Report discussing a method for the stepwise calculation of the number of transfer units utilized in a given solvent extraction operation. "Use of the method results in a very appreciable saving in time of calculation with an error of 1.5% for the runs tested. The error tends to become smaller with increasing total numbers of transfer units involved."

In connection with the study of aqueous-tributyIphosphate (TBP) systems, the study of the interactions of various diluents with the TBP has been extended. The diluents used were mineral oil, Amsco 125-90W, dodecane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, benzene, n-octyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and pentachloroethane. The solubility of TBP in water from solutions of these diluents and the solubility of water in the organic phase was determined. For the paraffin hydrocarbons as diluents the solubility of TBP in water was found to increase with increasing molal volume of the diluent. No evidence for the formation of TBP-water complex of simple mole ration was found.

The preparation of radioactive metallurgical specimens for microscopic examination is one of the responsibilities of the Radiometallurgy Sub-Unit. An abrasive cut-off machine development program, based upon a previous experimental model, was undertaken to provide a method for sectioning of irradiated materials without undue personnel exposure or spread of contamination and finally to provide data for the design of an abrasive cutting unit for use in the work cells in the Radiometallurgy Building. A horizontal-feed type set-off machine, powered by a 7 1/2 hp motor with V-belt drive, has been developed for the submerged sectioning of irradiated uranium and is currently being used successfully to obtain samples for metallurgical, chemical and physical investigations without excessive personnel exposure or spread of radioactive contaminates.

A laboratory test was performed to determine if a 10% oxalic acid solution could be safely be employed as a substitute to 2% chromic acid plus 5% phosphoric acid for removal of corrosion products from aluminum corrosion samples or slugs.

Plankton collected from the Columbia River by the net method and by the centrifuge method were compared. The centrifuged plankton (nannoplankton) exceeded the net plankton in weight, in abundance of organisms and in radioactivity. Similar seasonal trends were present in both types of plankton.

An analytical method for Cu-64 in reactor effluent has been studied based upon electrodeposition of the active copper with inert copper carrier. A two hour plating time was employed at a current density of 10 ma/sq cm and four volts across the cell. A stainless steel cathode plate was used. Carrier yields of greater than 80% were obtained with a standard deviation of the yield-corrected counting rate as low as 0.24%. Very little, if any contamination by other radioactive elements present was shown by decay curve studies. Self-absorption and self-scatter factors to correct the counting rate were obtained.

This report refutes earlier calculations made in the flux level of exponential piles. The results of the earlier calculations made on subcritical assemblies using critical assembly equations are in error. The calculations used in this report were more successful.

An addendum to report HW-30390 a additional power generation calculation for P, the rate of energy release, in kilowatts, was derived.

Report describing tests "in which a double chambered irradiation capsule containing NaK (sodium-potassium alloy) in its inner chamber was deliberately perforated to allow NaK (the heat transfer medium) and water to react within the capsule chambers" (p. 2). The report includes descriptions of the materials used in the tests, test procedures, and results.