URANIUM - A NUCLEAR METAL AND ITS MANUFACTURING PROPERTIES

The most Important metal found in nature and used for nuclear energy is Uranium. This is used as a nuclear fuel and is radioactive, easily oxidized and exists in three allotropic forms. This has a poor resistance to corrosion and needs to be protected for use as fuel elements by roll cladding a thin aluminum or zirconium jacket. The metal in the pure condition is weak and is susceptible to severe irradiation damage and growth in the reactor environments. Addition of some alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, plutonium, zirconium, etc. are added to make the material highly suitable for nuclear power.

Uranium compounds, such as UO2 as a dispersion in cermet or as ceramic slugs, have been found to give better service. Uranium oxide is highly refractory, shows no phase change in an inert atmosphere , possesses a good strength and higher corrosion resistance. But it as a low thermal shock resistance, poor thermal conductivity and a high coefficient of expansion. The melting point of Uranium is 1850*C.

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THROTTLE GOVERNING OF STEAM TURBINES

Steam Pressure at inlet to a steam turbine is reduced by throttling process to maintain the speed of the turbine constant at part load and hence this method of governing is called "Throttle Governing". Construction : Throttle governing system consists of a centrifugal governor, a lever , an oil pump , a pilot piston , control valve , a relay piston and a throttle valve. The throttle valve is moved by a relay piston. The relay piston is actuated by pilot piston control valve. There are two piston valves covering ports in the pilot piston control valve without any overlap. These piston valves are operated by lubricating oil supplied by a gear pump at 2 to 4 bar. The oil returns to the drain from this chamber. Working : When the turbine works on full rated load, the throttle valve will remain open. When the load is decreased, the energy output of the turbine becomes in excess and the turbine shaft speed increases. Hence, governor sleeve will lift. The upward movement of the

ELECTRICAL COMPARATORS AND ITS WORKING

Electrical Comparators are used as a means of detecting and amplifying small movements of a work contacting elements. An electrical comparator consists essentially of a pick-up head or transducer for converting a displacement into a corresponding change in current and a meter or recorder connected in the circuit to indicate the electrical change, calibrated to show in terms of displacement. Generally, an amplifier is needed to provide the requisite sensitivity and to match the characteristics of different parts of the circuit. Electrical comparators can be classified according to the electrical principle used in the pick-up head. Most of the comparators use either a differential transformer, an inductance bridge, a strain gauge or a capacitor as a means of detecting movement of the gauging element. There are different types of electrical comparators. One kind called an electrolimit gauge is used to check or measure the outside diameter of a roll. The object to be checked is place

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Air Refrigeration System :

Advantages Of Air Refrigeration : 1. The refrigerant used namely air is cheap and easily available. 2. There is no danger of fire or toxic effects due to leakages. 3. The weight to ton of refrigeration ratio is less as compared to other systems. Disadvantages Of Air Refrigeration : 1. The quantity of Refrigerant used per ton of refrigeration is high as compared to other systems. 2. The COP of the system is very low. Therefore running cost is high. 3. The danger of frosting at the expander valves is more as the air contains moisture content.

Mechinopedia For Mechanical Engineers

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