Abstract: An insulated solution injector may include an outer tube and an inner tube arranged within the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube may define an annular space therebetween, and the inner tube may define a solution space within. The annular space may be configured so as to insulate the solution within the solution space. As a result, the solution may be kept to a temperature below its decomposition temperature prior to injection. Accordingly, the decomposition of the solution and the resulting deposition of its constituents within the solution space may be reduced or prevented, thereby decreasing or precluding the occurrence of a blockage.

Abstract: An insulated solution injector may include an outer tube and an inner tube arranged within the outer tube. The outer tube and the inner tube may define an annular space therebetween, and the inner tube may define a solution space within. The annular space may be configured so as to insulate the solution within the solution space. As a result, the solution may be kept to a temperature below its decomposition temperature prior to injection. Accordingly, the decomposition of the solution and the resulting deposition of its constituents within the solution space may be reduced or prevented, thereby decreasing or precluding the occurrence of a blockage.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxide coating for reducing the accumulation of radioactive species on a metallic surface exposed to fluids containing charged particles is disclosed. The method includes preparing an aqueous colloidal suspension containing about 0.5 to about 35 weight percent of nanoparticles that contain at least one of titania and zirconia, and about 0.1% to about 10% 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetic acid (C7H14O5) or polyfluorosufonic acid in water, depositing the aqueous colloidal suspension on the metallic surface, drying the aqueous colloidal suspension to form a green coating, and then heating the green coating to a temperature of up to 500° C. to densify the green coating to form an oxide coating having a zeta potential less than or equal to the electrical polarity of the charged particles so as to minimize deposition of the charged particles on the metallic surface. The nanoparticles have a diameter of up to about 200 nanometers.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for generating nanoparticles from an inorganic precursor compound using a hydrothermal process within at least one CSTR or PFR maintained at an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure and a treatment vessel in which this reaction solution can be applied to one or more catalyst substrates. In operation, the reaction solution may be maintained within the CSTR at a substantially constant concentration and within a reaction temperature range for a reaction period sufficient to obtain nanoparticles having a desired average particle size of, for example, less than 10 nm formation and/or deposition. Variations of the basic method and system can provide, for example, the generation of complex particle size distribution profiles, the selective deposition of a multi-modal particle size distribution on a single substrate.

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 fuel rod includes a cladding tube with a wear-inhibiting coating. In one embodiment, the coating is made of a metallic powder material that is applied to the exterior surface of the cladding tube using a thermal spray process. In an alternative embodiment, the coating is a composite made of a metallic powder material, and a ceramic powder material or a metal oxide hard phase powder material that is simultaneously applied with the metallic powder material to coat the cladding tube. The coating can be applied to selected areas of the fuel rods where debris tends to fret the fuel rod.

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.

Abstract: A process for mitigating stress corrosion cracking of steam turbine components in a steam environment, includes coating the metal components of the steam turbine with a noble metal. The noble metal is preferably a platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing platinum group metals. In another embodiment, the process comprises coating the metal components with a platinum group metal and introducing a reductant into the steam to mitigate the stress corrosion cracking. Also disclosed herein is a steam turbine comprising a metal component having a surface coated with a platinum group metal.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing stress corrosion cracking in a hot water system, such as a nuclear reactor, by reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of components exposed to high temperature water within the structure. The method includes the steps of: providing a reducing species to the high temperature water; and providing a plurality of noble metal nanoparticles having a mean particle size of up to about 100 nm to the high temperature water during operation of the hot water system. The catalytic nanoparticles, which may contain at least one noble metal, form a colloidal suspension in the high temperature water and provide a catalytic surface on which a reducing species reacts with least one oxidizing species present in the high temperature water. The concentration of the oxidizing species is reduced by reaction with the reducing species on the catalytic surface, thereby reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the component.

Abstract: A method for mitigating stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water includes introducing catalytic nanoparticles and dielectric nanoparticles to the high temperature water in an amount effective to reduce a electrochemical corrosion potential of the high temperature water.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack initiation and propagation on a surface of a metal component due to susceptibility to corrosion comprises depositing a metallic material on the surface of the component to form a coating, and then converting at least an outer layer of the coating to an electrically insulating material. The deposition of the metallic material is carried out by a method selected from the group consisting of wire-arc spraying, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition. Electrochemical corrosion potential less than −0.23 VSHE based on the standard hydrogen electrode can be achieved with the method of coating of the present invention. This method is applied to produce coated structural components of water-cooled nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack initiation and propagation on a surface of a metal component due to susceptibility to corrosion comprises depositing a metallic material on the surface of the component to form a coating, and then converting at least an outer layer of the coating to an electrically insulating material. The deposition of the metallic material is carried out by a method selected from the group consisting of wire-arc spraying, physical vapor deposition, and chemical vapor deposition. Electrochemical corrosion potential less than −0.23 VSHE based on the standard hydrogen electrode can be achieved with the method of coating of the present invention. This method is applied to produce coated structural components of water-cooled nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A brush seal is provided wherein the brush seal is disposed in a section of a steam turbine for reducing leakage of a working fluid across a pressure drop. The brush seal comprises a bristle holder attachable to the steam turbine and a plurality of bristles comprising Ni, Cr, Mo, Fe, W, Mn, V, Si, and C.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: A method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: A method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: Method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a noble metal concentration in a sample that is representative of a noble metal concentration in either a volume of water circulated through a nuclear reactor or a surface of a nuclear reactor component exposed to the volume of water. The system comprises: at least one standard having a predetermined concentration of the noble metal disposed its surface; an electrolyte bath for immersing one of the sample and the standard therein; an auxiliary electrode connectable to one of the sample and the standard; a power source connectable to a reference electrode and one of the standard and the sample; and a current measurement device capable of measuring a current passing between the auxiliary electrode and one of the sample and the standard.

Abstract: RD-27,98216A method for reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential and susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of a nickel-base alloy and boiling water nuclear reactor components formed therefrom when in contact with high temperature water. The method comprises the steps of: adding a metal hydride to the high temperature water; dissociating the metal hydride in the high temperature water to form a metal and at least one hydrogen ion; and reducing the concentration of the oxidizing species by reacting the hydrogen ions with an oxidizing species, thereby reducing in situ the electrochemical corrosion potential of the nickel-base alloy. The method may further include the steps of reacting the metal with oxygen present in the high temperature water to form an insoluble oxide and incorporating the metal into the surface of the nickel-base alloy, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the surface of the nickel-base alloy.