"An investigation of the chemical effects of 1-Mev electrons on BrF3 at 25 degrees C has been carried out. Pressure measurements taken during the irradiation suggest the presence of Br2 and BrF5 as decomposition products and a fractional distillation of the irradiated liquid confirmed their presence. The extent of decomposition was determined both by fraction distillation and spectrophotometric methods. The radiation effect seemed to reach saturation when approximately 10 per cent of the BrF3 was destroyed. The exposure necessary for the decomposition products to reach a concentration of half the saturated value was calculated to be 2.7 microampere hours/cc BrF3 while the "G" value was found to be 1.5. A qualitative comparison of irradiation dosages from the Statiltron with that expected from spent fuels revealed that little decomposition of BrF3 reagent is to be expected from 1-say cooled Hanford fuel (in pile for 100 days) while in the case of 1-day cooled MTR type fuel (in pile for 12 days) a saturated effect might be realized in 1-3 hours. Since at most only 10 per cent of the BrF3 is destroyed it is concluded that BrF3, from a radiation resistance standpoint, is a suitable standpoint, is a suitable reagent for …

"The composition of the solder for the solder plug has been set as the tin-silver eutectic. Final tests on this solder show that life expectancies much longer than 6 months are probable with the current design. The design of the heater tube to contain the solder plug has been settled. This consists of a copper tube impregnated with U235O2. Arrangements have been made to have test specimens fabricated by powder metallurgy techniques. The equipment for the MTR in-pile test of trigger element response times has been largely completed and tested. The design of the complete inner capsule for the BF3 safety element has been developed as well as the cladding technique. Mock-up elements have been tested in the Hanford test reactor to determine the control that may be obtained with elements of this type, although the analysis of the results has not been made. Prototype elements are also ready for testing in the test pile, except for loading with B10F3. Experiments have been designed and submitted for approval for production pile tests of prototype."