"The state-of-the-art of heat exchangers for gas-cooled reactor primary circuits is established by describing steam generators, primary heat exchangers, recuperators, and coolers of a number of gas-cooled nuclear projects, and by listing plant and exchanger main characteristics in three summery tables. Information is based in part on references indicated and in par+ on data from manufacturers. The availability of suitable heat exchangers is represented in the form of 35 Data Sheets submitted by manufacturers in response to our request. A list of manufacturers and their addresses is appended."

"Various existing circulator types suitable for primary loops of gas- cooled nuclear power plants are discussed. Operating characteristics, drive systems, structural problems, and maintenance questions are analyzed. The present state of the art is established and requirements, availability, development areas, and limiting factors are indicated. Several existing test- loop gas circulators are included in the general discussion."

"The potential of closed-cycle gas turbines for producing a highly efficient nuclear power plant is discussed. Such turbines are being developed for three applications: the HTRE program (Heat Transfer Reactor Experiment) for nuclear aircraft propulsion, the MGCR program (Marine Gas Cooled Reactor) for nuclear marine propulsion, and the ML-1 (Mobile Low-Power Gas-Cooled Nuclear Power Plant) for nuclear electric power generation in an Army mobile power plant as part of the Army Gas-Cooled Reactor Systems Program (AGCRSP). Some characteristics of several non-nuclear gas turbines as well as gas turbine prime movers of 18 U.S. gas-cooled nuclear power plant projects were examined. Turbine and compressor performance, performance improvement, full-load and part load operation, maintenance, component life, and reliability are discussed. Consideration is given to factors affecting structural integrity of turbomachinery, such as choice of proper materials, vibrations, cooling, and construction features. The material reported is based on information obtained in part from the 155 references included and in part from the data requested from some 60 manufacturers."

"The full size seal (5 1/2" shaft diameter) was redesigned to incorporate the latest seal geometry which was developed as a result of the model seal test program. A number of compatible seal face material combinations, which performed satisfactorily during the model seal test program, was also selected for evaluation in the full size seal. All the detail drawings of the seal and test stand were completed. A test program for the full size seal was prepared and approved."

"The model seal test program was continued throughout the period covered by this report. Of notable mention, a test, 507 hours in duration, was conducted at 2000 psig and 2.75 GPH leakage. Examination of the seal faces after the test showed that there was no measurable wear within the limits of an optical inspection. The full size seal (5-1/2" shaft diameter) and the related test strand are in the manufacturing phase. The instrumentation and associated equipment for the full size seal test are on order."

"The model seal test program was concluded during this Quarterly Report. The final test, 1014 hours in duration, was conducted at a sea1ing pressure of between 2100 to 2300 psig and at a leakage rate of 2.14 gph. The seal face materials evaluated were an aluminum oxide rotor running against a stator face made of tungsten carbide for the high pressure seal and Graphitiar 39 for the low pressure element. Optical examination of the faces after the test showed no measurable wear. Nine unscheduled shutdowns were made during the test without damaging the seal faces or affecting the performance of the seal after each startup. The shutdowns were automatically accomplished in a predetermined sequence through a control system which was calibrated to monitor the test and stop it in the advent of equipment failure. The manufacture of the full size seal (51/2-inch shaft diameter) is 50% complete. All of the test equipment and instrumentation for the full size test rig has been received and assembled. The full size seal is scheduled for assembly by mid August 1963."

"Electron emission during the adsorption of a monolayer of oxygen on a clean'' tungsten surface is reported. This emission is attributed to the excitation of conduction band electrons during adsorption, probably as the result of Auger transitions to the chemisorbed state. Calculations based on this model of chemisorption agree qualitatively with the experimental yield."

"Dissociative attachment studies were made for the production of H/sup -/ and 0/sup -/ ions in the electron bombardment of water vapor with a cycloidal instrument to compare the results with previous data obtained with mass spectrometers and total ionization tubes. The peak heights were studied as a function of spectrometer operating conditions to obtain confidence in the present data with regard to the relative intensities. Graphical representations are included of the results along with a schematic of the apparatus used in the study."

"The photodesorption of gases from metals by uv photons has been studied with a high sensitivity mass spectrometer. A program to develop low-temperature cathodes is underway to study hydrogen interactions at various surfaces. Preliminary results on the degassing characteristics of an all metal system have been obtained."

"Investigations were continued on the characteristics of zeolite traps and on a small cryopump. Studies of an all metal vacuum system indicated that this system is superior to glass systems when operated at elevated temperatures. The major contribution to the gas evolution is hydrogen. The characteristics of an electron multiplier operating under ultrahigh vacuum procedures were studied. The desorption of gas by photons is being investigated."

Final report for a grant contract documenting information about the scope of the project and results.