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At least 109 records · Page 6

Evaluating Transfer and Pumping of Slurries from Pulsed Jet Mixed Vessels

Due to gravity, solids in slurries will settle if density differences between the solids and liquid are positive (i.e., particle has a negative buoyant force) unless rheological properties and flow conditions are adequate to overcome the gravitational effects. The rate of settling depends on the force balance of the particle, which includes the surface forces associated with fluid rheology. Given the same fluid and solid properties, particles that are larger and denser tend to settle faster. When pumping slurry into a vessel at concentrations precluding hindered settling with insufficient mixing, particle and density distributions can result in preferential settling, creating stratification in the solids concentration within the vessel. For vessels with transfer line inlets located in the lower portion of the tank, the stratified solids concentration may be detrimental to the transfer system performance. Elevated concentrations of solids in the slurry entrained at the inlet to the transfer line can result in the effective viscosity or slurry bulk density exceeding the design limits of the pump. These conditions could result in plugging of the transfer line or onset of cavitation of the pumps because of excessive pressure drop. These conditions can be exacerbated with periodic inlet conditions existing at the transfer line inlet. Periodic conditions can result when vessel mixing is intermittent such as with pulsed jet mixers (PJM). The transfer line inlet conditions are impacted by the periodic nature of the PJM operations with respect to suspension of solids and their transport to the inlet of the transfer line. A scaling approach is presented, and corresponding test requirements are developed for assessing the prevention of plugging the pipeline. Line plugging mechanisms are addressed that do not include plugging due to steady-state high-density slurry entering the transfer line and reducing the net positive suction head available (NPSHA) at the pump inlet to below that required for pump operation. Items considered include the transition to reduced relative flow velocities, such that the critical pipe velocity for solids deposition, Ucd, is not maintained, and segregation of heavy solids during the transport. The recommended requirements to prevent plugging include: • Limits for viscosity and density for entrained slurry to prevent the pressure drop in the pipeline from exceeding pump capacity. • Limits for viscosity and density for entrained slurry to prevent the net positive suction head available (NPSHA) from falling below the net positive suction head required (NPSHR) for operating the pump. • Transfer line velocity and flow rate requirements to maintain solids in suspension, while avoiding line plugging that results from deposition of solids within the transfer line. This paper describes the development of the scaling and testing requirements to verify that proposed approaches for transfer and pump out are appropriately developed

periodic flow, mixing, pipeline plugging, scaling,↗

Estimating Scaled Cloud Height in Pulse Jet Mixed Vessels

To suspend and mix radioactive slurries without pumps or impellers, the performance of pulsed jet mixed vessels has been investigated. The slurry in the pulse tubes is expelled impinging upon the vessel floor and lifting solids to a “cloud height” in a cyclic process. Experiments measuring cloud height for a variety of waste simulants have been conducted for vessel configurations that varied vessel diameter, fill height and pulse tube number, volume, and nozzle diameter. The elevation to which suspended particles rise is termed the cloud height and derives from a balance between the fluid forces of the jet and the gravitational forces acting on the particle ensemble. Here we use scaling to estimate the cloud height based on conservation of mass and momentum and jet similarity. We find that the cloud height varies with the nozzle exit velocity to the 2/3 power in agreement with observations.

cloud height, effective cleaning radius, effective↗

Application of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in the Design of SRF Cavities at Fermilab

Jacketed Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities structurally comprise of an inner niobium vessel surrounded by a liquid helium containment vessels. The pressure of the helium bath and/or its volume might be such that a jacketed SRF cavity shall be considered a system of pressure vessels. Thus, methods described in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) should be used to analyze the structural soundness of jacketed SRF cavities. This paper will report the use of the set of rules developed at Fermilab for the design of SRF cavities, such as jacketed 1.3 GHz cavities for LCLS-II HE and jacketed Single Spoke Resonator type~2 (SSR2) for PIP-II, to ensure a similar level of safety as prescribed by the ASME BPVC.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Progress Update on the In Situ Load Retention Aging Vessel

To improve upon our conventional thermally accelerated aging study methods which require periodic interruption of aging to perform load testing in an Instron machine, a new aging system is being developed to: (1) automate/facilitate data acquisition/analysis, (2) improve data quality, and (3) enable uninterrupted aging conditions (compression, temperature, atmosphere) which represents the service condition. In FY24, a thermal aging vessel instrumented with load cells was fabricated and tested. That unit demonstrated the primary function of the vessel: to continuously monitor the in situ load retention of up to three compressed polymer coupons undergoing thermally accelerated aging under nitrogen. A secondary objective, not realized in the unit due to inadequate sealing, was to enable a single initial nitrogen backfill (as opposed to a continuous purge) and gas sampling of the vessel headspace during thermal aging. Heating of the vessel was achieved using a custom heater jacket.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Apollo experience report: Pressure vessels

The Apollo spacecraft pressure vessels, associated problems and resolutions, and related experience in evaluating potential problem areas are discussed. Information is provided that can be used as a guideline in the establishment of baseline criteria for the design and use of lightweight pressure vessels. One of the first practical applications of the use of fracture-mechanics technology to protect against service failures was made on Apollo pressure vessels. Recommendations are made, based on Apollo experience, that are designed to reduce the incidence of failure in pressure-vessel operation and service.

Ecord, G. M.↗

Structural considerations in design of lightweight glass-fiber composite pressure vessels

The development of structurally efficient, metal-lined, glass-fiber composite pressure vessels. Both the current state-of-the-art and current problems are discussed along with fracture mechanics considerations for the metal liner. The design concepts used for metal-lined, glass-fiber, composite pressure vessels are described and the structural characteristics of the composite designs are compared with each other and with homogeneous metal pressure vessels. Specific design techniques and available design data are identified. Results of a current program to evaluate flaw growth and fracture characteristics of the metal liners are reviewed and the impact of these results on composite pressure vessel designs is discussed.

Faddoul, J. R.↗

Thin-metal lined PRD 49-III composite vessels

Filament wound pressure vessels of various configurations were evaluated for burst strength and fatigue performance. The dimensions and characteristics of the vessels are described. The types of tests conducted are explained. It was determined that all vessels leaked in a relatively few cycles (20 to 60 cycles) with failure occurring in all cases in the metallic liner. The thin liner would de-bond from the composite and buckling took place during depressurization. No composite failures or indications of impeding composite failures were obtained in the metal-lined vessels.

Hoggatt, J. T.↗

Firefighter's compressed air breathing system pressure vessel development program

The research to design, fabricate, test, and deliver a pressure vessel for the main component in an improved high-performance firefighter's breathing system is reported. The principal physical and performance characteristics of the vessel which were required are: (1) maximum weight of 9.0 lb; (2) maximum operating pressure of 4500 psig (charge pressure of 4000 psig); (3) minimum contained volume of 280 in. 3; (4) proof pressure of 6750 psig; (5) minimum burst pressure of 9000 psig following operational and service life; and (6) a minimum service life of 15 years. The vessel developed to fulfill the requirements described was completely sucessful, i.e., every category of performence was satisfied. The average weight of the vessel was found to be about 8.3 lb, well below the 9.0 lb specification requirement.

Beck, E. J.↗

A review of the state-of-the-art of the non-destructive testing of flight pressure vessels

The design of flight vessels is based on a nominal stress requirement and a fracture mechanics approach, and optimization of the weight of the vessel is based on the smallest size defect that can be detected with a high degree of confidence. The wide variety of metals used for fabrication, and the different defects that may be present in them at every stage, up to completion of the vessel, is described. Techniques currently being used for NDT are described along with their advantages, limitations and limits of detectability at high levels of confidence. Techniques considered for use in the future to improve the limits of the minimum flaw size that can currently be detected include the Delta Scan and Acoustic Emission techniques. The construction of space vessels for use in the future has been modified to reduce the presence of critical defects and so to improve the cost effectiveness of projected NDT requirements.

Noronha, P. J.↗

Testing internal coatings in metal vessels

Presence of pinholes or defects in nonconductive protective coating on inside surface of closed vessel is detected if vessel has one opening into which small stainless-steel probe can be introduced. By inserting probe and attaching another to outside surface, and by filling vessel with ten percent sodium chloride solution, integrity of coating is determined by measuring electrical conductivity through vessel wall.

Ruby, A.↗

Composite pressure vessels for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

During the development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter propulsion and environmental control subsystems it was recognized that use of composite pressure vessels with load sharing liners could provide significant weight savings for high pressure gas containment. A program is described which was undertaken to assess the utility for orbiter applications of titanium 6Al-4V and Inconel 718 liners overwrapped with Kevlar fibers. Vessel characteristics, design features and test results are presented along with brief descriptions of processes and nondestructive evaluation techniques. The resolutions of anomalies and development of design are also presented. Fracture control as applied to the orbiter composite vessels is briefly discussed. Five of the seven titanium lined vessels in the program experienced premature cyclic failures. These failures were shown to be primarily due to metallurgical anomalies rather than an inherent composite design problem. A nonfragmentary leakage mode of failure was demonstrated at operating pressures. The composite designs will be approximately 25 percent lighter than their all metal counterparts.

Ecord, G. M.↗

Definition of mutually optimum NDI and proof test criteria for 2219 aluminum pressure vessels. Volume 1: Methods

The requirements for proof testing and nondestructive inspection of aluminum pressure vessels were discussed. The following conclusions are (1) lack-of-fusion weld defects are sufficiently tight in the as-welded condition to be considered undetectable; (2) proof-level loads are required to fully open lack-of-fusion weld defects; (3) significant crack opening occurs at subproof levels so that an inspection enhancement loading treatment designed to avoid catastrophic failure is feasible; (4) currently used proof levels for 2219 pressure vessels are adequate for postproof inspection; (5) quantification of defect size and location using collimated ultrasonic pitch-catch techniques appears sufficiently feasible for tankage to warrant developmental work; (6) for short-time single-cycle pressure-vessel applications, postproof inspection is desirable; and (7) for long-term multiple-cycle pressure-vessel applications, postproof inspection is essential for life assurance.

Schwartzberg, F. R.↗

Variabilities detected by acoustic emission from filament-wound Aramid fiber/epoxy composite pressure vessels

Two hundred and fifty Aramid fiber/epoxy pressure vessels were filament-wound over spherical aluminum mandrels under controlled conditions typical for advanced filament-winding. A random set of 30 vessels was proof-tested to 74% of the expected burst pressure; acoustic emission data were obtained during the proof test. A specially designed fixture was used to permit in situ calibration of the acoustic emission system for each vessel by the fracture of a 4-mm length of pencil lead (0.3 mm in diameter) which was in contact with the vessel. Acoustic emission signatures obtained during testing showed larger than expected variabilities in the mechanical damage done during the proof tests. To date, identification of the cause of these variabilities has not been determined.

Hamstad, M. A.↗

Analysis of solid propellant combustion in a closed vessel including secondary reaction

A theory for combustion of solid propellants in a closed vessel is presented allowing for residual exothermic chemical reaction in the bulk of the gas in the vessel. Particular attention is given to propellants exhibiting thick gaseous flame zones such as nitrocellulose, double-base and nitramine propellants. For these, the reaction at high pressures is assumed to involve mainly the oxidation of residual hydrocarbons by NO. It is shown that the direct dynamic coupling between the exothermicity, the molecular weight reduction and the changing pressure can influence the dp/dt-p traces obtained, in a manner not directly related to mass burning rate of the solid. Energy and species conservation equations are derived for the bulk of the vessel in differential form; the system is solved numerically. The results show the effect of extended chemical reaction upon measurable combustion characteristics such as dp/dt-p and burn rate pressure exponent, demonstrating its potential importance in interpretation of closed vessel firing data, depending on the pace of the residual gas phase reactions.

Benreuven, M.↗

Effect of prolonged hypokinesia on resistance of resistive vessels in rats

Under the effect of prolonged hypokinesia, the perfusion pressure in resistive vessels, measured under conditions of deep anesthesia and complete denervation, increased by approximately the same degree as arterial pressure in non-anesthetized animals. The increase in arterial, perfusion pressure and the resistance of resistive vessels in animals subjected to prolonged hypokinesia was accompanied by an increase in adrenoreactivity. During prolonged hypokinesia, partial obliteration of the vascular bed of the skeletal muscles plays a significant role in the observed increase in resistance of vessels of the extremities. The increase in adrenoreactivity of the vessels during hypokinesia may be realized as a partial case of an increase in the adrenoreactivity of structures whose innervation is disturbed.

Saltykova, V. A.↗

Real time prediction of marine vessel motions using Kalman filtering techniques

The present investigation is concerned with the prediction of the future behavior of a vessel within some confidence bounds at a specific instant of time, taking into account an interval of a few seconds. The ability to predict accurately the motions of a vessel can reduce significantly the probability of failure of operations in rough seas. The investigation was started as part of an effort to ensure safe landing of aircraft on relatively small vessels. However, the basic principles involved in the study are the same for any offshore operation, such as carbo transfer in the open sea, structure installation, and floating crane operation. The Kalman filter is a powerful tool for achieving the goals of the prediction procedure. Attention is given to a linear optimal predictor, the equations of motion of the vessel, the wave spectrum, rational approximation, the use of Kalman filter and predictor in an application for a ship, and the motions of a semisubmersible.

Triantafyllou, M. S.↗

Ten year environmental test of glass fiber/epoxy pressure vessels

By the beginning of the 1970's composite pressure vessels had received a significant amount of development effort, and applications were beginning to be investigated. One of the first applications grew out of NASA Johnson Space Center efforts to develop a superior emergency breathing system for firemen. While the new breathing system provided improved wearer comfort and an improved mask and regulator, the primary feature was low weight which was achieved by using a glass fiber reinforced aluminum pressure vessel. Part of the development effort was to evaluate the long term performance of the pressure vessel and as a consequence, some 30 bottles for a test program were procured. These bottles were then provided to NASA Lewis Research Center where they were maintained in an outdoor environment in a pressurized condition for a period of up to 10 yr. During this period, bottles were periodically subjected to cyclic and burst testing. There was no protective coating applied to the fiberglass/epoxy composite, and significant loss in strength did occur as a result of the environment. Similar bottles stored indoors showed little, if any, degradation. This report contains a description of the pressure vessels, a discussion of the test program, data for each bottle, and appropriate plots, comparisons, and conclusions.

Faddoul, J. R.↗

Ten year environmental test of glass fiber/epoxy pressure vessels

By the beginning of the 1970's composite pressure vessels had received a significant amount of development effort, and applications were beginning to be investigated. One of the first applications grew out of NASA Johnson Space Center efforts to develop a superior emergency breathing system for firemen. While the new breathing system provided improved wearer comfort and an improved mask and regulator, the primary feature was low weight which was achieved by using a glass fiber reinforced aluminum pressure vessel. Part of the development effort was to evaluate the long term performance of the pressure vessel and as a consequence, some 30 bottles for a test program were procured. These bottles were then provided to NASA Lewis Research Center where they were maintained in an outdoor environment in a pressurized condition for a period of up to 10 yr. During this period, bottles were periodically subjected to cyclic and burst testing. There was no protective coating applied to the fiberglass/epoxy composite, and significant loss in strength did occur as a result of the environment. Similar bottles stored indoors showed little, if any, degradation. This report contains a description of the pressure vessels, a discussion of the test program, data for each bottle, and appropriate plots, comparisons, and conclusions.

Faddoul, J. R.↗