Development of a direct coupled, transistorized current amplifler is reported with sensitivities extending below the millimicroampere region of input currents. The amplifier employs a shunt feedback and exhibits reproducible characteristics. Discovery of this special effect and the design and testing employed in the incorporation of transistors into the amplifier are described. (J.R.D.)

The objective of this production test is to authorize the installation of at least 40 additional large size Zircaloy process tubes in graphite channels that have been enlarged to 2.275 inches at C Reactor and to charge these tubes with large diameter (CVIN) fuel elements to obtain preliminary conversion ratio data and further qualitative data regarding the irradiation behavior of large diameter fuel element designs.

The distribution of small amounts of radioactive Cu, Ag, and Au between precipitates of these elements and their solutions in bismuth was investigated at different temperatures by sampling the liquid. In all cases the . Doerner-Hoskins law was obeyed. Approximate distribution ratios were calculated and plotted against 1/T. Extrapolation to the melting temperature of the major component X in these Bi-X-Y systems yields values which compare well with the distribution constants obtained either from the binary X-Y phase diagrams or with those calculated from thermodynamic data. The data support solid solution formation as the mechanism of coprecipitation. This investigation also suggests a new method of obtaining significant portions of solidus curves.

The liquidus curves of the Bi-Cu, Bi-Ag, and Bi-Au systems were re- determined by means of a sampling method. The Bi-Ag curve,was somewhat shifted from the previously determined location. The eutectic was found at 262.5 {+-} 0.2{degrees}C at 4.95 {+-} 0.05 atom % silver (2.62 wt %). The Bi-Cu liquidus agreed fairly well with Kleppa's data over the range investigated by him. The discrepancies in the literature in regard to higher copper concentrations were resolved. The.eutectic was determined to be at 270.6 {+-} 0.1{degrees} C at 0.46 atom % copper(0.14 wt % ). The Bi-Au liquidus did not agree well with the few experimental data available. Below the peritectic temperature, a completely new liquidus curve was established. The peritectic.was found to be at 371 {+-} 2{degrees} C by.means.of differential thermal analysis. The composition is 23.1 atom % gold (24.1 wt %). The eutectic is at 13.4 {+-} 0.2 atom % gold (14.1 wt %) at.241.5 {+-} 0.5{degrees}C.

Each tube of the PRTR is provided with flow monitoring equipment consisting of a venturi flow meter in the inlet piping, sensing lines containing valves, and a Panellit flow transmitter. The flow transmitter does three things: converts the pressure drop signal of the venturi to a visual readout; provides an electrical signal for recording; and provides a signal to the safety circuit which causes a reactor scram should the flow increase or decrease beyond pre-set valves. After startup of the PRTR, it was found that the readings of flow meters on those process tubes which connect near the inlet of the bottom ring headers were fluctuating excessively. As an interim measure during the power tests at low reactor powers, the meter fluctuations were reduced by throttling the valves in the sensing lines from the flow venturi to the flow meter. This was recognized as being questionable for a permanent solution since this practice introduces an unknown and variable lengthening of the response characteristics of the meter. An experimental program was therefore undertaken to determine the degree of valve throttling which might be appropriate for fluctuation suppression and to device other and better methods of suppression. The experiments show that throttling …

Document issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Will Wilson, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether, under the submitted facts Houston Pipe Line Company has been engaged in operating a "Gas Works"..."for local sale and distribution," so that its receipts are taxable under Art. 7060, V.C.S., and related question.