This review covers: (a) The continuous countercurrent ion exchangers which have been described in the patent and/or technical literature. (b) Some of the other moving bed processes which are similar in mechanical arrangement to a continuous countercurrent ion exchange and which might have certain features adaptable to an ion exchange unit. (c) The auxiliary mechanical devices which are or may be used in an ion exchange apparatus.

The Hanford Test Pile is a heterogeneous, low power, graphite moderated natural uranium pile. The pile consists of an eighteen foot cube of graphite containing 292 charged channels in a square array with an 8-1/2-inch lattice spacing. This report describes the reactor and the operating procedures used, and presents the latest results of calibrations performed. These calibrations supersede other work which has been done on the Test Pile and contain refinements of most of the early calibrations.

When water is used as a coolant in any heat-producing process, the purity of the cooling water is of considerable importance, both from the standpoint of build-up of deposited solids inside the cooling tubes, and as an indication of corrosion of the tubes or any other materials with which the water comes in contact. The first problem has long been recognized, and is generally solved by pretreatment of the water. Efficient treatment can reduce the total solids content to less than 0.1 ppm, and the concentration of individual elements to the order of 0.01 ppm. If water of this purity is used, the analysis of the input and output stresses can result in some useful information. The input stream analysis, of course, is direct measure of the quality of the original cooling water, and frequent analysis by a reasonably fast method can be used to keep pretreatment under control. But of even greater significance is the difference in the impurity content of input and output streams. In a simple, straight-through system the difference generally will be negligible. If a closed, recirculating system is considered, however, with the coolant water circulating through the process to be cooled and then through a …

The purpose of this report is to describe the tests performed on the D-12 waste evaporator, to present and evaluate the data obtained during the test, and to make recommendations for the implementation and operation of present and future installations of bayonet tube bundles.

It is the purpose of this report to: 1. Present the results of a study to estimate the range of attainable boiling conditions in the 1706 KER loop design on the bases given in reference (12). 2. Present an outline of the significant modifications and equipment changes necessary to obtain the process conditions desired.

Radiobiological studies were made to determine effects of radioactive effluents from the Hanford reactors upon the aquatic biota of the Columbia River and to evaluate related hazards. Data from studies completed between September, 1945, and December, 1955 are presented and interpreted. All forms of life were many times more radioactive than the water they inhabited. Some radioisotopes were much more readily accumulated than others in living organisms. Differences in the concentration of certain radioisotopes by various species of organisms and kinds of body tissue are described; and geographical, seasonal and annual fluctuations in the concentration of radioisotopes in organisms are discussed.

The fabrication of heat exchangers and radiators to be used in conjunction with high-temperature nuclear reactors may present exceedingly complex problems. Rigid heat transfer requirements may necessitate the use of compact assemblies of thin-walled small-diameter tubes as integral parts of the heat transfer units. Intricate designs may also be required in which cooling fins must be securely joined to the tubes at closely spaced intervals. In addition to the difficulties in fabrication imposed by the designs themselves, the high operating temperatures involved require the careful selection of materials and joining techniques. The choice of fabrication procedure for a given component must not only be based upon the stresses and temperatures to be encountered, but also upon special factors peculiar to nuclear service. Since many reactor applications employ highly corrosive environments, compatibility of the structural ma terials with the corrosive media is of paramount importance. The low nuclear cross-section require ment for brazing alloys to be used inside the re actor also places stringent limitations on the possible choices of in-pile applications. The use of boron in alloys for certain service may not be considered feasible, for example, because of its high nuclear absorption cross section. Although welding is used extensively …

Storage of the fission products separated from the product streams of the Purex process is being accomplished using a smaller volume of accompanying solution than any other process here-to-fore used at HAPO. The operating technique and control mechanisms which are needed to store large quantities of these highly radioactive wastes are not yet fully understood, but considerable insight into the problem has been gained from the experience at Redox during the last 36 months. The basic intentions of the 241-A Storage Facility design is to control the boiling wastes by providing suitable tanks to contain the liquid and a vapor system provided with suitable seals to control the vapors. This document (Part I) will present a somewhat detailed description of the Purex Storage Facility and a review of the activities there before plant start-up. Part II, published under separate cover, contains a description of Waste Farm Technology including a process description and a recommended plan for operation.

Considerable interest has been shown at HAPO in the development of a continuous ion exchange process for concentrating plutonium solutions. Development work has been performed on continuous ion exchange for both uranium and plutonium concentrations at the X-10 at ORNL. On a recent trip to Oak Ridge to discuss critical mass problems and experiments with Dr. A. D. Callihan of the ORNL critical mass facility, a meeting was also held with C. W. Hancher and R. Higgins of X-10 regarding continuous ion exchange operation. From this meeting, information was obtained that is helpful to work out nuclear safety aspects of such a plant for the concentration of plutonium solutions. An advance copy of "Countercurrent Ion Exchange" by T. A. Arehart, J. C. Bresee, C. W. Hancher, and S. H. Jury was obtained. This paper is to be presented at an AIChE meeting this fall. Preliminary blue prints of ORNL-3" Ion Exchange column design were also obtained. Upon my return to HAPO, a meeting was held with members of the Process Planning, Equipment Development, and Chemical Engineering Development Units of the Chemical Engineering Sub-Section (Separations Technology) to present the document and blue prints on continuous ion exchange and arrive at a …

Twelve uranium-magnesium fuel material samples have been irradiated in the MTR at the request of the Pile metallurgy Unit. These samples were 0.40 inch in diameter by 1.5 inches long and were canned in Zircalloy-2 capsules. The uranium used in these specimens was in the form of chips which packs about 50 volume percent. Six of the samples contained a matrix of pure magnesium and the other six contained an alloy matrix of magnesium - 1.4 weight percent silicon. Two specimens of each matrix material were irradiated to 1000 MWD/T and a like number to 5000 MWD/T. Bend tests were performed on the samples and on unirradiated control samples to secure a measure of the effect of radiation exposure on the physical properties of the material.