International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three types of titanium hydrides have been reported: #delta#, #epsilon# and #gamma# hydrides. The #delta# hydride forms in the composition range from TiH/sub 1.5/ to TiH/sub 1.99/ and has a CaF/sub 2/ structure with metal atoms on an fcc lattice and hydrogen atoms randomly occupying tetrahedral interstitial sites. At higher hydrogen concentrations, TiH/sub 2/, the fct (c/a # #epsilon# transformation is apparently diffusionless, similar to that operating in the cubic/tetragonal transformation in zirconium hydride. The metastable fct #gamma# hydride having a c/a value of 1.09 or 1.12 forms from solid solutions of hydrogen in the hcp #alpha# matrix. While the titanium hydride precipitation in #alpha#-Ti and its alloys has attracted extensive investigation, hydride formation in bcc #beta#-Ti alloys has rarely been studied ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In association with periodic inspection of CANDU nuclear power plant components, Canadian Standards Association issued CSA N285.8 in 2005 as technical requirements for in-service evaluation of zirconium alloy pressure tubes in CANDU reactors. This first version, CSA N285.8 involves procedures for, firstly, the evaluation of pressure tube flaws, secondly, the evaluation of pressure tube to calandria tube contact and, thirdly, the assessment of a reactor core, and material properties and derived quantities. The evaluation of pressure tube flaws includes delayed hydride cracking evaluation the procedures of which are stipulated based on the existing delayed hydride cracking models. For example, the evaluation of flaw-tip hydride precipitation during reactor cooldown involves a procedure to calculate the equilibrium hydrogen equivalent concentration in solution at the flaw tip, Htipas follows: Htip=Hfexp[- ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The manufacturing of TRIGA fuel rods with low enriched uranium follows in principle the same route as high-enriched uranium. The high purity of the primary metals (uranium, zirconium and erbium) is important for determining the equilibrium metal-hydrogen phases. The impurities from the metal, on the surface and from hydrogen may have an important influence on the hydriding process. This paper presents the aspects of the fuel contamination with oxygen during the manufacturing process of the low enriched uranium fuel. The continuous control of the oxygen concentration in the working zone ensures avoidance of the accidental contamination. Key words: manufacturing, fuel, oxygen, contamination. (authors)

J-STORE (Japan)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The complex formation of zirconium with biphenyl mono- and biscatecholyazo derivatives has been studied spectrophotometrically. The composition of the complexes, form and charge of complex-forming zirconium ions have been established. A procedure is suggested for calculation of molar absorptivities and stability constants for each of the complexes formed simultaneously in the system. Possible complex formation schemes have been studied. The data obtained were used to develop a spectrophotometric method of determining zirconium in the presence of large amounts of copper.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An important application of metal hydrides is as a moderator material in nuclear reactors. The fundamental properties of hydrides are illustrated and an impression given of the current research into hydrogen in transition metals. Phase diagrams, magnetic properties, temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient, energy level schemes and superconductivity are considered. (C.F.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrochromatographic behavior of 25 metal ions on zirconium tungstate-impregnated papers is described. Six background electrolytes were used. On the basis of the differential mobilities of metal ions which depend on the ion-exchange properties of zirconium tungstate and the nature of complex formation with the electrolytes, some important binary and ternary separations have been achieved.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Flame propagating through zirconium particle cloud in a small-scale vertical rectangle chamber was investigated experimentally. In the experiments, the zirconium quoted 99% purity was used and the diameter of particles was distributed 1?22 ?m. The zirconium dust was dispersed into the chamber by air flow and ignited by an electrode spark. A high-speed video camera was used to record the images of the propagating flame. Micro-thermocouples, schlieren optical system and microscopic lens were used to obtain temperature profiles and flame structure, respectively. Based on the experimental results, flame propagation characteristics and flame structure of zirconium particle cloud were analyzed. The propagation velocity of the flame is quite slow in the initial 14 ms and then accelerates to maxim...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies are made on electrode behaviors of hydride ion in eutectic LiCl-KCl molten salt by various electrochemical methods. As a result, it is confirmed and clarified, by cyclic voltammetry, that anode reaction of hydride ion exists and it is a diffusion-controlled, reversible and one-electron reaction. Also, generation of hydrogen gas is confirmed by a potentiostatic electrolysis, and the electrolysis in the current efficiency of about 95% is possible by controlling electric potential. Moreover, results of chronopotentiometry and chronoamperometry show that hydride ion is anodically oxidized by the diffusion controlling reaction and the reaction itself is reversible. Results of cyclic voltammetry indicate that a diffusion constant D{sub H} {sup {minus}} equals 3.0 {times}10 {sup {minus}5}cm{sup 2}{center dot}S{sup {minus}1} (425 centigrade). This value corresponds well to the values estimated from chronopotentiometry and ...

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.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present invention concerns a method of evaluating corrosion resistance of a zirconium alloy easily and in a short period of time. An anode polarization curve of the zirconium alloy is measured to obtain an anode polarization curve expressed by logarithm. The curve is converted to a potential-current density curve expressed by absolute values. The peak area in the curve of the converted potential-current density is indicated by numerical values. Further, the corrosion resistance of the zirconium alloy is evaluated based on the peak area converted into the numerical values as a reference. This method is based on the finding that the peak area has a close relation with nodular corrosion resistance, and the corrosion resistance can be judged with respect to a specific zircaloy-2. (T.M.).

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period two direct coal liquefaction experiments have been completed and a third is underway. These experiments have produced conversion and selectivity data on samples of Alabama bituminous coal slurried in tetralin and catalyzed using iron-titanium hydride. The experiments address the liquefaction of an agglomerating coal. Conversions of 45 to 55% DAF in 30 min have been recorded at 500/sup 0/F and 520 psia. Equipment modifications were made in an attempt to eliminate the problem of alloy binding in the hydride formation vessel. 4 figs., 4 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using the PMR method the interaction of zirconium and hafnium tetrachlorides with tri.tet.butylphenyl ester of 1,2- naphthoquinonediazide (2)-5-sulfonic acid is studied. The formation of MCl_4xNQD complexes is established, the equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters of complexing reaction are determined. The presence of rapid ligand exchange, proceeding according to associative mechanism, is detected. The rate constants and activation energies of the exchange reaction are calculated.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Technology of plasma sputtering, structure and properties of zirconium dioxide coatings were studied. Necessity of void number increase to enhance coating heat-resistance is shown. Optimal powder particle size (20-60 #mu#m) providing optimal coating porosity was determined. Weight part of stabilizating oxide (Y_2O_3) in ZrO_2 for formation in coating of microcracks serving as barriers for macro-cracks propagation was determined.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique was used for the determination of Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr) in red mud by using a standard addition method. An annular {sup 241}Am source is employed for excitation of K shells of elements. 13 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

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. This paper describes the roles on corrosion. A corrosion test on precipitate-containing and precipitate-free materials made from pure zirconium and a small quantity of iron and chromium, rest potential measurements on an intermetallic compound of Zr(FeCr)_2 and zirconium matrix, and a galvanic coupling test of those were performed. Results showed that corrosion behavior of zirconium alloys could be attributed to the electrochemical properties of intermetallic compounds precipitated in each alloy. Namely, the cathodic and anodic polarization characteristics were associated with anodic protection provided by the precipitates on the alloys and the precipitates degradation in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nano-wire arrays of Niobium were produced by small angle sputtering on facetted sapphire, using the self shadowing effect of the facets. A wire width of about 80 nm was adjusted, the mean (maximum) wire height was about 20 nm (30 nm), the length can be in the cm range. Meander-film morphologies of 20 nm mean (26 nm maximum) thickness were produced by conventional sputtering onto smooth sapphire substrates at elevated temperatures. The morphology of the wires was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), using contact mode. Meander-films were studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Hydrogen loading was performed by instantaneously increasing the hydrogen gas pressure above the solubility limit. Thus, an elongated hydride could be monitored in an about 30 nm thick wire. STM studies on meander-films show the presence of cylindrical hydrides. Local out-of-plane and in-plane expansion can be explained by the formation of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article reports of the nickel-metal-hydride battery and its ability to compete with the lead-acid battery in electric-powered vehicles. The topics of the article include development of the battery, the impetus for development in California environmental law, battery performance, packaging for the battery's hazardous materials, and the solid electrolyte battery.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The management of the interim phase of a complete oral rehabilitation in patients with severely worn dentition is often challenging due to the loss of occlusal vertical dimension, loss of tooth structure,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe successful use of zirconia ceramics in orthopedic surgery led to a demand for dental zirconium-based implant systems. Because of its excellent biomechanical characteristics,...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

The corrosion behavior of Ta, Ti, and Zr in inorganic acids, bases, chlorides and miscellaneous salts, waters and gases, and organic acids and miscellaneous organic chemicals is summarized. (W.L.H)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method and an instrument for determining the total water content in a hydrocarbon fuel using an indicator composition, which includes calcium hydride and phenolphthaleyn, are developed. The essence of the method is fixing the presence of water with its interaction with the calcium hydride and subsequent indication of the formed Ca(OH)2 using the phenolphthallen. To make the indicator composition, a hygroscopic cotton, prewashed by rectified alcohol and dried for 30 minutes at 105 degrees, is impregnated by a 1 percent alcohol solution of phenolphthaleyn and is dried in the same conditions. Then the cotton is processed by a powder form calcium hydride (a layer thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters, and a granule size of less than or equal to 80 micromters). The indicator composition is placed in a glass tube (a diameter of 4 to 7 millimeters and a length of 80 to 100 millimeters), whose ends are sealed or filled with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Electronic structure, volume optimization, bulk moduli, elastic constants, and frequencies of the transversal optical vibrations in LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH are calculated using the full potential augmented plane wave method, extended with local orbitals, and the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The obtained results show some common features in the electronic structure of these compounds, but also clear differences, which cannot be explained using simple empirical trends. The differences are particularly prominent in the electronic distributions and interactions in various crystallographic planes. In the light of these findings we have elaborated some selected experimental results and discussed several theoretical approaches frequently used for the description of various alkali hydride properties.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alloys of zirconium are widely used in various core components of power reactors. Nuclear assemblies require high degree of reliability and integrity for performing in radiation and corrosive atmosphere. The hostile environments of reactor core and inaccessibility for repairs make it mandatory to select only those joining techniques which produce not only superior quality but are also amenable to NDT methods and such other techniques which ensure acceptable performance. The author has worked on various types of welding of zirconium alloys for different applications. Modern techniques in electron beam (EB) welding, resistance welding, GTAW welding and laser welding have been developed for joining Zr alloys components for different types of reactors. Many of these have been standardized and successfully used in production. Several advancements have been made in the welding technologies towards achieving high productivity and increased reliability ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets, we produced a foamable preform sheet containing titanium hydride (TiH{sub 2}) powder through diffusion-bonding and hot-rolling of four cycles. Heating the preform sheets in Ar atmosphere, we obtained closed-cell magnesium alloy foams with various porosities. The foamed specimen at 883 K showed the maximum porosities of 77%. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cyclic strength of #alpha#+#beta#-titanium alloy BT3-1 is studied under load frequencies of 33 and 300 Hz. The increase in the cyclic strength with growing frequency is caused by formation of FCC interphase layers of titanium hydrides. Their formation is one of possible ways of raising the fatigue strength of titanium alloys. Peculiarities of FCC interlayer formation in #alpha#+#beta# phases under loading frequency variation are revealed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The "6"2Zn-"6"2Cu generator system is one of the few which yield a pure positron emitting daughter. The authors have developed a method for the preparation of this generator system following 32 MeV #alpha# particle bombardment of nickel targets. The chemical processing involves two stages: first a hydrous zirconium oxide column is used at pH 4-5 to separate the zinc and copper activities produced in the target nickel, and secondly, a conventional anion exchange column is used to retain the "6"2Zn and remove all copper activities in 2M HCl. This column serves as the "6"2Cu generator which will yield pure "6"2Cu repeatedly, free from "6"2Zn and other impurities, in a mixture of HCl and NaCl. A method is outlined also to obtain a solution of "6"2Zn using the hydrous zirconium oxide (HZO) column. "6"1Cu can be prepared as a by-product in the above procedure, but a method for the preparation of "6"1Cu alone using an 18 MeV #alpha# particle beam on a ...

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 cathodic sites in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This patent describes the producing of a refractory metal wherein a sponge refractory metal is produced as an intermediate product by the use of magnesium with the incidental production of magnesium chloride, and wherein residual magnesium is separated from the magnesium chloride and from refractory metal to a vacuum distillation step which fractionally distills the magnesium, the magnesium chloride, and the metal sub-chlorides; the steps of: recovering fractionally distilled vapors of magnesium chloride and metal sub-chlorides from a sponge refractory metal; separately condensing the vapors as separately recovered; and recycling the separately recovered magnesium at a purity of at least about 96%.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The incorporation of (a) Cs/Sr as simulated heat-generating isotopes contained in Purex reprocessing waste, (b) simulated actinides, and (c) simulated Purex waste in sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) has been studied. The samples were prepared by sintering, by hot pressing and by hot isostatic pressing in metal bellows containers. The short-term chemical durability of the phosphate-based material containing Purex waste was within an order of magnitude of that for Synroc-C, as measured by 7-day MCC-1 tests at 90{degrees}C. The dissolution behavior showed evidence of re-precipitation phenomena, even after times as short as 28 days. Potential for improvement of NZP-based ceramics for HLW management is discussed. 19 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.

Science.gov (United States)

The TTT diagrams describing the beta to alpha isothermal transformation have been made by isothermal dilatometry for pure uranium and 21 alloys based on chromium, silicon, molybdenum, iron, aluminium, zirconium. The thermal cycle preceeding the isothermal...

Science.gov (United States)

A large double-focusing mass spectrometer was used to obtain new values for the masses of Sr/sup 86/, Sr/sup 88/, and Zr/sup 90/. Mass differences calculated from these values are found to be in better agreement with nuclear transmutation information than were previous mass spectroscopically derived values. (auth)

Science.gov (United States)

The production of water from a subterranean formation is reduced by contacting the formation with a water dispersible hydrophilic organic polymer having a molecular weight greater than 100,000 and containing carboxyl functionality and a crosslinking composition comprising water, a zirconium compound having a value of 4+, an alpha-hydroxy acid and an amine compound.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The evaluated data testing for Si, Zr, Nb and Fe materials has been performed through the analyses of the neutron leakage spectrum from spherical assemblies measured in integral benchmark experiments with (d,t) and Cf fission neutron sources. Intercomparisons of the calculated from BROND-2, ENDF/B-6 and JENDL-3 data files with experimental results are presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An austenitic alloy having good thermal stability and resistance to sodium corrosion at 700.degree. C. consists essentially of 35-45% nickel 7.5-14% chromium 0.8-3.2% molybdenum 0.3-1.0% silicon 0.2-1.0% manganese 0-0.1% zirconium 2.0-3.5% titanium 1.0-2.0% aluminum 0.02-0.1% carbon 0-0.01% boron and the balance iron.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper nickel acetate catalyzed sodium borohydride cartridges have been prepared and hydrolyzed with water for hydrogen production. Two technological solutions have been tested to increase the overall hydrogen yield, namely a porous water diffuser and a hydrophobic membrane. The first was used to improve water diffusion inside the hydride while the second to confine water inside the cartridge. The generated hydrogen flow showed a very reproducible behavior. Hydrogen promptly evolved just after water was pumped into the cartridge. After some initial peaks, a constant hydrogen flow has been recorded for the whole reaction time. The constant flow was related to the presence of the porous diffuser. The use of a hydrophobic membrane to confine the water inside the cartridge allowed to increase the overall hydrogen yield: about 6 water molecules per mol of hydride were required to complete the reaction. The reaction product was identified by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An ignition device of the plasma jet type is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical cavity formed in insulating material with an electrode at one end. The other end of the cylindrical cavity is closed by a metal plate with a small orifice in the center which plate serves as a second electrode. An arc jumping between the first electrode and the orifice plate causes the formation of a highly-ionized plasma in the cavity which is ejected through the orifice into the engine cylinder area to ignite the main fuel mixture. Two improvements are disclosed to enhance the operation of the device and the length of the plasma plume. One improvement is a metal hydride ring which is inserted in the cavity next to the first electrode. During operation, the high temperature in the cavity and the highly excited nature of the plasma breaks down the metal hydride, liberating hydrogen which acts as an additional fuel to help plasma formation. A second improvement ...

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period four direct coal liquefaction experiments have been completed and a fifth is underway. These experiments have produced conversion and selectivity data on samples of Utah coal slurried in tetralin and catalyzed using iron-titanium hydride. Hydrogen loading of the alloy, catalyst particle size, coal particle size, operating temperatures for alloy addition and liquefaction without the catalysts present, have all been studied during these four experiments. Conversions of 61% DAF in 30 min have been recorded at 485/sup 0/F and 520 psia. The fifth run using the same coal at a reduced particle size has begun, after which we will move to samples of Kentucky and Alabama coals. Equipment manufacture, delivery, and installation delays, totaling over 6 months, greatly reduced the time available for research, making a 6 month no cost extension necessary. The extended time will permit completion of the proposed research tasks. 4 figs., 4 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To improve operational safety of the fuel channel for Wolsung units the recommended primary heat transport system (PHTS) operating guidelines were developed, which provides a safe operation window in terms of pressure and temperature to maintain fuel channel integrity, which is similar to pressure-temperature curves used for primary pressure boundary integrity in PWRs and deterministic Leak-Before Break (LBB) analyses were conducted using recent understanding of delayed hydride cracking (DHC) mechanism. In addition, a comparative assessment of LBB analysis was made using the procedures of Fitness For Service Guidelines(FFSG) for pressure tubes rev. 0 and rev. 1.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Balandin type volcano plots have been considered for the main criterion both in catalysis and electrocatalysis to estimate their fundamental properties and optimal activity: ({alpha}) The ones, when some physical feature or catalytic activity itself is plotted usually along transition series, and ({beta}) The others, when catalytic activity arises as a function of some energetic property, the most usually of the adsorption enthalpy of intermediates bonding upon the substrate in the rate determining step (rds). 29 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the overview reports made by SFOE Heads of Program on work done in 2007. Projects reported on in the natural gas-fired fuel cell area include the EU-project REAL-SFOC, the long-term testing of anode-supported SOFC stacks, intermediate-temperature fuel cells based on proton conducting electrolytes, the interdisciplinary ONEBAT project and lifetime-enhancement of SOFC stacks for CHP applications. In the polymer-electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) area, projects concerning proton-conducting polymer membranes, factors limiting the lifetime of fuel cell membranes, a new highly active oxygen reduction electrode for PEM fuel cell and zinc/air battery applications, the enhancement of PEFC durability and reliability, model-based investigation of PEFC performance, and local gas analysis of PE fuel cells are briefly reported on. Long-term research activities in the hydrogen technology area reported on include those concerning the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Theoretical assessment on the chromatographic {sup 99m}Tc generator preparation using (n, {gamma}) {sup 99}Mo produced ex-natural molybdenum was carried out. The relationship between the neutron flux for MoO{sub 3} target activation, Mo-content or Mo adsorption capacity of column packing material, {sup 99m}Tc pertechnetate concentration and/or {sup 99m}Tc radioactivity of eluate was established. The reasonably lower limit of neutron flux of reactor and Molybdenum content of column packing material were found out to estimate the production of portable chromatographic generators available for nuclear medicine application. The concentration of {sup 99m}Tc pertechnetate eluate of low {sup 99m}Tc concentration using the column elution technique was also evaluate theoretically and conducted successfully in practice. Three options of {sup 99m}Tc generator using Titanium-Molybdate, Zirconium-Molybdate and Zirconium Oxide as generator column-packing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theoretical model, which describes subband gap photoexcitation involving localized electronic states, was developed. The escape probability of a charge carrier trapped in a localized state is considered via Poole-Frenkel, direct tunneling, or phonon-assisted tunneling processes, as competing escape mechanisms. Photoelectrochemical experiments were performed on the passive films formed on zirconium and amorphous iron-zirconium alloys and on pure HfO/sub 2/ films and HfO/sub 2/ films implanted with varying concentrations of xenon. These films were found to possess some degree of disorder depending on the substrate, the thickness of the film, and the extent of implantation. The spectral dependence of the photocurrent in all of the films studied is considerably different from what was found for crystalline passive films. The potential dependence of the photocurrent yields Poole-Frenkel behavior. Reverse tunneling processes were also observed at ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reaction of formation of 3, 5, 7, 3', 4', 5' - hexaoxiflavone - myricetin complexes with zirconium and hafnium ions has been the basis for development of luminescent method of determining these elements. Optimum conditions for complexing have been determined. For Hf they are : 8-9 HCl concentration, maximum fluorescence wave length (lambda fl.)of 520 nm, wave length of exciting light (lambda el) of 436 nm, for Zr lambda fl = 536nm, lambda el = 436 nm. Stable fluorescence establishes after 25 min. for Zr and after 15 min for Hf in the presence of 40% ethanol. Usage of various camouflage agents has permitted to attain high selectivity of the method. Possibility for determination of Zr with myricetin in the presence of a 10-time excess of Hf, Cr, Cu, 50-time excess of Mo and Ti is shown. Sensitivity of Zr determination is 2.0x10 #mu#g"-"2/ml, for Hf it is 9.0x10 #mu#g"-"3 and mineral waters.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes a process for preparing of an ion exchanger, comprising: treating an ionically inert activated charcoal porous support with an aqueous solution of metal oxychloride selected from the group consisting of zirconium and titanium oxychlorides so as to impregnate the pores of the support with the solution; separating the treated support from excess metal oxychloride solution; converting the metal oxychloride to a hydrous metal oxide precipitate in the pores of the support at a pH above 8 and above the pH whereat the hydrous metal oxide and activated charcoal support have opposite zeta potentials and sufficient to hydrolyze the metal oxychloride. It also describes a process for preparing an ion exchanger comprising: treating granulated activated charcoal with a concentrated solution of a metal oxychloride from the group consisting of zirconium and titanium oxychlorides, degassing the mixture; and treating the resultant mixture ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The description is presented of binary phase diagrams of titanium alloyed with the following elements: silver, aluminium, arsenic, gold, boron, barium, beryllium, bismuth, carbon, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, gallium, germanium, hydrogen, hafnium, indium, iridium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, sodium, niobium, nickel, oxygen, osmium, phosphorus, lead, palladium, platinum, plutonium, rhenium, lanthanium, cerium, preseodymium, neodymium, gadolinium, erbium, terbium, thulium, lutetium, rhodium, ruthenium, scandium, silicon, tin, strontium, tantalum, technetium, thorium, uranium, vanadium, tungsten, yttrium, ytterbium, zinc and zirconium.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Instrumental neutron activation analysis is used for simultaneously determination of macrocomponents in ferroelectric materials LLZT. Pb, Zr, Ti have been determined by "2"0"3Pb, "8"9Zr and "4"8Sc nuclides created by fast neutron (14.5 MeV) activation. Application of paraffine as neutron moderator and reflector allows to simultaneously determine lanthanum by "1"4"0La nuclide. It has been shown that zirconium, titanium and lanthanum can be determined with the accuracy of #+-#0.1 mas. % and lead - #+-#0.7 mas. %.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recognizing the importance of {sup 99m}Tc and {sup 99m}Tc-based radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has initiated research on the development of column-type generators for {sup 99m}Tc using {sup 99}Mo in the form of a gel. The use of reactor-produced {sup 99}Mo will reduce the country's dependence on the importation of commercial generators based on fission product molybdenum-99. However, the relatively low specific activity of {sup 99}Mo must be compensated by the high adsorption capacity of the column material for molybdenum. A procedure based on the incorporation of low activity {sup 99}Mo into a zirconium molybdate gel matrix was adopted with reasonable success. Because the properties of the gel vary considerably with conditions of synthesis, the following parameters were carefully controlled: pH, concentration, temperature, order of mixing of the reactant solutions and conditions of aging, washing and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neopentane, because of its unique structural features, was found to be a useful probe for the assay of the acidity of various zeolites. The C-C bond was attacked by catalyst protons yielding CH/sub 4/ and the isobutyl carbenium ion in equal quantities. The latter either decomposed to produce isobutene or underwent secondary reactions. New avenues for reaction were opened with isobutane. The reaction of the Bronsted protons with the tertiary CH bonds produced H/sub 2/ and the same isobutyl carbenium ion. Hydride ion transfer of the same tertiary hydrogen to existing carbenium ions also occurred and the results showed that about half of the reaction was carried by this pathway. As with Neopentane, the C-C bond could also be attacked yielding the sec-propyl carbenium ion. These tools are being further developed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It was developed a new formulation of macro aggregates of Samarium 153 ({sup 153} Sm-MH) for the arthropaties treatment. The radio pharmaceutic was prepared by reaction of Samarium 153 chloride (SmCl{sub 3}) in aqueous environment with sodium boron hydride in NaOH 0.5 N. The microscopic analysis shown that the particles have an average size of 4% m (range 1-14 {mu} m). The velocity of sedimentation was 0.008 cm/min with high stability in vitro in human serum. The biological studies in healthy rabbits, shown that the complex is retained inside the articulation still eight days after of the administration of the radiopharmaceutical. Likewise, it is presented the data of absorbed dose in the different target organs, which was determined by thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) through the use of a REMCAL phantom (radiation equivalent manikin calibration). (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Contents: recent trend of battery technologies; alkaline manganese battery with no mercury addition; high capacity zinc-air battery series for hearing aids; characteristics of vanadium-niobium-lithium rechargeable battery; high-energy density lithium-ion rechargeable battery; lithium polymer rechargeable battery: polymer gel electrolyte and electrode; high-capacity ni-cd battery sm120; high-capacity nickel-metal hydride battery; sealed-type batteries for electric vehicles; high-temperature-durable calcium-type battery for automobiles; sealed lead acid batteries for upss; solar cell power unit; solid oxide fuel cell (1); battery management system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hydrogen seems to possess all the characteristics to store the excess of electrical energy produced during off-peak periods. Hydrogen energy storage plants could be environmentally non-polluting, easy to place, not sensible to load variation, unbounded in size, efficient and safe. These last two features seem to contradict one another. An option that could give a reliable solution is the storage of hydrogen in metal hydride and the storage of oxygen as a liquid. Such a choice is probably the safest one to make and allows the achievement of efficiencies comparable to those obtainable with gaseous storage of both electrolytic products. The power consumption for H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} storage is only 3% of the total energy stored and the charging ratio approaches the values obtained with hydro-pumped storage plants. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To test the hypothesis that a maternally transmitted cytoplasmic microorganism is involved in male hybrid sterility found in H. subflexa (Guenee) X H. virescens (F.) hybrid and backcross progeny, we reared H. subflexa, hybrids and backcross progeny on larval diets containing high concentrations of tetracycline, penicillin G, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamicin, rifampin, and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine. The insects tolerated relatively high concentrations (from 120 mg/liter to 6 g/liter) of antibiotics in the larval diet and showed virtually no changes in larval or pupal developmental time, adult lifespan, or fertility. Hybrid and backcross males reared on such adulterated diets were as sterile as those reared on conventional diets.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Material degradation of pressure tubes, which are the most important components in CANDU fuel channel, can only be evaluated by removing and examining them(material surveillance). This study aimed at establishment of overall evaluation technology including the evaluation of the material degradation for the integrity of pressure tubes of Wolsung units. Material tests for pressure tubes were performed as follows; (1) Evaluation on life limiting factors of pressure tubes (2) Review on leak-before-break and integrity maintenance technology of pressure tubes (3) Survey on selection criteria for tubes to be inspected and on related regulations for material surveillance (4) Analysis of material surveillance test procedure (5) Basic examinations of Wolsung unit 1 pressure tube material(TEM, texture, chemical component etc) (6) Manufacture of test equipments and test (DHCV, hydriding, grip and tensile specimen etc). 23 figs, 6 tabs, 59 refs. (Author).

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The micro-arrangement of hydrogen atoms and the electronic properties of hydrides LaNi_5H_x (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) have been systematically investigated by means of the density functional theory using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated results indicate that H atoms prefer to occupy the 12n site in the #alpha# solid solution phase. For the #beta# phase, once the first H atom locates in the basal plane (12n site), and because it is difficult for the second H atom to still locate in the 12n site, the second H atom would prefer to occupy the middle plane site (6m site). When the number of H atoms increases from 3 to 5, they would occupy the other 12n and 6m sites by turns. Furthermore, our optimized data indicate that the structures P3 and P63mc are the most favorable structures of LaNi_5H_6 and LaNi_5H_7, respectively. From the analysis of the densities ...

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Composite particles represented as TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3-Raney Ni(R) were prepared by ball-milling a TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3 alloy with Raney Ni in the presence of 0.01 M sodium hypophosphite (NaH_2PO_2) aqueous solution as a reducing agent. The composite particles had different morphology from original TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3 alloy particles and TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3-Raney Ni composite particles prepared by the ball-milling in the absence of the NaH_2PO_2 aqueous solution. In charge-discharge cycle tests, the TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3-Raney Ni(R) composite electrode showed the maximum discharge capacity of 620 mAh g"-"1, while its cycle durability was similar to the TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3 alloy electrode, which was explained from depth profiles of constituent elements by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). In thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), two steps of dehydriding for hydrided TiV_2_._1Ni_0_._3-Raney Ni(R) composite started from much lower temperature than ...

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Grain refinement behavior of copper alloys cast in permanent molds was investigated. This is one of the least studied subjects in copper alloy castings. Grain refinement is not widely practiced for leaded copper alloys cast in sand molds. Aluminum bronzes and high strength yellow brasses, cast in sand and permanent molds, were usually fine grained due to the presence of more than 2% iron. Grain refinement of the most common permanent mold casting alloys, leaded yellow brass and its lead-free replacement EnviroBrass III, is not universally accepted due to the perceived problem of hard spots in finished castings and for the same reason these alloys contain very low amounts of iron. The yellow brasses and Cu-Si alloys are gaining popularity in North America due to their low lead content and amenability for permanent mold casting. These alloys are prone to hot tearing in permanent mold casting. Grain refinement is one of the solutions for reducing this problem. However, to use this ...

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All stable even-A molybdenum isotopes and sup(90,92)Zr have been investigated with the (d, "6Li) reaction at Esub(d) = 45 MeV to study proton- and neutron-pair correlations. Differential cross sections were measured for states up to Esub(x) = 3 MeV in "8"6Sr, sup(88,92,94,96)Zr and up to 6 MeV in "8"8Sr and "9"0Zr. Particular attention was paid to the comparison of #alpha#-pickup data with two-nucleon pickup data. The population of low-lying 0"+ and 5"- states for two-neutron and four-nucleon pickup reactions was calculated using simple phenomenological wave functions for the initial and final states. The results of these calculations are in satisfactory agreement with the data. (orig.).

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The distribution of the alkaline earth elements strontium and barium between the solid phases of phosphates of transition elements of group 4 and chloride melts was studied. The distribution coefficients of strontium and barium were found at T = 700-800/sup 0/C. Phosphates of the type NaM/sub 2//sup (IV)/(PO/sub 4/)/sub 3/, where M/sub (IV)/ represents titanium, zirconium, and hafnium, were used as the solid phases. It was established that there is an enrichment of the precipitates with the distributed components. The distribution coefficient depends on the nature of the solid phase and the temperature. It was suggested that M/sup (II)/ x M/sub 4//sup (IV)/(PO/sub 4/)/sub 6/ is formed in processes of distribution, where M/sup (II)/ represents Sr, Ba.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Within the framework of the CRC 799 -TRIP-Matrix-Composites- at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg new composite materials consisting of TRIP steel and zirconium dioxide ceramics are designed in a powder route and a casting route. To manufacture faultless samples basic investigations of the feeding and infiltration behaviour within macro porous ceramics such as filters were needed. The effects of bottom pouring and top pouring were investigated as well as the effects of different preheating temperatures, contents of phosphorous in the steel and flow trough rates. Bottom pouring corrupts the feeding mainly of filters with high ppi (pores per inch). Top pouring improves the feeding, but generates inhomogeneous infiltration qualities, which can affected and enhanced by a increasing preheat...

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In order to improve the well-known short operational life time of BF3 counters, three potential adsorbents for impurity gases (graphite, activated charcoal and a zirconium-aluminum mixture) were introduced into BF3 counters in the form of coating on the aluminum cathode surface. Tests in el fields revealed that a partial coating of activated charcoal provides the best result. The improvement of their operational life in el fields was about three orders of magnitude in terms of tolerable exposure. Many counters with a partial coating of activated charcoal were further tested from the following viewpoints: background noise, vibration and shock, el pulse discrimination, operational life in a neutron field and non-operational in-reactor exposure life. The results were satisfactory for reactor control and protection usage. (author).

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Ionizing radiations that differ in number, size, and distribution of energy deposition events might be expected to cause different effects for the same absorbed dose. Furthermore, microdosimetry calculations suggest that large variations in biological effectiveness might be expected for internally deposited alpha-emitting radionuclides for the same absorbed dose, depending upon the specific activity and spatial distribution of the sources in tissue. The study described in this article was designed to demonstrate these phenomena in vitro. Cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1 BH4) cells were exposed in vitro to inert, insoluble ceramic microspheres in zirconium dioxide labeled with "2"3"9Pu. The average exit energy of the 5.15 MeV alpha particle was calculated to be 4.3 MeV. Exposure times varied from four to seven hours to achieve the desired dose level.

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The present results indicate that maximum selectivity to acrylic acid can be reached over V-P-Zr-O catalysts. When the hydrocarbon concentration is 5.1 vol.% the selectivity is about 30% at quite high paraffin conversion. Conclusively, some explanations to the observed facts can be given. The V-P-O catalyst promotion with lanthanum by means of mechanochemical treatment is distinguished by the additive uniform spreading all over the matrix surface. Such twophase system is highly active in propane conversion (lanthanum oxide) and further oxidation of the desired products. The similar properties are attributed to V-P-Bi-La-O catalyst. Bismuth, tellurium and zirconium additives having clearly defined acidic properties provoke the surface acidity strengthening and make easier desorption of the acidic product (acrylic acid) from the surface lowering its further oxidation. Additionally, since bismuth and zirconium are able to form phosphates and, ...

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Isotherms have been measured for H(D){sub 2}(g) solution in crystalline Pd{sub 9}Si{sub 2} in the temperature range from 235 to 373 K. The solubilities are significant, e.g., at 1.0 MPa (298 K), (H/Pd) = 0.052 or Pd{sub 9}Si{sub 2}H{sub 0.47}, however, there is no indication of hydride phase formation even down to 235 K at 1.0 MPa. The thermodynamic values for hydrogen solutions at infinite dilution of hydrogen are {Delta}H{degrees}{sub H}= -11.9 kJ/mole {1/2}H{sub 2} and {Delta}S{degrees}{sub H} = -50 J/K mole {1/2}H{sub 2}. The former is more negative than for Pd-H{sub 2} and the latter is somewhat more positive; but generally the values are not that different from Pd-H{sub 2}. The isotope effect is similar to that found for Pd-H(D){sub 2}.

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The search for alternative energy supplies continues since the oil crisis of 1973. One energy vector is dihydrogen, H_2. Of the group VI hydrides, water has been the focus of most studies in harnessing solar energy and generating H_2. Two basic photochemical strategies have been employed: molecular photocatalytic systems, and semiconductor based photocatalytic systems. The results have not met with the euphoric expectations of the mid-1970's because of the difficulties encountered in H_2O splitting (E"0 S"2 "-/S = + 0.51 eV, NHE) is another vehicle tapped as a potential source of H_2. Heterogeneous photocatalysis utilizing semiconductor particulates and sunlight as the photon source has been successful with interesting quantum efficiencies. To this end, novel photocatalytic devices have been developed; one of these uses two coupled semiconductors to achieve vectorial displacement of the photogenerated reducing and oxidizing equivalents. An important area in which ...

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The mobility of metals in ground water is an important consideration for evaluating remedial options at the Asarco smelter site. Tacoma, Washington. One factor in assessing metal mobility is the degree of secondary mineralization in a slag-fill aquifer extending into the intertidal zone along the Puget Sound shoreline. Samples of aquifer material were collected for mineralogical analysis from borehole MW-206 at five-foot intervals within the slag fill from 5 to 25 feet below the ground surface, and in the underlying marine sand and gravel at 27 feet. Grab samples of slag fragments with visually apparent secondary minerals were also collected at five intermediate depths between 12 and 19 feet. Samples were analyzed by a variety of techniques including hydride generation/atomic absorption for arsenic concentration, scanning electron microscopy/electron microprobe for mineralogical texture and microanalysis, powder x-ray diffraction for mineral identification, and ...

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Molar heat capacities have been measured for VHsub(n) and NbHsub(n) with n up to 1.93 at temperatures between 1.5 and 16 K. The height of the peak in plots of the electronic specific heat, indicating superconductivity, diminishes with increasing hydrogen content in the #alpha# + #beta# two-phase region, and can be taken as a measure of the fractional amount of #alpha#-phase present (lever-rule). In NbHsub(n) accordingly, the two-phase region presumably extends up to n = approximately 0.9 at helium temperatures. No hydride phase, including VH_2 and NbH_2, showed superconductivity above 1.5 K. The measured #gamma#-coefficients of the V/H-alloys agree with APW band-structure calculations for V metal in the range 5 =< nsub(e) =< 7 of band electron concentration. They coincide with the #gamma#-coefficients of V/Cr-alloys reported in the literature. Hence VHsub(n) represents another example of the 'shifting bands' concept developed recently for PdHsub(n). (author).

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The Electrochemical Technology Program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) provides advanced battery R&D; technology transfer to industry; technical analyses, assessments, modeling, and databases; and independent testing and post-test analyses of advanced batteries. These capabilities and services are being offered to the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) are being negotiated for USABC-sponsored work at ANL. A small portion of DOE`s cost share for USABC projects has been provided to ANL to continue R&D and testing activities on key technologies that were previously supported directly by DOE. This report summarizes progress on these USABC projects during the period of April I through September 30, 1992. In this report, the objective, background, technical progress, and status are described for each task. The work is organized into the following task areas: 1.0 Lithium/Sulfide Batteries; 2.0 Nickel/Metal ...

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The conversion of off-peak surplus electricity into peak electricity through an electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell energy storage system was discussed. Development efforts in high pressure alkaline electrolysis and Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells have improved the near-term viability of these systems. Potential use of wind turbines and other renewable energy-based generation systems, through hydrogen-based energy storage, were discussed as a new supply of surplus electricity. An integrated set of nomographs were presented for providing quick estimates of peak electricity costs derived from an electrolyzer/hydrogen fuel cell system. The nomographs allowed first order cost comparisons of centralized versus distributed hydrogen energy systems considering trade-offs between production economies of scale and hydrogen storage and transport costs. Use of the nomographs to compare centralized and dispersed systems was demonstrated. Results showed that all else being equal, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A one-nanometer scale transmission electron microscope electron probe X-ray microanalysis characterization of as-deposited and annealed aluminum--11.5 at.% zirconium multilayer samples in cross-section synthesized by magnetron sputtering is reported on here. Composition line profiles were acquired across Zr layers in as-deposited material and samples isochronally annealed in a differential scanning calorimeter to temperatures of 290 C and 485 C. A spatial resolution of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 nm was achieved in these experiments and will be improved by deconvolution of the instrumental electron probe function from the data. The as-deposited structure consisted of crystalline Al and Zr layers with thin amorphous layers at the Al/Zr interfaces. The amorphous interface layers increased in thickness upon annealing to 290 C. Additionally, at 290 C a metastable cubic alloy forms at the Zr deposited on Al interface. Upon heating to 485 C a multilayer of Al and metastable ...

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Total hemispherical emittance was measured for the SP-100 reactor fuel cladding alloy (Nb-l% Zr). Based on a standard test method (ASTM C 835-82), experiments were conducted on a reference sample of oxidized stainless steel and then on a sample of actual cladding. The sample is heated in a vacuum by passing DC current through it until reaching equilibrium. Measurements are made of the electrical power dissipated in the sample and of the surface temperature. Using the Stefan-Boltzmann Law and some key assumptions concerning conductive and radiative heat transfer, the measured quantities are used to calculate emittance. Calculated values for unoxidized cladding range from 0.159 +/- 5.35% at 913 K to 0.200 +/- 4.51% at 1091 K. Highest value measured after onset of visible oxidation was 0.339 +/- 3.92% at 1269 K.... SP-100, Reactor, Emittance, Niobium, Fuel cladding, Emissivity.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this study nanocrystalline powders of yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO_2-8Y_2O_3) have been synthesized through 'polymerized complex method'. Zirconium chloride, yttrium nitrate, citric acid and ethylene glycol were polymerized at 80 "oC to produce a gel-like mass in which metallic ions were uniformly distributed. During the thermal treatment of dried gel, nanocrystalline powder was formed at 450 "oC and 650 "oC for 2 h. Thermal reactions and crystalline phase formation of the dried gel were investigated through thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The results of thermal analysis and XRD showed the formation of nanocrystalline powder at less than 600 "oC. Chemical bonding of the dried gel was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Morphology of powder calcined at 650 "oC was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Yttria-stabilized zirconia powders with the mean crystallite size of 6 nm were prepared ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study presents the findings of radiometric analysis carried out to determine the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in raw materials (clay, kaolin, quartz, feldspar, dolomite, alumina, bauxite, zirconium minerals, red mud and frit) and end products (glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles) in the Turkish ceramics industry. Hundred forty-six samples were obtained from various manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country and analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detectors. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, activity concentration index and alpha index were calculated to assess the radiological aspects of the use of the ceramic end products as decorative or covering materials in construction sector. Results obtained were examined in the light of the relevant national and international legislation and guidance and compared with the results of similar studies reported in different countries. The results suggest ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Propylene polymerizations were carried out with {phi}{sub 2}C(Flu)(Cp)ZrCl{sub 2} and SiMe{sub 2}(Ind)2ZrCl{sub 2} catalysts supported on silica, zeolite sodic mordenite (NaM) and acid mordenite (HM). The polymerizations were performed at different temperatures and varying aluminium/zirconium molar ratios ([Al]/[Zr]). The effect of these reaction parameters on the catalyst activity was investigated using a proposed statistical experimental planning. In the case of f{sub 2}C(Flu)(Cp)ZrCl{sub 2}, SiO{sub 2} and NaM were used as support and the catalyst performance evaluated using toluene and pentane as polymerization solvent. The molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, melting point and crystallinity of the polymers were examined. The results indicate very high activities for the syndiospecific heterogeneous system. Also, the polymers obtained had superior Mw and stereo regularity. (author)

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The corrosion resistance of zircaloy is affected by conditions of heat treatment in the manufacturing steps to be formed into a final product as a structural material. In the manufacturing method of the present invention, a Zr alloy controlled to contain Sn: 0.8 to 1.2wt%, Fe: 0.17 to 0.28wt%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.15wt%, Ni: 0.04 to 0.10wt%, Nb: 0.01 to 0.09wt%, oxygen: 1,000 to 1,500ppm and Si, an Si impurity at a concentration of 120ppm or less and balance of Zr is melted into a cast piece, to which #beta# hardening is applied. Then, rolling and annealing treatment are applied so that the total heat input amount to the material: #SIGMA#Ai ranges from 1 x 10"-"1"9 to 1 x 10"-"1"7. With such procedures, a Zr alloy structural material for a reactor core having excellent homogeneous corrosion resistance and hydrogen absorption resistance for a long period of time while having a sufficient strength can be obtained even in a case where Sn content is relatively low as from 0.8 to 1.2wt%. (T.M.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The electrometallurgical treatment process described in this paper builds on our experience in treating spent fuel from the Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-II). The work is also to some degree, a spin-off from applying electrometallurgical treatment to spent fuel from the Hanford single pass reactors (SPRs) and fuel and flush salt from the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) in treating EBR-II fuel, we recover the actinides from a uranium-zirconium fuel by electrorefining the uranium out of the chopped fuel. With SPR fuel, uranium is electrorefined out of the aluminum cladding. Both of these processes are conducted in a LiCl-KCl molten-salt electrolyte. In the case of the MSRE, which used a fluoride salt-based fuel, uranium in this salt is recovered through a series of electrochemical reductions. Recovering high-purity uranium from an aluminum-matrix fuel is more challenging than treating SPR or EBR-II fuel because the aluminum- matrix fuel is typically -90% ...

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During 17 years since the start of operation of the first commercial LWR in Japan, many LWRs have experienced various corrosion damages, but the causes of them were clarified, and the counter-measures were executed effectively in actual plants, as the results, the cause of corrosion damage decreased remarkably, and now, the high rate of operation has become to be maintained. In this paper, the major cases of corrosion damage experienced in LWRs in Japan and foreign countries, the causes of them and the countermeasures, the problems of hereafter and so on are described. The corrosion damage of metallic materials in the environment of LWRs occurs in the parts in contact with high temperature, high pressure water and steam, such as stainless steel piping in the primary cooling system of BWRs, and nickel alloy heating tubes of steam generators, carbon steel feed water piping and zirconium alloy fuel cladding tubes in PWRs. Recently, accompanying the advance of LWR ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents a new methodology to create realistic 3D microstructures of polycrystals. The virtual microstructures are based on statistical data describing the morphological and crystallographic textures of a sample, obtained from an EBSD analysis. In addition, the methodology can reproduce the observed surface on top of the simulated microstructure. This feature allows finite element calculations on these virtual aggregates to be compared to experimental results of mechanical tests. Such a comparison leads to the identification of the mechanical parameters of constitutive laws, such as critical resolved shear stress and strain hardening, using an optimization algorithm. Two materials were simulated in this study: TiAl and grade 702 zirconium. The first one presents twins inside the microstructure and the second one has an anisotropic texture. Based on 2D simulations, the important parameters necessary to describe a microstructure were identified as grain ...

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Trihydroxynaphthalene reductase catalyzes two intermediate steps in the fungal melanin biosynthetic pathway. The enzyme, a typical short-chain dehydrogenase, is the biochemical target of three commercial fungicides. The fungicides bind preferentially to the NADPH form of the enzyme. Three X-ray structures of the Magnaporthe grisea enzyme complexed with NADPH and two commercial and one experimental fungicide were determined at 1.7 {angstrom} (pyroquilon), 2.0 {angstrom} (2,3-dihydro-4-nitro-1H-inden-1-one, 1), and 2.1 {angstrom} (phthalide) resolutions. The chemically distinct inhibitors occupy similar space within the enzyme's active site. The three inhibitors share hydrogen bonds with the side chain hydroxyls of Ser-164 and Tyr-178 via a carbonyl oxygen (pyroquilon and 1) or via a carbonyl oxygen and a ring oxygen (phthalide). Active site residues occupy similar positions among the three structures. A buried water molecule that is hydrogen bonded to the NZ nitrogen of Lys-182 ...

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This proceedings volume is organized into seven sections that reflect the materials systems and issues of electrochemical materials R and D in batteries, fuel cells, and capacitors. The first three parts are largely devoted to lithium ion rechargeable battery materials since that electrochemical system has received much of the attention from the scientific community. Part 1 discusses cathodes for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as various other battery systems. Part 2 deals with electrolytes and cell stability, and Part 3 discusses anode developments, focusing on carbon and metal oxides. Part 4 focuses on another rechargeable system that has received substantial interest, nickel/metal hydride battery materials. The next two parts discuss fuel cells--Part 5 deals with Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and Part 6 discusses oxide materials for solid oxide fuel cells. The former has the benefit of operating around room temperature, whereas the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of phosphorus on the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes is studied in detail in this work. A literature review showed that there are a lot of things known about the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Al-bronzes. In spite of their corrosion resistance the corrosion properties and the structure of the protective oxide films of Al-bronzes were seldom a matter of interest. Systematic studies of the influence of different alloying elements on the oxide film and the corrosion properties are rare. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes, made by alloying particular elements. The high corrosion resistance of the new alloy CuAl_2_0P_1 was the reason to investigate the influence of phosphorus on the corrosion properties of Al-bronzes in more detail. A systematic study of the microstructure and the corrosion properties of Cu, CuP_x, CuAl_2_0 and CuAl_2_0P_x offers an insight into the effect of aluminium and phosphorus on the ...

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Studies are made in this program to enhance our understanding of the role of 5f electrons in chemical bonding. Most of our studies on the macroscopic scale emphasize certain isotopes available from the National Transplutonium Production Program centered at HFIR/TRU -namely, _9_6"2"4"8Cm, _9_7"2"4"9Bk, _9_8"2"4"9Cf, _9_9"2"5"3Es, and _9_9"2"5"4Es. Particular classes of compounds, such as hydrides, chalcogenides, and pnictides are often selected for study on the basis of their utility in bringing out significant chemical differences between the lanthanides and the actinides. High temperature/high pressure experiments on actinide metals and compounds reveal characteristics about the degree of 5f electron localization as a function of atomic number in the series. Magnetic properties of metals and compounds are investigated using ultra-sensitive methods and hydration numbers of ions in solution are investigated by neutron scattering at HFIR. As a result of a recently ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An effective procedure for removing _3H, Xe and Kr from irradiated fuels was demonstrated using Shippingport UO"2 fuel. The release characteristics of _3H, Kr, Xe, and I from irradiated nuclear fuel have been determined as a function of temperature and gaseous environment. Vacuum outgassing and a flowing gas stream have been used to vary the gaseous environment. Vacuum outgassing released about 99% of the _3H and 20% of both Kr and Xe within a 3 h at 1500_0C. Similar results were obtained using a carrier gas of He containing 6% H"2. However, a carrier gas containing only He resulted in the release of approximately 80% of the _3H and 99% of both Kr and Xe. These results indicate that the release of these volatile fission products from irradiated nuclear fuel is a function of the chemical composition of the gaseous environment. The rate of tritium release increased with increasing temperature (1100 to 1500_0C) and with the addition of hydrogen to the gas stream. Using crushed UO"2 fuel ...

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Three kinds of surface modifications were carried out on LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-films to improve the charge and discharge characteristics of LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} positive electrodes. Among them, Zr(OBu){sub 4}/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-treated LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-film electrodes showed charge and discharge efficiency of 80-84% in the first cycle, which was much higher than that for an untreated LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} thin-film electrode (73%). The values of the charge and discharge efficiency were still higher than that for an untreated electrode after the 30th cycle. The charge and discharge curves gave two plateaus at around 4.72 and 4.76 V, which were very similar to those for the untreated electrode. Ac impedance spectroscopy revealed that the surface film resistance should not increase by Zr(OBu){sub 4}/PMMA treatment. XPS measurements suggest that a composite layer should be formed on a LiNi{sub 1/2}Mn{sub 3/2}O{sub 4} ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Over the recent years the nuclear structure around the N = 50 shell closure, which is very pronounced in the strontium and zirconium isotopes, has been the subject of extensive experimental and theoretical work. On the proton side Z = 38 and Z = 40 provide fairly closed sub-shells. In the strontium isotopes the lg/sub 9/2/ neutron shell is closed at "8"8Sr, supplying relatively pure neutron-hole and neutron-particle states with large spectroscopic factors in "8"7Sr and "8"9Sr, as well as core-coupled states. The mass region is thus ideally suited to examine the transition from a correlated to an uncorrelated (chaotic?) excitational behavior. These two types are characterized e.g. by the density of excited states, the transition strengths, and the spectroscopic factors observed in transfer reactions. We conducted (n,#gamma#) and (d,p) reactions leading to /sup 87,88,89/Sr in addition to "8"8Sr(d,t)"8"7Sr and 24 keV neutron capture in "8"8Sr. The vast amounts of data ...

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The reaction of uranium oxides and chlorine to prepare anhydrous uranium tetrachloride (UCl{sub 4}) are important to more economical preparation of uranium metal. The most practical reactions require carbon or carbon monoxide (CO) to give CO or carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) as waste gases. The chemistry of U-O-Cl compounds is very complex with valances of 3, 4, 5, and 6 and with stable oxychlorides. Literature was reviewed to collect thermochemical data, phase equilibrium information, and results of experimental studies. Calculations using thermodynamic data can identify the probable reactions, but the results are uncertain. All the U-O-Cl compounds have large free energies of formation and the calculations give uncertain small differences of large numbers. The phase diagram for UCl{sub 4}-UO{sub 2} shows a reaction to form uranium oxychloride (UOCl{sub 2}) that has a good solubility in molten UCl{sub 4}. This appears more favorable to good rates of reaction than reaction of solids and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4 tubing materials were irradiated with 1 MeV proton at 350 degrees C to doses of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 dpa respectively. Both microstructure examination and nodular corrosion test (500 degrees C, 1500 psi steam) were performed in order to understand the relationship between the microstructural evolution and the corrosion resistance of these alloys under irradiation. Neutron-irradiated Zircaloy-2 specimens which were obtained from a failed BWR fuel rod cladding were also studied. Specimens of three different neutron fluences were investigated; namely, 2.6x10"2"4, 3.2x10"2"5, 3.8x10"2"5, (E_n#>=#1MeV). The results indicated that the higher the irradiation dose the better the nodular corrosion resistance of both Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4. It is concluded that irradiation-induced precipitate dissolution and irradiation-enhanced diffusion may increase the solute concentration in the matrix and make it distributed more evenly which in turn increases the nodular ...

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A molybdenum (Mo) adsorbent called PZC (Poly Zirconium Compound) with high efficiency of Mo adsorption has been developed in order to generate {sup 99m}Tc from {sup 99}Mo produced from natural Mo by (n, gamma) method. The {sup 99m}Tc generator using PZC has cleared mostly the technical subjects. By the results of many experiments, cold and hot test with {sup 99}Mo activity from low level (10{sup 5} Bq) to high level (10{sup 10} Bq), it has been confirmed that the PZC method can be practically applied for the (n, gamma) {sup 99}Mo-{sup 99m}Tc generator. From the reasons that PZC has the ability and many merits such as high adsorption capacity (>250 mg-Mo/g-PZC) of Mo, high elution yield (av. 80%) of {sup 99m}Tc, the low breakthrough (<0.05 kBq-{sup 99m}Mo/MBq-{sup 99m}Tc) of {sup 99}Mo and others, the current (n, fission) {sup 99m}Tc generator utilizing {sup 99}Mo produced from enriched uranium will be taken the place by PZC method. In this paper, the ...

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Alloying elements such as Fe and Cr are generally considered to be effective even in small quantities for corrosion resistance of Zircaloy-4. The maximum total solubility of Fe + Cr in a Zr-Sn matrix has been reported to be very low. Therefore, most of these elements are observed in the form of ternary Zr-Fe-Cr-type precipitates. To clarify the effects of precipitates on corrosion property, Zr-1.3 Sn-(Fe,Cr) alloys containing Fe + Cr from 45 up to 180 ppm (the Fe to Cr ratio is about 2) were melted from pure zirconium (X-bar Zr and EB-Zr) and pure alloying elements. They were subjected to corrosion testing in 633 K water and microstructural analysis. It was found that precipitate-free materials showed much larger weight gains than precipitate-containing materials even at the same alloy compositions. Subsequently, a corrosion test on the precipitate-free material galvanically coupled with a noble intermetallic compound of Zr(Fe{sub 0.66}Cr{sub 0.33}){sub 2} was ...

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In this work, wet ball milling method is used in order to improve hydrogen sorption behaviour due to its improved microstructure of solid hydrogen materials. Compared to traditional ball milling method, wet ball milling has benefits on improvement of MgH{sub 2} microstructure and further influences on its hydrogen sorption behavior. With the help of solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF), wet ball milled MgH{sub 2} powder has much smaller particle size and its specific surface area is 7 times as large as that of dry ball milled MgH{sub 2} powder. Although after ball milling the grain size is decreased a lot compared to as-received MgH{sub 2} powder, the grain size of wet ball milled MgH{sub 2} powder is larger than that of dry ball milled MgH{sub 2} powder due to the lubricant effect of solvent THF during wet ball milling. The improved particle size and specific surface area of wet ball milled MgH{sub 2} powder is found to be determining its hydrogen sorption kinetics especially at relatively ...

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Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides ...

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This proceedings volume comprises 17 papers on the following subjects: Methane hydrates, compounds of gas and water; Compressed air stroage gas turbine power plants / Scheduled application for load levelling between varying wind power production and power demand; Modern pumped storage power stations in the GW range - the PSW Goldisthal example; Lead batteries - new developments and future applications; Alkaline battery systems for hybrid electric road vehicles; Lighium systems and their applications; Zinc/air cells; Hydrogen storage - metal hydride storage, compressed gas storage, LNG storage; Carbon nanofibres for hydrogen storage; Double-layer condensers - technology, cost, perslpectives; Supercondensers in motor vehicles; Superconducting magnetic energy stores; Flywheel storage - status report; Decentralized energy storage in the European integrated supply grid - the EU project DISPOWER; Intercontinental integration of power supply - perspectives of full-scale ...

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For a new and practical {sup 99m}Tc generator using not (n, f){sup 99}Mo, but (n, {gamma}){sup 99}Mo, an inorganic polymer adsorbent framed with oxygen-zirconium-chlorine bonds with a high adsorption performance of Mo has been developed; the polymer adsorbent was named PZC. The amounts of {sup 99}Mo (Mo) adsorbed are stably more than 250 mg/g(PZC). But, the current experiments with 0.5 MBq to 1.85 GBq of {sup 99}Mo gave a subject that the breakthrough of {sup 99}Mo in the elution of {sup 99m}Tc from the adsorbent was 0.05-0.5 %, although the breakthrough of Zr was less than the detection limit of 5 x 10{sup -2} mg(Zr) to 1 g of PZC, and {sup 99m}Tc was eluted constantly with 78{+-}4%. To apply the adsorbent as a generator commercially in Japan, the {sup 99}Mo breakthroughed from the generator must be suppressed to less than 0.15 kBp({sup 99}Mo)/MBq({sup 99m}Tc) by law which is equivalent to 0.015 %, and the {sup 99}Mo breakthrough is controlled practically to less ...