From introduction: "This is the fifteenth in a series of quarterly reports which cover the progress and results from the conceptual designs, economic evaluations and research and development work performed by the General Electric Company as part of Contract AT(01-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 13."

Abstract: The acid hydrolysis of [Pt(NH3)3Cl] has been shown to occur to a measurable extent. for this reaction: [APt(NH3)cCl]+ + H2O [chemical equilibrium symbol with rate constant k-1 above and k1 below] [Pt(NH3)c(H2O)]++ + Cl-, the equilibrium quotient was measured at 25 degree C and 35 degree C. At 25 degree C this quotient was 8.4 x 10-5 at [Mu] (ionic strength) = 0 and 25 x 10-5 at [mu] = .318 M. This variation is consistent with the expected changes in activity coefficients. [Delta]H for the reaction was found to be approximately 0. The rate constant, k1 was 2.3 x 10-5 sec.-1 at 25 degree C and it was nearly independent of ionic strength. The acid hydrolysis provides a mechanism for the exchange of the chloride ligand and Cl-. Exchange experiments with Cl36 showed that in addition to the acid hydrolysis, a process, first order in both, [Pt(NH3)3Cl] and Cl- with a rate constant of 6. 10-5 sec.-1M.-1 contributes to the exchange. The behavior of the entire series of chloro-ammines of platinum(II) toward acid hydrolysis and chloride exchange has been summarized, and a likely mechanism for the process has been discussed.

The following report is the final technical report on a series of reports under contract AT(11-1)-515, titled "Niobium Phase Diagrams", covering the period from April 15, 1957 to April 16, 1960.

Report discussing a study regarding the measurement of surface acceleration following the detonation of an underground charge at the USGS Tunnel.

From abstract: " The interaction of positive K mesons having energies between 20 to 220 Mev with the nuclei of photographic emulsion has been investigated."

As recommended in a previous report a study of the NO₂ and HNO₃ exposures of plant personnel in the 224 U Building has been made. Concentrations of NO₂ and HNO₃ from the 224 U roof stack, in the concentrator cells, and in the calcining pot rooms have been determined. The problems have been outlined and recommendations have been made for its alleviation.

A preliminary study has been made of a solid homogeneous reactor for stationary power plant application. The core consists of graphite spheres impregnated with uranium and thorium, and the coolant is bismuth. This concept possible offers advantages over other solid fuel reactor systems with respect to simplification of core structure, fuel fabrication and fuel handling, and reduction of fuel inventory external to the reactor. From the results of this preliminary study, it appears that the potential cost of electric power from this reactor is competitive with that from other reactor systems which have been proposed for the same application. The Po210 produced in the coolant presents a decontamination problem, but is also possibly a valuable by-producgt.

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"A series of thermal neutron diffusion length measurements has been made on non-multiplying lattice of lead-cadmium alloy rods in D2O. One-inch diameter rods in square lattice spacing of 4, 9, 6, 9, and 12 inches were used. Excellent agreement was found between theoretical and experimental values of the diffusion length. The analysis o the diffusion length measurement required a correction for the epithermal neutrons entering the exponential tank. These epithermal neutrons provided a distributed source of thermal neutrons upon slowing down in the lattice."

Abstract: "This report describes the results of X-ray diffraction examination of reaction products from a series of experiments performed by Mallinckrodt Chemical Works as an acid in understanding the process of bomb reduction of UF4. UF4 is initially reduced to UF3 by magnesium at 560 C., and subsequently to metal at 600 C. MgF2 from the initial reaction forms a coating on the magnesium which retards the final spontaneous reaction."

Hanford uranium contains minute angular inclusions which affect the microstructure, reactivity, and other important factors controlling the serviceability of the metal. Small quantities of the inclusions have been isolated by chemical means, and the x-ray diffraction patterns and chemical analyses of the isolated materials have been determined. As a first step in the identification of the inclusions present in rolled uranium, a search was made for a chemical method of separating the inclusions from the matrix metal.

About twenty-five to thirty per cent of the uranium slugs canned in the Metal Preparation Section do not meet specifications and are rejected. These rejected slugs are recovered by a chemical process and prepared for re-canning. The current recovery process consists essentially of a sodium hydroxide-sodium nitrate bath for chemically removing the aluminum can and the bonding medium, followed by hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid baths to remove the remaining compound layer and to pickle the slugs before they are returned to the process canning line. Recent studies have indicated the possibility of using a more economical means of recovery. this includes the mechanical removal of the aluminum can and most of the bonding medium, followed by a chemical removal of the residual compound layer by a solution of sodium hydroxide.

From abstract: "The circumstances are described pertaining to an explosion in a TNX evaporator during the concentration of a uranyl nitrate-nitric acid solution. TBP and Amsco diluent were probably present in the evaporator charge. A laboratory program involving small-scale atmospheric and closed-vessel distillations of various mixtures of UNH, HNO3, Amsco, TBP, and water indicate that an exothermic reaction between TBP and UNH, or between TBP and HNO3, or both, was responsible for the explosion. The danger areas of temperature, TBP concentration, pressure, and heating rate are defined and recommendations are made for safe evaporator operation.

Abstract: "A quantitative method for the determination of individual rare earths in thorium down to a level of 0.05 ppm, is described. The procedure consists of a chromatographic cellulose-columns separation followed by a solution-type spectrographic determination. Values are given for the recovery of a number of rare earths using this combined procedure."

A method using photographic emulsions for the study of neutron distributions is described. The construction of a simple machine for producing experimental critical assemblies in which the method has been used is reported. Sources of error are discussed. Curves of the perturbations when small spheres of various materials are placed in the center of the assembly are shown.

The following report provides results from laboratory tests on the corrosion resistance of various types of stellite facings on astenitic stainless steel T-347 to Redox streams.

The following report discusses the deposition of radioactive elements during a nuclear fission in the skeleton. Studies are concerned with chronic effects of toxic radiation developing within the bone marrow and decontaminating the cells.

Technical report discussing that the deuterium concentration of heavy water can be determined by equilibrating the water with deuterium gas in the presence of a catalyst with subsequent analysis of the equilibrated gas on the mas spectrometer. The apparatus for equilibration analyses maybe be considered in three parts: 1) apparatus for introducing the ingredients into the reaction chambers; 2) the reaction chambers; 3) the mass spectrometer for analysis of the equilibrated gas. The isotopic composition of the deuterium gas to be used as the starting material is primarily governed by what gases are available. In general it is best to use gas within about one percent on either side of the final equilibrium composition. No reaction takes place between deuterium gas and water molecules in the absence of a catalyst. Platinum oxide is used as the catalyst.

Technical report that information has bee obtained on the effect of beta and gamma radiation on the electrical resistance of insulating materials The results are summarized. The recovery to original resistance values has been measured. In general, the initial rate is rapid for the first few hours; the rate then decreases sharply. Certain samples show evidence of complete recovery. Effects on mechanical properties of several plastics has also been studied. Data on gas evolution from several organic materials including those suggested by the physiological shield have been extended to include both beta and deuteron bombardments. Samples of "Press-wood" are being evaluated. The effect of current on the H2O2 production in water containing I- has been studied at several I- concentrations. Water contain-dissolved CO2 shows the presence of oxidant (presumably H2O2). H2O2 has been produced by recoil protons from the scattering of fast neutrons in de-oxygenated water. Radioactive solutions do not greatly affect the applicability the glass electrode providing the electrode is thoroughly washed with distilled water before immersion in the standard buffer solution.