Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system including a motor comprising a rotor, a stator and a sealing assembly having at least one joint and a monolithic ceramic separator. Each joint of the sealing assembly is a chemical bond joint, and the monolithic ceramic separator is disposed in a gap between the rotor and the stator of the motor such that the sealing assembly hermetically isolates the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A coating for use in combustion systems includes a plurality of refractory metal particles in a ceramic, glass or metal matrix disposed on surfaces of the system that are prone to slag, ash, and/or char buildup during operation of the combustion system. The coating is effective to prevent any substantial interaction with the slag, ash, and/or char.

Abstract: A nickel-based alloy and welding processes and consumables that use the alloy as a weld filler metal to fabricate, weld overlay, and repair components, including components of nuclear power plant reactors that contact the hot coolant water of the reactor. The nickel-based alloy consists of, by weight, 26 to about 30% chromium, 2 to about 4% iron, 2 to about 4% manganese, 2 to about 3% niobium, 1 to about 3% molybdenum, not more than 0.6% titanium, not more than 0.03% carbon, not more than 0.05% nitrogen, not more than 0.6% aluminum, not more than 0.5% silicon, not more than 0.01% copper, not more than 0.02% phosphorus, not more than 0.01% sulfur, with the balance nickel and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A sensor system, and an associated method for detecting harsh environmental conditions, is provided. The sensor system includes at least one sensor having an electrical sensing element. The electrical sensing element is based on certain classes of composite materials: (a) silicon carbide (SiC); (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; or (b) (Mo,W)5Si3C; (Mo,W)Si2; (Mo,W)5Si3. The sensor system is useful for determining harsh environmental conditions. Gasification systems, which include at least one of the sensor systems are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a component in a combustion system comprising a composite, the composite comprising silicon carbide; and a refractory metal silicide comprising a phase selected from Rm5Si3, Rm5Si3C, RmSi2, and a combination thereof; wherein Rm is a refractory metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten, and a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a process for preventing slag, ash, and char buildup on a surface, comprising disposing a first surface of the composite on the surface; replacing a component comprising the surface with a component consisting of the composite; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system including a motor comprising a rotor, a stator and a sealing assembly having at least one joint and a monolithic ceramic separator. Each joint of the sealing assembly is a chemical bond joint, and the monolithic ceramic separator is disposed in a gap between the rotor and the stator of the motor such that the sealing assembly hermetically isolates the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a component in a combustion system comprising a composite, the composite comprising silicon carbide; and a refractory metal silicide comprising a phase selected from Rm5Si3, Rm5Si3C, RmSi2, and a combination thereof; wherein Rm is a refractory metal selected from molybdenum, tungsten, and a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a process for preventing slag, ash, and char buildup on a surface, comprising disposing a first surface of the composite on the surface; replacing a component comprising the surface with a component consisting of the composite; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of providing resistance to intergranular stress corrosion cracking in an alloy material, the method comprising sensitizing the alloy to form carbides, allowing the carbides to precipitate, and applying a heat treatment to replenish a chromium-depleted zone.

Abstract: A coating for use in combustion systems includes a plurality of refractory metal particles in a ceramic, glass or metal matrix disposed on surfaces of the system that are prone to slag, ash, and/or char buildup during operation of the combustion system. The coating is effective to prevent any substantial interaction with the slag, ash, and/or char.

Abstract: A method for mitigating stress corrosion cracking of a component exposed to a high temperature water in a high temperature water system is provided. The method comprises the steps of lowering corrosion potential conditions to a desired low corrosion potential in the high temperature water environment; and introducing a first material comprising zinc into the high temperature water environment, such that the desired low corrosion potential facilitates transport of the first material into cracks in a structure communicative with the high temperature water environment.