Abstract:
A platinum resistance thermometer has an outer housing with a bore that receives a temperature sensor assembly including a mandrel having a sensing section with a platinum wire wound thereon and supported in the bore with a non-cohesive powder material that will distribute stresses caused by differential thermal expansion between the housing and the temperature sensor assembly. A second portion of the mandrel is supported in the bore with a rigid epoxy to mechanically support the sensor assembly with the sensing section cantilevered from the rigid epoxy.
Abstract:
A particle accelerator (12) generates an input particle beam having an initial energy level above a threshold for generating secondary nuclear particles. A thin target (14) is rotated in the path of the input beam for undergoing nuclear reactions to generate the secondary particles and correspondingly decrease energy of the input beam to about the threshold. The target (14) produces low energy secondary particles and is effectively cooled by radiation and conduction. A neutron scatterer (44) and a neutron filter (42) are also used for preferentially degrading the secondary particles into a lower energy range if desired.
Abstract:
A process for electrochemically gasifying coal by establishing a flowing stream of coal particulate slurry, electrolyte and electrode members through a transverse magnetic field that has sufficient strength to polarize the electrode members, thereby causing them to operate in combination with the electrolyte to electrochemically reduce the coal particulate in the slurry. Such electrochemical reduction of the coal produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide at opposite ends of the polarized electrode members. Gas collection means are operated in conjunction with the process to collect the evolved gases as they rise from the slurry and electrolyte solution.
Abstract:
A magnetically focused liquid drop radiator for application in rejecting rgy from a spacecraft, characterized by a magnetizable liquid or slurry disposed in operative relationship within the liquid droplet generator and its fluid delivery system, in combination with magnetic means disposed in operative relationship around a liquid droplet collector of the LDR. The magnetic means are effective to focus streams of droplets directed from the generator toward the collector, thereby to assure that essentially all of the droplets are directed into the collector, even though some of the streams may be misdirected as they leave the generator. The magnetic focusing means is also effective to suppress splashing of liquid when the droplets impinge on the collector.
Abstract:
A package and process of using the package for disposal of radioactive cesium and strontium waste capsules. The package comprises a standard Hanford vitrified high-level waste canister as an outer container, which is approximately filled with three components: the first is a monolithic material with a defined cavity having a composite density less than about 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting temperature above that expected within the disposal package; the second is a frame for limiting relative movement of the capsules; and, the third are components forming an uninterrupted physical contact, thermal conduction pathway from the waste container to the outside of the package. The package includes lids for closing the disposal package. In the method of the invention, the capsules are loaded into position within the monolithic material, encased in thermally conducting material, and then lids are added to close the package.
Abstract:
The Advanced Vitrification System (AVS) Melting Process is a process for vitrification of waste in a disposable canister. In the process, waste is dropped into the disposable canister from the top. While the waste is being dropped into the disposable canister, radiant energy is added to the space above the waste in the canister, such that the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere above the waste is higher than the melting point of the waste. Since only the space above the waste in the canister is heated, the temperature of the melt decreases with increasing depth of the waste in the canister. The decreasing temperature permits a small surface melt volume to be maintained and solidified product to form with increasing depth. The process continues until the disposable canister is filled, then all heating is stopped and the disposable canister allowed to cool to ambient temperature.
Abstract:
A method of filling a canister with vitrified waste starting with a waste, such as high-level radioactive waste, that is cooler than its melting point. Waste is added incrementally to a canister forming a column of waste capable of being separated into an upper zone and a lower zone. The minimum height of the column is defined such that the waste in the lower zone can be dried and melted while maintaining the waste in the upper zone below its melting point. The maximum height of the column is such that the upper zone remains porous enough to permit evolved gases from the lower zone to flow through the upper zone and out of the canister. Heat is applied to the waste in the lower zone to first dry then to raise and maintain its temperature to a target temperature above the melting point of the waste. Then the heat is applied to a new lower zone above the melted waste and the process of adding, drying and melting the waste continues upward in the canister until the entire canister is filled and the entire contents are melted and maintained at the target temperature for the desired period. Cooling of the melted waste takes place incrementally from the bottom of the canister to the top, or across the entire canister surface area, forming a vitrified product.
Abstract:
A method for the in-situ vitrification of waste materials in a disposable can that includes an inner container and an outer container is disclosed. The method includes the steps of adding frit and waste materials to the inner container, removing any excess water, heating the inner container such that the frit and waste materials melt and vitrify after cooling, while maintaining the outer container at a significantly lower temperature than the inner container. The disposable can is then cooled to ambient temperatures and stored. A device for the in-situ vitrification of waste material in a disposable can is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A device for irrigating the oral cavity with liquid from a commercially available, factory prepared package or container which includes a discharge nozzle and a hand operated pump unit for delivering an antiplaque or similar liquid of therapeutic value to areas in the oral cavity which are remote and difficult to reach. The package or container is provided with a female module having a specifically configured opening to accept a male module on the pump unit with the modules including interlocking components which are engaged and disengaged by a partial rotation and including a seal which provides a leak proof communication between the interior of the container or package and the pump unit with the configuration of the modules being such that a specific mating configuration must be used in order to connect the modules. The package or container includes an upper end portion that is openable and separate from the liquid containing portion to provide a storage area for the pump unit.