Patents by Inventor George G. Konopka

George G. Konopka has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • System and method for removal of dissolved gases in makeup water of a water-cooled nuclear reactor
    Patent number: 8414685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas from the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: George G. Konopka
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF DISSOLVED GASES IN MAKEUP WATER OF A WATER-COOLED NUCLEAR REACTOR
    Publication number: 20120055330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas front the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: George G. Konopka
  • Enriched boron-10 boric acid control system for a nuclear reactor plant
    Patent number: 5291530
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor plant is provided in which the reactor coolant system contains a dissolved solution of enriched boric acid. The boron-10 to boron-11 atomic isotope ratio of the enriched boric acid solution is greater than 19.8:80.2 at the start of the reactor core cycle. The nuclear reactor plant design provides for minimal mixing between the reactor coolant solution containing the enriched boric acid solution and the natural boric acid solution used during refueling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Albert J. Impink, Jr., Joseph A. Battaglia, John W. Fasnacht, George G. Konopka
  • Enriched boron-10 boric acid control system for a nuclear reactor plant
    Patent number: 5271052
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor plant is provided in which the reactor coolant system contains a dissolved solution of enriched boric acid. The boron-10 to boron-11 atomic isotope ratio of the enriched boric acid solution is greater than 30:70 at the start of the reactor core cycle. The nuclear reactor plant design provides for minimal mixing between the reactor coolant solution containing the enriched boric acid solution and the natural boric acid solution used during refueling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Albert J. Impink, Jr., Joseph A. Battaglia, John W. Fasnacht, George G. Konopka