Abstract:
A portable detection apparatus can include a housing, a first detector for detecting ionizing radiation from a first subject and a second detector within the housing for the detecting the background radiation. A shield within the housing can surround the first and second detectors and define a shield aperture around the first and second detectors for radiation from the subject to enter the housing. A radiation blocking member can substantially block at least a portion of the ionizing radiation from reaching the second detector, whereby radiation detected by the second detector comprises substantially only the background radiation. A processor module can be connected to the first and second detectors for determining the amount of ionizing radiation detected by the first detector attributable to secondary radiation.
Abstract:
A method of removing hydrogen interstitially dissolved within an object can include: positioning a sorption pad having a contact surface and comprising a sorptive material; urging the contact surface into metallurgical contact with the first target surface while at a treatment temperature that is greater than about 200 degrees Celsius; c) maintaining the metallurgical contact for a treatment period during which the hydrogen migrates from the target object to the sorptive material; and at the conclusion of the treatment period, separating the contact surface from the first target surface and moving the sorption pad and any hydrogen sequestered therein away from the object.
Abstract:
An apparatus for use in making localized passive measurements of electromagnetic radiation emitted from an object located in a radioactive environment includes a hollow elongate conduit having a first end, a second end, and a reflective inner surface. The first end of the conduit is positionable in the radioactive environment proximate the object, and the second end of the conduit is positionable outside the radioactive environment. The conduit has at least one bend between the first end and the second end, such that light entering the first end of the conduit is reflected by the inner surface of the conduit at least once as it travels through the conduit before reaching the second end. A detector in optical communication with the second end of the conduit is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation that reaches the second end.
Abstract:
A hydrogen storage assembly includes at least one wafer formed of a substrate material that produces metal hydride when exposed to a hydrogen-rich carrier fluid. The wafer can be supported by a housing and arranged so that the hydrogen-rich carrier fluid can flow over a reaction surface of the wafer. At least one heating element can be arranged to transfer heat to the wafer to attain an operating temperature suitable for hydrogen charging on the reaction surface. A de-activation material may be provided on the reaction surface for inhibiting formation of surface oxide that impedes hydrogen absorption during charging and hydrogen desorption during discharging. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic plate wafers spaced apart about a central axis of the assembly. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic disc wafers in at least one stacked arrangement.
Abstract:
A method of preparing magnetite particles may include providing a first solution of substantially ferrous sulphate. The first solution may be converted by replacing sulphate ions with chloride ions to produce a second solution of substantially ferrous chloride. The second solution may be oxidized to produce a third solution of substantially iron oxide. A system for purifying a solution of substantially iron oxide may include a solution reservoir, at least one membrane unit, and at least one pump for circulating the solution between the solution reservoir and the membrane unit. The solution may be delivered from the solution reservoir to an inlet of the membrane unit, and/or the solution may be returned from an outlet of the membrane unit to the solution reservoir.
Abstract:
A conduit can include a sidewall and at least a first cavity can be disposed in the sidewall. The first cavity may include a first base surface portion and an opposing first cover surface portion disposed radially between the first base surface portion and the first inner surface so that a first portion of the sidewall is provided radially between the first cover surface portion and the inner surface. A first aperture may be in communication with the first cavity and may be axially spaced apart from the first cover surface portion. A first sensor may have a transducer portion insertable through the first aperture and positioned within the first cavity. The transducer portion may be disposed radially between the first base surface portion and the first cover surface portion and being axially spaced apart from the first aperture.
Abstract:
With a water, particulate and fibre mixture, a method of quantifying fibre content may include providing a sample of the mixture, filtering the sample to produce a particulate and fibre mixture, burning the particulate and fibre mixture to produce a fibre sample, and dissolving the fibre sample to produce a fibre solution. The fibre solution may be analyzed to determine an elemental content of the fibre solution. The elemental content may be compared to a known elemental content to estimate the fibre content.
Abstract:
A method of measuring ionizing radiation may include the steps of: a) creating charged particles; b) causing the charged particles to generate the electrons; c) collecting at least a portion of the multiplied free electrons using at least two anode pads provided within the chamber, each anode pad producing a corresponding anode output signal, to provide higher sensitivity; and d) recording each anode output signal.
Abstract:
A fuel channel assembly for a nuclear reactor may include an inner conduit received within an outer conduit that has an outer upper end connectable to a coolant outlet and an outer lower end. The inner conduit may have an inner upper end connectable to a coolant source and an inner lower end axially spaced apart from the inner upper end and disposed within the outer conduit to enable coolant to circulate from the coolant source to the coolant outlet through both the inner and outer conduits. A fuel bundle chamber may be between an inner surface of the outer conduit and an outer surface of the inner conduit and may at least partially laterally surround the inner conduit. The fuel bundle chamber fluidly connecting the inner lower end and the outer upper end to enable the coolant to flow upward through the fuel bundle chamber.
Abstract:
A method of determining a distance to a discontinuity within an object may include the steps of: a) generating a continuous, frequency modulated input signal having a predetermined frequency range and a frequency ramping speed using a signal generator and splitting the input signal into at least a test signal and a reference signal; b) generating an input sound wave based on the test signal and continuously introducing the input sound wave into the object using a transmitter and simultaneously receiving a reflected sound wave reflected by a discontinuity within the object and generating a corresponding return signal using a receiver; c) determining a frequency difference value based on a comparison of the reference signal and the return signal using a controller; and d) automatically determining a distance from the transmitter to the discontinuity within the object based on at least the frequency difference value and the frequency ramping speed.