Purex process which utilizes solvent extraction to separate and purify uranium and plutonium from each other and from fission products contained in irradiated uranium fuel elements.

From introduction: "Five appendices, each of which pertains to a separate phase of the Filtration of Radioactive Aerosols by Glass Fibers program."

Summary: "Criticality was considered impossible in any contingency encountered in practice under either of the following conditions which include no safety factor: (a) In any isolated cylinder not more than 5 in. in disruptor, if the total amount of U235 present does not exceed 7.5 Eg. (b) In an isolated vessel of any shape and size, if the total amount of U235 present does not exceed 880 g. An "isolated" vessel is one which does not "see" more than 0.1 [...] other vessels containing fissionable material."

The following report examines methods to determine uranium nitrate hexahydrate on pretreated hexone in the range of 0 to 40 g./l. by infrared absorption measurements.

Introduction: "A laboratory investigation of the relative corrosion resistance of several austenitic stainless steels to the RAW stream of the Tributyl Phosphate Waste Metal Recovery Process was made during the first quarter of 1950. The results of this investigation are reported herein; all original data are recorded in laboratory notebook HW-3282-T."

Objective: "The observations summarized in the present report were made to determine the stability of ferrous and sulfamate ions and sulfamic acid in RA Column scrub solution (RAS) and in aqueous solution comparable to the RA Column feed tee composition (RAFS). Knowledge of the stability of the reducing agent (ferrous iron) is necessary to properly plan the method of preparation and introduction of this component into the RA system and to assure dependable and reproducible performance."

From introduction: "Analytical procedures for the determination of plutonium samples from the extraction and concentration plants utilize the carrying of the hydroxylamine-reduced trivulent plutonium by coprecipitation on lanthanum fluoride. Most other plutonium procedures also take advantage of the efficient carrying on lanthanum fluoride."

Report describing the temperature in the Brookhaven concrete shield proposed for the X reactor. The report details the methods and equations used to find the values that determined that the effect of the gun barrel assembly in cooling the concrete is negligible.

Report discussing the use of a small-source approximation for engineering calculation of thermal piles. Explanation for how this type of approximation is more appropriate in certain problematic situations where a homogenization approximation would be doubtful is given.

Report discussing a method of rear face monitoring by television as a form of visual contact and communication between Hanford Works crews. A conclusion and recommendation of the method is given as well as an explanation of necessary materials.

This report discusses the development of a method for creating leak-proof closures in aluminum sample casings in order to pass a standard bubble-test inspection.

Introduction: "A corrosion test program, to determine the suitability of LaBour B-55 and Worthite for use in the construction of circulating pumps for th UO3 process has been completed and the data are appended."

Introduction: A limited test progress on Alloghany-Ludlum type 347 stainless steel plate which failed the Huey test (ASTN A-262-44T) has been completed.

Report discussing studies regarding active atmospheric particles in several United States cities. Experimental data of particles collected in filters is given.

Report discussing progress in research and development by the Health Instrument Divisions, Hanford Works, for the term from January through March, 1951.

Report describing a study regarding the solubility and related properties of tributyl phosphate (TBP), which has lower solubility in water than most uranium solvents. Pure TBP and TBP in an inert diluent were tested for solubility in water, several nitric acid solutions of varying concentrations, and other solutions typical of process streams. For TBP-diluent-water system tests, equilibrium water content in organic phase was found.

This report follows an investigation on how hydrolysis products of tributyl phosphate (such as dibutyl and monobutyl phosphoric acids, orthophosphoric acid and butanol) effect the tributyl phosphate process for uranium recovery.

The spontaneous fission rate of plutonium-240 has been redetermined and found to be 1.51 X 106 events/g/hr.

Field tests were conducted to measure short-period pollutant concentrations at several stack heights during conditions of marked atmospheric instability and low wind speeds. The source was a mechanical smoke generator located at the 185-ft level of a tower.

A manipulator designed to support an irradiated slug at the bottom of the viewing basin, so that an operator could view it through a binocular telescope and be able to see all surfaces, was designed. Hydraulic power, using water, operates the manipulator and gears.

The corrosion resistance of four types of austenitic stainless steels to Purex process first and second acid concentrator bottoms was determined. Although the compositions of the two solutions were very similar, tests in simulated solutions of both compositions were conducted to strengthen the basis for the conclusions which were to be made.

Measurements were taken to provide experimental evidence for determining the feasibility of a proposed method for converting Pu240 to 241 by exposing shielded plutonium to selectively transmitted pile neutrons.

Large savings in waste storage space may be realized by lowering the pH at which TBP waste is stored. Additional savings in neutralizing chemicals and operating time would also increase the monetary gain from such a process change. However, before such a change could be made, the corrosive effect of TBP waste at a lower pH on the mild steel waste storage tanks had to be determined.

In support of an in-reactor thermocouple stability testing program now in progress, laboratory studies were made relative to the stability of thermocouple bundles similar to those projected for in-reactor use. Two sets of chromel-alumel, copper-constantan and iron-constantan thermocouples were held for extended periods at 300 C in successive atmospheres of 75% helium-25% carbon dioxide. 100% carbon dioxide and air. Thermocouple stability was verified by measuring emf's at the freezing point of lead. The results of these tests are to be used to evaluate data obtained from like thermocouples subjected to condition similar to the laboratory tests with the added facet of reactor irradiation.