It was demonstrated that R2?R 4 saturated monohydric alcohols can be synthesized from CO and H2 in the presence of Fe catalysts containing a carbon support of the Sibunit type with granule sizes of 3?5, 1?2, and 0.05?0.1 mm in a fixed-bed reactor at 3 MPa and 240?300?C. It was found that the activity of Fe/Sibunit catalysts and their selectivity for the formation of liquid synthetic products increased with the size of granules and the amount of iron. The catalysts make it possible to obtain fatty alcohols, in which the fraction of R2?R 4 alcohols is as high as 75%, in yields to 56 g/m3.
Determining the radial distribution of the thermal neutron field in the core of the Dalat reactor was done by the Cu foil activation method. The measured data were fitted by the least square method to determine some physical parameters of the reactor, as follows: 1. Laplacian: B_r"2 = (84.6 +- 5.5)10_-_4/,cm"2. 2. The effective radius: R_e_f_f = (27.6 +- 1.0)cm. 3. The extrapolation distance: #lambda#_r = (8.7 +- 1.0)cm. 4. The unequal coefficient of the effective multiplication: k_r = 1.77 +- 0.11. (author). 3 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
An approach of acidification was examined on formation of hydrogen-producing granules and biofilms in upflow column-shaped reactors. The reactors were fed with synthetic glucose wastewater and operated at 37 C and pH 5.5. The acclimated anaerobic culture was inoculated in four reactors designated R1, R2, R3 and R4, with R3 and R4 filled with granular activated carbon as support medium. To unveil the roles of acidification, microbial culture in R2 and R3 was subject to an acid incubation for 24 h by shifting the culture pH from 5.5 to 2.0. The experimental results suggested that the acidification substantially accelerated microbial granulation, but not biofilm formation. Microbial activities were inhibited by the acid incubation for about 78 h, resulting in the retarded formation of biofilms of the acidified culture. Reducing culture pH ...
AimsThe experiments explored for atrial arrhythmogenesis and its possible physiological background in recently developed hetero-(RyR2+/S) and homozygotic...Full Text Available
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 (mGluR2/3) agonists were shown previously to nonselectively decrease both cocaine- and food-maintained responding in rats. mGluR2 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs)...Full Text Available
To test the hypothesis that transduction of the channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) gene, a microbial-type rhodopsin gene, into retinal ganglion cells of genetically blind rats will restore functional vision, we recorded visually evoked potentials and tested the experimental rats for the presence of optomotor responses. The N-terminal fragment of the ChR2 gene was fused to the fluorescent protein Venus and inserted into an adeno-associated virus to make AAV2-ChR2V. AAV2-ChR2V was injected intravitreally into the eyes of 6-month-old dystrophic RCS (rdy/rdy) rats. Visual function was evaluated six weeks after the injection by recording visually evoked potentials (VEPs) and testing optomotor responses. The expression of ChR2V in the retina was investigated histologically. We found that VEPs ...
The distribution of Cu, Ni, Co and Mn between an aqueous solution of constant ionic strength and Versatic Acid 911 diluted with benzene was investigated. Only one extracted species of Cu was revealed to have a dimeric structure of the composition (CuR_2.RH)_2, while both monomer and dimer were found in the extraction of Ni, Co and Mn. The curve-fitting method was employed to determine these species, from which the composition of the extracted species was found to be NiR_2.4RH and (NiR_2.2RH)_2, CoR_2.4RH and (CoR_2.2RH)_2, and MnR_2.4RH and (MnR_2.2RH)_2, respectively. The apparent equilibrium constants of the above species and those between monomer and dimer were also determined. The ...
The evolution of Bianchi type-I and type-IX universes for a theory of gravity with an #epsilon#R"2 term added to the usual Lagrangian is considered. As in the spatially flat Robertson-Walker case considered previously by others, inflation is found to occur. For any amount of initial anisotropy, the anisotropy decays quickly relative to the length of the inflationary epoch, and the amount of expansion is enhanced by the anisotropy. The exceptions are Bianchi type-IX universes near or at isotropy. In these cases a wide range of initial parameters causes the universe to recollapse, thus reducing the phase space in which inflation can occur. The diagonal metric is shown to be the most general form in the R"2 theory for both Bianchi type-I universes with a perfect fluid and vacuum Bianchi type-IX models.
... describe the relationship (Peake and Quinn, 1993). The power model was considered best if the R2 from this ... when stone abundance was low (Fig. 2). The power model best described the nonlinear relations...
Modification of DNA and double-stranded deoxyoligonucleotides with antitumor 1,2-diamino-cyclohexanedinitroplatinum(II) (Pt-dach) complexes was investigated with the aid of physico-chemical methods and chemical probes of nucleic acid conformation. The three Pt-dach complexes were used which differed in isomeric forms of the dach non-leaving ligand-Pt(1R,2R-dach), Pt(1S,2S-dach) and Pt(1R,2S-dach) complexes. The latter complex has lower antitumor activity than the other two Pt-dach complexes. Pt(1R,2S-dach) complex exhibits the slowest kinetics of its binding to DNA and of the conversion of monofunctional binding to bifunctional lesions. The anomalously slow electrophoretic mobility of multimers of the platinated and ligated oligomers suggests that bifunctional binding of Pt-dach complexes to a d(GG) site within double-stranded oligonucleotides induces bending of ...
Biosorption of lead(II) ions from aqueous solution onto the seed husk of Calophyllum inophyllum was investigated in a batch system. Equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetic studies were conducted by considering the effects of pH, initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and temperature. The results showed that the uptake of the metal ions increased with increase in initial metal ion concentration. The pH for optimum adsorption was 4 for the Pb(II) ions (q=4.86mg/g and 97.2% adsorption). Langmuir isotherm described the biosorption of Pb(II) ions onto the biomass (R^2=0.9531) better than the Freundlich model (R^2=0.7984), and the Temkin model (R^2=0.8761). Biosorption kinetics data obtained for the metal ions sorption were fitted using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order. It was ...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of low-resolution Raman spectroscopy for monitoring the oxidation status of olive oil. Primary and secondary oxidation parameters such as peroxide value, K"2"3"2 and K"2"7"0 were studied. Low-resolution Raman spectra ranging from 200 to 2700 cm^-^1 in a set of 126 oxidized and virgin olive oil samples were collected directly using a probe. Partial Least Squares was used to calibrate the Raman instrument for the different targeted parameters. The performance of the models was determined by using validation sets, and the best results obtained were: R^2 = 0.91, RMSEP = 2.57 for the peroxide value content; R^2 = 0.88, RMSEP = 0.37 for K"2"3"2; and R^2 = 0.90, RMSEP = 0.08 for K"2"7"0. These results demonstrated that low-resolution Raman spect...
We prove rigorously that the structure constants of the leading (highest spin) linear terms in the commutation relations of the conformal chiral operator algebra W_#infinity# are identical to those of the Diff_0"+ R"2 algebra generated by area preserving diffeomorphisms of the plane. Moreover, all quadratic terms of the W_N algebra are found to be absent in the limit N#->##infinity#. In particular we show that W_#infinity# is a central extension of Diff_0"+ R"2 with non-trivial cocycles appearing only in the commutation relations of its Virasoro subalgebra. We also propose a representation of W_#infinity# in terms of a single scalar field in 2+1 dimensions and discuss its significance in the context of quantum field theory. (orig.).
The extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) has been investigated using mixtures of synthesized aromatic dithiophosphinic acids (R_2PSSH) and tributylphosphate (TBP), trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) or tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO) in toluene from nitric acid (0.01-1.5 mol l"-"1). There was no detectable extraction when R_2PSSHs were used alone as extractants for either Am(III) or Eu(III) (D_A_m_,_E_u<10"-"4) under the experimental conditions used in this study. High separation factors (D_A_m/D_E_u>20) with D_A_m>1 were achieved in the nitric acid range 0.1-1 moll"-"1 by means of a synergistic mixture of bischlorodithiophosphinic acid with TBP, TOPO or TBPO. (orig.)
A multiphase origin of the Cu-Co ores in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt in Central Africa is proposed based on literature, satellite image interpretations and petrographic and fluid inclusion analyses on samples from the stratiform mineralization of Kamoto and Musonoi (DR Congo). The various mineral occurrences in the Katanga Copperbelt can be classified in distinct categories: stratiform, supergene enrichment and vein-type. The stratiform mineralization form the largest group and can be found mainly in Lower Roan (R-2) rocks, which can be identified as ridges on satellite imagery. Ore deposits outside the R-2 occur along lineaments and result often from supergene enrichment.The main phase of the stratiform mineralization in the Katanga Copperbelt occurred during dia...
We show that the generating function of all amplitudes with N twisted and M untwisted states, i.e. the Reggeon vertex for magnetized branes on R^2 can be computed once the correlator of N non excited twisted states and the corresponding Green function are known and we give an explicit expression as a functional of the these objects
The primary objective of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and operat...
The primary objective of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and operat...
A simple method of estimating the amount of lung irradiated in patients with breast cancer would be of use in minimizing lung complications. To determine whether simple measurements taken at the time of simulation can be used to predict the lung volume in the radiation field, we performed CT scans as part of treatment planning in 40 cases undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Parameters measured from simulator films included: (a) the perpendicular distance from the posterior tangential field edge to the posterior part of the anterior chest wall at the center of the field (CLD); (b) the maximum perpendicular distance from the posterior tangential field edge to the posterior part of the anterior chest wall (MLD); and (c) the length of lung (L) as measured at the posterior tangential field edge on the simulator film. CT scans of the chest were performed with the patient in the treatment position with 1 cm slice intervals, covering lung apex to base. The ipsilateral total lung area ...
The metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) has been reported to be involved in cocaine and alcohol self-administration. However, the role of mGluR7 in relapse to drug seeking is unknown....Full Text Available
Recent achievements and tendency on reactor physics activities in Japan are reviewed according to topics published in journals or discussed at the Japan Research Committee on Reactor Physics.
... and support cost, and post-retirement disposal cost) of ... from reactors, and the reactors and other ... the ship's hull and reactor compartment enough to ...
AECL Publications on Reactor Safety in CANDU Reactors are listed in this bibliography. The listing is chronological and the accompanying index is by subject. The bibliography will be brought up to date annually. (auth).
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs. (DG)
An overview is presented of the FFTF reactor and plant together with descriptions of core components, core internals, core system, primary and secondary control rod system, reactor instrumentation, reactor vessel and closure head, and supporting test programs.
This handbook breaks down the complex field of nuclear reactor calculations into major steps. Each step presents a detailed analysis of the problems to be solved, the parameters involved, and the elaborate computer programs developed to perform the calculations. This book bridges the gap between nuclear reactor theory and the implementation of that theory, including the problems to be encountered and the level of confidence that should be given to the methods described. Volume II: Monte Carlo Calculations for Nuclear Reactors. In-Core Management of Four Reactor Types. In-Core Management in CANDU-PHW Reactors. Reactor Dynamics. The Theory of Neutron Leakage in Reactor Lattices. Index.
Information is presented concerning reactor research activities; isotope geology; NERC radiocarbon laboratory; teaching activities; and reactor operation.
The MEX-15 is a conceptual design of a Multipurpose Reactor with thermal power of 15 MW and this reactor is pool type with fuel plates U{sub 3}0{sub 8}-Al of low enrichment uranium. This report presents the static calculation for the MEX-15 reactor using SRAC code system and was developed under the collaboration agreement between ININ-JAERI in Research Reactor Technology Development Division of Department of Research Reactor in Tokai Research Establishment. (Author)
Bis(imido) uranium(VI) trans- and cis-dichalcogenate complexes with the general formula U(NtBu)2(EAr)2(OPPh3)2 (EAr = O-2-tBuC6H4, SPh, SePh, TePh) and U(NtBu)2(EAr)2(R2bpy) (EAr = SPh, SePh, TePh) (R2bpy = 4,4'-disubstituted-2,2'-bipyridyl, R = Me, tBu) have been prepared. This family of complexes includes the first reported monodentate selenolate and tellurolate complexes of uranium(VI). Density functional theory calculations show that covalent interactions in the U-E bond increase in the trans-dichalcogenate series U(NtBu)2(EAr)2(OPPh3)2 as the size of the chalcogenate donor increases and that both 5f and 6d orbital participation is important in the M-E bonds of U-S, U-Se, and U-Te complexes.
Spectroscopic properties of Er"3"+ : CBS (CdSO_4 + B_2O_3 and R_2SO_4 + CdSO_4 + B_2O_3, R_2SO_4 = Li_2SO_4.H_2O, Na_2SO_4, K_2SO_4 and Gd_2(SO_4)_3.8H_2O) glasses are reported. The assigned energy level data of Er"3"+(4f"1"1) in these glasses are analysed in terms of a parametrized model Hamiltonian. The standard deviations of the data fits are between 39 and 47 cm"-"1 so that the energy level schemes of the Er"3"+(4f"1"1) ions in borosulphate (CBS) glasses are reasonably well reproduced. Radiative properties for the fluorescent levels of Er"3"+ : CBS glasses are determined by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. The potential laser transitions are identified with the help of predicted radiative properties which are compared and discussed with similar results. (author).
Multiplex PCR is practically a reasonable choice for molecular marker-assisted selection in potato breeding. We had developed and were using a multiplex PCR method for selection of resistance genes to cyst nematode (H1), Potato virus X (Rx1) and late blight (R1 and R2). Since then, more reliable and tightly linked markers for H1 and R2, and a new marker for resistance to Potato virus Y (Ry chc ) were developed. In this article, all these superior markers, including a positive marker to eliminate PCR-failed samples, were incorporated into one multiplex PCR assay. Using the newly developed multiplex PCR technique, five plants potentially harboring all five resistance genes were selected from 96 hybrid plants approximately 5?h after DNA extraction, which is a third of the operation time compa...
Complex formation between neptunium(IV) and neptunium(V) ions with thiosemicarbazidodiacetic acid in solution has been studied spectrophotometrically. Under the conditions employed herein complexes of composition 1:2 and 1:1, in the form Np(HR)_2 and NpO_2R"2"-, respectively, are formed. Stability constants for these complexes have been calculated and their molar extinction coefficients have been determined, and are equal to (1.33 +/- 0.25) x 10"7, log #beta# = 7.11 +/- 0.8, element of/sub K/ = 96 +/- 3 liter/mole x cm for Np(HR)_2, and (2.34 +/- 0.2) x 10"3, log #beta# = 3.36 +/- 0.036, element of/sub K/ = 235 +/- 1 liter/mole x cm for NpO_2R"2"-. Spectrophotometric titration has also shown that in basic solutions thiosemicarbazidodiacetic acid behaves as a tribasic acid; it third ionization constant has been determined and is equal to 10/sup -9.2/.
The TVR heavy water research reactor was deployed at Moscow Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. In 1990, the final batch of the spent nuclear fuel from this reactor was shipped to Production Association (PA) 'Mayak' for reprocessing. The SNF removal was a stage of the reactor decommissioning activities. The designs of the TVR reactor and its fuel elements are similar to the RA reactor designs. Two ways of the RA reactor SNF transportation to PA 'Mayak' have been considered: in aluminum barrels and in additional canisters using respectively TUK-32 and TUK-19 shipping casks. The practical experience and the equipment used to prepare for the TVR reactor SNF removal can be helpful to the RA reactor personnel in finding the best way to perform these engineering operations. (author)
This is the twenty-ninth edition of Reference Data Series No. 2, Nuclear Power Reactors in the World, which is published once per year, and presents the most recent reactor data available to the IAEA. It contains the following summarized information: - General information as of the end of 2008 on power reactors operating or under construction, and shut down; - Performance data on reactors operating in the Agency's Member States, as reported to the IAEA. The IAEA's Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) is a comprehensive data source on nuclear power reactors in the world. It includes specification and performance history data of operating reactors as well as reactors under construction or reactors being decommissioned. PRIS data are collected by the IAEA through the designated national ...
The primary objective of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-Cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and operat...
The primary objective of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and operat...
The primary objectives of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and opera...
The primary objective of the Air Force Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Test Network (AFCTN) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the CALS standards for technical data interchange and to demonstrate the technical capabilities and operat...
The bosonic string on R"2"5xS"1 has a series of states turning tachyonic at radii implying T=IT_H. We employ the B picture to examine these thermal states in the one-loop free energy and find them in various combinations, factorizing towards rational points on the real line boundary of the fundamental domain B: (-1/2=# 0). These thermal tachyons are interpreted as signaling Hagedorn instabilities against the production of an l-highly-excited-identical-strings state, which gives a relation between the one-loop partition function and l-point functions. (orig.).
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.
The series of cubic pyrochlore structure compounds, R_2Mo_2O_7 (R = Nd-Yb, Y; R not= Eu), were prepared as single phase materials by solid state reaction between R_2O_3 and MoO_2 at 1400 "0C in a CO/CO_2 = 1 buffer gas atmosphere. Lattice constants obtained from X-ray powder data compare well with results from previous studies. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization data were obtained for all samples between 300 K and 4.2 K (700 K for R = Gd) and a range of applied fields. For R = Nd, Sm, and Gd magnetic ordering is observed at 97 K, 93 K and 83 K respectively which is assigned to ferromagnetism on the Mo(IV) sublattice. The Mo(IV) moment in the ordered state is about 1 #mu#/sub B/. At low temperatures, the Gd(III) and Mo(IV) moments are apparently coupled feromagnetically in Gd_2Mo_2O_7 yet the high temperature susceptibility data seem to indicate a ferrimagnetic (antiparallel) Gd(III)-Mo(IV) ...
Al, Ga and In complexing with methylthymol blue (H_6R) purified by gel filtration is studied. in the case of metal excess complexes with the ratio of components M:H_6R=2:1 with #lambda#=587(Al), 590(Ga) and 593 nm(In) appear. In the case of reacting agent excess complexes with the ratio of component 1:1 with #lambda#_m_a_x=480-490 (Al) and 480 nm(Ga, In) appear. The mechanism of complexing reactions is studied. Molar extinction coefficients and stability constants are calculated.
JRR-3 is a research reactor of 10 MWt output, which attained the criticality in 1962. All the design, manufacture, installation and others of this reactor were carried out by Japanese technologies, except the fuel and heavy water as the moderator and coolant, therefore it is nicknamed Home-made No.1 Reactor. Recently, due to the change in the state of utilizing research reactors and the rise of quality in the utilization, JRR-3 has become to be unable to meet sufficiently the needs of users. The plan of reconstructing the JRR-3 was considered under such situation, and in order to reuse the reactor building, the reactor proper is removed, and an entirely new, high performance, versatile reactor is to be constructed. In this paper, as to the removal works of the JRR-3 reactor proper, the method of execution, design, the ...
Fusion energy has been studied in many countries such as U.S., France, Japan, Korea etc. Because it would provide much more energy for a given weight of fuel than any technology currently in use, and the fuel itself (primarily deuterium) exists abundantly in the Earth's ocean. Nuclear fusion reactor uses tritium and deuterium as fuel while nuclear fission reactor uses uranium and plutonium as fuel. Besides, inherent design characteristics and driving condition of nuclear fusion reactor is different from those of nuclear fission reactor. Therefore, we cannot apply the regulation rules of nuclear fission reactor to nuclear fusion reactor without change and thus it is needed to development of the safety regulation concept which reflects the characteristics of nuclear fusion reactor. Safety regulation of nuclear fusion ...
Based on the cruise data collected in the Pearl River estuary (PRE) in May 2008, an empirical two-band model by using the ratio of R (rs) at 629 and 671 nm was established to retrieve total suspended matter (TSM) concentration with the determination coefficient (R(2)) of 0.854, mean relative error (MRE) of 7.483%, and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.295 mg L(?-?1). To match with medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) bands, in situ remote sensing reflectance was re-sampled to the bandwidth of 10 nm. The relationship between TSM and re-sampled R (rs) at 620 nm (MERIS band 6) and 665 nm (MERIS band 7) are obtained (R(2) = 0.748, RMSE = 1.697 mg L(?-?1), MRE = 8.785%, n = 13). Additionally, to map the spatial distribution of TSM in the PRE, MERIS level_1B data were calibrated using a multiple linear regression model based on in situ R (rs). Another dataset collected in the PRE in January 2004 ...
The ternary stannides RE_3Ru_4Sn_1_3 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were obtained by arc-melting of the elements. The polycrystalline samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of three compounds were refined from single-crystal diffractometer data: Yb_3Rh_4Sn_1_3 type, Pm anti 3n, a = 977.74(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0379, 280 F"2 values for La_3Ru_4Sn_1_3, a = 971.34(9) pm, wR2 = 0.0333, 274 F"2 values for Ce_3Ru_4Sn_1_3, a = 970.68(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0262, 272 F"2 values for Nd_3Ru_4Sn_1_3 with 13 variables per refinement. The structures consist of three-dimensional networks of condensed RuSn_6_/_2 trigonal prisms with the RE (CN 16) and Sn2 (CN 12) atoms in two different types of cavities of the networks. The two crystallographically independent tin sites have been resolved by "1"1"9Sn Moessbauer spectroscopy. Temperature-dependent magnetic ...
This handbook breaks down the complex field of nuclear reactor calculations into major steps. Each step presents a detailed analysis of the problems to be solved, the parameters involved, and the elaborate computer programs developed to perform the calculations. This book bridges the gap between nuclear reactor theory and the implementation of that theory, including the problems to be encountered and the level of confidence that should be given to the methods described. Volume III: Control Rods and Burnable Absorber Calculations. Perturbation Theory for Nuclear Reactor Analysis. Thermal Reactors Calculations. Fast Reactor Calculations. Seed-Blanket Reactors. Index.
The results for development of methods and computer programs for integrated optimization of parameters of perspective fast reactors are given. The possibilities of the program for the reactor campaign calculation are analysed. This program is based on utilisation of the Bubnov-Galerkin method and Wigner disturbance theory. The possibility of application of approximation methods for the optimization researches is discussed. The results of development of the programs for complex reactor computations with account of control rods system and change of physical parameters in the reactor campaign are discussed. (author).
The days of high-temperature reactors in the Federal Republic of Germany are numbered. The AVR has been decommissioned, and an application has been filed for licensing the decommissioning of the THTR. Nevertheless, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Schulten who is the director of Juelich Nuclear Research Center's Institute for Reactor Development, and also full professor of Aachen Technical University in the field of reactor safety, predicts a good future for the HTR reactor line on a worldwide level, due to the inherent safety of this reactor type. (orig.).
In the framework of a global analysis of the various available sources of energy, Japan has reserved a prominent place to the nuclear energy, and in the long-term view, to the breeder reactor which will be due for commercial deployment in 2010. To achieve these objectives, three stages are envisaged, one of the experimental reactor Joyo (in service), one of the demonstration reactor Monju (its construction has been decided), and one of the pre-commercial reactor (due to be taken in hand at the beginning of the Nineties). Efforts will be made in parallel concerning the fuel cycle.
The Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) operated by Argonne National Laboratory is described in this paper. NRAD was designed to allow radiography of highly absorbing reactor fuel assemblies in the vertical position on the routine basis. 7 figs.
Quantities and compositions of non-tritium radioactive waste are estimated for some current conceptual fusion reactor designs, and disposal of large amounts of radioactive waste appears necessary. Although the initial radioactivity of fusion reactor and f...
This study assesses the feasibility of removing the FFTF reactor vessel from its current location in the reactor cavity inside the Containment vessel to a transporter for relocation to a burial pit in the 200 Area.
The device of the present invention improves reactor safety by suppressing lowering of water level in a shroud which surrounds a reactor core, even upon occurrence of rupture of pipelines in an emergency reactor core cooling system in a recycling pump-incorporated type reactor. Namely, an opening of each of cooling systems which forms the emergency reactor core cooling device in a reactor pressure vessel is disposed above the upper end of the reactor core. Further, it also comprises an independent high pressure water injection system, gravitational dropping type water injection system and an automatic depressurization system. With such a constitution, even if rupture of pipelines in the system should be assumed, coolants never flow directly from the shroud which surrounds the reactor core. In addition, there are no ...
THe high-temperature reactor is one of the alternatives for the now predominantly employed water-reactors. In a recently published book designer Rudolf Schulten outlines his concept. In this article the book is reviewed. (author). 1 ref.; 1 fig.
THe high-temperature reactor is one of the alternatives for the now predominantly employed water-reactors. In a recently published book designer Rudolf Schulten outlines his concept. In this article the book is reviewed. (author). 1 ref.; 1 fig.
The commissioning of four CANDU-600 reactors is discussed, with mention of some design features. The four are Point Lepreau, Gentilly-2, Wolsung and Cordoba reactors. The commissioning of Pickering-5 is also mentioned, and so are some events affecting other CANDU reactors.
For light water reactors, loss of coolant is an important point in safety analysis, whereas for gas-cooled reactors the ingress of water into the core region is an incident of safety relevance. The applicability of the computer code system GAMTEREX to pebble beds of spherical high-temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel elements with simulated water ingress is verified by experiment. The measurements were performed at a Siemens-Argonaut reactor, using its ring core as a driver zone for a pebble-bed core in the center of the reactor.
The days of high-temperature reactors in the Federal Republic of Germany are numbered. The AVR has been decommissioned, and an application has been filed for licensing the decommissioning of the THTR. Nevertheless, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Schulten who is the director of Juelich Nuclear Research Center's Institute for Reactor Development, and also full professor of Aachen Technical University in the field of reactor safety, predicts a good future for the HTR reactor line on a worldwide level, due to the inherent safety of this reactor type. (orig.).
Actinides other than the main uranium or plutonium isotopes take a growing part in the different stages of the nuclear cycle. For the French nuclear power program based on the development of light water reactors and fast breeders, many evaluations of the secondary actinides build up are made for the both reactor types using mainly the existing reactor codes. The comparison of these foreseen compositions with experimental results allows to perform some adjustments of the neutronic data. The secondary actinide compositions are given for some typical fuels and their consequences on the nuclear cycle are discussed. An hypothetical burning of these wastes in fast reactors has been studied and the main conclusions are reported.
Division of Remote Handling and Robotics (DRHR) at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been working on design and development of Reactivity Control Mechanisms for Nuclear Research Reactors (Dhruva, KAMINI and recently Critical Facility of Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR)) as well as Power Reactors in India (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors of 220 MWe at Narora and recently India's first 540 MWe PHWR Unit -1 and 2 at Tarapur). This paper gives a brief account of evolution of reactivity control mechanisms for nuclear research and power reactors in India. (author)
Chemical looping combustion is a novel technology that can be used to meet the demand on energy production without CO{sub 2} emission. To improve CO{sub 2} capture efficiency in the process of chemical looping combustion of coal, a prototype configuration for chemical looping combustion of coal is made in this study. It comprises a fast fluidized bed as an air reactor, a cyclone, a spout-fluid bed as a fuel reactor and a loop-seal. The loop-seal connects the spout-fluid bed with the fast fluidized bed and is fluidized by steam to prevent the contamination of the flue gas between the two reactors. The performance of chemical looping combustion of coal is experimentally investigated with a NiO/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxygen carrier in a 1 kW{sub th} prototype. The experimental results show that the configuration can minimize the amount of residual char entering into the air reactor from the fuel ...
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been developing the integral reactor. The reactor head structure assembly (RHSA) is the structure installed over the reactor cover. Due to the characteristics of an integral reactor, there are many instrument cables and power cables coming out from the reactor cover and main components. The RHSA provides an interface location to connect these cables from Architecture Engineer (AE) and System Designer (SD). It also prevents a pipe whip and it prohibits instruments from becoming missiles. In this research, the axiomatic design approach for the RHSA is performed.
In this paper Particle Bed Reactor (PBR) designs are discussed which use /sup 233/U and /sup 242m/Am as fissile materials. A constant total power of 100MW is assumed for all reactors in this study. Three broad aspects of these reactors is discussed. First, possible reactor designs are developed, second physics calculations are outlined and discussed and third mass estimates of the various candidates reactors are made. It is concluded that reactors with a specific mass of 1 kg/MW can be envisioned of /sup 233/U is used and approximately a quarter of this value can be achieved if /sup 242m/Am is used. If this power level is increased by increasing the power density lower specific mass values are achievable. The limit will be determined by uncertainties in the thermal-hydraulic analysis. 5 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.
Four low activation alloy classes, two austenitic and two ferritic, have been incorporated into the MOTA-1B experiment in the FFTF reactor to provide an early assessment of the suitability of such alloys for reactor service.
The FFTF reactor is described. Procedures and equipment used to protect personnel from potential hazards of oxygen deficient environments are described.
The location of defective LMFBR fuel pins by the determination of gas tag isotopic ratios is discussed. The application of this method to the FFTF Reactor briefly described.
This document is the annual update of the FFTF and Advanced Reactors Transition Program Resource Loaded Schedule for FY 2002 using current project direction and authorized funding levels
Of some interest is the comparison between the actinide nuclide burning up (fission) rates such as americium 241, americium 242, curium 244, and neptunium 237, in the reactors with fast or thermal neutron spectra.
Of some interest is the comparison between the actinide nuclide burning up (fission) rates such as americium 241, americium 242, curium 244, and neptunium 237, in the reactors with fast or thermal neutron spectra.
This article gives an account of the recent development of light water reactors new concepts in the world. Different projects are being studied. The CE80+ from Combustion Engineering (CE) is a 1350 MWe-PWR-type reactor whose primary circuit is confined in a spherical metallic containment. This reactor was certified by NRC (national regulatory commission) in mid-1996. The APWR (advanced pressurized water reactor) is developed by MHI (Mitsubishi heavy industries) in a collaboration with Westinghouse, this PWR-type reactor fitted with 4 loops derived from the SP90 model that was developed by Westinghouse during the eighties. 2 units of ABWR (advanced boiling water reactor) were commissioned in Japan in 1996 and 1997, ABWR was certified by NRC in mid-1996. The BWR90+ is developed by ABB-atom (Sweden) and it represents a cautious advanced version of the BWR75. ...
The urine test strip is the most common test used to detect ketones in veterinary patients, but it can underestimate the degree of ketonuria and hence, ketonemia. Additionally, adequate urine samples for analysis may be difficult to obtain from dehydrated animals. The standard method used to detect and monitor ketonemia in human medicine is measurement of serum or whole blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (?HOB). A point-of-care (POC) analyzer has been validated for this purpose in humans. This study compared the accuracy of the POC device to an enzymatic reaction laboratory method for measurement of ?HOB in dogs. Although the POC sensor tended to overestimate ?HOB concentrations, there was good correlation (R(2) = 0.96) and good agreement between the 2 methods with a bias +/- precision of 0.0860 +/- 0.3410 mmol/L ?HOB. The POC ?HOB sensor can be useful for assessing ketonemia in dogs. PMID:21119867
The multiple responses of fishes to changes in dissolved oxygen saturations have been studied widely in the laboratory. In contrast only few studies have included field observations. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of a novel acoustic dissolved oxygen transmitter for field biotelemetry. The results demonstrated that the output of the transmitter was unaffected by three different temperatures (10 to 30 degrees C) and described the dissolved oxygen saturation with high accuracy (r(2) > 0.99) over the entire range of 0 to 191% saturation. The response time (>= 90% of end value) of the transmitter was 12 s both in terms of decreasing (100 to 0%) and increasing (0 to 100%) oxygen saturations. When externally attached to fishes the present findings support the use of the transmitter for reliable dissolved oxygen measurements on individuals living in environments that may change both temporally and spatially ...
Abstract Lyme disease is a perfect model of the complex relationship between host, vector, and the vector-borne bacteria. Both dogs and horses in Romania are exposed to infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the seroreactivity against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in dogs and horses from different regions of Romania. 276 samples from dogs and 260 samples from horses located in different regions of Romania were analyzed by ELISA and IFA, respectively. The effect of several factors potentially affecting seroreactivity (location, age, gender, occupation, and vector exposition risk) was evaluated using Fisher's exact test (R2.12.0). The overall prevalence of anti-Borrelia antibodies was 6.52% (18/276) in dogs, with a significantly higher positivity (46.15%, 6/13, p=0.0005) re...
This study examined kinetics and mass transfer in the biosorption of heavy metals onto Caulerpa lentillifera. The sorption capacity of Cu^2^+, Pb^2^+ and Cd^2^+ from aqueous solution increased with initial metal concentration and decreased with biosorbent dose. Kinetic data were well described using the pseudo-second-order model. Results showed that both external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion were rate limiting steps in the biosorption process. Activation energy of biosorption kinetics fell in the range of 3-13kJ/mol. The biosorption of Cu^2^+, Cd^2^+ and Pb^2^+ on the biomass correlated well with the Langmuir isotherm (R^2>0.99) with maximum sorption capacities at 293K of 0.169, 0.085 and 0.177mol/kg for Cu^2^+, Cd^2^+ and Pb^2^+ ions, respectively. Thermodynamic studies demon...
The influence of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) variables, namely, sample concentration, salt concentration and sample amount, on the equilibrium headspace analysis of the main volatile flavor compounds released from soursop was investigated. A total of 35 volatile compounds, comprising 19 esters, six alcohols, three terpenes, two acids, two aromatics, two ketones and an aldehyde, were identified. The results indicated that all response-surface models were significantly (p<0.05) fitted for 10 target volatile flavor compounds. The results further indicated that more than 65% of the variation in the equilibrium headspace concentrations of target volatile flavor compounds could be explained by the final reduced models, with high R2 values ranging from 0.658 to 0.944. Multiple...
BACKGROUND: High levels of g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulate in plant tissues under various stresses. GABA accumulation is also influenced by cultivar. This aim of this study was to select the most promising cultivar of fava bean for GABA accumulation and to optimise the culture conditions for GABA production in germinated fava beans by response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD). RESULTS: GABA content and glutamate decarboxylase activity in germinated seeds of cultivar S2 were significantly higher than those in other cultivars (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation (r = -0.765, P < 0.05) between germination percentage and 1000-kernel weight was observed. There was a linear relationship between GABA content and sprout length (R2 = 0.816). The regression...
Computing the topology of an algebraic plane curve $\\mathcal{C}$ means to compute a combinatorial graph that is isotopic to $\\mathcal{C}$ and thus represents its topology in $\\mathbb{R}^2$. We prove that, for a polynomial of degree $n$ with coefficients bounded by $2^\\rho$, the topology of the induced curve can be computed with $\\tilde{O}(n^8(n+\\rho^2))$ bit operations deterministically, and with $\\tilde{O}(n^8\\rho^2)$ bit operations with a randomized algorithm in expectation. Our analysis improves previous best known complexity bounds by a factor of $n^2$. The improvement is based on new techniques to compute and refine isolating intervals for the real roots of polynomials, and by the consequent amortized analysis of the critical fibers of the algebraic curve.
The invention concerns a procedure for operating reactors in nuclear power plants. It aims at utilizing power reserves in nuclear power plants. This can be achieved by a steam-side connection of the steam generators of two reactors. The amount of steam exchanged between the units is chosen in such a way that power changes at the steam turbines feedback mainly to the corresponding reactor. In order to realize a high power transfer it is necessary to return the amount of condensate produced in the steam receiving unit and corresponding to the power transferred to the feedwater system of the steam donating unit.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
The purpose of this paper is to describe instrumentation and control (I&C) system improvements at Experimental Breeder Reactor 11 (EBR-11). The improvements are focused on three objectives; to keep the reactor and balance of plant (BOP) I&C systems at a high level of reliability, to provide diagnostic systems that can provide accurate information needed for analysis of fuel performance, and to provide systems that will be prototypic of I&C systems of the next generation of liquid metal reactor (LMR) plants.
Results of tests on the 1 kg/h continuous reactor for the hydroliquefaction of coal are described. The reactor was operated at 415-435 C and 21 MPa using a continuous stirred reactor with a retention time of about 2 hours. All product oils were recovered by distillation. Sub-bituminous coal was found to give the best product yield. Tests using 5% red mud and 3% improved red mud showed significant increases in oil yield. (4 refs.)
A new reactor concept is described which would enable fission fragments to be continuously extracted from the reactor. Such a reactor has the potential of enabling extremely energetic and ambitious deep space missions. In this talk the basic physics issues involved in the operation of this type of reactor are outlined, and some possible applications to space exploration are described. 3 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.
The kinetic parameters, ..cap alpha.. the coupling coefficient and tau-bar the mean neutron transit time have been determined using a reactor oscillator on the coupled-core of the Queen Mary College research reactor. By using correlation techniques it has proved possible to use detectors small enough to be inserted in the fuel tanks. It is shown that the simplified Baldwin model with one-group diffusion theory is inadequate to describe the kinetic behaviour and the experimentally-determined parameters are dependent upon the positioning of the detectors.
An experimental plan for improving the problems of failed fuel location system in Wolsung Unit-2 reactors was established. It is not possible to make an experiment on the failed fuel monitoring nuclides in the cold laboratories because they have very short half life. Therefore, the experiments can be only carried out at the existing monitoring system under reactor operation. For that reason, an experimental plan was drawn up for installing the radiation detection system on reactor site.
Dr. Rudolf Schulten of West Germany and expert witnesses from national laboratories, utilities, and the nuclear industry testified on reactor safety issues as they relate to the Chernobyl accident and public concern that modern technology has not paid enough attention to public safety. Each of the witnesses contributed safety-related information based on what has been learned from the Soviet incident. Particular focus went to similarities and differences between the Chernobyl and US reactors in safety design and engineering and to the environmental effects of the accident. The N reactor near Richland and a commercial reactor at Fort St. Vrain, Colorado are the only two operating graphite reactors, but neither is a boiling water reactor.
Dr. Rudolf Schulten of West Germany and expert witnesses from national laboratories, utilities, and the nuclear industry testified on reactor safety issues as they relate to the Chernobyl accident and public concern that modern technology has not paid enough attention to public safety. Each of the witnesses contributed safety-related information based on what has been learned from the Soviet incident. Particular focus went to similarities and differences between the Chernobyl and US reactors in safety design and engineering and to the environmental effects of the accident. The N reactor near Richland and a commercial reactor at Fort St. Vrain, Colorado are the only two operating graphite reactors, but neither is a boiling water reactor.
Since the first round of conceptual fusion reactor designs in 1973 - 1974, there has been considerable progress in design improvement. Two recent tokamak designs of the Wisconsin and Culham groups, with increased plasma beta and wall loading (power density), lead to more compact reactors with easier maintenance. The Reference Theta-Pinch Reactor has undergone considerable upgrading in the design of the first wall insulator and blanket. In addition, a conceptual homopolar energy storage and transfer system has been designed. In the case of the mirror reactor, there are design changes toward improved modular construction and ease of handling, as well as improved direct converters. Conceptual designs of toroidal-multiple-mirror, liner-compression, and reverse-field pinch reactors are also discussed. A design is presented of a toroidal multiple-mirror reactor that ...
This paper presents the results of a series of experiments performed to study the effect of initial pressure vessel conditions on the extent of melt dispersal from scaled reactor cavities and describes progress in development of a mathematical model which is designed to predict the melt mass dispersed from reactor cavities as a function of reactor vessel initial conditions and on the vessel breach area. The model, which is being developed to also characterize the heat transfer and chemical reaction phenomena which would take place within the reactor cavity, is designed to be incorporated into a lumped-parameter containment analysis computer code.
The invention concerns an integrated nuclear reactor comprising natural convection cooling of the supporting skirt on which rests the shield closing the reactor vessel. Cooling is achieved by making the air circulate from the bottom to the top around the skirt and removing this air by a stack. The air can be atmospheric air or air taken from the low parts of the reactor. In the latter case, the stack emerges near a metal roof releasing its heat to the atmosphere by radiation, the air then dropping to the low parts. Application to fast nuclear reactors.
This paper discusses the remote plugging of leaks in inaccessible pipework, with main reference to small leaks which frequently appear in ancillary cooling water circuits of nuclear reactors. Initially developed to cure problems of the pre-stressed concrete pressure vessels of UK reactors, the ZORIC sealant has been used to repair leaking biological shield pipework on six CANDU reactors. ZORIC is based on a water-soluble epoxy resin and an aqueous suspension of a refined mineral clay. This paper describes the evolution of the sealant, the qualification and testing program, and their application to CANDU reactor systems. 2 refs., 6 figs.
The most important and difficult part of materials research for fusion reactor is realized to be irradiation studies of fusion reactor materials. Irradiation studies of fusion reactor materials utilizing FFTF/MOTA, as one of Japan/U.S.A. Fusion Collaboration Programs, have important role to establish fundamental understanding of heavy irradiation effects on materials behavior and properties and to develop methods and technologies for advanced irradiation studies under fusion reactor environment. This paper briefly reviews the history, the state of the art, and the future of the FFTF/MOTA program. (author).
[sup 123]I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy was performed in 20 diabetic patients (NIDDM) and 8 control subjects to investigate the association between clinical autonomic nerve dysfunction and myocardial accumulation of MIBG. We used coefficient variance of R-R interval (CV[sub R-R]) as a index of the autonomic neuropathy and categorized diabetes into two groups (CV[sub R-R][>=]2.0: non-autonomic neuropathy. CV[sub R-R]<2.0: autonomic neuropathy). In planar imaging studies, heart to mediastinum MIBG uptake ratio (H/M) was calculated on both early and delayed images. The washout ratio of [sup 123]I-MIBG in the heart (%WR) was also obtained using myocardial tracer activity on the both images. Mean value of these indices in diabetic group did not reveal any significant difference with the value in the control group. On the SPECT images, low uptake was observed in the ...
The symmetrical complexes ["9"9"mTc][TcN(R_2PS_2)_2] [R = CH_3, CH_2CH_3, CH_2CH_2CH_3, CH_2(CH_3)_2], and the unsymmetrical complex ["9"9"mTc][TcN(Me_2PS_2)(Et_2PS_2)] have been prepared, at tracer level, through a two-step procedure involving the preliminary formation of a prereduced technetium nitrido intermediate followed by substitution reaction onto this species by the appropriate dithiophosphinate ligand [R_2PS_2]Na. The chemical identity of the resulting complexes have been established by comparison with the corresponding "9"9Tc-analogs prepared, at macroscopic level, by reacting the complex ["9"9TcNCl_4] [n-Bu_4N] (n-Bu = n-butyl) with an excess of ligand in methanol, and characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques. The complexes are neutral and lipophilic, and possess a square pyramidal geometry, with an apical Tc N group and two dithiophosphinate ligands spanning the four ...
Full text: The maturation of chicken forebrain is protracted and occurs well after synapse formation providing a good model for studying mechanisms of brain maturation. Using microslices from immature (10 day) and adult chicken forebrain prepared after decapitation, we have examined functional properties of NMDA and AMPA receptors by measuring agonist-induced uptake of "4"5Ca"2"+ . The rate and extent of NMDA induced "4"5Ca"2"+ accumulation decreased during maturation with no change in EC_5_0. The rate and extent of the AMPA induced response also decreased with a 60-fold increase in EC_5_0. However, the total NMDA receptor content did not change as indicated by 3 H-MK801 binding and NR1 immunoreactivity in P2 fractions. Similarly, there was no change in the B_m_a_x of "3H-AMPA, though there was a two-fold increase in K_D, and little or no change in the immunoreactivity in GluR1, 2, 2/3 or 4. These results suggest that it is the regulation of receptors, their subunit composition and/or ...
Magnetization of R_2CuO_4 (R=Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) crystallizing in the Nd_2CuO_4-type (T') structure has been measured between 4 and 300 K. In Y_2CuO_4 antiferromagnetic ordering of Cu"2"+ spins at 260 K has been detected clearly, without being interfered with by the paramagnetic contribution of rare-earth elements as in the other compositions. Weak ferromagnetic behavior with a moment of 9x10"-"4 #mu#_B/Cu accompanies the antiferromagnetic transition. Dy"3"+, Ho"3"+, Er"3"+, and Tm"3"+ ions obey the Curie-Weiss law at relatively high temperatures, and the effective moments are in good agreement with the values anticipated from their lowest multiplet levels. Various types of deviations from the law occur at low temperatures. Specifically, a sharp kink possibly suggesting antiferromagnetic ordering of the Dy"3"+ moments has been found at 7 K. Anomalies around 200 K for Ho_2CuO_4 and Er_2CuO_4 reflect the weak ferromagnetic contribution of the ...
R_2PdSi_3 compounds have been found to exhibit rich magnetic phenomena arising from the interplay between RKKY interaction, crystal electric field effects and geometric frustration due to the derived hexagonal AlB_2 structure. The observed crystallographic superstructure further complicates the CEF level scheme. Inelastic neutron scattering measurements on single crystals of Tm_2PdSi_3 and Er_2PdSi_3 have been performed at the cold triple axis spectrometer PANDA in FRM-II. Both compounds order antiferromagnetically at T_N=7 K and 2.1 K respectively; Er_2PdSi_3 undergoes a second phase transition at T_2=2 K. Several low lying CEF excitations (below 10 meV) were observed. The intensity of the lowest excitation show strong directional dependence (in HK0 plane for Er_2PdSi_3 and in HHL plane for Tm_2PdSi_3), from which the details of the transitional matrix could be deduced. Measurements in magnetic fields up to 13 T show Zeeman splitting of the ...
Environmental Survey Laboratory at Tarapur, Maharashtra site carries out environmental radioactivity measurements in different matrices to evaluate the impact of operating nuclear installations. In this paper, the evaluation of data of 1983-2007 (25 years) is presented. Time trends of particulate radioactivity, correlation between "1"3"7Cs in discharge canal seawater and station discharged activity and correlation of "1"3"7Cs, "6"0Co, and "1"3"1I in marine species like Sponge and Nerita and corresponding discharged activity were carried out. Statistical analysis of environmental data of seawater and marine fish for several radionuclides, for distributions, showed that the data best fits lognormal distribution. A strong correlation between "1"3"7Cs in seawater and "1"3"7Cs in liquid waste discharge was observed (R"2 = 0.8, P = 0.000). Similarly correlation was very good for Nerita and discharged concentration for "1"3"7Cs, "1"3"1I and "6"0Co ...
Mon R2, at a distance of 830 pc, is the only ultracompact HII region (UC HII) where the photon-dominated region (PDR) between the ionized gas and the molecular cloud can be resolved with Herschel. HIFI observations of the abundant compounds 13CO, C18O, o-H2-18O, HCO+, CS, CH, and NH have been used to derive the physical and chemical conditions in the PDR, in particular the water abundance. The 13CO, C18O, o-H2-18O, HCO+ and CS observations are well described assuming that the emission is coming from a dense (n=5E6 cm-3, N(H2)>1E22 cm-2) layer of molecular gas around the UC HII. Based on our o-H2-18O observations, we estimate an o-H2O abundance of ~2E-8. This is the average ortho-water abundance in the PDR. Additional H2-18O and/or water lines are required to derive the water abundance profile. A lower density envelope (n~1E5 cm-3, N(H2)=2-5E22 cm-2) is responsible for the absorption in the NH 1_1-0_2 line. The emission of the CH ground state ...
Substitution of various rare earths R within the class of R2PdSi3 single crystals with hexagonal AlB2-type crystallographic structure reveals the systematic dependence of anisotropic magnetic properties governed by the interplay of crystal-electric field effects and magnetic two-ion interactions. Here we compare the floating zone (FZ) crystal growth with radiation heating of compounds with R = Tb, Tm, Pr, and Gd. The congruent melting behavior enabled moderate growth velocities of 3 to 5 mmh-1. The preferred growth directions are close to the basal plane of the hexagonal unit cell. The composition of the crystals, except of Tb2PdSi3, is slightly Pd-depleted with respect to the nominal composition 16.7 at.% Pd. Thin precipitates of RSi secondary phases were detected in the crystal matrix. Their phase fraction can be diminished by growth from Pd-rich melt compositions and annealing treatments. The compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic order below ...
INTRODUCTION. We searched for a pathophysiologically based feature of major water electrolytes, which may define water quality better than the water hardness, respecting urinary calculus formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Utilizing a multistage stratified sampling, 2310 patients were diagnosed in the imaging centers of the provincial capitals in Iran between 2007 and 2008. These were composed of 1755 patients who were settled residents of 24 provincial capitals. Data on the regional drinking water composition, obtained from an accredited registry, and their relationships with the region's incidence of urinary calculi were evaluated by metaregression models. The stone risk index (defined as the ratio of calcium to magnesium-bicarbonate product in drinking water) was used to assess the risk of calculus formation. RESULTS. No correlation was found between the urinary calculus incidence and the amount of calcium, bicarbonate, or the total hardness of the drinking water. In contrast, water ...
RELAP5 (Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program) is a system code developed at the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory for thermal hydraulic analysis of nuclear reactors. The code RELAP5 is widely used for safety analysis studies of commercial nuclear power plants. However, recent released version of RELAP5/3.2 and over present significant capabilities for analysis of nuclear reactor research systems. As a contribution to the assessment of RELAP5/3.3 for research reactor safety analysis, experimental data from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor UMLRR are used. The UMLRR is a 1 MW, light water moderated and cooled, graphite-reflected, open-pool type research reactor. This paper presents the development and the validation of a UMLRR-RELAP model using experimental data. For this purpose, a series of experiments were ...
The United State Domestic Research Reactor Infrastructure Program at the Idaho National Laboratory manages and provides project management, technical, quality engineering, quality inspection and nuclear material support for the United States Department of Energy sponsored University Reactor Fuels Program. This program provides fresh, unirradiated nuclear fuel to Domestic University Research Reactor Facilities and is responsible for the return of the DOE-owned, irradiated nuclear fuel over the life of the program. This presentation will introduce the program management team, the universities supported by the program, the status of the program and focus on the return process of irradiated nuclear fuel for long term storage at DOE managed receipt facilities. It will include lessons learned from research reactor facilities that have successfully shipped spent fuel elements to DOE receipt facilities.
The operation of a nuclear power reactor necessarily implies the consumption or burnup of reactor fuel by fission and capture, which gives rise to a decrease in the reactivity of the reactor. The effect of americium formation on the criticality of a thermal power reactor using two types of fuel is studied. The three-dimensional core calculation is used to calculate the production of the transuranium isotopes and their effect on the effective multiplication factor (K[sub eff]). This effect cannot be neglected for thermal power reactors with UO[sub 2]-PuO[sub 2] fuel (3.11% after 70 weeks of operation). The effect of the transuranium isotopes on the K[sub eff] for a thermal power reactor with UO[sub 2] fuel is about 0.0018% and can be ignored. (author).
The operation of a nuclear power reactor necessarily implies the consumption or burnup of reactor fuel by fission and capture, which gives rise to a decrease in the reactivity of the reactor. The effect of americium formation on the criticality of a thermal power reactor using two types of fuel is studied. The three-dimensional core calculation is used to calculate the production of the transuranium isotopes and their effect on the effective multiplication factor (K_e_f_f). This effect cannot be neglected for thermal power reactors with UO_2-PuO_2 fuel (3.11% after 70 weeks of operation). The effect of the transuranium isotopes on the K_e_f_f for a thermal power reactor with UO_2 fuel is about 0.0018% and can be ignored. (author).
In allusion to the explosion of a urea reactor took place in a fertilizer plant at Pingyin, Shandong, China, a series of evidence collection and inspection jobs which includes collecting operation condition and parameters, sampling the explosion fracture, reactor body apart from explosion fracture, and leak detection medium and its hangover, etc., had been carried out firstly. Based on these jobs, farther analysis and computation work has been done to the structural and materials characteristics and the operation condition of the urea reactor, including compositions, metallographic phases, tensile properties, impact energy, strain ageing characteristics, and fracture toughness of the urea reactor steels, the compositions of leak detection medium and its hangover in the urea reactor, and ex...
High-flux neutron sources are continuing to be of interest both in Canada and internationally to support materials testing for advanced power reactors, new developments in extracted-neutron-beam applications, and commercial production of selected radioisotopes. The advanced MAPLE reactor concept has been developed to meet these needs. The advanced MAPLE reactor is a new tank-type D_2O reactor that uses rodded low-enrichment uranium fuel in a compact annular core to generate peak thermal-neutron fluxes of 1 x 10"1"9 n#centre dot#s"-"1 in a central irradiation rig with a thermal power output of 50 MW. Capital and incremental development costs are minimized by using MAPLE reactor technology to the greatest extent practicable.
The rationale for hybrid fusion-fission reactors is the production of fissile fuel for fission reactors. A new class of reactor, the fission-suppressed hybrid promises unusually good safety features as well as the ability to support 25 light-water reactors of the same nuclear power rating, or even more high-conversion-ratio reactors such as the heavy-water type. One 4000-MW nuclear hybrid can produce 7200 kg of /sup 233/U per year. To obtain good economics, injector efficiency times plasma gain (eta/sub i/Q) should be greater than 2, the wall load should be greater than 1 MW m/sup -2/, and the hybrid should cost less than 6 times the cost of a light-water reactor. Introduction rates for the fission-suppressed hybrid are unusually rapid.
The testing of candidate fuel elements at prototypic operating conditions with respect to temperature, power density, hydrogen coolant flow rate, etc., a crucial component in the development and qualification of nuclear rocket engines based on the Particle Bed Reactor (PBR), NERVA-derivative, and other concepts. Such testing may be performed at existing reactors, or at new facilities. A scoping study has been performed to assess the feasibility of testing PBR based fuel elements at the TREAT reactor. initial results suggest that full-scale PBR, elements could be tested at an average energy deposition of {approximately}60--80 MW-s/L in the current TREAT reactor. If the TREAT reactor was upgraded to include fuel elements with a higher temperature limit, average energy deposition of {approximately}100 MW/L may be achievable.
SCDAP/RELAP5 code has been developed in US for best-estimate simulation of light water reactors transients during nuclear accidents. The code models the coupled behaviour of the cooling system, reactor core and fission products release during the accident. It is the result of the coupling between RELAP5, modelling thermal hydraulic, control system, reactor kinetics and the transport of noncondensable gases, and SCDAP code modelling the behaviour of the reactor core during severe accidents. The paper briefly presents the application of SCDAP/RELAP5 code to CANDU severe accident analysis. Also, the paper proposes a summary of the needs for development that could enhance the quality of the severe accidents related predictions in CANDU reactors. (authors)
The objective of the study is to improve the volume of nuclear power plant which adopts passive safety system concept. The passive safety system reactor is characterized by excellent safety and reliability. But the volume of NSSS (Nuclear Steam Supply System) of the passive safety system reactor is so small that it should be upgraded for commercial operation. For volume upgrade, detailed analyses are performed as follows; core design, hydraulics, design and mechnical structures, and safety analysis. In addition to above analysis, some investigations must be supplied as follows: power density vs. DNB margin decrease, outlet temperature vs. EPRI-URD, additional tests for upgraded reactor, dynamic analysis of mechanical vibration according to expanded reactor vessel and expanded in-core structures, and Merit loss of passive safety system reactor according to design margin decrease. ...
The calculated radioactive waste inventories of the Turkey Point pressurized water fission reactor (PWR) and the Starfire conceptual fusion tokamak are compared as a function of time from initial start-up to 10,000 years after decommissioning. Only material out of reactor at least one year is considered. The total activity in Ci/W(th) of the Starfire tokamak is slightly greater than that of the PWR during the active lifetimes of the two reactors and beyond 1000 years. However, using reduced activation materials in Starfire can result in about 1/2000 as much long-lived radioactivity as in the fission reactor. It is stressed that comparison of wastes on this basis is not straightforward, since the radioisotopes and methods required for their disposal are different for fusion and fission reactors. 2 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.
Today TBP and TBAs are the compounds which have the highest potential to replace the hydrides arsine and phosphine in the MOVPE process. The authors have demonstrated the entire material system Ga-In-As-P can be grown without any loss of quality using TBP and TBAs not only in one reactor, but in a complete family of reactors. These reactors range from small-scale single wafer R and D reactors to multiwafer Planetary Reactor systems. Both InP based and GaAs based materials could be grown with an excellent quality. Thus all growth processes for III-V devices--long and short wavelength lasers, LEDs, high speed transistors, etc.--can be switched to TBP and TBAs. This will drastically reduce safety hazards and lead to processes that have advantages both from the ecological and economical point of view.
Two sodium cooled reactors are currently being operated in the United States of America for the US Department of Energy. These are Experimental Breeder Reactor 11, EBR-11, and the Fast Flux Test Facility, FFTF. EBR-11 is located near Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the FFTF is near Richland, Washington. These reactors are currently engaged in a wide range of testing including fuels and materials tests, and plant system performance and safety development. The US DOE program also includes designs of a next generation sodium cooled power reactor. The FFTF and EBR-11 communities are providing input to these designs. This paper discusses the efforts to develop and operate cover gas systems for the sodium cooled nuclear reactor program in the USA.
Encapsulation of a unique isotopic blend of krypton and xenon gas employs a special application of laser technology. The encapsulated gas is then used as the primary medium for detection and identification of failed nuclear fuel rods. The use of gas tagging as a means of detecting and identifying failed nuclear fuel rods has been successfully demonstrated and used by the Argonne National Laboratory, Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-2) Project, and the Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC), Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) Fast Breeder Reactor Program. The Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC) of Japan has selected this leak detection system for use in their MONJU Prototype Reactor fuel assemblies. The MONJU reactor is almost identical in design to the highly successful FFTF reactor, which is currently in standby status.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 Mw(t), loop-type, sodium-cooled, fast neutron reactor. It is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the United States Department of Energy at Richland, Washington. The FFTF is a multipurpose test reactor used to irradiate fuels and materials for programs such as Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) research, fusion research, space power systems, isotope production and international research. FFTF is also used for testing concepts to be used in Advanced Reactors which will be designed to maximize passive safety features and not require complex shutdown systems to assure safe shutdown and heat removal. The FFTF also provides experience in the operation and maintenance of a reactor having prototypic components and systems typical of large LMR (LMFBR) power plants. The 5 year operational performance of the FFTF reactor is ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 Mw(t), loop-type, sodium-cooled, fast neutron reactor. It is operated by the Westinghouse Hanford Company for the United States Department of Energy at Richland, Washington. The FFTF is a multipurpose test reactor used to irradiate fuels and materials for programs such as Liquid Metal Reactor (LMR) research, fusion research, space power systems, isotope production and international research. FFTF is also used for testing concepts to be used in Advanced Reactors which will be designed to maximize passive safety features and not require complex shutdown systems to assure safe shutdown and heat removal. The FFTF also provides experience in the operation and maintenance of a reactor having prototypic components and systems typical of large LMR (LMFBR) power plants. The 5 year operational performance of the FFTF reactor is ...
The activation aspects of pure fusion and hybrid fusion technology is studied to assess the radioactive safety of various fusion concepts including tokamak pure fusion, fissile fuel producing hybrid and radio waste transmuting hybrid. The activation properties of breeding, coolant and structural materials in fusion reactors might be quite different from those in fission reactors because of the high energy D-T fusion neutrons from the fusion cores. A study on the involved activation reactions and the uncertainties of the associated nuclear cross-sections is carried. The activation properties of various first wall concepts and blanket concepts are discussed. The radioactive inventory during the operation lifetime and the potential hazard of the radioactive nuclides with respect to near term (reprocessing) and long term (waste disposal) aspects are calculated, with reference to ITER/NET (International Thermonuclear Experiment ...
The activation aspects of pure fusion and hybrid fusion technology is studied to assess the radioactive safety of various fusion concepts including tokamak pure fusion, fissile fuel producing hybrid and radio waste transmuting hybrid. The activation properties of breeding, coolant and structural materials in fusion reactors might be quite different from those in fission reactors because of the high energy D-T fusion neutrons from the fusion cores. A study on the involved activation reactions and the uncertainties of the associated nuclear cross-sections is carried. The activation properties of various first wall concepts and blanket concepts are discussed. The radioactive inventory during the operation lifetime and the potential hazard of the radioactive nuclides with respect to near term (reprocessing) and long term (waste disposal) aspects are calculated, with reference to ITER/NET (International Thermonuclear Experiment ...
The purpose of the conversion process is to convert the {sup 233}U fluoride compounds that are being extracted from the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) equipment to a stable oxide for long-term storage at Bldg. 3019.
In order to reduce the air concentration of (sup 3)H in the reactor buiIding of Wolsung Heavy Water Reactor, a computer code for estimation of adsorption behavior was programmed based on an equation derived for analysis of water vapor adsorption, and a ba...
The main aspects of the present WWER-440 reactors spent fuel management are described in the paper. Experimental results of fuel integrity studies which are carried out under conditions of a long-term storage are also presented. (author). 5 refs, 5 figs.
Starting from the Molten Salt Breeder Reactor project of Oak-Ridge, we have performed parametric studies in terms of safety coefficients, reprocessing requirements and breeding capabilities. In the frame of this major re-evaluation of the molten salt reactor (MSR), we have developed a new concept called Molten Salt Fast Reactor or MSFR, based on the Thorium fuel cycle and a fast neutron spectrum. This concept has been selected for further studies by the MSR steering committee of the Generation IV International Forum in 2009. Our reactor's studies of the MSFR concept rely on numerical simulations making use of the MCNP neutron transport code coupled with a code for materials evolution which resolves the Bateman's equations giving the population of each nucleus inside each part of the reactor at each moment. Because of MSR's fundamental characteristics compared to classical ...
This report is the final report on the seismic testing of reactor components conducted since 1977 with opening of the vibration laboratory at KAERI. In 1979, forced vibration testing of Wolsung-1 steam generator model using sine dwell and white nosie rand...
The calculated radioactive waste inventories of the Turkey Point pressurized water fission reactor (PWR) and the Starfire conceptual fusion tokamak are compared as a function of time from initial start-up to 10,000 years after decommissioning. Only materi...
The paper briefly describes the nuclear reactor facilities at Sandia Laboratories which are used for simulating nuclear weapon produced neutron environments. These reactor facilities are used principally in support of continuing R and D programs for the Department of Energy/Office of Military Application (DOE/OMA) in studying the effects of radiation on nuclear weapon systems and components. As such, the reactors are available to DOE and DOD agencies and their contractors responsible for the radiation hardening of advanced nuclear weapon systems. Emphasis is placed upon two new reactor simulation sources; the Sandia Pulse Reactor-III (SPR-III) Facility which enhances the neutron exposure volume capabilities over those presently available with the existing SPR-II Facility, and the Upgraded Annular Core Pulse Reactor (ACPR) Facility which enhances the neutron ...
Based on a generalized theory of perturbations and on non-linear programming an approach to the quantitative determination of necessary accuracies for nuclear data is described. It is used to calculate transactinide isotope build-up in reactors.
A reactor was proposed in which the breeder mantel would consist of a charge of homogeneous cast breeder elements, so that the breeder element has the same shape as the fuel elements. By this method it would be possible to use the breeder element after its irradiation immediately for the charging of the fuel elements.
The Sp-100 reactor is a lithium-cooled high-temperature fast-spectrum reactor. The fuel is UN. The cladding is fabricated from PWC-11, a Nb alloy, as are all the primary structural components. A reactor lifetime of up to ten years with an operating temperature of 1370 K is required. The accumulated fluence is expected to be 6 x10"2"2 n/cm"2. The damage, which could result in swelling or embrittlement, anneals out as fast as it occurs for the majority of the structure. This has been confirmed by earlier radiation testing. A number of components, however, are exposed to lower temperatures and the reactor design and materials selection for these components must take this into consideration. Radiation effects must also be considered for the UN fuel, bearing materials, etc. To data an instrumented experiment, MOTO 1000A, has been conducted in the FFTF reactor and as uninstrumented ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor, which started operating in 1982, is a 400 MWt sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor located in Hanford, Washington State, and operated by Westinghouse Hanford Co. under contract with U.S. Department of Energy. The reactor has a wide variety of functions for irradiation tests and special tests, and its major purpose is the irradiation of fuel and material for liquid metal reactor, nuclear reactor and space reactor projects. The review first describes major technical specifications and current conditions of the FFTF reactor. Then the plan for irradiation testing is outlined focusing on general features, fuel pin/assembly irradiation tests, and absorber irradiation tests. Assemblies for special tests include the material open test assembly (MOTA), fuel open test assembly (FOTA), closed loop ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor, which started operating in 1982, is a 400 MWt sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor located in Hanford, Washington State, and operated by Westinghouse Hanford Co. under contract with U.S. Department of Energy. The reactor has a wide variety of functions for irradiation tests and special tests, and its major purpose is the irradiation of fuel and material for liquid metal reactor, nuclear reactor and space reactor projects. The review first describes major technical specifications and current conditions of the FFTF reactor. Then the plan for irradiation testing is outlined focusing on general features, fuel pin/assembly irradiation tests, and absorber irradiation tests. Assemblies for special tests include the material open test assembly (MOTA), fuel open test assembly (FOTA), closed loop ...
This is the final Report for the technical ''on-the-job traning'' for the Wolsung CANDU nuclear power plant which is the first Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor setting up in Korea. The technical ''on-the-job traning'' was established to increase the capabi...
Coke consumption may be cut as much as fifty percent using a coal reactor to furnish carbon monoxide for ore reduction in a blast furnace while lowering the sulfur content of pig iron accompanied by a smaller slag volume.
The primary scope of this study is to establish the analysis technology for the advanced reactor designed on the basis of the passive and inherent safety concepts. This study is extended to the application of these technology to the safety analysis of the passive reactor. The study was performed for the small and medium sized reactor and the large sized reactor by focusing on the development of the analysis technology for the passive components. Among the identified concepts the once-through steam generator, the natural circulation of the integral reactor, heat pipe for containment cooling, and hydraulic valve were selected as the high priority items to be developed and the related studies are being performed for these items. For the large sized passive reactor, the study plans to extend the applicability of the best estimate computer code RELAP5/MOD3 which is ...
To propose a new design concept of a nuclear reactor used in the space, research has been conducted on the conceptual design of a new nuclear reactor on the basis of the following three main concepts: (1) Thermionic generation by thermionic fuel elements (TFE), (2) reactivity control by rotary reflector, and (3) reactor cooling by liquid metal. The outcomes of the research are: (1) A calculation algorithm was derived for obtaining convergent conditions by repeating nuclear characteristic calculation and thermal flow characteristic calculation for the space nuclear reactor. (2) Use of this algorithm and the parametric study established that a space nuclear reactor using 97% enriched uranium nitride as the fuel and lithium as the coolant and having a core with a radius of about 25 cm, a height of about 50 cm and a generation efficiency of about 7% can probably be operated continuously ...
To estimate the waste management needs of a fusion power reactor, a scheme for handling radioactive waste from a fusion plant has been devised. The handling scheme proceeds with radioactive waste, primarily from blanket replacement, being stored on-site; waste in cooled and shielded casks is then isolated off-site; finally, the materials are recycled. Using activities and component lifetimes supplied by designers, several conceptual fusion power reactors have been analyzed and their waste streams compared to fission reactors with regard to total activity, specific activity, and lifetimes of activity.
To estimate the waste management needs of a fusion power reactor, a scheme for handling radioactive waste from a fusion plant has been devised. The handling scheme proceeds with radioactive waste, primarily from blanket replacement, being stored on-site; waste in cooled and shielded casks is then isolated off-site; finally, the materials are recycled. Using activities and component lifetimes supplied by designers, several conceptual fusion power reactors have been analyzed and their waste streams compared to fission reactors with regard to total activity, specific activity, and lifetimes of activity.
Comments are made on the Public Inquiry into CEGB's proposal to construct a pressurized water reactor (PWR) at Sizewell, UK. Aspects discussed include: time elapsed and its possible effect on the result; economics of nuclear power plants compared with coal-fired power plants; changes in real sterling/dollar exchange rates; effect of mineworkers' strike; the UK electric power generating system; AGR reactors compared with PWR reactors; extension of Magnox reactor life; radioactive waste management; political decisions.
Utility interest has recently increased in potential future nuclear units that combine the characteristics of smaller size, greater simplicity, and more passive safety features. In response to such interest, General Electric (GE) began development in 1982 of a 600-MW(electric) reactor with simplified power generation and safety systems. This paper provides an overview of the simplified boiling water reactor (SBWR) design, with emphasis on the thermal-hydraulic aspects of the design. The SBWR is a natural circulation reactor requiring no pumps to circulate the water through the core.
Nuclear physics parameters of the Wolsung CANDU-PHW reactor are computed by use of the PHWCELL computer code that is an improved version of LATREP. The PHWCELL code mainly computes cell parameters of heavy water moderated reactors, and modeling scheme of heavy water reactor cell calculations has been developed with the PHWCELL computer code. The reactor operating conditions considered in the study are cold zero power (CZP) and hot full power (HFP) with equilibrium poison. The cell parameters are also computed as a function of fuel burnup and the numerical results are compared with the results in PSR of the Wolsung unit and in the previous study. (author).
The risk analysis was carried out in consideration of conditions prevailing at the Kalkar site analogous to the investigations in phase A of DRS (German Reactor Study). Earthquake design loads include the probabilities of upper deviations of the site intensities to be expected. The calculations of dynamic loads for select buildings are made using models and computational methods. Component analyses were performed analogous to DRS for the supports of large components, supports of the roof construction of the reactor building taking into account support reserves due to plastic work capacity, wall disks in steam generator buildings and switchboard plant buildings. (DG).
Object: To limit the discharge amount of reactor water in a primary system at the time of scram to prevent excessive outflow of reactor water outside the system. Structure: A signal from an upper limit position indicator detects the fact that control rods are completely inserted when the reactor is urgently stopped and the detection signal causes a valve in an outflow line of the discharge water from a control rod driving mechanism to be closed to limit the amount of discharge flown into the scram discharge vessel, thus preventing outflow of reactor water in the primary system after the scram has been initiated. (Kamimura, M.).
Modelling the behaviour of fission product (FP) in a nuclear reactor coolant system (RCS) undergoing a hypothetical severe accident is an important step in the evaluation of radioactive release outside a nuclear power plant. This paper scrutinize Small Break LOCA sequence for WWER1000 reactor in order to investigate the possible paths for release of FP from fuel pallets to the reactor containment. Contemporaneous computer code for simulation of RCS will be use for the analysis. The results from analysis of fuel damage and release of FP trough the break of cold leg are present. (author)
... in the design of such devices as fusion reactors, magnetohydrodynamic generators, magnetically levitated vehicles, magnetic forming devices, and ...
Since January, 1981, the project of development of nuclear fuel fabrication technology for Wolsung reactor (CANDU type) was undertaken by KAERI(Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute) and successfully fulfilled with loading 24 fuel bundles made by KAERI in Wolsung reactor in September, 1984. On the basis of this accumulated technology and experience, mass production plan to supply all the nuclear fuels for Wolsung reactor is under way. In this presentation, the Korean experience in the development of the nuclear fuel fabrication technology, safety and performance evaluation of KAERI fuel and the results of irradiation of KAERI fuels in Wolsung reactor will be described.
Since January, 1981, the project of development of nuclear fuel fabrication technology for Wolsung reactor (CANDU type) was undertaken by KAERI(Korea Advanced Energy Research Institute) and successfully fulfilled with loading 24 fuel bundles made by KAERI in Wolsung reactor in September, 1984. On the basis of this accumulated technology and experience, mass production plan to supply all the nuclear fuels for Wolsung reactor is under way. In this presentation, the Korean experience in the development of the nuclear fuel fabrication technology, safety and performance evaluation of KAERI fuel and the results of irradiation of KAERI fuels in Wolsung reactor will be described.
In this paper the diffusion of tritiated water vapor into concrete walls is studied to evaluate tritiated water retention capacity of a fusion reactor concrete building. Using a model of the tritiated water diffusion determined form experimental results, depth profiles of tritiated water in concrete are calculated in the case of being exposed to air containing tritiated water vapor during the normal operational condition of a fusion reactor. A 0.5-m-thick concrete is sufficient for reactor hall walls from a viewpoint of the tritium containment.
In this paper the diffusion of tritiated water vapor into concrete walls is studied to evaluate tritiated water retention capacity of a fusion reactor concrete building. Using a model of the tritiated water diffusion determined form experimental results, depth profiles of tritiated water in concrete are calculated in the case of being exposed to air containing tritiated water vapor during the normal operational condition of a fusion reactor. A 0.5-m-thick concrete is sufficient for reactor hall walls from a viewpoint of the tritium containment.
Purpose : To obtain an emergency core cooling device in a FBR type reactor by utilizing heat pipes which are not actuated at usual operation condition but actuated reliably upon emergency. Constitution : A system for injecting heat medium into heat pipes is provided. By injecting the heat medium into the heat pipes upon emergency to actuate the heat pipes, the reactor core is cooled. During normal reactor operation, the inside of the heat pipes is evacuated from a vacuum pump and no heat medium is filled therein, whereby unnecessary heat loss during the normal operation can be prevented. (Ikeda, J.).
Conceptual fusion reactor studies over the past 10 to 15 years have projected systems that may be too large, complex, and costly to be of commercial interest. One main direction for improved fusion reactors points towards smaller, higher-power-density approaches. First-order economic issues (i.e., unit direct cost and cost of electricity) are used to support the need for more compact fusion reactors. A generic fusion physics/engineering/costing model is used to provide a quantiative basis for these arguments for specific fusion concepts.
In 1980 Sasol completed its very large coal conversion complex, Sasol Two and Three in South Africa. This complex, the largest coal-to-liquids facility in the world, utilizes Sasol's proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, the Synthol Process. The two key elements of the Synthol Process are its catalyst and its unique fluidized bed reactor, the Synthol Circulating Fluidized Bed Reactor. Details on the catalytic aspects and reaction mechanism have been given elsewhere. In this paper, the history of the development of the reactor is discussed.
The addition of ZnO, depleted in the Zn-64 isotope, to the water of boiling water nuclear reactors lessens the accumulation of Co-60 on the reactor interior surfaces, reduces radioactive wastes and increases the reactor service-life because of the inhibitory action of zinc on inter-granular stress corrosion cracking. To the same effect depleted zinc in the form of acetate dihydrate is used in pressurized water reactors. Gas centrifuge isotope separation method is applied for production of depleted zinc on the industrial scale. More than 20 years of depleted zinc application history demonstrates its benefits for reduction of NPP personnel radiation exposure and combating construction materials corrosion.
This paper reports that, to obtain better simulation results for a Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactor operation, a new simulation method is developed that uses actual detector readings as a correction factor. Detector readings from a CANDU reactor are used to correct the calculated flux distribution during core calculation iterations. A suitable function is found to describe the relationship between the detector flux and the fluxes of mesh points around the detector. The new simulation method is tested by performing numerical calculations for the Wolsung reactor (a CANDU-600). The results show that the new method predicts the core state more accurately with fewer iterations.
The Fast Flux Test Facility near Richland, Washington, utilizes computer control for reactor refueling and other related core component handling and processing tasks. The computer controlled tasks described in this paper include core component transfers within the reactor vessel, core component transfers into and out of the reactor vessel, remote duct measurements of irradiated core components, remote duct cutting, and finally, transferring irradiated components out of the reactor containment building for off-site shipments or to long term storage. 3 refs., 16 figs.
Progress in the construction of Candu reactors at home and abroad is surveyed. Some A.E.C.L. research projects are also mentioned. During 1979, Candu reactors again showed their superior capacity factors, four of them being among the ten most reliable reactors in the world. Progress in construction at Pickering B, Bruce B, Point Lepreau, Gentilly-2, Darlington, Wolsung (Korea), Cordoba (Argentina), and Cernavoda (Romania) is recounted. In 1979, it was unfortunately necessary to replace installed steam generators at Pickering B, Bruce B, Point Lepreau and Gentilly-2. At Wolsung, the reactor was pre-assembled before installation, which is a new technique. (N.D.H.).
... be easily replaceable, and its compartment or container ... in a simple, efficient manner for storage or disposal. ... and enters the reactor at approximatel ...
Various schemes of cooling have been investigated for the purpose of assessing potential benefits on the operational characteristics of the Syrian MNSR reactor. A detailed thermal hydraulic model for the analysis of MNSR has been developed. The analysis shows that an auxiliary cooling system, installed in the pool which surrounds the lower section of the reactor vessel, will significantly offset the consumption of excess reactivity due to the negative reactivity temperature coefficient, Hence, the maximum operating time of the reactor is extended. Compared with experimental data, the suggested model proves to be valid for the analysis of MNSR behavior under both steady state and transient conditions. (author)
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
A novel device called the gas expansion model (GEM) is being developed at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory for testing in the 400-MW(th) fast flux test facility (FFTF) reactor. Incorporation of the GEM into liquid-metal reactor designs is intended to measurably contribute to the achievement of inherent safety, by allowing the reactor to passively shut down even in the extremely remote (hypothetical) event of an unprotected (no scram) loss-of-flow accident. The purpose of this paper is to describe the GEM and present predictive analyses of the effectiveness of the device during unprotected loss-of-flow experiments in the FFTF.
This is the sixth book on reactor materials published under sponsorship of the Naval Reactors Office of the United States Department of Energy, formerly the United States Atomic Energy Commission. This book presents a comprehensive compilation of the most significant properties of thorium dioxide, much like the book Uranium Dioxide: Properties and Nuclear Applications presented information on the fuel material used in the Shippingport Pressurized Water Reactor core.
This document presents the integrated reactors concepts by a presentation of four reactors: PIUS, SIR, IRIS and CAREM. The core conception, the operating, the safety, the economical aspects and the possible users are detailed. From the performance of the classical integrated PWR, the necessity of new innovative fuels utilization, the research of a simplified design to make easier the safety and the KWh cost decrease, a new integrated reactor is presented: SCAR 600. (A.L.B.)
The heavy water reactor such as Wolsung No.1 and No.2 has a purification system to purify the reactor coolant. The control system regulates the coolant temperature to protect the ion exchanger. After the fuel exchanges of operating plant, the increase of the coolant pressure makes the purification temperature control difficult. In this paper, the controllability of the control dynamics of the purification system was analysed and the optimal parameters were proposed. To reduce the effects of the flow disturbance, the feedforward control structure was proposed and analysed.
The status of neutron activation cross sections for some threshold reactions important for reactor materials dosimetry is reviewed. An attempt is made to understand and explain discrepancies between integral and differential data, using recent available experimental results. The importance of standard and benchmark neutron fields for testing differential data for reactor dosimetry is emphasized and the Interlaboratory Reaction Rate (ILRR) program, as well as a similar program pursued by the IAEA, are briefly described.
The availability of reactor-produced radioisotopes in the United States for use in medical research and nuclear medicine has traditionally depended on facilities which are an integral part of the US national laboratories and a few reactors at universities. One exception is the reactor in Sterling Forest, New York, originally operated as part of the Cintichem (Union Carbide) system, which is currently in the process of permanent shutdown. Since there are no industry-run reactors in the US, the national laboratories and universities thus play a critical role in providing reactor-produced radioisotopes for medical research and clinical use. The goal of this survey is to provide a comprehensive summary of these production capabilities. With the temporary shutdown of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) in November 1986, the ...
Field reversed configuration (FRC) is a prospective high ? magnetic system for high efficiency D- 3He fusion reactor. Self-consistent FRC plasma profiles and static electric field for reactor calculations are discussed in framework of the model including flow equilibrium and collisionless transport equations. The extrapolations to reactor regimes of plasma confinement scaling laws are considered.
As part of a handbook on the efficient use of energy a chapter is included which is intended to give an appreciation of the principles and problems involved in the generation of nuclear power. The subject is discussed under the following headings: introductory nuclear physics; basic reactor physics; thermal reactors; fast reactors; fuel reserves and utilization; environmental considerations; nuclear fusion. (U.K.).
High pressure experiments in a jet-stirred reactor have been performed to study the NO{sub x} formation in lean premixed combustion of methane/air mixtures. The experimental results are compared with numerical predictions using four well known reaction mechanisms and a model which consists of a series of two perfectly stirred reactors and a plug flow reactor. (author) 2 figs., 7 refs.
The European Research and Development Program on decay heat removal by natural convection for the European Fast Reactor (EFR) covers the calculational methods and the model experiments performed for code validation. The studies concentrate on important physical effects of the cooling modes within the primary system and the direct reactor cooling circuits and include fundamental tests as well as reactor experiments. (author)
Wolsung nuclear power plant has experienced four occasions of reactor shutdown owing to heavy water leaks since its commercial operation. Among these heavy water leaks, only one case was acute and brought about reactor shutdown but the other cases listed below were chronic and repaired after manual reactor shutdown. (author). 4 tabs., 10 figs.
To seek for a promising concept of a heavy liquid metal coolant (HLMC) fast reactor plant, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) and the electric utilities conducted conceptual design study on various types of plant concepts and compared these concepts based on technical feasibility and economical perspective. The Pb-Bi cooled complete natural circulation reactor concept may attain high safety level and construction cost goal (Yen 200,000/kWe) (authors)
The Department of Energy Office of Fissile Materials Disposition (DOE/MD) initiated a detailed analysis activity to evaluate each of ten plutonium disposition alternatives that survived an initial screening process. This document, Volume 2 of a four volume report, summarizes the results of these analyses for the CANDU reactor based plutonium disposition alternative.
The concept of preliminary transmutation of minor actinides before placement to the long-term storage is considered. The purpose of such preliminary transmutation before ultimate storage is to incinerate a part of actinides and to transform another part into new actinides providing low level of radiotoxicity accumulated in the storage. Modes of transmutation in reactors of PWR, PHWR (CANDU), and Superfenix types are compared. Among power reactors, heavy-water PHWR type reactor is most acceptable for preliminary transmutation. (author)
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) bottom-loading transfer cask (BLTC) system is designed to provide ex-vessel fuel transfers of irradiated reactor components between the reactor containment building and the LMFBR shipping cask in the reactor service building. This system is being procured from National Lead Industries, Wilmington, Delaware, under management of Aerojet Manufacturing Company.
Afterheat represents an important consideration in design of conceptual fusion power reactors, particularly during normal or unplanned shutdown. Afterheat calculations have been undertaken for various generic designs, but with special reference to the Culham DEMO reactor. These calculations have included the redistribution of heating by gamma ray transport. Selected temperature response calculations have been undertaken. (author).
Geometry optimizations of the quinoline-based platinum (II) complexes (1-R, 2-R) and their related calculations on excited state energies, electronic absorption spectra and orbital populations have been carried out by the hybrid density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent approach (TD-DFT). The solvent effects on excitation energies are taken into account using the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (C-PCM). The red-shifted level of absorption bands, energy gaps between the singlet ground state (S1) and the first triplet excited state (T1) for each examined complex have been elaborated thoroughly as well. We find that the quinoline-8-thoil (ligand 2) induces much more significant red-shifted level than 8-hydroxyquinoline (ligand 1), and singlet-triplet splitting energy g...
Radioactive iron is used to follow up some haematologic indices in birds infected with irradiated spirochetes of the Borrelia anderina species. Use is made of a total of 90 cockerels, aged two months, divided into three groups: 1st group - cockerels inoculated with spirochetes that had been gamma-irradiated at the rate of 40000 R; 2nd group - cockerels inoculated with untreated spirochetes; and 3rd group - normal cockerels. The infective material consisted of strain Rouen spirochetes of the Pamoukchii serotype. Radiometric studies were also carried out for establishing to what extent radioactive iron is incorporated in the erythrocytes and is deposited in the liver, spleen, and marrow of the investigated birds. Classical methods of investigation were employed to determine the erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte counts, the haemoglobin content (after Sahli) as well as the erythrocyte pack after the method of Todorov. It is found that the ...
I review what we know about the donor stars in cataclysmic variables (CVs), focusing particularly on the close link between these binary components and the overall secular evolution of CVs. I begin with a brief overview of the "standard model" of CV evolution and explain why the key observables this model is designed to explain - the period gap and the period minimum -- are intimately connected to the properties of the secondary stars in these systems. CV donors are expected to be slightly inflated relative to isolated, equal-mass main-sequence (MS) stars, and this "donor bloating" has now been confirmed observationally. The empirical donor mass-radius relationship also shows a discontinuity at M_2 = 0.2 M_sun which neatly separates long- and short-period CVs. This is strong confirmation of the basic disrupted magnetic braking scenario for CV evolution. The empirical M_2-R_2 relation can be combined with stellar models to construct a complete, ...
Superparamagnetic MFe23+O4 (M=Mn2+, Fe2+ and Co2+) inverse spinel ferrite (ISF) nanoparticles with narrow size distribution having average diameters of 6-8 nm were synthesized by a diol reduction of organic metals and the surface was modified to be hydrophilic by coating with succimer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement by dipolar coupling defined interactions between the synthesized ISFs and protons in the bulk water was investigated with initial susceptibility, magnetization and anisotropy of the succimer-coated ISFs. The relaxivity ratios, r2/r1, for MnFe2O4, Fe3O4 and CoFe2O4 were measured to be 12.2, 23.1 and 62.3, respectively, which demonstrate the potential usefulness of these magnetic nanoparticles as T2 contrast agents for MRI.
Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd_6MTe_2 (M=Co, Ni) and Er_6RuTe_2, were synthesized in direct reactions between the R, R_3M, and R_2Te_3 (R=Gd, Er, M=Co, Ni, Ru). These materials all adopt the same Zr_6CoAl_2 structure type with space group P6-bar 2m (No. 189, Z=1). Single crystal structures of Gd_6CoTe_2 and Er_6RuTe_2 were determined and lattice parameters are a=b=8.3799(5), c=3.9801(4) A, and a=b=8.1473(5) A, c=3.9962(4) A, respectively. Gd_6NiTe_2 was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction; lattice parameters are a=b=8.412(2), c=3.9577(9) A. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.
The present investigation was conducted at Ismaillia Research Station-Agricultural Research Center, Ismaillia Governorate, during the two successive seasons of 2000 and 2001. Two varieties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) namely Giza 4 and Giza 5 were treated with gamma ray doses; 10,15, 20, 25 Kr in order to induce genetic variability and to study the importance of the relative contribution of peanut yield components by employing some statistical procedures, i.e. simple correlation, multiple linear regression and stepwise regression analysis. The results showed that, there was significant positive correlation between seed yield/plant and no. of pods/plant, 100 seed weight, shelling percentage and pod yield/plant, and there was significant positive correlation between pod yield/plant and no of seed/plant,100 pod weight and 100 seed weight. The multiple linear regression analysis clearly showed that the relative contribution (R"2%) of the yield ...
We study the evolution of an isolated, spherical halo of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) in the gravothermal fluid formalism. We show that the thermal relaxation time, $t_r$, of a SIDM halo with a central density and velocity dispersion of a typical dwarf galaxy is significantly shorter than its age. We find a self-similar solution for the evolution of a SIDM halo in the limit where the mean free path between collisions, $\\lambda$, is everywhere longer than the gravitational scale height, $H$. Typical halos formed in this long mean free path regime relax to a quasistationary gravothermal density profile characterized by a nearly homogeneous core and a power-law halo where $\\rho \\propto r^{-2.19}$. We solve the more general time-dependent problem and show that the contracting core evolves to sufficiently high density that $\\lambda$ inevitably becomes smaller than $H$ in the innermost region. The core undergoes secular collapse to a ...
Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd_4NiTe_2, and Er_5M_2Te_2 (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R_3M, and R_2Te_3 (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd_4NiTe_2 is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), c=11.7521(15)A. Er_5Ni_2Te_2 and Er_5Co_2Te_2 are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2)K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), c=14.709(4)A, and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), c=14.889(3)A, respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.
A new foilless diode with a non-magnetically immersed cathode was recently designed and built for the Sandia Recirculating Linear Accelerator (RLA). Because there is also no radial component of electric field at the cathode, the electron beam starts almost parallel and is matched to a solenoidal transport system with minimum increase in divergence and radius. The electrode emission surface is specified by an area covered with felt which undergoes explosive electron emission at low electrical field stresses (60 kV/cm). The 1.7 MV, 4.8-kA produced beam is transported 1.5 meters to the injection region of the racetrack via a system of solenoids and focusing coils. The maximum transverse velocity component at injection point (1.5 m downstream from the cathode surface) is #beta# perpendicular = 0.03 and the radius r = 2.8 cm which give a quite small beam emittance #epsilon# = 0.08 rad-cm. Three- dimensional numerical simulations suggest that ...
The properties of wood plastic composites (WPC) based on Pinus Radiata D. Don impregnated with methylmethacrylate and subsequently polymerized with gamma radiation were studied. Different systems of impregnation were utilized, in order to obtain partial and shell loads. The minimum irradiation dose uses was 16 kGy. The following tests were made to the material: static bending, compression strenght parallel to grain, hardness, sheer strength, toughness, water absorption, dimensional stability and flame propagation index. To evaluate the testing, the results of the samples were separated according final density in the ranges: R_1 = 429-483 kg/m3 (without treatment); R_2 = 500-650 kg/m3 and R3 = 651-850 kg/m3. In general, the best results were obtained for samples of high density. The most important results were achieved for dimensional stability, water absorption and hardness. (Author).
Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra roots), using a GAL-4-PPAR-g chimera assay method, resulted in the isolation of 39 phenolics, including 10 new compounds (1-10). The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data. Among the isolated compounds, 5prime-formylglabridin (5), (2R,3R)-3,4prime,7-trihydroxy-3prime-prenylflavane (7), echinatin, (3R)-2prime,3prime,7-trihydroxy-4prime-methoxyisoflavan, kanzonol X, kanzonol W, shinpterocarpin, licoflavanone A, glabrol, shinflavanone, gancaonin L, and glabrone all exhibited significant PPAR-g ligand-binding activity. The activity of these compounds at a sample concentration of 10mg/mL was three times more potent than that of 0.5mM troglitazone.
Ternary R_2TSi_3 intermetallic compounds (R=Rare Earth, T=Transition Metal) with hexagonal AlB_2-type crystallographic structure are known because of their interesting physical properties. Pr_2PdSi_3 single crystals were grown by a vertical floating zone method. The compound exhibits congruent melting behavior at a liquidus temperature of about 1770 C. Single crystalline samples show a huge anisotropy at low temperatures due to the crystal electric field effect and order antiferromagnetically below the Neel temperature T_N=2.17 K. This value approximately obeys the linear de Gennes scaling for this class of compounds. The [001] orientation was identified as the magnetic easy axis at room temperature. At lower temperature (#approx#20 K) magnetic easy and hard axes interchange with each other. Two additional magnetic phase transitions were observed at temperatures below 1 K.
An on-line cell disruption system for at-line monitoring of the intracellular concentration of recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) in a genetically modified Escherichia coli strain, HMS174(DE3) (pET11a/rhSOD), in bioreactor cultivations is described. The sampled bacteria were disrupted on-line by rapid mixing with a nonionic detergent. The recombinant protein content of the lysed bacterial sample was quantitated by a subsequent surface plasmon resonance biosensor with a specific monoclonal antibody. Extraction efficiency of the monitoring system was optimized with respect to the flow rate ratio of the cell suspension and the detergent at relevant cell densities with the aim to attain rapid monitoring. Monitoring was demonstrated for a shake flask culture and a glucose-limited fed-batch cultivation. The results are compared with a traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method showing a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.97. ...
BackgroundEchocardiography has been debated as an adjunct for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim of this prospective study was to comparatively evaluate intraprocedural guidance using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). MethodsFifty high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVR were randomized to either guidance using ICE (group 1; n = 25) or monitoring using TEE (group 2; n = 25). ResultsIn contrast to TEE, ICE allowed continuous monitoring. The need for probe repositioning during the procedure was much lower in group 1 (0.1 +- 0.3 vs 5.7 +- 0.7 maneuvers, P P = .003). Both coronary ostia were more frequently visualized in group 1 (18 vs 2 cases, P n = 25, r2 = 0.90, P n = 11, P = .012), but ICE did not (m...
Gel filtration of human erythrocyte (RBC) lysate incubated with labeled thyroxine (Tu) or triiodothyronine (Tt) revealed co-elution of a major iodothyronine-binding fraction (R-2) and hemoglobin. Solutions of purified human hemoglobin and Tt also showed co-elution of hormone and hemoglobin. Because hematin and protoporphyrin were shown to bind labeled Tt, the oxygen-binding site on hemoglobin was excluded as the site of iodothyronine-hemoglobin interaction. Analysis of hormone binding by heme and globin moieties showed Tt binding to be limited to the heme fraction. Addition of excess unlabeled Tt to hemoglobin or heme incubated with labeled Tt indicated 75% to 90% of hormone binding was poorly dissociable. These observations suggested that the presence of hemoglobin in RBC lysate or in serum could influence the measurement of Tu and Tt by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA). Subsequent studies of the addition to serum of human hemoglobin revealed a ...
The IR double-resonance techniques IR/R2PI (infrared/resonant 2-photon ionization), IR/PIRI (infrared-photo-induced Rydberg ionization) and IR-photodissociation spectroscopy are valuable tools to investigate structure, vibrations, and dynamical processes of neutral and ionic hydrogen-bonded clusters containing aromatic molecules. In this paper we report on the application of the IR double-resonance techniques to determine the NH and OH stretching vibrations of 4-aminophenol and 4-aminophenol(H{sub 2}O){sub 1}, both in the neutral (S{sub 0}) and ionic (D{sub 0}) ground state. All vibrational frequencies obtained for 4-aminophenol and the cluster are compared with the values obtained from ab initio and DFT calculations. In the S{sub 0} state, a trans-linear arrangement of 4-aminophenol(H{sub 2}O){sub 1} is obtained containing an O-H. O hydrogen bond. In the D{sub 0} state an overlay of two spectra can be observed resulting from the trans-linear ...
We present results of near--IR long-slit spectroscopy in the J and K bands of the Seyfert 2 galaxies NGC 2110 and Circinus, investigating the gaseous distribution, excitation, reddening and kinematics. In NGC 2110, the emission line ratio [FeII]/Pa beta increases towards the nucleus (to ~ 7). The nuclear [Fe II]1.257 (microns) and Pa beta lines are broader (FWHM ~ 500 km/s) than the H2 (2.121) line (FWHM ~ 300 km/s). Both these results suggest that shocks, driven by the radio jet, are an important source of excitation of [Fe II]. The H2 excitation appears to be dominated by X-rays from the nucleus. In Circinus, both [FeII]/Pa beta and H2/Br gamma decrease from ~ 2 at 4 arcsec from the nucleus to nuclear values of ~ 0.6 and ~ 1, respectively, suggesting that the starburst dominates the nuclear excitation, while the AGN dominates the excitation further out (r > 2 arcsec). For both galaxies, the gaseous kinematics are consistent with circular ...
This report describes an investigation of the factors affecting disintegration time in the mouth (DTM) of rapidly disintegrating tablets. The relation between DTM and stationary time of upper punch displacement (STP) was examined using a tableting process analyzer (TabAll). Results indicated that the bulk density of mixed excipient powder used for tablet preparation affects both DTM and STP. As the value of bulk density increased, STP became longer and DTM shorter. The results of a combination of granules and powder with or without a drug showed liner relation between apparent volume (reciprocal of bulk density) and DTM (r(2)=0.7332). For a DTM less than 60 s, a formulation with a bulk density greater 0.5 g/mL should be chosen with a compression force of 5 kN. The hardness of tablets could be greater than 3 kg if at least one high-compressibility excipient was used in the formulation. PMID:18804156
The diffusion of linalool and methylchavicol from thin (45-50 mm) antimicrobial low-density polyethylene-based films was evaluated after immersion in isooctane and the effect of temperature (4, 10, or 25 degreeC) on the diffusion rate was evaluated. The kinetics of linalool and methylchavicol release showed a non-Fickian behavior at the lowest temperature. An increase in temperature from 4 degreeC to 25 degreeC resulted in an increase in the diffusion coefficient from 4.2 x 10-13 m2 s-1 to 2.5 x 10-12 m2 s-1 for linalool and from 3.5 x 10-13 m2 s-1 to 1.1 x 10-12 m2 s-1 for methylchavicol. The effect of temperature on the diffusion coefficient followed an Arrhenius-type model (r2 = 0.972) in relation to a time-response function with a Hill coefficient. Activation energies of 57.8 kJ mol-1 ...
T_2 weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T_E=90 ms, T_R=2-4 s, echo=9 ms, turbo factor=19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages for MRT. ...
The Integral Fast Reactor is an innovative liquid metal reactor concept that is being developed by Argonne National Laboratory. It takes advantage of the properties of metallic fuel and liquid metal cooling to offer significant improvements in reactor safety, operation, fuel cycle economics, environmental protection, and safeguards. The plans for demonstrating the IFR fuel cycle, including its waste processing options, by processing irradiated fuel from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II fuel in its associated Fuel Cycle Facility have been developed for the first refining series. This series has been designed to provide the data needed for the further development of the IFR program. An important piece of the data needed is the recovery of TRU material during the reprocessing and waste operations.
The Integral Fast Reactor is an innovative liquid metal reactor concept that is being developed by Argonne National Laboratory. It takes advantage of the properties of metallic fuel and liquid metal cooling to offer significant improvements in reactor safety, operation, fuel cycle economics, environmental protection, and safeguards. The plans for demonstrating the IFR fuel cycle, including its waste processing options, by processing irradiated fuel from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II fuel in its associated Fuel Cycle Facility have been developed for the first refining series. This series has been designed to provide the data needed for the further development of the IFR program. An important piece of the data needed is the recovery of TRU material during the reprocessing and waste operations.
One of the characteristic safety features of a pool type research reactor is a safety flapper valve. The valve enables natural convection cooling mechanism in one of the following events. (a) Opening flapper valve promote decay heat removal following reactor's shutdown. (b) Also the valve is gravity driven. There is a possibility that the valve fails to open when it is required to do so. In the present paper the cooling characteristics of the core are analyzed for this event. A steady state study was performed for 5 MW power and 18 FE following a reactor shutdown. It is shown that enough margin exists to assure adequate reactor core cooling should the safety flapper valve fails to open. (authors)
Conceptual fusion reactor studies over the past 10-15 yr have projected systems that may be too large, complex, and costly to be of commercial interest. One main direction for improved fusion reactors points toward smaller, higher-power-density approaches. First-order economic issues (i.e., unit direct cost and cost of electricity) are used to support the need for more compact fusion reactors. The results of a number of recent conceptual designs of reversed-field pinch, spheromak, and tokamak fusion reactors are summarized as examples of more compact approaches. While a focus has been placed on increasing the fusion-power-core mass power density beyond the minimum economic threshold of 100-200 kWe/tonne, other means by which the overall attractiveness of fusion as a long-term energy source are also addressed.
This paper discusses how the U.S. Liquid Metal Reactor Development Program has been restructured to carry out R and D on advanced reactor technology. The program gives particular emphasis to improvements to reactor safety. The new directions are based on the technology of the integral fast reactor (IFR). Much of the basis for superior safety performance using IFR technology has been experimentally verified and aggressive programs continue in EBR-II and TREAT. Progress has been made in demonstrating both the metallic fuel and the new electrochemical processes of the IFR. The FFTF facility is converting to metallic fuel; however, FFTF also maintains a considerable U.S. program in oxide fuels. In addition, generic programs are continuing in steam generator testing, materials development, and with international cooperation, aqueous reprocessing.
The Advanced MAPLE is a research reactor design under development as a high-flux neutron source. The main performance goals for the reactor are a high peak thermal neutron flux in a heavy-water reflector tank, and a high average fast neutron flux in a central irradiation facility, with a maximum linear fuel rod rating of less than 120 kW/m. This study investigated the neutronic and reactor design consequences of the use of H_2O coolant as opposed to D_2O. The neutronics results, and several other considerations, indicate that H_2O coolant has a number of advantages. It is suggested that the H_2O coolant option be considered in the design of the Advanced MAPLE reactor. (L.L.) 9 refs., 4 figs., tab.
A new chemical reactor, the Open Plate Reactor, is being developed by Alfa Laval AB. It combines good mixing with high heat transfer capacity into one operation. With the new concept, highly exothermic reactions can be produced using more concentrated reactants. A nonlinear model of the reactor is derived and a control system is developed. For temperature control a cooling system is designed and experimentally verified, which uses a mid-ranging control structure to increase the operating range of the hydraulic equipment. A Model Predictive Controller is proposed to maximize the conversion under hard input and state constraints. An extended Kalman filter is designed to estimate unmeasured concentrations and parameters. Simulations show that the designed control system gives high conversion ...
The PERMCAT is a membrane reactor proposed for processing fusion reactor plasma exhaust gas: tritium removal is obtained by isotopic swamping operating in counter-current mode. In this work, a membrane reactor using a permeator tube of length about 500 mm produced via diffusion welding of Pd-Ag thin foils is described. An appropriate mechanical design of the membrane module has been developed in order to avoid any significant compressive and bending stresses on the very long and thin wall permeator tube: two expanded bellows have been applied to the Pd-Ag tube, so that it has been pre-tensioned before operating. The elongation of the metal permeator under hydrogenation has been theoretically estimated and experimentally verified for properly designing the membrane reactor.
SMART (System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor) is a first-of-the-kind integral reactor with 330 MW thermal power under active development by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) for power generation and seawater desalination. SMART employs various design features that are not typically found in other nuclear power plants. Examples include a unique passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS), and enclosure of a pressurizer, eight helical steam generators, and eight canned reactor coolant pumps inside the reactor pressure vessel. This paper presents risk insights on the SMART reactor gained during the development of a regulatory PSA model by Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS)
Purpose: To stably control the reactor water level so as not to cause excess water feeding in a BWR type reactor. Constitution: A flow control valve is disposed to the exit of a feedwater pump for a nuclear reactor and the valve is controlled by a flow regulator to maintain the water level constant in the reactor. A signal from a water level controller is inputted to the flow regulator to thereby control the flow rate control valve. In this case, the flow regulator remains in a saturated state just after the starting of the feedwater pump, in which the pump flowrate is at 100% to result in an excess water feeding condition. In view of the above, a feedback circuit is provided to the flow regulator so that the saturated state is eliminated and the water feeding can be controlled directly from the water level controller. (Kamimura, M.).
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.
A series of experiments is to be made during the acceptance test program of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to measure the gamma ray characteristics of the Fast Test Reactor (FTR) and to establish the performance characteristics of the reactor shield. These measurements are a part of the FFTF Reactor Characterization Program (RCP). Detailed plans have been developed for these experiments. During the initial phase of the Characteristics Program, which will be carried out in the In-Reactor Thimble (IRT), both active and passive measurement methods will be employed to obtain as much information concerning the gamma ray environment as is practical. More limited active gamma ray measurements also will be made in the Vibration Open Test Assembly (VOTA).
Preparations are under way for the initial startup and testing of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). The FFTF Reactor Characterization Program is that part of the startup test plan that deals with the determination of the neutron, gamma ray and thermal hydraulic characteristics of the reactor. This program encompasses measurements and calculations of: neutron spectra, flux and fluence; gamma-ray spectra, dose and heating; fission rate distributions; capture rate distributions; other reaction rates of interest; fission product yields; and thermal hydraulic data. Measurements of these parameters will be made in the reactor core and reflectors, will extend vertically downward to the vicinity of the core support structure and upward to the top of the sodium pool, and will extend radially outward to include in-vessel fuel storage locations and the cavity between the reactor vessel and the concrete wall.
The deliveration by the Nuclear Safety Commission was commenced on the alteration in reactor installation, as it had been inquired by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The alteration is the additional installation of the reactor No. 2 in the Sendai Nuclear Power Station, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. It is a PWR power plant with thermal output of about 2,660 MW (electric output of 890 MW), to be installed, adjoining to the reactor No. 1 of the same type and capacity under construction. In the examination by MITI, it was confirmed that the technological capabilities for its construction and operation and the radiation protection measures in power generation are both sufficient. The contents of the examination include the siting conditions, the location and construction of reactor facilities, etc. (J.P.N.).
The deliberation by the Nuclear Safety Commission was initiated on the alteration in reactor installation, as was required by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The alteration is the additional installation of the reactor No. 2 in the Sendai Nuclear Power Station, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. It is a PWR power plant with thermal output of about 2,660 MW (electric output of 890 MW), to be installed, adjoining to the reactor No. 1 of the same type and capacity under construction. In the examination by MITI, it was confirmed that the technological capabilities for its construction and operation and the radiation protection measures in power generation are both sufficient. The contents of the examination include the siting conditions, the location and construction of reactor facilities, etc.
T{sub 2} weighted ultra-short turbo spin echo sequences were used in five individuals with variations in echo times, delayed triggering and echo intervals. To reduce movement artifacts all examinations were carried out with ECG and respiratory triggering. The sequences giving optimal image quality were then employed in 19 patients having various pulmonary abnormalities. Image resolutions, artifacts, image contrasts and diagnostic value were then judged by two observers and compared with CT. In the first study, a diastole-triggered UTSE sequence with the shortest echo proved optimal (T{sub E}=90 ms, T{sub R}=2-4 s, echo=9 ms, turbo factor=19). In the patient series studied, MRT was inferior to CT with regard to resolution and number of artifacts, but better in respect of contrast and diagnostic value. Using UTSE of the lung, MRT can produce images of good quality. Compared with CT, contrast is better with MRT, offering diagnostic advantages for ...
The swelling and in-reactor creep behaviors of the PCA alloy have been determined from the irradiation of pressurized tube specimens in the FFTF reactor. These data have been obtained to a peak neutron fluence corresponding to approximately 80 dpa in the FFTF reactor for irradiation temperatures between 400 and 750/sup 0/C. Diametral measurements performed on the unstressed specimens indicate the possible onset of swelling in the PCA alloy for irradiation temperatures between 400 and 550/sup 0/C and at a neutron fluence corresponding to approx.50 dpa. The creep data suggest a non-linear fluence dependence and linear stress dependence (for hoop stresses less than 100 MPa) which is consistent with the in-reactor creep behavior of many cold worked austenitic stainless steels. These PCA creep data are compared to available 316 SS in-reactor creep data. The ...
The swelling and in-reactor creep behaviors of the PCA alloy have been determined from the irradiation of pressurized tube specimens in the FFTF reactor. These data have been obtained to a peak neutron fluence corresponding to approximately 80 dpa in the FFTF reactor for irradiation temperatures between 400 and 750"0C. Diametral measurements performed on the unstressed specimens indicate the possible onset of swelling in the PCA alloy for irradiation temperatures between 400 and 550"0C and at a neutron fluence corresponding to #approx#50 dpa. The creep data suggest a non-linear fluence dependence and linear stress dependence (for hoop stresses less than 100 MPa) which is consistent with the in-reactor creep behavior of many cold worked austenitic stainless steels. These PCA creep data are compared to available 316 SS in-reactor creep data. The in-reactor creep ...
SMART (System integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) , is under development at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). SMART is an integral type pressurized water reactor which contains a pressurizer, 4 reactor coolant pumps (RCPs), and 8 steam generator cassettes(S/Gs) in a single reactor vessel. This reactor has substantially enhanced its safety with an integral layout of its major components, 4 trains of safety injection system (SIS), and an adoption of 4 trains of passive residual heat removal system (PRHRS) instead of an active auxiliary feedwater system . The thermal power is 330 MWth. During the conceptual design stage, a preliminary PSA was performed. PSA results identified that a steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) is one of the most important initiating events which results in a high core damage frequency. Clear understanding of accident progression with various ...
The long operating cycle simplified boiling water reactor is a reactor concept that pursues both safety and the economy by employing a natural circulation reactor core without a refueling, a passive decay heat removal, and an integrated building for the reactor and turbine. Throughout the entire spectrum of the design basis accident, the reactor core is kept covered by the passive emergency core cooling system. The decay heat is removed by the conventional active low-pressure residual heat removal system. As for a postulated severe accident, the suppression pool water floods the lower part of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) in the case when core damage occurs, and the in-vessel retention that keeps the melt inside the RPV is achieved by supplying the coolant. The containment adopts a parallel-double-steel-plate structure similar to a hull structure, which ...
A study has been made of the reactor blockages occurring in the course of direct hydroliquefaction of Miike coal, Taiheiyo coal and Yallourn coal briquets in a tubular reactor. The liquefaction tests were carried out at 450 C under 24.6 MPa hydrogen pressure, with red mud and sulfur catalyst. From the observed balances for catalyst and coal ash, it was inferred that reactor blockages are due to sedimentation of catalyst and ash. The conditions for catalyst and coal ash run-off were determined after solvent and slurry flow rates had been altered to suit the type of coal being tested. It was found that ash run-off occurred more readily as the difference between the slurry flow velocity and the natural sedimentation velocity of red mud in the coal liquids increased. Even when ash run-off was occurring, however, the ash concentration of the slurry in the reactor was higher than the concentration in the feed ...
One of the key features of ANL's Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) concept is a close-coupled fuel cycle. The proposed fuel cycle is similar to that demonstrated over the first five to six years of operation of EBR-II, when a fuel cycle facility adjacent to EBR-II was operated to reprocess and refabricate rapidly fuel discharged from the EBR-II. Locating the IFR and its fuel cycle facility on the same site makes the IFR a self-contained system. Because the reactor fuel and the uranium blanket are metals, pyrometallurgical processes (shortned to ''pyroprocesses'') have been chosen. The objectives of the IFR processes for the reactor fuel and blanket materials are to (1) recover fissionable materials in high yield; (2) remove fission products adequately from the reactor fuel, e.g., a decontamination factor of 10 to 100; and (3) upgrade the concentration of plutonium ...
Calculations have been made to determine the production of "1"8"8W from "1"8"6W in several US fission reactor systems, e.g., Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Important input to these calculations are the cross-section parameters for "1"8"6W, "1"8"7W, and "1"8"8W. Only two values have been measured for "1"8"7W and none for "1"8"8W. Consequently, results from integral measurements play a crucial role in determining the "1"8"7W and "1"8"8W values. This has been studied for irradiations in the FFTF and the Oregon State Univ. (OSU) research reactor. Short irradiation of enriched "1"8"6W in both the FFTF and the OSU reactors have produced #mu#Ci/g quantities of "1"8"8W/"1"8"8Re. Measurements were made of the "1"8"8W gamma ray emission. These results were incorporated with other available data to provide more ...
With the objective to improve the reactor physics calculation on a 2D and 3D nuclear reactor via the Diffusion Equation, an adaptive automatic finite element remeshing method, based on the elementary area (2D) or volume (3D) constraints, has been developed. The adaptive remeshing technique, guided by a posteriori error estimator, makes use of two external mesh generator programs: Triangle and TetGen. The use of these free external finite element mesh generators and an adaptive remeshing technique based on the current field continuity show that they are powerful tools to improve the neutron flux distribution calculation and by consequence the power solution of the reactor core even though they have a minor influence on the critical coefficient of the calculated reactor core examples. Two numerical examples are presented: the 2D IAEA reactor core numerical benchmark and the 3D model ...
A generic reactor model is used to examine the economic viability of electricity generation by magnetic fusion. The simple model uses components which are representative of those used in previous reactor studies of deuterium-tritium burning tokamaks, stellarators, bumpy tori, reverse field pinches and tandem mirrors. Conservative costing assumptions are made. The generic reactor is not a tokamak but rather it is intended to emphasize what is common to all magnetic fusion reactors. The reactor uses a superconducting toroidal coil set to produce the dominant magnetic field. To this extent it is a less good approximation to systems, such as the reversed field pinch in which the main field is produced by a plasma current. The main output of the study is the cost of electricity as a function of the weight and size of the fusion core - blanket, shield, structure and coils. The model shows ...
The steam generator low water level trip setpoint of KORI NPP units 3 and 4(KNU 3 and 4), three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactor, is higher than that of OPR1000. In addition, steam generator downcomer water level in KNU 3 and 4 could fluctuate easily during a transient because of smaller downcomer water inventory, compared to the total water inventory in the steam generator. Due to these reasons, there is a higher possibility of unnecessary reactor trips caused by the steam generator low-low water level in KNU 3 and 4. Its operating history shows that most of reactor trips were caused by steam generator low-low level reactor trip signal. Such reactor trips, especially unnecessary ones, result in time and economic losses. In this paper, a feasibility study was performed to reduce unnecessary reactor trip by changing steam generator low-low water level ...
The steam generator low water level trip setpoint of KORI NPP units 3 and 4(KNU 3 and 4), three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactor, is higher than that of OPR1000. In addition, steam generator downcomer water level in KNU 3 and 4 could fluctuate easily during a transient because of smaller downcomer water inventory, compared to the total water inventory in the steam generator. Due to these reasons, there is a higher possibility of unnecessary reactor trips caused by the steam generator low-low water level in KNU 3 and 4. Its operating history shows that most of reactor trips were caused by steam generator low-low level reactor trip signal. Such reactor trips, especially unnecessary ones, result in time and economic losses. In this paper, a feasibility study was performed to reduce unnecessary reactor trip by changing steam generator low-low water level ...
The experience base regarding fission product behavior developed during the Rover program, the nuclear rocket development program of 1955--1972, will be useful in planning a renewed nuclear rocket program. During the Rover program, 20 reactors were tested at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station in Nevada. Nineteen of these discharged effluent directly into the atmosphere; the last reactor tested, a non-flight-prototypic, fuel-element-testing reactor called the Nuclear Furnace (NF-1) was connected to an effluent cleanup system that removed fission products before the hydrogen coolant (propellant) was discharged to the atmosphere. In general, we are able to increase both test duration and fuel temperature during the test series. Therefore fission product data from the later part of the program are more interesting and more applicable to future reactors. We have collected fission product retention (and ...
This report discusses Test Campaign TC07 of the Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc. (KBR) Transport Reactor train with a Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation (Siemens Westinghouse) particle filter system at the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF) located in Wilsonville, Alabama. The Transport Reactor is an advanced circulating fluidized-bed reactor designed to operate as either a combustor or a gasifier using a particulate control device (PCD). The Transport Reactor was operated as a pressurized gasifier during TC07. Prior to TC07, the Transport Reactor was modified to allow operations as an oxygen-blown gasifier. Test Run TC07 was started on December 11, 2001, and the sand circulation tests (TC07A) were completed on December 14, 2001. The coal-feed tests (TC07B-D) were started on January 17, 2002 and completed on April 5, 2002. Due to operational difficulties with the ...
The liquefaction reaction system of an NEDOL process coal liquefaction 1t/d PSU was opened and checked to investigate the cause of the rise of differential pressure between liquefaction reactors of the PSU. The liquefaction test at a coal concentration of 50 wt% using Tanito Harum coal was conducted, and it was found that the differential pressure between reactors was on the increase. By the two-phase flow pressure loss method, deposition thickness of deposit in pipelines was estimated at 4.4mm at the time of end operation, which agreed with a measuring value obtained from a {gamma} ray. The rise of differential pressure was caused by deposit formation in pipelines connecting reactors. The main component of the deposit is calcite (CaCO3 60-70%) and is the same as the usual one. It is also the same type as the deposit on the reactor wall. Ca in coal ash is concerned with this. To withdraw solid matters ...
The neutron data required to completely analyze fission reactors includes many isotopes and covers a broad energy range. In both fast and thermal reactors, the neutron inventory is a fine balance determined by the fission properties of "2"3"5U, "2"3"9Pu and "2"3"8U and by the capture cross sections of "2"3"8U, fuel materials, structural materials and coolant materials. In fast reactors, the spectrum of neutrons ranges from 1 keV to 3 MeV and is influenced by the elastic and inelastic scattering properties of "2"3"8U and the structural and coolant materials. For neutron shielding applications, the important neutron data include the total cross sections of structural and coolant materials in the MeV range. The impact of these basic nuclear data in fission reactor applications is most suitably described by sensitivity analysis. For example, sensitivity coefficients computed for a typical large plutonium ...
The Fixed Bed Nuclear Reactor (FBNR) is a small 40 MWe reactor based on the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology. FBNR is an integrated primary circuit and simple in design. It has the characteristics of being small, modular, proliferation resistant, inherently safe and passively cooled reactor with reduced adverse environmental impact. It utilizes the fuel designed for high temperature reactors operating in a relatively low temperature of PWR environment The 15 mm diameter spherical fuel elements are made of TRISO type microspheres embedded in graphite and cladded by SiC. The coolant flow transfers them from the fuel chamber into the core and become fixed forming a suspended core. Any accident signal will cut off the power to the coolant pump causing a stop in the flow. This results in making the fuel elements fall out of the reactor core by the force of ...
In March 2007 in-pile testing of LEU U-Mo full-size IRT type fuel elements was started in the MIR reactor. Four prototype fuel elements for Uzbekistan WWR SM reactor are being tested simultaneously - two of tube type design and two of pin type design. The dismountable irradiation devices were constructed for intermediate reloading and inspection of fuel elements during reactor testing. The objective of the test is to obtain the experimental results for determination of more reliable design and licensing fuel elements for conversion of the WWR SM reactor. The heat power of fuel elements is measured on-line by thermal balance method. The distribution of fission density and burn-up of uranium in the volume of elements are calculated by using the MIR reactor MCU code (Monte-Carlo) model. In this paper the design of fuel elements, the technique, main parameters and preliminary results ...
Decay heat removal analyses for lead-bismuth cooled natural circulation reactors are described in this paper. A combined multi-dimensional plant dynamics code (MSG-COPD) has been developed to conduct the system analysis for the natural circulation reactors. For the preliminary study, transient analysis has been performed for a 100 MWe lead-bismuth-cooled reactor designed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). In addition, decay heat removal characteristics of a 400 MWe lead-bismuth-cooled natural circulation reactor designed by Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) has been evaluated by using MSG-COPD. PRACS (Primary Reactor Auxiliary Cooling System) is prepared for the JNC's concept to get sufficient heat removal capacity. During 2000 sec after the transient, the outlet temperature shows increasing tendency up to the maximum temperature of 430 Centigrade, because ...
Validation of nuclear power reactor signals is often performed by comparing signal prototypes with the actual reactor signals. The signal prototypes are often computed based on empirical data. The implementation of an estimation algorithm which can make predictions on limited data is an important issue. A new machine learning algorithm called support vector machines (SVMS) recently developed by Vladimir Vapnik and his coworkers enables a high level of generalization with finite high-dimensional data. The improved generalization in comparison with standard methods like neural networks is due mainly to the following characteristics of the method. The input data space is transformed into a high-dimensional feature space using a kernel function, and the learning problem is formulated as a convex quadratic programming problem with a unique solution. In this paper the authors have applied the SVM method for data-based state estimation in nuclear ...
Tarapur Atomic Power Station Unit-3 and 4 (TAPS -3 and 4) are the 540 MWe reactors. Unit-4 attained first criticality on 06th March 2005 and operated for about 230 effective full power days (EFPD). Unit-3 attained first criticality on 21st May 2006 and operated for about 20 EFPD. With the reactor operation radiation field increases on the Primary Heat Transport system equipments, Moderator system equipments and auxiliary system equipments due to deposition of fission products and activation products in different reactor systems. These dose rates significantly contributes to the external exposure and stations collective dose during reactor operation, refueling operation and maintenance activities. A study was undertaken at TAPS 3 and 4 to identify the system equipments showing the significant dose rates and identify the radionuclides present in the primary heat transport system, Moderator systems, cover ...
A review of the status of integral measurements is presented for "2"4"0Pu, "2"4"1Pu, "2"4"2Pu, "2"4"1Am and "2"4"3Am. This review includes integral measurements pertinent to thermal reactor systems, i.e., thermal cross sections and resonance integrals, as well as measurements for fast reactor systems. It appears that for these nuclides the data for thermal reactors are in good shape; however, more work is recommended in defining the branching ratio of the capture cross section of "2"4"1Am to the isomeric and ground states of "2"4"2Am. Also, benchmark irradiation data are needed for cross section data testing using depletion/production codes. For fast reactors, experiments are in progress, in the UK, in France, and also in the US, with partial results available at this time. Fast integral data obtained from these measurements will be very beneficial. The recommendation pertaining to "2"4"1Am and proper ...
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board carries out the regulatory review of the reactor physics design, commissioning and operational aspects through Project Design Safety Committee and Specialist Group of reactor physicists with wide experience in the design, commissioning and operational safety review of NPPs. TAPP-3 and 4 PHWRs, being the first indigenous design of 540 MWe Units, are quite different than the standard 220 MWe PHWRs. The safety review of reactor physics design was quite complex, as majority of the systems were new. The Reactor Physics Specialist Group carried out extensive safety review of 540 MWe PHWR reactor physics design and made significant contributions of design modifications and improvements in the operational procedures. Some salient contributions include: Monitoring the core during bulk addition of moderator without the availability of shutdown systems. Logics ...
This study describes the mechanical compatibility of the direct use of spent pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel in Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactors (DUPIC) fuel, when it is loaded into a CANDU reactor. The mechanical compatibility can be assessed for the fuel management, primary heat transport system, fuel channel, and the fuel handling system in the reactor core by both the experimental and analytic methods. Because the physical dimensions of the DUPIC fuel bundle adopt the CANDU flexible (CANFLEX) fuel bundle design which has already been demonstrated for a commercial use in CANDU reactors, the experimental compatibility analyses focused on the generation of material property data and the irradiation tests of the DUPIC fuel, which are used for the computational analysis. The intermediate results of the mechanical compatibility analysis have shown that the integrity of ...
This report has reviewed the construction of a cooling tower for the K reactor at the DOE Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. It has been found that the cooling tower would prevent further destruction of cypress and tupelo trees, would maintain a more consistent flow from site streams, and would allow earlier recovery of stream corridors inside a portion of the site. About 630 acres of wetlands have already been affected by the hot water discharged by the K reactor during the past 35 years. GAO believes that about 10 to 12 acres of additional damage would be prevented by the tower for every year the reactor is operated, and if current plans for re-start and retirement of the reactor are followed, less than 100 acres would be preserved. As requested, GAO also identified an example of a project that could be funded as compensation to the public for the damage the K reactor ...
Since the 1970's, global efforts have been going on to replace the high-enriched (>90% "2"3"5U), low-density UAlx research reactor fuel with high-density, low enriched (<20% "2"3"5U) replacements. This search is driven by the attempt to reduce the civil use of high-enriched material because of proliferation risks and terrorist threats. American initiatives, such as the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) and the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) program have triggered the development of reliable low-enriched fuel types for these reactors, which can replace the high enriched ones without loss of performance. Most success has presently been obtained with U_3Si_2 dispersion fuel, which is currently used in many research reactors in the world. However, efforts to search for a replacement with even higher density, which will also allow the conversion of some high flux ...
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) was designed to test fast-reactor fuels and other nonfuel materials. In its 37 reactor cycles of operations, the FFTF reactor has performed very well and successfully completed all the irradiation testings with an operating efficiency factor as high as 98%. Since FFTF is an experimental reactor, its core loading changed from cycle to cycle. Depending on the number of test assemblies in the core and their location, the core loading can change significantly from an essentially homogeneous core loading to a relatively nonhomogeneous or even highly localized heterogeneous loading. Consequently, the core reload design and initial criticality analyses were required for each operating cycle. The zero power initial critical control rod bank height was predicted before each reactor startup. The initial critical prediction depends on the reactivity ...
This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors from January 1997 to June 1997. Topics that have been investigated include (a) fatigue of carbon, low-alloy, and austenitic stainless steels (SSs) used in reactor piping and pressure vessels, (b) irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking of Types 304 and 304L SS, and (c) EAC of Alloys 600 and 690. Fatigue tests were conducted on ferritic and austenitic SSs in water that contained various concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) to determine whether a slow strain rate applied during various portions of a tensile-loading cycle is equally effective in decreasing fatigue life. Slow-strain-rate-tensile tests were conducted in simulated boiling water reactor (BWR) water at 288 C on SS specimens irradiated to a low fluence in the Halden reactor and the results ...
In an existent emergency reactor core cooling device, if a ruptures should occure in a pipeline of a gravitational dropping type reactor core cooling system pool (GDCS) due to some or other causes, a portion of GDCS pool water was flown out of the ruptured port and could not be used for reactor core cooling. Then, a difference pressure detector is disposed to a GDCS pipeline at the inlet of a reactor pressure vessel. When it is judged by the detector, that coolants flow to the outside of the injection pipeline, an injection value disposed to the GDCS pipeline is closed by the difference pressure signal. Even if a rupture should occur on the side of the pressure vessel at downstream to the check value of the GDCS pipeline, since backflow is caused at the pressure container inlet of the GDCS pipeline with the rupture port, the rupture is detected by the difference pressure detector to close the injection ...
A highly reliable control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) installed inside the reactor vessel has developed for use of an advanced marine reactor. This CRDM contributes to compactness and simplicity of the reactor system, and it can eliminate the possibility of a rod ejection accident. The CRDM works in the high temperature and high pressure water - 310degC and 12 MPa, the same atmosphere as the primary loop. Driving force is produced by a synchronous motor with the rotor of a permanent magnet, which has been developed. An innovative latch mechanism using separable ball nuts can latch driving shaft connecting the control rod and de-latch it for scram. The rod position detector using a magnetostrictive wire type sensor on the principle of Wiedeman effect has been developed, accuracy of which is verified to have a detecting error within 1.2 mm. Ball bearings for thrust and radial supports in rotation have been developed to be ...
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute(KAERI) launched a project to develop an integral reactor in 1996. The reactor called as System Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor(SMART) which is a kind of small modular reactors (SMRs). Since the early 1990s, there has been renewed interest in the development and application of small and medium sized integral reactors. 2009 assessment by the IAEA under its Innovative Nuclear Power Reactor and Fuel Cycle (INPRO) program concluded that there could be 96 SMRs in operation around the world by 2030 in its 'high' case, and 43 units in the 'low' case, none of them in the USA. The reason of the increased demand mostly comes from the fact that SMRs are thought to be more suitable for developing countries with small electrical grid capacity, insufficient infrastructure and limited investment capability than developed ones. However, ...
A novel scheme is proposed to drive a low-power subcritical fuel assembly by means of a long Cylindrical Radially-convergent Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (CRIEC) used as a neutron source. The concept is inherently safe in the sense that the fuel assembly remains subcritical at all times. Previous work has been done for the possible implementation of CRIEC as a subcritical assembly driver for power reactors. However, it has been found that the present technology and stage of development of IEC-based neutron sources can not meet the neutron flux requirements to drive a system as big as a power reactor. Nevertheless, smaller systems, such as research and training reactors, could be successfully driven with levels of neutron flux that seem more reasonable to be achieved in the near future by IEC devices. The need for custom-made expensive nuclear fission fuel, as in the case of the TRIGA reactors, is ...
Two US DOE projects in the Pacific Northwest offer unique on-the-scene training opportunities at sodium-cooled fast-reactor plants: the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) near Richland, Washington, which has operated successfully in a wide range of irradiation test programs since 1980; and the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) near Idaho Falls, Idaho, which has been in operation for approximately 20 years. Training programs have been especially designed to take advantage of this plant experience. Available courses are described.
There is growing interest in using {sup 242m}Am as a nuclear fuel for space reactors and nuclear batteries. In this paper, we discuss different {sup 242m}Am enrichments, as well as fuel weight requirements, to produce a critical reactor. It was found that relatively low enrichments of {sup 242m}Am, about 10 w/o, are enough to guarantee criticality. Such low enrichments might eliminate the need for a {sup 242m}Am enrichment process. It was also found that the best results for low {sup 242m}Am requirements are obtained with a moderator to fuel volume ratio of 10,000.
Tritium dose management is an important aspect of the radiation protection program at CANDU type reactor sites. This paper describes the bioassay and dosimetry of tritium at CANDU reactor sites, especially for Wolsung Nuclear Power Plant. It presents a compilation of information drawn from published papers, technical reports, international and national guidelines as well as practical experience both in Korean and Canadian CANDU Nuclear Power Plants. The implementation of this program would provide a technical basis for calculations and records should be of acceptable quality and should meet overall radiation protection program objectives.
Search for the value of ?13 mixing angle is of importance in understanding the lepton flavor mixing matrix, and in motivating future experiments to probe CP violation in the lepton sector. Among the present experimental approaches, reactor experiment can provide a clean laboratory for the ?13-measurement. The Daya Bay experiment will start civil construction this year at Daya Bay, Guangdong, China. The goal of this experiment is to reach a sensitivity in sin2 2?13 of < 0.01 at 90% C.L. by precisely measuring the disappearance and spectral distortion of reactor electron anti-neutrinos with multiple identical detectors at different baselines. The talk will present the current status and prospects of the experiment.
A review of the performance of steam generator tubes in 116 water-cooled nuclear power reactors showed that tubes were plugged at 54 (46 percent) of the reactors. The number of tubes removed from service decreased from 4 692 (0.30 percent) in 1981 to 3 222 (0.20 percent) in 1982. The leading causes of tube failures were stress corrosion cracking from the primary side, stress corrosion cracking (or intergranular attack) from the secondary side and pitting corrosion. The lowest incidence of corrosion-induced defects from the secondary side occurred in reactors that have used only volatile treatment, with or without condensate demineralization.
Criticality was first achieved with the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) a little more than 10 yr ago on February 9, 1980. Although the FFTF was designed and built primarily for testing fuels, materials, and components for the liquid-metal fast breeder reactor program, it has, over its first 10 yr of operation, provided valuable information in many other areas. This paper provides a summary of the contributions to the physics of liquid-metal reactors (LMRs) obtained from operation of and testing in the FFTF, with emphasis on some of the more significant and interesting accomplishments.
Precisely measuring $\\theta_{13}$ is one of the highest priority in neutrino oscillation study. Reactor experiments can cleanly determine $\\theta_{13}$. Past reactor neutrino experiments are reviewed and status of next precision $\\theta_{13}$ experiments are presented. Daya Bay is designed to measure $\\sin^22\\theta_{13}$ to better than 0.01 and Double Chooz and RENO are designed to measure it to 0.02-0.03. All are heading to full operation in 2010. Recent improvements in neutrino moment measurement are also briefed.
The reactor fuel cycle based on uranium is described. The various stages in the cycle include mining of uranium ores followed by crushing and grinding, leaching and purification of leach liquor by ion exchange resin process or solvent extraction process, refining of uranium concentrate (yellow cake) by digesting with HNO_3 and then solvent extracting uranyl nitrate with TBP, conversion of uranyl nitrate to uranium hexafluoride, production of uranium metal, uranium enrichment, fabrication of reactor fuel elements and reprocessing of the spent fuel. Chemical reactions wherever they are involved are explained. (M.G.B.).
A non-linear mathematical model of dynamics of horizontal steam generator for nuclear power unit with WWER type reactor is presented. To realize this model the GEMMA-120 simulation language for computer Odra-1204 has been used. Necessity of taking into account disposited thermal storage capacities along tubulation of a primary cycle is demonstrated. A number of lumped elements of reactor division against a required static accuracy of calculations has been determined. (author).
We study non-standard interactions (NSIs) at reactor neutrino experiments, and in particular, the mimicking effects on \\theta_13. We present generic formulas for oscillation probabilities including NSIs from sources and detectors. Instructive mappings between the fundamental leptonic mixing parameters and the effective leptonic mixing parameters are established. In addition, NSI corrections to the mixing angles \\theta_13 and \\theta_12 are discussed in detailed. Finally, we show that, even for a vanishing \\theta_13, an oscillation phenomenon may still be observed in future short baseline reactor neutrino experiments, such as Double Chooz and Daya Bay, due to the existences of NSIs.
A nonlinear dynamic transient analysis merging hand calculations and the NASTRAN structural analysis computer code was conducted for a Fast Flux Test Facility in-reactor test assembly during an extremely unlikely design basis accidental event which is considered a Hypothetical Core Disruptive Accident (HCDA). The finite element modeling of the problem took advantage of NASTRAN's versatility to create loads and nonlinear elements not previously found in NASTRAN's library. The structural criteria for the test assembly to withstand an HCDA stipulates that the test assembly and its spoolpiece shall remain integral with the reactor head such that missiles are not generated.
Norwegian authorities regard with some disquiet the possibility of a criticality accident in a ship propulsion reactor core at the Kola coast. Along this coast, in land storages, floating storages and in submarines taken out of service, the total number of spent fuel reactor cores amount to two hundred. The total Cs-137 radioactivity in spent ship propulsion reactor fuel at the Kola peninsula can be assessed to 600,000 TBq. A worst case release may amount to more than 5,000 TBq Cs-137, a quantity which under unfavourable conditions might cause serious contamination locally and even across the border to Norway.
This report presents a general investigation of the transport requirements associated with the construction and operation of conceptual fusion reactors. Projections of amounts of construction and operating materials requiring transportation are presented for several proposed designs. The material to be shipped is described along with the shipping containers that might be used, the transport modes and the expected impact of transporting these materials. Transportation of both radioactive and nonradioactive materials will be required. Most of these materials are routinely shipped by the transportation industry. Transportation requirements of a representative fusion reactor are also compared with Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) requirements.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a 400 MWt sodium-cooled fast reactor operated by Westinghouse Hanford Company for the US Department of Energy to conduct fuels and materials testing in support of the US Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor programme. Early in 1982, the FFTF began its first 100 day irradiation cycle. Since that time the plant has operated very well, achieving a cycle capacity factor of 94 per cent in the most recent irradiation cycle. The authors describe the results achieved in the first three cycles of operation and carrying through to the fourth reactor cycle which began in January 1984. (author).
The report presents a summary of the work of the Department of Nuclear Safety Research and Nuclear Facilities in 1995. The department`s research and development activities are organized in three research programmes: Radiation Protection, Reactor Safety, and Radioanalytical Chemistry. The nuclear facilities operated by the department include the Research Reactor DR3, the Isotope Laboratory, the Waste Treatment Plant, and the Educational Reactor DR1. Lists of staff and publications are included together with a summary of the staff`s participation in national and international committees. (au) 5 tabs., 21 ills.
The Daya Bay Reactor Anti-Neutrino Experiment is a neutrino oscillation experiment designed to observe and measure the neutrino mixing angle ?13. The sensitivity goal is 0.01 in sin 22?13 at the 90% confidence level, a significant improvement over the current limit. This will be accomplished by measuring the relative rates and energy spectra of reactor electron antineutrinos with multiple detectors positioned at different baselines. Civil construction is currently under-way as detector designs and planning near completion. Commissioning activities should be completed by the end of 2010, followed by a three-year run.
The paper provides a brief description of the fuel characterization for Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). The development and characterization of mechanical properties of Alloy D9 clad and wrapper tubes are discussed. The problems associated with fusion welding of Alloy D9 are outlined. Non-destructive characterization of cladding tubes by optimum encircling eddy current probes, on-line and off-line neural network methods is presented. Both the on-line and off-line neural network methods could readily detect and size defects specified by the designers
Existing applications of Alloy 800 are summarized, with particular reference to its use in various types of reactor. The need for a co-ordinated research and development programme is stressed, and the variables to be explored are outlined. The papers relating to the problem of corrosion and cracking in water and steam are considered. the strength and ductility of Alloy 800 is considered. Finally, sections of the summary deal with the use of Alloy 800 for (a) sodium cooled fast reactor boiler tubes; (b) the high temperature gas cooled reactor; and (c) PWR steam generator tubes. (U.K.).
A numerical and experimental investigation is carried out in a solar thermochemical reactor for the thermal dissociation of ZnO at 2000 K using concentrated solar energy. The reactor consists of a cavity-receiver lined with ZnO particles and directly exposed to high-flux irradiation. A transient heat transfer model is formulated to link the rate of radiation, convection, and conduction heat transfer to the reaction kinetics. The radiosity and Monte Carlo methods are applied to obtain the distribution of net radiative fluxes at the internal surfaces of the reactor cavity and at the surface of the ZnO bed. Validation is accomplished in terms of the calculated and measured transient temperature profiles and chemical reaction rates.
Reactor Power Measurement is an essential part of the Reactor Power Control Loop in PHWRs. None of the available power measuring sensor offers characteristics which allow their direct use in the Reactor Power Control Loop. Thermal power, which is considered as relatively accurate, suffers from measurement delays and is used only as reference. Neutronic power sensors like Ion Chambers and Self Powered Neutron Detectors (SPNDs) which sense instantaneous power suffer from inaccuracies. A technique is required which makes use of both types-reference power and instantaneous power to extract real power information from the signals. This paper describes techniques to calibrate (correct) neutronic power that with the thermal reference power signals. The paper also brings out limitation of the calibration technique. (author)
Tarapur Atomic Power Station unit-4 is first 540 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor. Heavy water is used as the coolant and moderator. With reactor operation tritium is formed by absorption of neutron by Deuterium atoms. Experience in the 220 MWe indicates that tritium is main contributor to the internal dose of radiation workers. Study on Tritium build up in Primary Heat Transport (PHT) and Moderator (MOD) system was carried out at the initial stage of the operation of the unit-3 and 4. This paper brings out tritium activity buildup in the PHT and MOD systems and its comparison with 220 MWe reactors. This paper helps in estimation of the internal dose contribution to the radiation workers at TAPS 3 and 4. (author)
Tarapur Atomic Power Station unit-4 is first 540 MWe pressurized heavy water reactor. Heavy water is used as the coolant and moderator. With reactor operation tritium is formed by absorption of neutron by deuterium atoms. Experience in the 220 MWe indicates that tritium is main contributor to the internal dose of radiation workers. Study on tritium build up in Primary Heat Transport (PHT) and Moderator (MOD) system was carried out at the initial stage of the operation of the unit-4. This paper brings out tritium activity buildup in the PHT and MOD systems and its comparison with 220 MWe reactors. This paper helps in estimation of the internal dose contribution to the radiation workers at TAPS 3 and 4. (author)
An experimental investigation on the thermal decomposition of CH4 into C and H2 was carried out using a 5kW particle-flow solar chemical reactor tested in a solar furnace in the 1300-1600K range. The reactor features a continuous flow of CH4 laden with mm-sized carbon black particles, confined to a cavity receiver and directly exposed to concentrated solar irradiation of up to 1720 suns. The reactor performance was examined for varying operational parameters, namely the solar power input, seed particle volume fraction, gas volume flow rate, and CH4 molar concentration. Methane conversion and hydrogen yield exceeding 95% were obtained at residence times of less than 2.0s. A solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of 16% was experimentally reached, and a maximum value of 31% was numer...
A new kind of receiver-reactor for high-temperature solar furnaces is proposed. The main body of the receiver component is an ellipsoid of revolution with specularly reflecting inner walls. The reactor component, a crucible, is placed at one focal point and the aperture at the other. With this arrangement, substantially all of the incident radiation from the concentrator should reach the reactor directly or after one reflection from the cavity walls. An analysis of the radiative exchange among the surfaces is presented. The analysis provides a tool for a parametric study and optimization of the design. It is found that, in contrast to that of conventional well-insulated cavity receivers, its collection efficiency is not very sensitive to the size of its aperture.
Two neutrino mixing angles have been measured, and much of the neutrino community is turning its attention to the unmeasured mixing angle, $\\quq$, whose best limit comes from the reactor neutrino experiment CHOOZ.\\cite{bib:chooz} New two detector reactor neutrino experiments are being planned, along with more ambitious accelerator experiments, to measure or further limit $\\quq$. Here I will overview how to measure $\\quq$ using reactor neutrinos, mention some experiments that were considered and are not going forward, and review the current status of four projects: Double Chooz in France, Daya Bay in China, RENO in South Korea and Angra in Brazil. Finally I will mention how the neutrino observer can gauge progress in these projects two years from now as we approach the times corresponding to early estimates for new results.
This document details monthly activities at the Savannah River Laboratory. Topics addressed are reactor operation; tritium facilities and production; separation operations; environmental concerns; and waste management. (FI)
This document details monthly activities at the Savannah River Laboratory. Topics addressed are reactor operation; tritium facilities and production; separation operations; environmental concerns; and waste management. (FI)
A total of 86 experimental fuel pins with various fuel, liner, and cladding candidate materials have been irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor as part of the SP-100 fuel pin irradiation testing program. Postirradiation examination results from these fuel pin are key in establishing performance correlations and demonstrating the lifetime and safety of the reactor fuel system. This paper provides a brief description of the in-reactor fuel pin tests and presents the most recent irradiation data on the performance of wrought rhenium (Re) liner material and high density UN fuel at goal burnup of 6 atom percent (at. %). It also provides an overview of the significant variety of other fuel/liner/cladding combinations which were irradiated as part of this program and which may be of interest to more advanced efforts.
A series of tests was recently completed at the 400-MW (thermal) Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to further demonstrate the passive safety characteristics of liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors. Earlier FFTF testing of decay heat removal by sodium natural circulation was reported in 1981. The main purpose of the 1986 test series was to demonstrate passive reactor shutdown during a loss-of-flow event when several inherent shutdown devices called gas expansion modules (GEMs) were installed in the reactor. However, these tests also provide further data on the natural circulation performance of the primary system, in particular the reactor core, and thus add to the data base available for checking the validity of available analytical tools.
The removal phenol and 2-chlorophenol using soybean seed-hulls in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was demonstrated. The performance of a stirred membrane reactor containing soluble purified SEP was compared with a batch stirred reactor containing raw soybean seed-hulls. The purified enzyme reactor proved to be ineffective while good results were obtained with the crude seed-hulls for the removal of phenol and 2-chlorophenol. A single batch reactor containing raw seed-hulls was effective in removing more than 98.5% of 2-chlorophenol (initially at 10000 ppm) in less than 15 min. The performance of these rectors is comparable to existing HRP-based technology. The stability of the soybean peroxidase (SBP) enzyme was also examined in the presence of detergents (SDS, Tween 20 and Triton X-100).
Radiological and environmental protection experience associated with the reactor cover gas processing system at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has been excellent. Personnel radiation exposures received from operating and maintaining the reactor cover gas processing system have been very low, the system has remained free of radioactive particulate contamination through the first seven operating cycles (cesium contamination was detected at the end of Cycle 8A), and releases of radioactivity to the environment have been very low, well below environmental standards. This report discusses these three aspects of fast reactor cover gas purification over the first eight operating cycles of the FFTF (a duration of a little more than four years, from April 1982 through July 1986).
The hydraulic characteristics of flow control multiorifice plate assemblies designed for the FFTF reactor were investigated. The pressure drop flowrate characteristics determined in the test are presented. (JWR)
The ability of the /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method to measure subcriticality has been demonstrated in a variety of experimental configurations of fissile materials. Calculations for an approximately 4-m-dia configuration of light water reactor (LWR) fuel elements indicated the feasibility of measuring the subcriticality of large, loosely coupled arrays of LWR fuel elements by this same method. These analysis suggested application to the initial loading of both pressurized and boiling water reactors, zero-power testing of reactors (such as shutdown margin measurements after initial loading), light water reactor refueling, and safe storage of LWR spent fuel. In the fuel storage application, direct measurement of subcriticality in the actual fuel storage facilities provides the parameter which is directly related to criticality safety.
A dense Pd-Ag membrane reactor (MR) with 100% hydrogen selectivity packed with either Rh/La2O3 or Rh/La2O3-SiO2 as catalysts was used to carry out the dry reforming of methane. The membrane reactor simulation was performed using a well-known reactor model. For this purpose, we employed the equations derived from complete kinetic studies of the dry reforming of methane reaction in connection with both catalysts. In addition, we developed the kinetic equation for the reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS). The combination of detailed kinetic studies with the measured permeation flux for the Pd-Ag membrane allowed a complete comparison between experimental and simulated operation variables. The variables studied for both catalysts were methane conversion and hydrogen permeation as a function...
Development of Scientific Foundations of the Technology of the Metal Matrix Packing of Leaky Unreprocessible Spent Nuclear Fuel of Different Purpose Reactors for a Long-term Environmentally Safe Storage.
Theoretical models of the decontamination process are developed and combined with an existing model of "6"0Co production in CANDU PHW reactors to predict the effects of decontamination on long term "6"0Co build-up in reactor primary heat transport systems. The effects of decontamination interval, decontamination factor, and post-decontamination corrosion release are calculated. An optimum decontamination strategy for a Pickering G.S. type reactor is developed on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis. This study indicates that the optimum decontamination interval is approximately six years. This optimum interval is relatively insensitive to variations in the costs of personnel exposure, the cost of a decontamination, the decontamination factor, and the post-decontamination corrosion model used. (author).
An optimal deployment pattern of flux mapping detectors for a Canada uranium-deuterium (CANDU)-600 pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) is determined by obtaining an optimal feedback relationship between flux measurements and zone controllers. The reactor core is modeled with a time-dependent two-group, two-dimensional diffusion equation, and flux perturbation are expressed by model expansions. The modal expansion coefficients are used as elements of the state vector representing the system dynamics. An optimal feedback matrix connecting the flux measurement vector to the control vector is derived by minimizing a quadratic performance index involving both the state and control vectors. We obtain the detector effectiveness in terms of the optimal feedback matrix and determine optimal detector locations for the Wolsung Unit 1 reactor in Korea. We have tested the methodology through evaluation of flux maps generated through ...
The ORR operated at an average power level of 29.7 MW for 85.3% of the time during this period. The reactor was shut down on fifteen occasions, nine of which were unscheduled. Reactor downtime needed for refueling and checks was normal. The reactor remained available for operation 88.3% of the time. Special tests completed during the quarter included: (1) transfer of LEU fuel elements CLE-202 and NLE-201 from core positions B-9 and B-2 to core positions C-5 and C-6 for continued operation; and (2) calculation of maximum heat flux in LEU elements CLE-201 and NLE-202 in core positions A-2 and A-8. In-service inspections included inspections of ORR decay tank, primary heat exchanger No. 4, and the 24-in. strainer.
An emergency shutdown system for high-temperature gas-cooled pebble-bed reactors is proposed in addition to the common absorber rod shutdown system. This system is based on the strongly absorbing effect of small boronated graphite spheres (called KLAK), which trickle in case of emergency by gravity from the top reflector into the reactor core. The inner reflector of the Siemens-Argonaut reactor was substituted by an assembly of spherical Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor fuel elements, and the shutdown effect was examined by installing well-defined KLAK nests inside this assembly. The purpose was to develop and prove a calculational procedure for determining criticality values for assemblies of large fuel spheres and small absorbing spheres.
Monte Carlo neutron transport methods can be used to verify the applicability of point kinetics for safety analysis of nuclear reactors. KENO-NR was used to obtain the transfer function of the Advanced Neutron Source reactor and the time delay between the core power production and the external detectors, a parameter of interest to the safety systems design. The good agreement between the Monte Carlo generated transfer function and the point kinetics transfer function validates that the uncommon ANS geometry does not preclude the use of point kinetics in the frequency range that was investigated. Various features of the power spectral densities also demonstrated the applicability of point kinetics. The time delay was obtained from the cross-power spectral density (CPSD) and is {approximately}15 ms. These analyses show that frequency analysis can be used experimentally to investigate the validity of the use of point kinetics models in critical ...
The Materials and Components Technology Division (MCT) provides a research and development capability for the design, fabrication, and testing of high-reliability materials, components, and instrumentation. Current divisional programs related to nuclear energy support the development of the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR): life extension and accident analyses for light water reactors (LWRs); fuels development for research and test reactors; fusion reactor first-wall and blanket technology; and safe shipment of hazardous materials. MCT Conservation and Renewables programs include major efforts in high-temperature superconductivity, tribology, nondestructive evaluation (NDE), and thermal sciences. Fossil Energy Programs in MCT include materials development, NDE technology, and Instrumentation design. The division also has a complementary instrumentation effort in support of Arms Control Technology. Individual ...
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.
The results obtained from experimental investigations and mathematical simulation of horizontal steam generators are considered. Recommendations for continuing these works are given.
This is a presentation on Human Factors in reactor operations. It discusses issues that deal with power plant operations, training and design, operational effectiveness and safety, supporting people to achieve effective and error free performance.
Purpose: To eliminate the water level deviation due to the recycling flowrate, as well as enable a stable control to a reference value even upon changes in the recycling flowrate caused by the variation in the opening degree of a minimum flow valve. Constitution: Reactor recycling system comprises a feedwater pump, a flowrate control valve, a reactor water level detector, and a minimum flow line and a minimum flow valve for preventing the overheating of the feedwater pump at a low flowrate. A flowrate compensator is further disposed, in which a recycling flowrate signal is subtracted from a pump flow rate signal and the result is fedback as a compensated pump flowrate signal. This enables the control system to operate at a rapid response for suppressing the effect of the recycling flowrate as external disturbance, whereby the water level in the reactor can be controlled stably to the reference level and the possibility ...
The document presented defines the plan to be used to coordinate the preparation, review, approval, and issuance of the operating procedure documents required to ensure safe and efficient operation of FFTF.
The document presented defines the plan to be used to coordinate the preparation, review, approval, and issuance of the operating procedure documents required to ensure safe and efficient operation of FFTF.
Tricking filters are a very promising alternative for the post treatment of effluents from UASB reactors treating domestic sewage,especially in developing countries. Although a fair amount of information is already available regarding organic mater removal in this combined system, very little is known in relation to nitrogen and surfactant removal in trickling filters post-UASB reactors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect evaluate and compare the effect of different application rates and packing media types on trickling filters applied to the post-treatment of effluents from UASB reactors, regarding the removal of ammonia nitrogen and surfactants. (Author)
The CO laser is superior in the absorption characteristic to materials to the CO2 laser due to its shorter wavelength. In consideration of this characteristic Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation is studying this applicability sponsored by the Ministry of International Trade Industry of Japan to cutting of reactor core internals of commercial nuclear power plant. In decommissioning of reactor core internals it is necessary to cut stainless steel plates of 305 mm thick. The authors cut stainless steel plates of up to 310mm thick in air and those of up to 150 mm thick underwater with a 20kW class laser. Further, models simulating key structural elements of PWR core internals were cut and secondary products to clarify the applicability of the CO laser cutting to reactor core internals were evaluated. (author)
The current work continues a project completed in 1999 by ReMaxCo Technologies in which a novel, microwave based, VLS Silicon Carbide Fibrils concept was verified. This project continues the process development of a pilot scale commercial reactor. Success will lead to sufficient quantities of fibrils to expand work by ORNL and others on heat exchanger tube development. A semicontinuous, microwave heated, vacuum reactor was designed, fabricated and tested in these experiments. Cylindrical aluminum oxide reaction boats are coated, on the inner surface, with a catalyst and placed into the reactor under a light vacuum. A series of reaction boats are then moved, one at a time, through the reactor. Each boat is first preheated with resistance heaters to 850 C to 900 C. Each reaction boat is then moved, in turn, to the microwave heated section. The catalyst is heated to the required temperature of 1200 C to ...
The development of an electrolytic reduction technology for spent fuels in the form of oxide is of essence to introduce LWR SFs to a pyroprocessing. In this research, the technology was investigated to scale a reactor up, the electrochemical behaviors of FPs were studied to understand the process and a reaction rate data by using U{sub 3}O{sub 8} was obtained with a bench scale reactor. In a scale of 20 kgHM/batch reactor, U{sub 3}O{sub 8} and Simfuel were successfully reduced into metals. Electrochemical characteristics of LiBr, LiI and Li{sub 2}Se were measured in a bench scale reactor and an electrolytic reduction cell was modeled by a computational tool.
This paper explores the current trends in development of technology-neutral safety requirements to be used in the regulation of future nuclear power reactors and the role of the quantitative safety goals in the design of reactor safety systems. Establishing the requirements concerning the reliability of safety functions rather than on particular systems employed to achieve the functions, as well as the use of the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on protection against potential exposure could form the basis of a technology-neutral framework for safety requirements on new reactor designs. Also it could contribute to international harmonisation of nuclear safety assessment practices as part of the licensing processes for future nuclear power plants. (author)
The Reactor Head Structure Assembly(RHSA) is the structure located on the reactor assembly. The purpose of the assembly is providing interface location for cables, preventing pipe whips, prohibiting instruments from becoming missiles, and restraining CEDMs' horizontal motion. On the RHSA, Reactor Disconnect Panels(RDP) are installed. The installation location of RDP is to be decided to minimize the geometric interface with other components. Since the neighborhood of RHSA is crowded due to many connectors and cables, it is necessary to find the good design of RHSA to make an intricate situation attenuated and the required function maintained. The geometric shape and overall configuration of RHSA are determined by axiomatic design approach. The FRs of RHSA are specified and the corresponding DPs are found to satisfy FRs in sequence. The finite element analysis is carried out based on the result of the axiomatic ...
Purpose: To secure the reactor operation safety by the provision of a fluid pressure detecting section for control rod driving fluid and a control rod interlock at the midway of the flow pass for supplying driving fluid to the control rod drives. Constitution: Between a driving line and a direction control valve are provided a pressure detecting portion, an alarm generating device, and a control rod inhibition interlock. The driving fluid from a driving fluid source is discharged by way of a pump and a manual valve into the reactor in which the control rods and reactor fuels are contained. In addition, when the direction control valve is switched and the control rods are inserted and extracted by the control rod drives, the pressure in the driving line is always detected by the pressure detection section, whereby if abnormal pressure is resulted, the alarm generating device is actuated to warn the abnormality and the ...
Analyses were performed of the safety-related performance of the reactor protection system (RPS) at U.S. Westinghouse and General Electric commercial reactors during the period 1984 through 1995. RPS operational data from these reactors were collected from the Nuclear Plant Reliability Data System (NPRDS) and Licensee Event Reports (LER). The common-cause failure (CCF) modeling in the fault trees developed for these studies and the analysis and use of common-cause failure data were sophisticated, state-of-the-art efforts. The overall CCF effort helped to test and expand the limits of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's CCF methodology.
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards are presented to the Commissioners for their consideration for FY 82 budget for the NRC safety research program.
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards are presented to the Commissioners for their consideration for FY 83 budget for the NRC safety research program.
Progress reports are presented for the following two areas: catalytic cracking studies with water-wet silica-alumina catalysts; and Fischer-Tropsch reactor studies where similarities and differences between fixed bed and slurry type reactors are investigated and further experiments conducted to measure mass transfer coefficients and reaction kinetics which are to be used in a model slurry reactor. The following are some of the conclusions. (1) The premise that the presence of liquid water might increase catalytic cracking activity was found to be invalid. It was demonstrated that cracking can occur at previously unobserved low temperatures (though at low conversions) and that an anomaly exists in that one of the catalysts tested shows an entirely different cracking behavior and probably follows a different cracking mechanism. (2) the diameter of a fixed-bed Fischer-Tropsch reactor critically affected ...
In this work, long-term operation of a pilot scale mixed anaerobic reactor processing crude glycerol and rapeseed meal is discussed. These materials are generated as by-products of biodiesel production. Mixed reactor was operated under mesophilic conditions for the period of 654 days. Total cumulative production of biogas reached 379 m3 (at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature). Maximum volumetric loading achieved during the operation was 2.17 kg m?3 d?1 for the crude glycerol dose of 2 L. When dosing crude glycerol as a single substrate, average specific production of biogas of 0.76 m3 per L of the g-phase was achieved. The lack of nutrients in the g-phase had to be compensated by an addition of ammonium nitrogen in the form of urea into the reactor. Long term processing of crude ...
The Advanced Neutron Source will be a new world-class facility for research using hot, thermal, cold, and ultra-cold neutrons. The heart of the facility will be a 330-MW (fission), heavy-water cooled and heavy-water moderated reactor. The reactor will be housed in a central reactor building, with supporting equipment located in an adjoining reactor support building. An array of cold neutron guides will fan out into a large guide hall, housing about 30 neutron research stations. Appropriate office, laboratory, and shop facilities will be included to provide a complete facility for users. The ANS is scheduled to begin operation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory early in the next decade. This PDR document defines the plant-level requirements for the design, construction, and operation of ANS. It also defines and provides input to the individual System Design Description (SDD) documents. Together, this ...
An analytical method was proposed for calculating radiative fluxes incident on a planar circular detector from a volume multiple point chemi- or bio-luminescent source inside a coaxial cylindrical reactor. The method was designed for a cylindrical reactor when the surface reflections were neglected and when chemi- or bio-luminescence reaches a detector embedded in the same homogeneous optical medium as the point emitters of the volume multiple point source model. The radiative fluxes from arbitrarily distributed point emitters were expressed by one generalized quadruple-integral formula. Then some double- and single-integral formulas were obtained for calculating radiative fluxes from identically radiating point emitters uniformly distributed within the reactor. Selected results were compu...
Human errors have been reported as one of the most significant causes of major events in nuclear power plants (NPPs). For example, Kim and Park found that about 23% of the major events that occurred at NPPs in Republic of Korea from 1986 to 2006 were caused by human errors. For this reason, a detailed analysis on human errors is an important task for increasing the safety of NPPs. Kim and Choi?2 analyzed 100 human-related unplanned reactor trip events in the Republic of Korea from 1986 to 2006 to consider the type of human errors based on the simple path model for human-induced unplanned reactor trips developed by Kim and Park. In this paper, we will investigate and perform a detailed analysis of the data to identify human-related unplanned reactor trip trends
The 3 MW TRIGA Mark-II research reactor of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has been operating since September 14, 1986. The reactor is used for radioisotope production ("1"3"1I, "9"9"mTc, "4"6Sc), various R and D activities and manpower training. The reactor has been operated successfully since it's commissioning with the exception of a few reportable incidents. Of these, the decay tank leakage incident of 1997 is considered to be the most significant one. As a result of this incident, reactor operation at full power under forced-convection mode remained suspended for about 4 years. During that time, the reactor was operated at a power level of 250 kW so as to carry out experiments that require lower neutron flux. This was made possible by establishing a temporary by pass connection across the decay tank using local technology. The other incident was the contamination of ...
Purpose: An animal model is used to investigate whether MR angiography combined with super-paramagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO) is suitable for detecting thromboses. Methods: 42 rats in groups of 7 each were examined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, respectively, after mechanical/chemical thrombus induction in a 1.5 Tesla magnet with a FISP sequence (TR/TE/FA 50 ms/6 ms/40 ). Imaging was performed before and up to 90 minutes after intravenous injection of 30 {mu}mol FE/kg BW of the experimental SPIO (hydrodynamic diameter, 34{+-}17 nm LLS; R1 and R2 relaxivity at 0.47 T, 31 and 57 L/(mmol*s)). MIP reconstructions of MR angiographies were submitted to consensus assessment by two examiners using histology as the gold standard. Results: The image quality of MIP reconstructions was rated as good in 38 of 42 cases. With regard to thrombotic vessel occlusion, MR angiography coincided with histology in 17 of 42 cases and differed in 25, lumen ...
The performance of anaerobic biological process is heavily process conditions dependent. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate the influence of process conditions like temperature, sludge age and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the efficiency of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and upflow anaerobic sludge filter (UASF) to treat combined industrial wastewater. Reactors were operated at easing ambient temperatures (38, 30, 20 and 14 deg. C) and correspondingly increasing sludge ages (60, 90, 120 and 150 days). At temperature 38 deg. C and sludge age of 60 days, UASF showed better performance than VASE reactor. This mainly due to the enhanced filtration through well-graded sand filter and fairly good biological activity in UASF. At this stage, lack of sludge granulation in VASE reactor resulted in poor biological activity; hence, relatively poor performance. At ...
The WBURN (2-D, 2-group, coarse mesh) code is developed to analyze the equilibrium core characteristics of CANDU-PHWR. The equilibrium characteristics of Wolsung reactor computed by using WBURN are compared with the values given in the Wolsung FSR. The changes of equilibrium core characteristics caused by the variation of design parameters for operating conditions are also investigated. The numerical results indicate that the average discharge irradiation in the Wolsung reactor can be increased up to about 5%.
The WBURN (2-D, 2-group, coarse mesh) code is developed to analyze the equilibrium core characteristics of CANDU-PHWR. The equilibrium characteristics of Wolsung reactor computed by using WBURN are compared with the values given in the Wolsung FSR. The changes of equilibrium core characteristics caused by the variation of design parameters for operating conditions are also investigated. The numerical results indicate that the average discharge irradiation in the Wolsung reactor can be increased up to about 5%. (Author).
Nuclear options for electricity generations are assessed in this paper. Probabilistic (stochastic) method is used for economic comparison of nuclear power plants, wind plants and natural gas fired plants. Optimal nuclear power plant size is also discussed. IRIS is presented as a representative of small and medium reactors
In the recent years the use of nuclear energy has turned from a technical and scientific issue to a political one. The high-temperature reactor (HTR) however, has always been advertised as particularly safe. The present situation and future developments of HTR-technology were the two issues that VDI-News brought up on the 27th October on an HTR-conference in an interview with the 'spiritual father' of the HTR, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Schulten of the Juelich Nuclear Research Centre. (orig.).
Most of all research reactors are immerged in the deep water pool to be a ultimate heat sink. At the neighbor of the reactor, some radio-active matters, such as Na-24, Ar-41, Mg-27, Al-28 and etc, may be generated by the neutron irradiation. Those radio-active isotopes may rise up to the pool water surface through the natural convection flow, which can make the radioactivity in the reactor hall rise high enough to concern about the health of people working in the reactor hall. When the irradiation test facilities are loaded or unloaded during a normal operation, the highly radio-activated primary coolant may flow out through the irradiation test holes on the top of the reactor. This also may be a main hazard source to make the working environment of the reactor hall bad. Making a hot water layer 1.5 ? 2.0 m thick at the top of reactor pool ...
The Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment is designed to study the disappearance of antineutrinos from the Daya Bay nuclear power plant in China. The goal of this experiment is to measure the remaining unknown neutrino mixing parameter ?13 with high precision: sin2(2?13)<0.01. The experiment is presently under construction and it is anticipated that data acquisition will begin in 2011.
On the 3. and 4. November 1982 the sixth conference of the Corporation for Reactor Safety (GRS) was held in Cologne's Guerzenich. The theme of this year's meeting was the 'Status of Risk Investigations at Nuclear Power Plants'. A principal topic was a report on findings made by the GRS during the 'Risk Oriented Analysis SNR-300'. The second topic comprised the newest developments within Phase B of the Risk Study of Water Pressure Reactors, the discussion of the dose/effect relationship and considerations on threshold risk values. (orig.).
The temperature coefficient has been investigated on the Wolsung nuclear power reactor, in which fuel is natural uranium dioxide and moderator heavy water. The numerical computations are carried out in terms of changes of the effective neutron multiplication factor with respect to fuel, moderator, and coolant temperatures. Those results are compared with the computed values of temperature coefficient based on the LATREP computer code. (author).
This paper reports on a Level 1 PRA performed on the Omega West Reactor at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A Master Logic Diagram was used to identify possible initiating events. A chi-square distribution was used to quantify initiating event frequencies given that no initiating events have occurred in 30 years of OWR operation. The PRA results are presented as both probability density function and cumulative distribution function curves.
A survey was conducted of experience with steam generator tubes at nuclear power stations during 1976. Failures were reported at 25 out of 68 water-cooled reactors. The causes of these failures and the repair and inspection procedures designed to cope with them are summarized. Examination of the data indicates that corrosion was the major cause of steam generator tube failures. Improvements are needed in steam generator design, condenser integrity and secondary water chemistry control. (author).
The first Russian reprocessing facility, known as RT-1 (located at PA-Mayak in Ural region) was started on the radiochemical plant base in 1977. Nowadays RT-1 is the sole operating reprocessing plant in Russia. The main features of RT-1 is its broad spectrum of reprocessing spent nuclear fuels (SNF). The following spent fuel types are reprocessed: -) SNF from PWR reactors (WWER-440) and FB reactor (BN-600); -) SNF of transport ship reactors; -) production reactors SNF; -) research reactor spent nuclear fuel. The world-known technological processes are used at RT-1, but there are the following distinctive features. First, the universality of the three technological lines which allows not only the reprocessing of various SNF kinds, but also to implement the combined reprocessing of some types of them. Secondly, extraction of neptunium during SNF reprocessing which is used to implement ...
The first Russian reprocessing facility, known as RT-1 (located at PA-Mayak in Ural region) was started on the radiochemical plant base in 1977. Nowadays RT-1 is the sole operating reprocessing plant in Russia. The main features of RT-1 is its broad spectrum of reprocessing spent nuclear fuels (SNF). The following spent fuel types are reprocessed: -) SNF from PWR reactors (WWER-440) and FB reactor (BN-600); -) SNF of transport ship reactors; -) production reactors SNF; -) research reactor spent nuclear fuel. The world-known technological processes are used at RT-1, but there are the following distinctive features. First, the universality of the three technological lines which allows not only the reprocessing of various SNF kinds, but also to implement the combined reprocessing of some types of them. Secondly, extraction of neptunium during SNF reprocessing which is used to implement ...
Based on the reliability analysis methods of FMEA and FTA, according to the result of ETA of PRA in Daya by NPP, the top events of the fault trees of reactor protection system and the success criteria were established. By using RISK-SPECTRUM procedure, the unavailability and the minimal cut-sets (MCS) of the fault trees were obtained. The results of analysis was put into the visual risk analysis software of Daya bay NPP as the support of data
A reliable inventory control system was developed at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) to keep track of the occupancy of 900 refueling facility locations, to compile historical data on the movement of each reactor assembly, and to simulate assembly moves. The simulate capability is valuable because it allows verification of documents before they are issued for use in the plant, and eliminates the possibility of planning illegal or impossible moves. The system is installed on a UNIVAC 1100 computer and is maintained using a data base management system by Sperry Univac called MAPPER.
The purpose of the work reported in this paper was to measure the radionuclide buildup in primary heat transport system cell No. 3 at the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) and to compare the results with predicted values from a model based on experimental studies and experience at similar reactors. The information obtained is used for maintenance planning and to enhance ability to assess radionuclide buildup in the future at FFTF and in other reactors.
Cellulose raw materials costs must be considered in order to obtain a minimized hexose cost. In recognition of this fact, it may be economically advantageous to operate at less than maximum hexose concentration in the reactor and to recycle unreacted cellulose. The objective of this article is to optimize a cellulose-recycle reactor system for producing hexose at minimum cost. A sensitivity analysis of the important variables in the mathematical model of this system is also discussed.
This book contains the proceedings of the International Topical Meeting on Remote Systems and Robotics in Hostile Environments. It is organized under the following sessions: Worldwide Applications Overview; Operating Mobile Systems; Sensors and Control Systems; Space Applications; Reactor Operations and Surveillance; Remote Equipment for Hazardous Operations; Future Mobile System; Mining and Construction Operations; Special Applications; Hot Cell Applications; Processing; Reactor Operations and Maintenance; Decontamination and Waste Handling; Remote Handling Development and Demonstration.
The characteristics of real-time neutron radiography are described briefly in this paper, and the acquirement of neutron flux, the selection of convertor and the structure of the twilight imaging system and the image-sampling and image-processing system in SPRR-300 reactor are also analyzed detailedly. The experimental result of real-time neutron radiograph is too analyzed in this paper
It is maintained that special features of FFTF make it an ideal system to test sodium boiling detection techniques by acoustic/neutronic methods and to test the response of acoustic/neutronic sensors to vibrations. It is shown that accumulated research results indicate that such tests in FFTF are feasible, predictable, promising and safe. (author).
The use of nuclear reactors to provide electrical energy has shown considerable growth since the first nuclear plant started commercial operation in the mid 1950s. Although the main purpose of this paper is to review the fuel cycle capabilities in the United States, the introduction is a brief review of the types of nuclear reactors in use and the world-wide nuclear capacity.
The catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether was investigated for application on-board a methanol fuelled vehicle. Several catalysts have been tested in a fixed bed reactor. Our approach is to develop a small and efficient reactor converting liquid MeOH under pressure and at low reaction temperatures. (author) 2 figs., 5 refs.
In this paper the possibility of configuring a water cooled Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) rocket, based on a Particle Bed Reactor (PBR) is investigated. This rocket will be used to operate on water obtained from near earth objects. The conclusions reached in this paper indicate that it is possible to configure a PBR based NTP rocket to operate on water and meet the mission requirements envisioned for it. No insurmountable technology issues have been identified.
Several new reactor neutrino experiments are being considered to measure the parameter theta-13. The current plans for Angra, Braidwood, Daya Bay, KASKA and KR2DET are reviewed. A case is made that, together with Double-CHOOZ, a future world program should include at least three such experiments.
An AHR (Advanced HANARO Reactor) based on the HANARO has been conceptually developed for the future needs of research reactors. Generally, a natural convection cooling in nuclear installations is an ultimate heat removal mechanism as an inherent safety feature. This paper presents the preliminary thermal hydraulic characteristics and safety margins for a natural convection cooling in the AHR.
A thermal neutron imaging facility for computed tomography and real-time neutron radiography is being developed at the University of Texas at Austin. The TRIGA reactor is a graphite-reflected Mark It pool-type research reactor. The neutron imaging facility will use beam port, which is at one end of a through part. Monte Carlo calculations were used to design the neutron collimator for this facility.
This is a continuation of research that started in July 2007 at the Deep River Science Academy. The research was related to the effects of endplate thickness and misalignment of fuel bundles in the fuel channel on pressure losses of reactor coolant. Based on this research, a new approach to refueling of the CANDU reactor has been developed. It greatly simplifies fuel handling equipment and increases its reliability. It also reduces required staffing, as well as operating and maintenance costs associated with fuel handling. (author)
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 ...
Manganese is a common contaminant of mine water and other waste waters. Due to its high solubility over a wide pH range, it is notoriously difficult to remove from contaminated waters. Previous systems that effectively remove Mn from mine waters have involved oxidising the soluble Mn(II) species at an elevated pH using substrates such as limestone and dolomites. However it is currently unclear what effect the substrate type has upon abiotic Mn removal compared to biotic removal by in situ micro-organisms (biofilms). In order to investigate the relationship between substrate type, Mn precipitation and the biofilm community, net-alkaline Mn-contaminated mine water was treated in reactors containing one of the pure materials: dolomite, limestone, magnesite and quartzite. Mine water chemistry and Mn removal rates were monitored over a 3-month period in continuous-flow reactors. For all substrates except quartzite, Mn was removed from the mine water ...
An attempt is made to estimate the lithium reserve (the economically recoverable lithium) for the tritium breeding in D-T fusion reactors and other uses. Similar development patterns for fusion energy and fission energy are assumed to estimate the future lithium requirements. These requirements are grouped into three categories; the commercial uses, the lithium batteries for electric cars, and the fusion reactor uses. 5 refs.
The liquid-metal-cooled fast breeder reactor presented includes a fuel assembly made up of several long sub-assemblies rising side by side. Each of the sub-assemblies of an external area of the fuel assembly comprises an electromagnetic braking system for regulating the flow of coolant in the sub-assembly, the magnetic fields of the braking systems being temperature sensitive.
With the lifting of the top dome of the Windscale (AGR) Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor earlier this year, the decommissioning team has begun to dismantle the heaviest of the reactor components. In defining the tasks involved, the most important criterion was to minimise the radiation exposure expected to be received by the team members. The manager of the WAGR decommissioning project describes the preparation undertaken and the final lifting of the top dome in this article. (author).
In a reactor environment, the surface of a limiter or wall is primarily determined by the mechanism of erosion and deposition of surface material. It should be possible to use pellet injection to reduce net erosion to zero everywhere if low-Z materials are used for the surface. Erosion rates can, in general, be minimized by large area limiters and high plasma temperatures, which transmit power to the walls with less sputtering. Under ideal steady state conditions the wall surface is dominated by metallurgical effects in the wall.
Purpose: To improve the reliability of control rod drive mechanisms for use in BWR type reactors by preventing erroneous insertion of control rods caused by the increase in the coolant pressure. Constitution: A pressure-releaf valve mechanism is provided which opens its valve when a detected difference between the pressure of the coolants flowing through coolant pipeways and the reactor pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure difference. If the coolant pressure increases abnormally, coolants in the coolant pipeway are released to lower the pressure. (Aizawa, K.).
A report on the Canadian Nuclear Society Conference on robotics and remote handling in the nuclear industry, September 1984. Remote handling in reactor operations, particularly in the Candu reactors is discussed, and the costs and benefits of use of remote handling equipment are considered. Steam generator inspection and repair is an area in which practical application of robotic technology has made a major advance. (U.K.).
The Fusion Technology task performs analyses and systems studies of conceptual fusion reactors based upon inertial and high-#beta# magnetic confinement schemes. Progress in the areas of theoretical analysis (plasma and neutral-gas blanket models), specific reactor studies (toroidal and linear theta pinches, Z pinches, laser fusion) neutronic and nuclear data assessments, materials (metals and insulators) evaluation, and general engineering design is reported.
A report is presented of a hearing conducted before the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy on August 27, 1976, to discuss the legal implications for reactor licensing resulting from court challenges to procedures for assessing the environmental impact of radioactive waste disposal. (DG)
From nuclear science symposium; San Francisco, California, USA (14 Nov 1973). A digital Fourier analyzer was programmed to perform reactor neutron noise analysis measurements and on-line processing of the data to obtain the steady-state reactivity. The system is suitable for recovering cross spectral density with low correlatedsignal component and for repetitive measurements with efficient use of reactor time. (auth)
Since 1988, the Expertise group of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) is an important partner in the development of the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA). The MELiSSA was designed to allow a small crew to survive on an Antarctic, lunar or Mars outpost, and is a joint research project currently fostered by the European Space Agency, ESA. The MELiSSA functions through a series of five interconnected compartments, of which four are microbial bioreactors and was engineered to degrade organic waste, regenerate the outpost's atmosphere and water, and provide the crew with an additional vegetarian diet. The bioreactor of the third compartment provides the edible cyanobacteria and plants of the fourth compartment with nitrate instead of ammonium as a source of nitrogen. The two bacteria responsible for the biological transformation of ammonium to nitrate (nitrification) are Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrobacter winogradskyi. Since all ...
Using an experimental pilot plant, designed and built for the tests, the influence of the following parameters was determined: desulphurization of the test gas, temperature, residence time in the reactor tube, concentration of the hydrogen sulphide and desulphurization agent, size of the particles which comprise the agent and composition of the gas. Allowance was made for the effect of calcination and carbonisation. Desulphurization was carried out with limestone on a gaseous mixture of CO and H/sub 2/. A mathematical description of the test findings and yield is presented. 8 refs.
This paper will review code and standard and the safety related features of major components of Monju: Components of the Reactor Coolant Boundary; Components of the Reactor Shurdown Systems; Components of the Decay Heat Removal Systems; Components of the Engineered Safety Features; Other Safety Related Components. Their relationship to the system or plant function is emphasized, in reviewing these components.
We have designed a local trigger board for the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment, which is aimed to measure the neutrino mixing angle sin22?13 with a precision down to 1% level. The local trigger board processes both the total number of coincident photomultiplier tube (PMT) hits and the PMT energy sum to make trigger decisions. With this design, a high trigger probability is achieved to meet the system requirement. The design of the local trigger board is presented.
Low power wire activations are being performed in the Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR) as part of the whole-core LEU demonstration experiments. Calculations of the demonstration cores, including simulation of the wire activations, are being performed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). This paper presents the results of comparisons for 293 wires from five cores and shows that, on the average, the integrated activities agree within 6%.
The corrosion rate of low alloy steel SA-508 and carbon steel A-410b in simulated operation and shutdown conditions of pressurized water reactor has been determined Moreover potentiodynamic polarization curves and galvanic effect through coupling of AISI-304 have been carried out under shutdown simulated condition. (Author) 8 refs.
The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) reactor characterization by the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) includes extensive neutronic measurements during startup and initial operation. To aid in the handling and counting of the thousands of passive dosimeters used as part of this effort, an automated dosimetry specimen handling, positioning, and counting system was designed and developed by Westinghouse Hanford for the Department of Energy.
The world`s population of research reactors is growing old. Many have been adapted to serve new purposes over their lives, from testing materials for nuclear power programmes and supporting neutron physics experiments, to colouring gemstones, doping silicon and generating medical isotopes. In the first article of this survey of research reactor issues, Wilfried Krull from GKSS in Germany describes the effects on a reactor of supporting these changes in application as ``design ageing`` . Managing this and other symptoms of ageing to extend plant life is a key task for operators, and Krull discusses the efforts being made internationally to handle them. Eventually, terminal decline of one vital component can determine when a reactor has to be shutdown for refurbishment. For BR2 in Belgium, it was the beryllium matrix. Edgar Koonen from SCK-CEN explains work being done to replace it and extend ...
This illustrated booklet describes the fission process; the use of uranium to produce power in nuclear power stations (and a brief explanation of the differences between the principal types of reactor); the formation of plutonium and fission products; radioactive wastes and their management; nuclear fusion and a conceptual fusion reactor; alpha, beta and gamma radiations; radioisotopes and their applications. (U.K.).
A brief review of apparatuses used at enterprises engaged in industrial processing of spent nuclear fuel for dissolving dioxide nuclear fuel from power reactors is provided. Advantages and drawbacks of facilities operating in periodic, semi-continuous and continuous modes are considered. It is pointed out that today there are two promising trends in developments in the field, i.e. rotor- and vibrational-type dissolving apparatuses operated continuously
Full text: Full text: The incomplete understanding of the complex mechanisms connected with the interaction between thermal-hydraulic and neutron kinetics still challenges the design and the operation of nuclear reactors and imposes the adoption of conservatism in the evaluation of safety limits. The recent availability of powerful computer and computational techniques together with the continuing increase in operational experience suggests the revisiting of those areas and the identification of design/operation requirements that can be relaxed. So far, almost all of the safety analyses of research reactors have been performed using conservative computational tools such as channel codes but, nowadays, the application of Best-Estimate (BE) methods constitutes a real necessity. The global aim of the current work is an attempt to apply the best-estimate system thermal-hydraulic code Relap5. For this purpose, the generic IAEA research ...
The part of the FFTF Reactor Characterization Program reported in this paper is a measurement of absolute fission rates of eight major fuel isotopes at two different positions within the reactor. The instruments employed in these tests were fission ionization chambers for which the absolute efficiency and fissionable deposit mass assay have been rigorously established.
This report discusses a desk-top computer program has been developed for estimating the costs, waste volumes, and occupational radiation exposures associated with decommissioning light-water reactor power stations. Cost categories and cost algorithms used in the program are discussed and a brief description of the user interface is given.
Fuel assemblies in a reactor pressure vessel are disposed in a reactor core shroud. The own weight of the fuel assembly is supported by a reactor core support plate, and is supported, for the horizontal direction, by an upper lattice plate and the reactor core support plate. A support portion for the upper portion of the fuel assembly is disposed above the fuel assembly, and a support portion for the support portion described above is joined to a shroud head by welding. The support portion for the upper portion of the fuel assembly has a network-like portion which absorbs and disperses rising force which exerted on the fuel assembly when the fuel assembly is risen by seismic forces. The rising force exerted on the fuel assembly absorbed by the network-like portion is effectively transferred to the shroud head by the support portion. With such a constitution, rising of the fuel assembly can be prevented ...
The Advanced CANDU Reactor (ACR"T"M) is the 'Next Generation' CANDU"R reactor, aimed at safe, reliable power production at a capital cost significantly less than that of current reactors such as the very successful CANDU 6 reactors (e.g., Wolsong 1-4). The Wolsong 1-4 units are being joined by the Qinshan Phase 3 units in China as the current successful examples of CANDU technology. The ACR design builds on this knowledge base, adding a selected group of innovations to obtain substantial cost reduction while retaining a proven design basis. The ACR maximizes the use of components and equipment applications that are well proven through CANDU and other nuclear experience. Joint development of equipment designs and specifications with manufactures has been emphasized. Similarly, the ACR design emphasizes constructability, and takes advantage of inherent CANDU features to enable short project and ...
The paper presents the progress of the Radioactive Waste Management Plan which accompanies the Decommissioning Plan for research reactor WWR-S located in Magurele, Ilfov, near Bucharest, Romania. The new variant of the Decommissioning Plan was elaborated taking into account the IAEA recommendation concerning radioactive waste management. A new feasibility study for WWR-S decommissioning was also developed. The preferred safe management strategy for radioactive wastes produced by reactor decommissioning is outlined. The strategy must account for reactor decommissioning, as well as rehabilitation of the existing Radioactive Waste Treatment Plant and the upgrade of the Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility at Baita-Bihor. Furthermore, the final rehabilitation of the laboratories and reusing of cleaned reactor building is envisaged. An inventory of each type of radioactive waste is presented. The proposed ...
The extent to which the size of a modular stellarator reactor may be reduced is investigated by means of an analytic model of the reactor. The various means employed include varying the blanket/shield thickness, the power output and the wall loading. An optimum design is found, the major radius of which tends to be insensitive to changes in these quantities, although a decrease in the power output leads to a rather smaller decrease in reactor dimensions, as would be expected. Varying the plasma beta at fixed (iota/2..pi..)/sup 2/epsilon or, alternatively, increasing the rotational transform per field period, may, however, allow configurations with fewer field periods to be accessed which have a substantially smaller major radius than the 'standard case' adopted. The magnetics of various configurations required by the model are checked by field line following and the performance claimed is shown to be ...
The 3001 Storage Canal is located under portions of Buildings 3001 and 3019 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and has a capacity of approximately 62,000 gallons of water. The term canal has historically been used to identify this structure, however, the canal is an in-ground reinforced concrete structure satisfying the regulatory definition of a tank. From 1943 through 1963, the canal in Building 3001 was designed to be an integral part of the system for handling irradiated fuel from the Oak Ridge Graphite Reactor. Because one of the main initial purposes of the reactor was to produce plutonium for the chemical processing pilot plant in Building 3019, the canal was designed to be the connecting link between the reactor and the pilot plant. During the war years, natural uranium slugs were irradiated in the reactor and then pushed out of the graphite matrix into the system of diversion plates and ...
The requirements to design nuclear power plants for the effects of an instantaneous double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) of the reactor coolant piping have led to excessive design costs, interference with normal plant operation and maintenance, and unnecessary radiation exposure of plant maintenance personnel. This report describes an aspect of the NRC/Lawrence Livermore National laboratory-sponsored research program aimed at investigating whether the probability of DEGB in Reactor Coolant Loop Piping of nuclear power plants is acceptably small such that the requirements to design for the DEGB effects (e.g., provision of pipe whip restraints) may be removed. This study estimates the probability of indirect DEGB in Reactor Coolant piping as a consequence of seismic-induced structural failures within the containment of the GE supplied boiling water reactor at the Brunswick nuclear power plant. The median ...
The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP), a demonstration reactor and hydrogen production facility proposed for construction at the INEEL, is expected to be a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Computer codes used in design and safety analysis for the NGNP must be benchmarked against experimental data. The INEEL and ANL have examined information about several past and present experimental and prototypical facilities based on HTGR concepts to assess the potential of these facilities for use in this benchmarking effort. Both reactors and critical facilities applicable to pebble-bed and prismatic block-type cores have been considered. Four facilities--HTR-PROTEUS, HTR-10, ASTRA, and AVR--appear to have the greatest potential for use in benchmarking codes for pebble-bed reactors. Similarly, for the prismatic block-type reactor design, two experiments have been ranked as having ...
The Oklo natural fossil fission reactors in Gabon, Equatorial Africa, have been studied as a natural analogue for spent nuclear fuel in a geological environment. For these studies, it is important to know what has happened to these reactors since they formed. This review is focussed on existing geological and geochronological information concerning the Oklo reactors and the surrounding ore. A sequence of geological and geochemical events in the Oklo area, as described in the literature, is given. The data and the studies behind this established geochronology are discussed and evaluated. Of the regional geology, special attention is given to the dating of the Francevillian sediments, and the intrusion of a dolerite dyke swarm. The processes that led to the mineralisation at Oklo, the subsequent formation of the nuclear reactors and later migration of fission products are described. Further discussion ...
Argentina has two operating PHWR nuclear power plants. Atucha I NPP is a pressure vessel type heavy water reactor of 360 MW e with 25 years of operation and Embalse NPP is a pressure tube type CANDU-600 reactor of 640 MW e. Atucha II, a third plant of 600 MW e of the pressure vessel type similar to Atucha I, is being constructed. NASA (Nucleoelectrica Argentina S.A.) currently operates both nuclear power plants. The National Atomic Energy Commission (Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica - CNEA) provides operational support to the plants, including research and development assistance, and actual technical services and maintenance work in different areas. The Chemistry Department, formerly the Reactor Chemistry Department has carried out project and support activities to the plants during the past 20 years. The aim of this work is to describe the present organization and the activities in reactor ...
The Ohio State University Research Reactor (OSURR) is licensed to operate at a maximum power level of 500 kW. A pool-type reactor using flat-plate, low enriched fuel elements, the OSURR provides several experimental facilities including two 6-inch i.d. beam ports, a graphite thermal column, several graphite-isotope-irradiation elements, a pneumatic transfer system (Rabbit), various dry tubes, and a Central Irradiation Facility (CIF). The core arrangement and accessibility facilitates research programs involving material activation or core parameter studies. The OSURR control room is large enough to accommodate laboratory groups which can use control instrumentation for monitoring of experiments. The control instrumentation is relatively simple, without a large amount of duplication. This facilitates opportunities for hands-on experience in reactor operation by nuclear engineering students making reactor ...
Several configurations of moderating and shielding materials have been designed and measured on the LVR-15 reactor for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) purposes. To determine the neutron and gamma ray space-energy distributions in the cylindrical geometry, the two-dimensional code DOT with the coupled neutron-gamma data library DLC-36 was used. The experimental verification of the beam parameters was performed in the LVR-15 reactor thermal column empty space with layers of graphite, aluminium, alumina, lead and bismuth. Attention was paid to establishing techniques and instrumentation for monitoring the neutron and gamma ray dose and beam quality. The thermal and epithermal flux densities were measured by activation foils, the neutron spectrum was determined with a Bonner spectrometer and gamma ray background with a scintillation spectrometer. The distribution of thermal neutrons in the human head phantom was mapped with a small ...
Several configurations of moderating and shielding materials have been designed and measured on the LVR-15 reactor for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) purposes. To determine the neutron and gamma ray space-energy distributions in the cylindrical geometry, the two-dimensional code DOT with the coupled neutron-gamma data library DLC-36 was used. The experimental verification of the beam parameters was performed in the LVR-15 reactor thermal column empty space with layers of graphite, aluminium, alumina, lead and bismuth. Attention was paid to establishing techniques and instrumentation for monitoring the neutron and gamma ray dose and beam quality. The thermal and epithermal flux densities were measured by activation foils, the neutron spectrum was determined with a Bonner spectrometer and gamma ray background with a scintillation spectrometer. The distribution of thermal neutrons in the human head phantom was mapped with a small ...
Work at Institutt for energiteknikk (IFE) comprises both nuclear and non-nuclear activities. The main nuclear program is centered on the Halden Reactor Project. In 1958, the first Halden Reactor Project Agreement was signed by organisations representing 12 European countries. During 1994 France became a full member and associate membership was established with Russia. Accordingly, 16 countries were participating in the Project by the end of the year. The objectives have evolved from being simply a demonstration of the operation of a boiling heavy-water reactor to becoming a substantial research and development programme covering the domains of human-machine interaction, fuel behaviour, materials testing, water chemistry, and instrumentation. In 1994, significant progress was achieved in all of the areas addressed by the project, including the re-instrumentation of irradiated fuel rods, fission gas release, ...
Test Area North (TAN) was a site of the Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion (ANP) Project of the U.S. Air Force and the Atomic Energy Commission. Its Cold War mission was to develop a turbojet bomber propelled by nuclear power. The project was part of an arms race. Test activities took place in five areas at TAN. The Assembly & Maintenance area was a shop and hot cell complex. Nuclear tests ran at the Initial Engine Test area. Low-power test reactors operated at a third cluster. The fourth area was for Administration. A Flight Engine Test facility (hangar) was built to house the anticipated nuclear-powered aircraft. Experiments between 1955-1961 proved that a nuclear reactor could power a jet engine, but President John F. Kennedy canceled the project in March 1961. ANP facilities were adapted for new reactor projects, the most important of which were Loss of Fluid Tests (LOFT), part of an international safety program for ...
This technology development plan is designed to provide a clear understanding of the research and development direction necessary for the qualification of nuclear grade graphite for use within the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) reactor. The NGNP will be a helium gas cooled Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) with a large graphite core. Graphite physically contains the fuel and comprises the majority of the core volume. Considerable effort will be required to ensure that the graphite performance is not compromised during operation. Based upon the perceived requirements the major data needs are outlined and justified from the perspective of reactor design, reatcor performance, or the reactor safety case. The path forward for technology development can then be easily determined for each data need. How the data will be obtained and the inter-relationships between the experimental and modeling ...
The formation and growth of silicon-nanoparticles from silane in a microwave reactor was investigated. Experiments were performed for the following conditions: precursor concentration 380-2530 ppm, pressures of 20-30 mbar, microwave powers 120-300 W. The formed particles were examined in-situ with a particle mass spectrometer. Additionally, particles were collected on grids and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and by determining the specific surface area by BET. The particle size was found to be in the range of 5-8 nm in diameter. A simple model was used to simulate the particle formation processes taking place inside the reactor. The microwave energy coupled into the reactor flow was treated as a spatially distributed energy source resulting in a local temperature increase. The particles were assumed to have a monodisperse size distribution. To allow an approximation of their shape they were ...
Results indicate that the probability of double-ended guillotine break (DEGB) in the reactor coolant loop piping of Westinghouse and Combustion Engineering plants is extremely low. It is recommended that the NRC seriously consider eliminating DEGB as a design basis event for reactor coolant loop piping in Westinghouse plants. Pipe whip restraints on reactor coolant loop piping could then be excluded or removed, and the requirement to design supports to withstand asymmetric blowdown loads could be eliminated. It is also recommended that the current requirement to couple safe shutdown earthquake (SSE) and DEGB be eliminated. Recognizing however that seismically induced support failure is the weak link in the DEGB evaluation, it is recommended that the strength of component supports, currently designed for the combination of SSE plus DEGB, not be reduced. The study indicates that the probability of DEGB in ...
Reactor neutrinos play an important role in determining parameter theta_{13} in the lepton mixing (PMNS) matrix. Next important step on measuring PMNS matrix could be to build another reactor neutrino experiment in DaYa bay, China, to search the possible oscillations via sin^2 (2theta_{13}) and Delta m^2_{13}. We consider 4 different schemes for positions of three 8-ton detectors of this experiment, and simulate the results with respect to an array of assumed ''true'' values of physics parameters. Using three kinds of analysis method, we suggest a best scheme for DaYa-Bay which is to place a detector 2200m ~ 2500m symmetrically away from two reactors, and to put the other two detectors closer to their corresponding reactors respectively, almost at a 100m \\~ 200m distance. Moreover, with conservative assumption on the experimental technique, we construct series of allowed regions from our simulation ...
Object: To smoothly control automatic water supply for realizing stable operation of a nuclear reactor by providing a flow rate limiting signal selection circuit and a preferential circuit in a water supply control device for a nuclear reactor wherein the speed of a recirculation pump may be changed in two-steps. Structure: Opening angle signals for a water supply regulating valve are controlled by a nuclear reactor water level signal, a vapor flow rate signal and a supplied water flow rate signal through an adder and an adjuster in response to a predetermined water level setting signal. When the water in the reactor is maintained at a predetermined level, a selection circuit receives a water pump condition signal for selecting one of the signals from a supplied water rate limiting signal generator generating signals for indicating whether one or two water supply pumps are operated. A low value ...
Burnable poisons are used in nuclear reactors to produce a more level distribution of power in the reactor core and to reduce to necessity for a large control system. An ideal burnable poison would burn at the same rate as the fuel. In this study, separation of neutron-absorbing isotopes was investigated in order to eliminate isotopes that remain as absorbers at the end of fuel life, thus reducing useful fuel life. The isotopes Gd-157, Dy-164, and Er-167 were found to have desirable properties. These isotopes were separated from naturally occurring elements by means of plasma separation to evaluate feasibility and cost. It was found that pure Gd-157 could save approximately $6 million at the end of four years. However, the cost of separation, using the existing facility, made separation cost- ineffective. Using a magnet with three times the field strength is expected to reduce the cost by a factor of ten, making isotopically separated burnable ...
A study has been performed for the development and assessment of a subchannel analysis code which is purposed to be used for the analysis of advanced reactor conditions with various configurations of reactor core and several kinds of reactor coolant fluids. The subchannel analysis code was developed on the basis of MATRA code which is being developed at KAERI. A GUI (Graphic User Interface) system was adopted in order to reduce input error and to enhance user convenience. The subchannel code was complemented in the property calculation modules by including various fluids such as heavy liquid metal, gas, refrigerant,and supercritical water. The subchannel code was applied to calculate the local thermal hydraulic conditions inside the non-square test bundles which was employed for the analysis of CHF. The applicability of the subchannel code was evaluated for a high temperature gas cooled reactor ...
The feasibility study on conceptual design methodology for accelerator-driven sodium-cooled sub-critical transmutation reactors has been conducted to optimize the design parameters from the scale laws and validates the reactor performance with the integrated code system. A 1000 MWth sodium-cooled sub-critical transmutation reactor has been scaled and verified through the methodology in this paper, which is referred to Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor (ALMR). A Pb-Bi target material and a partitioned fuel are the liquid phases, and they are cooled by the circulation of secondary Pb-Bi coolant and by primary sodium coolant, respectively. Overall key design parameters are generated from the scale laws and they are improved and validated by the integrated code system. Integrated Code System (ICS) consists of LAHET, HMCNP, ORIGEN2, and COMMIX codes and some files. Through ICS the target region, the core region, ...
In October 1980, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. began a three year contract with the DOE: Catalyst and Reactor Development for a Liquid Phase Fischer-Tropsch Process. The program contains four major tasks: (1) Project Work Plan, (2) Slurry Catalyst Development, (3) Slurry Reactor Design Studies, and (4) Pilot Facility Design. This report describes work on Tasks 2 and 3 carried out in the third quarter of the contract. In Task 2, the computerized search of the Fischer-Tropsch literature was continued, and improvements were made in data processing programs. Shakedown tests were completed on the first 300 ml slurry reactor, and construction of the second and third reactors began. Five modified conventional slurry catalysts were prepared, and two batches were tested in the gas phase giving information on selectivity as a function of composition and activation. Four supported cluster catalyst were ...
The CATHENA (formerly ATHENA) has been used to simulate the thermalhydraulic behaviour of the WOLSUNG-1 CANDU-600 reactor during the D_20 spill incident of 1984 November 25. A 4-inch (nominal) Liquid Relief Valve inadvertently opened in the reactor auxiliary system during normal reactor operation, resulting in a discharge of heavy water from the primary heat transport system. The valve remained open for approximately 29 minutes. CATHENA is an advanced thermalhydraulic computer code for analysis of postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA) and transient faults in CANDU nuclear reactors. A full two-fluid (six-equation) representation of the two-phase flow is used. Component models are used to represent pumps, valves, critical discharge, etc., which are necessary to describe the behaviour of the CANDU system under upset conditions. Heat transfer between the fluid and piping walls (or fuel) is modelled ...
Heat transfer tubes of a primary pressurized water cooled (PPWC) in the high temperature engineering test reactor (HTTR) form the reactor pressure boundary of the primary coolant, therefore are important from the viewpoint of safety. To establish inspection techniques for the heat transfer tubes of the PPWC, an automatic inspection system was developed. The system employs a bobbin coil probe, a rotating probe for eddy current testing (ECT) and a rotating probe for ultrasonic testing (UT). Nondestructive test of a half of the heat transfer tubes of the PPWC was carried out by the automatic inspection system during reactor shutdown period of the HTTR (about 55% in the maximum reactor power in this paper). The nondestructive test results showed that the maximum signal-to-noise ratio was 1.8 in ECT. Pattern and phase of Lissajous wave, which were obtained for the heat transfer tube of the PPWC, were ...
The Nuclear Safety Commission presented the report to the Minister of International Trade and Industry on April 5, 1984, after the careful investigation and deliberation on the alteration of installation of No.1 and No.2 reactor facilities in the Sendai Nuclear Power Station. The technical capability of Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., was recognized to be adequate. It was judged that the safety after this alteration of installation of the reactor facilities can be ensured. The main items of examination were as follows. The mechanical, nuclear and thermo-hydraulic designs of 17 x 17 B-type fuel assemblies were regarded as adequate. The coexistence of A-type and B-type fuel assemblies does not cause any problem about the safety. The safety at the time of abnormal transient change and accident in the mixed fuel assembly core was confirmed. In No.2 reactor, the degree of enrichment of the fuel for replacement and the number of ...
The ability to test advanced fuels and cladding materials under reactor operating conditions in the United States is limited. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the newly expanded post-irradiation examination (PIE) capability at the ORNL Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory provide unique support for this type of advanced fuel/cladding development effort. The wide breadth of ORNL's fuels and materials research divisions provides all the necessary fuel development capabilities in one location. At ORNL, facilities are available from test fuel fabrication, to irradiation in HFIR under either thermal or fast reactor conditions, to a complete suite of PIEs, and to final product disposal. There are very few locations in the world where this full range of capabilities exists. New testing capabilities at HFIR have been developed that allow testing of advanced nuclear fuels and ...
Full text: Research reactors have been playing a multi dimensional role in areas of nuclear fuel cycle programme, radio-isotope productions, neutron beam research etc. To ensure an efficient, smooth and safe operation of a nuclear research reactor, many reactor physics evaluations are required on routine basis. As part of reactor core management the important activities are maintaining core reactivity status, core power distribution, xenon estimations, safety evaluation of in-pile irradiation samples and experimental assemblies and assessment of nuclear safety in fuel handling/storage. In-pile irradiation requires a prior estimation of the reactivity load due to the sample, heating rate and the activity developed in it during irradiation. For the safety of the personnel handling irradiated samples the dose rate at the surface of shielded flask housing the irradiated sample should be less than 200 mR/Hr. ...
The German-Russian project that is part of the G8 initiative on Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction focuses on the speedy construction of a land-based interim storage facility for nuclear submarine reactor compartments at Sayda Bay near Murmansk. This project includes the required infrastructure facilities for long-term storage of about 150 reactor compartments for a period of about 70 years. The interim storage facility is a precondition for effective activities of decommissioning and dismantlement of almost all nuclear-powered submarines of the Russian Northern Fleet. The project also includes the establishment of a computer-assisted waste monitoring system. In addition, the project involves clearing Sayda Bay of other shipwrecks of the Russian navy. On the German side the project is carried out by the Energiewerke Nord GmbH (EWN) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (BMWi). ...
The condition of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in wet storage at ten Soviet-designed research reactors has been assessed in the light of international experience in order to identify any associated safety issues. These reactors use Al-clad UO2-Al or U-Al alloy dispersion fuels of ?20% enrichment that were fabricated in Russia; the reactors have been in operation since 1955-70. Although originally sent for reprocessing, much of the SNF generated over the last 25-30 years has been stored in fuel storage pools (FSPs) of variable water quality. The external condition of wet-stored SNF assemblies from the reactors surveyed varied from significant failure due to galvanic corrosion that was driven by poor water quality, through gradual pitting caused by slightly impure water, to a stable condition of no observable change in the oxidized Al alloy surface of the irradiated fuel. SNF stability in wet storage seems to ...
The integrity of the RPV head and reactor internals was assessed by means of fluid-structural analyses using a coupled method to evaluate the water hammer phenomenon arising from high burnup fuel failure under RIA conditions. The fluid viscosity effect on the water column burst as well as the complex three-dimensional flow paths caused by a core shroud and standpipes were considered in this study. The three analysis scenarios were designed to investigate the above mentioned influential factors separately. In the first scenario, a two-dimensional axisymmetric reactor vessel model without any reactor internals was modeled to assess the influence of the fluid dynamics in the NSC RIA regulatory evaluation. This model has an actual RPV geometry and can be simply separated from other influential factors in order to concentrate only on investigation of the fluid viscosity effect. In the second scenario, a two-dimensional ...
We report the synthesis of four diorganotin(IV) compounds of Schiff base pyruvic acid hydrazone derivatives formulated as [R2SnLY]2, where L1 is 2-SC4H3CON2C(CH3)CO2 with Y = CH3CH2CH2CH2OH, R = n-Bu (1); L2 is C6H5CON2C(CH3)CO2 with Y = CH3CH2OH, R = p-F-Bz (2); L3 is 2-HOC6H4CON2C(CH3)CO2 with YH2O, R = p-CN-Bz (3); and L4 is 4-NO2-C6H4CON2C(CH3)CO2 with YCH3CH2OH, R = Bz (4). The structures of all compounds have been established by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, 1H and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Studies reveal that four ligands present the same coordination mode with tin center, which all present tridentate ONO donor Schiff bases and coordinate to the tin center in an enolic form. In compounds 1-4, each tin atom is seven...
A highly sensitive and stable tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was developed based on carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersed in mesoporous composite films of sol-gel titania and perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion). Single-wall (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can be easily dispersed in the titania-Nafion composite solution. The hydrophobic CNT in the titania-Nafion composite films coated on a glassy carbon electrode certainly increased the amount of Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ immobilized in the ECL sensor by adsorption of Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ onto CNT surface, the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrophobic analytes, and the electronic conductivity of the composite films. Therefore, the present ECL sensor based on the CNT-titania-Nafion showed improved ECL sensitivity for tripropylamine (TPA) compared to the ECL sensors based on both titania-Nafion composite films without CNT and pure Nafion films. The present ...
Two 16 electron titanacyclobutanes of the formula Ti(C5H4R)2(?2-CH2)2C(CH3)(i-C3H7) (R=H, CH3) have been prepared from the reaction of Ti(C5H5)2(?2-CH2)(?2-Cl)Al(CH3)2 or Ti(C5H4CH3)2(?2-CH2)(?2-Cl)Al(CH3)2 with H2C=C(CH3)(i-C3H7). Structural parameters, most notably lengthened C?C bonds in the titanacyclobutane ring, for both complexes reveal the expected presence of (C?C)?Ti agostic interactions. The complexes are isomorphous, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group Cc. For Ti(C5H5)2(?2-CH2)2C(CH3)(i-C3H7), a?=?11.3459(3)??, b?=?16.2108(4)??, c?=?8.1646(2)??, ??=?105.5276(16)?, V?=?1446.87(6)?, Dcalc?=?1.268 at 150(1)?K. For Ti(C5H4CH3)2(?2-CH2)2C(CH3)(i-C3H7), a?=?12.6591(2)??, b?=?16.2795(4)??, c?=?8.2462(2)??, ??=?107.2421(14)?, V?=?1623.04(6)??3, Dcalc?=?1.245 at 150(1)?K. Graphi...
Spectral absorption properties of total suspended matter (TSM) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) are important for the use of the bio-optical model to estimate water quality parameters. This study aims to investigate the variation in the absorption coefficients of TSM and CDOM of inland waters. A total of 92 water samples were collected from Shitoukoumen Reservoir and Songhua Lake in Northeast China, analyzed for TSM and Chl-a, and measured for the absorption coefficient of TSM, CDOM and total pigments using a laboratory spectrophotometer. The absorption coefficient of TSM has been decomposed for phytoplankton and inorganic sediments. The results show that for Shitoukoumen Reservoir, CDOM has strong absorptions with shallow absorption slopes (i.e., the coefficient S in a(?)=a(?0)exp[-S(?- ?0)]) and large absorption at 355 nm; and for Songhua Lake, CDOM follows similar spectral absorption curves but less variation in the S value. The results also show TSM has the average ...
For the study of radiation biology and its application to radiotherapy, the double differential cross section of electron emission from water vapor induced by 6.0 MeV alpha particle beam is measured. The energy spectra of electrons ranging 7- 10000 eV are detected by the electrostatic analyzer and micro channel plate. The measurements are made at angles between 20 and 160 degrees. With use of this data set, the radial dose distribution in water is calculated by using KURBUC code. It is the Monte Carlo type code of the electron transport process, where the track of the electron is simulated through each individual interactions including elastic scattering, ionization cross section and total excitation cross section in case that electrons with certain energy are put in the liquid-density water. In order to understand the effect of radiation when the particle flux is injected in the human body like radiotherapy using accelerator beam, the dose distribution in the biological substances is ...
Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor and the fourth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The crucial role of fatty acids for a number of important biological processes suggests a more in depth analysis of inter-individual differences in fatty acid metabolizing genes as contributing factor to colon carcinogenesis. We examined the association between genetic variability in 43 fatty acid metabolism-related genes and colorectal risk in 1225 CRC cases and 2032 controls participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. 392 single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected using pairwise tagging with an r(2) cutoff of 0.8 and a minor allele frequency of >5%. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Haplotype analysis was performed using a generalized linear model framework. On the genotype level, HPGD, PLA2G6, and ...
Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of synthetic stishovite was investigated for a future dating technique of meteor impact craters. Luminescence around 330 nm was measured on the #gamma#-ray irradiated stishovite under two stimulating light sources of infrared laser (830 nm) and blue light emitting diode set (470 nm). Thermoluminescence (TL) studies before and after the OSL measurements showed the intensities around 100-200 deg. C and 220-350 deg. C to increase and those around 350-450 deg. C to decrease. This indicates that a part of deep-trapped charges excited during the OSL measurements were retrapped by shallower traps. The infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) after the TL measurement up to 450 deg. C could not be detected, while the blue light stimulated luminescence (BLSL) after TL had about one-tenth of the intensity before TL. This indicates that a part of the charges in shallower traps were detrapped thermally and returned to the deeper traps which were related to ...
Ethylene is a plant hormone that elicits a wide variety of responses in plant tissue. Among these responses are the hastening of abscission, ripening and senescence. In 1979 it was discovered that 1-amino-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid is the immediate biosynthetic precursor to ethylene. Given the obvious economic significance of ethylene production the authors concentrated their studies on the conversion of ACC to ethylene. They delved into mechanistic aspects of ACC oxidation and they studied potential inhibitors of ethylene forming enzyme (EFE). They synthesized various analogs of ACC and found that EFE shows good stereodiscrimination among alkyl substituted ACC analogs with the 1R, 2S stereoisomer being processed nine times faster than the 1S, 2R isomer in the MeACC series. They also synthesized 2-cyclopropyl ACC which is a good competitive inhibitor of EFE. This compound also causes time dependent loss of EFE activity leading us to believe ...
We have estimated the mixing height (MH) and investigated the relationship between vertical mixing and ground-level ozone concentrations in Seoul, Korea, by using three ground-based active remote sensing instruments operating side by side: micro-pulse lidar (MPL), differential absorption lidar (DIAL), and differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS). The M H is estimated from MPL measurements of aerosol extinction profiles by the gradient method under convective conditions. Comparisons of the MHs estimated from MPL and radiosonde measurements show a good agreement (r"2 = 0.99). Continuous MPL measurements with high temporal and vertical resolution reveal the diurnal variations of the MH under convective conditions and the presence of a residual layer during the nighttime. Comprehensive measurements of ozone and aerosol by MPL, DIAL and DOAS during an high ozone episode (24-26 May 2000) in Seoul, Korea, reveal that (1) photochemical ozone ...
Many factors such as poverty, ineffective institutions and environmental regulations may prevent developing countries from managing how natural resources are extracted to meet a strong market demand. Extraction for some resources has reached such proportions that evidence is measurable from space. We present recent evidence of the global demand for a single commodity and the ecosystem destruction resulting from commodity extraction, recorded by satellites for one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. We find that since 2003, recent mining deforestation in Madre de Dios, Peru is increasing nonlinearly alongside a constant annual rate of increase in international gold price (?18%/yr). We detect that the new pattern of mining deforestation (1915 ha/year, 2006-2009) is outpacing that of nearby settlement deforestation. We show that gold price is linked with exponential increases in Peruvian national mercury imports over time (R(2)?=?0.93, ...
Despite extensive clinical use of thallium-201 (/sup 201/Tl) for myocardial imaging, the effect of ischemia on myocardial accumulation and release of /sup 201/Tl independent of flow has not been fully defined. Therefore, myocardial accumulation of /sup 201/Tl in response to ischemic-like myocardial injury was assessed in vitro using the cultured fetal mouse heart preparation. Cultured fetal mouse hearts (n . 311) were subjected to injury simulating ischemia by deprivation of oxygen and oxidizable substrates for periods ranging from 15 minutes to 10 hours. The extent of irreversible injury was determined by the percentage of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) lost from the hearts to the culture medium during recovery from injury. Injury was essentially reversible at 1 hour of insult. The fraction of /sup 201/Tl content in injured compared with control hearts was not significantly lower after 1 hour of insult. By 3 hours of insult, irreversible injury as assessed by loss of LDH was detectable ...
Vildagliptin is a potent and selective dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that improves glycemic control by enhancing alpha- and beta-cell responsiveness to glucose. Two open-label, single-dose, randomized, crossover studies in healthy subjects (ages 18-45 years) investigated the dose proportionality of vildagliptin pharmacokinetics (n = 20) and the effect of food (n = 24) on vildagliptin pharmacokinetics. There was a linear relationship (r(2) = 0.999) between vildagliptin doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) and maximum plasma concentration (C(max)). Dose proportionality was assessed using a statistical power model [X = alpha x (dose)(beta)]. The 90% confidence intervals of the proportionality coefficient, beta, for AUC(0-infinity) (1.15-1.19) and C(max) (1.04-1.14) indicated that deviations from dose ...
The gender-specific expression pattern of aromatase and 5alpha-reductases (5alpha-R) during brain development provides neurons the right amount of estradiol and DHT to induce a dimorphic organization of the structure. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are endocrine disruptive pollutants; exposure to PCBs through placental transfer and breast-feeding may adversely affect the organizational action of sex steroid, resulting in long-term alteration of reproductive neuroendocrinology. The study was aimed at: a) evaluating the hypothalamic expression of aromatase, 5alpha-R1 and 5alpha-R2 in fetuses (GD20), infant (PN12), weaning (PN21) and young adult (PN60) male and female rats exposed to PCBs during development; b) correlating these parameters with the time of testicular descent, puberty onset, estrous cyclicity and copulatory behavior; c) evaluating possible alterations of some non reproductive behaviors (locomotion, learning and memory, ...
Using 347.5 fb-1 of data recorded by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II electron-positron collider, 244*10^3 signal events for the D+ --> K- pi+ e+ nu_e decay channel are analyzed. This decay mode is dominated by the \\bar{K}^*(892)^0 contribution. We determine the \\bar{K}^*(892)^0 parameters: m_{K^*(892)^0}=(895.4 +- 0.2 +- 0.2) MeV/c^{2}, \\Gamma^0_{K^*(892)^0}=(46.5 +- 0.3 +- 0.2) MeV/c^{2} and the Blatt-Weisskopf parameter $r_{BW}=2.1 +- 0.5 +- 0.5 (GeV/c)^{-1} where the first uncertainty comes from statistics and the second from systematic uncertainties. We also measure the parameters defining the corresponding hadronic form factors at q^{2}=0 (r_{V} = V(0) / A_{1}(0)=1.463 +- 0.017 +- 0.031, r_{2} = A_{2}(0) / A_{1}(0) = 0.801 +- 0.020 +- 0.020) and the value of the axial-vector pole mass parameterizing the q^2 variation of A_{1} and A_{2}: m_{A}=(2.63 +- 0.10 +- 0.13) GeV/c^{2}. The S-wave fraction is equal to (5.79 +- 0.16 +- 0.15)%. ...
The first radon soil gas survey in Serbia, using passive detectors (SSNTD, CR-39), was carried out in June 2005 at field sites in Niska Banja town. The aim of the survey was to identify risk zones characterised by high levels of this radioactive gas. Radon measurements were made at the depth of 50 cm, in the ground according to a systematic grid pattern. Furthermore, at all 48 measurement points, the surface gamma dose rates in the air was also measured at the same locations and soil samples were collected for gamma spectrometric analysis for the radionuclides "2"2"6Ra, "2"2"8Th and "4"0K. Radon concentrations were found to range from 1270 to 155000Bqm"-"3 with an average of 33765Bqm"-"3 and a median value of 12626Bqm"-"3. The geometrical mean value and geometrical standard deviation were calculated as 16160Bqm"-"3 and 3.5Bqm"-"3, respectively. Gamma dose rate varies from 92 to 316nGyh"-"1, with an average of 132nGyh"-"1. The radium content in collected soil samples ranges from 24 to ...
The isotopic composition of Pd, Ag, Cd and Te has been measured by solid source mass spectrometry for four samples from reactor zones 2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7, and from four host rock samples external to the reactor zones from the Oklo mine site. The concentrations of these elements have also been determined in the eight samples using the stable isotope dilution technique. Cumulative fission yields have been derived from the reactor zone samples after correcting where necessary for the terrestrial component of the element concerned. It has been shown that fission-produced Pd and Te are retained almost in their entirety in the uraninite reactor zone samples, whereas a significant fraction of fission-produced Ag and Cd have migrated from the reactor zones. Fission product Cd is observed in the host rock samples, whereas no strong evidence of fission-produced Ag could be found. This the ...
The Army Reactor Area (ARA) II was constructed in the late 1950s as a test site for the Stationary Low Power Reactor No. 1 (SL-1). The SL-1 was a prototype power and heat source developed for use at remote military bases using a direct cycle, boiling water, natural circulation reactor designed to operate at a thermal power of 3,000 kW. The ARA II compound encompassed 3 acres and was comprised of (a) the SL-1 Reactor Building, (b) eight support facilities, (c) 50,000-gallon raw water storage tank, (d) electrical substation, (e) aboveground 1,400-gallon heating oil tank, (f) underground 1,000-gallon hazardous waste storage tank, and (g) belowground power, sewer, and water systems. The reactor building was a cylindrical, aboveground facility, 39 ft in diameter and 48 ft high. The lower portion of the building contained the reactor pressure vessel surrounded by ...
GRR-1 is a 5MW open pool type research reactor with MTR-type fuel elements cooled and moderated by light water with beryllium reflectors at the two opposing sides of the core. A graphite thermal neutron column is adjusted to one side of the core. Six radial horizontal beam tubes are available, of which three contain in-pile collimators for neutron scattering instruments. The reactor is currently out of operation for inspection and refurbishment purposes. The core has been dismantled and the fuel elements are stored in the used fuel storage tank. The GRR-1 inspection and refurbishment plan involves inspection and eventually replacement of the reactor's primary cooling circuit. The health physics procedures to be implemented during inspection of the main water outlet are divided in three stages: a) pool dose rate survey from pool top, b) pool drainage by decreasing water level in steps and c) inspection of the water main ...
Research highlights: ? We model power oscillations in boiling water reactors using a lumped parameter model. ? The nature and amplitudes of oscillations is obtained using a nonlinear analysis. ? The method of multiple scales has been used for the analytical treatment. ? Fuel temperature coefficient of reactivity determines the nature of oscillations. ? The presented systematic method of analysis useful for reduced order reactor models. - Abstract: In this paper, we perform a parametric study of the nonlinear dynamics of a reduced order model for boiling water reactors (BWR) near the Hopf bifurcation point using the method of multiple scales (MMS). Analysis has been performed for general values of the parameters, but the results are demonstrated for parameter values of the model corresponding to the advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR). The neutronics of the AHWR is modeled using point ...
In Europe, MOX fuel has been supplied by AREVA for more than 30 years, to 36 reactors: 21 in France, 10 in Germany, 3 in Switzerland, 2 in Belgium. For the present and future, recycling is compulsory in the frame of sustainable development of nuclear energy. By 2030 the overall volume of used fuel will reach about 400 000 t worldwide. Their plutonium and uranium content represents a huge resource of energy to recycle. That is the reason why, the European Utilities issued an EUR (European Utilities Requirement) demanding new builds reactors to be able of using MOX Fuel Assemblies in up to 50 % of the core. AREVA GEN3+ reactors, like EPR"T"M or ATMEA"T"M designed with MHI partnership, are designed to answer any utility need of MOX recycling. The example of the EPR"T"M reactor operated with 100 % MOX core optimized for MOX recycling will be presented. A standard EPR"T"M can be operated with 100 % MOX core ...
Taking into consideration India's limited reserves of natural and vast reserves of thorium, the fast reactor route holds a great promise for India's energy supply in future. The fast reactor fueled with "2"3"9Pu/"2"3"8U (unused or depleted) produces (breeds) more fissionable fuel material "2"3"9Pu than it consumes. Calculations show that a fast breeder reactor (FBR) increases energy potential of natural uranium by about 60 times. As the fast reactor can also convert "2"3"2Th into "2"3"3U which is a fissionable material, it can make India's thorium reserves a source of almost inexhaustible energy supply for a long time to come. Significant advantage of FBR plants cooled by sodium and their world-wide operating experience are reviewed. There are two main safety issues of FBR, one nuclear and the other non-nuclear. The nuclear issue concerns core disruptive accident and the non-nuclear one concerns the ...
Anaerobic processes have been widely used for the treatment of various high-strength industrial wastewaters. However, application has been limited for the treatment of sulfate-rich industrial wastewaters, such as those from the petrochemical, and mining industries. Wastewaters containing benzoate and sulfate were treated in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors at 34--37 C for 320 d. The sulfate concentration was increased stepwise in Reactor-A up to 7,500 mg/L, and was kept mostly constant at 3,000 mg/L in Reactor-B. Both reactors removed over 98% of organic chemical-oxygen demand (COD) for sulfate up to 6,000 mg/L, despite the fact that the mixed liquor contained up to 769 mg S/L of total sulfides and up to 234 mg S/L of dissolved H{sub 2}S. Sulfate0reducing efficiency decreased with the increase in sulfate concentration, but increased with time at each sulfate concentration. ...
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a 310-square-mile United States Department of Energy nuclear facility located along the Savannah River (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. Nuclear weapons material production began in the early 1950s, utilizing five production reactors. In the early 1990s all SRS production reactor operations were terminated. The first reactor closure end state declaration was recently institutionalized in a Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Early Action Record of Decision. The decision for the final closure of the 318,000 square foot 105-P Reactor was determined to be in situ decommissioning (ISD). ISD is an acceptable and cost effective alternative to off-site disposal for the reactor building, which will allow for consolidation of remedial action wastes generated from other cleanup activities within the P Area. ISD is ...
AREVA is the world leader in the design and construction of nuclear power plants, the manufacture of heavy components, and the supply of nuclear fuel and nuclear services such as maintenance and inspection. The Equipment Division provides the widest range of nuclear components and equipment, manufactured at its two facilities in Jeumont, northern France, and St. Marcel, in Burgundy. The St. Marcel plant, set on 35 ha (87.5 acres) near Chalon-sur-Saone, was established in 1973 in a region with a long history of specialized metalworking and mechanical activities to meet the demand for non-military nuclear requirements in France. The site offers two advantages: - excellent facilities for loading and transporting heavy components on the Saone river, - it's proximity to other group sites. Since its completion in 1975, the Chalon/St. Marcel facility has manufactured all the heavy components for French pressurized water reactors (PWRs) ranging from 900 MW to 1500 ...
1 - Description of program or function: The COOLOD-N2 code provides a capability for the analyses of the steady-state thermal-hydraulics of research reactors. This code is a revised version of the COOLOD-N code, and is applicable not only for research reactors in which plate-type fuel is adopted, but also for research reactors in which rod-type fuel is adopted. In the code, subroutines to calculate temperature distribution in rod-type fuel have been newly added to the COOLOD-N code. The COOLOD-N2 code can calculate fuel temperatures under both forced convection cooling mode and natural convection cooling mode. A 'Heat Transfer package' is used for calculating heat transfer coefficient, DNB heat flux etc. The 'Heat Transfer package' is a subroutine program and is especially developed for research reactors in which plate-type fuel is adopted. In case of rod-type fuel, DNB heat flux is calculated by both ...
Full text: The transmutation of nuclear waste to reduce the burden on a geological repository is a relevant topic within the Program of Nuclear Safety Research of the Research Centre Karlsruhe. Several studies have confirmed that a high efficiency of transmutation of actinides is reached in fast neutron spectrum reactor system. Therefore, an important effort is dedicated to the study of transmutation strategies with different fast reactors and their associated technologies. Moreover, in international contexts as Generation IV International Forum (GIF) and Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), fast reactors are considered in the frame of sustainable development of nuclear energy and reduction of waste. The systems that are currently under investigation, in the frame of the different fuel cycle scenarios, are liquid metal cooled and gas cooled fast reactors as well as Accelerator Driven ...
Weld metal, base material and stainless steel overlay specimens for Charpy tests and static tensile tests were irradiated for a year in a power reactor of the Bohunice nuclear power plant in place of the evaluated surveillance specimens. The material of the specimens was identical with that of the WWER-440 reactor pressure vessels, and was exposed to a fluence of (1.2 - 4.5) x 10"2"3 m"-"2 (E > 0.5 MeV) at approximately 270 degC. Some of the irradiated as well as unirradiated specimens were subjected to regeneration annealing at 475 degC for 168 h. The behavior of the materials after irradiation and annealing was evaluated. (author). 33 tabs., 32 figs., 8 refs.
Microprocessor based ''smart'' pressure, level, and flow transmitters were tested to determine the radiation hardness of this class of electronic instrumentation for use in reactor building applications. Commercial grade Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits used in these transmitters were found to fail at total gamma dose levels between 2500 and 10,000 rad. This results in an unacceptably short lifetime in many reactor building radiation environments. Radiation hardened integrated circuits can, in general, provide satisfactory service life for normal reactor operations when not restricted to the extremely low power budget imposed by standard 4--20 mA two-wire instrument loops. The design of these circuits will require attention to vendor radiation hardness specifications, dose rates, process control with respect to radiation hardness factors, and non-volatile programmable memory technology. 3 ...
Brookhaven National Laboratory is involved in a conceptual design study of a commercial nuclear power system which utilizes high-temperature electrolysis to produce synthetic fuels. The system is called HYFIRE. It includes a tokamak fusion power reactor supplying electrical and thermal energy to an array of electrolytes. The electrolytes produce hydrogen which can be used either directly as a fuel or in the production of hydrocarbons. The purpose of the study is to provide a mechanism for DOE to further assess the commercial potential of fusion using a tokamak reactor to produce synthetic fuel. The HYFIRE design is based on the tokamak commercial power reactor, STARFIRE. STARFIRE uses the deuterium/tritium/lithium fuel cycle. The HYFIRE study assumes the plasma shape and characteristics of STARFIRE study but uses a different blanket design. This study is particularly interested in the possibility of using the STARFIRE ...
The effect of air addition on biomass tar conversion in catalytic packed bed crackers was studied using both an isothermal micro reactor and a fluidised bed bench scale biomass gasification set up with down stream tar crackers. The micro reactor was applied for experiments with artificial biomass producer gas containing naphthalene as a model tar compound. Experiments were carried out with inert silica and catalytically active calcined dolomite bed material both with and without air addition. Experimental results with real tar from the fluidised bed bench scale gasification set up were in qualitative agreement with results from the micro reactor experiments. (author)