Science.gov (United States)

The Morris water maze is widely used to evaluate to evaluate the spatial learning ability of rodents under laboratory settings. The present study demonstrates that reproductive male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, are able to acquire and retain a spatial water maze task using celestial cues. Voles were able to acquire a modified outdoor Morris water maze task over 4 trials per day, whereby they had to learn and remember the location of a submerged hidden platform, using the position of the sun and associated celestial cues. Their proficiency on this task was related to the availability of the celestial cues, with voles displaying significantly poorer spatial navigation on overcast than clear days and when the testing time (and position of the sun and associated celestial cues) was shifted from morning to afternoon. These findings with meadow voles support ...

Medline Plus

... the pulmonary vein and because there's a gap, electricity is going across the ablation line and capturing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A technique capable of measuring the electron energy fluence spectra in a scattering medium was designed. These measurements were performed by setting a bremsstrahlung conversion target on the surface of a phantom, at an intermediate depth, and at a depth equal to electron mean range. The bremsstrahlung produced by the deceleration of electrons in the target was passed through an air channel in the phantom and passed forward by a pinhole collimator into a Na(Tl) detector. The measured pulse height data were unfolded to correct for the distortion of the spectrometer system by using the FORIST unfolding code. The unfolded bremsstrahlung spectra represent the electron energy fluence spectra convolution with the bremsstrahlung produced in the target. To generate the electron energy fluence spectra, the unfolded bremsstrahlung spectra were deconvoluted by using the MAZE2 unfolding code. CYLTRAN, a coupled electron-photon Monte Carlo transport code, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Radiation Technology Center from IPEN-CNEN/SP, Brazil, developed a revolutionary design and national technology, a small-sized continuous run and multipurpose industrial gamma irradiator, to be used as a demonstration facility for manufacturers and contract service companies, which need economical and logistical in-house irradiation system alternatives. Also, to be useful for supporting the local scientific community on development of products and process using gamma radiation, assisting the traditional and potential users on process validation, training and qualification of operators and radioprotection officers. The developed technology for this facility consists of a continuous tote box transport system, comprising a single concrete vault, where the automated transport system of products inside and outside of the irradiator utilizes a rotating door, integrated with the shielding, avoiding the traditional maze configuration. Covering 76 m"2 of floor area, the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The important role of thyroid hormones in growth and development, maintenance of body temperature, digestion, cardiac function, and normal brain development can be disrupted by environmental contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Polychlorinated biphenyls are environmental contaminants that are widespread, persistent, lipophilic, and bioaccumulate through food webs, concentrating in adipose tissue. Placental and lactational PCB exposure of offspring causes metabolic and endocrine disruptions including hypothyroxinemia, spatial learning and memory deficits, neurochemical and neurobehavioral alterations, and reproductive problems. Previous studies in our lab using the individual congeners PCB 47 (2,2',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, ortho-substituted) and PCB 77 (3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, non-ortho-substituted) have demonstrated alterations in thyroid hormone levels, alterations in brain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, and spatial learning deficits. In the present ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A single cylinder diesel engine study of water-in-diesel emulsions was conducted to investigate the effect of water emulsification on the engine performance and gases exhaust temperature. Emulsified Diesel fuels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 water/diesel ratios by volume were used in a single cylinder, direct injection diesel engine, operating at 1200-3300 rpm. The results indicate that the addition of water in the form of emulsion improves combustion efficiency. The engine torque, power and brake thermal efficiency increase as the water percentage in the emulsion increases. The average increase in the brake thermal efficiency for 20% water emulsion is approximately 3.5% over the use of diesel for the engine speed range studied. The proper brake specific fuel consumption and gases exhaust temperature decrease as the percentage of ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Though central to our understanding of how roots perform their vital function of scavenging water and solutes from the soil, no direct genetic evidence currently exists to support the foundational model...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The WIT telemanagement system simply, reliably and efficient by makes available to us in real time processed, ordered and managed data. Such information has been used to optimise the performance of the drinking water distribution networks on a number of housing estates. This has led to major saving in consumption and on equipment maintenance, thereby improving customer service and obtaining a more rational use of piped water. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A small scale biomass metal contacting experiment was performed to screen the optimal plant species for biosorption and bioaccumulation of cadmium, zinc, nickel, lead, and copper. Experiments were also conducted to test the ability of the biomass to lower the metal concentrations below the US Environmental Protection Agency surface water discharge criteria. The minimum residual concentration was 0.1 mg/L for zinc, 0.004 mg/L for lead, and about 0.01 mg/L for cadmium, nickel, and lead. Results indicate that water milfoil can be used for bioremoval of metals.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A contamination event in a water distribution system can result in adverse health impacts to individuals consuming contaminated water from the system. Assessing impacts to such consumers requires accounting for the timing of exposures of individuals to tap-water contaminants that have time-varying concentrations. Here we present a probabilistic model for the timing of ingestion of tap water that we developed for use in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment and Sensor Placement Tool, which is designed to perform consequence assessments for contamination events in water distribution systems. We also present a statistical analysis of the timing of ingestion activity using data collected by the American Time Use Survey. The results of the analysis provide the basis for our model, which accounts for individual ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper we describe how cleavable surfactants decompose into water-insoluble silanols and two water-soluble products when subjected to vacuum plasma treatment. We used Raman spectroscopic analysis to confirm these structural changes, and we performed contact angle measurements and employed scanning electron microscopy to observe the surface morphologies of these compounds. Our contact angle measurements confirm that the products had degraded on nylon fabrics during argon gas plasma treatment. All of the PEG-silicone polyesters displayed excellent water-repellency; PEG6000-silicone exhibited the largest contact angle (130?) and, hence, the greatest water-repellency. Our results indicate that the silanols that form upon plasma treatment may be useful in coatings applications. We also f...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present paper deals with the experimental determination of pressure drop across a four-cusped vertical channel. This geometry represents, ideally, the blockage condition in a typical pressurized water reactor with core degraded by accident. Experiments were performed for both single and two-phase flow. Water was utilized for the single-phase measurements whilst simultaneous flow of air and water simulated the steam-water flow. Observation of the prevailing two-phase flow regime was carried out, so that its mechanism could be fully understood. The averaged void fraction was also measured, by the gamma-ray attenuation technique. A wide range of water and air mass flow rates was covered, so that all flow conditions, possible to exist in a reactor with LOCA, could be investigated. New correlations for pressure drop are proposed. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Design improvements are being incorporated into the heavy water management systems at Wolsong 2,3 and 4 to reduce the load on the vapour recovery driers and upgraders and the heavy water losses via the stack. There will also be improvements to monitor heavy water and tritium releases. This paper describes the improvements, gives background on heavy water balance mechanism, the historical trends for heavy water recovery/losses and estimated dose to the member of the public critical group resulting from the airborne and waterborne releases. The measured tritium activity levels in the heat transport system (HTS) and moderator system at Wolsong 1 are given. Using these activity levels and heavy water loss data, tritium losses from the dried and ventilated areas are estimated. A qualitative assessment of expected heavy water and tritium releases ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

;Contents: Energy Use; Building Fabric Performance; Ventilation and Infiltration; Passive Solar Design; Heating Systems and Controls; Hot and Cold Water Provision; and Lighting and Electrical Appliances.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The procedure currently used for isolating legionellae from environmental samples recommend filtration through a 0.2-microns-pore-size polycarbonate filter. In this study we evaluated the performance...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper elucidates the effect of humectant performance on the wettability of the skin. Humectants are divided into the organic compounds, such as polyols, the organometallic compounds, such as sodium lactate and pyrolidone sodium carboxylate, and the water soluble high molecular compounds, such as polyethylene glycol and hyaluronic acid. Firstly, hygroscopic performances and characteristics of various hcmectants are illustrated. Then, the humectant performance of the skin and relation between amino acid in the horny layer and moisture content are described. The humectant performance possessed in the intercellular lipid of horny layer is also described. Furthermore, are explained the wettability of the skin by cosmetics and the role of humectant as an emulsifying assistant. A mechanism of the dry skin, improvement effect of the skin by humectants, and combining effect of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The proposed portable device is suitable for radon surveys in water-bearing strata. It allows a complete transfer in activated charcoal canisters of radon dissolved in water collected with a 0.61 bottle. The detection is performed in laboratory with a low background {gamma}-ray spectrometer utilizing 3{sup x}3{sup N}aI({tau}I) scintillator only after about ten hours. This time is necessary to let radon be uniformly distributed within the activated charcoal.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MOX fuel has been one of the mature nuclear fuels which can be used in light water nuclear power plant now. The development status in this domain in foreign countries, the major influence of MOX fuel on reactor performance and the countermeasures are introduced in this paper. The application of MOX fuel in China's PWR is discussed in the end. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ground water ranging in temperature from only 38/sup 0/ to 140/sup 0/F can supply a considerable amount of heat energy when couple with a geothermal or ground-water heat pump. The heat pump's method of operation is examined as well as its performance characteristics. (MHR)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The structural integrity of the Fuel Test Loop(FTL) in a Korean experimental reactor is evaluated when the FTL, submerged in a water environment, is subjected to a postulated pipe rupture. The analyses are performed under static and dynamic conditions, imposing the thrust force history at each postulated pipe rupture section. Through analysis the following results are found: 1) A double ended guillotine can not be expected based on the toughness of the material, 2) the structural integrity of the chimney surrounding the FTL would not impede the structural integrity by the pipe whip. All analyses are performed by finite element methods.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coal-water-slurry (CWS) engine tests designed to evaluate a new accumulator-based injection system are described in this paper The new injection system was found to improve CWS burnout considerably at both full and part engine loads. The peak cylinder firing pressure when operating with CWS was no higher than when operating with diesel oil. These data demonstrates the improved engine performance that can be achieved with the accumulator-based injection system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Technical Development Document supporting proposed water discharge regulations for the Coal Mining Industry authorized by the Clean Water Act. Proposed regulations include revised best practicable technology limitations, best available technology limitations and new source performance standards for the Coal Mining Industry. Industry operations include: coal preparation and amillary operations, active mining, F bituminous, anthracite and lignite coal, and the reclamation phase of mining.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The approach-to-critical measurements reported were for a plate-type fuel element where the height of the water moderator and side and top reflector were increased. Measurements were also performed with each of the two annuli of the fuel element to verify both the presence of boron in the fuel plates and the proper uranium loading prior to assembly of the two annuli for full submersion measurements. Measurements were also performed with detectors external to the reflector (> 15 cm of water on top, bottom, and side) for the assembled, submerged HFIR fuel element.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A series of copolymers based on the cellulose acetate/propionate-g.co-acrylic acid system has been prepared under radiation-induced control. These copolymers have been assessed for their water-retention capacity both in an unmodified state and after ''decrystallization'' or ''neutralization'' treatments. The grafting of acrylic acid onto the cellulose acetate/propionate had little effect on the water retention power of the cellulose acetate/propionate. However, improvements to the water retentivity was obtained after ''decrystallization'' procedures had been carried out on the copolymers using selected alkali metal salts with methanol as the continuous medium. The water-retentivity of the copolymers increased with increase in the extent of grafting, though the effect is less pronounced at high ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The LWR fuel performance analysis computer code, FRAPCON-1, are evaluated to investigate the performance of CANDU fuel elements loaded in Wolsung-1 reactor. The FRAPCON-1 models of neutron flux depression in fuel and of fuel-to-cladding heat transfer are modified, and the validity of fission gas release model for CANDU fuel is evaluated. And the heavy water properties are provided in calculating the heat transfer coefficient between cladding and coolant. By using the modified code, FRAPCON-1-CSK, the sensitivity studies are carried out for Wolsung-1 fuel element design parameters. The performance analysis is also performed for Wolsung-1 fuel elements. The calculated results are discussed in terms of LWR fuel design criteria because of unavailability of CANDU fuel design criteria. (Author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The ISI (In-Service Inspection) system has been developed so as to maintain the structural integrity of heat transfer tubes in the primary pressurized water cooler in the HTTR (High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor). This system consists of eddy current probes, ultra-sonic probes, insertion and extraction units, positioning unit and so on. Verification and performance tests of the developed ISI system were carried out using mock-up heat transfer tubes in the primary pressurized water cooler. The constitution of the system, R and D results of the inspection probes, and verification and performance test results of the ISI system for heat transfer tubes are described in this paper. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article presents a humidification-dehumidification (H.D.) process suitable for desalination of sea- and brackish water. The work correlated performance characteristics of the combination of different components in such a loop. Water yield, energy requirement and design data are evaluated as functions of different parameters. The investigation covered water to air mass ratios ranging from 60 to 80, concentration ratios between 2 and 5, at a temperature difference of between 10 and 16 C, along the liquid for dehumidification. The results showed that 76% of energy consumed in the humidifier is recovered by condensation. Increase of the concentration ratio to 5 can reduce the make-up water and rejected brine by about 58% and 24% respectively. Cost calculations show that the H.D. process has significant potential as an alternative for small capacity desalination plants and permits ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SummaryA meshless numerical model is proposed to investigate shallow-water dam break flows in 1D open channels. The numerical model is to solve the shallow water equations (SWE) based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The concept of slice water particles (SWP) is adopted in the SPH-SWE formulation. The numerical sensitivity analysis is first performed to study the appropriate SWP number and variable smoothing length through dam break flows in an idealized 1D channel with dry/wet beds. Extensive validation by comparison with laboratory and field data is next conducted for four benchmark problems, including dam break flows through a rough flat channel, a rough bumpy channel with various downstream boundary conditions, a nonprismatic channel, and a realistic scale model of the Toce ri...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An electrochemistry model was developed to analyse the J-V characteristics of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer for hydrogen production. The Butler-Volmer equation and water transport characteristics through electrolyte membrane were employed to simulate the electrode activation over-potential and membrane ohmic over-potential, respectively. The modeling results are found to agree reasonably well with experimental data published in the literature. The parametric simulations show that the ohmic over-potential is relatively small with typical water content in the membrane. Compared with the cathode over-potential, the anode over-potential is more significant and constitutes the major source of voltage loss. The high anode over-potential is due to the relatively slow oxidation kinetics, which is related to anode material property and microstructure. This model can be integrated with a photovoltaic or wind ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) is a very useful technique for recovering bioactive molecules from natural materials using subcritical compressed liquid water in the temperature range of 50-150degreeC. A novel process has been developed for making a natural sweetener from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) roots involving selective chemical reaction and easy separation, for recovering mono-ammonium glycyrrhizate (MAG) using hot water with dissolved ammonia and pressurized with carbon dioxide. The performance of the novel PHWE process has been evaluated to ascertain the optimum process parameters to maximize the recovery of MAG by varying the parameters, such as temperature (30-120degreeC), pressure (1-10atm), extraction time (60-120min), water-to-feed ratio (20-40ml/g), number of stages...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Effect of alkalis (NaOH, KOH and K2CO3) on liquefaction of EPFB (empty palm fruit bunch) biomass liquefaction was investigated under subcritical water conditions in a batch reactor operating at 270degreeC and 20bars for a period of 20min. Catalytic performance and suitable biomass to water ratio that supported higher EPFB conversion, liquid hydrocarbons yield and lignin degradations were screened. Analytical results indicate that maximum of 68wt% liquids were produced along with 72.4wt% EPFB mass conversions and 65.6wt% lignin degradation under 1.0M K2CO3/2:10 (biomass/water) conditions. In comparison, the experiments that were performed in the absence of alkalis yielded only 30.4wt% liquids, converted 36wt% EPFB and degraded 24.3wt% lignin. Furthermore, biomass to water ratios >2:10 decre...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Finding environmentally friendly and cost-effective methods to remediate soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is currently a major concern of researchers. In this study, a series of small-scale semi-continuous extractions - with and without in situ wet oxidation - were performed on soils polluted with PAHs, using subcritical water (i.e. liquid water at high temperatures and pressures, but below the critical point) as the removal agent. Experiments were performed in a 300 mL reactor using an aged soil sample. To find the desorption isotherms and oxidation reaction rates, semi-continuous experiments with residence times of 1 and 2 h were performed using aged soil at 250 deg. C and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. In all combined extraction and oxidation flow experiments, PAHs in the remaining soil after the experiments were almost undetectable. In ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The shortage of fresh water is increasing at alarming levels, even in temperate zones. Desalination of brackish and seawater is being considered as a solution to growing water demands. Seawater desalination can be accomplished through reverse osmosis, vapor compression, vapor absorption and thermally driven systems. The most suitable process for large-scale desalination plants is successive brine evaporation-condensation with intermediate heat recovery. However, higher process efficiency could be achieved. The use of low temperature heat sources in seawater desalination requires an efficient method of evaporation and condensation at relatively low vapor pressures. This could be achieved in a humidification-dehumidification process using circulated air to enhance evaporation of water. Simulation models, however, neglect either the heat of evaporation or the changes in air and water properties within ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The PANDA test facility at the Paul Scherrer Institute is used to study the long-term performance of the Simplified Boiling Water Reactor's passive containment cooling system. The PANDA tests demonstrate performance on a larger scale than previous tests and examine the effects of any non-uniform spatial distributions of steam and non-condensable gases in the system. The facility is in 1:1 vertical scale and 1:25 scale for volume, power etc. Extensive facility characterization tests and steady-state passive containment condenser performance tests are presented. The results of the base case test of a series of transient system behaviour tests are reviewed. The first PANDA tests exhibited reproducibility, and indicated that the Simplified Boiling Water Reactor's containment is likely to be favorably responsive and highly robust to changes in the thermal transport patterns. (orig.).

Science.gov (United States)

Prairie (Microtus ochrogaster) and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) are closely related species that differ in life strategy and social behaviors, and thus provide an excellent comparative model for the study of neuronal and hormonal mechanisms underlying behavior. In the present study using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, we found that male prairie voles entered the open arms of the EPM more and remained there longer, and showed a higher level of overall locomotor activity than did male meadow voles. In addition, two weeks of social isolation induced an increase in open arm entries in prairie, but not meadow, voles. Prairie voles also had a higher level of circulating corticosterone compared to meadow voles, and the EPM test increased circulating corticosterone in prairie voles. Finally, social isolation coupled with the EPM test influenced Fos-immunoreactive expression in several brain areas, including the medial preoptic area, ventromedial hypothalamus, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beneath the harsh deserts of Saudi Arabia lie dark chambers and complex mazes filled with strange shapes and wondrous beauty. Radon concentration measurements have been carried out in the desert caves of Al-Somman Plateau in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Passive radon dosimeters, based on alpha particle etch track detectors with an inlet filter, were used in this study. A total of 59 dosimeters were placed in five caves for a period of six months. Out of 59 dosimeters, 37 could be collected for analysis. Measurements showed significant variations in radon concentrations in caves depending upon their natural ventilation. The results of the study show that the average radon concentration in the different caves ranges from 74 up to 451Bqm"-"3. The average radon concentration in four of the caves was low in the range 74-114Bqm"-"3. However, one cave showed an average radon concentration of 451Bqm"-"3. Radon is not a problem for tourists in the majority of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Solid solution-strengthened nickel base alloys have been used for nuclear stream generator tubing in pressurized water reactors since the beginnings of commercial nuclear power. The purpose of this paper is to recap and update the authors understanding of the relationship between processing, resulting structure, and properties for Alloy 600 and to discuss the requirements for optimized performance in both primary and secondary environments. Potential replacement materials and their performance will be discussed. Also discussed is the role and importance of system chemistry, bulk and local, and control and its relationship to performance. A discussion of potential mechanisms of environmentally assisted failure is also discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper the humidification?dehumidification desalination process is studied and its performance optimized using mathematical programming. An advantage of this method is consideration of the simultaneous effect of various parameters on process performance. An NLP system model is solved for three objective functions: minimization of specific thermal energy consumption, maximization of productivity and maximization of condenser heat recovery. The solutions have been improved especially from a productivity point of view in comparison with previous studies. The productivity objective function leads to the best solution if there is no limitation for the humidifier inlet water temperature. Otherwise, the specific energy objective function seems to be better than others. In the next step the...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This project dealt with use of condensing heat exchangers to recover water vapor from flue gas at coal-fired power plants. Pilot-scale heat transfer tests were performed to determine the relationship between flue gas moisture concentration, heat exchanger design and operating conditions, and water vapor condensation rate. The tests also determined the extent to which the condensation processes for water and acid vapors in flue gas can be made to occur separately in different heat transfer sections. The results showed flue gas water vapor condensed in the low temperature region of the heat exchanger system, with water capture efficiencies depending strongly on flue gas moisture content, cooling water inlet temperature, heat exchanger design and flue gas and cooling water flow rates. Sulfuric acid vapor condensed in both ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 would be a good measure to resolve that problem. The hot water ...

Science.gov (United States)

Measurements of PEM fuel cell device performance were made with different gas inlet temperatures and relative humidity using a newly-designed test fixture. Significant improvement in device performance was observed when the fuel inlet temperature was increased above the operating temperature of the cell. These measurements were then correlated to a model to describe energy and mass transport processes. Proton exchange membrane (PEM), fuel cells--the focus of this study--use an ion conducting polymer, especially polyperfluorosulfonic acid materials. These polymer materials, when imbibed with water, exhibit solution-like properties, but because the anions are chemically bound to the polymeric structure, the electrolyte is contained. Importantly, product water removal is simplified, as electrolyte dilution is not a concern. However, the proton transport rate is a function of the polymer geometry, which is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Optimal neutron energy for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been studied. Epithermal neutron is superior to thermal neutrons in treating deep-seated tumors. Design of the epithermal neutron column for BNCT has been performed by using a two-dimensional transport calculation code. Aluminum and heavy water are used as moderation materials. A thermal neutron column is also designed using heavy water as thermalization material. The configuration of the facility for treatment and research of BNCT and also for basic radio-biological studies of neutrons has been presented. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The potential for detoxification and deodorization of sulfide-laden water (sour water) by microbial treatment was evaluated at a petroleum production site under field conditions. A sulfide-tolerant strain of the chemautotroph and facultative anaerobe, Thiobacillus denitrificans, was introduced into an oil-skimming pit of the Amoco Production Company LACT 10 Unit of the Salt Creek Field, Wyoming. Field-produced water enters this pit from the oil/water separation treatment train at an average flowrate of 5,000 bbl/D (795 m{sup 3}/D) with a potential maximum of 98,000 bbl/D (15,580 m{sup 3}/D). Water conditions at the pit inlet are 4,800 mg/l TDS, 100 mg/l sulfide, pH 7.8, and 107{degrees}F. To this water an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate and diphosphorous pentoxide was added to provide required nutrients for the bacteria. The first 20% of the pit was aerated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mechanistic models of aerosol decontamination by an overlying water pool during core debris/concrete interactions and spray removal of aerosols from a Mark I drywell atmosphere are developed. Eighteen uncertain features of the pool decontamination model and 19 uncertain features of the model for the rate coefficient of spray removal of aerosols are identified. Ranges for values of parameters that characterize these uncertain features of the models are established. Probability density functions for values within these ranges are assigned according to a set of rules. A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis of the decontamination factor produced by water pools 30 and 50 cm deep and subcooled 0--70 K is performed. An uncertainty analysis for the rate constant of spray removal of aerosols is done for water fluxes of 0.25, 0.01, and 0.001 cm{sup 3} H{sub 2}O/cm{sup 2}-s and decontamination factors of 1.1, 2, 3.3, ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A solar water splitting cell composed of WO3, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) and Pt was constructed for producing hydrogen from deionized water in sunlight. Spectral responsivity measurements under various temperatures and bias voltages were conducted for the cell using the Incident Photon to Current Efficiency (IPCE) method. For comparison, a known WO3 Photo Electro Chemical (PEC) cell containing H3PO4 electrolyte, WO3/H3PO4/Pt, was tested using the same test method. The WO3/PEM-H2O/Pt cell showed better Quantum Efficiency (QE) performance compared to that obtained from the cell with the chemical electrolyte. For the first time, spectral responsivity of photo water splitting process without bias power was unveiled in the new WO3 cell, demonstrating the self-sustained photo electrolysi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this work an experimental study is carried out to determine the thermo-hydraulic performance of an intercooler (IC) with flat tubes provided with triangular plain internal fins and louvered external fins when it is used on a car equipped with a low pressure EGR. The main unknowns to be answered are the thermo-hydraulic characteristics of the IC working under humid conditions induced by EGR, the conditions under which the water content in the mixture of air and exhaust gases begins to condense and the conditions under which the condensed water will be retained inside the IC. The exhaust gases are here replaced by a mixture of dry air and water vapour which are mixed upstream of the IC. The IC is submitted at the following testing conditions: on the ambient air side, the air temperature i...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The effect of sodium gluconate anion (SG) on the corrosion and scale inhibition of ordinary steel in simulated cooling water has been studied using weight loss, polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. SG was studied in concentration from 10-4M to 10-1M. Results obtained reveal that SG perform excellently as corrosion and scaling inhibitor for ordinary steel in simulated cooling water. An increase of SG concentration leads to the increase of the corrosion potential towards the positive direction. The inhibition efficiency was a low temperature dependence. The inhibitor mechanism was treated as an adsorption process according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The SEM/EDAX data show that was a corrosion and scale inhi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The half-value thicknesses, linear and mass attenuation coefficients of biological samples such as bone, muscle, fat and water have been measured at 140, 364 and 662keV ?-ray energies by using the ATOMLABTM-930 medical spectrometer. The ?-rays were obtained from 99mTc, 131I and 137Cs ?-ray point sources. Also theoretical calculations have been performed in order to obtain the half-value thicknesses and, mass and linear attenuation coefficients at photon energies 0.001keV-20MeV for bone, muscle and water samples. The calculated value and the experimental results of this work and the other results in literature are found to be in good agreement.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to match the output capacity of a geothermal heat pump system (GHPS) with the actual load requirement, research has been carried out in finding the influence of two systematic parameters, the water flow rate inside the condenser and the compressor input frequency on the GHPS operation. Experiments are done on a small-scale GHPS at the water flow rate ranging from 0.054 kg/s to 0.174 kg/s and the frequency from 30 Hz to 55 Hz. The analysis of the experimental data reveals the relationships among the compressor frequency, the water flow rate and other important parameters such as coefficient of performance (COP), heat capacity and compressor power input. The conclusions in the paper can serve as some guidance to the load adjustment of GHPS. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An attempt to develop a simple framework for financial evaluation of renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as photovoltaic (PV) pump, windmill pump, biogas and producer gas-driven dual fuel engine pumps for irrigation water pumping has been made. The unit cost of water and unit cost of useful energy delivered by the RETs have been estimated. The monetary benefits that accrued to the end-user have been quantified in terms of the amount of diesel or electricity saved. Financial figures of merit for the investments made in the RETs have been estimated. The effect of fuel price escalation on these measures of financial performance has also been evaluated along with the estimation of the break-even prices of fuels likely to be substituted by RETs. Results of some exemplifying calculations are presented and briefly discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report identifies and analyzes the economic impacts of water pollution control regulations on the battery manufacturing industry. These regulations include effluent limitations and standards based on BPT (best practical control technology currently available), BAT (best available technology economically achievable), PSES (pretreatment standards existing sources), NSPS (new source performance standards), and PSNS (pretreatment standards new sources), that have been promulgated under authority of Sections 301, 304, 306, 307, 308, and 501 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as Amended (the Clean Water Act). The primary economic impact variables of interest include price changes, plant closures, substitution effects, changes in employment, shifts in the balance of foreign trade, changes in industry profitability, structure, and competition, and impacts on small business.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To provide a feedwater control device capable of minimizing the adverse response of steam drum level at low power. Consitution: In order to perform feedwater control at low power by the substantial control of three factors, that is, main steam flow rate, feedwater flow rate and steam drum level, the main steam flow rate is determined from the reactor output and feedwater rate is determined from the changes in the feedwater temperature due to the mixing of waters in the reactor clean up system and feedwater. If a difference is resulted between these flow rates, a starting feedwater regulator is controlled instantly to eliminate the difference. The water level in the steam drum is used for amending the difference from the final set value of the drum water level, by which the adverse response of the steam drum level can be minimized. (Seki, T.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In order to obtain the electronic structure of leucine (Leu) in aqueous solution, we studied three systems: Leu+7H2O, Leu+8H2O and Leu+9H2O. The results indicated that the system Leu+8H2O was the only choice which was both acceptable and doable: its computational effort was affordable, and it could simulate a main part of the solvent effect on the electronic structure of Leu in solution. Based on the system Leu+8H2O, all-electron, ab initio calculations were performed to construct an equivalent potential of water for the electronic structure of Leu with dipoles. The results showed that the main effect of water on the electronic structure of Leu was raising the occupied states about 0.0824 Ry on average, and broadening the energy gap by 11%. The water effect on the electronic structure of L...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Between December 2001 and May 2004, a ventilation experiment (VE) was performed in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and co-financed by the Commission of the European Communities. The objective was to investigate the desaturation of consolidated clay formations in consequence of the ventilation of underground openings of a repository in such a formation. The results of the geoelectric measurements performed in the second phase of the Mont Terri ventilation test can be summarized as follows: Geoelectric tomography has been found suitable for monitoring ventilation-induced saturation changes in the Opalinus clay. During ventilation with dry air a desaturation down to below 50% could be detected in both desaturation cycles. The desaturated zone extends less than 0.5 m into the rock around the microtunnel. During the second resaturation phase, ventilation with humid air led to quick resaturation at the tunnel surface, while ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The performance of steam generator tubes in water-cooled nuclear power reactors has been reviewed for 1979. Tube failures occurred at 38 of the 93 reactors surveyed. Causes of these failures and procedures designed to deal with them are described. The defect rate was twice that in 1978 but still lower than the two previous years. Methods being employed to detect defects include increasing use of multifrequency eddy-current testing and a trend to full-length inspection of all tubes. To reduce the incidence of tube failures by corrosion, plant operators are turning to full-flow condensate demineralization and more leak-resistant condenser tubes. (author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Among pharmaceuticals and personal care products released into the aquatic environment, antibiotics are of particular concern, because of their ubiquity and health effects. Although scientists have recently paid more attention to the threat of antibiotics to coastal ecosystems, researchers have often focused on relatively few antibiotics, because of the absence of suitable analytical methods. We have therefore developed a method for the rapid detection of 36 antibiotic residues in coastal waters, including tetracyclines (TCs), sulfanilamides (SAs), and quinolones (QLs). The method consists of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, using electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive mode. The SPE was performed with Oasis HLB and Oasi...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The ability to control the flow of water around the body dictates the performance of marine mammals in the aquatic environment. Morphological specializations of marine mammals afford mechanisms for passive flow control. Aside from the design of the body, which minimizes drag, the morphology of the appendages provides hydrodynamic advantages with respect to drag, lift, thrust, and stall. The flukes of cetaceans and sirenians and flippers of pinnipeds possess geometries with flexibility, which enhance thrust production for high efficiency swimming. The pectoral flippers provide hydrodynamic lift for maneuvering. The design of the flippers is constrained by performance associated with stall. Delay of stall can be accomplished passively by modification of the flipper leading edge. Such a desig...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ORNL high temperature isopiestic apparatus was adapted for adsorption measurements. The quantity of water retained by rock samples taken from three different wells of The Geysers was measured at 150 °C and at 200 °C as a function of pressure in the range 0.00 ≤ p/p₀ ≤ 0.98, where p₀ is the saturated water vapor pressure. The rocks were crushed and sieved into three fractions of different grain sizes (with different specific surface areas). Both adsorption (increasing pressure) and desorption (decreasing pressure) runs were made in order to investigate the nature and extent of the hysteresis. Additionally, BET surface area analyses were performed by Porous Materials Inc. on the same rock samples using nitrogen or krypton adsorption measurements at 77 K. Specific surface areas and pore volumes were determined. These parameters are important in ...

Science.gov (United States)

Clean Water Act You are here: Water Laws & Regulations Policy & Guidance Clean Water Act Water Quality and 401 Certification Water Quality and 401 Certification Water Quality...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As a new production technique of yellow cake, resorption with loaded resin-elution with acid ammonium nitrate-precipitation in two steps is studied. The results show that the produced yellow cake by the new production technique has better performance of settlement, filtration and dehydration. Each index of yellow cake accords with the first grade level issued by CNNC without washing, uranium and water content are 70% and 25%, respectively

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A rapid and accurate method for the direct simultaneous determination of nitrate and nitrite is proposed. The method is applied to the determination of nitrate and nitrite in rainwater and wastewater without preliminary separation. The determinations are performed by a CPA matrix method with ultraviolet spectrophotometric detection. The results obtained are in agreement with those obtained by conventional methods for the determination of nitrate and nitrite.

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The Reduced-Moderation Water Reactor (RMWR) is a next generation water-cooled reactor, based on the experienced light water reactor (LWR) technology, aiming at effective utilization of uranium resources, high burn-up and long operation cycle and plutonium multiple recycling. These characteristics can be achieved by the high conversion ratio from {sup 238}U to {sup 239}Pu resulted from the higher neutron energy spectrum in comparison to conventional LWRs. Considering the extension of LWR utilization, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) started the research on it in 1997 and then started a collaboration in the conceptual design study with the Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) in 1998, under technical cooperation with three Japanese reactor vendors. In the core design study of the RMWR, several basic core designs with the high conversion ratio more than 1 and the negative void reactivity coefficient have been ...

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Experiments were performed on horizontal air-water bubbly two-phase flow, axial flow, stratified wavy flow, and annular flow. Theoretical studies were also undertaken on interfacial parameters for a horizontal two-phase flow.

Science.gov (United States)

This report assesses the water quality related benefits that would be expected if the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopts the proposed effluent limitations, guidelines and pretreatment standards for the Centralized Waste Treatment (CWT) Industry. EPA estimates that under baseline conditions 205 CWT facilities discharge approximately 5.22 million lbs/year of metal and organic pollutants.

Science.gov (United States)

A study was made of the timber products processing point source category, for the purpose of developing information to assist the EPA in establishing effluent limitations guidelines and standards to implement sections 301, 304, 306, and 307 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. The document is the result of that study.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With an objective to use reproducible vegetable oil as a substitute fuel, studies were performed to use emulsified rapeseed oil at an optimal mixing ratio with water in a direct injection diesel engine. The experiment used a water cooled, lateral installation, single-cylinder, direct injection, four-cycle diesel engine, and the tested fuel used an emulsified rapeseed oil fuel with rapeseed oil added with water at a rate of 20% by weight. As a result of the experiment using the emulsified rapeseed oil, it was found that reducing the injection opening diameter smaller than the standard opening diameter improves the engine performance and simultaneously reduces concentrations of HC, CO and exhaust smoke. The optimal opening diameter was about 0.22 mm. Increasing the valve opening pressure reduced the NOx concentration, but increased the HC concentration. Using the emulsified rapeseed ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of the laboratory studies performed by CIEMAT with the FEBEX bentonite in the context of WP3.2 of the NF-PRO Project and of the Agreement ENRESA-CIEMAT Anexo V are presented and analysed in this report. They refer to the effect of the hydraulic gradient on the permeability of bentonite, the effect of the thermal gradient on the hydration kinetics of bentonite, and the repercussion of temperature on the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite (swelling, permeability and water retention capacity). In all the cases the bentonite has been used compacted to densities expected in the engineered barrier of a high-level radioactive waste repository. The existence of threshold and critical hydraulic gradients has been observed, both of them dependent on bentonite density and water pressures. After more than seven years of hydration, the 40-cm high bentonite columns are far from full saturation, the thermal gradient ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In a PWR type reactor, a primary coolant circuit system using a steam generator is adopted in order to accelerate depressurization of a primary coolant circuit upon small rupture LOCA in which the pressure of the primary coolant circuit is moderately depressurized. A secondary coolant circuit depressurization valve is disposed to a main steam pipeline. The valve has a performance of automatically opening to remove heat by evaporation of water stored in SG for a short period of time when the pressure in the primary circuit is decreased to about 50kg/cm[sup 2] upon occurrence of LOCA or the like. Then, the secondary side of the SG is depressurized to about atmospheric pressure and gravitational water injection from a condensate tank is started. Further, a gas vent valve is disposed to a water chamber of the steam generator. The valve has a performance of automatically opening to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A series of cation exchange membranes was produced by impregnating and coating both sides of a quartz web with a Nafion solution (1100 EW, 10%wt in water). Inert filler particles (SiO_2, ZrO_2 or TiO_2; 5-20%wt) were incorporated into the aqueous Nafion solution to produce robust, composite membranes. Ion-exchange capacity/equivalent weight, water take-up, thickness change on hydration and ionic and electrical conductivity were measured in 1 mol dm"-"3 sulfuric acid at 298 K. The TiO_2 filler significantly impacted on these properties, producing higher water take-up and increased conductivity. Such membranes may be beneficial for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell operation at low humidification. The PEM fuel cell performance of the composite membranes containing SiO_2 fillers was examined in a Ballard Mark 5E unit cell. While the use of composite membranes offers a cost reduction, the unit cell ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have been developing an innovative Steam Generator concept of Fast Breeder Reactors by using liquid-liquid direct contact heat transfer. In this concept, the SG shell is filled with a molten alloys, which is heated by primary sodium. Water is fed into the high temperature molten alloy, and evaporates by direct contact heating. In order to obtain the fundamental information to discuss the heat transfer mechanisms of the direct contact between the water and the alloy, this phenomenon was visualized by real-time neutron radiography. JRR-3M real-time thermal neutron radiography in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute was used. Followings are main results. (1) The vigorous evaporation occurs in the molten alloy. This phenomena is different from the known phenomenon such as the evaporation of refrigerant R-113 in the water. (2) The evaporation in the bubble has finished in a moment due to high heat transfer ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper summarizes studies on the water treatment by adsorption, as for the adsorption during water treatment, reactivation of activated charcoal, and clarification of heating process. Reactivation of activated charcoal for the water treatment is carried out through drying in the heating furnace. Basic problems are the recovery degree of adsorption performance of reactivated activated charcoal and the recovery yield. Behavior of the activated charcoal in the heating reactivation furnace is divided into three stages including drying process, heating process, and gasification process. Among these processes, behaviors of organic matters during heating process are described. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were conducted for activated charcoals adsorbing various organic matters in aqueous solutions. Three types of organic matters were classified from the TGA pattern, i.e., organic matters with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The operation of industrial facilities has generally resulted in contamination of the surrounding soils and ground water. A variety of methods have been proposed for the remediation of contaminated sites. This paper presents new process technology that is capable of performing treatment on ground water or soil washing leachates. The process is targeted to treat low levels of radioactivity, organics and heavy metals present in the aqueous solutions, to be easily transported and provide simple operation on-site and provide an effluent that meets the specified discharge quality. The purification process involves sequential chemical treatment and filtration. The paper will describe the development of the technology and review the current progress in its use to remediate contaminated sites at Chalk River. The application of the process technology has demonstrated that the ambitious goal of setting the effluent targets to meet ...

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This report compares the performance characteristics of /sup 10/B-lined and fission-neutron detectors in gamma-ray fluxes typical of the fields to be encountered during nondestructive testing of irradiated light-water fuel assemblies stored in water. Using the optimum time constants for each of the /sup 10/B-lined detectors, the 0.25-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in neutron count sensitivity at 7000 rad/h. Similarly, the 0.5-in.-dia detector had a 7% loss at 13,000 rad/h and the 1-in.-dia detector had a 5% loss in sensitivity at 1000 rad/h. Uranium-235 fission chambers were operated successfully in fields above 100,000 rad/h with no loss in neutron counting sensitivity. Shielding calculations were done to determine the appropriate shield thickness needed for a /sup 10/B-lined neutron detector to operate in a 50,000 rad/h field, typical of light-water-reactor spent-fuel assemblies stored in ...

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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 capable of working under the high temperature ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The corrosion resistance of steel-reinforced mortar specimens made from alinite cement was investigated using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) specimens as reference. The specimens were prepared and exposed in three different environments: continuous exposure in tap water, interrupted exposure in tap water, and interrupted exposure in 3.5% NaCl solution. The steel weight loss and the half cell potential were measured vs. exposure time, up to the age of 12 months. Pore solution extraction and analysis and porosity determination were also performed. In continuous exposure in tap water, alinite cement provided adequate protection against corrosion. In interrupted exposure in tap water, a higher corrosion was observed for alinite cement compared to OPC. In the case of interrupted exposure in 3.5% NaCl solution, the simultaneous action of free chlorides and oxygen resulted in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This technical report describes an outline, features, total energy efficiency, and specifications of binary heat pump system. A closed circuit distributed water heat source heat pump method is employed in the binary heat pump system. Since the circulating water, which is adjusted at a constant temperature, is used as the heat source of the indoor unit, a stable performance can be obtained regardless of outside atmospheric temperature. The binary heat pump system is mainly composed of a center heat pump unit, indoor heat pump unit, heat source water pipes, and circulating pump. The center heat pump unit and the indoor heat pump unit are connected with each other by the heat source water, and each unit can be operated independently. This system is characterized by the simultaneous operation of cooling and heating, high efficiency, high energy saving, high reliability of system, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The PANDA test facility at PSI in Switzerland is used to study the long-term Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (SBWRT) Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) performance. The PANDA tests demonstrate performance on a larger scale than previous tests and examine the effects of any non-uniform spatial distributions of steam and noncondensables in the system. The PANDA facility is in 1:1 vertical scale, and 1:25 'system' scale (volume, power, etc.). Steady-state PCCS condenser performance tests and extensive facility characterization tests have already been conducted. A series of transient system behavior tests have been completed by end of 1995. Results from the first three transient tests (M3 series) are reviewed. The first PANDA tests exhibited reproducibility, and indicated that the SBWR containment is likely to be favorably responsive and highly robust to changes in the thermal transport patterns. ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes an investigation of the performance of air-augmented waterjet thrusters. The investigation is divided into two parts. Part one describes a study of the injection of large diameter air bubbles to reduce heat transfer between the air and water and, thus, increase the thrust. This study is done analytically by solving the appropriate, governing equations. The results indicate that the approach is very worth-while since thrust can be increased ten percent as compared to air-augmentation with small bubbles. Several practical systems are discussed for injecting large air bubbles. Part two is an experimental investigation of the thrust produced under a wind range of conditions. The results show that a thrust increase of more than 20 percent can be achieved by air-augmentation. Further, the performance improves for larger thrust nozzles.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Characteristics of batch rotor-stator mixer performance are elucidated by shaft torque and angle resolved 2D PIV measurements obtained in a full-scale, custom build, bottom-mounted, rotor-stator mixer unit operating in the turbulent regime with water as working fluid. Measurements have been acquired at various rotor speeds corresponding to impeller based Reynolds numbers between 2.0--105 and 8.5--105. The use of a transparent Plexiglas stator facilitated PIV measurements inside and outside the stator as well as into the stator slots themselves. The governing mechanisms controlling the complex flow structures, flow rates, power dissipation, velocity fields, strain rate fields and turbulence intensity fields are explained, highlighting the influence on rotor-stator mixer performance...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of high pressure waterjets (HPWJ) as oil barriers has been proposed and tested. It has been shown that a series of waterjets directed horizontally above the free water surface provide an effective means of containing or deflecting oil slicks. The waterjets generate a high speed air flow capable of moving the surface layer of the liquid. A numerical model is implemented to study the characteristics of the entrained turbulent air flow using the Spectral Element Method (SEM) and an algebraic turbulent model for the Reynolds stresses. A test of the code is done for turbulent Couette Flow to check the accuracy of the calculated shear stresses against published data. A parametric study is performed to evaluate the HPWJ system performance at various operating and design parameters which include manifold pressure, nozzle flow rate, nozzle characteristics, jet height and surface wave conditions. The total driving shear force ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors (LWRs) during the six months from October 1993 to March 1994. EAC and fatigue of piping, pressure vessels, and core components in LWRs are important concerns in operating plants and as extended reactor lifetimes are envisaged. Topics that have been investigated include (a) fatigue of low-alloy steel used in piping, steam generators, and reactor pressure vessels, (b) EAC of wrought and cast austenitic stainless steels (SSs), and (c) radiation-induced segregation and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of Type 304 SS after accumulation of relatively high fluence. Fatigue tests have been conducted on A302-Gr B low-alloy steel to verify whether the current predictions of modest decreases of fatigue life in simulated pressurized water reactor ...

Science.gov (United States)

This report describes the results of EPRI Program S404-28, titled Experimental Modeling of Eddy Current Response'', conducted by the Westinghouse Science and Technology Center (STC). The Westinghouse STC demonstrates that its mercury modeling technique provides an unique bridge between steam generator eddy current field inspection conditions and predictions obtained using recently developed analytical models. The mercury modeling technique was used systematically to explore factors which contribute to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) sizing inaccuracy, including probe design, coil excitation frequency, crack length, and crack morphology. Two new proposed techniques for inverting crack lengths from eddy current data are compared with the technique commonly used in field data analysis for PWSCC. The performance of uniform field eddy current probes is compared with the performance of pancake ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new organic-inorganic hybrid membrane has been prepared with exceptional performance in dewatering applications. The only precursor used in the sol-gel synthesis of the selective layer was organically linked 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE). The microporous structure of this layer enables selective molecular sieving of small molecules from larger ones. In the dehydration of n-butanol with 5% of water, the membrane shows a high separation factor of over 4000 and ultra-fast water transport at a rate of more than 20 kg m{sup -2} h{sup -1} at 150C. This can be related to the high adsorption capacity of the material and the sub-micron thickness of the selective layer. The selectivity has now remained constant over almost one and a half years under continuous process testing conditions. Apart from the hydrothermal stability, the membrane exhibits a high tolerance for acid contamination. A slow ...

Science.gov (United States)

Programs & Services Technical Resources Land Use Soils Water Snow Survey & Water Supply Water Management Water Quality Watersheds Wetlands Air Plants & Animals Energy Climate...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ejector refrigeration systems are usually designed to utilize low grade energy for driving the cycle. They also have low maintenance cost because they operate without a compressor. Mainly, the ejector performance directly affects the refrigerating performance. Therefore, an investigation on the characteristics and an efficient design of the ejector are important to improve ejector refrigeration systems. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT, is employed to predict the flow phenomena and performance of CPM and CMA steam ejectors. The ejector refrigeration system, using water as the working fluid, is operated at 120-140 C boiler temperature and 5-15 C evaporator temperature. CFD can predict ejector performance very well and reveal the effect of operating conditions on an effective area that is directly related to its performance. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Outstanding Achievement Award in Water Pollution Control' is intended to recognize the water pollution control program that best demonstrates achieving significant, lasting, and measurable excellence in water-quality improvement in preventing water-quality degradation in a region, basin, or water body. This article is about the 1991 Award. This year, WPCF honored Los Angeles Hyperion Treatment Plant with a citation of outstanding achievement. To qualify for this honor, Hyperion has remarkably improved the quality of wastewater discharged to Santa Monica Bay since 1985. Capital programs developed by Los Angeles to achieve this rapid improvement, coined the Hyperion Improvement Program (HIP), reflect the city's commitment to protect the valuable resource of Santa Monica Bay. The HIP was conceived in 1986 to cease sludge ocean disposal by the end of 1987 and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new methodology for three-dimensional (3-D) numerical modeling of the continuous steel casting process is presented and evaluated. The results are compared with available experimental data obtained in a water-oil mold model for various flow rates and immersion depths of the submerged entry nozzle. The water-oil interface pattern at the top of the mold is also investigated. Wave formation and evolution in time is simulated with a volume tracking method. The predicted flow field inside the mold exhibits quite satisfactory agreement with the corresponding measurements, whereas some quantitative differences are observed referring to the final wave amplitude at low casting speeds. Conclusions of scientific and engineering importance concerning both the computer algorithm and the mold performance are also drawn.

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Momentum transfer through an air-water interface was studied in a horizontal rectangular channel through experimental and numerical analysis. The liquid flow Reynolds numbers, based on hydraulic diameters, were 11500 and 17000. The air flow Reynolds number varied from 0 to 3260. In experiments, velocity distribution was measured by hot-film and hot-wire probes. The effect of the liquid flow Reynolds number and the direction of interfacial shear stress was investigated by performing the cocurrent and countercurrent experiments. The modified k-{epsilon} model was able to reproduce these experimental results qualitatively. The range of applicability of the modified k-{epsilon} model was also discussed. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 1992 New Mexico State Legislature directed the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) to study the feasibility of clearing and deepening the channel of the Rio Grande between Albuquerque and Elephant Butte to improve water conveyance and water conservation. The ISC requested the US Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District (COE) to undertake this study under the Planning Assistance to States Program. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an analysis of the sediment contribution to the Rio grande from the tributaries and an evaluation of the existing US Geological Survey (USGS) sediment gage data. Phase 2 will be an analysis, through the use of an HEC-6, Scour and Deposition in Rivers and Reservoirs, computer model, to determine the long-term performance of any Rio Grande channel improvements. This narrative presents the Phase 1 methods and results.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the GE 7FDL single cylinder research diesel engine, in-cylinder high-speed photographic studies were conducted on coal-water slurry (CWS) fuel combustion. Distinct flames of pilot and CWS combustion were noticed. It was proven that the coal fuel burns after piston impingement and secondary atomization. Agglomerated particles will develop when combustion conditions are not favorable. Cylinder pressure data were simultaneously recorded for each film frame. Heat release data can thus be produced for each photo study. Most of the findings of earlier combustion studies on engine performance were confirmed.

Science.gov (United States)

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 CANDU flux ...

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A new technique has been developed for the measurement of steam mass flowrate, water mass flowrate and total enthalpy of two-phase fluids produced from geothermal wells. The method involves precisely metered injection of liquid and vapor phase tracers into the two-phase production pipeline and concurrent sampling of each phase downstream of the injection point. Subsequent chemical analysis of the steam and water samples for tracer content enables the calculation of mass flowrate for each phase given the known mass injection rates of tracer. This technique has now been used extensively at the Coso geothermal project, owned and operated by California Energy Company. Initial validation of the method was performed at the Roosevelt Hot Springs geothermal project on wells producing to individual production separators equipped with orificeplate flowmeters for each phase.

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Inherent boron dilution can occur in case of a small Break LOCA when low borated water is accumulated in the U-legs due to reflux boiling in the Steam Generator tubes after the loss of natural circulation. The restart of the natural circulation may lead to criticality because of the injection of these low borated slugs towards the core. To evaluate this potential risk, the boron concentration at the core inlet has to be known which makes necessary to estimate the mixing phenomena in the cold leg, in the downcomer and in the lower plenum: CFD calculations are required. First of all the validation of CFX5 CFD code on the relevant phenomena of inherent boron dilution has been established (UPTF TRAM C3 test). Then, an application to the 900 MW French Pressurized Water Reactor series has been performed. (authors)

Science.gov (United States)

The widespread use of tobacco and alcohol among adolescents might be related to the ability of nicotine and ethanol to facilitate social interactions. To investigate the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects of nicotine and ethanol, we focused on social play behavior, the most characteristic social activity in adolescent rats. Social play behavior is rewarding, and it is modulated through opioid, cannabinoid and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which are also involved in the reinforcing properties of nicotine and ethanol. We found that nicotine and ethanol increased social play, without affecting locomotion or social exploration. Their effects depended on the level of social activity of the partner, and were comparable in familiar and unfamiliar environments. At doses that increased social play, nicotine and ethanol had no anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze. By contrast, the prototypical anxiolytic drug diazepam reduced social play at ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The UNSAT-H model was developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to assess the water dynamics of arid sites and, in particular, estimate recharge fluxes for scenarios pertinent to waste disposal facilities. During the last 4 years, the UNSAT-H model received support from the Immobilized Waste Program (IWP) of the Hanford Site's River Protection Project. This program is designing and assessing the performance of on-site disposal facilities to receive radioactive wastes that are currently stored in single- and double-shell tanks at the Hanford Site (LMHC 1999). The IWP is interested in estimates of recharge rates for current conditions and long-term scenarios involving the vadose zone disposal of tank wastes. Simulation modeling with UNSAT-H is one of the methods being used to provide those estimates (e.g., Rockhold et al. 1995; Fayer et al. 1999). To achieve the above goals for assessing water ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The core bypass phenomenon of borated water injected through direct vessel injection (DVI) nozzles in APR1400 (Advanced Power Reactor 1400MWe) during main steam line break (MSLB) accidents with a reactor coolant pump (RCP) running mode has been simulated using a two-channel and one-dimensional system analysis model code (MARS), and a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (FLUENT). A visualization experiment has also been performed using a scaled-down model of the APR1400. The MARS analysis has predicted a serious core bypass phenomenon of borated water, while the CFD analysis has shown results opposite to the MARS results. The CFD analysis has shown that the flow pattern in the downcomer is fully three-dimensional and that vortex flow structures are formed near the cold legs so that the borated water might pass without difficulty into the high flow region of the cold legs and flow ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For the layout of a pressure suppression system of a light water cooled reactor (boiling water reactor) it is important to know the time dependent behavior of the vent clearing transient after a loss-of-coolant accident for two main reasons: time of the end of the vent clearing transient influences strongly the pressure and temperature maxima in the drywell and wetwell. Time-dependent behavior of the vent clearing transient influences pressure loads in the condensation pool of the wetwell and therefore pressure induced stresses to the structure. The time-dependent behavior of the water masses in the vent pipes and wetwell are described by the basic equations for a nonstationary incompressible friction flow: momentum equation, continuity equation and a correlation for the variation of the state of the gas volume in the wetwell above the water level. After many algebraic operations and integrations along ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The five thermal-hydraulic concepts chosen for advanced PWR have been studied as follows: (1) Critical Heat Flux: Review of previous works, analysis of parametric trends, analysis of transient CHF characteristics, extension of the CHF date bank, survey and assessment of correlations, design of a intermediate-pressure CHF test loop have been performed. (2) Passive Cooling Concepts for Concrete Containment system: Review of condensation phenomena with noncondensable gases, selection of a promising concept (i.e., use of external condensers), design of test loop according to scaling laws have been accomplished. and computer programs based on the control-volume approach, and the conceptual design of test loop have been accomplished. (4) Fluidic Diode Concepts: Review of previous applications of the concept, analysis major parameters affecting the performance, development of a computational code, and conceptual investigation of the verification test ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acid mine drainage represents one of the most important environmental problem facing the mining industry. If the tailings contain sulphur, acid mine drainage will be generated as soon as the tailings are exposed to oxygen. In this paper, the authors discussed a technique for the storage of acid mine drainage generating tailings that delays and even eliminates the occurrence. It was suggested that tailings should be piled by incorporating, at regular intervals, compacted waste rock. Thermal convection and diffusion will prevent oxygen from reaching the tailings, and limit water circulation. The modelling of transfer processes (heat, water, oxygen) in a well known tailings dump, the Doyon Mine, was performed, and the results compared to the modelling where compacted waste rock had been incorporated at regular intervals. The results indicated that by remaining saturated, the layers acted as capillary barriers preventing oxygen ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Previous flow regime studies have been for horizontal, vertical, and inclined pipe flow. As such, only a few studies have been performed on bundle geometries. The present paper examines the flow regimes for a vertical hexagonal flow channel with and without a finned fuel bundle. This type of a 36 finned rod hexagonal fuel bundle in parallel hexagonal flow channels is used in a MAPLE (Multi- purpose Applied Physics Lattice Experimental) type nuclear reactor. An experiment apparatus was designed consisting of the flow channel, inlet plenum and an air-water separator. The inlet plenum is used to provide a uniform mixture of air and water before entering the hexagonal flow channel. A turbine flow meter is used to determine the water flow rate. The turbine flow meter is calibrated for a low flow range and limits the measurable flow to 50 l/min. Flow pattern observation is determined by a SONY video camera, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper discusses the safety problems connected with the conversion to dense storage of RBMK-1000 spent fuel in reactor cooling pools and independent storage facilities. Recourse to dense storage has been made for a number of reasons, among which are the absence of spent fuel shipments from the nuclear power plant site, prolongation of storage time and a partial change in storage conditions. Increasing the storage density per unit volume of the storage facility and turning to new technical procedures (as against the basic design) call for further investigation of safety problems. The safety assessment of the dense storage mode includes: (1) Selecting a list of initiating events for design basis and unforeseeable accidents; (2) Assessing dense storage safety under normal as well as design basis accident conditions; (3) Safety analysis and development of measures to compensate for unforeseen accidents. Based on the studies performed, suggestions have been advanced ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Projected scenarios for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository include significant periods of time when high relative humidity atmospheres will be present, thus the reaction processes of interest will include those known to occur under these conditions. The ideal natural analog for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository would consist of natural borosilicate glasses exposed to expected repository conditions for thousands of years; however, the prospects for identifying such an analog are remote, but an important caveat for using natural analog studies is to relate the reaction processes in the analog to those in the system of interest, rather than a strict comparison of the glass compositions. In lieu of this, identifying natural glasses that have reacted via reaction processes expected in the repository is the most attractive option. The goal of this study is to quantify molecular water diffusion in the natural analogs obsidian and tektites. Results from this study ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macrofouling of cooling-water systems is one of the more significant and costly problems encountered in the nuclear power industry. Both marine and freshwater macroinvertebrates can be responsible for losses in plant availability because of plugged intakes and heat transfer equipment. There is a greater diversity of macrofouling organisms in marine waters than in fresh waters. Marine macrofouling organisms include barnacles, mollusks, bryozoans, and hydroids. Barnacles are crustaceans with feathery appendages, which allow them to attach to a variety of surfaces. They are a major cause of severe macrofouling because they can remain attached even after death. The major freshwater macrofouling organisms include the Asiatic Clam (Corbicula fluminea) and the newest freshwater macrofouler, the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). The introduction of the Zebra Mussel into the Great Lakes has created economic and ecological ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new filtration process using acrylic fiber has been developed which has wide applications in water works, sewage water treatment and waste water treatment facilities. Instead of sand, the common filter media in conventional systems, this new system uses long, fine acrylic fibers. Compared with a conventional system, the filtration speed and suspended solids (SS) retention of the new system have been increased 500% from 120--200 m/d to 400--1,200 m/d and from 2--3 kg/m{sup 2} to 5--20 kg/m{sup 2}, respectively. In addition, the backwash time has been decreased 60%, from 20--30 min to 10 min. As SS retention increase, the empty space between the fibers (fiber void) decreases and pressure drops due to the high filtration rate. Thus the pressure decreases rapidly after a certain period of filtration because of the increased SS retention cause fiber compression. This system is primarily based on solution clarification, but ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fretting wear test in room temperature water was performed to evaluate the wear coefficient of CANDU (CANadian Deuterium Uranium) steam generator (SG) tube material (Alloy 800) against 410 type martensitic stainless steels. The main focus is to compare the wear behaviors between Alloy 800 and Inconel 690. Test conditions are 10#approx#30N of normal load, 200#approx#450mm of sliding amplitude and 30Hz of frequency. The result indicated that the wear rate of Alloy 800 was higher than those of Inconel 690 at various test condition such as normal loads, sliding amplitudes etc. From the results of SEM observation, there was little evidence of plastic deformation layer that were dominantly formed on the worn surfaces of Inconel 690. Also, wear particles in Alloy 800 were released from contacting asperities deformed by severe plastic flow during fretting wear. Main cause of wear rate between Alloy 800 and Inconel 690 may be due to the difference of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Geothermal energy resources are found in many countries. A reasonable and efficient utilization of these resources has been a worldwide concern. The application of geothermal heat pump systems (GHPS) can help increase the efficiency of using geothermal energy and reduce the thermal pollution to the earth surface. However, this is only possible with a proper working fluid. In this paper, a non-azeotropic working fluid (R290/R600a/R123) is presented for a GHPS where geothermal water at 40-45 deg. C and heating network water at 70-80 deg. C serve as the low and high temperature heat sources. Experimental results show that the coefficient of performance (COP) of a GHPS using the working fluid is above 3.5 with the condensation temperature above 80 deg. C and the condensation pressure below 18 bar, while the temperature of the geothermal water is reduced from 40-46 deg. C to 31-36 deg. C.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An Allis-Chalmers, Model 2900, turbocharged diesel engine was converted to a dual-fuel engine in which ethyl alcohol was fumigated between the turbocharger and the intake manifold, and the diesel fuel was injected normally at a reduced rate. Tests were performed to determine if crankcase oil dilution that had occurred was caused by the following independent parameters: proof of the ethyl alcohol, crankcase oil temperature, engine load at maximum torque speed, and percentage of total energy in the form of ethyl alcohol. Engine tests were steady state for six hours, after which the crankcase oil was sampled for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) laboratory tests for determination of flash points and fire points, water by centrifuge, water by distillation, and viscosity at room temperature. Results indicate a decrease in thermal efficiency and an increase in exhaust carbon monoxide as the percentage of total ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As a three-year joint university-industry effort, development of a generalized boiling transition analysis method has been started in 2002 aiming at enhanced capabilities of subchannel analysis for a wide variety of BWR-type fuel bundle geometry from ordinary BWR to tight lattice fuel bundles. For this purpose, five dominant factors affecting boiling transition phenomena have been identified on which our efforts of experimentation and numerical analyses are focused. In this report, as the first-year achievement, we will describe a master plan of the development and contents for experimental approaches to construct thermal-hydraulic databases. The databases will be utilized for the developments of constitutive equations to describe the basic characteristics of the elementary processes. The planned experiments are divided into two groups. One is air-water experiments at atmospheric pressure, and the other is steam-water experiments up to 1 MPa. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macroinvertebrate communities in Rietvlei nature reserve wetland area and their relationship with water quality were studied with the aim to evaluate their use as potential indicators of pollution. Sampling locations were selected to include outlets from swage effluent, agricultural and informal residential runoff. A large increase in nutrient concentrations was observed downstream from discharged treated sewage with an associated decrease in species richness. Bioassays performed included: Daphnia magna, Hydra attenuate, Lactuca sativa, Allium cepa and Pyxicephalus adspersus. The highest percentage of lethality response to a screen (100% concentration) of sampled wetland water by test specimens were observed at the point source input of the Hartbeespoort treated sewage plant. Data generated from the AUSRIVAS method and multitrophic level bioassays revealed the deterioration of the wetland possibly due to factors such as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Extra-fine powdered activated charcoal has been used as stationary phase (coating layer) in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The efficiency and reliability of the prepared device have been investigated for the extraction of some volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) from the headspace of water samples. Monitoring of the extracted compounds and further quantitative analysis of the real samples have been performed by capillary GC-FID. Effects of several factors such as temperature, addition of salt, and stirring speed on extraction efficiency and exposure time have been studied. Under optimum conditions, extraction recoveries for these compounds from 50 mL water were >95%. The calibration graphs were linear in the range 5 to 10{sup 4} pg mL{sup -1} and the detection limit for each BTEX compound was 1.5-2 pg mL{sup -1}. The results obtained by use of this porous layer ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

PANDA is a large scale facility for investigating the long-term decay heat removal from the containment of a next generation of 'passive' Advanced Light Water Reactors (ALWR). PANDA was used to examine the long-term LOCA response of the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) for the General Electric (GE) Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (SBWR). The first PANDA test series had the dual objectives of demonstrating the performance of the SBWR PCCS and extending the data base available for containment analysis code qualification. The test objectives also include the study of the effects of mixing and stratification of steam and noncondensible gases in the drywell (DW) and in the suppression chamber or wetwell (WW). Ten tests were conducted in the course of the PANDA SBWR Program. The tests demonstrated a favorable and robust overall PCCS performance under different conditions. The present paper focuses ...

Science.gov (United States)

Fingerprinting of Penicillium crustosum strains was performed using different phenotypic characteristics. Seven strains of this extremely homogenous species were selected; of these, five originated from geographical locations characterized by low temperatures, and one from a location with a low water activity. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using micromorphological data, temperature- and water-dependent growth rates, and extrolite profiles obtained by HPLC analysis. The micromorphological data were less informative, while the growth-rate data were informative only if the strains investigated already showed slight adaptations to the selected external parameter. In contrast, PCA analyses of the extrolite data showed groupings of the strains according to their origins and known physiological differences. These groupings are in full agreement with the clustering obtained by previous ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Results from a heavily fouled 19 tube C-E model boiler test to investigate the potential for egg crate corrosion in aggressively fouled AVT chemistry are reported. Substantial support plate and egg crate corrosion was produced in this test. Carbon steel drilled support plates exhibited extensive denting which resulted in flow hole ligament cracking. Corrosion of the carbon steel egg crate, through-wall at areas of tube contact, resulted in denting of the Alloy 600 heat transfer tubes. Corrosion performance of the 409 stainless steel egg crate was improved compared to the carbon steel egg crate although localized through-wall corrosion was noted. The results from the above test and previously reported tests were compared based on the following simplifying assumptions: maximum dent size and/or corrosion penetrations utilized, average bulk water chloride concentrations, pilling bedworth ratios, pot and model boilers data are equivalent, heat flux ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper, a mathematical model for a counterflow wet cooling tower is derived, which is based on one-dimensional heat and mass balance equations using the measured heat transfer coefficient. The balance equations are solved numerically to predict the temperature change of air and water, as well as the humidity as a function of the cooling tower high. Experimental measurements on two pilot-scale cooling towers were carried out in order to analyze the performance of different cooling tower filling materials. Also, the performance of other cooling tower elements, such as droplet separators and water spray nozzles, was investigated in the pilot experiments. The flow distribution, i.e. the velocity field, upstream to the filling material was predicted using the three-dimensional version of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Fluent/UNS, version 4.2. The calculated flow fields are presented for ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background: Ecchymosis, oedema, haematoma and pain after SMAS-based facelift surgery are all the direct result of the physical trauma of surgery and subsequent inflammatory response. Hilotherapy is a novel form of cryotherapy that purports to minimise these events through single-use face masks circulating cooled, sterile water. This study was performed to assess the validity of Hilotherapy in this population of patients. Methods: Over 14 weeks fifty consecutive patients were randomised to post-operative facial cooling with Hilotherapy or management with standard dressings alone, while fifteen subsequent, consecutive patients were randomised to cooling of one side of the face but not the other. Assessment of ecchymosis, oedema, haematoma and pain was performed independently by clinical staf...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A detailed knowledge about the dynamics of phytoplanktonic photosynthesis and respiration is crucial for the determination of primary productivity in open oceans as well as for biotechnological applications. The dynamics are best studied in photobioreactors that are able to simulate natural conditions in such, that light can be modulated not only diurnally but also mimicking effects of solar elevation angle from sunrise to sunset, variable cloudiness, light modulation in refractory sun flecks due to water waves, or light intermittence due to turbulent flow in dense suspensions. In addition, high performance photobioreactors ought to be able to monitor in real time photosynthetic and respiratory activities as well as culture growth. Here, we demonstrate performance of a newly designed bench...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe practical exploitation of tidal stream energy is limited by man's activities in coastal waters: navigation, fishing and~%~leisure pursuits. It is important therefore to make the best use of the sites, which are available. The main objective of the~%~Proposed study is to assess the limits imposed by waves on the performance of tidal stream rotors, and to investigate way:~%~in which these limits might be related by refinements in rotor design and the control of operating conditions. Secondary~ [continued...]DescriptionHorizontal aids wind turbines have been recognised as one of the most successful renewable energy saving devices. The use of the similar concept as a 'tidy stream rotor' in offshore environment appears to be even more compelling. However, the application of this concept will require the confirmation of various operational and environmental limitations due to complexities of offshore environment compared to those of on ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since the first operation of nuclear steam generator early 1960s, its performance requirements have been met but the steam generator problems have been met but the steam generator problems have been major cause of reducing the operational reliability, plant safety and availability. U-tube assembly of steam generator forms the primary system pressure boundary of the plant and have experienced several types of tube degradation problems. Tube failure and leakage resulting from the degradation will cause radioactive contamination of secondary system by the primary coolant, and this may lead to unplanned plant outages and costly repair operations such as tube plugging or steam generator replacement. For the case of steam generators for heavy water reactors, e.g. Wolsong 2, 3, and 4 NPP, a high cost of heavy water will be imposed additionally. During the plant operation, steam generator tubes can potentially be subject to adverse ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The purpose of this study is to extend the knowledge base for wetland treatment to include processes and substances of particular importance to small, on-site systems receiving oil and gas well waste water. Collection of data on the sorption of heavy metals and the degradation of toxic organics is one of the key tasks. The toxic organics phenolics and anthracene, and chromium and copper have been selected as target adsorbates. An information search was performed on oil refinery waste treatment wetland systems.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zirconium-base alloys are used primarily as fuel cladding material and other core structure material in water cooled nuclear power reactors. Main research achievements and problems about corrosion of zirconium alloys are reviewed; the present theories and challenge are summarized. In the 1980s, great progress had been made towards correlating alloy composition, microstructure and irradiation with corrosion resistance. In the 1990s, main researches are focused on exploring actual mechanism of corrosion, optimizing both alloy composition and microstructure in order to minimize the fuel cycle costs through burnup optimization.

Science.gov (United States)

Investigations were conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory to quantify the extent of migration of depleted uranium away from firing sites. Extensive sampling of air particles, soil, sediment, and water was conducted to establish the magnitude of uranium contamination throughout one watershed. The uranium source term was estimated, and mass balance calculations were performed to compare the percentage of migrated uranium with original expenditures. Mass balance calculations can be powerful in identification of the extent of waste migration and used as an aid in planning future waste investigations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This document presents an assessment of the severe accident phenomena observed from four Full-Length High-Temperature (FLHT) tests that were performed by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) in the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River, Ontario, Canada. These tests were conducted for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as part of the Severe Accident Research Program. The objectives of the test were to simulate conditions and provide information on the behavior of full-length fuel rods during hypothetical, small-break, loss-of-coolant severe accidents, in commercial light water reactors.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A core preservation package was developed to maintain the reservoir characteristics of core samples and consequently to improve the quality of data obtained through laboratory core analyses. The package is a heat-sealable plastic-aluminum laminate similar to those common in the food-packaging industry. The laminated core preservation package acts as an impermeable barrier to water vapor and gases, and is resistant to chemical alteration and degradation by core fluids. These performance characteristics result in effective core preservation by maintaining the fluid content of the core. Other advantages of the laminated package are that it is fast and simple to use and eliminates the cumbersome dip-coat step used in some core preservation methods.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Floating Production, Offshore Storage and Offloading (FPSO) of hydrocarbons is not new. However, offshore crude oil development has to face the increasing need of the geopolitical interests to develop smaller or difficult reservoir in remote areas in deeper water and harsher environment. Such a trend can only be sustained if the offshore technology provides the right tools at the right time and at an acceptable price. This article will attempt to describe the relative merits of FPSO systems and discuss its main components. An overview of the present world situation shows the excellent performance of the FPSO with the type of development strategy undertaken in P.R.C.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The humidification?dehumidification process is an interesting technique that has been adapted for water desalination. Previous works experimentally investigated desalination processes in the shell and tube columns, where the humidification and dehumidification were thermally coupled and simultaneously performed at the tube and shell sides, respectively. In this work, a comprehensive steady-state mathematical model was developed for such a humidification?dehumidification desalination process by taking into account the heat and mass balances on both sides of the desalting column, the mass transfer rate at the humidification side, and the heat transfer rate between the dehumidification side and humidification side. Meanwhile, the mass transfer coefficient at the humidification side and the to...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has been contracted through the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Grant County Public Utility District (GCPUD) to perform an evaluation of juvenile fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) stranding on the Hanford Reach. The evaluation, in the fourth year of a multi-year study, has been developed to assess the impacts of water fluctuations from Priest Rapids Dam on rearing juvenile fall chinook salmon, other fishes, and benthic macroinvertebrates of the Hanford Reach. This document provides the results of the 2000 field season.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has been contracted through the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Grant County Public Utility District (GCPUD) to perform an evaluation of juvenile fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) stranding on the Hanford Reach. The evaluation, in the second year of a multi-year study, has been developed to assess the impacts of water fluctuations from Priest Rapids Dam on rearing juvenile fall chinook salmon, other fish species, and benthic macroinvertebrates of the Hanford Reach. This document provides the results of the 1998 field season.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... hydrology norway water pollution pollution scandinavia surface waters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text of publication follows: As the coolant experiences no phase change in the core, SCWRs, unlike LWRs, cannot use design criteria based on the critical heat flux concept. The commonly accepted practice in SCWRs is to specify cladding temperature limits that must be met during transient and accident events. Therefore for the design of the SCWR, it is very important to predict the heat transfer coefficient to the supercritical water coolant with great accuracy. Our recent study focuses on the critical issue of measuring heat transfer to supercritical water at prototypical SCWR conditions and to develop the tools to predict the SCWR thermal behavior. A heat transfer test loop using a surrogate fluids, CO_2, is under construction. The reason of using CO_2 instead of water is that (i) valuable insight of the physical phenomena can be obtained with this fluid, and (ii) some existing facilities already used surrogate ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this project was to develop new photocatalytic or other innovative process chemistry for the treatment of pink water and related contaminated water.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Real-time neutron radiography is being evaluated for studying the dynamic behavior of two phase flow and for measuring void fraction in vertical and inclined water ducts. This technique provides a unique means of visualizing the behavior of fluid flow inside thick metal enclosures. To simulate vapor conditions encountered in a fluid flow duct, an air-water flow system was constructed. Air was injected into the bottom of the duct at flow rates up to 0.47 I/s (1 cfm). The water flow rate was varied between 0--3.78 I/m (0--1 gpm). The experiments were performed at the Pennsylvania State University nuclear reactor facility using a real-time neutron radiography camera. With a thermal neutron flux on the order of 10{sup 6}n/cm{sup 2}/s directed through the thin duct dimension, the dynamic behavior of the air bubbles was clearly visible through 5 cm (2 in.) thick aluminum support plates placed on both sides of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The focus of this study is to validate whether the sensitivity of dose distribution following the interface of different media can be used to distinguish between small variations of photon energy spectra in the context of the convolution/superposition algorithm in the polyenergetic implementation (Philips Pinnacle"3, ADAC Laboratories, Milpitas, CA). Calculations were performed in homogeneous water and heterogeneous lung/water phantoms. Spectra were generated, in which the weights of the low-, medium- and high-energy components were adjusted sequentially. The heterogeneity correction factor CF_l_u_n_g, the D_2_0/D_1_0 ratio for homogeneous water and logarithmic derivative in buildup region LD_b_u_i_l_d_u_p were assessed for their relative ability to discriminate between different spectra for various field sizes. In accordance with another study (Charland et al 2004), the superior discrimination ability ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hydrogen injection into the reactor water has been applied to many BWR power stations. Since hydrogen injected accelerates recombination of oxidant generated by water radiolysis, oxidant concentration, such as dissolved oxygen concentration in reactor water can be reduced. As the result of the reduction of oxidant concentration, Electrochemical Corrosion Potential (ECP) at the surface of structural material can be lowered. Lowered ECP moderates Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) sensitivity of structural materials, such as stainless steels. As usual, hydrogen injection system begins to work after the plant start-up is finished, when the condition of normal operation is established. Accordingly, Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) does not cover all the period of plant operation. As far as SCC crack growth is considered, loss of HWC during plant start-up does not result in significant crack growth, because of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work describes the radon in soil gas measurements performed during the last two years in cooperation between the Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the Federal University of Technology (UTFPR), the Nuclear Technology Development Center (CDTN) and the Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (IRD) from the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN). Following previously concluded measurements of radon concentration in dwellings and the measurements of 222Rn activity in drinking water collected at artesian bores of Curitiba urban area, present step of activities has been dedicated to measurements of radon concentration in soil gas. Experimental setup was based on the Professional Radon Monitor (ALPHA GUARD) connected to specially developed for such measurements Soil Gas Probe through the air pump and filter system. After the Probe was inserted, the ground has been tamped down around the probe, to prevent air from moving ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 the DUPIC fuel is mostly maintained under the high power and high burnup conditions ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The National Spallation Neutron Source (NSNS), in which neutrons are generated by bombarding a liquid mercury target with 1 GeV protons, will place extraordinary demands on materials performance. The target structural material will operate in an aggressive environment, subject to intense fluxes of high energy protons, neutrons, and other particles, while exposed to liquid mercury and to water. Components that require special consideration include the Hg liquid target container and protective shroud, beam windows, support structures, moderator containers, and beam tubes. In response to these demands a materials R and D program has been developed for the NSNS that includes: selection of materials; calculations of radiation damage; irradiations, post irradiation testing, and characterization; compatibility testing and characterization; design and implementation of a plan for monitoring of materials performance in service; and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Implementation of Noble Metal Chemical Application (NMCA) in a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) requires injection of a noble metal compound while the reactor is idle at hot shutdown conditions. In order to minimize outage time, utilities are very pro-actively finding ways to reduce the number of critical path tasks. One of these tasks is to remove some containment vessel drywell head bolts during the NMCA idle time. This, thereby, saves the utilities outage time, or they can perform other tasks as desired. Using design basis conditions and state-of-the-art analytical techniques, detailed finite element stress analyses of the closure region are performed. Two acceptance criteria are evaluated. The first is that contained within Section III of the ASME Code for allowable stresses. The second relates to leak tightness, i.e., with bolt removal the joint must still remain leak tight. This paper describes the activities ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The results of the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) study of the FEBEX bentonite performed during FEBEX II are presented. The laboratory test program continued in part with the works carried out during FEBEX I, particularly in activities related to tests aimed to the calibration of the models, the acquisition of parameters by back-analysis and the improvement of the knowledge on the behaviour of expansive clays. But the program has also included tests on new areas: investigations about the influence of the microstructure changes in bentonite, of temperature and of the solute concentration on the behaviour of clay. Besides, several tests were proposed in order to understand the unexpected behaviour observed in the mock-up test, towards the end of year 2. Temperature effects on water retention curves in confined and unconfined conditions were determined, and swelling pressure, hydraulic conductivity and swelling and consolidation strains as a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study concerns mixtures of triacetone triperoxide (3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexoxonane, TATP) and ammonium nitrate (AN) with added water (W), as the case may be, and dry mixtures of TATP with urea nitrate (UN). Relative performances (RP) of the mixtures and their individual components, relative to TNT, were determined by means of ballistic mortar. The detonation energies, E_0, and detonation velocities, D, were calculated for the mixtures studied by means of the thermodynamic code CHEETAH. Relationships have been found and are discussed between the RP and the E_0 values related to unit volume of gaseous products of detonation of these mixtures. These relationships together with those between RP and oxygen balance values of the mixtures studied indicate different types of participation of AN and UN in the explosive decomposition of the respective mixtures. Dry TATP/UN mixtures exhibit lower RP than analogous mixtures TATP/AN ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three-dimensional computer simulation and analyses of the horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics of the WWER 1000 nuclear power plant have been performed for 50% and 75% partial loads, 100% nominal load and 110% over-load. Presented results show water and steam mass flow rate vectors, steam void fraction spatial distribution, recirculation zones, swell level position, water mass inventory on the shell side, and other important thermal-hydraulic parameters. The simulations have been performed with the computer code 3D ANA, based on the 'two-fluid' model approach. Steam-water interface transport processes, as well as tube bundle flow resistance, energy transfer, and steam generation within tube bundles are modelled with "closure laws". Applied approach implies non-equilibrium thermal and flow conditions. The model is solved by the control volume procedure, which has been ...

Science.gov (United States)

The commercial solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers are not stable enough in organic solvent and tend to swell and strip off from the silica fiber in the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) mobile phase, and therefore the application of SPME coupled online with HPLC is limited. In this study, an SPME fiber coated with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), prepared by means of electrophoretic deposition, was coupled on line to HPLC for the determination of four endocrine-disrupting compounds, i.e. bisphenol A (BPA), estrone (E(1)), 17?-ethynylestradiol (EE(2)) and octylphenol (OP), in aqueous samples. The results showed that the SWCNTs coating on the prepared fiber did not swell and strip off from the platinum fiber throughout the experiment, thus indicating a high resistance to the HPLC mobile phase, the mixture of water and acetonitrile. The SWCNTs fiber had similar (for OP) or higher (for BPA, EE(2) and E(1)) extraction ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Emerging high-power microwave technologies require that bioeffects of exposure to this type of radiation be investigated for health and safety considerations. Disruption of animal behavior is reported to be a sensitive indicator of microwave exposure. Three behavioral tasks were chosen for this initial investigation of exposure to U.S. Air Force high-power microwave emitters. The tasks were: (1) single-trail avoidance, (2) water satiation, and (3) rotarod performance. Exposure to high-power microwave radiation from the USAFSAM peak-power simulator significantly affected the single-trail avoidance task. Neither the single-trail avoidance task nor rotarod performance was affected by the Gypsy emitter. However, animals exposed to 9-kW and 11-kW outputs from the USAFSAM emitter spent significantly less time imbibing water postexposure than sham-exposed animals. The most consistent finding in the animals ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prostate and cervical cancer patients are often treated with external X-ray beams of bi-lateral incidence. Such treatment may incur some dose effect that cannot be predicted precisely in commercial treatment planning systems (TPS) for patients having undergone total hip replacement. This study performs a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and an analytical calculation (convolution superposition algorithm which is implemented in ADAC TPS) of a 6 MV, 5x5 cm"2 X-ray beam incident into water with the existence of hip prosthesis, e.g. Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo alloy. The results indicate that ADAC TPS cannot precisely account for the scatter and backscatter radiation that a metal hip prosthesis causes. For percent depth dose (PDD) curves, the maximum underdosage of ADAC TPS up to 5 mm above the interface between dense material and water is 5%, 20% and 27% for PDD_B_o_n_e, PDD_T_i and PDD_C_o, respectively. The dose re-buildup, which occurs ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Benchmark calculations for SCALE4.4 CSAS6 module have been performed for 31 UO{sub 2} fuel, 15MOX fuel and 10 metal material criticality experiments and then calculation biases of the SCALE 4.4 CSAS6 module have been revealed to be 0.00982, 0.00579 and 0.02347, respectively. When CSAS6 is applied to the criticality safety analysis for the mockup facility in which several kinds of nuclear material components are included, the calculation bias of CSAS6 is conservatively taken to be 0.02347. With the aid of this benchmarked code system, criticality safety analyses for the mockup facility at normal and hypothetical accidental conditions have been carried out. It appears that the maximum K{sub eff} is 0.28356 well below than the critical limit, K{sub eff}=0.95 at normal condition. In a hypothetical accidental condition, the maximum K{sub eff} is found to be 0.73527 much lower than the subcritical limit. For another hypothetical accidental condition the nuclear material ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vacuum glazing consists of an evacuated space between two sheets of glass. Vacuum glazing has a large effect on energy savings in houses and buildings. Vacuum glazing can achieve higher insulating performance than conventional insulated glazing. Nippon Sheet Glass has successfully developed conventional vacuum glazing. In this study we investigated an advanced form of vacuum glazing. Its thermal insulation ability is equivalent to 100 mm thick glass wool thermal insulation. This vacuum glazing contained a SnO_2:F low emissivity surface. The influence of the residual gas in a vacuum space on heat flow is important to performance. For long-term thermal stability, it is very important to maintain vacuum stability. To understand this better, we studied the behavior of outgassing from the inside glass surfaces exposed to an external energy source. We have studied the behavior of outgassing from a glass surface using a Nd:YAG laser (operated at 355 ...

Science.gov (United States)

Among KEPCO's 9 nuclear power units, Korea Nuclear Unit No. 3, the Wolsung Nuclear Power Plant is the only CANDU-PHWR Unit, while the rest of 8 others are PWR units. The unit was designed by Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd. of Canada, who also performed overall project management for the plant construction under the provisions and arrangement of the relevant contracts. The gross electrical output of the plant is 678.7 MWe and thermal output of the reactor is 2061 MWth. While these figures lead to lower plant efficiency than LWR counterparts, unit energy cost for fuel is more favorable than LWRs because natural uranium is utilized for the fuel bundles, some of which are already being fabricated domestically. Annual capacity factors for 1983 and 1984 could have been improved, if two major planned outages for the modification works on steam generator internals and one major forced outage from the heavy water spill incident could be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Experiments with fresh PWR fuel assemblies were performed to assess the {sup 252}Cf-source-driven frequency analysis method for measuring the subcriticality of spent fuel. The measurements at the Babcox and Wilcox Critical Experiments Facility mocked up between 17x17 fuel pins (single assembly) and a full array of 4961 fuel pins (about 17 fuel assemblies) in borated water with a fixed B concentration. For the full array, the B content of the water was varied from 1511 at delayed criticality to 4303 ppM. Measurements were done for various source-detector-fuel pin configurations; they showed high sensitivity of frequency analysis parameters to B content and fissile mass. Parameters such as auto and cross power spectral densities can be calculated directly by a more general model of the Monte Carlo code (MCNP-DSP). Calculation-measurement comparisons are presented. This model permits the validation of neutron and gamma ray ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Berliner Kraft- u. Licht (BEWAG)AG have been conducting investigations during the last several years on a 110 kV low-pressure oil-filled high-power cable with a water cooled conductor and a load capacity of 950 MVA at 110 kV. After successful transport of the cable drums (weight: 16 metric tons; diameter: 4.9 m) from the manufacturing in Cologne, West Germany, to Berlin (West), and after laying of the cable over a 300 m stretch, the commissioning tests in accordance with IEC and VDE* standards have been concluded, and several loadings with a current of 5000 A have been performed. Now, after completion of various improvements in the test system, preparations are underway for initiation of long-term testing over a period of approx. 18 months.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sodium nitrate waste has been successfully solidified in two types of polymeric materials: polyethylene, a thermoplastic material, and polyester styrene (PES), a thermosetting material. Waste form property evaluation tests such as ANS 16.1 leaching test and compressive strength measurements were performed on the waste forms containing various amounts of sodium nitrate. A single-screw extruder was employed for incorporating dry waste into polyethylene at its melt temperature of 120/sup 0/C to produce a homogenous mixture. Results of the leaching test for polyethylene waste forms containing 30, 50, 60 and 70 wt% sodium nitrate are presented as cumulative fraction leached and leaching indices ranging from 11 to 7.8. Two PES systems are discussed. The first is for solidification of dry salt wastes and the second is a water extendible system that is compatible with wet waste streams. Leaching data for PES and water extendible ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to study the two-phase natural circulation and flow termination during a small break loss of coolant accident in LWR, simulation experiments have been performed. Based on the two-phase flow scaling criteria developed under this program, an adiabatic hot leg U-bend simulation loop using nitrogen gas and water and a Freon 113 boiling and condensation loop were built. The nitrogen-water system has been used to isolate key hydrodynamic phenomena from heat transfer problems, whereas the Freon loop has been used to study the effect of phase changes and fluid properties. Various tests were carried out to establish the basic mechanism of the flow termination and reestablishment as well as to obtain essential information on scale effects of parameters such as the loop frictional resistance, thermal center, U-bend curvature and inlet geometry. In addition to the above experimental study, a preliminary modeling study has been ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute has conducted a piping reliability test program to demonstrate the safety and reliability of light water reactor primary piping. In this program, pipe fatigue test, leak-before-break (LBB) verification test and pipe rupture test were carried out to examine the integrity of piping, to verify the LBB and to demonstrate the effectiveness of protective measures against jet impingement and pipe whip loads under a pipe rupture event.In the pipe fatigue test, a procedure to predict the fatigue crack growth was developed, and the integrity of piping during the plant service life was evaluated. In the LBB verification test, the pipe fracture test and the leak rate test were performed to verify the LBB in the primary piping.In the pipe rupture test, the influence of jet impingement on the target disk and the deformation behavior of whipping pipe and restraint were investigated. Using the test results, the jet ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A mixture of crushed rock and bentonite is being considered as backfill and sealant for high-level nuclear waste repositories. Many variables affect the hydraulic conductivity of such a mixture, including the size and shape of the rock particles, method of mixing, water content and density of the clay, and the weight ratio of rock to clay. Mixtures of crushed basalt and bentonite have been tested to determine the relative effects of these variables. Two types of permeameters are used, 20 cm diameter stainless steel permeameters and 10 cm diameter clear PVC permeameters. Plugs are installed as a single lift or in many lifts; the water content of the clay ranged from air-dry (in most cases) to as high as 200%. Preliminary results show that a mixture of 75% crushed basalt and 25% bentonite has a hydraulic conductivity between 1 x 10/sup -9/ cm/s and 2.5 x 10/sup -8/ cm/s. In some cases, preferential flow paths have developed (possibly as a result ...

Science.gov (United States)

A three-dimensional numerical simulation of the loss-of-feed water transient at the horizontal steam generator of the Kola nuclear power plant is performed. Presented numerical results show transient change of integral steam generator parameters, such as steam generation rate, water mass inventory, outlet reactor coolant temperature, as well as detailed distribution of shell side thermal-hydraulic parameters: swell and collapsed levels, void fraction distributions, mass flux vectors, etc. Numerical results are compared with measurements at the Kola NPP. The agreement is satisfactory, while differences are close to or below the measurement uncertainties. Obtained numerical results are the first ones that give complete insight into the three-dimensional and transient horizontal steam generator thermal-hydraulics. Also, the presented results serve as benchmark tests for the assessment and further improvement of one-dimensional ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate the transfer of acidic THOREX waste from Tank 8D-4 into the alkaline PUREX waste in Tank 8D-2 at West Valley. The purpose of the experiments was to explore means of minimizing the production of nitric oxide (NO) gas during mixing of the two wastes and to assess the potential for the gas to further react in the vapor space possibly leading to enhanced corrosion of the tank walls. Forty one THOREX/PUREX mixing tests were conducted to explore the effects of stirring rate, pH, THOREX addition rate, THOREX or PUREX dilution, and temperature. The two most important criteria for minimizing NO production were to maintain some degree of agitation and the keep the pH in the PUREX high, preferably >12. Steel corrosion tests were performed in the presence of low partial pressures of NO{sub 2} and liquid water or water vapor. The NO{sub 2} (from oxidation of NO in the vapor space) ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this project was to develop a explosion suppression system capable to confine and extinguish gas explosions of the type produced in sub level caving faces when blasting to the coal pillar. Existing systems, such as triggered barriers, were considered not to be valid because of size, weight, cost, and other operational constraints. The research activities have been focused in the development of a mixed water/air spray system that should be manually activated some second before blasting. Two prototypes have been developed and tested, the first one using nozzle operating at the standard ranges of pressure that are normally available in underground coal mines, and a second one based in high-pressure nozzles. In this case, bottles containing a pressurized air/water mixtures are required. The works carried out included theoretical studies, hydraulic nozzles characterization, and modelling of the explosion phenomena using the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Substantial roles of precipitates such as Zr-Fe-Cr type intermetallic compounds on uniform corrosion and hydrogen pickup of zirconium alloys in pure water autoclave tests were investigated from an electrochemical point of view. In the previous paper, corrosion mechanism was elucidated by the anodic protection-precipitates degradation model. This paper describes the roles on hydrogen pickup. 633 K pure water autoclave test was performed on high purity zirconium, Zr-0.2Fe, Zr-0.2Cr, and Zr-0.1Fe-0.1Cr alloys. Hydrogen analysis after the corrosion test showed that hydrogen pickup ratio of Zr-0.2Fe alloy was about 80%. It was much higher than about 30% of pure Zr and about 10% of both Zr-0.2Cr and Zr-0.1Fe-0.1Cr alloys. Larger hydrogen content was introduced into Zr-0.2Fe alloy than the other ones by the cathodic hydrogen charging under coulombic equivalence. The precipitates at metal-oxide interface could act not only as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A cost study is described which compared the economics of four dry/wet cooling systems to use at the existing Raft River Geothermal Plant. The results apply only at this site and should not be generalized without due consideration of the complete geothermal cycle. These systems are: the Binary Cooling Tower, evaporative condenser, Combin-aire, and a metal fin-tube dry cooling tower with deluge augmentation. The systems were evaluated using cooled, treated geothermal fluid instead of ground or surface water in the cooling loops. All comparisons were performed on the basis of a common plant site - the Raft River 5 MWe geothermal plant in Idaho. The Binary Cooling Tower and the Combin-aire cooling system were designed assuming the use of the isobutane/water surface condenser currently installed at the Raft River Plant. The other two systems had the isobutane ducted to the evaporative condensers. Capital credit was not given to ...

CERN Document Server

Volume sources is used for standard sources by radioactive measurement using Ge semiconductor detector of environmental sample, e.g. water, soil and etc. that require large volume. The commercial volume source used in measurement of the water sample is made of agar-agar, and that used in measurement of the soil sample is made of alumina powder. When the plastic receptacles of this two kinds of volume sources were damaged, the leakage contents cause contamination. Moreover, if hermetically sealing performance of volume source made of agar-agar fell, volume decrease due to an evaporation off moisture gives an error to radioactive measurement. Therefore, we developed the two type methods using unsaturated polyester resin, vinilester resin, their hardening agent and acrylicresin. The first type is due to dispersing the hydrochloric acid solution included the radioisotopes uniformly in each resin and hardening the resin. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A schematic diagram shows the various processing steps to be performed during feed preparation in the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant (HWVP). The pretreated NCAW is transferred to the slurry receipt adjustment tank (SRAT) in the HWVP for concentration. Water removed during boildown is collected in the slurry mix evaporator condensate tank (SMECT). After waste treatment the water is returned to the storage tanks for eventual disposal. The pretreated Neutralized Current Acid Waste (NCAW) is concentrated in the SRAT to approximately 125 g waste oxides/ liter. Formic acid is then added at a controlled rate to improve rheological properties and achieve a required reduction/oxidation state. Reflux boiling is initiated and continued for several hours. The concentrated slurry is cooled and pumped to the slurry mix evaporator (SME). In the SME, glass frit is added, and the slurry is further concentrated to achieve a nominal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The predicted results of INDAC code were compared with measured {sup 3}H concentrations in air and pine-needle around the Wolsung site. The optimal sets of input data to INDAC were in addition selected by comparing the measured values with the predicted values of INDAC based on various conditions such as the release modes of effluents into the environment, the classification of wind classes, and the consideration of terrain. The predicted {sup 3}H concentrations in air and pine-needle were shown to have good agreement with measured values, although there are some limitations such as uncertainties in measured values, complex topology around the site, and the land-sea breeze effects. The assumption on the {sup 3}H behavior in vegetables or plants that the ratio of {sup 3}H concentration in plant water to {sup 3}H concentration in atmospheric water is 1/2 was shown to be conservative in terms of the audit calculation performed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new energy concept known as centrifugal potential energy was discussed. This new energy concept is capable of increasing the pressure, temperature and enthalpy of a fluid, without having to apply work or heat transfer to the fluid. It occurs through a change in the centrifugal potential energy of the flowing fluid in a rotating frame of reference or a centrifugal force field, where work is performed internally by the centrifugal weight of the fluid. This energy concept has resulted in new energy equations, such as the Rotational Frame Bernoulli's Equation for liquids and the Rotational Frame Steady-Flow Energy Equation for gases. Applications of these equations have been incorporated into the design of centrifugal field pumps and compressors. Rather than compressing a fluid with a physical load transfer, these devices can compress a fluid via the effect of centrifugal force applied to the object. A large amount of energy is therefore produced when this ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

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

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There has been recent interest in the United States concerning the loss of residual heat removal system (RHRS) under reduced coolant inventory conditions for pressurized water reactors. This issue is also of interest in the Federal Republic of Germany and an experiment was performed in the integral PKL-HI experimental facility at Siemens-KWU to supply applicable data. Recently, an NRC-sponsored effort has been undertaken at the Idaho-National Engineering Laboratory to identify and analyze the important thermal-hydraulic phenomena in pressurized water reactors following the long term loss-of-RHRS during reduced inventory operation. The thermal-hydraulic response of a closed reactor coolant system during such a transient is investigated in this report. Some of the specific processes investigated include: reflux condensation in the steam generators, the corresponding pressure increase in the reactor coolant system, and void ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A review of the ALPHA project is presented, including a summary of progress and current status. The project comprises the experimental and analytical investigation of the long-term decay heat removal phenomena from the containment of the next generation of ''passive'' Advanced Light Water Reactors. The effects of aerosols that may result from hypothetical severe accidents are also considered. The construction of the major ALPHA experimental facilities, PANDA, LINX-2 and AIDA, has been completed. First steady-state tests have been performed on PANDA. The other facilities are now in their commissioning phases. Scaling studies have guided the design of the experimental facilities. Several small-scale experimental and studies have already produced valuable results which can be used to direct the experimental work, as well as the design of the passive ALWRs. (author). 23 refs, 6 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

More than twenty years after commencing commercial operation in 1983, Wolsong Unit 1(W1- NPP), the first CANDU Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) in Korea, has been undergoing refurbishment. Safety analyses were required to evaluate the safety of W1-NPP because significant amount of equipment has been refurbished. To evaluate the effectiveness of W1-NPP after these upgrades, new safety analyses were performed using the same technical standards of Wolsong Units 2, 3, 4 (W234-NPP) for Design Basis Accidents (DBA). The refurbished W1- NPP is expected to be licensed for full power operation based on the verified safety analysis results that are obtained by using the upgraded computer codes and newly adopted technical standards of W234-NPP

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

It has been considered that dry-out occurs easily in boiling heat transfer for a small channel, a mini- or microchannel, because the channel was easily filled with coalescing vapor bubbles. In the present study, the experiments of subcooled flow boiling of water were performed under atmospheric conditions for a horizontal rectangular channel for which the size is 1 mm height and 1 mm width, with a flat heating surface of 10 mm length and 1 mm width placed on the bottom of the channel. The heating surface has a top of copper heating block and is heated by ceramic heaters. In the high heat flux region of nucleate boiling, about 70-80% of the heating surface was covered with a large coalescing bubble and the boiling reached critical heat flux as observed by high-speed video. In the beginning ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A novel thin-film composite polyamide nanofiltration membrane was prepared through interfacial polymerization of polymeric polyamine polyvinylamine (PVAm) with isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) on a polysulfone supporting film. The composite membranes were prepared under different conditions and characterized in terms of chemical and morphological structures, surface zeta potential, pure water permeability, and rejection to different solutes including electrolytes and sucrose. The results showed that the membrane performance was significantly affected by the content of amine units of PVAm and the concentrations of PVAm and IPC. The increase of the content of amine units of PVAm and the concentration of IPC resulted in an augment in salt rejection and a decrease in permeability, while the increas...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Surry low power and shutdown probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) is an ongoing project at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) to identify and quantify potential accident scenarios that may occur in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) during low power and shutdown. It was initiated as a result of various incidents and accidents that have occurred within the United States and overseas. The project involves review and evaluation of PWR experience at shutdown, identification of accident scenarios, determination of methods to mitigate the accidents, and performance a level 1 PRA. An evaluation of accident progression, source terms and consequences has also been initiated. The results will be used to address issues related to shutdown conditions. The objective of this paper is to provide a progress report on the project, and to present the approach used as well as the preliminary results of the ongoing and completed tasks.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The steam generator availability is one of the important problems encountered during the pressurized water nuclear plant operation. Various kinds of corrosion phenomena were observed in the past. These phenomena result from the concentration of impurities mainly in three locations in the steam generators: the tubesheet crevices, the tube support plate crevices, and the sludge pile. Corrections were made in the design and the materials used but a number of steam generators suffer or will suffer from corrosion processes inducing in many cases forcing their replacement. In order to prevent or to retard the corrosions several laboratories have performed experiments to reproduce and to study the corrosion processes. The first step of the degradation is the concentration of chemical species. A method using /sup 24/Na as a radioactive tracer was used to establish the concentration kinetics of caustic which was identified as the major cause of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An investigation of decay heat removal by the reflux boiling process was performed on a 1/18 linear-scaled test facility simulating the Three Mile Island (TMI-2) primary system. The objective was to clarify reflux boiling phenomena and core cooling effectiveness. Principal test variables included: core power, primary system water and gas inventories, and steam generator secondary-side coolant flow rate. Of 49 tests conducted, 43 achieved a steady-state heat rejection mode within 3 hours. Subsequent analyses identified two distinct reflux boiling modes. Based upon our current understanding, reflux boiling appears to be an effective process for removing decay heat in a broad range of the conditions investigated for a plant of the TMI configuration.