Robert T Cash

US Patent:

40338134, Jul 5, 1977

Filed:

Oct 22, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/624804

Inventors:

Fred E. Holt - Richland WA
Robert J. Cash - Richland WA
Robert E. Schenter - Richland WA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy
Research and Development Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

G21C 1704

US Classification:

176 19LD

Abstract:

A method of detecting the failure of a sealed non-fueled core component of a liquid-metal cooled fast reactor having an inert cover gas. A gas mixture is incorporated in the component which includes Xenon-124; under neutron irradiation, Xenon-124 is converted to radioactive Xenon-125. The cover gas is scanned by a radiation detector. The occurrence of 188 Kev gamma radiation and/or other identifying gamma radiation-energy level indicates the presence of Xenon-125 and therefore leakage of a component. Similarly, Xe-126, which transmutes to Xe-127 and Kr-84, which produces Kr-85. sup. m can be used for detection of leakage. Different components are charged with mixtures including different ratios of isotopes other than Xenon-124. On detection of the identifying radiation, the cover gas is subjected to mass spectroscopic analysis to locate the leaking component.

US Patent:

47551380, Jul 5, 1988

Filed:

Apr 23, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/047569

Inventors:

Thomas J. Owen - West Richland WA
Michael J. Klem - Richland WA
Robert J. Cash - Richland WA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

F27B 1520

US Classification:

432 58

Abstract:

An apparatus for remotely calcining a slurry or solution feed stream of toxic or hazardous material, such as ammonium diurante slurry or uranyl nitrate solution, is disclosed. The calcining apparatus includes a vertical substantially cylindrical inner shell disposed in a vertical substantially cylindrical outer shell, in which inner shell is disposed a fluidized bed comprising the feed stream material to be calcined and spherical beads to aid in heat transfer. Extending through the outer and inner shells is a feed nozzle for delivering feed material or a cleaning chemical to the beads. Disposed in and extending across the lower portion of the inner shell and upstream of the fluidized bed is a support member for supporting the fluidized bed, the support member having uniform slots for directing uniform gas flow to the fluidized bed from a fluidizing gas orifice disposed upstream of the support member. Disposed in the lower portion of the inner shell are a plurality of internal electric resistance heaters for heating the fluidized bed. Disposed circumferentially about the outside length of the inner shell are a plurality of external heaters for heating the inner shell thereby heating the fluidized bed.