An equation of state of water is constructed in the density range between 2 g/m/sup 3/ and 4 x 10/sup 2/ Mg/m/sup 3/ and in the temperature range between 0.025 eV (room temperature) and 25 keV by combining several theoretical codes and experimental data. The liquid-vapor phase change, ionization process, and chemical equilibrium among dissociation products of water are all considered. Theoretical results and experimental data are compared and several interesting aspects of the thermodynamics of water are discussed.

A colorimetric method has been adapted to bulk metal samples of steels and plutonium silicon alloys. The decomposition of the silico-12-molybdate complex in solutions of aqueous hydrofluoric acid has been determined to follow a third-order rate expression. The optimum pH for the electrolytic removal of plutonium from synthetic process-waste-stream solutions was established. Ni, Cr, Ti, Mn, Cu, Si, Mo, P, and Al in steels are determined by a plasma-source optical emission spectrograph. Quality control analyses of reagent-grade acetone are performed by a standard-addition method. A method is described for solvent extraction of the plasticizer (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) from a membrane filter. Extraction of aqueous acid solutions with carbon tetrachloride and measurement of the C--H absorption permits the rapid determination of trace concentrations of tributyl phosphate. Determination of percent concentrations of the dihexyldiethylcarbamylmethylene phosphate (DHDECMP) in methanol is possible. Volume-percent quantities of this organic extractant (DHDECMP) can be rapidly determined by measuring its absorption maximum at 7.2 micrometers. A method for measuring traces of the organic phosphate (DHDECMP) is described. Noncontaminated gas samples are obtained from sample vials containing plutonium by means of a hypodermic needle attached to a vacuum manifold inside a glove box. Problems of storage, shipping, and disposal of relatively …

Organic ion exchange resins were evaluated for /sup 238/Pu(IV), /sup 238/Pu(VI), and /sup 233/U(VI) removal from water. The capacity of the resins and equilibrium coefficients (Kd) were compared with each other and to bone char--an inorganic adsorbent consisting of hydroxyapatite (HAP) for which data is available. Bone char gave the best results for the removal of /sup 238/Pu(IV), Amberlite XE279 (one of the new macroporous resins) gave the best results for /sup 238/Pu(VI), and another macroporous resin, Dowex-MSA-1, gave good results for /sup 233/U(VI). Kd values were shown to be a function of pH.

Casting experiments during the quarter were directed towards determining the maximum growth rate, characterizing the mode of heat transfer to the gaseous helium in the heat exchanger, developing a sintered crucible coating, and determining the cause of a SiC deposition on the melt stock prior to melting. Also, silicon crystal slicing tests using diamond-impregnated wire blades were continued. Results are presented and discussed. (WHK)

A large valve that isolates a neutral beam source from a working fusion reactor is described. The design and construction techniques for the bellows valve are given. (MOW)