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.

The Atomic Energy Commission has recently developed an enlarged program for the study of graphite moderated, gas cooled power reactor systems. It has been recognized, however, that understanding of radiation damage and radiation induced chemical reactions of graphite at the proposed high moderator temperatures is inadequate and that improved understanding is essential if the design of such reactors is to be optimized. Accordingly, the Atomic Energy Commission requested Hanford to organize a modest research and development program directed toward the study of these graphite problems.

The temperature characteristics associated with the handling of self-boiling radioactive wastes from the separations extraction processes in the Chemical Processing Department have necessitated several heat transfer studies. Earlier studies 1,2,3 defined the feasibility of self-concentration in existing waste storage facilities by determining the rate of heat generation from the decay of stored fission products and by defining the rate of heat loss from existing storage tanks to the surrounding soil.

The build up of contaminated film on the internal surfaces of high temperature in-reactor recirculating water loops has created serious radiation exposure problems to operational and maintenance personnel. A considerable amount of work has been applied to develop an effective decontamination process for the decontamination of these loops and their components.

This report was written to describe briefly several possible variations of such systems along with probable cost estimates. Previous work has been shown that the application of scintillation detectors is the simplest and most reliable means for such monitoring. By proper detector selection and measuring methods, the system can be of an approximate gamma dose-rate with gamma energy independence above about 100 Kev. The same system using detector change only is directly applicable to beta, gamma, slow neutron and fast neutron detection. Any type of alarming device desired can be incorporated.

At the request of 234-5 Development, studies of a system for controlling plutonium powder transfer were undertaken by Process Equipment Development. This report presents details of equipment designed to fulfill requirements and proposes equipment for installation on additional Hot Button Line prototypes.

In conjunction with the fuel element development program at Hanford, it is desired to determine the effects of cladding and core temperatures, cladding thickness, and exposure upon the swelling behavior of unalloyed uranium. To obtain this information, it is proposed to irradiate several fuel rods, clad by coextrusion with Zr-2, in NeK filled stainless steel capsules. The central uranium temperatures are to be monitored by axial thermocouples. Irradiation tests in the MTR and ETR using capsules of similar design have been and are now being conducted. GKH 3-31, a fuel rod, clad with 0.030" Zr-2, operated in the MTR at an average center fuel temperature of 425 C to an exposure of 2100 MWD/T. GKH 3-57, 3-58, and 3-59 are presently undergoing irradiation in the ETR.

Crib evaluation studies showed the soil uptake of plutonium from the Recuplex process (CAW) waste to be low. Preliminary studies of the low soil adsorption of plutonium revealed the presence of a plutonium nitrate anion complex which could be removed by adsorption on a strong base anion exchange resin.

A previous study has been completed on the buildup and decay of xenon poisoning in the PRTR by simulating the reactor as a single region. The results of this study indicated that a study using a more refined model of the reactor would be valuable.

The ambient temperature of the Columbia River is of interest to the Aquatic Biology Operation since it provides a basis for controlling the temperatures in various experimental tanks which contain Columbia River organisms and since it provides some indication of whether conditions are favorable for the valuable species of fish living in the river. Since the start-up of the plant, temperatures of the river water have been taken in the several water treatment plants.

Basic Studies. It has been reported previously that mixed crystals of PuO2 and UO2 have a higher sintering rate than UO2 alone. However, results to the contrary were obtained on addition to 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 5, and 10 w/o PuO2 to PWR grade UO2. Pellets of the above concentrations were heated for one hour in hydrogen at 100 C intervals from 1000 to 1600C.

Laboratory studies involving fluid flow through porous media require use of fluids having low dissolved gas content. Water is the major fluid used in various and box model and soil permeability studies carried out by the Geochemical and Geophysical Research group. Tap water supplied to the 222-U Bldg. contains a large amount of dissolved air. Under the reduced pressure encountered during model studies, the air is released from solution and gradually clogs the pores of the sand or other porous material. This, of course. leads to anomalous results and cannot be tolerated in precious studies. A system was required to effectively remove the air and make available a continuous supply of desired water for the model studies.

Several hollow uranium cores of "C" size I & E diameters were fabricated by cold extrusion (550 to 750 F) at Hunter Douglas Aluminum Corporation. Results show diameter control and reproducibility are excellent. Preferred orientation induced by this process is completely removed by a single standard beta heat treatment.

"The PRTR Pressured Gas-Cooled Loop Facility, or Gas Loop, is an experimental facility to be installed in the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor for use in studies contributing to advancement of the technology of gas-cooled reactors. The facility will provide an in-reactor loop for studying phenomena occurring under conditions likely to exist in gas-cooled reactors.

Thermal Resistance of the contact between to core and the jackets or unbonded fuel elements may easily be the largest source of error in core temperature predictions. The object of this work is to improve contact conductance predictions by measuring conductance of the joint between reactor fuel and cladding materials at joint pressures, temperatures and thermal flux levels approaching reactor service conditions.

A series of tests conducted in an attempt to reduce the observed O2 content of primary recirculation loop water to a value of <0.14ppm by the current loop method which is a combination of pressurizer degasification and venting flow.