Aerodynamics of the Large-Volume, Flow-Through Detector System. Final report

Abstract

The Large-Volume Flow-Through Detector System (LVFTDS) was specially designed by LNL to monitor alpha radiation emitted by plutonium, uranium, and americium in mixed-waste incinerator offgases; however, it can be adapted to other important monitoring uses that span a number of potential markets, including site remediation, indoor air quality, radon testing, and mine shaft monitoring. The goal of this effort was to provide mechanical-design information for the installation of the LVFTDS in an incinerator, with a particular emphasis on the ability to withstand the high temperatures and high flow rates expected. The work was successfully carried out in three stages: (1) Calculation of the pressure drop through the system; (2) Materials testing to determine surrogate materials for wind-tunnel testing; (3) Wind-tunnel testing of an actual configuration.