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At this time it is desirable that preliminary estimates be made of the manpower, equipment, space, layout and facility requirements of the analytical section for the 234-5 Project. To arrive at these requirements a rough estimate of the required analyses, their scope and their frequency has been compiled. This is expected to serve as a basis for the Laboratories Division to outline their space and equipment requirements as soon as possible and to assemble the required personnel for operation later. Crucial elements encountered in the process are classed as light impurities or as metallurgical impurities. The light elements are undesirable due to the {alpha}, n reaction with plutonium. The metallurgical impurities are undesirable since they change the physical properties of plutonium. The light elements undesirable in the finished product and the approximate tolerances (in ppM of plutonium) acceptable for each are listed assuming all other elements listed are absent. A list of the undesirable metallurgical impurities with the tolerances (again expressed in ppM of plutonium) for each element, assuming the other elements are absent are given.

This is a report on Analytical Services of the Pile Area Laboratories at Hanford. Pertinent facts are listed regarding the analytical services currently provided by the Analytical Section in the pile areas. The work of the Analytical Section in the pile areas may be classified into five categories as follows: Analysis of pile process water, analysis of power plant (boiler) waters, analysis of drinking water, analysis of columbia (non-process) and Yakima River water, and preparation of reagents and standard solutions.

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.

This report addresses the Application of Molybdenum Surfaces to Heavy Metal.

Included herein is a historical record of the AAF sponsored NEPA Project during the period of October 1945, to the present time, and covers in narrative form the nature of planning leading to the implementation of the project, the establishment of the operating group and its relationship to the Manhattan District (later to become the Atomic Energy Commission) and the approach to applicable technological problems bearing on both nuclear science and aeronautical propulsion engineering aspects.

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.

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About four-fifths of the energy of the fission process is shared by the two heavy fragments into which the nucleus splits. This energy, of about 80 Mev. per fragment, is transferred to the medium in which the fission takes place in two ways. First, because each fragment is stripped of about half of its electrons during most of its path, it will interact strongly with electrons and thus lose energy through ionizing collisions with other atoms. Secondly, the fragments will lose energy by elastic collisions with atoms as a whole. Each fragment leaves in its wake a cloud of moving electrons and atoms. This cloud will roughly resemble a cylinder whose radius will increase with time on account of the motion of the struck electrons and atoms. They may now investigate two features of the slowing down process. First as it affects the fragment, i.e. we calculate its range, straggling, etc. And secondly they may work out the motion of the cylinder of moving particles, its effect on the medium, etc.

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The average Q meter is an instrument which averages the Q over over short periods of time, thus taking into account non-productive moments due to sparking and other factors, giving a truer measure of production than the present instantaneous meters. Embodied in this report are its methods of operation, reasons for its use, and descriptions of various physical types of the average Q meter.

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A new G slit support utilizing the standard G carbon now in use in all Beta production buildings was tested over approximately four months in the Pilot Plant with very successful results. A considerable saving has been made both in servicing time and in costs. The equipment has proved to be the best of any tried from the standpoint of run terminations due to alignment difficulties.

Various biochemical effects of radiation have been studied in 10 patients given total body x-ray in total doses of 75 to 310 r (skin), in 5 patients given 20 to 36 mc. P{sup 32}, and in 5 project personnel accidentally exposed to excessive doses of external radiations. Similar studies have also been made of several hundred Plutonium Project personnel exposed in most instances to relatively small amounts of uranium, lead and other metals, and to chemicals and radioactive sources. These studies included the investigation of liver function, of white blood cell chemistry, and of various urinary constituents such as coproporphyrin, urorosein and other pigments, urobilinogen, ``corticosteroid-like`` substances, catalase, and uranium. Definitely excessive exposures resulted in various abnormalities in the above tests. With the exception of urinary uranium analysis none of them are specific in indicating overexposure to either radiation, metals, or chemicals. When interpreted in the light of the exposure and medical history, however, it is felt that they may aid in the clinical interpretation of relatively marked overexposure at least. In addition, they may afford further insight into the nature of radiation effects. The literature on the biochemical effects of radiation is reviewed briefly, and certain suggestions are offered …

Research progress was reported in the following areas: (1) plutonium ingestion studies - rates of excretion, fecal and urinary, were determined for subjects who had drunk a solution containing plutonium; and (2) plutonium therapy studies - rats injected with plutonium were administered zirconium citrate and the rate of excretion of the plutonium measured. (ACR)

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This report addresses the biological effects of radiation on man.

A major problem encountered in the Manhattan Project was the protection of workers against damage resulting from acute or chronic exposure to external radiation. The problem of how to detect evidence of damage following exposure to total body radiation led to this study. These studies were conducted between January, 1942 and November, 1945. Three groups of persons were employed in this study. The first group of eight individuals harboring incurable neoplasms which was not extensive enough to influence general health, these patients were treated with 400 KV x-radiation while sitting in a wooden chair, doses were 27, 60, and 120r. Three persons having generalized illnesses chronic in nature were given total body radiation using 200 KV X-rays in multiple exposures totaling 100, 300, and 500r. A third group of normal volunteers from personnel of the Metallurgical Laboratory were treated with 200 KV x-rays in three divided doses totaling 21 r. Changes in peripheral blood in the fourteen individuals is reported. In group 1 the most persistent abnormality noted was a diminution in the number of lymphocytes after completion of the treatment. In group 2 a depression in the lymphocytes was also the most marked single change. In group 3 no …

Results of type II UF/sub 6/ centrifuge operation are presented. Data from this type operation in a single unit are useful in predicting the operation of a number of centrifuges in cascade. (J.R.D.)

This semiannual report includes references in future items in the Brookhaven National Labratory program as well as an account of progress in the post six months.

This is a progress report from Brookhaven National Laboratory for the period July 1 through December 31, 1949.