The decay scheme of a 4.2 second neutron emitter has been investigated in detail. Chemical and physical evidence shows that it is N{sup 17}, which emits beta rays to a broad excited state of O{sup 17}, which then breaks up into a neutron plus O{sup 16}. The energy spectrum of the neutrons is determined by measuring the energies of the O{sup 16} recoils in a proportional counter. The neutrons have a most probable energy of 0.9 Mev, a 'half width' of less than .5 Mev, and an upper limit of about 2 Mev. {beta}-recoil coincidences are observed, as predicted by the Bohr-Wheeler theory, and the {beta}-ray energy is measured by absorption. The beta rays in coincidence with neutrons have an upper limit of 3.7 {+-} 0.2 Mev. Beta-rays directly to the ground stat of O{sup 17} are not observed because of high background effects, but should have an energy of 8.7 Mev. Some evidence is presented to show that energy is conserved in the {beta}-n transition through the broad excited state in O{sup 17}.

Investigation report of new artificial heavy nuclides conducted at the laboratory.

This paper gives a cost breakdown of all the water facilities in the 100-F area for the month of January, 1948. Also given is the cost of chlorine for addition to the process water system along with where it is added and in what amounts. Lastly, the average figure for the hardness for the Columbia River water at Hanford.

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.

In connection with the problem of eliminating contamination of the atmosphere by the exhaust from the 221 Building ventilation air stacks, sand filters were previously recommended. Construction of a sand filter in West Area is about completed and construction of a filter in East Area is well underway. This report summarizes the status, technical findings, and comments and suggestions since the writer`s last Interim Report, dated August 6, 1948, was issued.

None

This letter itemizes the miscellaneous equipment and supplies not previously specified which should be ordered to equip the 234-5 Chemical Development Laboratory. Equipment currently carried in store stock is not included in this list. The vendor is given only to identify the item or as a suggested source of supply.

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

This report compares the activity and disintegration energy of fission products from metal under two conditions of exposure: 200 Megawatt-days integrated exposure over a period of 180 days, and 400 Megawatt-days integrated exposure over a period of 360 days. (JL)

None

Three individuals were inadvertently exposed to polonium. Activity determinations on the routine weekly urine samples submitted by the individuals revealed counts of 174, 734, and 2190 c/min/50 ml respectively. An investigation was immediately launched to determine the source of the exposure, since there was no report of a spill or accident involving active material. By the process of elimination, the time of exposure was narrowed down to a time when two of the individuals were engaged in the denitration of a polonium solution in a small kettie inside a hood when a leak developed in the kettle. The active solution was transferred from the kettle to a carboy. All three individuals were present during the transfer period. Two wore respirators, rubber gloves, and smocks over their coveralls while the third stood well behind and watched the procedure. However, it was concluded that an inhalation exposure resulted. A medical study of each case was instituted and data are summarized. No immediate toxic effects were observed. (C.H.)

None

None

On June 1, 1948, a fire in the neoprene seal at 100-F Area potentially exposed nine to radioactive. An overnight collection of urine was made from these men and the samples submitted, along with a piece of neoprene seal, to the H.I. Development Laboratory for analysis. It is the purpose of this report to present the results of our investigation as to the type of contamination from the burning neoprene and the amount of contamination found in the urine sample.

On August 21, 1948, several smear samples of contamination from the inner rod room at 100-F Area were submitted for beta identification. This contamination was spread as a result of maintenance work on the horizontal rods. Urine sample were deemed advisable for two men who had been exposed while working on the rods. These urine samples were also submitted for beta analyses. The analyses of the smears showed the contamination to consist of primarily S{sup 35} (65%) and Fe{sup 59} (30%)and minor amounts of Ca (5%) and C{sup 14} (3%). No significant amount of radio iron or sulfur was found in either the feces or urine samples.

None

This trip was to provide an answer to these questions: Are Hanford meteorological instrumentation, methods, and records adequate? Do they conform to generally recognized practice? Are they effectively utilized? What is the percentage frequency of wind classified according to conditions normal, least favorable and most favorable for dilution? What is the habitability of the Wahluke Slope north and northeast of the Columbia River, considering stack gases, various stack heights, any pertinent meteorological features? What is the habitability if the only contaminating sources are the piles? In preparation for and in the event of a major catastrophe with attendant relief and evacuation operations, which additional observation should be taken: What weather data should be assembled from the general vicinity of Hanford: What sampling program should take place immediately after the event. To these may be added a question raised by Dr. Parker in connection with the high level of contamination at the ground in the vicinity of the separations. areas.

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

This report addresses the biological effects of radiation on man.

This is a progress report from the Brookhaven National Laboratory during the period July 1-December 31, 1948.

This document is a November 1948 Calorimetry Research Progress Report from the Mound Laboratory. Updates are given in the following areas: (1) development of micro and macrocalorimeters of the resistance-bridge type, (2) study and design of a rod calorimeter, (3) half-life of Postum, (4) evaluation of various calorimeter types, (5) applied mathematics, (6) materials, and (7) future efforts.

Sixty-eight samples were assayed. The 5 calorimeters of type 30 were finished. Calorimeter 36, whose construction has been started, is an improved version of 30. A system of switches has been devised. A simple, fast, insensitive calorimeter for measuring high activity samples is being tested. The calculations on the half-life of postum were checked.