The technical feasibility of employing uranium carbide aluminun dispersions in aluminum-base research reactor fuel elements was investigated This study was motivated by the need to obtain higher uranium loadings in these fuel elements. Although toe MTR-type unit, containing a 13 18 wt% U-Al alloy is a proven reactor component, fabrication problems of considerable magnitude arise when attempts are made to increase the uranium investment in the alloy to more than 25 wt.%. Au approach to these fabrication difficulties is to select a compound with significantly higher density tban UAl/sub 4/ or UAl/sub 3/ compounds of the alloy system which when dispersed in aluminum powder, will reduce the volume occupied by the brittle, fissile phase. The uranium carbides, with densities ranging from 11.68 to 13.63 g/cm/sup 3/), appear to be suited for this application and were selected for development as a fuel material for aluminum-base dispersions. Studies were conducted at 580 to 620 deg C to determine the chemical compatibility of carbides with aluminum in sub-size cold- pressed comparts as well as in full-size fabricated fuel plates. Procedures were also developed to prepare uranium carbides, homogernously disperse the compounds in aluminum, roll clad the dispersions to form composite plates, and braze …

In this technical report, firstly, the transfer function of a non-regenerative, base-driven transistor circuit is derived by applying the linear equivalent circuit method. The results are experimentally verified. Secondly, the idea of the inverse-gain-bandwidth is introduced as the criterion of the dynamic design. Thirdly, the stability factor is explained. Finally, it is shown that a system constructed by various types of transistor switching circuits is reduced to a long train of unit chains formed by delay units and wave-shapers, and the maximum allowable number of delay units in a unit chain is discussed. The results given here are consistent with the design procedures for transistor switching circuits established in the Digital Computer Laboratory, i.e., the emitter-follower logical circuits associated with restorers and flip flops.

A discussion is given of the role of thermodynamics in the fused-salt volatility process, particularly as it applies to oxidation-reduction reactions affecting zirconium, uranium, nickel, chromium, ruthenium, and other elements present in the hydrofluorination head-end step. (auth)

The Non-Production Fuel Reprocessing Program involves the chemical processing of valuable reactor fuels received from privately owned power reactors. It is necessary therefore, to accurately measure the fuel material received in order to insure proper payment to reactor operator and to provide the Atomic Energy Commission with appropriate accountability data. The volume measurement study described herein was conducted in order to determine the limits of accuracy that could be obtained in measuring relatively large volumes of solution under plant processing conditions.

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for filtration of plutonium oxalate slurries. A scalpel produces a slit in the filter precoat, leading to increased filtration in this slit, and the oxalate is removed by a doctor knife; this technique results in prolonged blowback cycles and more uniform delivery of filtered oxalate to subsequent processing steps. Several types of filter media were tested, and rigid porous aluminum oxide was found to be the best one. (D.L.C.)

Presently rotary drum filters are being used for plutonium oxalate slurry filtration in the 234-5 Building. Changing of the filter cloth used on a rotary drum is a time consuming operation which involves ever increasing radiation exposure to maintenance personnel. Consequently, studies were conducted in the 321 Building on a disk type filter which could be adapted for simple and quick ("one-nut") replacement of the filter medium.

Two coextruded, Zr-2 clad, natural uranium, seven rod cluster fuel elements were irradiated to a calculated exposure of 1250 MWD/T in the KER Facility and discharged 1-16-59. The fuel elements were NPR candidate fuel and examination was requested to determine the behavior of coextruded, Zr-2 clad, natural uranium irradiated at core temperatures of approximtely 425{degree}C. The elements were transferred to the Radiometallurgy Laboratory 2-25-59. The elements demonstrated excellent in reactor performance with no significant changes in either the fuel or the hardware. Detailed examination of the central rod and two peripheral rods from one of the clusters showed no microcracks in the uranium. Moderate growth was observed in the fuel at the unrestricted rod ends.

This paper discusses a remotely operated system developed to transport (raise and lower) a 1/2 gram radium gamma radiation source for calibration of the HAPO film badges and finger rings. The system employs the rotometer principle for positioning the source for operating purposes. An accurate timer is utilized to assure the desired exposure time.

The objective of this Supplement described in this report to Pt-IP-250-A is to d enriched tube-and-tube elements will develop pitting corrosion on the Zircaloy-2 jackets when irradiated in pH 10 water. The measurement of dimensional changes in the fuel elements and the observation of the effect of irradiation on the uranium and bond area are also objectives of the test, but secondary in importance to identifying a pitting corrosion problem in NPR quality water, if one exists.

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that the pump speed control system will respond as defined in the equipment specifications and to determine optimum values of controlling variables that will minimize the oscillations that occur in the Na flow rate when transient signals are imposed on the pump speed control system. (W.L.H.)

The failure of defected Zircaloy-2-clad uranium and uranium -2 wt.% zircorium fuel specimens in high-purity high-pressure water at 200 to 345 deg C was observed in a windowed antcclave. Time-lapse color motion pictures were taken to provide a record of the progressive changes ending in the complete disintegration of the core material in the specimens. Continuous measurement of the pressure increase caused by accumulation of hydrogen served to monitor the progress of the reaction when clouding of the water by corrosion products made visual observation impossible. The nature of the attack of all specimens was similar, although the time at which different stages occurred varied. Following an induction period, the first evidence of attack was the slow formation of a blister in the cladding area surrounding the defect. Eventually, a copions evolution of hydrogen occurried at the base of the swollen area. In general, a crack could be seen in the cladding at this stage. Catastrophic failure of the specimen followed swiftly. The time required for each phase of the reaction was reduced as the temperature was raised. Initial swelling occurred after about 24 min at 345 deg C but only after 8 hr at 200 deg C. Diffusion-treated uranium2 …

A maximum leak rate of 0.08% was measured for a piston ring seal assembly which was evaluated for use as the Hallain Power Reactor process tube- grid plate seal. A maximum leak rate of 0.14% was observed after subjection to 10,000 cycles (560 hr) in 625 deg F Na. The maximum leak rate was 0.07% after 25 cycle exposure in 1000' Na. Vertical scoring of both the rings and bore tube was observed. Sodium was observed to remain behind the rings after washing. (C.J.G.)

The transfer or circulation of raw dissolver solutions containing gross particulate matter presents many problems not easily overcome by standard pumping equipment. In April of 1956 the HAPO concept of a modified Archimedes screw pump was developed. Two basic models, externally powered and driven through extended shafts, were constructed and tested. Operation of these preliminary models was so satisfactory that a third unit, integrally formed into drive motor, was built and placed in extended life test. This report describes construction and testing of the third and final model.

Based on the activation of gold foils in an hydrogeneous medium, the neutron flux incident on the rear wall of the discharge area of the KE reactor is estimated to be 6000 M/cm{sup 2} sec. The effective energy of the neutrons is estimated to be approximately 4 Mev. Neither of these values confirm order-of-magnitude estimates of the neutron flux and neutron energy expected to exist in the discharge area.

Data on waste volumes and heat generation of several reactor fuels which may be reprocessed in the Power Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Pilot Plant at ORNL are tabulated. (auth) l6876 A tabulation containing information on the power of existing and proposed U. S. and U. S.-built reactors of 10 kw or greater thermal power is presented. Estimated fuel reprocessing loads for irradiated fuels are also iucluded. (auth)

Data on waste volumes and heat generation of several reactor fuels which may be reprocessed in the Power Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Pilot Plant at ORNL are tabulated.

Calculations indicate that single-transfer line concatenated pulse column systems can be operated with static pressures that are not excessive if a sufficient number of vessels are employed in the system. The required number of vessels can be attained by using a series of short columns or by using holdup pots in conjunction with a limited number of columns.

Calculations indicate that single-transfer line concatenated pulse column systems can be operated with static pressures that are not excessive if a sufficient number of vessels are employed in the system. The required number of vessels can be attained by using a series of short columns or by using holdup pots in conjunction with a limited number of columns. General equations for calculating pressure drops and power requirements are presented. (auth)

Description of Purex plant process for irradiated uranium for the separation and decontamination of plutonium and uranium from each other and from fission products.

The thickness of an oxide film on phosphor bronze helices was determined by first establishing the oxygen content of the helix "as received" and after cleansing with nitric acid. Based on the assumption that the difference between the two values was the oxygen in the film, and that the film consisted entirely of cupric oxide, the thickness of the film was calculated from the density of cupric oxide, weight of film, and surface area of film. A value of 1080 A was calculated as the thickness by this method. (auth)

The thickness of an oxide film on phosphor bronze helices was determined by first establishing the oxygen content of the helix "as received" and after cleansing with nitric acid. Based on the assumption that the difference between these two values was the oxygen in the film, and that the film consisted entirely of cupric oxide, the thickness of the film was calculated from the density of cupric oxide, weight of the film, and surface area of film. A value of 1080 A was calculated as the thickness by this method.

The final percentage of xenon created by fission in uranium and plutonium is a function of the neutron flux intensity. The flux dependence results because axenon 133 and 135 can be converted to a a stable xenon isotope by neutron capture instead of decaying into cesium.

Last year (1948) during the flood period the flow at Grand Coulee fluctuated widely. 2 PM, June 8, 543000 c.f.s.; 4 AM, June 9, 568000 c.f s.; 2 PM, June 9, 543000 c.f.s.; 2 AM, June 10, 573000 c.f.s. A total instantaneous fluctuations of 37,500 c.f.s. was reported. Now there is installed a new control. This control can keep downstream variation within 500 c.f.s. By lowering the lake level prior to the crest period, the drum gates could be used as flood control (1948 high water basis) the drum gate control plus the water turbine discharge (if the lake level had been reduced) could have dropped the crest at Richland three feet. a. Drop in crest at Richland one foot: Electrical loss nominal, b. Drop in crest at Richland two feet: Electrical loss 1 megawatt/foot for six generators. Loss Max possible 13,310 KW each generator, 79,860 KW total (7 days). Capacity 1,170,000 KW Max Loss 6.8% for 7 days to 10 days. c. Drop in crest at Richland three feet: Electrical loss 1 megawatt/foot for 6 generators Max possible 30,100 KW each generator 180,600 KW total 8 days. Capacity 1,170,000 KW Maximum loss 15.4% for 8 to 12 days. Actual …