Progress reports from four divisions are included: (1) Division of Biophysics; (2) Division of Clinical Investigation; (3) Division of Nucleoprotein Chemistry; and (4) Radiochemistry Section.

Potential methods have been examined for the reclamation of high boiler arising from the degradation of polyphenol materials in use as reactor coolants and moderators. To define the chemistry of potential reclamation processes, model polyphenol compounds were used. These include biphenyl, o, m and p-terphenyl, and p-quaterphenyl. Emphasis has been on hydrocracking, redistribution (reaction with benzene), and partial reduction. Preliminary study has been made of the application these techniques to high boiler from Santowax-OM used in the OMRE. The three methods show promise but require detailed investigation to minimize carbon formation to locate optimum operating conditions,.

This technical report constitutes a brief review of the work undertaken, entirely or in part, under the Contract AT(30-1)-1772 with eh United States Atomic Energy Commission. The work published during 1959 is listed at the end of this report and copies of the reprints or reports are attached where available. These investigations have been concerned with the examination of defect production and behavior as it may be observed by high frequency ultrasonic attenuation and velocity (modulus) changes in such materials as quartz, silicon, germanium, alkali halides (especially NaCl and XCl), high purity aluminum, and glass containing boron. The irradiations used are cobalt 60 gamma-ray irradiation and the reactor irradiation obtained in the Brookhaven National Laboratory graphite reactor.

The corrosion of INOR-8 and Inconel dissolver components used in the fluoride volatility process for the dissolution of zirconium with anhydrous HF in molten salts was investigated. Ten dissolution runs were made using simulated subassemblies formed from Zircoloy-2. The dissolver and components were made from INOR-8. Both the dissolver vessel and draft tube were examined several times during the series of runs. The solids which formed at different areas in the system were also analyzed. The results showed that the corrosion of the INOR-8 dissolver was greatest at the salt-off gas interface and at the HF gas inlet. Almost all of the corrosion took place during run 10 when no zirconium was present. Portions of the dissolver were cleaned after run 10 and sent to BMI for evaluation. The results of the Battelle metallographic examinations of the portions are included along with several photographs. The results with Inconel tubes in the copper-lined hydro-fluorinator confirmed the observations that the liquid gas interface areas were the most susceptible to attack.

Extraction of HNO3 by triaryl amine was studied by equilibrating equal volumes of aqueous and organic phases at 25C. At HNO3 concentrations of 2 to 10 N the acid in the organic phase in excess of that equivalent in the amine concentration was proportional to the concentration of HNO3 in the equilibrated aqueous phase. other workers report similar results with nitric acid and tri-n-octyl amine in benzene. Zirconium extractions carried out at 10g Zr/1 with 0.35 M TLA nitrate in toluene showed a fourth power dependence of EZR on HNO (aq) over the range 2 to 10N. Maximum distribution ratios calculated from samarium scouting experiments using amines in kerosene were about 5 x 10(-3) for Primene JMT, 10(-4) for TLA, 10(-5) for S-24, and less than zero for DTDA. Distribution rations in the extractions ranged from ERu = 0.12 for 0.35M TLA shaken with an initially new 2N HNO3 solution for 15 minutes. Data on Zr and Ru standardization in TLA solution for spectrophotometric analyses are included.

A sequential method is described for the determination of strontium- 89, strontium-90, barium-140, and tungsten185 in rain water samples. A comparison is made of data on radioactivity in individual rain samples and in monthly pot samples. Data are included on the total strontiuro-90 fall-out collected in steep walled stainless steel pots during the period. Results are compared with cumulative data for 1958 end 1959. (C.H.)

The adsorption of acetic and oleic acids on the surface of thoria was studied by means of infrared spectroscopy. An infrared analysis of the adsorbates before and after adsorption using differential double bean methods indicated that the adsorption of organic acids on thoria surfaces occurs by an esterification reaction between the organic acid and the hydroxylated thoria surface. Ammonia vapor will not adsorb on thoria, indicated the basic character of the hydroxylated surface.

A literature search was made of Nuclear Science Abstracts , Vols . 12 and 13 , for information on the following organic coolants and moderators for nuclear reactors : biphenyl , diphenyl methane , Dowtherm A , a phenyl naphthalene, and terphenyl. The properties covered include: thermal and irradiation stability, methods for restoring desired properties to used material, heat transfer data, operating information, hazards and toxicity. 111 references to documents, journal, and books are listed.

Sixty-two references, some annotated, were taken from foreign literature to determine the status of work done in this area of metallurgy during 1958 and 1959. The references are grouped into two categories: references pertinent to the subject and general metallurgical references on metallic fuels.

The purpose of the test was to obtain performance data for the main coolant pumps on fast and slow speed at various coolant temperatures. The 1A, 1B and 1C pump performances on both fast and slow speed were approximately as shown in the manufacture's predicted performance curve. The 1D pump performance was below the manufacturer's predicted flow efficiency, line current and hydraulic horsepower on both fast and slow speeds.

The purpose of the test was to determine critical bank heights and bank worths for various rod configurations at ambient temperatures. The critical rod bank position and bank worths for four different control rod bank rod configuration were determined after 5032 EFPH's of operation. The value were corrected to a reactor coolant temperature of 145 F and a pressure of 400 psig. The bank worths were corrected to 145 F so that the results of the performance could be compared with the results of previous performances.

The purpose of the test was to evaluate the operation of the Nuclear Instrumentation Power Range Amplifier during start up. While the station was operating at a gross load of 16.5 megawatts, a variation of 0, 8.5, 2.7 and 4.4 existed between the compensated ion chamber currents (CIC) and the test currents for channels A, B, C and D respectively. The off site modifications to channel C power range amplifier did not cause the ion chamber current and test current to be the same at 16.5 megawatts gross power. The modifications to channel C were made to correct for this deficiency.

The purpose of the test was to obtain data on the decontamination factors for Cesium-136, Cesium-137, Strontium-92, one hour gross iodine and Iodine-131. This data will be used to determinate efficiency of lithium hydroxide resin for removing radioactive cations and anions. The denomination factors for a particular demineralizer using lithium hydroxide resign were found to vary for different radioisotopes. This variation was from 2.3 for Cesium136 to 77,000 for gross iodine.

The purpose of the test was to observe the extent and location of corrosion, crud deposits and defects in components of the primary fluid system and its auxiliaries. This observation will allow an estimate to be made of the future behavior of the affected parts. The test also provides for obtaining corrosion products and crud samples for analysis as necessary for planning remedial actions. This test was limited to the 1D Main Coolant Pump which failed November 3, 1958. The pump failed after 2234 hours of operation on "fast" speed and 887 hours at "slow" speed. An inspection for corrosion was not conducted but smear samples were taken and a radiochemical analysis made. This analysis showed the following isotopes were present in the smear sample: Co38, Co60, Fe59, Mn54, Hf191 and Zr95. The upper and lower radial pump bearings and journals were severely scored and galled while the thrust bearing and runner appear to be in good condition.

The purpose of the test was to determine if the 1A Canal Water System Demineralizers can be satisfactorily charged with resin. The 1A Canal Water System Demineralizer was satisfactorily charged with resin and conductivity of the demineralizer effluent was less than 0.1 microbes as specified in the Test Procedure.

The purpose of the test was to determine the radiation levels in a Reactor Plant Boiler Compartment with the respective loop shut down and the remainder of the plant operating at power. The highest radiation levels recorded in the IC Boiler Compartment were located in the vicinity of the reactor coolant loop pipe penetrations of the Compartment. Except for the above mentioned areas, personnel could continuously occupy the IC Boiler Compartment without exceeding the maximum dose rate of 300 mr per week. The areas in the vicinity of the reactor coolant pipe penetrations, however, could be occupied only 1 to 2 hours per person per week because of the high radiation levers (200-250 mr/hr) present at these locations.

The purpose of the test was to insure satisfactory operation of the turbine after overhaul of the turbine which was completed February 1, 1959. The operation of the turbine during this start-up was satisfactory.

The purpose of the test was to fill the condensate storage tank and the Condensate System and obtain satisfactory preliminary operation. The components of the Condensate System performed adequately and satisfactorily with the exception of fill control valve (M9-VI). This valve (M9-VI) is not used in the current operation procedure.

Attempts to secure a high degree of synchronization of cell division of the Krebs mouse ascites carcinoma, by combined use of aminopterin and citrovorum factor, and by use of colchicine and N-acetyl colchinol, were unsuccessful. In the course of the work, a new method for securing smears of ascites tumor cells was out, which we believe will be found useful

Monthly letter report on the research on the development of a beta-ray particle size analyzer (BPSA).

An experiment is described in which high energy nuclear interactions in the range of energies 10(10)-10(12)ev were analyzed by means of a cloud chamber n a magnetic field. Measurements of ionization and momentum made possible the identification of electrons and mesons to about 20 Bev/c. Protons, K-mesons and hyperons could not be identified unambiguously among themselves, except in very limited regions of momentum. The primary particles were cosmic-ray nucleons and a possible fraction of Pions, the target nuclei were carbon and the velocities of the primaries were determined from balance of momentum in the center of mass system. A total of 41 events were analyzed, and the results compared to previous experimental work and the predictions of the theories of Heisenberg and Landau. The measurements made included the transverse momenta of the secondaries and their average energy in the CMS, the energy and angular distribution of the Pions and heavy particles (protons, K-mesons, hyperons) in the CMS, the inelasticity of the collision, the multiplicity of the showers, the percentages of strange particles and the positive excess of the secondaries.

A fundamental study is presented comparing the electric properties for materials of "normal" dielectric constant (Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and MgTiO/sub 3/) with those of high dielectric constant (TiO/sub 2/, CaTiCO/sub 3/, SrTiO/sub 3/, STABa/sub 0.65Sr/sub 0.35/! STATiO/sub 3/, and BaTiO/sub 3/). Single crystals and ceramics, as far as available, were investigated from d-c to the microwave range as function of time, temperature, field strength, and prehistory. Three types of relaxation spectra were identified, one caused by dipolar groups in unequal double wells, the other two by charge carriers stopped in the volume of the material or in front of the electrodes, respectively, O-H groups in rutile, identified by infrared absorption, seem to cause a dipolar spectrum by thermal excitation leading to hydrogen-bond formation. The shielding of dipoles by countercharges (dipole halos) is probably responsible for the unequal potential wells and likely to be a phenomenon of general importance. Electrons can be injected into rutile and other titanates by field emission. Parallel to the optic axis of rutile, the conduction currents reach especially high values because of an unhampered Ti/sup 3+/ yields Ti/sup 4+/ exchange, and thermal breakdown by field-emission currents occurs. Pure titania materials at high temperatures become very lossy …

Studies are being made on the effects of variation of aluminum content, heat treatment, surface preparation, and other metallurgical factors on the room temperature ductility of Al-- Fe alloys. It is estimated that approximately 65 percent of the proposed research has been completed over the first eight and one-half months of the contract period.

In homogeneous nuclear reactors significant quantities of radioactive inert gaseous fission products must be separated from the fuel solution for disposal. The present disposal scheme, which is employed on the HRT, is to pass the mixture of fission product gases and oxygen through a charcoal adsorption bed. the oxygen passes through the bed relatively un-adsorbed, but the radioactive inert gases are adsorbed and are displaced from the bed bed very slowly giving the gases a much greater residence time than would exist if no bed were used. This long residence or "holdup" time permits the short-lived inert gases to decay away before emission to the atmosphere and thus greatly reduces the safety hazard produced by disposal of the gases to the atmosphere. The same effect could be obtained by using a large holdup tank, but the charcoal bed is much more compact and thus required less shielding.