CFD Analysis of a Possible Leakage of Coolant in the MEGAPIE Spallation Source Target

Author(s):  
Brian L. Smith ◽  
Sergey V. Shepel

The paper reports first steps in an analysis, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), of a leak of hot (>250°C) lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) from the MEGAPIE spallation source target into the helium-filled gap between the target hull and a close-fitting, double-walled safety container. Issues addressed are: (1) determining the initial impact pressure of the LBE on the inner shell of the safety container, which could result in the gap between the shells being closed, and its cooling capacity compromised; (2) LBE freezing on the cold shell surface could delay action of the leak detection system, and hence the beam trip control; and (3) heat transfer from the hot LBE to the D2O circulating between the safety container walls could induce boiling and subsequent pressurization of the circuit. Steps in the model development needed for the simulation are described, which include, in particular, the implementation of a liquid/gas interface-tracking model based on the Level Set approach. Results confirm that the safety container will be adequately cooled by the D2O during normal target operation, but first indications are that boiling might occur within the D2O circuit if substantial amounts of LBE leak from the target vessel unless its outer surface is coated with an insulating layer. Pressures generated by the impact of a slug of LBE on the safety window do not threaten its structural integrity, and no delay of the leak detection equipment as a consequence of LBE freezing is anticipated.

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (11) ◽  
pp. 34-39
Author(s):  
Vicki Niesen ◽  
Melissa Gould

This article explores technological advancements for detecting pipeline leaks. An ideal leak detection system should not only quickly detect both small and large leaks, but also do so reliably and not trigger false alarms. Operations in gas pipelines can differ quite a bit from those for liquids, so the experience gained in one type of line may not be entirely applicable when changing jobs. Fortunately, computer simulators are increasingly sophisticated, enabling operators to become comfortable handling a variety of situations. In December 2015, the American Petroleum Institute released a set of guidelines (RP 1175), written by a representative group of hazardous liquid pipeline operators, that established a framework for leak detection management. The focus of the guidelines is getting pipeline operators to use a risk-based approach in their leak detection program, with the goal of uncovering leaks quickly and with certainty. The best-case scenario is for leaks to not occur at all, and the industry is making great strides to keep them from happening. The combination of improved technology and risk-based management should enable operators to keep leaks small and contained, and reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 5871-5883 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Melbourne ◽  
J. Griffin ◽  
D. N. Schmidt ◽  
E. J. Rayfield

Abstract. Coralline algae are important habitat formers found on all rocky shores. While the impact of future ocean acidification on the physiological performance of the species has been well studied, little research has focused on potential changes in structural integrity in response to climate change. A previous study using 2-D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) suggested increased vulnerability to fracture (by wave action or boring) in algae grown under high CO2 conditions. To assess how realistically 2-D simplified models represent structural performance, a series of increasingly biologically accurate 3-D FE models that represent different aspects of coralline algal growth were developed. Simplified geometric 3-D models of the genus Lithothamnion were compared to models created from computed tomography (CT) scan data of the same genus. The biologically accurate model and the simplified geometric model representing individual cells had similar average stresses and stress distributions, emphasising the importance of the cell walls in dissipating the stress throughout the structure. In contrast models without the accurate representation of the cell geometry resulted in larger stress and strain results. Our more complex 3-D model reiterated the potential of climate change to diminish the structural integrity of the organism. This suggests that under future environmental conditions the weakening of the coralline algal skeleton along with increased external pressures (wave and bioerosion) may negatively influence the ability for coralline algae to maintain a habitat able to sustain high levels of biodiversity.


Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Jiří Hájek ◽  
Zaneta Dlouha ◽  
Vojtěch Průcha

This article is a response to the state of the art in monitoring the cooling capacity of quenching oils in industrial practice. Very often, a hardening shop requires a report with data on the cooling process for a particular quenching oil. However, the interpretation of the data can be rather difficult. The main goal of our work was to compare various criteria used for evaluating quenching oils. Those of which prove essential for operation in tempering plants would then be introduced into practice. Furthermore, the article describes monitoring the changes in the properties of a quenching oil used in a hardening shop, the effects of quenching oil temperature on its cooling capacity and the impact of the water content on certain cooling parameters of selected oils. Cooling curves were measured (including cooling rates and the time to reach relevant temperatures) according to ISO 9950. The hardening power of the oil and the area below the cooling rate curve as a function of temperature (amount of heat removed in the nose region of the Continuous cooling transformation - CCT curve) were calculated. V-values based on the work of Tamura, reflecting the steel type and its CCT curve, were calculated as well. All the data were compared against the hardness and microstructure on a section through a cylinder made of EN C35 steel cooled in the particular oil. Based on the results, criteria are recommended for assessing the suitability of a quenching oil for a specific steel grade and product size. The quenching oils used in the experiment were Houghto Quench C120, Paramo TK 22, Paramo TK 46, CS Noro MO 46 and Durixol W72.


AMB Express ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeraja Punde ◽  
Jennifer Kooken ◽  
Dagmar Leary ◽  
Patricia M. Legler ◽  
Evelina Angov

Abstract Codon usage frequency influences protein structure and function. The frequency with which codons are used potentially impacts primary, secondary and tertiary protein structure. Poor expression, loss of function, insolubility, or truncation can result from species-specific differences in codon usage. “Codon harmonization” more closely aligns native codon usage frequencies with those of the expression host particularly within putative inter-domain segments where slower rates of translation may play a role in protein folding. Heterologous expression of Plasmodium falciparum genes in Escherichia coli has been a challenge due to their AT-rich codon bias and the highly repetitive DNA sequences. Here, codon harmonization was applied to the malarial antigen, CelTOS (Cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites). CelTOS is a highly conserved P. falciparum protein involved in cellular traversal through mosquito and vertebrate host cells. It reversibly refolds after thermal denaturation making it a desirable malarial vaccine candidate. Protein expressed in E. coli from a codon harmonized sequence of P. falciparum CelTOS (CH-PfCelTOS) was compared with protein expressed from the native codon sequence (N-PfCelTOS) to assess the impact of codon usage on protein expression levels, solubility, yield, stability, structural integrity, recognition with CelTOS-specific mAbs and immunogenicity in mice. While the translated proteins were expected to be identical, the translated products produced from the codon-harmonized sequence differed in helical content and showed a smaller distribution of polypeptides in mass spectra indicating lower heterogeneity of the codon harmonized version and fewer amino acid misincorporations. Substitutions of hydrophobic-to-hydrophobic amino acid were observed more commonly than any other. CH-PfCelTOS induced significantly higher antibody levels compared with N-PfCelTOS; however, no significant differences in either IFN-γ or IL-4 cellular responses were detected between the two antigens.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2058
Author(s):  
Nicole Reisinger ◽  
Dominik Wendner ◽  
Nora Schauerhuber ◽  
Elisabeth Mayer

Endotoxins play a crucial role in ruminant health due to their deleterious effects on animal health. The study aimed to evaluate whether LPS and LTA can induce an inflammatory response in rumen epithelial cells. For this purpose, epithelial cells isolated from rumen tissue (RECs) were stimulated with LPS and LTA for 1, 2, 4, and 24 h. Thereafter, the expression of selected genes of the LPS and LTA pathway and inflammatory response were evaluated. Furthermore, it was assessed whether LPS affects inflammatory response and structural integrity of claw explants. Therefore, claw explants were incubated with LPS for 4 h to assess the expression of selected genes and for 24 h to evaluate tissue integrity via separation force. LPS strongly affected the expression of genes related to inflammation (NFkB, TNF-α, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, MMP9) in RECs. LTA induced a delayed and weaker inflammatory response than LPS. In claw explants, LPS affected tissue integrity, as there was a concentration-dependent decrease of separation force. Incubation time had a strong effect on inflammatory genes in claw explants. Our data suggest that endotoxins can induce a local inflammatory response in the rumen epithelium. Furthermore, translocation of LPS might negatively impact claw health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 723
Author(s):  
Antti Kurvinen ◽  
Arto Saari ◽  
Juhani Heljo ◽  
Eero Nippala

It is widely agreed that dynamics of building stocks are relatively poorly known even if it is recognized to be an important research topic. Better understanding of building stock dynamics and future development is crucial, e.g., for sustainable management of the built environment as various analyses require long-term projections of building stock development. Recognizing the uncertainty in relation to long-term modeling, we propose a transparent calculation-based QuantiSTOCK model for modeling building stock development. Our approach not only provides a tangible tool for understanding development when selected assumptions are valid but also, most importantly, allows for studying the sensitivity of results to alternative developments of the key variables. Therefore, this relatively simple modeling approach provides fruitful grounds for understanding the impact of different key variables, which is needed to facilitate meaningful debate on different housing, land use, and environment-related policies. The QuantiSTOCK model may be extended in numerous ways and lays the groundwork for modeling the future developments of building stocks. The presented model may be used in a wide range of analyses ranging from assessing housing demand at the regional level to providing input for defining sustainable pathways towards climate targets. Due to the availability of high-quality data, the Finnish building stock provided a great test arena for the model development.


1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. P. Sharma ◽  
G. F. Pickett ◽  
R. H. Ni

The impacts of unsteady flow research activities on flow simulation methods used in the turbine design process are assessed. Results from experimental investigations that identify the impact of periodic unsteadiness on the time-averaged flows in turbines and results from numerical simulations obtained by using three-dimensional unsteady Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes indicate that some of the unsteady flow features can be fairly accurately predicted. Flow parameters that can be modeled with existing steady CFD codes are distinguished from those that require unsteady codes.


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