Methods of rotating stall and surge detection in centrifugal compressors

Systems for prevention of surging of centrifugal compressors and methods of rotating stall detection and early surge diagnosis using statistical processing of sensor signals of various parameters, i.e., the method of calculation of the correlation function of the signal and the method of calculation of signal dispersion, are discussed. The results of routine tests of air and high-speed air centrifugal compressors and their detachable flow parts are adduced. __________ Translated from Khimicheskoe i Neftegazovoe Mashinostroenie, No. 6, pp. 30–33, June, 2006.     

Results of familiarization of and prospects for a procedure for the burning of wastes in a vortical fluidized bed

Problems that have arisen during tune-up of the production line for the thermal processing of solid household waste by the method of burning in a vortical fluidized bed (principally, a new technology for Russia), and means of their solution are presented. Investigative studies are cited. __________ Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 6, pp. 20–26, August, 2006.     

Strain waves in colliding bars having nonparallel faces

The paper reports the experimental investigation data for the effect that nonparallel faces of bars under impact exert on the parameters of longitudinal and bending strain waves generated in the bars. The changes in stress magnitudes in the bar under impact with growing angle of the impact faces offset are described. __________ Translated from Fiziko-Tekhnicheskie Problemy Razrabotki Poleznykh Iskopaemykh, No. 6, pp. 73–78, November–December, 2006.     

Internal friction and brittle-ductile transition in structural materials

The temperature dependences of internal friction (ultrasound decrement) and impact toughness of bcc metals (Fe-12Cr-W-V-Ta-B-C ferritic/martensitic steel, V-4Ti-4Cr vanadium-based alloy) have been studied in a temperature range from 100 to 300 K. The acoustic and mechanical characteristics exhibit correlated variation. The use of nondestructive acoustic techniques for the investigation of mechanisms of the brittle-ductile transition in metallic structural materials is experimentally justified.     

Heat losses in a tunnel kiln for brick firing

The results of experimental studies of heat losses via the enclosing structures of an operating brick-firing kiln using a thermal imager are described. __________ Translated from Steklo i Keramika, No. 4, pp. 24–25, April, 2006.     

Procedure for the evaluation of the accumulation of defects in metallic structural materials under complex elastoplastic loading

Within framework of the continual fracture mechanics, we describe the engineering approach to the assessment of scattered microdamage accumulation kinetics in metallic materials under elastoplastic loading conditions in case of plane stressed state. Automatized experimental stand and the respective investigation technique are discussed. The stand has been developed based on modification of the UMé-10T electromechanic test machine. State-of-the-art computer technologies and microprocessing hardware are incorporated in the stand automation. We present the technique of experimental assessment of damage accumulation kinetics in metallic structural materials under complex elastoplastic loading conditions with account of two different fracture (cleavage and shear) processes, which technique is based on measuring the specific electric resistance of the specimen. __________ Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 1, pp. 128–137, January–February, 2006.     

Thixomolded magnesium alloys: Strategic product innovation in automobiles

The research on magnesium alloys for structural lightweight applications is today at an embryonic stage, but these alloys offer great potential. Thixomolding of magnesium alloys for automotive applications is promising since the process can be used to manufacture net-shape parts cost-effectively and with high reliability and repeatability.     

Use of oxygen for the cleaning, passivation, and preservation of power-generating equipment at the Kharanorskaya SAPP

Studies conducted on two power-generating units at the Kharanorskaya SAPP relative to the steam-water-oxygen passivation, preservation, and partial cleaning of all boiler-heating surfaces, including the surfaces of the reheater, and passivation of the surfaces of the high-pressure heaters on the steam and water sides by the steam-oxygen method, as well as partial passivation, preservation, and cleaning of turbine blading are presented. __________ Translated from élektricheskie Stantsii, No. 6, pp. 56–64, May, 2006.     

Upgrading of a reliable water supply system at the Kola nuclear power plant for service life extension

Measures taken to develop and put into operation three new exterior channels for emergency process water with two additional 60VTs pumping units, which remain operational even during an earthquake and were installed in the second block pumping station, are described. In addition, the three existing 12NDS horizontal pumping units were used as a basis to develop a third channel for the emergency process water. Above-ground water ducts with thermal insulation and heating systems to prevent freezing during the anticipation state, which is the constant state of the emergency system, were laid. As a result of upgrading with the development of three channels, the emergency process water feeding reached an adequately safe level of reliability. __________ Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 100, No. 3, pp. 173–177, March, 2006.     

Increasing the nominal safety of the no. 5 unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant

The main technical measures for increasing the nominal safety of the No. 5 unit of the Kursk nuclear power plant are presented: optimization of the neutron-physical characteristics of the core, adoption of a comprehensive monitoring, control, and protection system, switching to cluster-type control rods, adoption of a system for limiting radioactive emissions during anticipated accidents with pipeline rupture outside the containment system. __________ Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 100, No. 4, pp. 320–327, April, 2006.