Equipment for Fusion of Solids

FIG. 11-56 Heat-transfer equipment for fusion of solids, a) Horizontal-tank type. (Coutiesy of Sttxithers Wells Corp. ) (h) Agitated kettle. (Cowtesy of Read-Standard Division, Capital Products Co.) (c) Donble-dnim mill. (Coutiesy of FaiTel-Bitmingham Co.)... 

Production rates of total hydrogen and total helium are important parameters in the evolution of the microstructure during the irradiation of solids, especially for fission and fusion reactor construction materials. These data can be measured by using a vacuum furnace equipment connected to a mass spectrometer for the detection of H and He gases produced in an irradiated bulk sample. 

The main problems with field analysis are sample preparation for solids and lack of sensitivity for liquids. One option for converting solid matrices (rock, soil, concrete etc.) into solution is to utilise equipment for the preparation of XRF bead samples. Portable versions are available commercially and use lithimn borate fusion at 1000°C to solubilise siliceous and other refractory matrices in a single step, rather than repeated extraction with aggressive and toxic reagents, such as hydrofluoric and/or perchloric acids. The beads can be analysed non-destructively for major components by portable XRF and then dissolved for alpha spectrometry or HazWAC, as required. 

Hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide, [CAS 1310-58-3]. caustic potash, potassium hydrate, KOH, white solid, soluble, mp 380 C, formed (1) by reaction of potassium carbonate and calcium hydroxide in H2O, and then separation of the solution and evaporation. (2) by electrolysis of potassium chloride under the proper conditions, and evaporation. Used in the preparation of potassium salts f 1) in solution, and (2) upon fusion. Also used 111 the manufacture of (3) soaps, (4) drugs. (5) dyes, (6) alkaline batteries, (7) adhesives, (8) fertilizers, (9) alkylates, (10) for purifying industrial gases, (11) for scrubbing out traces of hydrofluoric add in processing equipment, (12) as a drain-pipe cleaner, and (13) in asphalt emulsions. 

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