Feasibility Exploration of Laser‐based Techniques for Characterization of a Flashing Jet

Two‐phase flows hold an interest in many areas of science and engineering. In the safety field, one such topic is the accidental release of flammable and toxic pressure‐liquefied gases. In case of such a release, a flashing vapor explosion takes place resulting in a very dense two‐phase cloud. If the released substance is flammable, this cloud can be combustible and can lead to deflagration or detonation. For understanding the source processes of flashing and risk assessment, data related to cloud characteristics (i.e. droplet size, velocity etc.) is needed especially in the near region of the release. Due to the non‐equilibrium nature of the near field regions accurate data measurement is not possible with intrusive techniques. Therefore, laser‐based optical techniques (like Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Particle Tracking Velocimetry and Sizing (PTVS), Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) etc.) present the only possibility to obtain information for particle diameter and velocity evolution in this harsh environment.     

Energy dependence of the epithermal neutron spectrum shape parameter α with respect to application of comparator-type NAA

The epithermal neutron spectrum shape parameter in nuclear reactors is explained from a theoretical point of view in terms of the neutron slowing down density function. The latter is approximated by Fermi's age theory. Values for are calculated for a simple approximation of a nuclear reactor: a disk shaped fission neutron source in an infinite graphite moderator. The model produces -values with the correct sign and magnitude, compared to experimental values from the literature, determined in a real reactor. It is shown that varies strongly with distance to the neutron source and less strongly with neutron energy. The inappropriateness of average -values, obtained from the slope of quasi-straight lines produced by log-log plots of E^– versus E, for the correction of non-ideal epithermal neutron activation is discussed. Conclusions are formulated concerning the impact of an energy dependent on comparator type NAA.     

The simultaneous determination of silver,gold and mercury in high-purity lead by neutron activation analysis

A radiochemical method was developed to separate the group of the noble metals simultaneously from a lead matrix after irradiation with thermal neutrons. The resulting complex γ-spectrum was resolved by matrix calculus. Smoothing of the obtained data to determine the presence of small photopeaks among the background fluctuations, was done by convolution, based on a least squares approximation. The interference of antimony and bromine was studied. Amounts as low as 20–30 p.p.b. of Hg and less than 1 p.p.b. of Au were determined in the presence of up to 9 p.p.m. of Ag.     

Laser marked shadowgraphy: a novel optical planar technique for the study of microbubbles and droplets

A novel combination of backlighting and glare point velocimetry and sizing (GPVS) is proposed to measure the size distribution of microbubbles (or microdroplets). This new technique, which we will call laser marked shadowgraphy, avoids sizing out-of-focus bubbles (or droplets) and the associated bias error. Compared to backlighting, this combination also improves the precision of the diameter measurement and allows void fraction measurements. Compared with GPVS, a more robust image processing is obtained. The applicability of the developed technique is demonstrated on a cloud of electrochemically generated hydrogen bubbles.     

Hydrodynamic chromatography of polystyrene microparticles in micropillar array columns

We report on the possibility to perform HDC in micropillar array columns and the potential advantages of such a system. The HDC performance of a pillar array column with pillar diameter = 5 μm and an interpillar distance of 2.5 μm has been characterized using both a low MW tracer (FITC) and differently sized polystyrene bead samples (100, 200 and 500 nm). The reduced plate height curves that were obtained for the different investigated markers all overlapped very well, and attained a minimum value of about h_min = 0.3 (reduction based on the pillar diameter), corresponding to 1.6 μm in absolute value and giving good prospects for high efficiency separations. The obtained reduced retention time values were in fair agreement with that predicted by the Di Marzio and Guttman model for a flow between flat plates, using the minimal interpillar distance as characteristic interplate distance.     

Extended glare point velocimetry and sizing for bubbly flows

A novel measuring technique for bubbly flows, named glare point velocimetry and sizing (GPVS), was developed in order to measure both bubble size and velocity with high accuracy in a 2D plane. This is accomplished by observing glare points in-focus under an observation angle of 96°. When a second laser-sheet is added, even higher accuracies are obtained and the relative refractive index of the bubble can be measured. It also allows non-spherical bubbles to be rejected and arbitrary angles to be used (e.g. 90°). The accuracy of the size and refractive index measurements was found to be within 1.3%.     

Synthesis and incorporation of a furan-modified adenosine building block for DNA interstrand crosslinking

2'-O-(3-(Furan-2-yl)propyl)adenosine was synthesized and evaluated for interstrand crosslink (ICL) formation in DNA duplexes. In situ oxidation of the furan moiety with NIS showed rapid crosslink formation to dA and dC, while dT and dG were inactive.     

Comparison of flux density distributions from massive or ring-shaped isotopic neutron sources

A comparison has been made between flux density distributions from massive and ring-shaped cylindrical isotopic neutron sources. A considerable gain in direct fast neutron flux is obtained for the latter geometry as well as a neat separation of fast and thermal flux density maxima along the axis of the source. Applications of these favourable properties are discussed.     

Nondestructive determination of trace impurities in iron by thermal neutron activation analysis with long-lived isotopes

A method is proposed for the instrumental determination of Co, Cu, W, As, Ga and Sb in a pure iron matrix. Semiconductor detectors with high resolving power, automatic data collection and completely computerized data interpretation have been used. A method of preparing and testing composite multi-element standards is described in detail.