The following report observes infrared measurements in the region of OH bands, the C2O band vicinity, the low frequency end of the spectrum, and the region of the UO2 band on the system hexone - water - uranyl nitrate.

From introduction: "The prime motive behind the experiments described in this report and in those preceding it in this series is the desire to reduce the number of Redox cycles necessary for decontamination from fission products of the plutonium and uranium streams sufficient to allow final disposition of these two products...This report deals with the mechanics of manganese dioxide handing, laboratory development of manganese dioxide scavenging, and a series of experiments at multicurie level combining ruthenium volatilization and manganese dioxide scavenging in stainless steel equipment."

The construction and operation of a fission gas generator, containing about 25 grams of uranium in the form of a powder with a high specific surface, are described in detail. The purpose of the work discussed in this report was to examine the feasibility of producing, separating, and assaying samples of Xe135 in preparation for a proposed measurement of the neutron cross section of this isotope. Krypton and xenon are separated by selective adsorption on charcoal at reduced temperature while iodine is removed by charcoal sorption at room temperature.

A new type of flexible hose connector consisting of a Teflon tube enclosed in a stainless steel wire braid sheath was proposed for use on 105-C rear face in late 1954. A test was initiated to determine the suitability of Teflon, and specifically Fluoroflex Teflon compound for rear face application. Probable useful life limit is estimated at 10⁶ R, which would be attained in about three years in contact with fresh effluent.

A method for determining the appropriate isotopic content of uranium-235 in uranium slugs has been investigated. In the conduct of the experiment it was found that there was a background counting rate several times the counting rate of the phenomena under study. Methods are suggested for improving the counting rate and reducing the background. The conclusions at this time are that reactivity determinations will provide the most rapid and precise measure of U-235 content in uranium.

Basic Studies. Sinterability experiments in the system UO2-PuO2 have continued, and data are available at one hour hold times across the UO2-PuO2 composition limits. Sintered densities appear to be markedly dependent on pressed densities with densification occurring very rapidly at higher pressing pressures. The following table illustrates the effect of one hour at temperature on final density for pure plutonium dioxide pressed to both 40 and 60 percent of theoretical density.