Abstract: Some embodiments include a method comprising: flowing a molten salt out of a molten salt reactor at a first temperature, heating the molten salt reactor to a second temperature above the melding point of the second salt mixture causing the second salt mixture to melt; flowing the second salt mixture out of the molten salt reactor; flowing a third salt mixture into the molten salt reactor; and cooling the molten salt reactor from the second temperature to a third temperature causing the third salt mixture to solidify on the interior surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the molten salt may include a first salt mixture comprising at least uranium. In some embodiments, the first temperature is a temperature above the melting point of the first salt mixture.

Abstract: An electromagnet comprises a plurality of nested freestanding electrically insulating former layers, and electrically conductive wire wrapped around the outsides of the freestanding electrically insulating former layers to define a multilayer electrical coil in which adjacent layers of the multilayer electrical coil are spaced apart by intervening freestanding electrically insulating former layers. Electrically energizing the multilayer electrical coil generates a magnetic field inside the multilayer electrical coil. In some embodiments the electrically conductive wire is bare wire not having electrical insulation. In some embodiments the former layers comprise a ceramic material. In some such embodiments the electromagnet further comprises a ferromagnetic core disposed inside the multilayer electrical coil. An electric motor employing such an electromagnet as a stator pole is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gearbox is provided having a housing, a gear having a plurality of teeth operationally configured within the housing, and a laser peening device located within the housing and configured to perform active laser peening on a predetermined surface of the gear while the gear is rotated within the housing. A method of maintaining compressive residual stresses in a gear is provided, the method including operating a gearbox to rotate a gear within the gearbox and laser peening a predetermined surface of the gear with a laser peening device located within the gearbox.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor comprising at least one light source for emitting transmission light into a medium, at least one detector, wherein the transmission light is at least partially converted in the medium by fluorescence into fluorescent light and the detector receives the fluorescent light, wherein a first receiver signal can be generated from the fluorescent light, and wherein a first measured value can be determined from the first receiver signal, wherein the transmission light is at least partially scattered by means of the medium to form scattered light, and the detector receives the scattered light, wherein a second receiver signal can be generated from the scattered light, and wherein a second measured value can be determined from the second receiver signal. The present disclosure further relates to a method for determining a first and second measured value of a medium.

Abstract: A zirconium alloy nuclear reactor cylindrical cladding has an inner Zr substrate surface (10), an outer volume of protective material (22), and an integrated middle volume (20) of zirconium oxide, zirconium and protective material, where the protective material is applied by impaction at a velocity greater than 340 meters/second to provide the integrated middle volume (20) resulting in structural integrity for the cladding.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of nuclear technology, and specifically to a method for the in situ passivation of steel surfaces. The method consists in installing, in a position intended for a regular core, a core simulator in the form of a model of the core, which models the shape thereof, the relative position of the core components, and also the mass characteristics thereof; next, the reactor is filled with a heavy liquid metal heat transfer medium, the heat transfer medium is heated to a temperature which provides for the conditions of passivation, and in situ passivation is carried out in two stages, the first of which includes an isothermal passivation mode in conformity with the conditions determined for this stage, and the second mode includes non-isothermal passivation, which is carried out under different conditions, after which the core simulator is removed and the regular core is installed in the place thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the radioactive contamination of the surface of a component used in a nuclear reactor, which component is in contact with radioactively contaminated water, in which method a hydrophobic film is produced on the surface of a component by virtue of the surface being wetted with an aqueous solution which contains a film-forming amphiphilic substance.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: A method for protecting the components of the primary system of a boiling water reactor, especially against stress cracking corrosion, includes feeding a reducing agent into the primary coolant in order to reduce the number of substances having a oxidizing effect or in order to modify the electrochemical potential of the component surfaces covered with an oxide layer to negative values. An alcohol that can be oxidized in the conditions of a reactor is fed in as a reducing agent, preferably in a liquid form, into the primary coolant. The component surfaces are provided with a blank coating or a single intrinsic oxide coating.

Abstract: A photocatalyst injection system including: a reactor primary system coolant collection section collecting a reactor primary system coolant containing a noble metal or noble metal ion from a reactor primary system; a photocatalyst addition section adding a photocatalyst to the collected reactor primary system coolant; an ultraviolet irradiation section irradiating, with ultraviolet rays, the coolant to which the photocatalyst has been added for producing, in the coolant, a noble metal-carrying photocatalyst in which the noble metal is carried on a surface of the photocatalyst; and a noble metal-carrying photocatalyst injection section injecting the coolant containing the noble metal-carrying photocatalyst into the reactor primary system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a light emitting device. More particularly, disclosed are a growth substrate, a nitride semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a light emitting device. The method includes preparing a growth substrate including a metal substrate, forming a semiconductor structure including a nitride-based semiconductor on the growth substrate, providing a support structure on the semiconductor structure, and separating the growth substrate from the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: A single silicon wafer micromachined thermal conduction sensor is described. The sensor consists of a heat transfer cavity with a flat bottom and an arbitrary plane shape, which is created in a silicon substrate. A heated resistor with a temperature dependence resistance is deposed on a thin film bridge, which is the top of the cavity. A heat sink is the flat bottom of the cavity and parallel to the bridge completely. The heat transfer from the heated resistor to the heat sink is modulated by the change of the thermal conductivity of the gas or gas mixture filled in the cavity. This change can be measured to determine the composition concentration of the gas mixture or the pressure of the air in a vacuum system.

Abstract: A noble metal injection apparatus is connected to a piping of a nuclear plant at the time of stop of the nuclear plant before start of the nuclear plant. In chemical decontamination, oxidation decontamination agent decomposition, and reduction decontamination on an inner surface of the pipe system are executed. After reduction decontamination, a part of an oxalic acid included in a reduction decontamination solution is decomposed and platinum is injected into the reduction decontamination solution of pH 3.5 or higher. When the platinum concentration becomes a preset concentration, a reduction agent is injected and the reduction decontamination solution including the platinum and reduction agent is brought into contact with the inner surface of the piping. The platinum is deposited on the inner surface of the piping. The injection of the platinum and reduction agent is stopped and the platinum and reduction agent are decomposed.

Abstract: A fluid purifying apparatus that purifies fluid containing organic matter has a reactor including a first transfer part that receives the fluid from outside and transfers the fluid in a vertical direction from an upper side to a lower side while heating and pressurizing the fluid and mixing the fluid with an oxidant, a second transfer part that receives the fluid that has passed through the first transfer part and transfers the fluid in the vertical direction from the lower side to the upper side, and a partition member that partitions an upper part of the reactor into the first transfer part and the second transfer part, and a solid storage part that communicates with the first transfer part and the second transfer part below the partition member and receives solid matter contained in the fluid that settles while the fluid is transferred.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant member has a composite titanium oxide film for reducing corrosion deposited on a surface of a construction material, where the composite titanium oxide film is represented by a molecular formula MTiO3 in which M is a transition element, and the corrosion-resistant member is preliminarily manufactured by depositing titanium oxide on the surface of the construction material, and the titanium oxide is subsequently or simultaneously subjected to high temperature treatment under existence of an ion of the transition metal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a structure via a robot are described. The system includes a first robot and a second robot. The first robot includes a body, a tool arm, a sensor coupled, a drive system configured to allow vertical and inverted positioning of the first robot, a transceiver, and a controller. The second robot similarly includes a body, a drive system configured to allow positioning of the second robot, a transceiver, and a controller. The system includes a base station in communication with the first robot via the first robot transceiver and/or in communication with the second robot via the second robot transceiver. The first robot is configured to autonomously perform a maintenance task on the structure. The second robot is configured to autonomously provide a support service to the first robot during the maintenance task. The first robot is configured to communicate with the second robot.

Abstract: There is provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these tools and systems for cutting, sectioning and removing structures objects, and materials, and in particular, for doing so in difficult to access locations and environments, such as offshore, underwater, or in hazardous environments, such as nuclear and chemical facilities. Thus, there is also provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these systems and tools for removing structures, objects, and materials located offshore, under bodies of water and under the seafloor.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant with an improved cooling system using nanoparticles in solid or fluid form is provided. The nanoparticles are delivered in locations such as the cold leg accumulator and high and low pressure pumps of an emergency core cooling system. Motor driven valves and pressurization can aid in the delivery. Methods for providing the nanoparticles are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that may reduce the level of flow-induced vibration (FIV) experienced by a jet pump assembly or other similar object within a pressure vessel. Essentially, an embodiment of the present invention may reduce the slip-joint leakage, which may be a cause of the FIVs, by adding a flow-limiting component to an outlet of the slip joint. This component may take the form of a collar, channel, and/or other component that may be connectable to a component of the jet pump assembly. After installation, an embodiment of the present invention may lower the amplitude of, and/or change the frequency of, the FIVs experienced by the jet pump assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel rod assembly comprising a first component of a zirconium-based material. The first component is in contact with or is located adjacent to a second component of a material different from the zirconium-based material, e.g. a nickel-based or iron-based alloy. A coating is disposed on an outer surface of the first component, which is effective to reduce an electrochemical corrosion potential difference between the first component and the second component relative to an electrochemical corrosion potential difference between the first component and the second component without the coating.

Abstract: A method to analyze crystals in a deposit on a surface of a nuclear generating station heating surface, wherein the method extracts a sample of material from the surface of the nuclear generating station heating surface and also includes conducting at least one of a high resolution scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry of the sample and a scanning transmission electron microscope/selected area electron diffraction/spot and elemental mapping analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A radiation exposure reduction method includes the steps of: injecting iron into a coolant which flows from the reactor cooling system to the reactor core in a nuclear power plant; and ferritizing and fixing radionuclides or parent nuclides thereof, which are contained in the coolant, on the surface of a reactor core structure, wherein an iron citrate which is soluble organic iron, or iron oxalate or iron fumarate which has a particle diameter of 3 ?m or less, is used as the iron to be injected into the coolant.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel rod assembly comprising a first component of a zirconium-based material. The first component is in contact with or is located adjacent to a second component of a material different from the zirconium-based material, e.g. a nickel-based or iron-based alloy. A coating is disposed on an outer surface of the first component, which is effective to reduce an electrochemical corrosion potential difference between the first component and the second component relative to an electrochemical corrosion potential difference between the first component and the second component without the coating.

Abstract: A device for detecting steel is provided. The steel is used in a nuclear plant. The device has a detecting circuit of electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) and alternative current (AC) impedance. An environment in a boiling water reactor (BWR) is simulated under hydrogen water chemistry (HWC). The environment is used for detecting intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of components coated with different precious metals. Thus, effect of coating different precious metals on steels can be evaluated for HWC.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant is provided including a BWR, a reactor cooling system cooling the BWR, an HWC hydrogen injection system connected to the reactor cooling system and an alcohol injection system connected to the reactor cooling system. Methods for providing methanol and hydrogen are also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for injecting hydrogen into Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) reactor support systems in operation during reactor startup and/or shutdown to mitigate Inter-Granular Stress Corrosion Cracking (IGSCC). The system may provide hydrogen at variable pressures (including relatively higher pressures) that match changing operating pressures of the reactor supports systems as the reactor cycles through startup and shutdown modes.

Abstract: In a method of reducing corrosion of a material constituting a nuclear reactor structure, an electrochemical corrosion potential is controlled by injecting a solution or a suspension containing a substance generating an excitation current by an action of at least one of radiation, light, and heat existing in a nuclear reactor, or a metal or a metallic compound forming the substance generating the excitation current under the condition in the nuclear reactor to allow the substance generating the excitation current to adhere to the surface of the nuclear reactor structural material, and by injecting hydrogen in cooling water of the nuclear reactor while controlling the hydrogen concentration in a feed water.

Abstract: A tool for inspecting a cell formed by grid beams of a top guide structure in a nuclear reactor is provided. The tool includes a camera; a support structure coupled to the camera for contacting at least one of the grid beams to support the camera within the cell; and at least one actuator moving the camera with respect to the support structure and along one of the grid beams, the at least one actuator coupling the camera to the support structure. A method for inspecting a cell formed by grid beams of a top guide structure in a nuclear reactor is also provided.

Abstract: A surface conditioning scheduling process is used to mitigate susceptibility to crack initiation or crack growth in a boiling water nuclear reactor using a plurality of working crews. A plurality of working zones are defined in an annulus region of a reactor vessel flange, and a plurality working zones are defined in a core region of the reactor vessel. One of the working crews is positioned in each of the annulus region working zones, and one of the working crews is positioned in each of the core region working zones. The working crews perform surface conditioning in areas of the reactor vessel accessible from their respective working zones such that the surface conditioning process can be completed in no more than thirty days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: In a nuclear power plant, a corrosion-resistant oxide film on a surface of the metal component of a reactor structure is exposed to a high-temperature water, the corrosion-resistant oxide film containing an oxide having a property of a P-type semiconductor, and a catalytic substance having a property of an N-type semiconductor is deposited on the oxide film. The oxide film maintains the property of the P-type semiconductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a basket 50 that is located within a basket containment vessel, into which a boric acid solution capable of dissolving a pH adjuster flows, and can allow a pH adjuster solution to flow out by the inflowing boric acid solution. The basket 50 includes a plurality of containment units 71 stacked in a vertical direction with a predetermined first space L1 therebetween. The pH adjuster can be stored in each of the containment units 71. Also disclosed is a pH adjusting device including the basket 50, the basket containment vessel in which the basket 50 can be contained and in which cooling water can be stored, and an overflow pipe that, within the basket containment vessel, allows the pH adjuster solution that is obtained from the pH adjuster dissolved in the cooling water to flow out.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for reducing electrostatic deposition of charged particles on wetted surfaces that are exposed, periodically or substantially continuously, to high velocity fluid flow within a coolant flow path in a nuclear reactor. The method may include depositing a first or base dielectric layer and a second or outer dielectric layer on a conductive surface that forms a portion of a high velocity flow path to attain the apparatus. The first dielectric layer material is selected to provide improved adhesion and insulation to the conductive surface and the second dielectric layer material is selected to provide suitable adhesion to the first dielectric layer and improved corrosion and/or mechanical resistance in the anticipated operating environment.

Abstract: A bath containing nickel ions and formic acid is injected into a film-forming aqueous solution flowing in a circulation pipe connected to a feed water pipe made of carbon steel in a BWR plant. This solution is supplied into the pipe through the circulation pipe, and a nickel metal film is formed on an inner surface of the pipe. After the film is formed, a film-forming aqueous solution containing iron (II) ions, formic acid, nickel ions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is supplied to the pipe. A nickel ferrite film is formed on the surface of the nickel metal film in the pipe. The nickel ferrite film comes into contact with water containing dissolved oxygen at or above 150° C. to transform the nickel metal film into a nickel ferrite film. A thick nickel ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the feed water pipe.

Abstract: A bath containing nickel ions and formic acid is injected into a film-forming aqueous solution flowing in a circulation pipe connected to feed water pipe made of carbon steel in a BWR plant. This film-forming aqueous solution is supplied into the feed water pipe through the circulation pipe, and then, a nickel metal film is formed on an inner surface of the feed water pipe. After the nickel metal film is formed, a film-forming aqueous solution containing iron (II) ions, formic acid, nickel ions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is supplied to the feed water pipe. A nickel ferrite film is formed on the surface of the nickel metal film in the feed water pipe. Then, the nickel ferrite film is come into contact with water containing dissolved-oxygen at 150° C. or above to transform the nickel metal film into a nickel ferrite film. A thick nickel ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the feed water pipe. Corrosion of the carbon steel member composing the plant can further reduce.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for reducing electrostatic deposition of charged particles on wetted surfaces that are exposed, periodically or substantially continuously, to high velocity fluid flow within a coolant flow path in a nuclear reactor. The method may include depositing a first or base dielectric layer and a second or outer dielectric layer on a conductive surface that forms a portion of a high velocity flow path to attain the apparatus. The first dielectric layer material is selected to provide improved adhesion and insulation to the conductive surface and the second dielectric layer material is selected to provide suitable adhesion to the first dielectric layer and improved corrosion and/or mechanical resistance in the anticipated operating environment.

Abstract: A formic acid aqueous solution that contains Fe (II) ions is produced by dissolving metal iron in a formic acid aqueous solution. Nitrogen is supplied from a nitrogen supply device to a chemical liquid tank and then discharged from a discharge line to reduce the dissolved oxygen concentration in the aqueous solution. The chemical liquid tank is filled with the formic acid aqueous solution sealed with nitrogen, and is transferred from a factory to a nuclear reactor building designated as radiation-controlled areas. Inside the nuclear reactor building, the chemical liquid tank is installed in a film deposition apparatus connected to a reactor water recirculation pipeline. The formic acid aqueous is supplied from the chemical liquid tank to the inside of the reactor water recirculation pipeline, and then a ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the reactor water recirculation pipeline.

Abstract: In a plant including a system which is provided with a steam generator 2, a turbine 3, 5, a condenser 6 and a heater 7 and in which non-deaerated water circulates, and a pipe, the steam generator 2, the heater 7 and 8 of the system which comes into contact with the non-deaerated water is deposited with a protective substance.

Abstract: A method of suppressing deposition of radionuclides on components of a nuclear power plant comprises forming a ferrite film by contacting a first chemical including iron (II) ions, a second chemical for oxidizing the iron (II) ions to iron (III) ions, and a third chemical for adjusting the pH of a processing solution containing a mixture of the first and second chemicals to be 5.5 to 9.0 with the metal member surface in a time period from a finishing stage in decontamination step of removing contaminants formed on the surface of metal member composing the nuclear power plant, and suppressing deposition of radionuclides on the metal member by the ferrite film.

Abstract: Crystal habit modifiers (CHM) are provided to ameliorate deposit-related concerns in nuclear plant systems. The principal targets for utilization of crystal habit modifiers are Pressure Water Reactor (PWR) primary-side fuel rod crud and secondary-side steam generator deposits and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) coolant system deposits.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of adjusting an oxygen concentration of a reactor water side stream in a nuclear plant. The method may include injecting demineralized water into the reactor water side stream to produce an oxygenated stream with an increased oxygen concentration. The oxygenated stream may be tested to determine the effect of a process treatment on the reactor system.

Abstract: In a method of reducing corrosion of a material constituting a nuclear reactor structure, an electrochemical corrosion potential is controlled by injecting a solution or a suspension containing a substance generating an excitation current by an action of at least one of radiation, light, and heat existing in a nuclear reactor, or a metal or a metallic compound forming the substance generating the excitation current under the condition in the nuclear reactor to allow the substance generating the excitation current to adhere to the surface of the nuclear reactor structural material, and by injecting hydrogen in cooling water of the nuclear reactor while controlling the hydrogen concentration in a feed water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nuclear plant having a reactor vessel and a fluid circuit including flow path defining means, defining a flow path for circulating a reactor coolant fluid from and to the reactor vessel. The nuclear plant includes a particle collection zone defined along at least part of the length of the flow path, and particle deflection means arranged in particle deflecting relationship with the flow path to deflect particles from a fluid stream in the flow path into or toward the particle collection zone.

Abstract: In a nuclear power plant, a corrosion-resistant oxide film on a surface of the metal component of a reactor structure is exposed to a high-temperature water, the corrosion-resistant oxide film containing an oxide having a property of a P-type semiconductor, and a catalytic substance having a property of an N-type semiconductor is deposited on the oxide film. The oxide film maintains the property of the P-type semiconductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for a pressurized water reactor. The pressurized water reactor includes a primary circuit and a reactor core. The process includes adding a sufficient amount of an organic compound to coolant water passing through the primary circuit of the pressurized water reactor. The organic compound includes elements of carbon and hydrogen for producing elemental carbon.

Abstract: A pH adjusting apparatus arranged above a water pit for refueling disposed in a reactor container that stores a nuclear reactor includes a pH adjuster, a basket 50 that contains the pH adjuster, and a basket housing container 51 that houses the basket 50 therein and has formed therein an inlet through which a solvent for dissolving or diluting the pH adjuster flows in and an overflow pipe 52 through which a pH-adjusted solution generated by dissolving or mixing the pH adjuster in the solvent flows out to the water pit for refueling. Consequently, even if it is difficult to dispose the basket 50 on a floor of the water pit for refueling, it is possible to suitably perform pH adjustment in the reactor container.

Abstract: In a method of reducing corrosion of a material constituting a nuclear reactor structure, an electrochemical corrosion potential is controlled by injecting a solution or a suspension containing a substance generating an excitation current by an action of at least one of radiation, light, and heat existing in a nuclear reactor, or a metal or a metallic compound forming the substance generating the excitation current under the condition in the nuclear reactor to allow the substance generating the excitation current to adhere to the surface of the nuclear reactor structural material, and by injecting hydrogen in cooling water of the nuclear reactor while controlling the hydrogen concentration in a feed water.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming stress corrosion cracks comprises a heating unit which includes a conductive member and a heating coil disposed adjacent to the conductive member to generate steam pressure in the tube specimen, an end holding unit, and a control unit for controlling the heating unit and the end holding unit. The stress corrosion cracks occurring in the equipment of nuclear power plants or apparatus industries during operation can be directly formed in a tube specimen using steam pressure under conditions similar to those of the actual environment of nuclear power plants, thus increasing accuracy for analysis of properties of stress corrosion cracks which are in actuality generated, thereby improving reliability of nuclear power plants or apparatus industries and effectively assuring nondestructive testing capability, resulting in very useful industrial applicability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: A measuring device for carrying out purity measurements in a media circuit of a power station with an ion exchanger device and a measuring means for measuring a parameter of a media current flowing through the ion exchanger device is described. In order to obtain measurements in a rapid and reliable manner at the start up of the ion exchanger device, for example during the start-up phase of the power station, it is suggested that the ion exchanger device has two flow paths for two different operating modes of the power station.