Abstract: The present invention is a method to activate a noble metal complex dispersed on a catalyst support comprising calcining in hydrogen in order to decompose and reduce the noble metal complex in a single step. In a preferred embodiment, the noble metal catalyst is a combination of platinum and palladium and the noble metal complexes are the hydroxides.

Abstract: A system including a sensor and electronic instrumentation for measuring fission gas pressures inside a pressurized system or device or the like, such as a nuclear fuel rod. The system is based primarily on what is commonly known as the Villari effect which is the dependence of the magnetic permeability of certain magnetic materials upon applied stress, and permits pressure measurements to be made without any mechanical or physical penetration of the fuel cladding or end cap of the fuel rod. In a preferred embodiment pressure sensing is implemented by locating a sensor made from Villari sensitive material inside the pressurized system. The pressure places a stress loading on the sensor which in turn produces electrical output signals proportional to the applied stress.

Abstract: The process for oxidizing irradiated fuel pellets using as the oxidant NO.sub.2 or a mixture of NO.sub.2 with its dissociation products, O.sub.2 and NO, in order to release the Volatile Fission Products (iodine, zenon, krypton and tritium) from the pellets.

Abstract: A process for producing UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 from a soluble uranyl salt. The uranyl salt is combined with a soluble fluoride salt in a solvent to form a reaction solution. The solvent exhibits Lewis base characteristics. The reaction product is a crystalline solid which is separated from the reaction solution. The UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 may then be obtained from the crystalline solid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions of matter having the formula M.sub.2 UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 where each M is any alkali metal ion or mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to electrochemical cells having anodes containing anode-active alkali metal, electrolytes capable of conducting ions of said alkali metal, and cathodes containing cathode-active material having the formula M.sub.2 UO.sub.2 F.sub.2 where each M is any alkali metal ion or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment the cathode-active material has the formula UO.sub.2 F.sub.2.

Abstract: In a nuclear power reactor fuel bundle having tie rods fastened to a lower tie plate and passing through openings in the upper tie plate, the assembled bundle is secured by locking lugs fixed to rotatable locking sleeves which engage the upper tie plate. Pressure exerted by helical springs mounted around each of the tie rods urge retaining lugs fixed to a retaining sleeve associated with respective tie rods into a position with respect to the locking sleeve to prevent accidental disengagement of the upper plate from the locking lugs. The bundle may be disassembled by depressing the retaining sleeves and rotating the locking lugs to the disengaged position, and then removing the upper tie plate.

Abstract: A process for the liquefaction of natural gas which employs a multi-component refrigerant system and a second independent refrigeration system. The process differs from the prior art processes in that the feed gas is cooled only by the independent refrigeration system until it has been freed of those components which could precipitate as solids at the low temperatures of the liquefaction process and thereafter is cooled by the multi-component refrigeration system. The multi-component refrigerant system is a self-contained cycle and does not reject heat to the independent refrigeration system, but directly to the ambient temperature surroundings.

Abstract: A method and system for fuel rod pressurization and for verifying when pressurization of a fuel rod containing nuclear fuel has taken place. One end of the loaded fuel rod is inserted into a pressure chamber in sealed relation thereto, whereupon the chamber is evacuated to remove the air present. Then the chamber is pressurized with an inert gas. The fuel rod then is drilled to provide an opening in the end of the fuel rod in the chamber, whereupon the rod is pressurized with the inert gas present in the chamber. Acoustic transducers are attached to the fuel rod at predetermined locations externally of the chamber for monitoring any noise which occurs during the pressurization process, which is transmitted through the metal walls of the rod to the transducers. The transducers generate electrical signals which are proportional to the amplitude of the noise sensed and by observing the signals a calibration of the activity going on can be maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring particulates contained in the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines which dilutes the exhaust gases with prefiltered and precooled air to produce a constant volume mixture which may be sampled for exhaust gas emissions as well as for particulates. After mixing of the exhaust gases and the pretreated air, sampling of the mixture by isokinetic probes produces a uniform sample of particulate matter which is collected on temperature controlled filters for analysis.

Abstract: A spacer capture system for nuclear fuel assemblies of the type in which fuel rods are disposed in parallel array between supporting end plates. At intervals along the fuel rods spacer grids are provided which properly position the fuel rods, reducing vibration and obtaining proper spacing to assure uniform heat removal from the fuel rods during operation. The spacers hold the fuel rods by spring pressure against protrusions formed from the side walls of the grids. The spacers are held in the proper position against vibration and the force of water passing adjacent the tubes by lugs provided on special fuel containing spacer capture rods which engage the protrusions on each spacer and thereby preventing its longitudinal movement relative to the fuel rods. The lugs are so mounted as to permit freeing of the spacer capture rods by a 45.degree. rotation of the spacer capture rods and conversely, the spacers may be locked in position by a 45.degree. rotation of the spacer capture rods from the unlocked position.

Abstract: A combined catenary and single anchor leg mooring system capable of transferring cargo from vessels moored thereto includes an anchor hub suspended by a single anchor leg from a mooring buoy floating on the surface of the sea. A plurality of catenary anchor legs connect to the anchor hub and extend outward and downward to anchors secured in the sea bottom. A cargo transfer swivel assembly is mounted on the anchor hub, and is rotatable about the lower connection point of the single anchor leg. Cargo hose extends from a pipeline manifold located on the sea floor to piping in the anchor hub, and additional cargo hose extends from the swivel assembly to the sea surface and then to the moored tanker.