In the HRP Welding program, a major part of the welding and fabrication, and some of the testing, is performed using an inert atmosphere. the use of the inert gas consumable arc welding process and dry box welding or other work in a dry box comes within this category. Since much of the work in the project make use of, or requires, inert atmospheres, a general discussion follows of the methods used, description of equipment, processes, quality of atmospheres, purity requirements, kinetics of metal-gas reactions, and the proper application of the equipment and methods use din obtaining the desired results.

General considerations involving the transportation of irradiated fuel and radioactive wastes are reviewed. It is assumed that many reactors will supply feed to a few large multipurpose chemical plants which ultimately send radioactive waste to a few disposal sites. General economic considerations of irradiated fuel reprocessing, economic aspects of the nuclear economy complex, growth predictions of the nuclear power economy in the U.S., general requirements for the shipment of fuel and waste, regulations applicable to fuel shipment, and permissible radiation levels are discussed.

Specifications are presented for cleanliness during installation of piping and equipment in the High Level Volatility Laboratory, Bldg. 4507.