Resource Type

47 Matching Results

Results open in a new window/tab.

A method and system including a double rotary kiln pyrolysis or gasification of waste material (open access)

A method and system including a double rotary kiln pyrolysis or gasification of waste material

A method is described for destructively distilling an organic material in particulate form wherein the particulates are introduced through an inlet into one end of an inner rotating kiln ganged to and coaxial with an outer rotating kiln. The inner and outer kilns define a cylindrical annular space with the inlet being positioned in registry with the axis of rotation of the ganged kilns. During operation, the temperature of the wall of the inner rotary kiln at the inlet is not less than about 500 C to heat the particulate material to a temperature in the range of from about 200 C to about 900 C in a pyrolyzing atmosphere to reduce the particulate material as it moves from the one end toward the other end. The reduced particulates including char are transferred to the annular space between the inner and the outer rotating kilns near the other end of the inner rotating kiln and moved longitudinally in the annular space from near the other end toward the one end in the presence of oxygen to combust the char at an elevated temperature to produce a waste material including ash. Also, heat is provided which is transferred to the inner …
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: McIntosh, M.J. & Arzoumanidis, G.G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fast superconducting magnetic field switch (open access)

Fast superconducting magnetic field switch

The superconducting magnetic switch or fast kicker magnet is employed with an electron stream or a bunch of electrons to rapidly change the direction of flow of the electron stream or bunch of electrons. The apparatus employs a beam tube which is coated with a film of superconducting material. The tube is cooled to a temperature below the superconducting transition temperature and is subjected to a constant magnetic field which is produced by an external dc magnet. The magnetic field produced by the dc magnet is less than the critical field for the superconducting material, thus, creating a Meissner Effect condition. A controllable fast electromagnet is used to provide a magnetic field which supplements that of the dc magnet so that when the fast magnet is energized the combined magnetic field is now greater than the critical field and the superconducting material returns to its normal state allowing the magnetic field to penetrate the tube. This produces an internal field which effects the direction of motion and of the electron stream or electron bunch. The switch can also operate as a switching mechanism for charged particles. Magnetic switches and particularly fast kicker magnets are used in the accelerator industry to …
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Goren, Y. & Mahale, N.K.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Leak test adapter for containers (open access)

Leak test adapter for containers

An adapter is provided for facilitating the charging of containers and leak testing penetration areas. The adapter comprises an adapter body and stem which are secured to the container`s penetration areas. The container is then pressurized with a tracer gas. Manipulating the adapter stem installs a penetration plug allowing the adapter to be removed and the penetration to be leak tested with a mass spectrometer. Additionally, a method is provided for using the adapter. The present invention relates generally to leak test adapters, and more particularly to leak test adapters used with containers such as radioactive material shipping containers.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Hallett, B.H. & Hartley, M.S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
In-situ emplacement and densification of geomaterials for sealing applications (open access)

In-situ emplacement and densification of geomaterials for sealing applications

A method and apparatus are described for forming improved seals in boreholes formed in host rock by using the apparatus to introduce a feedstock into the borehole and simultaneously subject the introduced feedstock to both compressive and shear stresses until the borehole becomes filled and sealed. These seals are primarily intended to restrict the movement of radioactive or hazardous materials into the accessible environment.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Finley, Ray E. & Zeuch, David H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Compound semiconductor field-effect transistors with improved dc and high frequency performance (open access)

Compound semiconductor field-effect transistors with improved dc and high frequency performance

A method for making compound semiconductor devices including the use of a p-type dopant is disclosed wherein the dopant is co-implanted with an n-type donor species at the time the n-channel is deposited. Also disclosed are devices manufactured using the method. In the preferred embodiment n-MESFETs and other similar field effect transistor devices are manufactured using C ions implanted with Si atoms in GaAs to form an n-channel. C exhibits a unique characteristic in the context of the invention in that it exhibits a low activation efficiency (typically, 50% or less) as a p-type dopant, and consequently, it acts to sharpen the Si n-channel by compensating Si donors in the region the Si-channel tail, but does not contribute substantially to the acceptor concentration in the region of the buried p-implant. As a result, the invention provides for improved field effect transistor devices with enhancement of both DC and high-frequency performance.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Zolper, J. C.; Sherwin, M. E. & Baca, A. G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Method for welding beryllium (open access)

Method for welding beryllium

A method is provided for joining beryllium pieces which comprises: depositing aluminum alloy on at least one beryllium surface; contacting that beryllium surface with at least one other beryllium surface; and welding the aluminum alloy coated beryllium surfaces together. The aluminum alloy may be deposited on the beryllium using gas metal arc welding. The aluminum alloy coated beryllium surfaces may be subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures to reduce porosity before welding the pieces together. The aluminum alloy coated beryllium surfaces may be machined into a desired welding joint configuration before welding. The beryllium may be an alloy of beryllium or a beryllium compound. The aluminum alloy may comprise aluminum and silicon. Beryllium parts made using this method can be used as structural components in aircraft, satellites and space applications.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Dixon, Raymond D.; Smith, Frank M. & O`Leary, Richard F.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Fiber optic assembly and method of making same (open access)

Fiber optic assembly and method of making same

There is provided an assembly having a light guiding medium sealed to a holder. Preferably the holder is a metal shell and a light guiding medium is an optical fiber of glass or sapphire whisker. The assembly includes a sealing medium which sealingly engages the metal holder to the fiber. In the formation of the assembly, the seal is essentially hermetic having a capability of minimizing leakage having a helium leak rate of less than 1 {times} 10{sup {minus}8} cubic centimeters per second and high strength having a capability of withstanding pressures of 100,000 psi or greater. The features of the assembly are obtained by a specific preparation method and by selection of specific starting materials. The fiber is selected to have a sufficiently high coefficient of thermal expansion which minimizes strains in the component during fabrication, as a result of fabrication, and during use. The other components are selected to be of a material having compatible coefficients of thermal expansion (TEC) where the TEC of the holder is greater than or equal to the TEC of the sealing material. The TEC of the sealing material is in turn greater than or equal to the TEC of the fiber. It …
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Kramer, Daniel P. & Beckman, Thomas M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Use of serospecific biocarrier compositions for enhanced biodegradation and bioremediation of groundwater (open access)

Use of serospecific biocarrier compositions for enhanced biodegradation and bioremediation of groundwater

A composition and method for using the composition for degrading pollutants in-situ is presented. The composition comprises a biocarrier coated with an antigen-specific antibody that attracts and binds pollution-degrading antigens. The biocarrier, which is preferably in the form of glass microspheres, is coated with one or more strains of antibody. The antibody may be placed into the ground in or near the source of pollutants where it may attract antigens present and bind them, or the antibodies may be first exposed to the antigens and then placed in the ground. Alternatively, the coated biocarriers may be used to degrade pollutants in ground water pumped to the surface and through a biofilter containing the biocarriers. The remediated groundwater can then be returned to the soil.
Date: January 1, 1995
Creator: Fliermans, Carl B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Reduced vibration motor winding arrangement (open access)

Reduced vibration motor winding arrangement

The present invention relates generally to an electric motor winding and, more particularly, to a three phase motor armature winding arrangement designed to reduce motor vibration and improve efficiency. An individual phase winding arrangement having a sixty electrical degree phase belt width for use with a three phase motor armature includes a delta connected phase winding portion and a wye connected phase winding portion. Both the delta and wye connected phase winding portions have a thirty electrical degree phase belt width. The delta and wye connected phase winding portions are each formed from a preselected number of individual coils each formed, in turn, from an unequal number of electrical conductor turns in the approximate ratio of {radical}3. The individual coils of the delta and wye connected phase winding portions may either be connected in series or parallel. This arrangement provides an armature winding for a three phase motor which retains the benefits of the widely known and utilized thirty degree phase belt concept, including improved mmf waveform and fundamental distribution factor.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Slavik, C. J.; Rhudy, R. G. & Bushman, R. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Strain-optic voltage monitor (open access)

Strain-optic voltage monitor

A voltage monitor which uses the shift in absorption edge of crystalline material to measure strain resulting from electric field-induced deformation of piezoelectric or electrostrictive material, providing a simple and accurate means for measuring voltage applied either by direct contact with the crystalline material or by subjecting the material to an electric field.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Weiss, Jonathan D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Thermovoltaic in-situ mirror cell (open access)

Thermovoltaic in-situ mirror cell

A photovoltaic cell used in a direct energy conversion generator for converting heat to electricity includes a reflective layer disposed within the cell between the active layers of the cell and the cell substrate. The reflective layer reflects photons of low energy back to a photon producing emitter for reabsorption by the emitter, or reflects photons with energy greater than the cell bandgap back to the cell active layers for conversion into electricity. The reflective layer can comprise a reflective metal such as gold while the substrate can comprise a heavily doped silicon or a metal.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Campbell, Brian C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Purge water management system (open access)

Purge water management system

A purge water management system is described for effectively eliminating the production of purge water when obtaining a groundwater sample from a monitoring well. In its preferred embodiment, the purge water management system comprises an expandable container, a transportation system, and a return system. The purge water management system is connected to a wellhead sampling configuration, typically permanently installed at the well site. A pump, positioned with the monitoring well, pumps groundwater through the transportation system into the expandable container, which expands in direct proportion with volume of groundwater introduced, usually three or four well volumes, yet prevents the groundwater from coming into contact with the oxygen in the air. After this quantity of groundwater has been removed from the well, a sample is taken from a sampling port, after which the groundwater in the expandable container can be returned to the monitoring well through the return system. The purge water management system prevents the purge water from coming in contact with the outside environment, especially oxygen, which might cause the constituents of the groundwater to oxidize. Therefore, by introducing the purge water back into the monitoring well, the necessity of dealing with the purge water as a hazardous waste …
Date: January 1995
Creator: Cardoso-Neto, J. E. & Williams, D. W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Process for treating effluent from a supercritical water oxidation reactor (open access)

Process for treating effluent from a supercritical water oxidation reactor

The present invention relates generally to a method for treating and recycling the effluent from a supercritical water oxidation reactor and more specifically to a method for treating and recycling the effluent by expanding the effluent without extensive cooling. Supercritical water oxidation is the oxidation of fuel, generally waste material, in a body of water under conditions above the thermodynamic critical point of water. The current state of the art in supercritical water oxidation plant effluent treatment is to cool the reactor effluent through heat exchangers or direct quench, separate the cooled liquid into a gas/vapor stream and a liquid/solid stream, expand the separated effluent, and perform additional purification on gaseous, liquid, brine and solid effluent. If acid gases are present, corrosion is likely to occur in the coolers. During expansion, part of the condensed water will revaporize. Vaporization can damage the valves due to cavitation and erosion. The present invention expands the effluent stream without condensing the stream. Radionuclides and suspended solids are more efficiently separated in the vapor phase. By preventing condensation, the acids are kept in the much less corrosive gaseous phase thereby limiting the damage to treatment equipment. The present invention also reduces the external energy …
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Barnes, Charles M. & Shapiro, Carolyn
System: The UNT Digital Library
Self-calibrating multiplexer circuit (open access)

Self-calibrating multiplexer circuit

A time domain multiplexer system with automatic determination of acceptable multiplexer output limits, error determination, or correction is comprised of a time domain multiplexer, a computer, a constant current source capable of at least three distinct current levels, and two series resistances employed for calibration and testing. A two point linear calibration curve defining acceptable multiplexer voltage limits may be defined by the computer by determining the voltage output of the multiplexer to very accurately known input signals developed from predetermined current levels across the series resistances. Drift in the multiplexer may be detected by the computer when the output voltage limits, expected during normal operation, are exceeded, or the relationship defined by the calibration curve is invalidated.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Wahl, C. P.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Deconnable self-reading pocket dosimeter containment with self-contained light (open access)

Deconnable self-reading pocket dosimeter containment with self-contained light

A container for a self-reading pocket dosimeter includes a transparent tube for receiving the self-reading pocket dosimeter, a light source mounted at one end of the transparent tube, and an eyepiece mounted on an opposite end of the transparent tube for viewing a read-out of the self-reading pocket dosimeter. The container may further include an activation device for selectively supplying power to the light source. The container both protects the dosimeter from being contaminated and provides a light source for viewing the dosimeter.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Stevens, R. L.; Arnold, G. N. & McBride, R. G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Split ring containment attachment device (open access)

Split ring containment attachment device

A containment attachment device is described for operatively connecting a glovebag to plastic sheeting covering hazardous material. The device includes an inner split ring member connected on one end to a middle ring member wherein the free end of the split ring member is inserted through a slit in the plastic sheeting to captively engage a generally circular portion of the plastic sheeting. A collar portion having an outer ring portion is provided with fastening means for securing the device together wherein the glovebag is operatively connected to the collar portion. Hazardous material such as radioactive waste may be sealed in plastic bags for small items or wrapped in plastic sheeting for large items. Occasionally the need arises to access the hazardous material in a controlled manner, that is, while maintaining total containment. Small items could be placed entirely inside a containment glovebag. However, it may not be possible or practical to place large items inside a containment; instead, one or more glovebags could be attached to the plastic sheeting covering the hazardous material. It is this latter application for which the split ring containment attachment device is intended.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Sammel, Alfred G.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Durable regenerable sorbent pellets for removal of hydrogen sulfide from coal gas (open access)

Durable regenerable sorbent pellets for removal of hydrogen sulfide from coal gas

Pellets for removing hydrogen sulfide from a coal gasification stream at an elevated temperature are presented in durable form, usable over repeated cycles of absorption and regeneration. The pellets include a material reactive with hydrogen sulfide, in particular zinc oxide, a binder, and an inert material, in particular calcium sulfate (Drierite), having a particle size substantially larger than other components of the pellets. A second inert material and a promoter may also be included. Preparation of the pellets may be carried out by dry, solid-state mixing of components, moistening the mixture, and agglomerating it into pellets, followed by drying and calcining. Pellet size is selected, depending on the type of reaction bed for which the pellets are intended. The use of inert material with a large particle size provides a stable pellet structure with increased porosity, enabling effective gas contact and prolonged mechanical durability.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Siriwardane, R.V.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Method of preparing sodalite from chloride salt occluded zeolite A (open access)

Method of preparing sodalite from chloride salt occluded zeolite A

A method is described for immobilizing waste chloride salts containing radionuclides and hazardous nuclear material for permanent disposal starting with a substantially dry zeolite and sufficient glass to form leach resistance sodalite with occluded radionuclides and hazardous nuclear material. The zeolite and glass are heated to a temperature up to about 1,000 K to convert the zeolite to sodalite and thereafter maintained at a pressure and temperature sufficient to form a sodalite product near theoretical density. Pressure is used on the formed sodalite to produce the required density.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Lewis, M. A. & Pereira, C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Radiography apparatus using gamma rays emitted by water activated by fusion neutrons (open access)

Radiography apparatus using gamma rays emitted by water activated by fusion neutrons

Radiography apparatus includes an arrangement for circulating pure water continuously between a location adjacent a source of energetic neutrons, such as a tritium target irradiated by a deuteron beam, and a remote location where radiographic analysis is conducted. Oxygen in the pure water is activated via the {sup 16}O(n,p) {sup 16}N reaction using 14-MeV neutrons produced at the neutron source via the {sup 3}H(d,n) {sup 4}He reaction. Essentially monoenergetic gamma rays at 6.129 (predominantly) and 7.115 MeV are produced by the 7.13-second {sup 16}N decay for use in radiographic analysis. The gamma rays have substantial penetrating power and are useful in determining the thickness of materials and elemental compositions, particularly for metals and high-atomic number materials. The characteristic decay half life of 7.13 seconds of the activated oxygen is sufficient to permit gamma ray generation at a remote location where the activated water is transported, while not presenting a chemical or radioactivity hazard because the radioactivity falls to negligible levels after 1--2 minutes.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Smith, D. L.; Ikeda, Yujiro & Uno, Yoshitomo
System: The UNT Digital Library
Installation and assembly device and method of using (open access)

Installation and assembly device and method of using

The present invention relates to an installation and assembly device and method for facilitating the fitup of mating components during blind or remote installation and assembly, especially where close fitup tolerances are involved. The present invention is particularly useful for the purpose of facilitating vertical and/or radial relative positioning of a pump impeller within a mating inlet nozzle during a blind assembly wherein actual fitup cannot be observed during installation. The information within identifies just one successful application of the installation and assembly alignment device for a pump. The device, however, is not solely limited to pump assembly but can be used in other cases where fitup of a sleeve inside a mating bore is required under conditions of close tolerance during a blind or remote assembly. The device is likewise not limited to circular configurations but can be used for many other shapes or configurations. Any material that can be machined and hold reasonably close tolerances can be used for the device. Also, because the sleeve position is adjusted by set screws or bolts, the concentricity can be radially biased, if required, to achieve particular alignment conditions.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Kolsun, G.J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Dual-keel electrodynamic maglev system (open access)

Dual-keel electrodynamic maglev system

A propulsion and stabilization system with a plurality of superconducting magnetic devices affixed to the dual-keels of a vehicle, where the superconducting magnetic devices produce a magnetic field when energized. The system also includes a plurality of figure-eight shaped null-flux coils affixed to opposing vertical sides of slots in a guideway. The figure-eight shaped null-flux coils are vertically oriented, laterally cross-connected in parallel, longitudinally connected in series, and continue the length of the vertical slots providing levitation and guidance force. An external power source energizes the figure-eight shaped null-flux coils to create a magnetic traveling wave that interacts with the magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnets to impart motion to the vehicle.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: He, J.; Wang, Z.; Rote, D. M.; Coffey, H. T.; Hull, J. R.; Mulcahy, T. M. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Electrorefining cell with parallel electrode/concentric cylinder cathode (open access)

Electrorefining cell with parallel electrode/concentric cylinder cathode

A cathode-anode arrangement for use in an electrolytic cell is adapted for electrochemically refining spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear reactor and recovering purified uranium and a mixture of uranium and plutonium for use as a fresh blanket and core fuel in a nuclear reactor. The arrangement includes a plurality of inner anodic dissolution baskets that are each attached to a respective support rod, are submerged in a molten lithium halide salt, and are rotationally displaced. An inner hollow cylindrical-shaped cathode is concentrically disposed about the inner anodic dissolution baskets. Concentrically disposed about the inner cathode in a spaced manner are a plurality of outer anodic dissolution baskets, while an outer hollow cylindrical-shaped cathode is disposed about the outer anodic dissolution baskets. Uranium is deposited from the anode baskets in a uniform cylindrical shape on the inner and outer cathode cylinders by rotating the anode baskets within the molten lithium halide salt. Scrapers located on each anode basket abrade and remove the spent fuel deposits on the surfaces of the inner and outer cathode cylinders, with the spent fuel falling to the bottom of the cell for removal. Cell resistance is reduced and uranium collection efficiency enhanced by increasing the …
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Gay, E. C.; Miller, W. E. & Laidler, J. J.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Starting apparatus for internal combustion engines (open access)

Starting apparatus for internal combustion engines

This report is a patent description for a system to start an internal combustion engine. Remote starting and starting by hearing impaired persons are addressed. The system monitors the amount of current being drawn by the starter motor to determine when the engine is started. When the engine is started the system automatically deactivates the starter motor. Five figures are included.
Date: January 1, 1995
Creator: Dyches, Gregory M. & Dudar, Aed M.
System: The UNT Digital Library
A flow injection trace gas analyzer for on-site determination of organoarsenicals (open access)

A flow injection trace gas analyzer for on-site determination of organoarsenicals

Lewisite was developed during World War I as a chemical warfare agent. Several countries produced large quantities of the agent before, during and after World War II. The Chemical Weapons Convention treaty, recently signed, requires the destruction of Lewisite. In implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty, it will be necessary to monitor the facilities at which various chemical agents including Lewisite may be stored for compliance with the agreement. The inspection procedures must meet stringent standards for safety, quality assurance and accountability. In preparing for these inspections a technology gap has been identified in the ability to detect and monitor for the presence of Lewisite in ambient air, particularly in the facilities where chemical warfare agents are stored. A method and an apparatus for determining the concentration of Lewisite in the ambient atmosphere are described. The apparatus includes a mechanism for separating and collecting a Lewisite sample from the atmosphere, a mechanism for converting the collected Lewisite to an arsenite ion solution sample, and a mechanism for electrochemically detecting the converted arsenite ions in the sample, whereby the amount of arsenite ions detected is proportional to the concentration of Lewisite in the atmosphere.
Date: December 31, 1995
Creator: Aldstadt, J.H. III
System: The UNT Digital Library