Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (40) having a closed end (44) and an open end (42) operates in a fuel cell generator (10) where the fuel cell open end (42) of each fuel cell contains a sleeve (60, 64) fitted over the open end (42), where the sleeve (60, 64) extends beyond the open end (42) of the fuel cell (40) to prevent degradation of the interior air electrode of the fuel cell by fuel gas during operation of the generator (10).

Abstract: A mono-container fuel cell generator (10) contains a layer of interior insulation (14), a layer of exterior insulation (16) and a single housing (20) between the insulation layers, where fuel cells, containing electrodes and electrolyte, are surrounded by the interior insulation (14) in the interior (12) of the generator, and the generator is capable of operating at temperatures over about 650.degree. C., where the combination of interior and exterior insulation layers have the ability to control the temperature in the housing (20) below the degradation temperature of the housing material. The housing can also contain integral cooling ducts, and a plurality of these generators can be positioned next to each other to provide a power block array with interior cooling.

Abstract: A high temperature solid oxide fuel cell generator produces electrical power from oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel gases such as natural gas, or conditioned fuel gases, such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen, with oxidant gases, such as air or oxygen. This electrochemical reaction occurs in a plurality of electrically connected solid oxide fuel cells bundled and arrayed in a unitary modular fuel cell stack disposed in a compartment in the generator container. The use of a unitary modular fuel cell stack in a generator is similar in concept to that of a removable battery. The fuel cell stack is provided in a pre-assembled self-supporting configuration where the fuel cells are mounted to a common structural base having surrounding side walls defining a chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell generator apparatus and method of its operation involves: passing pressurized oxidant gas, (O) and pressurized fuel gas, (F), into fuel cell modules, (10 and 12), containing fuel cells, where the modules are each enclosed by a module housing (18), surrounded by an axially elongated pressure vessel (64), where there is a purge gas volume, (62), between the module housing and pressure vessel; passing pressurized purge gas, (P), through the purge gas volume, (62), to dilute any unreacted fuel gas from the modules; and passing exhaust gas, (82), and circulated purge gas and any unreacted fuel gas out of the pressure vessel; where the fuel cell generator apparatus is transpatable when the pressure vessel (64) is horizontally disposed, providing a low center of gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for positioning and for simultaneously oscillating a plurality of heater probes within a plurality of heat exchanger tubes mounted in a tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a frame, a plurality of probe drivers mounted onto the frame, wherein each driver includes a pneumatically operated, bladder-type gripper for selectively gripping and ungripping the push-cable of one of the heater probes, as well as an oscillating mechanism powered by a variable voltage d.c. motor. A controller connected between the d.c. motor and a power source separately controls the frequency and the amplitude of the cycle that the oscillating mechanism moves the gripper in, and further controls the alignment between the midpoint of the oscillatory cycle and a selected point along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for positioning and for simultaneously oscillating a plurality of heater probes within a plurality of heat exchanger tubes mounted in a tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a frame, a plurality of probe drivers mounted onto the frame, wherein each driver includes a pneumatically operated, bladder-type gripper for selectively gripping and ungripping the push-cable of one of the heater probes, as well as an oscillating mechanism powered by a variable voltage d.c. motor. A controller connected between the d.c. motor and a power source separately controls the frequency and the amplitude of the cycle that the oscillating mechanism moves the gripper in, and further controls the alignment between the midpoint of the oscillatory cycle and a selected point along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: A tube inspection apparatus includes a probe which carries along the tube one or more infrared emitters and a plurality of infrared detectors. In one embodiment there is one emitter and in another embodiment the number of emitters equals the number of detectors. A cylindrical sleeve encircles a portion of the probe and has resilient fingers slidably frictionally engageable with the inner surface of the tube for centering the probe, equiangularly spaced-apart slots being formed in the sleeve to accommodate light transmission therethrough. Fiber optic bundles in the probe have their inner ends optically coupled to the emitters and detectors, with the outer ends being respectively disposed in alignment with the openings. A cam adjusting means is axially movable on a threaded rod for radially moving the outer ends of the fiber bundles to adjust their spacing from the inner surface of the tube. Preferably, each emitter is modulated for eliminating the effects of ambient light.

Abstract: An integral cooling garment for protection against heat stress characterized by a pair of separate linings stitched together to form tube-receiving chambers which microporous tubes are detachably connectable to a source of liquid carbon dioxide which converts to a solid phase and then gradually sublimates to carbon dioxide gas that is released into the chambers for cooling a wearer of the article of clothing, and the article being untethered to the source of liquid carbon dioxide when worn.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving and positioning a tool for plugging a defective heat exchanger tube of a steam generator in a nuclear reactor includes a base, a plug magazine supported on the base, a guidance mechanism mounting the plugging tool and a positioning mechanism supported on the base and mounting the guidance mechanism. The guidance mechanism is operable to align and position the tool relative to the plug magazine and the defective heat exchanger tube to correspondingly effect, upon operation of the tool, plug loading when the tool is located in a plug dispensing position adjacent to the plug magazine and plug unloading when the tool is located in a plug applying position adjacent to the defective tube. The positioning mechanism is operable to assume folded and unfolded conditions to transfer the guidance mechanism and the plugging tool therewith respectively between the plug dispensing and applying positions.

Abstract: A single stage remote center compliance device having a high degree translational and rotational compliance for use in connection with a manipulator device which includes first and second members spaced from each other and interconnected by a pair of crossed interconnected shafts and a plurality of tilted, axially compressible and laterally deformable compression coil springs.

Abstract: A metal disintegration apparatus for performing work on a portion of a workpiece in a confined location which includes an electrode, and an electrode holder for movably holding, positioning and supporting the electrode at a desired remote location. A vibration feeder is coupled to the electrode so that the electrode can be vibrated relative to the electrode holder while the electrode holder is stationary and the electrode can be advanced to perform cutting. Preferably an air-cushioned reciprocating piston type pneumatic oscillator sends vibrations through a frictionless actuator cable supported by an articulated arm to vibrate the electrode. The vibration feeder is located in a position remote to that of the electrode and therefore the metal disintegration apparatus is ideally suited for work at remote locations such as those encountered in steam generators of nuclear reactors.

Abstract: An improved sleeving apparatus and process capable of simultaneously expanding and rolling an interference joint between a reinforcing sleeve and a heat exchanger tube is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises an elongated housing onto which upper and lower rollers are mounted, and upper and lower hydraulic expanders capable of applying a radially expansive force onto a sleeve across the length of the rollers. The rolls in the rollers are driven by a common drive shaft which is coupled to a hydraulic motor. The apparatus includes a torque controller including a torque sensor and a computer for controlling the torque, and hence the rolling pressure, that the rollers place on the inside surface of the sleeve. The torque sensor is mechanically connected to the output of the driving means of the drive shaft, and electrically connected to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is connected to the control valve of the power supply of the hydraulic motor driving the drive shaft.

Abstract: The tube plug comprises a one piece mechanical plug having one open end and one closed end which is capable of being inserted in a heat exchange tube and internally expanded into contact with the inside surface of the heat exchange tube for preventing flow of a coolant through the heat exchange tube. The tube plug also comprises a groove extending around the outside circumference thereof which has an elastomeric material disposed in the groove for enhancing the seal between the tube plug and the tube.