Showing papers by "Westinghouse Electric published in 2007"

Combustion transition duct providing stage 1 tangential turning for turbine engines

Abstract: A transition duct (200) for routing a gas flow from a combustor (220) to the first rotating blade of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine has an internal passage from an inlet (204) to an outlet (210) that is offset from the inlet (204) in the longitudinal, radial and tangential directions. The offset outlet (210) and the curved internal passage discharge the gas flow toward the first stage blade array at an angle (216) in the tangential direction relative to the longitudinal direction. This angled discharge can be presented directly to the blades, thus avoiding the need for first stage vanes and the associated costs and complexity.

Fast neutron detection with silicon carbide semiconductor radiation detectors

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) radiation detectors are being developed for high-temperature applications in harsh radiation environments. Among these applications are characterization of nuclear reactor fuel and detection of concealed fissionable materials, which both require the optimization of SiC fast neutron detectors for detection and quantification of fission neutrons. In order to enhance fast-neutron sensitivity, proton recoil techniques are being used. Fission neutrons were simulated by using a 2.5-MeV deuterium-deuterium (D-D) neutron generator. In order to optimize the neutron detection sensitivity, 2.5-MeV neutron proton-recoil response measurements were made as a function of polyethylene converter layer thickness. Measurements were also made of the sensitivity of the SiC proton recoil detector as a function of angle of incidence of the neutrons. As expected from the angular sensitivity of the detector response, detection of neutrons normally incident to the detector face is favored allowing discrimination of background neutrons and possibly supplying information on the fissionable material location or configuration.

The effects of intense gamma-irradiation on the alpha-particle response of silicon carbide semiconductor radiation detectors

Abstract: Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor radiation detectors are being developed for alpha-particle, X-ray and Gamma-ray, and fast-neutron energy spectrometry. SiC detectors have been operated at temperatures up to 306 °C and have also been found to be highly resistant to the radiation effects of fast-neutron and charged-particle bombardments. In the present work, the alpha-particle response of a SiC detector based on a Schottky diode design has been carefully monitored as a function of 137 Cs gamma-ray exposure. The changes in response have been found to be negligible for gamma exposures up to and including 5.4 MGy, and irradiations to higher doses are in progress.

Maximum blade surface temperature estimation for advanced stationary gas turbines in near-infrared (with reflection)

Abstract: Methods for maximum scene surface temperature estimation for blades with reflective surface properties in advanced stationary gas turbines are disclosed. The approach utilizes high speed infrared imagery provided by an online monitor system using a focal plan array (FPA) for near-infrared monitoring during engine runtime up to base load. The one waveband method for temperature estimation is assumed as starting point. A lower surface emissivity and higher surface reflectance of thermal barrier coating (TBC) in near-infrared can cause systematic estimation errors. Methods using the one wave band method, with the purpose to reduce estimation errors for maximum temperatures are also disclosed. Theoretical results, data from numerical simulations, and real data from engine test are provided. A system for performing temperature estimation methods is also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for automatic display of pictures in a digital picture frame

Abstract: A method for displaying a photograph on a digital picture frame comprising the steps of : retrieving a digital image file containing the picture from a digital storage media device; detecting an orientation of the photograph; and displaying the image on the digital picture frame in the correct orientation on a display unit of the digital picture frame.

Unirradiated nuclear fuel component transport system

Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.

Surfactant biocatalyst for remediation of recalcitrant organics and heavy metals

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Using sulfate-amended sediment slurry batch reactors to evaluate mercury methylation.

Abstract: In the methylated form, mercury represents a concern to public health primarily through the consumption of contaminated fish tissue. Research conducted on the methylation of mercury strongly suggests that the process is microbial in nature and facilitated principally by sulfate-reducing bacteria. This study addressed the potential for mercury methylation by varying sulfate treatments and wetland-based soil in microbial slurry reactors with available inorganic mercury. Under anoxic laboratory conditions conducive to the growth of naturally occurring sulfate-reducing bacteria in the soil, it was possible to evaluate how various sulfate additions influenced the methylation of inorganic mercury added to overlying water as well as the sequestration of dissolved copper. Treatments included sulfate amendments ranging from 25 to 500 mg/L (0.26 to 5.2 mM) above the soil's natural sulfate level. Mercury methylation in sulfate treatments did not exceed that of the nonamended control during a 35-day incubation period. However, increases in methylmercury concentration were linked to bacterial growth and sulfate reduction. A time lag in methylation in the highest treatment correlated with an equivalent lag in bacterial growth. The decrease in dissolved copper ranged from 72.7% in the control to 99.7% in the highest sulfate treatment. It was determined that experimental systems such as these can provide some useful information but that they also have severe limitations once sulfate is depleted or if sulfate is used in excess.

An apparatus and method of extracting and optically analyzing an analyte from a fluid- based sample

Abstract: An extraction and analysis device includes a microfluidic based collection system that extracts one or more different analytes from a fluid-based sample and an optical analysis system directly coupled to the collection system to perform optical analysis on the one or more collected analytes. The microfluidic based collection system includes microfluidic circuitry for directing a fluid based sample to a purification chip. Analytes collected within the purification chip can be either subsequently removed and analyzed or the analytes can be analyzed directly, while still within the purification chip, using the optical analysis system. The purification chip is preferably comprised of a plurality of pillars, the surface area of each pillar is coated with a specific capture chemistry. The specific capture chemistry is applied by derivitizing the pillars such that a ligand, such as a nucleic acid, an amptimer, or an antibody is attached to each pillar.

System and process for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons

Abstract: A system and process for upgrading hydrocarbons such as heavy oils includes high temperature plasma reactor apparatus, in one or more vessels, into which the oils are introduced along with water, such as steam, to produce lighter hydrocarbon fractions, along with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, that flows to an additional stage where more hydrocarbons and water are introduced for further fractionating reactions facilitated by reaction of carbon monoxide and water to produce carbon dioxide and nascent, or prompt, free radicals of hydrogen. Heavy hydrocarbons upgraded can include heavy oils in the form of tar sands, oil shale, and oil residuals. The vessel or vessels can each contain a carbonaceous bed facilitating the described reactions and example embodiments include one vessel with the reactions performed in a single bed and, also, two vessels with the reactions performed in a carbonaceous bed portion in each vessel.

A Study of the Structure and Chemistry in Zircaloy-2 and the Resulting Oxide After High Temperature Corrosion

Abstract: A plate of Zircaloy-2 received in the β-quenched condition was heat treated to vary systematically the size of the second phase particles (SPPs) and the content of alloying elements retained in solid solution. Scanning electron microscopy and thermoelectric power measurements were used to quantify these microstructural parameters. Specimens were exposed for different periods of time in autoclaves at 415°C and at 500°C in steam, and corrosion was assessed according to the gain in weight. Effects of the microstructure were not great but it was observed that materials having larger SPPs were somewhat more resistant to oxidation in the 415°C tests whereas those with smaller SPPs performed better at 500°C. Influences on corrosion rates that could be attributed to alloy elements in solid solution were small or perhaps nonexistent. The chemistry of oxide layers formed at 500°C has been examined by etching away the zirconium metal and then depth-profiling using sputtered neutral mass spectroscopy. There was some difference in surface topography between the materials with smaller and larger SPPs. The compositional profiles showed that the oxide was substantially under-stoichiometric below the surface in all cases, with O/Zr ratios reaching unity or even less, and extending to depths between 150 nm and 400 nm from the metal oxide interface. These results are discussed in terms of their implication for existence of a diffusional barrier layer and for the stress states that can be expected within the oxide.

Flow rate measuring device

Abstract: A flow metering device and method for monitoring flow of a liquid, has a body with an inlet port and an outlet port. A flow chamber is formed therein between a pair of laterally placed windows in the flow chamber. A light emitting source placed in one of the windows and a light receiver placed in a second of the windows. The flow chamber has a flow restricting and light stopping element held therein and movable between a rest position and an operating position.

Method and apparatus for automatic startup and shutdown including automatic source switching

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic startup and shutdown including automatic source selection is provided for the selection of one of many video input sources provided on a visual display device in response to a new video signal being transmitted over a particular input port. The visual display device is also provided with means to power on the television in response to user input or a new video signal input source detection. The television may automatically revert to the previously-viewed source upon the powering off or lack of signal from the most newly-acquired video signal source.

Device for preventing the undesired passage of emboli from a venous blood pool to an arterial blood pool

Abstract: Device (10) configured to treat a defect biological tunnel septa tissue, comprising: a frame (12) plane, elastically flexible, having a first longitudinal longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end and a shaft (25) extending between said ends; a first anchor (26, 24), a second anchor (26, 24) and a third anchor (24,26), wherein the first anchor and the second anchor are positioned toward the first longitudinal end of the frame, and in the the third anchor is positioned toward the second longitudinal end of the frame, and wherein the first anchor is located opposite the second anchor, and wherein the first anchor, the second anchor and the third anchor are configured to attach to the tissue; a scaffold (14) coupled to the frame D, wherein the compressibility and elasticity of the scaffold enable the scaffold substantially fills the tunnel defect; and wherein the scaffold is configured to promote tissue growth on the scaffolding.

Platform screen door

Abstract: A platform screen door system comprises a fixed panel (3,4) and a door leaf (1,2), drive means adapted to slidingly move the door leaf (1,2) from a door open position to a door closed position, and a microprocessor adapted to control the movement of the door (1,2). The fixed panels (3,4) are provided with a media panel (5,6), adapted to display information, wherein the information displayed is controllable by the microprocessor. Each media panel is individually addressable and assigned a separate IP address. The screen door system can also be provided with a CCTV camera.

Combination mounting bracket and support tray

Abstract: A combination mounting bracket and support pipe for mounting a luminaire or the like to a vertical pole is disclosed. The combination mounting bracket and support pipe includes a curved tubular support pipe having an elongated slot in one end thereof which slips over the head of a thru-bolt extending through the vertical pole. A U-shaped clamp is welded to the support pipe above the elongated slot and secures the combination to the pole by a pair of lag screws which extend through the clamp and into the pole.

Responses of Daphnia magna to pulsed exposures of arsenic

Abstract: Research on the toxicity of arsenic has focused on sublethal effects that do not provide sufficient information for risk estimation. While most studies have focused on organism response to constant arsenic exposures, organisms in nature are exposed to fluctuating As concentrations. Consequently, results obtained from standardized bioassays with constant exposures may not adequately characterize risk to indigenous biota. This research was designed to characterize the response of Daphnia magna to fluctuating arsenic exposures during 21-day experiments. At concentrations > or =3000 microg/L As, 21-day pulsed exposure mortality increased as a function of exposure concentration and duration. In addition, 21-day pulsed exposure mortality increased with increasing recovery time. Pulsed As exposure did not affect the growth of D. magna over 21 days. Twenty-one day accumulative reproduction of D. magna was only affected by pulsed exposures of high As concentration and long durations.

High-Power-Density Annular Fuel: Manufacturing Viability

Abstract: This paper summarizes the work performed to examine the feasibility of manufacturing internally and externally cooled annular fuel for high-power-density pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and to demonstrate commercially viable manufacturing processes at bench scale. Five different manufacturing processes were considered, and two were selected for further development and demonstration. These are (a) the traditional press and sinter technique currently used in solid pellet manufacture and (b) the vibration compaction (VIPAC) technique, in which granulated and sintered urania fuel particles are vibration compacted into a prefabricated annular space. Two separate pellet manufacturing trials were undertaken, one at the Westinghouse, Columbia, South Carolina, plant and one at INVAP facilities in Argentina. At the INVAP plant the pellets were loaded between small and large cladding tubes and seal welded to demonstrate the entire manufacturing steps. At Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, the VIPAC approach was used to perform short test segments as well as 1219-mm (4-ft)-long fuel rods. The overall conclusion of the work is that the press and sinter technique can produce annular pellets and annular fuel elements that meet the density and dimensional needs of the annular fuel design and hence is a viable approach toward fabrication of such high-power-density fuel. This process is most like that used in current commercial fuel production and hence would pose the least disruption in any future annular fuel use in commercial PWRs. This work also demonstrated that the VIPAC approach is capable of making high-quality annular fuel elements, but not with the fuel density required for adequate performance. Addition of uranium metal powder to the vibrated compact was found to be necessary to achieve the required uranium fuel loading.

Low cross-polarised patch antenna with single feed

Abstract: A probe-fed patch antenna that generates low cross-polarised radiated fields is presented. The probe is located in the centre of the patch conductor and a microstrip line within the patch is used to ensure that good impedance matching is achieved. Enhanced radiation performance of the printed antenna is demonstrated by theoretically and experimentally investigating a circularly polarised (CP) version of the probe-fed patch antenna and comparing the results with a conventional probe-fed CP patch. The new radiator has an axial ratio of less than 1.5 dB at broadside and a 3 dB axial ratio beamwidth of close to 200deg

Eddy current data interpolation/extrapolation

Abstract: A method of synthesizing nondestructive examination data of a component that combines data sets acquired at least two different frequencies. At least one of the data sets is interpolated or extrapolated to the equivalent of data acquired at one of the other frequencies employing a third, reference set of eddy current inspection data that is acquired at each of the inspection frequencies being combined.

Nuclear reactor internals alignment configuration

Abstract: An alignment system that employs jacking block assemblies and alignment posts around the periphery of the top plate of a nuclear reactor lower internals core shroud to align an upper core plate with the lower internals and the core shroud with the core barrel. The distal ends of the alignment posts are chamfered and are closely received within notches machined in the upper core plate at spaced locations around the outer circumference of the upper core plate. The jacking block assemblies are used to center the core shroud in the core barrel and the alignment posts assure the proper orientation of the upper core plate. The alignment posts may alternately be formed in the upper core plate and the notches may be formed in top plate.

Load Distribution Devices

Abstract: Load-balancing and bearing removal devices useful in removing bearings, such as rolling element bearings, for rotating machine maintenance and replacement. Insulation assemblies useful with bearing assemblies that fit in openings in bearing brackets of rotating machines, such as large synchronous motors or generators.

Point drive system with clutch arrangement

Abstract: of EP1512603A drive system for railway points comprises a drive means (26-29, see figure 3) for producing linear motion along a first axis, a drive member 30 operatively connected to the drive means, the drive member being linearly movable along said first axis, a pivoted crank 32 having a profiled end and an output region, and an output member 11 connected to the output region of said crank, said output member being substantially linearly movable along a second axis orthogonal to said first axis for connection to a pair of movable rails 2, 3, such that in use the drive member engages said profiled end causing rotation of the crank thereby causing the output member and said pair of movable rails to move along said second axis. A series of additional cranks 39, 40 may be connected to the drive member 30 to drive the rails along their length in a synchronised manner.

Water reactor fuel cladding tube

Abstract: A water reactor fuel cladding tube (4) is described. The tube (4) comprises an outer layer (6) of a first zirconium based alloy and has metallurgically bonded thereto an inner layer (7) of a second zirconium based alloy. The inner layer protects (7) the cladding tube (4) against stress corrosion cracking. The second zirconium based alloy comprises tin as an alloying material, and each one of the zirconium based alloys comprises at least 96 percent by weight zirconium. The first zirconium based alloy comprises at least 0.1 percent by weight niobium. A method of manufacturing the cladding tube (4) is also described and comprises the step of co-extruding two tubes of different zirconium based alloys to produce the cladding tube (4).

Fast digitization and discrimination of prompt neutron and photon signals using a novel silicon carbide detector

Abstract: Current requirements of some Homeland Security active interrogation projects for the detection of Special Nuclear Material (SNM) necessitate the development of faster inspection and acquisition capabilities. In order to do so, fast detectors which can operate during and shortly after intense interrogation radiation flashes are being developed. Novel silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor Schottky diodes have been utilized as robust neutron and photon detectors in both pulsed photon and pulsed neutron fields and are being integrated into active inspection environments to allow exploitation of both prompt and delayed emissions. These detectors have demonstrated the capability of detecting both photon and neutron events during intense photon flashes typical of an active inspection environment. Beyond the inherent insensitivity of SiC to gamma radiation, fast digitization and processing has demonstrated that pulse shape discrimination (PSD) in combination with amplitude discrimination can further suppress unwanted gamma signals and extract fast neutron signatures. Usable neutron signals have been extracted from mixed radiation fields where the background has exceeded the signals of interest by >1000:1.