Abstract: A general expression which can be used either for predicting the average volumetric concentration or for analyzing and interpreting experimental data is derived. The analysis takes into account both the effect of non-uniform flow and concentration profiles as well as the effect of the local relative velocity between phases. The first effect is taken into account by a distribution parameter, whereas the latter is accounted for by the weighted average drift velocity.

Quarterly report describing progress on the EVESR Nuclear Superheat Fuel Development Project.

Summary: On the basis of its high temperature, physical and corrosion properties, Incoloy Alloy 800 was selected as a candidate for fuel cladding nuclear superheat applications. At the time of its selection, there was little information or experience with Incoloy 800 in the production of thin-walled, small diameter tubing suitable for nuclear fuel cladding. As a result, special purchasing efforts were required for the procurement of initial tubing used in fuel fabrication. As-received welded and drawn tubing proved to be generally good but showed some conditions which were undesirable, the major one being lack of complete recrystallization and homogenization of the weld zone. The possible effect of this condition upon the fuel performance was not immediately known; however, subsequent development work indicated that the non-homogeneity of the weld could affect adversely its mechanical and corrosion properties in relation to the parent metal. A development program was initiated to determine treatment sequences suitable for the fabrication of welded and drawn tubing with a fully recrystallized and homogenized weld structure. This was accomplished by butt welding lengths of Incoloy strip which were subsequently cold rolled and annealed to simulate tube fabrication steps. Requirements imposed on this work were that all processes developed …

Quarterly progress report discussing activities related to the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) and related facilities.

Development of nuclear reactor cores having high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication costs is the objective of this program sponsored by the AEC. Five tasks are in progress: (1) Task 1A-High Power Density Fuel Development. All fuel irradiation has been terminated with the final shutdown of the VBWR. The high burnup average achieved by a single assembly in the group is 10,000 MWD/T (assembly 1F). Twenty-one of the original 24 assemblies have failed or are suspected of failure. Profilometer tests rung on HPD assembly 2E, Rod B, indicate that localized clad deformation occurs during operation. (2) Task 1B-Fuel Fabrication Development. Assembly. All fuel irradiation has been terminated with the final shutdown of the VBWR. The highest average burnup achieved by a single assembly in the group was assembly 4S with 8400 MWD/T. All assemblies in the group have failed or are suspected of failure. The Phase I developmental fuel continues to be irradiated in the Big rock Point reactor with the lead assembly having reached 1500 MWD/T. Fifteen phase II developmental assemblies are being construction for insertion at Big Rock Point in March. Engineering is underway to provide one instrumented assembly probe and two spare flowmeters for …

Abstract: Naturally occurring earth materials from Idaho, primarily from localities near the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS), were used in laboratory tests for the removal of radioisotopes from aqueous solutions. These earth materials included lignitic deposits, clay-like materials, and specific minerals; ion exchange resins were also considered for a specific application. The aqueous solutions were low-level radioactive cooling water or synthetic solutions made up to represent low-level radioactive wastes at the NRTS. Cation exchange capacities and other properties which affect the removal of radioisotopes from solution were determined the cation exchange capacities varied from 0.006 to 1.0 meq/g of solid. Earth materials with cation exchange capacities greater than 0.3 meq/g, in general, had distribution coefficients in excess of 1000. The highest distribution coefficients for cesium and strontium occurred in the pH range from 6.0 to 9.0 The possible use of these materials for decontaminating low-level radioactive waste at the NRTS is discussed. The result of laboratory studies using these materials and an organic ion exchange resign for decontaminating a specific NRTS waste are given. A material high in clinoptilolite from a location near the NRTS was considered to be the most promising material for use in large beds or ion …