Abstract: Normally closed valves that operate in the environment of nuclear power plants are provided with surface-modified valve seat components to alleviate sticking of the valves. The surface modification is achieved by ion implantation of a coating of, for example, platinum, palladium, platinum/palladium or palladium/gold on at least one valve seat component.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and associated operational procedure are used to both verify the integrity of components of high intensity discharge light fixtures and also troubleshoot problems in the wiring connecting the light fixture to the AC power source (transformer). The diagnostic device is a rugged, self-contained unit that can be connected across the ballast in the fixture for verifying component integrity, while also being adapted to load the AC power line that powers the fixture to detect problems in the wiring between the AC power source and the fixture.

Abstract: The risk of personal injury to personnel working inside energized pad-mounted transformers is reduced by providing a universally sized safety shield device that fits in place during repair operations to prevent a workman's tool from contacting the transformer face. The shield device takes the form of a rigid sheet of dielectric material having sufficient insulative value to prevent arcing inside the transformer. The shield has three slots opening to an edge of the shield with the three slots being so sized and shaped to permit them to slide over the secondary bushings to locate and hold the safety shield in place during repair operations. The shield is used in association with a pair of novel insulative bushing covers.

Abstract: An automated data taking and analysis system is used during maintenance overhaul of steam or gas turbines to determine the required position of internal flowpath parts so that the parts may be properly reassembled with appropriate spacing to prevent internal rubbing and resultant wear or damage to the turbine that may affect unit operation or performance. Data is taken by electronic position transducers mounted on a rotatable tube, with the transducers being installed at selected axial locations along the tube where setpoint hard bores and seals reside on flowpath components. The transducers include radially projecting surface-riding portions for contacting the cylindrical flowpath component hard bore or seal. For use with large utility or industrial turbines, the transducers have a linear range greater than 0.80 inch to accommodate relatively large amounts of component ellipticity, tube sag, component misalignment and/or variation.

Abstract: A flooded thermal energy storage tank holds an agglomerated ice mass that is fully submerged in water by a counterbuoyant top. The thermal energy stored in the tank is used to satisfy a cyclical thermal cooling load that is uncoupled from the power supply that produces the ice for the tank. A water supply loop for supplying cold water to the thermal load assures that the relatively colder water in the tank is supplied by withdrawing the water from an upper location within the ice mass. The supply loop also assures that water returned from the load to the tank is recooled by the ice mass in a thermodynamically efficient manner. The essential symmetry of the ice mass is retained during repetitive ice mass melting and rebuilding in an operational cycle to assure continual stability of the ice mass and tank top.

Abstract: The operational capacity and efficiency of a combustion turbine is increased by treating the turbine inlet air to increase its density. The inlet air treatment is achieved in a columnar tower with the inlet air being drawn in at the top of the tower. Treatment water is injected into the tower at a downward velocity greater than that of the inlet air to establish a vertically descending, two-phase co-current flow of inlet air and treatment water. The system utilizes the natural phenomenon of drag-induced pressure boost to the air achieved by the difference in the relative velocities of the inlet air and the treatment water in the co-current flow. By utilizing a cold treatment water, for example at 32.degree.-40.degree. F., the tower creates a direct contact heat transfer situation that cools the inlet air, thereby further increasing its density.

Abstract: A dolly-like device and associated operational procedure facilitate the transporting and setting of utility poles at locations inaccessible to motor vehicles. The dolly-like device includes a power winch that is utilized to provide the power to raise the pole in the pole setting operation.

Abstract: A hydraulic conveyance system serves to level out a spiked, uneven flow of particulate material to a more even flow condition prior to the particles being delivered to a destination. In one particular application, the hydraulic conveyance system permits ice particles to be delivered from a batch discharge ice machine of a thermal energy production, storage and reclaim system to the thermal energy storage tank of the system at a relatively even rate, without the use of any mechanical delivery mechanisms. The hydraulic conveyance system incorporates a flooded hold-up tank which, in the case of particulate ice conveyance, receives the spiked, batch discharge from the ice machine and discharges the ice therefrom to a selected number of destination points at a more even flow condition. A rotational movement is imparted to the water surface in the flooded hold-up tank, thereby causing the floating ice particles to rotate in the tank in proximity to a boundary wall of the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satisfying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a lightweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating characteristics even when exposed to groundwater. A unique inverted frustrum shape for the tank offers numerous advantages. In association with a cold storage tank, a novel submerged, single point ice introduction system provides a much improved formation of the ice mass in the tank. Also provided for the cold storage tank is a novel floating top that provides a ballast effect to keep the ice mass submerged.

Abstract: Buoyant particles entrained in a transport water are delivered to the bottom of a flooded vessel, overcoming the buoyant force of the particles and other fluid dynamics problems associated with entrained fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment, ice particles are delivered through a conduit to the bottom of a flooded thermal storage tank by entraining the ice particles in a swirling transport water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satsifying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a ligthweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating characteristics even when exposed to groundwater. A unique inverted frustrum shape for the tank offers numerous advantages. In association with a cold storage tank, a novel submerged, single point ice introduction system provides a much improved formation of the ice mass in the tank. Also provided for the cold storage tank is a novel floating top that provides a ballast effect to keep the ice mass submerged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a long term thermal energy production, storage and reclaim system that benefits the electric utility and its customers by shifting electricity usage from a spiked, high power, direct acting basis operated largely during seasonal peak demand periods to a long term level load at a significantly lower power level. The electricity usage shift is achieved by long term storage of thermal energy generated by a continuously operated low power level prime mover and the use of the stored energy on demand to satisfy the seasonal thermal load. The initial cost of the long term thermal energy production, storage and reclaim system is cost competitive with that of direct acting systems for satisfying the same loads. By using the system, the customer saves significantly on energy charges during the life of the system due to a rate structure that provides favorable rates for customers who do not adversely impact the utility's annual load factor.

Abstract: A direct contact water-to-air heat exchanger includes a columnar air/water contact chamber which includes inclined sheet-like turning vanes for establishing three heat transfer zones therein and a partly countercurrent, partly crosscurrent heat exchange environment. The heat exchanger has applicability for supplying cold moisture laden air in the postharvest forced air precooling of agricultural produce.

Abstract: A method of forming a stable welded joint between low alloy steels and austenitic stainless alloy steels which is characterized by increased resistance to chemical corrosion and mechanical stress and which has a greatly extended service lifetime. The method comprises forming a deposit of a low alloy steel containing niobium onto a portion of low alloy steel to be welded; heating the deposit to a first temperature at which all carbides present therein have dissolved; quenching the deposit and forming a solid solution of the elements of the dissolved carbides; and reheating the deposit for a time period and at a second temperature sufficient to form niobium carbides therein containing substantially all of the carbon present in the deposit. The austenitic stainless steel portion is welded to the deposit using a substantially nonferrous nickel-based alloy as the weld filler material, thereby joining the low alloy steel portion to the austenitic stainless steel portion.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating mixtures of radioactively contaminated water and radioactively contaminated water-immiscible organic liquids to produce a decontaminated organic liquid which can be disposed of in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor is provided with novel composite assemblies at selected locations at the periphery of the reactor core in order to reduce the rate of radiation exposure to a critical pressure vessel weld. The composite assemblies include a shield zone at a selected location close to the weld and a fuel zone incorporating fissile material. This approach reduces the rate of radiation exposure at at the weld while also contributing to production of power by the core.