Abstract: A duct for a magnetohydrodynamic generator having diagonally conductive walls formed with extended modules of a suitable electrically conductive material, which are electrically insulated from one another and oriented so that each module has sections inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the duct, said angle being varied within .pi./2.gtoreq..alpha..sub.max .gtoreq..alpha..gtoreq..alpha..sub.min .gtoreq.0. The extended modules are C-shaped and oppositely disposed in an alternating manner so that the number of electrical breaks per unit length of the duct along its axis on the walls formed with sections of the modules inclined at the angle .alpha..sub.max with respect to the duct axis exceeds twice the number of electrical breaks along the duct axis on the walls formed with sections of the modules inclined at the angle .alpha..sub.min with respect to the duct axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electric power directly from a supersonic gas flow. An obstacle is positioned in the supersonic gas flow to establish a standing shock wave having a potential gradient. A pair of electrodes, one located in the upstream direction from the shock wave and the other located in the downstream direction from the shock wave, are used to extract power from the potential gradient.

Abstract: In a magnetohydrodynamic power plant where calcium carbonate seed is used to increase conductivity and scavenge sulfur, forming potassium sulfate, an improved process is disclosed for converting the potassium sulfate back into potassium carbonate for reuse in the power plant. The potassium sulfate is first reacted with a reducing agent in the presence of up to about 40% boric oxide at about 800.degree. to about 1300.degree. C. for at least about one hour to produce potassium sulfide. The potassium sulfide is then reacted with carbon dioxide and steam at about 450.degree. to about 750.degree. C. for at least about an hour to produce hydrogen sulfide and potassium carbonate. Finally, the potassium carbonate and the hydrogen sulfide are separated and the potassium carbonate is recycled.

Abstract: The engine comprises a generally toroidal cylinder containing a piston having optional permanent magnets or electromagnets disposed thereon. The piston rotates through the cylinder due to a force exerted on it by expanding vapor. A shutter valve extends across the cylinder at one point and the vapor is injected between the shutter valve and the piston thereby forcing the piston to traverse the extent of the cylinder. An exhaust port is disposed such that the piston will pass it toward the completion of one revolution. The expanding vapor is exhausted through this port after which the piston momentum forces it past the shutter valve where a fresh supply of vapor is injected and the cycle repeats itself. Sensors and valving arrangements are supplied for providing optimum timing of the vapor injection. Also coils are disposed about the toroidal surface through which the magnet carrying piston passes for the production of electrical energy.

Abstract: A process for reacting potassium carbonate with the sulfur in an MHD gas to form potassium sulfate and for recovering the potassium carbonate for recycle as a seeding material for the MHD gas.

Abstract: A corner seal for an MHD duct includes a compressible portion which contacts the duct walls and an insulating portion which contacts the electrodes, sidewall bars and insulators. The compressible portion may be a pneumatic or hydraulic gasket or an open-cell foam rubber. The insulating portion is segmented into a plurality of pieces of the same thickness as the electrodes, insulators and sidewall bars and aligned therewith, the pieces aligned with the insulator being of a different size from the pieces aligned with the electrodes and sidewall bars to create a stepped configuration along the corners of the MHD channel.

Abstract: A ceramic component suitable for preparing MHD generator electrodes having the compositional formula: Y.sub.x (Mg.sub.y Cr.sub.z).sub.w Al.sub.(1-w) O.sub.3 where x=0.9 to 1.05, y=0.02 to 0.2, z=0.8 to 1.05 and w=1.0 to 0.5. The component is resistant to the formation of hydration products in an MHD environment, has good electrical conductivity and exhibits a lower electrochemical corrosion rate than do comparable compositions of lanthanum chromite.

Abstract: An MHD power generator includes a pair of electrode units between which a plasma stream flows from a plasma stream generating source. Each electrode unit comprises a plurality of segmented electrodes connected with each other with an insulating material disposed between the next adjacent segmented electrodes. The segmented electrode is made of magnetic material such as iron and cooled by an electrode cooling device. A pair of electrically insulating plates are mounted i.e. one on the upper surface of the electrode units and the other on the lower surface of the electrode units to define a plasma passage. A plurality of lead wires are each connected to a corresponding segmented electrode so as to take out an electric power which is generated in the plasma passage.

Abstract: According to the present invention, coal combustion gas is the primary working fluid and copper or a copper alloy is the electrodynamic fluid in the MHD generator, thereby eliminating the heat exchangers between the combustor and the liquid-metal MHD working fluids, allowing the use of a conventional coalfired steam bottoming plant, and making the plant simpler, more efficient and cheaper. In operation, the gas and liquid are combined in a mixer and the resulting two-phase mixture enters the MHD generator. The MHD generator acts as a turbine and electric generator in one unit wherein the gas expands, drives the liquid across the magnetic field and thus generates electrical power. The gas and liquid are separated, and the available energy in the gas is recovered before the gas is exhausted to the atmosphere. Where the combustion gas contains sulfur, oxygen is bubbled through a side loop to remove sulfur therefrom as a concentrated stream of sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for converting solar energy into electricity by means of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator. The method comprises providing an organic liquid reservoir having an ejector nozzle positioned at the inlet port of a MHD generator, providing a liquid alloy reservoir in fluid communication with said inlet port, and heating said organic liquid to its boiling temperature by means of solar energy absorbers so as to form high pressure vapors of the organic liquid adapted to propel the liquid alloy through said MHD-generator, whereby solar heat energy is converted into mechanical energy and said mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy in said generator.

Abstract: A gaseous electrode for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator is positioned in a primary magnetic field. Single or multiple openings or slots are provided in the electrode from which a gaseous plume or plumes may be emitted into the main MHD channel depending on whether one or more than one opening is provided. The openings or slots are normally oriented parallel to the magnetic field, but can be at an angle to the magnetic field. The electrode is formed having an inter cavity which is continuously filled with an ionizable inert gas. Microwave or RF energy is radiated into the cavity to ionize the gas thereby generating an ionized plasma source from which a gaseous plasma plume may be formed. The plasma plume is injected into the MHD generator's main channel thereby forming a gaseous electrode. The electrode is oriented in the main channel opposed by at least a second electrode which may be of the same or a different configuration.

Abstract: A ceramic component suitable for preparing MHD generator electrodes consists of HfO.sub.2 and sufficient Tb.sub.4 O.sub.7 to stabilize at least 60 volume percent of the HfO.sub.2 into the cubic structure. The ceramic component may also contain a small amount of PrO.sub.2, Yb.sub.2 O.sub.3 or a mixture of both to improve stability and electronic conductivity of the electrode. The component is highly resistant to corrosion by molten potassium seed and molten coal slag in the MHD fluid and exhibits both ionic and electronic conductivity.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic device having a duct for a conducting gas to flow at an angle with the direction of the magnetic field induction vector. The duct is situated in the magnetic system and is provided with a plurality of electrodes adapted to interact electrically with the gas, whereas the cross-sectional shape of the duct working space is bounded by a closed contour formed by a curve inscribed into a rectangle having its sides a.gtoreq.b, while the minimum radius R of curvature of said curve is related to the distance x from the entry to the duct for the conducting gas to flow, to the cross-section under consideration by the following formula: ##EQU1## where P.sub.o and S.sub.o stand, respectively, for the perimeter and cross-sectional area of the duct 1 at the entry thereof, and 0.5.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.1.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic generator discharges its gases to a vapor generator. A portion of the heat discharged to the vapor generator is recovered to elevate the temperature of the combustion air to the MHD burner. The burner discharge of an atmospheric heater further raises the temperature of the combustion air. The MHD exhaust gases passed through the vapor generator and the gases discharged from the atmospheric heater are combined to superheat the generated vapor and feed liquid to the vapor generator.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic electric generator for the direct energy conversion of the kinetic energy of saline water flowing through a magnetic field, preferably in the constricted part of a duct. Means may be provided to increase the kinetic energy of the flowing saline water using wave-powered air compressors and/or water pumps. Also described are sea platforms containing a multitude of electricity generators in a configuration to maximize the conversion of the kinetic energy of flowing saline water into electric energy.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use as a current collector in the channel of a magnetohydrodynamid (MHD) generator utilizes an elongated monolithic cap of dense refractory material compliantly mounted to the MHD channel frame for collecting the current. The cap has a central longitudinal channel which contains a first layer of porous refractory ceramic as a high-temperature current leadout from the cap and a second layer of resilient wire mesh in contact with the first layer as a low-temperature current leadout between the first layer and the frame. Also described is a monolithic ceramic insulator compliantly mounted to the frame parallel to the electrode by a plurality of flexible metal strips.

Abstract: In combustion fired magnetohydrodynamic power systems conventional fuels such as coal, oil, natural gas and the like are first completely burned, and then shock waves are generated in the combustion products by means of small amounts of explosives which are preferably initiated by pulsed lasers. Thus, highly ionized particles of great flow velocities are obtained which are supplied into a usual MHD generator to induce a ripple current in a load circuit at high efficiency.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite suitable for use in a high-temperature environment consists of a refractory ceramic matrix containing 10 to 50 volume percent of a continuous high-temperature metal reinforcement. In a specific application of the composite, as an electrode in a magnetohydrodynamic generator, the one surface of the electrode which contacts the MHD fluid may have a layer of varying thickness of nonreinforced refractory ceramic for electrode temperature control. The side walls of the electrode may be coated with a refractory ceramic insulator. Also described is an electrode-insulator system for a MHD channel.

Abstract: The generation of intense burst of high energy electrons and/or intense currents of positive ions is accomplished by compressing a magnetic field in the presence of a gas plasma. The gas plasma is contained in a metallic cylinder and the magnetic field is established by means of a capacitor bank driven current that flows in the axial direction on the metallic cylinder and returns through the gas plasma contained in the cylinder. Detonation of explosive material surrounding the metallic cylinder drives the cylinder walls inward effecting compression of the magnetic field and a concomitant increase in plasma current.

Abstract: Ceramic electrode is brazed to compliant support, a plurality of curved metal strips mounted on edge, opposite edges being brazed to cooling block. Compliance permits expansion and distortion of electrode when heated without development of stress damaging to brazed joints or to electrode.

Abstract: A wave powered electric generator using direct energy conversion is described which includes, within a water and airtight, buoyant envelope tethered to a fixed point relative to the sea bottom, one or more stators and one or more elements moveable by the force of inertia, the relative motion of the moveable element within the stator generating electricity. Also within the buoyant envelope is a rectifier for rectifying the electric energy generated by the moveable element, and power transmission means for supplying the generated and rectified electric energy to a power station. In a preferred embodiment, a conductive fluid is employed as a moveable element, this fluid being passed through a concentrated magnetic field, the resultant electrical power being tapped by electrodes whose axis preferably is orthagonal to the field and direction of fluid motion.

Abstract: Copper backings brazed to ceramic parts exposed to high-temperature oxidizing high-velocity gases must be secured, for mounting purposes, to water-cooled fixed support, with high thermal conductance between backing and support. Prior art practice of brazing backing to support is inconvenient, making subsequent removal difficult, and disadvantageous in requiring that support be heated to brazing temperature (which may weaken support by annealing it). Invention teaches channel-shaped clip, on back of backing, whose legs are spread slightly to be inserted in mating slots in support face. All mating surfaces are tinned with lead-tin eutectic solder. If mere mechanical contact provides adequate thermal conductance between backing and support, solder remains unmelted; but if mechanical contact is imperfect temperature of backing will rise, and solder will melt and bridge gap between backing and support, raising thermal conductance.

Abstract: An improved, closed-cycle magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation system wherein the MHD generator is fueled by sulfur burned in oxygen, together with stages for recovering sulfur dioxide, reducing SO.sub.2 to elemental sulfur, and returning reduced elemental sulfur to the MHD unit such that higher flame temperatures and ionization factors are obtained while pollutants typically generated by fossil-fueled MHD power generation systems are essentially eliminated.

Abstract: An electrode capable of withstanding high temperatures and suitable for use as a current collector in the channel of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator consists of a sintered powdered metal base portion, the upper surface of the base being coated with a first layer of nickel aluminide, an intermediate layer of a mixture of nickel aluminide - refractory ceramic on the first layer and a third or outer layer of a refractory ceramic material on the intermediate layer. The sintered powdered metal base resists spalling by the ceramic coatings and permits greater electrode compliance to thermal shock. The density of the powdered metal base can be varied to allow optimization of the thermal conductivity of the electrode and prevent excess heat loss from the channel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic conveying trough for conveying molten metals with a trough body extending in the direction of conveyance and lined with a fireproof lining and an inductor for producing a travelling electromagnetic field and formed as a grooved laminated package, the transversely extending grooves defining teeth about which individual coil windings are wrapped. In order to replace the inductor below a molten metal breakthrough without removing all of the lining, the coolant pipes are formed coaxial with each winding as a unit with separate coolant connections to each such unit.

Abstract: Apparatus by which high explosive charges are propelled into and detonated at the center of an MHD-X generator. The high explosive charge units are engaged and propelled by a reciprocating ram device. Detonating in each instance is achieved by striking with a firing pin a detonator charge that is in register with a booster charge, the booster charge being in detonating communication with the high explosive charge. Various safety requirements are satisfied by a spring loaded slider operating in a channel transverse and adjacent to the booster charge. The slide retains the detonator charge out of register with the booster charge until a safety pin that holds the slider in place is pulled by a lanyard attached between the reciprocating ram and the safety pin. Removal of the safety pin permits the detonator charge to slide into alignment with the booster charge. Firing pin actuation is initiated by the slider at the instant the detonator charge and the booster charge come into register.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity and fixing nitrogen oxides is disclosed in which coal is gasified at high pressure to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, with a minimal amount of hydrogen and water, as a gas stream. This high pressure gas stream is mixed with an oxidant to introduce mixtures of nitrogen and oxygen and then completely combusted. The high temperature combustion gas is then further ionized to form a plasma and its velocity is increased, while its high pressure is maintained. The high pressure, high velocity plasma is fed into an MHD generator to produce electricity and where it is adiabatically expanded to fix the nitrogen oxides contained therein. The final gas stream, with the fixed nitrogen oxide compounds therein, is thereafter reacted to form nitric acid.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to electrical generators which utilize heating and cooling of separate points in a closed circuit ferrofluid system to generate electrical power directly from heat energy. The characteristic of ferrofluids to experience rapid change in their magnetic properties with temperature is utilized by placing a magnet around the circuit to create a self-pumping action of the ferrofluid through a solenoid to generate electric power.

Abstract: An MHD generator has a plurality of segmented electrodes extending longitudinally of a duct, whereby progressively increasing high DC voltages are derived from a set of cathode electrodes and progressively increasing low DC voltages are derived from a set of anode electrodes. First and second load terminals are respectively connected to the cathode and anode electrodes by separate coupling networks, each of which includes a number of SCR's and a number of diode rectifiers.

Abstract: Multiple oxides of the general formula (L.sub.1 -x Mx) (Q.sub.1 -y Ry)O.sub.3, in which L is an element of atomic number 57 - 71, M is an element of Ca, Sr or Ba, Q and R are mutually different elements of atomic number 21 - 30 or Zr, 0 .ltoreq. x < 1 and 0 < y < 1, have excellent electron-conductivity and thermal stability.

Abstract: An improved magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator is provided by increasing the electrical conductivity of the working fluid by raising the temperature of the fluid. This is accomplished by providing an additional source of heat for the combustion products within the combustor. The additional source of heat in the combustor is provided by an electrical arc discharge within the combustor. The arc is energized by feeding back a part of the electrical output power from the MHD generator to the arc electrodes. In a typical nominal 20 megawatt system the thermal efficiency of the system is typically increased from approximately 20% to approximately 24.5% by such enthalpy augmentation.

Abstract: Charged particles are entrained on a straight or curved path by a traveling magnetic field moving along that path with its magnetic flux vector transverse thereto. The general direction of entrainment is the same for particles of either polarity. The initial relative velocity between the traveling field and the particle drives the latter into motions along a quasi-cycloidal trajectory in the direction of field travel at an average particle speed nearly equal to the field velocity. Streams of charged particles may be accelerated into streams separated from any material objects such as vessel walls, magnetic structures, electrodes, etc. This confinement is achieved predominantly by the balanced interaction of the forces exerted on the particles by the traveling magnetic field and their inertial forces. Auxiliary confining fields may be applied for redirecting to the main stream any particles scattered by secondary effects.

Abstract: A system for generating non-polluting fuel and a burner for using such fuel to produce energy in the form of heat with a non-polluting exhaust, together with means for utilizing such exhaust to produce supplementary direct current power is disclosed. An electrolyzer is operated to produce hydrogen and oxygen in gaseous form which is then stored in suitable fuel tanks. As needed, the fuel is combined with air and supplied under pressure to a combustion chamber where the mixture is burned, producing heat and a pollution free exhaust. The heat so produced may be used as a conventional heat source to generate steam, drive a turbine, or the like, while the combustion gases are directed to a magnetohydrodynamic generator to produce an electrical current which is usable in any desired manner.

Abstract: To assure availability of liquid metal for operation of liquid metal electrical current collectors in an acyclic machine at all operating speeds of the machine, liquid metal expelled electromagnetically from the region between an individual rotor collector ring and an individual stator collector ring is made to flow a second time in the same direction across a path followed by the armature current so that the liquid metal is pumped electromagnetically back into the region from which it is expelled.

Abstract: Power plant with a plurality of similarly constructed, elongated units, each unit including a closed working fluid loop for MHD-conversion. The electrical outputs are connected in parallel on a common bus. Prime heater is a nuclear reactor distributed among the units, and separately controlled for each of them by a computer, to operate a unit in the cooling mode or in the power mode, depending upon overall power demand. Each unit includes a compressor-turbine aggregate for circulating air for heat exchange with the working fluid.

Abstract: Closed cycle energy conversion system in which a magnetohydrodynamic generator operates on high temperature and high pressure water obtained by combustion of hydrogen in oxygen which is obtained by thermal decomposition of water to produce electricity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating electrical energy either as direct or alternating current output wherein an electric current is passed axially through a continuous flow of electrically conductive fluid in a duct member, the fluid is moved at a high velocity so that the circumferential magnetic field due to the electric current travels with the fluid and induces radially directed electromotive forces and current flow in a further conductive device disposed exteriorly about the duct member.

Abstract: A technique of forming electrodes for magneto-hydrodynamic generators having the composition (La.sub.1.sub.-x Y.sbsb.x ) CrO.sub.3 where Y is strontium, calcium or magnesium and having densities of as high as 97% of theoretical or even higher is provided. Electrodes of such densities offer superior mechanical and electrical properties when employed in magneto-hydrodynamic generators.

Abstract: A Hall voltage device including means for generating a magnetic field and a rotatable box mounted within the field in the air gap defined by the means. The box is arranged to receive a fluid including charged particles and comprises appropriately located electrodes cooperating with the fluid and means for rotating the box. An end face of the box is provided with a central aperture around the axis of rotation for introducing the fluid into the box. In another embodiment the apparatus comprises a pivot having two parts, each part connected to a respective electrode of the box. Each part contacts an amount of mercury contained in a reservoir. The two reservoirs are connected to a voltage meter. Cooling means for the mercury reservoir is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Hall-voltage device in which a rotatable box is disposed in the air gap of a magnetic circuit. The box is arranged to receive a fluid having charged particles distributed therein, which fluid can cooperate with electrodes. One end face of the box is provided with an aperture through which a thin, flexible disc of plastic foil, which serves as the electrode support and has a radial cut, can be inserted into the box. The disc is provided with electrodes and associated discharge conductors and can be fixed in the box by means of a pivot extending through the aperture, which pivot includes terminals to which the discharge conductors extend.

Abstract: An MHD generator includes external electrical connectors between adjacent discrete electrodes in one wall of the generator duct, which has opposed electrodes which may lie in a plane at an angle to the direction of gas flow. The electrical connection includes a circuit which adjusts the voltage between the connected adjacent electrodes to insure that the Hall voltage differential between the discrete electrodes which are adjacent to each other in the same wall of the duct does not exceed the damaging breakdown voltage. Indicator means when coupled to the circuits in accordance with the invention comprise diagnostic means which provide a graphic representation of voltage distribution along the length of the generator duct.

Abstract: For particle separation, a method and apparatus for using a wide angle radially expanding vapor of a particle mixture. In particular, selective ionization of one isotope type in the particle mixture is produced in a multichamber separator and the ionized isotope type is accelerated out of the path of the vapor expansion for separate collection.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to isotope separation by selective ionization and in particular to a separation system making efficient use of an isotope source.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONNearly all fission reactions utilizing the uranium isotope, U.sub.235, require a concentration of the U.sub.235 isotope greater than in the naturally occurring state. The process of enrichment whereby the concentration of U.sub.235 in natural or depleted uranium is raised to a desired level has been achieved in the past by many techniques which generally operate to separate U.sub.235 from the other uranium isotopes, chiefly U.sub.

Abstract: An MHD generator includes external electrical connectors between pairs of the discrete electrodes in opposite walls of the generator duct, which may lie in a plane at an angle to the direction of gas flow. The electrical connection includes a passive or an active circuit which controls current flow between the connected electrodes to insure that uniform current flow along the length of the duct and that excessive current flow through such discrete electrodes in opposite walls of the duct do not exceed a damaging limit which may otherwise occur. Indicator means when coupled to the circuits in accordance with the invention comprise diagnostic means which provide a graphic representation of current distribution along the length of the generator duct.

Abstract: An anode assembly of an MHD generator has an opening in communication with the generator's main plasma stream. An inert gas is passed between the anode assembly's emitter and a positively biased collector which is in circuit with a load and a cathode emitter on the other side of the main plasma stream.A supplemental magnetic field rotates an arc about a collector nozzle in an insulated wall, while a magnetic-field shield protects the assembly from the MHD generator's main flux.The system is operated by ionizing a gas that is passed between the anode's emitter and its positively biased collector to form a plasma jet which is used as an electrode to conduct current across the main plasma stream between the cathode and the collector of the anode assembly.