This document presents the Pros and Cons of using a cloud chamber for field use. Historical aspects are briefly discussed. A cloud chamber experiment on Midi Mist is described. Plans for fielding an experiment on Hupmobile are presented.

The synthesis of relatively complex organic molecules by ionizing and radical mechanisms (induced by high energy radiations, ultraviolet and electric discharge) from methane, ammonia, water, and hydrogen is described, both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the molecules which tend to be formed under such random conditions are the very ones which today are the common building blocks in the biological reconstruction of organic material. Such molecules are the amino acids, the simple carboxylic and hydroxy acids, purines, pyrimidines, etc. The appearance of order among such random molecules is induced by two forces, namely, autocatalysis and crystallization. The latter is particularly important in the appearance of highly efficient macromolecular structures and arrangements which are so characteristic of present-day living organisms. Points of contact of these theories with experiment are indicated, and where confirmation has been obtained it is described, and the areas of ignorance, requiring further experimentation, are defined. A first step in a possible test of these prebiotic organic syntheses on other astral bodies has been made by examining the organic material found in meteorites. The nature of the structures appearing therein is indicated.

The development of several metallic fuei element systems for air-cooled reactors is reviewed, and the hightemperature properties of Type 310 stainless steel and Nichrome V clad fuel elements are discussed. Early work on cladding of Mo is reviewed, and recent developments in ferrous-base alloys and Cr-base alloys as hightemperature cladding materials are presented. (auth)

The heat exchanger of the calciner consists of a vessel into which unfired, horizontal, bayonet tubes extend in a fluidized bed. Strain measurements were taken on several of the tubes under simulated operating conditions and the associated dynamic stresses were calculated. Vibrations greater than design limitations for indefinite operation were found to exist. To restrict these vibrations and prevent further tube fatigue cracking, a tube support was installed. Since the installation of the support, the calciner has operated satisfactorily over 1275 hours. (auth)

The EOCR prototype control rod, control rod drive, and driver fuel assembly were extensively tested in 500 deg F Santowax and 132 deg F water. These tests not only established the operating characteristics of these assemblies but also revealed a number of deficiencies in the various components. The modifications required were tested to establish the satisfactory performance of the modified components. Flow versus pressure differential measurements were performed on the driver fuel and the control rod. These measuremerts were also performed on various sized orifices in both assemblies to facilitate final orifice sizing when the final physics and heat transfer calculations have been completed. Scram insertion time curves were obtained for a variety of control rod configurations and test conditions. These curves not only established the scram insertion reliability of the control rod but also provided the basis for performing a control rod force analysis. Included are descriptions of the control rod, control rod drive, and driver fuel assembly together with descriptions of their method of operation. (auth)

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Neptunium distribution coefficients from acid nitrate, chloride, and sulfate solutions by several organic nitiogen and phosphorus compounds were measured as functions of several extraction variables, including neptunium valence, acid and salt concentration, and reagent concentration. Extractability by all the reagents varied in the order Np(IV)> Np(VI)>> Np(V). Except for primary amines, all reagents extracted Np(IV) much more strongly from nitrate than sulfate solutions. Among organonitrogen compounds the order of extractability of Np(IV) was: quaternary> tertiary> primary and secondary from nitrate solutions but primary>> secondary> tertiary from sulfate solutions. Neptunium(IV) nitrate extractions with the different extractants passed through maxima at widely different acid concentrations. In most cases, extraction increased when nitric acid was replaced by nitrate salt. Extraction was usually approximately proportional to the square of the reagent concentration. (auth)

Thermoluminescence in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) induced by Co/ sup 60/ gamma irradiation at liquid nitrogen temperature (-198 deg C) was investigated. Glow curves in the temperature range --196 to 0 deg C were measured for a series of gamma exposure dosages ranging from 10/sup 4/ roentgen to 5 x 10/sup 6/ roentgen. The heating rate used for glow curve measurements was 12 deg C per minute. Twice recrystallized Mallinckrodt reagent grade potassium dihydrogen phosphate, with a grain size between 100 and 170 mesh, was used for most samples. In the case of the powder samples, the glow curve for an exposure dose of 10/sup 4/ roentgen exhibited two peaks in this temperature range, one at approximately --78 deg C and the other at approximately -146 deg C. The -78 deg C peak split into two distinct peaks with increasing dosage. At still higher doses an additional peak at about -9 deg C became evident. This peak may, however, be due to aluminum oxide. Calculation of the trap depth, E, and the frequency factor, s, associated with the --78 deg C peak, by the approximate method of Grossweiner yielded values of 0.485 ev and 9.97 x 10/sup 10/ sec/sup -1/ …

The soil microflora and its respiratory activity were measured in soil cores collected at different distances from an unshielded reactor. No direct correlation was found between dose received and microbial counts or respiration. Indication of a correlation between dose and microbial respiration was obtained after eliminating the overriding influence of moisture. Radiation probably affected the soil microflora through damage to the phanerogam vegetation rather than directly. This preliminary study indicates the need to have undisturbed sampling areas close to the ORNL fast burst reactor. Extensive dosimetry, both in and above the soil, in these areas, and a program of long-term ecological descriptibn, should be started before the reactor becomes operational. (auth)

The objective of this production test is to evaluate the behavior during irradiation of nominally 1.739 inch OD., 1.074 inch ID., Zircaloy-2 jacketed single tube fuel elements with brazed end closures at operating conditions somewhat more severe than those expected for N Reactor fuel element outer tubes. Enriched single tube elements with brazed end closures and modified fuel element supports are authorized for irradiation in the KEG loops to an exposure no higher than 4000 MWD/T. A typical loading and set of operating conditions are given; these may be modified, however, by obtaining appropriate approvals.

This document is designed to present as complete a review of the hazards associated with the operation of the N Reactor as is feasible at this time. Where completeness is not possible the problems are indicated and probable paths of solution are suggested. Background material is provided to put the hazards in context. Supplements to this report will be issued when the additional data and information required for completeness are obtained. This review is organized into two parts. The first part issued as Volume I is in the nature of an expanded summary. The second part of the review will be issued in a succeeding volume or volumes and will consist of results of evaluations obtained following the publishing of this volume plus more detailed supporting information.

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The use of self-supported fuel elements in ribless Zircaloy-2 tubes at C-Reactor requires some inlet nozzle modification to allow charging of the larger overall diameter fuel pieces. A new nozzle assembly has been developed (by Equipment Development Operation -- IPD) which will allow use of the new fuel pieces and at the same time increase the reliability of the header-to-tube piping and reduce pumping power losses. Flow test data were requested for the new assembly and the results of these tests are presented herein. This report also presents a comparison of the header to tube energy losses for the various reactor inlet nozzle assemblies which are currently used on the Hanford production reactors.

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The criteria contained in this report have been established to provide the technical bases for the design modifications involved in the K-Reactor tube replacement. The ultimate intent of these criteria is to provide the basic technical data and concepts to assure: technical feasibility and operability of the reactor system as modified; operation of the reactor and its services to minimize nuclear and radiation hazards; and appropriate lifetime of the reactor and its service facilities as modified. The criteria are appropriately broad and may not contain all the data necessary to accomplish detail design. The information contained herein shall serve as a basis for evaluation and approval of all portions of the modification relating to the process as indicated in the above three points.