Summary: A method for the separation of cesium from macro quantities of sodium and potassium using an ion exchange resin, Dowex 50, has been developed. A 95% recovery of cesium with a reduction of the solid content of 95% was found possible. Curves illustrating the effect of acidity, column length, and flow rate are presented in the report. The sodium form, hydrogen form and ammonium form of Dowex 50 were investigated; the hydrogen form was found to give the best separation.

During the canning of slugs for Production Test 313-105-3-M, a high number of rejects were caused by gas voids in the A1-S1 bonding layer. Since the heat treatment of the slugs in a molten salt bath resulted in a chemically altered surface, an investigation was made to determine the volume of gas evolved from salt-bath heat-treated slugs as compared to other types of slugs. This test was designed as a preliminary test to determine if there were a significant differences.

Quarterly progress report on metallurgy research operations at Hanford Atomic Products Operation in Richland, Washington.