A first approximation of the gas required to cool control rods for Pile Area G is presented in the following report. Since the results are based on a number of assumptions and approximations, they should be considered only as a first approximation and subject to revision. A gadolinium-stainless steel control rod can probably be readily cooled by gas. A boron-stainless steel control rod would be difficult to cool with gas and would probably require about 1,000 lbs./hr. of helium per rod. Carbon dioxide has a slight advantage over helium as a cooling agent for control rods. This advantage is so small that the problems of gas cooling control rods should not influence the decision whether to use helium or carbon dioxide in the pile.

Though the product of P-10 is T{sub 2}, the chief hazard is the tritium oxides, and tritium in water vapor might exchange with the hdyrogen in the water. If a catalyst is present, essentially all of the tritium would be exchanged. Because we do not know what catalyzers may exist at P-10 or in the lungs of a person breathing tritium, a ready answer cannot be given to the question of the importance of the exchange reactions. The HT + H{sub 2}O {r_reversible} HTO + H{sub 2} is also considered. The same conclusion holds, most of the tritium will be exchanged; however the equilibrium constant is needed. 1 fig.

Early this year recommendations for biological research with tritium were outlined by M. E. Getzendaner in document EW-17059. Since then work on many of the preliminary experiments suggested in that document has been and further thought has been given to design a research program to secure the information needed for evaluation of the tritium hazards. It seems desirable at this time to reformulate the projected research more extensively. This document will indicate only the scope of desirable investigations, without attempting to spell out in detail the experimental procedures to be followed. Proposed investigations are studies of water metabolism; studies of hydrogen metabolism; studies with tritium labelled compounds of biological interest; and studies of the biological effect of tritium radiations. The problems outlined under these headings were chosen on the basis of general scientific interest. In most if not all cases, however, the application to radiation hazard evaluation and control is obvious.

This HAPO report discusses the toxic effects of methyl isobutyl ketone, known commercially as hexone. Explosive limits are discussed, in addition to animal experimentation results.

None

This report constitutes a summary and discussion of radiation damage to graphite and its effects on pile distortion. The data covered in this report consist of that obtained from some pile motion measurements and tube bowing measurements, but particularly of that information obtained from direct sampling of pile graphite.

Procedures are outlined for the separation of Ac/sup 228/ from Ra/sup 226/ in aged Th(NO/sub 3/)/sub 4/ solutions and for the preparation of Ac/sup 228/ samples. (C.W.H.)

None

This general report on radium summarizes the research work conducted by seven AEC contractors since 1943. The costs to concentrate and purify radium from refinery ore residues are discussed. Desriptions and flow sheets of several commercial processes are included to provide background information.