The development of a miniature probe was desired for measuring approximate single nuclide beta dose rate in solution and in various animal organs. This probe designed for biological experiments, was to have maximum possible sensitivity to detect low levels of nuclide concentrations. The desired dimensions of the light pipe were to be approximately one-fourth-inch diameter with lengths of three to twelve inches.

In order to prevent dangerous concentrations of combustible gases such as hydrogen and ammonia in Redox dissolvers, a continuous analysis of the off-gases is needed. Hydrogen is evolved from most fuel element dissolution processes now used or planned for use at Redox. Ammonia is also released from ammonium fluoride dissolution of zirconium and caustic dissolution of aluminum cladding. Oxides of nitrogen and hydrogen are formed during nitric acid dissolution of uranium or plutonium-aluminum alloys. Since no fixed ratio exists between the concentrations of any two of these gases, the determination of combustible gases in complex mixtures is not possible with a single bulk property analyzer.

The multi-purpose dissolver was designed to provide: 1. A critically safe vessel for dissolving uranium metal of enrichments up to one percent U-235. 2. A vessel which can be charged with fuel elements up to 10 feet long. 3. An off-gas arrangement which will eliminate return of ammonia to the dissolver during the Zirflex decladding process. 4. A vessel in which small charges can be dissolved without using extra chemicals. 5. A by-pass routing around the silver reactor during cladding removal.