Experience gained from the development and results from tests of the equipment of the Kalinin NPP Unit 4 regeneration and intermediate steam separation and reheating system

The equipment of the Kalinin NPP Unit 4 regeneration, intermediate separation, and steam reheating (ISSR) systems is described and the results of their static and dynamic tests are presented. It was shown from an analysis of test results that the equipment of the regeneration and ISSR systems produce the design thermal and hydraulic characteristics in static and dynamic modes of its operation. Specialists of the Central boiler-Turbine Institute Research and Production Association have developed procedures and computer programs for calculating the system of direct-contact horizontal low-pressure heaters (connected according to the gravity circuit arrangement jointly with the second-stage electrically-driven condensate pumps) and the ISSR system, the results of which are in satisfactory agreement with experimental data. The drawbacks of the layout solutions due to which cavitation failure of the pumps may occur are considered. Technical solutions aimed at securing stable operation of the equipment of regeneration and ISSR systems are proposed. The process arrangement for heating the chamber-type high-pressure heaters adopted at the Kalinin NPP is analyzed. The version of this circuit developed at the Central Boiler-Turbine Institute Research and Production Association that allows the heating rate equal to 1°C/min to be obtained is proposed.     

Influence of Processing Techniques on the Surface Microstructure of V<Subscript>85</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>15</Subscript> Membrane Alloy

Vanadium-based alloys with a BCC structure are considered to be an alternative to palladium alloys for hydrogen purification. Since the performance of membranes is influenced by not only their bulk characteristics but also their surface condition, we have investigated the effect of different surface preparation techniques (abrasive grinding and polishing, electrolytic polishing, and ion etching) on the surface microstructure of V₈₅Ni₁₅ membrane alloy using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After electrolytic polishing and ion etching, we observed an increase in the percentages of vanadium and nickel metals in the surface layer of the alloy in comparison with its state after abrasive polishing. Such changes are expected to be favorable for an increase in the rate of hydrogen dissociation and recombination on the surface of the membrane material, eventually improving hydrogen transport efficiency.     

Correlation of axial mixing of solids in fluidized beds by a dispersion coefficient

Axial mixing of solids in a 19.3 cm diameter bed was investigated using a tracer technique. Bed material and tracer consisted of ion-exchange resin particles of 0.846 mm and 0.645 mm diameter, respectively. Tracer concentration profiles were measured. The results were expressed as axial dispersion coefficients. An equation relating dispersion coefficient to superficial gas velocity is presented.