Abstract: A fixed bed layer of a reactor column for the execution of anaerobic decosition processes, which column is divided by screen partitions into segments one above another with intermediate spaces for gas discharge from the column through discharge funnels into one or more corresponding, ascending pipes. Additional devices for the introduction of liquid or gas into the individual fixed bed segments produce turbulence and remove excess sludge from the fixed bed layer. Annular guide elements project from the inner wall of the column underneath the funnel and have a constricted cross section which defines an annular channel to the next column segment. Thus, a liquid stream is not blocked during optimal gas collection in the funnel. The funnels are preferably installed in the screen floor of the subsequent column segment.

Abstract: A movement detection system for use in measuring movements of a rotating body or shaft which is magnetized along an axis which is angularly displaced from the mechanical axis of rotation thereof. The system has a plurality of inductive coils which are connected to produce signals proportional to the movements of the body or shaft while suppressing spurious noise signals.

Abstract: A fine mesh screen is coated with at least one metal, by galvanic or chemical deposition. Metals of the platinum group are especially advantageous. The mesh width may be as small as 0.1 micron or less. Several screens may be arranged in a stack and used to clean waste gases.

Abstract: A process for the separation of krypton from a radioactive waste gas mixt which is released during the chemical dissolution of burned-down nuclear fuel particles, and which in a carrier gas such as air, in addition to krypton, also contains xenon, argon, nitrous oxide and residual gas components. The waste gas mixture flowing out from a resolver has xenon removed therefrom after purifying the waste gas of nitrous oxides and radioactive residual gas components, such as aerosols, iodine, tritium and carbon(C-14) dioxide; and wherein krypton is finally withdrawn from the residual gas mixture and then stored. The invention also relates to an arrangement for the implementation of the inventive process.

Abstract: A process for the setting of a constant temperature for a fluid, and furtmore, to a thermostat for implementing the process. The constant temperature is set by the heating up of the fluid during its flow through a heat source. The fluid, prior to the setting of the constant temperature, is initially cooled down to a lower temperature, such that the temperature difference which is reached between the constant temperature and a lower temperature, is higher than the temperature-overshooting range of the cooling regulating circuit. These measures simplify the setting of the constant temperature inasmuch as only the heat source need be equipped with a high-performance regulator. Through the cooling section which is connected ahead of the heating element, there is maintained a minimum temperature differential.

Abstract: A process for the conditioning of contaminated waste through cementing. Dry waste is cemented, especially waste which is recovered as ashes subsequent to the combustion of burnable waste, or as a dry residue during the treatment of sludge. In the process there is added to the dry waste a cement component not less than about 50% by weight of the weight of the waste, wherein subsequent to the admixing of the waste with the cement, there is mixed in water to the cement in a slightly excess stoichiometric ratio of effecting the setting, and the mixture is compacted under pressure and then encased.

Abstract: In a process for reduction or oxidation of materials in aqueous solution by assing a reagent gas through a finely porous catalyst layer into the solution, bodies of electrically conducting material which in the aggregate have a large surface are brought into electrically conducting connection with the catalyst layer on its side facing the solution in order to increase the rate of conversion of the dissolved material. The conducting bodies are distributed in the solution at least in the region of the catalyst layer and increase the effective surface for the conversion of the dissolved material. The invention is particularly useful in connection with catalyst layers provided with an electrically conducting protective cover through which gas and solution may pass on the side of the catalyst layer facing the solution as disclosed in a related application of the same inventors Ser. No. 500,941 filed June 3, 1983.

Abstract: An Euler's goniometer for low-temperature diffractometry is rotatable about two turning circles and is arranged within a chamber filled with a coolant. Each of the turning circles - that is the chi-circle and the phi-circle - is constituted by a worm wheel which is driven in a stepwise manner by a worm and a stepper motor driving the worm. For providing a compact construction, the stepper motors and the actuated worms are arranged within the chamber as well.

Abstract: A Hall effect magnetic field sensing circuit provides an operation amplif which is connected to a signal voltage terminal of the Hall effect sensor with a negative temperature coefficient (TK) of the resistance of the drive current path whose drive current path is provided with an input resistor such that a portion of the Hall effect sensor responds to the change in temperature thereof to vary the drive current and provide temperature compensation of the Hall voltage. A differential amplifier can be provided to eliminate the zero residual voltage effect and a summing circuit connected to the operational amplifier rectifies nonlinearity.

Abstract: A high-temperature nuclear reactor having spherical fuel elements which are rranged approximately ring-shaped about a graphite core, and in particular, a massed-sphere nuclear reactor providing for inherent passive stabilization in the event of damage. The inventive high-temperature reactor of the above-mentioned type distinguishes itself in that the graphite core is formed by a pile or mass of graphite spheres. Through the intermediary of such an axial graphite sphere region, the maximum temperature of the fuel elements of the core can be limited in the event of encountered damage in a manner similar to that as would be the case for a compact graphite column.

Abstract: A diaphragm for alkaline electrolysis, specifically for alkaline electrolysis of water, comprises a fine-pored, predominantly ceramic layer, which is preferably supported by a superficially oxidized structural framework or mesh. The diaphragm in use is sandwiched between two electrodes and is provided, on one or both sides, with fairly coarse-grained protuberances distributed over the surface and embedded into the fine-pored predominantly ceramic layer, which grains project out of the diaphragm surface. In view of the projection of the grains to form protuberances, and in spite of the fact that the adjacent electrodes are in contact with the diaphragm, a certain minimum distance is maintained between the diaphragm and each electrode, whereby, deposits on the electrodes, caused by unavoidable corrosion phenomena within the electrolysis apparatus, cannot propagate into the diaphragm.

Abstract: A transitory or temporary storage for highly radioactive waste, in which the transitory storage incorporates containers for the receipt of the waste, and a cooling system for the discharge of the heat which is produced during the storage of the waste. The cooling system incorporates a cooling air duct, as well as a coolant circuit for a coolant which is conveyed in a closed circuit between coolant conduits which conduct off heat generated in the storage space and a heat sink arranged externally of the storage space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation of an isotope mixture of hydrogen, sting predominantly in molecular form and/or inbound form, from the remaining components of a gas. A first chamber is separated from a second chamber by a wall which is permeable for atomic hydrogen and less permeable for molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen is converted into atomic hydrogen or, if necessary, is separated in atomic form from the material with which the hydrogen has gone into chemical composition. A device electrically operable independently of the wall is provided for converting the molecular and/or bound hydrogen to form atomic hydrogen in apparatus for this purpose. A heating device for elevating the temperature of thread, wire, or body of other form capable of being heated above 1500 K is provided and such thread, wire, or body is made of high-melting material, such as tungsten, iridium, osmium, or rhenium.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing having contactless position stabilization of a supported body which includes a damping and aligning arrangement. This arrangement includes two spaced rotating annular permanent magnets which form a gap therebetween and which are attached to a rotor supported by the bearing. A stationary plate having good electrical conductivity and extending into the gap between the permanent magnets, is cut by their rotating magnetic flux. Mechanical disturbances of the rotor generate eddy-currents in the conductive plate which currents damp out these disturbances. A portion of the plate outside the gap is much thicker than the portion in the gap and provides a very low resistance path for the eddy-currents.

Abstract: In order to provide enough permeability (air or liquid throughput) in a pus molded body of carbon made from a mixture of carbon powder and a binder, a first "green" body (a body of the kind that has been fired heretofore, in its green state before firing) is broken up into small pieces with the help of a jaw crusher in a manner providing coarse particles and a fraction of uniform size (largest particle diameter not more than twice the smallest) in the overall range between 0.2 and 10 mm effective diameter is used to make a second green body of molded shape by placing it in a die and applying a pressure which may be light or heavier according to the desired degree of permeability. The second green body is then coked in vacuum or in an inert atmosphere at a temperature in the range between 600.degree. to 1000.degree. C. to produce a strong body through which gas and liquid may pass with a facility far exceeding what has been accomplished before with a body of comparable strength.

Abstract: A controller for a tracking system which tracks the sun. The controller has a rotatable disc with a light transmitting portion and an opaque portion. The solar radiation, transmitted through the disc when rotating, falls on optically sensitive sensor detecting the light intensity. Two optical emitter/receiver pairs which are oriented with respect to two coordinate axes at the periphery of the disc detect the position of the light spot on it. The solar radiation is directed by the rotating disc to generate two signals which are related to the two coordinate axes and the tracking error of the tracking system. The signals energize motors in the tracking system whereby the sun is tracked.

Abstract: A foil material for the storage of hydrogen in materials capable of bearing hydrogen, i.e. a hydrogen storageable material. Through the intermediary of a heat-conductive bond between a metal having hydrogen storage capability and a substrate, which is adapted for the absorption and conducting off of the reaction heat produced during hydrogen exchange, and on which the hydrogen storageable metal is applied as a storage layer, there is afforded a rapid heat exchange during the loading and unloading of the storage layer. Employed for this purpose is the heat capacity of the substrate. The material for the substrate and the volume of the latter is so selected that the reaction to heat is exchangeable with the substrate of the storage layer without the need for ancillary heat exchangers; in effect, can be taken up by or given up from the substrate. The storage layer has its exposed surface covered with a protective layer which acts in a corrosion-inhibiting manner and which is permeable to hydrogen.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a hydrogen permeable membrane in which a hydrogen permeable metal is deposited galvanically on a fine mesh metal fabric.

Abstract: A target arrangement for spallation-neutron-sources, according to which target material is continuously present at the point of incidence of a proton beam. The target material is arranged at the periphery of a rotary wheel which is internally cooled.

Abstract: A measuring device for long-term installation in a bore in a rock formation or detecting gradual changes in bore diameter, especially gradual constriction which might affect the condition of radioactive waste deposited in the bore, utilizes telescoping parts under outward spring pressure. One of the two elements of the transducer which by the relative displacement of these elements measures changes in diameter, is a rod held in a friction mounting on one of the telescoping parts that maintains the position of the device in the bore. The other element of the transducer is fixed on the other telescoping part which also carries limit stops (7,8) which in corporation with a stop (6) on the rod confines the lengthwise movement of the rod to a stroke equal to the maximum measuring range of the transducer. For measuring gradual constriction, the transducer is automatically set to begin with the maximum measureable diameter.