Abstract: A system for decomposing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as furans, dioxins and PCBs, uses a glow discharge device as an electrochemical reactor. A gas, containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure to the glow discharge device which includes a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gas flows through the gap between the electrodes, one of which is preferably a planar electrode and the other of which is preferably a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the planar electrode. The electrodes are connected to a direct current power source via a ballast. The electrical potential across the electrodes is adjusted in conjunction with the flow rate to provide sufficient energy to break the benzene rings in the aromatic hydrocarbon, while preventing arcing across the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the continuous monitoring of the oxygen or hydrogen concentrations in a steam system with a solid electrolyte oxygen analyzer. The operating temperature of the analyzer is adjusted to about 500.degree. C. and the reference gas used for the analyzer is air or oxygen-inert gas mixture. Under operating conditions, an oxygen or hydrogen level of low parts per billion in superheated or saturated steam can be identified and measured. This technique is specifically useful for continuously monitoring the air inleakage, that is, the oxygen contents in steam and for controlling the corrosion intensity that is, the hydrogen levels in steam in, for example, steam turbine systems in power plants.

Abstract: Graphite particles as small as 38 microns are cleaned, dried and chemically plated with copper or silver. One or multiple chemical platings may be carried out to provide a uniform and thick metal coating. The plated powders are dried and then molded into a desired shape under heavy pressure in a hydraulic press or the like after which the molded shape is sintered under a hydrogen atmosphere for the subsequent fabrication into monolithic or multi-elemental brushes for high-current collectors.

Abstract: A process for reducing the volume of spent radioactive ion exchange resins which have been used for conditioning water circulated through a nuclear reactor. The spent resins are discharged from the reactor system as radioactive wastes to a spent resin storage tank in the form of a slurry. The slurry is first vacuum dewatered to remove the free water and then the intrinsic water in the wet resin beads is removed by drying in a vacuum fluidized bed chamber utilizing superheated steam which also acts to fluidize the bed. Further drying is accomplished by spraying the partially dried resin and superheated steam through a steam injected two-fluid nozzle for further extraction of intrinsic water from the resins. The steam is discharged to a condenser and the dried resins to an evacuated disposal drum. Approximate 4:1 volume reductions from the resin-water slurry to the dried resin is obtainable by practicing the process.