Abstract: An apparatus and method whereby fuel is burned in serially connected furnaces under controlled combustion temperature and airflow conditions so as to inhibit the formation of nitric oxides while achieving complete combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor pressure vessel nozzle penetration device for fluid coolant delivery to the reactor core or to modular heat exchangers located within the vessel is described. The nozzle penetration device comprises a nozzle conduit having an annular double wall open at one end with thermal insulation therebetween, having the outer wall end attached to a portion of the reactor pressure vessel and disposed radially therefrom forming an air space therebetween.

Abstract: A steam and water drum internal arrangement which provides free access to the drum inner wall and facilitates the removal of the steam and water separators from within the drum by mounting the separators on a duct which extends centrally of the drum and communicates with extension conduits to receive a steam and water mixture from the steam generating tubes.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, having an internal hoop from which the heated coolant emerges from the reactor core and passes through to the reactor outlet nozzles, is provided with sealing rings operatively disposed between the outlet nozzles and the hoop. The sealing rings connected by flexible members are biased against the pressure vessel and the hoop, establishing a leak-proof condition between the inlet and outlet coolants in the region about the outlet nozzle. Furthermore, the flexible responsiveness of the seal assures that the seal will not structurally couple the hoop to the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for magnetic inspection of areas of interest in ferromagnetic material by means of both alternating and direct current induced magnetic fields. Moreover, the magnetic fields may be pulsed sequentially and/or simultaneously to detect defects deep within the area of interest.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention eliminates the circumferential thermal stresses found in a feedwater inlet nozzle of a once-through-vapor generator that are caused by the presence of steam in the nozzle during a low flow load condition. Specifically, The cold inlet feedwater is directed upwardly to fill and overflow the nozzle conduit and prevent steam entrance and collection in the nozzle, and then, impinges on a shroud which re-directs the flow downward into fluid flow contact with the nozzle conduit and through the vapor generator.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention relates to a mechanical shock suppressor sensitive to velocity or acceleration of a predetermined level capable of restraining relative movement associated therewith of structures supported by the suppressor. The suppressor comprises frictional engaging portions having compressive means disposed thereon which increase the frictional restraining force only during movements of a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the deposition of porous solid products on the internal surface of fluid conducting tubes in a heat absorbing zone of a steam generating unit by the use of internally plated tubes.

Abstract: An improved distributor having a central inlet for receiving a stream of gas entrained particles to be divided into a plurality of effluent streams and including an open-ended standpipe disposed therein to maintain the central orientation of the incoming stream thereby attaining a pattern of recirculation which induces a steady flow and uniform distribution of the effluent streams.

Abstract: A vapor pressure relief system comprising a safety valve and vent pipe movable with thermal expansion and contraction of the associated vapor generator, and a fixed exhaust pipe and drip pan, the latter having an opening to admit the vent pipe and accommodate the movement thereof, and including slidable cover plates surrounding the vent pipe and providing a closure over the drip pan opening.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting the wall of a vapor generator from stresses due to thermal expansion of duct end sections and plenums associated therewith, and including support plate means which abut the plenum ends and transmit the stresses to rigid support members to be balanced by similar stresses from the opposite end of the plenum.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a steam and water drum of a steam generating system is provided with an optical viewing device, partially inserted through the drum's manway, which permits visual inspection or observation of the drum internals. The device comprises a transparent protective barrier, or window, at the end of the device within the drum, which eliminates fogging or moisture condensation on the window to ensure visibility, a water cooled lens system having a wide angle lens for increased angular exposure, and an eye piece or camera attached to the other end of the device disposed outside the drum.

Abstract: An arrangement including at least one pair of load cells capable of continuously determining the quantity of material contained within a reservoir and wherein the reservoir support framework will normally convey the load through both cells and includes structural members which can be positioned to by-pass the load around a defective cell and permit the removal thereof without interrupting the operation of the other cell.

Abstract: A TIG welding arrangement utilizing a high frequency arc starting arrangement with a fuse protected secondary arc gap operable to protect the welding apparatus.

Abstract: An upright type spray attemperator for regulating the temperature of upwardly flowing superheated vapor and comprising a vessel fitted with an inner sleeve having a side outlet at the upper end thereof and containing a deflector adjacent the outlet to collect and return water droplets for further heating and wherein the outlet is formed of perforations sized to reduce the pressure of the steam passing therethrough so as induce flashing of any entrained water droplets and insure their complete vaporization.