In the Plutonium Reclamation Facility a critically-safe geometry of the processing vessels, combined with economical utilization of building space, has resulted in manifolded, vertical tanks for blending, receiving, holding, etc. The pumps attached to the bottom-outlet manifolds of the tanks are of a canned motor type. The extremely short life of these pumps (considerably below that expected even in severe abrasive and corrosive service) prompted a series of studies using glass tanks containing process solutions which, except for the associated radioactivity, duplicate plant process streams. Circulation, blending, and reaction characteristics of simulated process streams in glass duplicates of the 234-5 Bank Tanks TK-17, TK-27, and TK-37 revealed circulation patterns that result in intermittent cavitation within the canned motor transfer pumps. This cavitation, combined with the unavoidable corrosion and abrasion, rapidly destroys the pumps. The circulation patterns, under varying liquid levels as encountered in plant operation, cause single and dual phase transfer of the organic aqueous solutions to process colunans at different times, which results in flooding and erratic extraction efficencies. Reduction of cavitation and elimination of mixed phase transfer has been demonstrated by means of parallel controllable orifices in the external circulation lines. Elimination of cavitation and uniformity of mixing …

A length-measurement systcm is described that can make absolute length- change measurements of a meter-long specimen within a pressure vessel (to pressures of 8 kbar) with a fractional error of 3 x 10/sup -8/ even when changes in length of 4 cm occur. Possible uses of such a system for measuring the volume thermal expansivity (at pressure) and the isothermal bulk modulus (at pressure) are described. Moreover, it is noted that, when this system is combined with an ultrasonic velocity measurement system, the adiabatic bulk modulus (at pressure) and Gruneisen parameter as a function of pressure can be directly determined and the absolute pressure itself can be measured. (auth)

From symposium on noble gases; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (24 Sep 1973). The performance of the fixed-bed activated-charcoal trap at the Nuclear Furnace Reactor in removing radioactive krypton and xenon isotopes from the hydrogen propellant is discussed. (auth)

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From joint meeting of the American Nuclear Society and the Atomic Industrial Forum and Nuclear Energy Exhibition; San Francisco, California, USA (11 Nov 1973). A theoretical investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of acceptable cladding vent sizes on the internal oxygen pressure in a PuO/ sub 2/ fuel sphere of a heat source capsule which consists of the fuel sphere clad in lr metal. The results are to be used in the design of a radioisotope- fueled thermoelectric generator for space applications (SNAP). The vents must be large enough to minimize the oxygen pressure in the sphere, thereby minimizing the transport of Ir, and, at the same time, small enough to prevent the escape from the capsule of particulate Pu. The vent is idealized as a short tube of length l and radius a. The flow equations assume transitional viscous-molecular flow through such a shont tube. The results indicate that a vent with a l/a ratio of S significantly improves the oxygen exhaust rate in the fuel capsules as compared to smaller vent sizes and should solve the problems resulting from the transport of iridium. (LCL)

From 2nd AEC scientific computer information exchange meeting; New York, New York, USA (2 May 1974). Graphical output from a computer is easily interpreted. Perspective plots are presently the best way to communicate large amounts of information to man from the computer. A magnetic field was generated in the path of the accelerator beam and the shape of the magnetic field was plotted. The PICTURE program was also used to caiculate laser absorption on a material as a function of angle of incidence and depth of penetration. Cn crosssections as a function of photon frequency and temperature; chemical equilibrium of a chemical solution; generation of patterns; shape of fragments of material as they traveled away from the center of an explosion; nuclear spectra for several isotopes; detect errors in large computer programs; displaying functions of two variables; displaying underground formations; map of ocean floor; and shock-wave data are examples given. (MCW)

From symposium on the physical behavior of radioactive containment in the atmosphere; Vienna, Austria (12 Nov 1973). Analysis of the fate of airborne effluerts from a nuclear reactor at an off-shore site requires a better understanding of overwater atmospheric dispersion than currently exists. For this reason, a diffus1on study was undertaken off the south shore of Long Island, New York, about 100 km from New York City. This study is using tracer material (oil fog smoke) released from an anchored boat. Measurements of mean wind, turbulence, and temperature are made on portable towers on the beach, from an aircraft, and aboard the source boat. Plume geometry 1s documented by photography and from quantitative concentration measurements. Experiments under a variety of meteorolog1cal conditions indicate that over-water dispers1on is very sensitive to meteorological conditions. From measured is significantly less than over land, particularly when the onshore flow is due to the sea breeze. This is because of the low aerodynamic roughness of the water, and because low level stable conditions are established because the water is at lower temperature than the air. Crosswind standard deviations of the plume a factor two less than the prediction of Pasquill category F have been observed …

Progress is reported for a program to demonstrate by 1976 an experimental gas turbine powered automobile which meets the 1976 Federal Emissions Standards, has significantly improved fuel economy, and is competitive in performance, reliability, and potential manufacturing cost with the conventional piston engine powered, standard size American automobile. Engines were built to replace those originally loaned to the Program. Efforts to identify and correct a general power deficiency were generally successful. The third baseline vehicle was built and checked out. Baseline vehicle emissions, performance, fuel consumption, and noise tests were run. Chrysler's proprietary linerless insulation showed no significant distress following 300 hours of engine endurance testing. An improved elastomeric drive for ceramic regenerators was developed on the regenerator rig. Preparations are being made for engine testing. The Ai Research engine simulation model is operational and control system concepts are being studied. Operation of the preprototype fuel system was verified on an engine. All other key preprototype system elements were bench checked. Variable inlet guide vane testing and development and torque converter lock-up evaluation tests are in process. A free rotor engine arrangement for vehicle evaluation and development is being built. Initial specifications were completed for a 122 horsepower, compact vehicle …

Several lines of research, mostly interrelated, were advanced this year. The study of the prototype two-electron program was restarted. Further applications of the quantum defect and frame transformation methods were extensive, analyzing and interrelating spectral and collision parameters of Ar, Xe, Al and of the alkaline earths. A new method for R matrix calculations was developed and tested for Ar. This method is being adapted to a cellular approach to molecular and crystal problems. A list of publications is included. (auth)

The BLIP serves as a beam stop snd utilizes the excess beam capacity of the 200-MeV proton injector linac for the Alternatmg Gradient Synchrotron. The primary objective of the BLIP program is the development of improved radiopharmaceuticals. The production methods for iron-52, xenon-127, and xenon- 123 are outlined, and research work on the production of other radioisotopes is summarized. (WHK)

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From joint meeting of the American Nuclear Society and the Atomic Industrial Forum and Nuclear Enengy Exhibition; San Francisco, California, USA (11 Nov 1973). The plutonium-containing samples analyzed for nuclear safeguards purposes range from heterogeneous scrap materials to highly pure metal. The factors governing the selection of analytical methods are the quantities of plutonium represented by the sample and the representativeness of the sample. Product-type materials generally are characterized by high plutonium contents and homogeneity whereas scrap-type materials usually have low plutonium contents and are heterogeneous. Analytical methods that provide highly reliable measurements therefore are used for product materials and less reliable methods are acceptable for scrap materials. Analytical methodology used for plutonium assay for various nuclear fuel cycle materials with emphasis on Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) practices is discussed. A major portion of this presentation is devoted to a system under development for scrap-type samples which involves a combination of high-temperature, pressurized, acid-dissolution attack; a gamma assay for low levels of plutonium in any resulting residue; and use of an automated spectrophotometer for measuring plutonium in the solubilized fraction. The isotopic analysis of plutonium is briefly discussed. Also, the status of physical standards for assay and isotopic measurement …

Ground water radiation monitoring data collected during Jan. to July 1965 on samples from the 200-East. 200-West, and 600 areas of the Hanford waste disposal site are presented and interpreted. Tabulated data are included on gross beta activity and tritium content. (LCL)

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Two independent systems for determining wind speed and turbulence levels are being used in an on-shore diffusion study on Long Island near Brookhaven National Laboratory. Results obtained from the two instrument systems are compared to illustrate the differences in the measured values of the vector wind, mean wind speed, variance, turbulence level and energy spectra. Details of the physical characteristics and relative advantages of a commercial Vector Vane and a three-dimensional hot-film sensor are also presented. Measurements of the mean wind speed and the turbulence level compared well. The Vector Vane underestimated spectral densities for frequencies above 1 hertz. (auth)

From 2nd AEC scientific computer information exchange meeting; New York, New York, USA (2 May 1974). A typical hydrodynamic physics program may run up to 20 hours on a CDC 7600 computer and generate up to a billion numbers. The biggest problem facing the users of these programs is simply comprehending what has been calculated. Stacks of computer listings are typical outputs but serve as a poor communication medium. Static pictures are much better than listings but are limited to two dimensions. Through the use of movies, one adds a third dimension to the communication process. The evolution of computer generated movies at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory and the techniques now in use are described. (auth)

From 11th modulator symposium; New York, New York, USA (18 Sep 1973). A design for a very reliable single-triode modulator for a 11/4 MW modulating-anode klystron is presented. The operating voltage is 86 kV and the variable pulse length ranges from 200 4mmsec to 1.2 msec. The basic modulator circuit, which uses a novel Zener diode bias circuit, and several of the individual components are described in detail. Over 140,000 high-voltage hours have been accumulated on these modulators. The principal failure mechanism is grid emission from the triode. These failures can be anticipated and repaired during a normal maintenance period. The triode is then reprocessed and reused. Tube life data and a summary of the failures modes are presented. (auth)

From 5th symposium on engineering problems of fusion research; Princeton, New Jersey, USA (6 Nov 1973). The regiine in which a Tokamak operates depends largely on the amount of impurities present. To keep the plasma as pure as possible, the plasma region is surrounded by a thin but vacuumtight stainless steel liner. The ORMAK liner is a stainless steel torus having a major radius of 315/16 inches and a minor radius of 97/8 inches. Wall thickness of the liner is 10 mils. The liner consists of 26 sections welded together to form two halves plus two special sections. These special sections contain the limiter and laser ports. The two special sections are also used to make the final closure of the liner after it has been placed inside the aluminum torus. The liner contains 53 diagnostic ports and 4 injection beam ports. (auth)

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The following are reported: growth and doping of Pb crystals; growth and purification of Nb crystals; and a low-temperature tensile machine. No data are given. (DLC)

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From joint meeting of the American Nuclear Society and the Atornic Industrial Forum and Nuclear Energy Exhibition; San Francisco, California, USA (11 Nov 1973).

From ANS topical meeting on gas-cooled reactors: HTGR and GCFBR; Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA (8 May 1974). The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor power station has all of the potential environmental impacts associated with any large nuclear station. Construction impacts can be minimized by proper planning and are usually of limited duration. The potentially most significant impacts of station operation result from the operation of the heat dissipation system. The use of cooling towers is assumed. The effects of salt deposition, fogging, and icing are expected to be minor. The magnitude of the adverse effects caused by intake and discharge such as entrainment of eggs, larvae, and fish and chemical impacts from blowdown can only be assessed for a specific site but may be signlficant. The impact of radionuclide releases, constrained by the as-low-as- is-practicable criteria, is small. The only potential environmental advantage over other reactor types is lower consumptive water use for the same net electric power production. (auth)

From international conference on irradiation experimentation in fast reactors; Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA (10 Sep 1973). Alternate design concepts for future FTR and LMFBR cores utilize stainless steel honeycomb grids to space the fuel pins radially and minimize bowing throughout core lifetimes. In order to evaluate the performance of grid-type subassemblies in a fast reactor environment, a series of irradiaton experiments in the EBR-II have been planned and designed by the Westinghouse Advanced Reactors Division under contract to the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Three unencapsulated 37-pin subassemblies, designated WSA-3, WSA-4 and WSA-8, containing tridimple, honeycomb grids at various axial locations, have as their overall test objectives to investigate the combined effects of radiation, flowing sodium, stress and temperature on the mechanical and corrosion behavior of grids, on the performance of mixedoxide fuel pins operating under vanlous conditions, and on the fuel pin- grid interactions. (auth)