Abstract: A fluorine generator includes a vacuum chamber filled with a working gas. An r-f antenna is positioned outside the chamber across a dielectric window from a potassium fluoride (KF) source located in the chamber. The r-f antenna radiates through the window to heat the working gas and sublime the PK source to create a plasma. Crossed electric and magnetic fields in the chamber drive the heavier potassium ions in the plasma toward a collector in the chamber while confining the lighter fluorine and working gas ions for evacuation from the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the waste loading of vitrified nuclear waste includes a plasma mass filter and a heating apparatus. The plasma mass filter is used first to collect radioactive particles from a multi-species plasma. The radioactive particles are then placed, together with a frit, in crucibles. The crucibles are then induction heated to fuse the radioactive elements with the frit to form a melted mixture which is then cooled to form vitrified waste having relatively high waste loading.

Abstract: A fluorine generator includes a vacuum chamber filled with a working gas. An r-f antenna is positioned outside the chamber across a dielectric window from a potassium fluoride (KF) source located in the chamber. The r-f antenna radiates through the window to heat the working gas and sublime the PK source to create a plasma. Crossed electric and magnetic fields in the chamber drive the heavier potassium ions in the plasma toward a collector in the chamber while confining the lighter fluorine and working gas ions for evacuation from the chamber.

Abstract: A collector for use in removing metal ions from a plasma in a vacuum chamber includes a collector plate that is mounted inside the chamber and formed with an internal cooling channel. An injector introduces a dissociated salt into the chamber with a first throughput value, and it introduces a plasma including metal ions into the chamber with a lower second throughput value. A pump is used to pump a liquid coolant through the cooling channel to maintain the collector plate at a temperature that forms a portion of the salt as a protective layer on the collector plate, and causes the salt to thereafter deposit on the layer in a molten condition at a faster rate than evaporation therefrom to trap metal ions therein. The trapped metal ions are then removed with the molten salt from the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for producing sodium (Na) from a feed material such as a mixture of methane (CH4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) includes a plasma torch configured to heat the feed material to a temperature sufficient to reduce and ionize sodium (Na). As such, a plasma jet is created by the plasma torch that contains ionized sodium (Na) and non-ionized neutrals such as hydrogen (H) and carbon monoxide (CO). From the plasma torch, the plasma jet is introduced into a chamber where a magnetic field has been established. Once inside the chamber the heated mixture of ions and neutrals interacts with the magnetic field in the chamber to cause the sodium ions to travel substantially along the magnetic field lines while the neutrals travel on paths that are essentially unaffected by the magnetic field. A collector is positioned to receive and accumulate sodium (Na).

Abstract: A collector for use in removing metal ions from a plasma in a vacuum chamber includes a collector plate that is mounted inside the chamber and formed with an internal cooling channel. An injector introduces a dissociated salt into the chamber with a first throughput value, and it introduces a plasma including metal ions into the chamber with a lower second throughput value. A pump is used to pump a liquid coolant through the cooling channel to maintain the collector plate at a temperature that forms a portion of the salt as a protective layer on the collector plate, and causes the salt to thereafter deposit on the layer in a molten condition at a faster rate than evaporation therefrom to trap metal ions therein. The trapped metal ions are then removed with the molten salt from the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for producing sodium (Na) from a feed material such as a mixture of methane (CH4) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) includes a plasma torch configured to heat the feed material to a temperature sufficient to reduce and ionize sodium (Na). As such, a plasma jet is created by the plasma torch that contains ionized sodium (Na) and non-ionized neutrals such as hydrogen (H) and carbon monoxide (CO). From the plasma torch, the plasma jet is introduced into a chamber where a magnetic field has been established. Once inside the chamber the heated mixture of ions and neutrals interacts with the magnetic field in the chamber to cause the sodium ions to travel substantially along the magnetic field lines while the neutrals travel on paths that are essentially unaffected by the magnetic field. A collector is positioned to receive and accumulate sodium (Na).

Abstract: A plasma torch for vaporizing a molten salt containing a volatile component and a refractory component injects the molten salt into a device that includes a cylindrical shaped outer member and a cylindrical shaped inner member coaxially positioned inside the outer member to surround a chamber. An induction coil positioned between the inner and outer members generates r.f. power which is initially used to vaporize the volatile component of the molten salt to create a carrier gas having an elevated temperature. The carrier gas then heats the refractory component, under an increased vapor pressure from the carrier gas. This action, in turn, breaks down the refractory component of the molten salt into fine droplets. These fine droplets are maintained in the chamber until they also vaporize. In one embodiment, the plasma torch includes a nozzle for spraying droplets of the molten salt into said chamber.

Abstract: Diamond anvil cell for spectroscopic investigation of materials at high temperature, high pressure and shear. A cell is described which, in combination with Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, permits the spectroscopic investigation of boundary layers under conditions of high temperature, high pressure and shear.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of gaseous nitrogen dioxide and determining the amount of gas which is present. Though polystyrene is normally an insulator, it becomes electrically conductive in the presence of nitrogen dioxide. Conductance or resistance of a polystyrene sensing element is related to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide at the sensing element.