy in the detection and staging of various malignant tumors with high resolution whole-body MRI using parallel imaging with whole-body dual-modality PET-CT. Preliminary results of an interim analysis from a prospective, blinded study are presented, in which 20 patients (mean age 59 years, range 27-77 years) with different oncological diseases underwent whole-body dual modality FDG-PET-CT screening for tumor search or staging in case of confirmed or suspected metastatic disease. All patients also underwent whole-body MRI imaging with the use of parallel imaging (iPAT). High-resolution coronal T1w- and STIR-sequences of 5 body levels with 512 x 512 matrix, axial fast T2w imaging of lung and abdomen (HASTE), contrast-enhanced dynamic and static T1w-sequences of liver, brain, abdomen, and pelvis were performed. Using a 32-channel whole-body MRI scanner (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens Medical Solutions) with a total field of view of 205 cm and free table movement, all ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes zinc-air battery for electric vehicle (EV). This battery is composed of air electrode, zinc electrode, and alkali electrolyte. During the discharge, oxygen taken from the air is reduced at the air electrode, and zinc is dissolved at the zinc electrode. The whole reaction is formation of zinc oxide from oxygen and zinc. This is taken out to use as a secondary battery through exchange and regeneration, which is called mechanical charge. For Electric Fuel, discharged products in the zinc electrode from a spent EV are extracted by a vibrating crusher, and are dissolved in KOH to prepare zinc ion electrolyte. Thus, zinc is obtained through the electrolytic refining. Since the regenerated zinc is separated from the electrolytic electrode as a form of dendritic powder, it is recovered, treated by press molding, regenerated, and used as a zinc electrode. The battery developed by Electric Fuel is tested for applying it to the mail delivery in Germany. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Methodology based on probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) is finding increasing acceptability in demonstrating safety of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) piping. In PFM, the methods of fracture mechanics and reliability theory are combined for assessing the reliability of components, which contain cracks. In this work, reliability assessment of Tarapur Atomic Power Plant (TAPP) 3-4 Primary Heat Transport (PHT) piping is done using PFM. Monte Carlo simulation with stratified sampling is used as a variance reduction technique. PFM model assumes a pre-existing circumferential surface crack before the start of plant operation. The crack grows in size during the lifetime of the plant due to the fatigue loading. This part-through wall crack having escaped hydro-test and pre-service inspection, may result in either a through wall flaw (leak) or may lead to the rupture of the piping. R6 method is used as failure criteria. Steam generator inlet (SGI), steam ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe overall objective of the proposal is to test the conclusions reached in a recent article by Magnani, Mencuccini et al (2007), in which we proposed for the first time that the Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) of forests of the temperate and boreal region does not depend on temperature or rainfall but, rather, on nitrogen deposition (Ndep) from the atmosphere. It is widely accepted that Ndep can increase forest C sequestration, however the results from our 2007 paper reported a sensitivity dC/ [continued...]DescriptionCombustion of fossil fuels and use of fertilisers in agriculture has increased the amount of nitrogen compounds present in the atmosphere and the biosphere. More atmospheric nitrogen is converted into reactive nitrogen by anthropogenic activities than by all natural processes combined. This phenomenal historical increase in nitrogen deposition is responsible for several serious environmental problems, such as soil ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Verification and validation issues have been perceived as important factors in the large scale deployment of knowledge-based digital systems for plant transient diagnostics and management. Research and development (R&D) is being performed on the IGENPRO package to resolve knowledge base issues. The IGENPRO approach is to structure the knowledge bases on generic thermal-hydraulic (T-H) first principles and not use the conventional event-basis structure. This allows for generic comprehensive knowledge, relatively small knowledge bases and above all the possibility of T-H system/plant independence. To demonstrate concept feasibility the knowledge structure has been implemented in the diagnostic module PRODIAG. Promising laboratory testing results have been obtained using data from the full scope Braidwood PWR operator training simulator. This knowledge structure is now being implemented in the transient management module PROMANA to treat unanticipated events and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The photoelectric absorption index, I/sub Pe/, is accepted as an accurate measurement for the description of formation lithology. The measured I/sub Pe/ has been shown to deviate slightly for a given lithology because of the effects of porosity. Properly calibrated and measured I/sub Pe/'s, however, have been observed to deviate from predicted values in practice, even considering the influence of porosity. Such departures were traced to variations in borehole size and tool standoff. The nature of the physical method of recording an I/sub Pe/ does not ensure independence from the influence of the borehole environment. A series of laboratory experiments has been conducted in test formations to verify and to characterize the influence of borehole size, mudcake, and standoff on I/sub Pe/ measurement. A set of nomographs has been constructed that allows correction of I/sub Pe/ measurements for the influence of the borehole environment. With ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For a number of years, researchers at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory have been developing processes and equipment for converting high-level liquid wastes to solid forms. One of these processes is the Spray Calciner/In-Can Melter system. To immobilize high-level liquid wastes, this system must be operated remotely, and the calcine must be reliably conveyed from the calciner to the melting furnace. A concept for such a remote conveyance system was developed at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory, and equipment was tested under full-scale, nonradioactive conditions. This concept and the design of demonstration equipment are described, and the results of equipment operation during experimental runs of 7 d are presented. The design includes a connecting section and its associated systems - a canister sypport and alignment concept and a weight-monitoring system for the melting furnace. Overall, the runs demonstrated that the concept design is an ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Four types of cellulose, in particular carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), are tested as potential binding materials in graphitic anodes for lithium ion batteries. It is shown that a minimum content of a cellulose which gives acceptable anode properties (reversible capacity > 300 mA hg{sup -1} during the first 10 cycles, irreversible loss < 20%) is about 2 wt.%, which is less than in the case of conventional polymeric binders (5-10 wt.%). Kinetics of insertion-deinsertion and passivation processes seem not to be affected by the presence of cellulose. Explanation for the electrode failure at cellulose contents lower than 1 wt.% is given based on X-ray diffraction and microscopy investigations. Finally, the structure (distribution) of cellulose in the composite anode material is discussed and (indirectly) checked with a series of experiments. Most results are compared with the corresponding results obtained either with gelatin or ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives1. To identify with older people the problems which they encounter in finding their way about public building/spaces.~%~2. To produce ideas, in consultation with older people, for an information/navigation aid that might facilitate their use and enjoyment of public buildings/spaces, notably hospitals, large shops, railway stations, airports.~%~3. To develop an emulation model of the information/navigation aid~%~4. To monitor use of the model by older people~%~5. To identify further research~%~6. [continued...]DescriptionThe growth in the number of older people offers scope for the development of customised information/navigation aids to help them to find their way around complex public spaces. New technology however is unlikely to be taken up by older people unless it is acceptable to them. The research will involve engineers in designing, testing and modifying a model of such an aid in conjunction with a sample of older ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1 - Description of test facility: The LOBI facility is a 1/700 scale model of a four loop PWR and has two primary loops, the intact loop representing three loops and the broken loop representing one loop of a four-loop PWR. The reactor pressure vessel model contains an electrically heated rod-bundle with 64 rods and a heated length of 3.9 m. The nominal heating power is 5.3 MW. The downcomer is of annular shape. An upper head simulator is connected to the vessel. Each of the two primary loops contains a pump and a steam generator. The different mass flows in the loops are established by the pump speeds, since the two pumps are identical. Heat is removed from the steam generators by a secondary system. ECC water can be supplied from two accumulators, one for each loop. Cold or hot leg as well as combined injection can be simulated. The LOBI test facility is the only high pressure integral test facility within the European ...

CERN Document Server

Given a Gibbs point process $\\P^{\\Psi}$ on $\\R^d$ having a weak enough potential $\\Psi$, we consider the random measures $\\mu_\\la := \\sum_{x \\in \\P^{\\Psi} \\cap Q_\\la} \\xi(x, \\P^{\\Psi} \\cap Q_\\la) \\delta_{x/\\la^{1/d}}$, where $Q_{\\la} := [-\\la^{1/d}/2,\\la^{1/d}/2]^d$ is the volume $\\la$ cube and where $\\xi(\\cdot,\\cdot)$ is a translation invariant stabilizing functional. Subject to $\\Psi$ satisfying a localization property and translation invariance, we establish weak laws of large numbers for $\\la^{-1} \\mu_\\la(f)$, $f$ a bounded test function on $\\R^d$, and weak convergence of $\\la^{-1/2} \\mu_\\la(f),$ suitably centered, to a Gaussian field acting on bounded test functions. The result yields limit laws for geometric functionals on Gibbs point processes including the Strauss and area interaction point processes as well as more general point processes defined by the Widom-Rowlinson and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Several research programs have been conducted to evaluate the capability of natural circulation cooling of reactors following a loss of cooling accident. Both experimental and RELAP5 simulation results were obtained for these studies in a facility with vertical heated tube(s) and a unheated bypass channel. The analytical results showed that, under a certain power level, a natural circulation pattern can be developed from both initial upflow and downflow conditions, and maintained for a significant cooling period. This power level, for the discussion of this paper, is defined as the natural circulation cooling (NCC) power limit. Two import factors, namely the pump coastdown rate and the initial flow direction, are examined in this paper. In the benchmark case, as compared to the experimental results, the RELAP5 simulation program accurately predicted the transient phenomena from forced convection through flow reversal, then, into natural circulation cooling. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The integrity of a pipeline system is determined by its weakest links which may be the joints. Heat fusion is the most common method for joining gas distribution polyethylene (PE) piping. There are procedural, thermal, and mechanical aspects of making fusion joints. Acceptable procedural aspects, such as heater calibration and cleanliness, can be assured by rigorous training and certification of the operators. Thermal and mechanical aspects consist of specifying joining conditions such as the heater temperature, heating time, and joining pressure. In the absence of procedural errors, the strength of a fusion joint should depend on the pipe material, pipe dimensions, and the thermal and mechanical joining conditions. Socket heat fusion was studied both experimentally and analytically to determine how the strength of the joint varied with the conditions under which it was made. The standard tensile impact test was modified to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The behavior of MEMS devices is limited by the strength of critical features such as thin ligaments, oxide cuts joining layers, pin joints and hinges. Devices fabricated at Sandia's Microelectronic Development Laboratory have been successfully tested to investigate these features. A series of measurements were performed on samples with gage lengths of 15 to 1000 microns, using conventional and tungsten coated samples as well as samples that include the critical features of standard components in the test section. Specimens have a freely moving pin joint on one end that anchors the sample to the silicon die to allow rotation to reduce effects of bending. Each sample is loaded in uniaxial tension by pulling laterally with a flat tipped diamond in a computer-controlled Nanoindenter. Load is calculated by resolving the measured lateral and normal forces into the applied tensile force and frictional losses. The specimen ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The successful development of coal-fired combined cycle power generation systems require that all component parts are manufactured from appropriate materials and that these materials give predictable in-service performance. High temperature corrosion resulting from coal-derived particulates, deposition and gaseous species, is potentially life limiting for many components in these systems. Realistic laboratory test methods are outlined for gasifier and gas turbine environments and these have been combined with a materials assessment method based on accurate dimensional metrology. Such tests have allowed the production of models of materials performance as well as accurate comparisons between laboratory and plant derived data. These initial models predict the performance of materials well in the gas turbine environment, but tend to under-predict the damage observed in real gasifier environments. The differences found between ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laboratory testing at Combustion Engineering has indicated promise in controlling simulated steam generator tube denting through chemical neutralization. Testing was limited to on-line treatment, and two neutralizers have been evaluated: calcium hydroxide and boric acid. On-line treatment with calcium hydroxide successfully halted active denting whenever the bulk calcium concentration (in ppm) equaled or exceeded the bulk chloride concentration (in ppm). Calcium hydroxide also was effective as an alternative to ammonia as a pH controlling agent in two tests conducted without ingress of chloride. On-line treatment with boric acid consisted of a four-day soak at simulated low (approximately 30 percent) power with 50 ppm B followed by one month full-power operation with 10 ppm B. This treatment also halted denting. Nondestructive and destructive examination of test boilers gave no ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study explores the use of photosensitizers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to limit growth of cyanobacteria. We chose 12 phthalocyanines, tetraphenol porphyrine, and methylene blue as compounds producing singlet oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide was chosen as another source of ROS. These compounds were tested using algal toxicity tests in microplates on three cultures of green algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Chlorella kessleri) and on three cultures of cyanobacteria (Synechococcus nidulans, Microcystis incerta, and Anabaena sp.). Results indicate that photosensitizers and singlet oxygen could be highly toxic for some selected phytoplankton species. Green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda was highly sensitive (EC50 = 0.07 mg/L) to compounds producing singlet o...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper reviews generation methods of artificial earthquake motion and proposes an improved method of generating input motions for use in vibration tests of equipment to prove aseismic performance. The improved method employs beat wave repetition characteristic that inherently appears in the component waves of recorded earthquakes decomposed by bandpass filter and algebraic function phase for the component waves. Typical motions generated by the improved method satisfies prescribed severe conditions such as target response spectrum that are defined with a wideband frequency component and a limited maximum acceleration due to shaking table performance. The motions had never been generated by the conventional method.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One of the unsolved problems of the natural gas dual fuel engine is that there is too much exhaust of Total Hydrogen Carbon(THC) at a low equivalent mixture ratio. To fix it, a natural gas mixed with hydrogen was applied to engine test. The results showed that the higher the mixture ratio of hydrogen to natural gas, the higher the combustion efficiency. And when the amount of the intake air is reached to 90% of WOT, the combustion efficiency was promoted. But, like a case making the injection timing earlier, the equivalent mixture ratio for the nocking limit decreases and the produce of NOx increases. 5 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tests on a sample of trench water from the Maxey Flats burial ground effectively demonstrated the new Reverse Osmosis Pilot Plant. The effluent from the 50% salt-rejection membrane was decontaminated well enough with the exception of tritium to be discharged to the environment. The performance of the 97% salt-rejection membrane was superior to that of the 50% membrane. A breakthrough and capacity experiment was conducted with Durasil 10 on a simulated Three Mile Island solution. The maximum decontamination factor was extrapolated to be 10/sup 6/, which would reduce the cesium level of TMI water to below the discard limit. Capacity (1/DF = 0.5) was reached at 1260 column volumes. Several adsorbents were tested in the engineering columns for decontamination of cesium-bearing solutions. Under the conditions of the experiment, these adsorbents were ineffective in removing cesium from the solution.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Four major projects at UNRSL have been supported by NWPO-Neotectonics Yucca Mountain Task 4 funds during the last year: (1) Operation and analysis of data from the UNRSL microearthquake network at Yucca Mountain. (2) Continued operation, maintenance, and calibration of three broadband stations. Limited data analysis was also initiated. (3) Continued review by Dr. Brune of documents and literature related to seismic hazard and tectonics of the Yucca Mountain region. (4) Testing of noise levels in boreholes.

CERN Document Server

Data from the power output of the radioisotope thermoelectric generators aboard the Cassini spacecraft are used to test the conjecture that small deviations observed in terrestrial measurements of the exponential radioactive decay law are correlated with the Earth-Sun distance. No significant deviations from exponential decay are observed over a range of 0.7 - 1.6 A.U. A 90% Cl upper limit of 0.84 x 10^-4 is set on a term in the decay rate of Pu-238 proportional to 1/R^2 and 0.99 x 10^-4 for a term proportional to 1/R.

CERN Document Server

The study of randomness in low-dimensional quantum antiferromagnets is at the forefront of research in the field of strongly correlated electron systems, yet there have been relatively few experimental model systems. Complementary neutron scattering and numerical experiments demonstrate that the spin-diluted Heisenberg antiferromagnet La2Cu(1-z)(Zn,Mg)zO4 is an excellent model material for square-lattice site percolation in the extreme quantum limit of spin one-half. Measurements of the ordered moment and spin correlations provide important quantitative information for tests of theories for this complex quantum-impurity problem.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a unique method, currently under evaluation, that can continuously track pipeline operation providing essentially instantaneous responses to leaks or ruptures without causing a pressure drop or energy loss. Using the highly linear characteristics of a very accurate and repeatable meter and then correlating it to a second identical unit, a dynamic leak detection system is planned that can be retrofitted on existing pipelines without a major construction effort nor destroying the integrity of the existing transmission line. Initial tests performed on a crude oil transmission line verified the equipment's performance and established that the repeatability limits are sufficient to continue development of the concept.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper we present a new, accurate form of the heat balance integral method, termed the combined integral method (CIM). The application of this method to Stefan problems is discussed. For simple test cases the results are compared with exact and asymptotic limits. In particular, it is shown that the CIM is more accurate than the second order, large Stefan number, perturbation solution for a wide range of Stefan numbers. In the initial examples it is shown that the CIM reduces the standard problem, consisting of a PDE defined over a domain specified by an ODE, to the solution of one or two algebraic equations. The latter examples, where the boundary temperature varies with time, reduce to a set of three first order ODEs.

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This report presents the Business Plan for the establishment of the Wind Turbine Component Centre (CWTC) to meet the objectives of performing theoretical research and experimental testing. The core idea of a CWTC is to support the Danish wind energy industry and research activities at the component level improving the competitive advantage of that industry. The CWTC will in itself operate its activities, including access to test and experimental facilities, on a semi commercial basis. The business model for the CWTC presented is based on revenues coming from component manufacturers as well as research grants, and will include membership fees as well as hourly payment and larger projects where payment is a limited project sum. The presented roadmap model clarifies the development path towards a fully developed CWTC, which will cover test of all important components along the drive-train as well as ...

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Co-combustion tests for recycled fuels and peat were made at a 15 kW fluidized bed reactor at VTT Energy in Jyvaeskylae. Peat was used as reference fuel. 25 tests in total were performed during 1994 - 1996. A part of the peat energy was substituted by coal in five tests, in order to change the sulphur/chlorine ratio of the fuel mixture. Fuel mixtures (25% recycled fuel and 75% peat, at energy ratio) were pelletized in order to get homogeneous fuel mixtures. The tests in the year 1994 were air staging experiments (with and without tertiary air). All test were performed with air staging in the years 1995 and 1996. The aim of the research was to determine whether the co-combustion of waste materials will cause additional emission problems, as compared to combustible emissions from conventional air-staged fluidized bed combustion. Further, the aim was to study which large-volume ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The safety approach of the Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, relies upon passive reactor responses to off-normal conditions to limit power and temperature excursions to levels that allow large safety margins. Gas expansion modules (GEM) have been 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. Pre-application safety evaluations by the U.S. 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. ...

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This paper describes the methods and systems as utilized in an integrated experimental thermohydraulic/mechanics analysis test program on waterhammer pressure pulses within a revised feedwater sparger of a Loviisa generation VVER-440-type reactor. This program was carried out in two stages: (1) measurements with a strictly limited set of operating parameters at Loviisa NPP, and (2) measurements with the full set of operating parameters on a test article simulating the revised feedwater sparger. The experiments at Loviisa NPS served as an invaluable source of information on the nature of waterhammer pressure pulses and structural responses. These tests thus helped to set the objectives and formulate the concept for series of tests on a test article to study the water hammer phenomena. The heavily instrumented full size test article of a steam ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Turret moored Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) systems are considered suitable for a wide range of environmental conditions but experience of designing moorings for these units in harsh environments is limited. Furthermore, each floating production system has its own requirements as to the way the riser system is operated because of its dependence on both reservoir and site specific conditions. The current mooring codes do not have a consistent set of requirements; for example, the intact mooring system safety factors range from 1.5 to 2.3. Such vastly differing requirements result in wide variability in the intrinsic safety, reliability and cost. This paper describes a reliability analysis carried out for the first North Atlantic FPSO (Foinaven), to address the acceptance criteria for moorings by returning to the fundamentals. Although the analysis deals with FPSO`s, the approach is applicable to any catenary moored unit. One ...

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This report focuses on the question whether a further increase in environmental taxes can contribute to achieving a sustainable economy in which depletion and climate risks should be reduced to an acceptable level for 2050. The strategy to achieve this consists of four main elements: (1) Introduction of a new CO2 tax as part of the Energy Tax; (2) Broadening of the Energy Tax to sectors such as agriculture and industry and the cancellation of subsidies and tax rebates; (3) Expansion of new tax bases for import / production of natural resources (wood, fish, meat) and space; and (4) European agenda on 'greening'. [Dutch] In dit rapport staat de vraag centraal of een verdere groei van milieubelastingen een bijdrage kan leveren aan het realiseren van een duurzame economie waarin klimaat- en uitputtingsrisico's tot een aanvaardbaar niveau moeten zijn teruggebracht voor 2050. De strategie om dit te bereiken bestaat uit vier belangrijke ...

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The purpose was to evaluate low-dose CT colonography without cathartic cleansing in terms of image quality, polyp visualization and patient acceptance. Sixty-one patients scheduled for colonoscopy started a low-fiber diet, lactulose and amidotrizoic-acid for fecal tagging 2 days prior to the CT scan (standard dose, 5.8-8.2 mSv). The original raw data of 51 patients were modified and reconstructed at simulated 2.3 and 0.7 mSv levels. Two observers evaluated the standard dose scan regarding image quality and polyps. A third evaluated the presence of polyps at all three mSv levels in a blinded prospective way. All observers were blinded to the reference standard: colonoscopy. At three times patients were given questionnaires relating to their experiences and preference. Image quality was sufficient in all patients, but significantly lower in the cecum, sigmoid and rectum. The two observers correctly identified respectively 10/15 (67%) and 9/15 (60%) polyps ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A vessel phantom suitable for evaluation of spatial and contrast resolution of FCRDSA (Fuji Computed Radiography, digital subtraction angiography) has been developed and used for determining resolution. The effects of iodine concentration, low dose exposure, and acryl thickness on the resolution were evaluated in FCRDSA, and FCRDSA images were compared with film substraction with use of this phantom. It has been proven that limitation of resolution of FCRDSA was 5 % 1 mm and about 1/4 dose exposure compared with conventional film exposure was clinically acceptable. Dye dilution method was useful to determine a program of IVDSA with imaging plate. It has been proven that time to appearance and time to peak of time-concentration curve of dye dilution method closely correlate to time to appropriate image of DSA in the neck, the chest, and the abdomen. 106 cases of IVDSA and 130 cases of IADSA using FCR in Tohoku University Hospital from January ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Evaluation and interpretation of CT colonography is based on both 2D and 3D techniques. The 2D techniques are popular mainly because the time needed for evaluation is short. The 3D techniques allow better definition than the 2D techniques, especially of polyps close to folds or at the base of a fold. The evaluation strategies generally accepted so far (primarily 2D, with 3D for problem cases, or vice versa) demand knowledge of both 2D and 3D techniques. Newer 3D visualization techniques help make it possible to acquire more complete and faster recording particularly of areas that are not easily accessible to endoscopic examination. These user-friendly developments are thus well suited to improving the detection and the security of detection of polyps. It must be remembered that experience and the knowledge of associated artifacts and the limitations they can impose on diagnosis are prime requirements for the implementation of such visualization ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The single-axis portion of a three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer has been completed in the course of this research. The theory of the superconducting gravity gradiometer has been generalized and put into a Lagrangian formulation. A condition for frequency-independent common mode balance combined with a multi-stage vibration isolation scheme has enabled a stable operation of the gradiometer for prolonged periods. In a preliminary test, the gradiometer has exhibited a noise level of 1-2 E Hz"-/sup 1/2/ below 1 Hz, limited by seismic noise, where 1 E = 10"-"9 m s"-"2 m"-"1. To perform a test of the inverse square law, the single-axis gradiometer is mounted with its axis tilted from the vertial by an angle tan"-"1 #sq root#2. The device is then turned incrementally by 120"0 around the vertical to carry the gradiometer from one axis to the other two axes of an orthogonal coordinate system. A lead pendulum weighing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Objective: Optimization and testing of a high temperature combustion chamber for burning coal gas and conventional fuels natural gas or fuel oil. Coal gas is not available in such quantity for testing a full scaled combustion chamber. Therefore the design of the combustion chamber is based of experimental results from model tests and numerical solution procedures. Working program: (1) Analytical model for burning coal gas implemented in an existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. (2) Three-dimensional calculations of a full scaled combustion chamber with a CFD code for flows accompanied by combustion and chemical reaction. (3) Improvement of measuring method for determination of flame temperature and concentration. (4) Temperature and concentration profil measuring in a full scaled combustion chamber by operating with natural gas or fuel oil. Results: An analytical model for burning coal gas was implemented in an ...

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The simulation of the Auxiliary Charcoal Bed (ACB) Vacuum System was performed to evaluate the original vacuum system design, detect and identify design deficiencies, investigate the effects of proposed corrections on system performance, and generally aid in refining the system design before construction and mockup testing. The simulation was performed by using the Advanced Continuous Simulation Language (ACSL). The vacuum system design goals are to provide approximately 20 SCFM of both booster gas and purge gas through the system and maintain a flow of approximately 40 SCFM with a velocity of 50 to 75 f/sec at the entrance to the cyclone separator. The model results showed that the original system design was incapable of meeting the system performance goals. Further simulations showed that the following modifications to the original vacuum system design were required to make the system performance acceptable; (1) Remove valve PCV4. (2) Modify ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has a variety of waste units that may be temporarily or permanently stabilized by closure using an impermeable cover to prevent groundwater infiltration. The placement of an engineered kaolin clay layer over a waste unit is an accepted and economical technique for providing an impermeable cover but the long term stability and integrity of the clay in non-arid conditions is unknown. A simulated kaolin cap has been constructed at the SRA adjacent to the Burial Ground Complex. The cap is designed to evaluate the effects of desiccation on clay integrity, therefore half of the cap is covered with native soil to prevent drying, while the remainder of the cap is exposed. Measurements of the continuing impermeability of a clay cap are difficult because intrusive techniques may locally compromise the structure. Point measurements made to evaluate clay integrity, such as those from grid sampling or coring and made through a soil cover, may miss ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements were carried out for calibration and performance testing of a set of 10 electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) at the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory of Sudan. Calibrations were carried out at three X-ray beam qualities described in ISO standard 4037 in addition to 137Cs and 60Co gamma ray beams. The experimental was performed with EPDs mounted on ICRU Slab phantom. X-ray and ?-ray beams were characterized in terms of air kerma free-in-air which were converted to the known delivered personal dose equivalent, Hp(10) using appropriate the air kerma to personal dose equivalent conversion coefficients. Dosimeters tested showed excellent energy and angular response and relative error of indication within the recommended limit for photon energies from 65 keV to 1.25 MeV. The study showed encouraging results for using electronic dosimeters in personal dosimetry.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the VEGA program on radionuclide release from irradiated fuel under severe accident conditions, 10 tests in total were performed at JAEA from 1999 to 2004 under inert and steam atmospheres including the highest pressure or temperature conditions. These tests showed the increase in release rate above 2,800 K or at the fuel liquefaction and the decrease in release rate under elevated pressure, which was a first observation in the world. The data on low-volatility radionuclide release, release from MOX fuel, effect of fuel oxidation, and eutectic reaction with cladding on release were obtained from the tests. The mechanism of pressure effect on release was examined and a new release model with pressure effect was proposed. In addition, the pressure effect on source term evaluation and effectiveness of accident management measures were investigated. This article summarizes the major outcomes described above that have already ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Contrary to previous plans for the preparation of diagnostic systems for D-T break-even experiments in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), it now appears that a limited Q#approx#1 demonstration can be carried out without constructing a close-fitting igloo radiation shield around the tokamak. In order to assess the impact of D-T operation of TFTR without an igloo shield, particularly with regard to hardening of diagonstic systems, we have mapped neutron and gamma fluxes inside the test cell and test cell basement, using a variety of radiation measurements. The measurements are sufficiently detailed to resolve massive hardware components, such as neutral beams and shielded diagnostic systems, and can be used to predict local fluxes. By comparing the measurements with transport code calculations for the case of a bare tokamak, we conclude that the models have substantially overestimated fluxes both ...

Science.gov (United States)

A multicentre evaluation of the urine test strip analyser Super Aution-4220 was carried out in six laboratories. The analytical performance of the instrument with regard to imprecision, linearity, detection limit, drift, carry-over and method comparison was studied. Using the Aution stick 8 test strip the pH, glucose, protein, ketones, bilirubin, blood, urobilinogen and leukocyte esterase were analysed. Specific gravity measurements were performed by refractive index method. Within-run and between-run imprecision determined at three levels of analyte were good. No carry-over was observed. Obtained results were linear through all the described analytical range. No significant drift was detected. Method comparison with some quantitative methods was performed and showed a good correlation with most of the analytes. The study of interferences showed minor interferences by common therapeutic drugs with the measurement of some ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coal is present in the Alberta Foothills/Mountains in five zones: the Kootenay, Gething, Gates, Brazeau and Coalspur coal zones. For coalbed-methane (CBM) evaluation purposes, they can be divided into shallow (less than 1000 m depth) and deep (greater than 1000 m depth) coal zones. The potential gas content of all shallow coal zones totals about 878x10{sup 9} m{sup 3} (31 Tcf) of CBM, which is considered an inferred, initial, in-place, coalbed-methane resource estimate based on limited data. The limited amount of data on formation testing and measured gas content indicate that the inferred resource is bordering on the speculative category. The gas content of all deep coal zones (deeper than 1000 m) totals 2.8x10{sup 12} m{sup 3} (about 99 Tcf) of in-place coalbed-methane gas. Consequently, the total ultimate coalbed-methane resource could be 3.7x10{sup 12} m{sup 3} (130 Tcf). However, coalbed-methane recovery from deep ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Economic Analysis (EA) report is written to address the impacts of this proposed Effluent Limitation Guidelines and Standards for Synthetic-Based and Other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids. Currently, effluent guidelines pertaining to the discharge of drilling fluids address two specific types of fluids: Oil-based drilling fluids (OBFs) that use diesel and mineral oil, which are prohibited from being discharged; and Water-based drilling Fluids (WBFs), which can be discharged subject to meeting certain discharge requirements, including a sheen test and an aqueous toxicity test, in certain limited offshore regions. Section Two presents sources of data, Section Three presents the industry profile, Section Four discusses the regulatory costs of options under consideration for the proposed rulemaking, and Section Five discusses the impacts of the proposed rule on firms, well drilling, and production, and also ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

There is no commonly accepted standardized terminology for oral diagnoses. The purpose of this article is to report the development of a standardized dental diagnostic terminology by a work...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

(1978). United States Hukai, D. Boston Univ., MA Simmons, RE Hukai, RY

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One of the alternative ideas to solve the spent fuel issues, the partitioning and transmutation (P and T) technology has been developed for decades. Moreover, the concept of LILW production from P and T are proposed by Bowman. A PEACER (Proliferationresistant, Environmental-friendly Accident-tolerant, Continuable and Economical Reactor), based on pyrochemical process and Pb-Bi coolant transmutation reactor, has been conceptually designed to be able to convert all PWR spent fuel into low and intermediate level waste for near-surface disposal. In this study, the acceptance criteria for near-surface disposal facility is derived by the methodology for establishment of acceptance criteria. Then acceptable TRU decontamination factor (DF) and LLFP removal efficiency in order to meet acceptance criteria is evaluated.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Absolute measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) are an important endpoint in studies of cerebral pathophysiology. Currently no accepted method exists for in vivo longitudinal...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging (MFRTA) is currently one of the most widely accepted theories used to explain aging....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Nowadays it is accepted that natural flavonoids present in fruits and plant-derived-foods are relevant, not only for technological reasons and organoleptic properties, but also because of their potential...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... F4 ... Sublethal Toxicity of Nine Pesticides on Olfactory Learning Performances of ... Daphnia and Preparation of Dosage- Mortality Curves for Pesticides ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An experimental program has been conducted to determine the feasibility of natural convection cooling of a reactor following a beyond-design-based accident. The particular application under consideration was the heavy-water new production reactor. The questions to be resolved include the verification that a natural convection cooling pattern would be established and the determination of the power limit for which convective cooling will occur for a significant period of time. In the experiment, the reactor configuration was simulated using small-diameter vertical heated tubes in parallel with a large-diameter bypass line. Following a loss-of-flow event, the flow in the bypass line will reverse direction and pass through the heated channel by means of natural convection. If, however, the channel power is too high, void formation will block the channel and prevent the reverse flow pattern from occurring. The test procedure involved the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two different methods for streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) are described: the MECO-method and SLCA. Both methods are tested on an already made case-study on cars fuelled with petrol or ethanol, and electric cars with electricity produced from hydro power or coal. The report also contains some background information on LCA and streamlined LCA, and a deschption of the case study used. The evaluation of the MECO and SLCA-methods are based on a comparison of the results from the case study as well as practical aspects. One conclusion is that the SLCA-method has some limitations. Among the limitations are that the whole life-cycle is not covered, it requires quite a lot of information and there is room for arbitrariness. It is not very flexible instead it difficult to develop further. We are therefore not recommending the SLCA-method. The MECO-method does in comparison show several attractive features. It is also ...

Science.gov (United States)

This cost-effectiveness analysis presents an evaluation of the technical efficiency of pollutant control options for the proposed Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Transportation Equipment Cleaning Industry based on Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) and Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources (PSES). Section 2 discusses EPA`s cost-effectiveness methodology and identifies the pollutants included in the analysis. This section also presents EPA`s toxic weighting factors for each pollutant and considers the removal efficiency of each pollution control option. Section 3 describes the options evaluated for each subcategory. Section 4 presents the results of the cost-effectiveness analysis. In Section 5, cost-effectiveness values for proposed TEC industry options are compared to cost-effectiveness values for other promulgated rules. Section 6 discusses the two-part cost-reasonableness test for BCT options. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A self-optimizing pole-shifting control algorithm has been developed for an adaptive power system stabilizer (APSS) to improve its dynamic performance and autonomous operation. The proposed algorithm deals with the system frequency and time domain characteristics simultaneously to guarantee stability and to enhance the performance of the closed-loop system. The mechanism of discrete control system control limits influencing the closed loop system behaviour is studied. Short-term behaviour is studied by introducing the concept of a short-term behaviour index. With the introduction of dynamic control limits, an effective discrete control system design method is proposed. A PSS oriented power system dynamics simulation package (PSDSP) has been developed. Using the PSDSP, simulation studies were performed with the proposed APSS applied to a single machine and a multi machine power system. The performance of the APSS is satisfactory and is ...

Science.gov (United States)

Traditionally, market researchers have sought some formula to predict the acceptance of a new product or innovation in advance of its introduction. Perhaps a universal marketing formula will never be found. However, a summary of 3000 research studies, conducted in the United States and in other countries of the world, on how people accept new ideas promises more insight into the subject of the marketing of passive design and products than ever before.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main objective of this paper is to identify conditions which affect public concern (either increase or decrease) and political acceptance for developing and implementing programmes for geologic disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. It also looks how citizens and relevant actors can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input is enriching the outcome towards a more socially robust and sustainable solution. Finally, it aims at learning from the interaction how to optimise risk management addressing needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. In order to meet these objectives, factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified, described and analysed. Subsequently these factors are looked for in the real world of nuclear waste management through cases in several countries. The analysis is conducted for six stages of a repository programme and implementation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Computer programs have been written to allow the analysis of different types of eddy-current probes and their performance under different steam generators test conditions. The probe types include the differential bobbin probe, the absolute bobbin probe, the pancake probe and the reflection probe. The generator test conditions include tube supports, copper deposits, magnetite deposits, denting, wastage, pitting, cracking, and intergranular attack. These studies are based mostly on computed values, with the limited number of test specimens available used to verify the computed results. The instrument readings were computed for a complete matrix of the different test conditions, and then the test conditions determined as a function of the readings by a least-squares technique. A comparison was made of the errors in fit and instrument drift for the different probe ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

One of the main requirements to use Be as a candidate for plasma facing component in ITER is providing a reliable joint between Be and Cu-alloy heat sink structure. In this work authors present the results of recent activity on this way. To create Be/CuCrZr joints the unique fast e-beam brazing technology was developed in Russia. The numbers of Be/CuCrZr mock-ups were manufactured in Efremov Institute by fast e-beam brazing using Cu-Sn-In-Ni brazing alloy. These mock-ups were tested by Sandia Laboratory at the EBTS electron beam facility. The goals of the tests were to define the allowable dimensions of the armour tiles for the heat loads of more than 10 MW/m{sup 2}, to find the limit of bond strength for the Be/CuCrZr joint and response to heat loads and to estimate the life time of the brazed tiles by thermo-cyclic testing. The screening and thermal fatigue results are presented. With the aim to check ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this report was to assess the usefulness of cerebral blood flow (CBF) scanning utilising the SPECT technique in forensic medicine cases in the area of civil law cases. CBF SPECT scanning was performed in four patients utilising "9"9"mTc-ECD and a triple-head gammacamera. In the analysis both the asymmetry index and cerebellar normalisation were applied. Reference values were obtained by studying 30 healthy volunteers. In those cases CBF SPECT scanning played an important role in forensic argument. It influenced the sentence and the amount of financial compensation. CBF SPECT scanning may provide valuable information in forensic medicine argument in civil law cases, but only when taken together with psychometric tests and other neuroimaging methods (CT, MRI). The value of CBF SPECT scanning alone may be limited in judicial proceedings. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Biomarkers are biometric measurements that provide critical quantitative information about the biological condition of the animal or individual being tested. In drug safety studies, established toxicity biomarkers are used along with other conventional study data to determine dose-limiting organ toxicity, and to define species sensitivity for new chemical entities intended for possible use as human medicines. A continuing goal of drug safety scientists in the pharmaceutical industry is to discover and develop better trans-species biomarkers that can be used to determine target organ toxicities for preclinical species in short-term studies at dose levels that are some multiple of the intended human dose and again later in full development for monitoring clinical trials at lower therapeutic ...