Abstract: A thermal protection barrier including a base layer having a high melting temperature granular media having free standing granules disposed within the base layer and a distributor grid layer having a plurality of spaced-apart distributors composed of a high melting temperature material disposed adjacent to the base layer. The spaced-apart distributors are dimensioned and configured to provide load bearing support to the thermal protection barrier prior to a breach of the thermal protection barrier and to divide and disperse a superheated flowing mass to the free standing granules of the base layer upon occurrence of a breach. In certain embodiments, the thermal protection barrier is positioned adjacent to a nuclear system such that, upon occurrence of a loss of containment accident, the distributor grid layer is positioned and configured to divide and disperse a superheated flowing nuclear mass to the free standing granules.

Abstract: A thermal protection barrier including a base layer having a plurality of baffles with perforated walls and a high melting temperature granular media disposed within the plurality of baffles. When the base layer is breached by a thermal threat, the granular media is operable to flow through the perforated walls of the plurality of baffles to provide a controlled flow of granular media to an area proximate the breach for thwarting the thermal threat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for establishing a constant flow rate of a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, into a process system. The apparatus typically includes a fluid pressure regulator, a rotameter, and a back pressure regulator. The system may also include a throttle valve. Establishing a constant flow rate involves established a fixed pressure drop across a fixed flow resistance device, such as a rotameter. The pressure of the output of the rotameter is adjusted to be higher than the backpressure from the process system.