This report covers work done by the Pile Engineering Groups and work done on special assignments. Topics covered include: slug blistering and corrosion; graphite allocation to DR pile; slug molding; segmental discharge; Van Stone corrosion; flow laboratory modifications; downcomer at B pile; downcomer at D pile; annealing of pile graphite; replacement of pile atmosphere with CO{sub 2}; unit motion; beta experiment; can opening; slug annealing; new technical building, 300 area; and ruptured slugs.

This brief memo from the 300 area of the Hanford plant, July 13, 1948, describes the need to redesign the ventilation system so as to minimize hazards associated with performing maintenance work.

None

None

None

The authors have produced and identified two new series of alpha-particle emitting radioactive elements; one is a 'collateral' branch of the actinium (4n + 3) radioactive family and the other is collateral to the thorium (4n) family. The series are of considerable interest in that they are the first whose early members lie on the neutron deficient side of beta stability. They have been produced in high yield of irradiation of thorium with deuterons of energy about {sup 80}Mev in the Berkeley 184-inch cyclotron. So far as the present observations are concerned both of these series begin with isotopes of protactinium (atomic number 91), although progenitors with higher atomic numbers are to be expected and will possibly be produced and identified. These protactinium isotopes are Pa{sup 227} and Pa{sup 228} formed by d,7n and d,6n reactions respectively.

None

The initial phase of the pressure drop testing program on proposed fuel element design shapes for the high-temperature, gas-cooled power reactor, has been completed with the compilation of pressure drop data for the flatplate riveted-assembly type of unit, the ribbed cylinder type, the single bent-plate type both with and without rivets, the 13 hexagon-6 pentagon type, and the 7-hole graphite type. This phase of the program was conducted for the purpose of determining the equivalent skin-friction pressure drop factor for composite fuel element crosssections, and for determining the joint loss factors for varying degrees of misalignment of the fuel units in the fuel channels of the pile. (auth)

All of the available evidence leads to the view that the 5f electron shell is being filled in the heaviest elements giving rise to a transition series which begins with actinium in the same sense that the rare earth or 'lanthanide' series begins with lanthanum. Such an 'actinide' series is suggested on the basis of evidence in the following lines: (1) chemical properties, (2) absorption spectra in aqueous solution and crystals, (3) crystallographic structure data, (4) magnetic susceptibility data and (5) spectroscopic data. The salient point is that the characteristic oxidation state (i.e., the oxidation state exhibited by the member containing seven 5f and presumably also by the member containing fourteen 5f electrons, curium and element 103) is the III state, and the group is placed in the periodic table on this basis. The data also make it possible to give a suggested table of electronic configurations of the ground state of the gaseous atom for each of the elements from actinium to curium inclusive.

None

In an attempt to detect a possible influence of the atomic electrons on the radioactive decay constant of Be{sup 7} they have measured {lambda}{sub Be}-{lambda}{sub BeO} and found (-3.0 {+-} 1.8) 10{sup -4} {lambda}{sub Be}. They describe also a method to measure mean lives of radioactive substances in a time short compared with the mean life.

Following the shutdown of the B Pile in March 1946 a method was devised for monitoring the sub-critical reactivity such that any significant change in neutron flux would be detected. This report summarizes the status of the unit until its start up in July 1948.

This document is a de-classified July 1948 General Chemistry Progress Report from Monsanto Chemical`s Mound facility. Detailed discussions of numerous studies of Postum compounds are included in this report, and experimental data on various chemical and physical properties of these compounds are given.

None

This document details activities at the Hanford Works during the month of June 1948.

The isolation of curium, element number 96, in relatively pure form has been accomplished. A method, involving a solvent extraction process, is given for the purification of americium from lanthanum and other ions. The discovery of a higher oxidation state of americium led to a method of separating americium from curium. Separation of the two elements was also accomplished by use of ion exchange resins. The details of the isolation of curium are given; the results of the spectrographic analysis, specific activity measurement, and calorimetric determination of half life showed the curium to be relatively pure. The absorption of light of various wave-lengths by an aqueous solution of Cm(III) is described, and some physical effects of the radiation from the curium are noted.

It has been found that the carbon dioxide obtained from the decarboxylation of singly-carboxyl labeled malonic acid is impoverished in the C{sup 14} label and that the acetic acid formed is correspondingly enriched.

None

None

During the course of a research problem involving hydrofluoric acid it became necessary to filter concentrated hydrofluoric solutions to remove various solid materials. The search for a suitable filter media finally led to the use of a commercially manufactured plastic material known as ``Sponge Teflon`` (polytetrafluoroethylone) which is produced by the DuPont Company. This material, which comes in 1/8 in. sheets, is used primarily as a gasket material in acid lines, and is impervious to all acids, including hydrofluorle acid.

None

None

This document is a declassified July 1948 Progress Report on Process Research at Monsanto Chemical`s Mound facility. Areas discussed are: (1) treatment of hot solid wastes, and (2) treatment of hot liquid wastes. Chemical aspects of these processes are noted.

This memorandum discusses briefly and approximately the two extreme programs which could be followed in the production of Ta{sup 182}: the use of present available excess reactivity, and the use of a pile, continuing no U{sup 238}, expressly to produce Ta{sup 182}. Use of lesser amounts of enriched material would achieve lesser production rates. The cost in fissionable material per gram of active isotope would remain approximately the same.