Laboratory tests have demonstrated that plutonium metal, as well as aluminum, stainless steel, Hastelloy C, and other alloys, can be electrolytically dissolved in nitric acid using the ''solution contact'' approach. Two sources of plutonium metal were evaluated, weapons' grade and a special reactor grade (42% /sup 240/Pu, 12% /sup 241/Pu) from Savannah River, both yielding a dissolution rate of approximately one gram per ampere-hour. A current flow of 150 amperes was attained at 12 volts (limit of the power supply) and higher current should be possible at increased voltage. Since no fluoride was used in the actual dissolution, glass and 304 stainless steel components provided satisfactory performance. Preliminary investigations on the sludge formed (less than 1%) during electrolysis showed it to be soluble in a low fluoride-high nitric wash. The proposed electrolytic dissolver is recommended to replace the present metal dissolution process for the following reasons: (1) eliminates button sectioning--entire buttons are dissolved; (2) eliminates metal burning; (3) eliminates powder handling; (4) eliminates PuO/sub 2/ dissolution; (5) reduces solids going to the recovery columns; (6) simple to operate; (7) relatively independent of plutonium metal source; (8) reduces operator time resulting in decreased cost and operator exposure; and (9) will directly …

In this semiannual issue the single pass reactor and water plant data are shown for the six-month period July through December, 1970, together with data for the three preceding six-month periods.

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This report presents the details of the activities of Douglas United Nuclear at the Hanford site during the month of December 1970.

This report presents details of the activities of Douglas United Nuclear at the Hanford site during the month of July 1971.