A plutonium solution of known Pu-241 content was purified by solvent extraction techniques to remove uranium and americium impurities. Portions of this purified solution were then analyzed for U-237 as a function of time. Since the growth of U-237 occurs directly by the alpha decay of Pu-241, these measurements provided sufficient data for calculation of the Pu-241 alpha half-life, which was found to be 2.91 ± 0.50 x 10⁵ years.

The purpose of this report is to present a HAPO proposal for the design and construction of a high-temperature, high-pressure light water recirculation test facility for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Atomic Power Division This report does not attempt to justify the feasibility of site location nor does it attempt to elaborate on such technical considerations as permissible test specimen heat generation and enrichment requirements which have been covered in an earlier document. Instead, detail information is developed on the proposed design with major emphasis on detail descriptions of the proposed loop and auxiliaries, design and construction scheduling and costs, and operating costs.

A new type of flexible hose connector consisting of a Teflon tube enclosed in a stainless steel wire braid sheath was proposed for use on 105-C rear face in late 1954. A test was initiated to determine the suitability of Teflon, and specifically Fluoroflex Teflon compound for rear face application. Probable useful life limit is estimated at 10⁶ R, which would be attained in about three years in contact with fresh effluent.

A method for determining the appropriate isotopic content of uranium-235 in uranium slugs has been investigated. In the conduct of the experiment it was found that there was a background counting rate several times the counting rate of the phenomena under study. Methods are suggested for improving the counting rate and reducing the background. The conclusions at this time are that reactivity determinations will provide the most rapid and precise measure of U-235 content in uranium.

The primary purpose of this writeup is to present a description of the electrical and mechanical features of the developed system for use in maintenance and operation of a simultaneous scaler control unit.