The following progress report was compiled by the research and development division of the zirconium pilot plant. This report discusses two iodination and deposition runs that were completed as of August 20, 1951, as well as the third iodination run that uses a vaporizer condenser that condenses approximately 40 pounds of zirconium iodide.

This report covers the progress made on an intensive program to develop and evaluate UO2 as a possible fuel element for the PWR.

The following report presents neutron-flux measurements made with a concentric-cylinder element (Mark II) and includes axial, radial, and peripheral flux distributions.

The following report follows the studies of electroplating on uranium and concurrent metallurgical clodding.

Abstract: "The protection of thorium in hot water was studied. Copper electrocladding on thorium offers promising protection against hot water. The corrosion of thorium in 95 C water was reduced appreciably by a thorium phosphate film. The results of this abbreviated investigation offer a basis for the development of a method of protecting thorium at elevated temperatures in corrosive media."

The following report studies the dissolution of aluminum-canned thorium, providing results that suggest a dissolution cycle that permits the separation of the canned-slug components.

Abstract: "Aluminum electroplating was studied in a search for new methods of cladding uranium fuel elements. Uranium electroclad with 12 mils of aluminum over a 0.5-mil (or nickel plus copper) electroplate resisted corrosion for more than 100 hr in boiling water. This quality of protection was effected by hot pressing the electroclad uranium with 5.1 tons per sq in. for 5 min at 950 F. The electroclad uranium with hot-pressed samples paralleled those of later experiments with hot-pressed wrought aluminum claddings on uranium. In both cases, the uranium was electroplated with thin (0.5 mil) layers of metals to prevent aluminum-uranium diffusion, to aid bonding, and to assist in corrosion protection. This aluminum electroplating study helped to define the importance of the intermediate coating between the aluminum and the uranium, the effect of good bonds between the various layers, and the effects of hot pressing in protecting uranium with an aluminum cladding."

Abstract: "Aluminum-clad nickel-plated uranium is corrosion resistant in boiling water. Samples with intentional defects in the aluminum-nickel clodding layers, after testing for more than 300 hr. showed no sign of rapid failure. The study of electroplated metals on uranium for aluminum cladding has defined the effects of several processing variables on the corrosion resistance. The quality of the uranium and the quality of the aluminum-nickel bond were important. Heat treatment and vacuum outgassing of the nickel-plated uranium prior to aluminum cladding were beneficial, and minimizing the amount of air present in the hot-press assembly was desirable. Variation in the steps for electroplating on uranium did not affect the corrosion resistance of aluminum-clad uranium."

A report which describes a variety of methods for processing a low-grade sulfide concentrate from the Congo. This concentrate consists primarily of sulfides of cobalt, nickel, and iron, plus about 10 percent uranium, present principally as uraninite.

Summary: "The potential impacts to visual resources, resulting from construction and operation of a nuclear waste repository and transportation route in the Gibson Dome Area of southeastern Utah, were evaluated."

A report which intends to present an empirical formula, based on available experimental data, to correlate the thermal and electrical conductiviities of sirconium and sirconium alloys.

The following report focuses on research made to determine whether the service performance of UO₂ fuel-elements cores for the PWR can be improved by certain ceramic or metal additions.

Abstract: "An updated geologic reconnaissance map was prepared of the vicinity of Cypress Creek Dome, Mississippi, at a scale of 1:24,000. Compilaion of previous work, field mapping, and heavy material analyses were used to prepare the map."

Abstract: "A geologic reconnaissance map was prepared of the supradomal area of Keechi Dome, Texas, at a scale of 1:24,000. To do this, available data were compiled, and field checking and new mapping were done where access was permitted."

Abstract: "A geologic reconnaissance map was prepared of the supradomal area of Richton Dome, Mississippi, on a scale of 1:24,000. To do this, previous work was compiled and consolidated, and field mapping and heavy mineral analyses took place."

Abstract: "A geologic reconnaissance map was prepared in the area of Vacherie Dome at a scale of 1:24,000. To do this, the available data were compiled, resistivity surveys were conducted, and reconnaissance field mapping took place. Then all the information was consolidated for the map preparation."

From introduction: "This is the ninth monthly report, BMI-514, under Contract No. AT(30-1)-771 on "Zirconium Research and Development". The report covers the work period from September 15, 1950, to October 15, 1950. Work is continuing on the preparation of large-diameter zirconium crystal bars in the 16-inch-diameter de Boer unit. Crystal bars up to 1-5/16 inches in diameter and 8 feet long have been prepared in this unit."

Abstract: "Costs have been estimated for the production of uranium and pure thorium from monasite concentrates by a process involving (1) reaction of monasite with caustic soda, (2) dissolution of the hydrous oxides in hydrochloric acid, (3) separation from the bulk of the rare earths by hydroxide precipitation of thorium and uranium, and (4) purification by solvent extraction."

A report which covers an investigation of techniques for producing hot-dip Al-Si coatings on uranium sheet. Also, the study is concerned with the effects of time and temperature of dipping on the intermetallic zone and its ductility.

From introduction: "At the request of WAPD, a study has been made of the effect of minor compositional variables on the corrosion behavior of uranium-molybdenum alloys in 650 F degassed water."

A report which provides procedures for sample decomposition and the determination of small amounts of uranium in the phosphate rocks and shales. Also, the cupferron and ether-extraction methods are discussed.

Abstract: "A quantitative method for the determination of individual rare earths in thorium down to a level of 0.05 ppm, is described. The procedure consists of a chromatographic cellulose-columns separation followed by a solution-type spectrographic determination. Values are given for the recovery of a number of rare earths using this combined procedure."

A report about a method for fabricating 30-in long stainless steel UO2 fuel sheet and the properties of the fabricated sheet were investigated.

Abstract: The nonmetallic inclusions in both as-reduced and fabricated dingot uranium have been studied for comparison with those in ingot uranium. Special attention was paid to the hydride for the purpose of determining the amount and distribution in the various types of uranium. The types and distribution of other inclusions were also studied. It was found that the dingot uranium was of a higher quality than ingot uranium and was comparable to as-reduced derby uranium on the basis of over-all inclusion count. The hydrogen content in dingot uranium, however, was found to be appreciably higher than in either ingot or derby uranium.