On July 1, 1975, Monsanto Research Corporation was funded by ERDA/DWMT to continue studies at Mound Laboratory with a cyclone incinerator pilot plant for the consolidation of low level radioactive wastes. The report summarizes activities associated with the LSA Cyclone Incinerator Program for the period from July 1, 1975, to June 30, 1976. The document includes work performed in June, 1976, which has not been previously reported. The pilot plant had been installed prior to July 1, 1975, to investigate the feasibility of this method for effectively reducing the volume of LSA wastes. Such a method is badly needed to reduce the costs of transporting such wastes and improving the safety of disposing of them. In addition to using the incinerator to develop parameters for the efficient volume reduction of Mound-generated wastes, the unit is also available for studies to adapt this incinerator concept to the needs of other ERDA sites. The results of such studies then can be used to construct suitable incinerators at these sites.

Mound Laboratory, in its many years of plutonium processing experience, has recovered over 150 kilograms of plutonium-238. Much of this material has been recovered from HEPA filters and other secondary wastes such as sludge, slag, etc. The basic recovery nitric acid leach process at Mound for the decontamination of HEPA filters will be improved and modified i this project for processing filters from the Nuclear Fuel Cycle. Efforts this past quarter were directed toward determining the dissolution parameters of plutonium in HNO{sub 3} which included a study of the optimum acid concentration and optimum dissolution temperature.

The objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate separation methods for removing radionuclides from liquid process waste streams. As part of this program, Mound Laboratory will develop lower cost alternatives for use i n1980 fuel reprocessing and waste solidification plants, evaluate the processes within the nuclear fuel cycle which contribute to low-level and intermediate-level waste, and determine the feasibility of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, inorganic adsorbents and other separation concepts as additions to process design to reduce the generation of this type of waste. In the initial phase of this program, membrane equipment will be obtained from a commercial membrane manufacturer. After the pilot plant is installed, it will be checked out on cold feed in order to obtain initial flux and rejection data for comparison to data obtained later in the program. After completion of the cold tests, the membrane pilot plant will be run on a combined contaminated feed emanating from showers, laboratory drains, janitorial sinks and decontamination in processing areas, as well as a laundry waste stream containing alpha-contaminated wastes. This combined waste stream contains only alpha contamination (uranium and plutonium). However, as part of this program, gamma activity will be added to the waste stream. …

This report consists of one engineering drawing of a door assembly suitable for a vault. Notes on the drawing give instructions for lubrication, installation of a combination lock, adjustment of the locking pin, and bonding and item to the combination lock.

Results obtained from instrumented single-diamond compact cutter experiments, wear and failure mode analysis, and preliminary bit design concepts are described. A model was developed relating rock cutting forces to the independent diamond cutting variables, using a statistical test design and regression analysis. The model was tested with additional independent cutting data and a satisfactory fit obtained. Experiments on two rock types (with compressive strengths of 8 x 10/sup 3/ psi and 21 x 10/sup 3/ psi respectively) were completed and a third has been initiated. Preliminary analysis of single cutter experimental results indicates that optimum rake angles for cutters on an actual bit will be a function of each cutter's engagement (depth of cut). Wear test results on five types of COMPAX/sup R/ diamond compacts continuously cutting sandstone under non-impact conditions are reported. Wear rates for both types were equivalent at high cutting speeds, where thermal effects were thought to be operative. At speeds below approximately 400 sfm, the coarser sintered diamond product was superior. The wear rate of a diamond compact tested on Texas Pink granite was calculated and found to be almost two orders of magnitude greater than the wear rate of the same product as determined by …

Some solutions to problems of compressing and containing tritium gas to 200 MPa at 700 K are discussed The principal emphasis is on commercial compressors and high-pressure equipment that can be modified easily by the researcher for safe use with tritium. Experience with metal belows and diaphragm compressors has been favorable. Selection of materials, fittings and gauges for high- pressure tritium work also is reviewed briefly.

Nine nickel, niobium, and gold dosimetry foils incorporated in a neutron irradiation experiment at the Rotating Target Neutron Source (RTNS) facility were analyzed to construct a three-dimensional neutron fluence map. The purpose of the map was to determine the exact neutron fluences received by several pure element specimens irradiated for helium generation studies. However, the map alone provides the most detailed profile yet obtained of the RTNS neutron fluence distribution at the highest flux region accessible for irradiation experiments. This report gives details of the map, and provides a dosimetry procedure for use in future irradiations requiring accurate fluence information. The map also provides precise relative cross sections for the Ni, Nb, and Au dosimetry reactions for 14.8-MeV neutrons. The /sup 58/Ni(n,p)/sup 58/Co cross section is significantly lower than the current published evaluation. An analytical expression was derived to describe the measured fluence distribution; this was compared with an existing mathematical model of the RTNS neutron fluence profile. The model was found to represent approximately the fluence profile for a range of source parameters, but it cannot be used for an accurate determination of the fluence variation in a given irradiation experiment.

This manual is a serialized document issued by General Electric, Fast Breeder Reactor Department, EM Pump Engineering. The manual contains information and requirements relevant to the installation, operation, and maintenance of General Electric ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMP Model 18EPA28A01 at the Liquid Metal Engineering Center, Santa Susana, California.

This pamphlet describes efforts in process mechanization and automation by Monsanto company at Mound laboratory. Remote handling of plutonium, loading pyrotechnic components, automatically scanning air filters, and welding automation are examples of current research efforts at Mound.

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This report focuses on detectors for the assessment of inhaled heavy radioactive elements. Currently, phoswich detectors are the most prevalent type of detectors in use for assessing lung depositions of heavy element low-energy photon emitters. These detectors, along with their associated instrumentation, have proven their reliability for routine monitoring. Most phoswich detector systems are capable of detecting about one-half lung burden of {sup 238}Pu or about one and one-fourth lung burdens of {sup 239}Pu on an average individual who has a uniform distribution of plutonium in the lungs. Most all the large area NaI detection arrays have been replaced by the phoswich detectors. The NaI detectors are similar in basic characteristic to the phoswich, however, the large area NaI detectors exhibit higher background and sensitivities at the lower energies (< 70 keV) used for assessing inhalation exposures of heavy elements. Some lung counter facilities use proportional counters for assessments. Those in current use have anti-coincidence chambers to reduce background counts and improve the sensitivity. Semiconductor detectors are only practical when used in arrays and, therefore, are the most expensive detection system available.

The major instrumentation and testing efforts of the University of Texas User's Group at LAMPF were centered on the high-resolution proton and pion spectrometer systems. First data were taken with these systems. Nuclear physics experimentation was devoted to pion-induced nucleon removal from light nuclei such as He, Li, Be, C, and O. Both ..pi../sup +/ and ..pi../sup -/ beams were used. A few excitation functions are presented. Lists of publications, personnel, etc., are included. 23 figures, 2 tables. (RWR)

This paper provides a configuration description and specifications for the SE-1 detonator. The SE-1 is often referred to as the all purpose detonator due to its popular use as a test unit by the U.S. Department of Defense and ERDA research and development laboratories such as Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and Sandia Laboratories.

A product survey was conducted of all security products currently available on the market. Documentation is presented of the survey and a printout of the data is included. A general description is given of new but recommended instrumentation and security devices for application to fuel reprocessing plants. Security systems and hardware recommended for development, assembly, and testing are discussed briefly. (DLC)

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Confidentiality of non-current personnel files transferred to the State Archives.

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether the Fire and Police Employee Relations ACt, article 5154c-1, V. T. C. S., applies to sheriffs' departments.

Typical pyrotechnic reaction exotherms are shown for a number of pyrotechnic blends prepared from Ti hydrides of several hydride compositions. Rate appears to increase with increasing hydrogen in the Ti hydride.

Major accomplishments during the first five weeks of this study include: (1) successful adaption of analytical methods; (2) preparation of detailed operational sheets; (3) selection of mines to be sampled, through USGS and various state geologists; and (4) successful completion of coal mine sampling. Complete operational sheets have been prepared which include steps taken from collection of the sample at the mine through counting of that sample for radioactivity. The purpose of these operational sheets is to bring consistency to all the data and traceability of a sample result back through the operational sheets to the mine and day it was sampled.

An event tree is developed, outlining ways which radioactivity can be accidentally released from high level solidified wastes. Probabilities are assigned to appropriate events in the tree and the major contributors to dose to the general population are identified. All doses are computed on a per megawatt electric-year basis. Sensitivity relations between the expected dose and key characteristics of the solidified wasted are developed.

Progress is reported for a program whose goals are to demonstrate an experimental ungraded gas turbine powered automobile which meets the 1978 Federal Emissions Standards, has significantly improved fuel economy, and is competitive in performance, reliability, and potential manufacturing cost with the conventional piston engine powered, compact-size American automobile. Initial running of the upgraded engine took place on July 13, 1976. The engine proved to be mechanically sound but was also seriously deficient in power. Principal program effort has therefore been in the area of diagnostic testing and corrective development. To date, three upgraded engines were assembled and two were run in the test cell. Special diagnostic instrumentation was installed on Engine 3 to evaluate the compressor, turbine, and hot engine leakage. Engine airflow, starting characteristics, oil flow/heat rejection/blowby, emissions, leakage, and component performance tests were conducted in this quarter.

The plateout distribution of gamma-emitting nuclides in the primary circuit of the Peach Bottom HTGR at end-of-life has been determined by in situ gamma scanning. The specific activity was mapped by scanning the accessible ducting at 12 locations with a Ge(Li) detector and by axially traversing 79 steam generator tubes with travelling CdTe detectors from the water side. Following destructive removal of trepan samples, a travelling intrinsic germanium detector was inserted sequentially into two vertical ducts and the plateout mapped along 6-m runs of ducting. Calibration measurements on mockups allowed reduction of the spectra to specific activity. The measured plateout profiles were in excellent agreement with those predicted with the PAD code. The dominant gamma emitters were Cs-137 and Cs-134; their relative distributions were similar. Little local structure to the plateout in the ducts was observed, only a gradual decrease in specific activity in the direction of coolant flow. In the steam generator, a significant entrance effect was observed in the superheater section; the activity was highest where the inlet jet impinged and lowest at the ends of the bundle despite the presence of a flow baffle. The effect damped out with penetration into the bundle, and the axial profile …

The history of geothermal well drilling in Hawaii is reviewed briefly. The following are discussed: the geophysical program, pre-drilling speculative models, geothermal reservoir engineering, the drilling program, the measurement activities, a preliminary reservoir analysis of HGP-A well, and future activities. (MHR)

Experiments in progress to study the dependence of cross section and gross recoil properties of various radioactive products from light (Al), medium-mass (Cu, Ag) and heavy (Bi, U) target nuclei bombarded with high-energy protons (1-400 GeV) are nearing completion. Emphasis is now being given to the details of the production processes, such as the angular and energy distributions of the products and their relation to fundamental particle interactions. Experiments are also underway on the comparison of pion and proton interactions with complex nuclei and on simple reactions involving pion production. Three experiments using 800 MeV protons at Los Alamos on B/sub 4/C, Pb and U targets have failed to produce evidence for particle-bound polyneutron systems. At this energy, less than 10/sup -8/ of the interactions lead to such systems. Collaboration has continued with Los Alamos and NOAA on stable atmospheric tracers. In the last year an additional experiment was performed using both /sup 12/CD/sub 4/ (300 gm) and /sup 13/CD/sub 4/ (100 gm) at Savannah River. The distribution of the tracers found 100 km from the release point agreed qualitatively with that observed with the SF/sub 6/ (154,000 gm) that was also released. A collaborative effort (with Dr. George W. …

During the past contract year, new results have been obtained in two on-going project areas: (1) surface oxide softening and solute gradients in niobium and tantalum, and (2) mechanical properties of Nb-H, Nb-D, and Nb-O-H alloys. The important results include: (a) characterization of the large softening and ductilizing effect of niobium and tantalum caused by thin (50-100 nm) surface oxide films; (b) determination of the role of interstitial impurities in the strengthening and ductility changes caused by hydrogen and deuterium in niobium; and (c) observation of hydride precipitate softening in niobium.