Abstract: An analysis of the improved Model Number 350 Process Monitor was made so that it could be determined if this instrument would fulfill the need for gamma radiation detection instruments in the production buildings of Y-12. The results of these tests indicated the possibility of marked improvement in the monitor characteristics with minor redesigns. After these improvements have been made, this instrument will be a satisfactory monitor for this area.

Introduction. The main objective of the Metallurgical Project was the preparation of large quantities of plutonium 239, an isotope of element 94, by the interaction of neutrons and uranium. At the beginning, only predictions of its chemical and biological properties could be made since it is a new element. It was predicted that it would be toxic to tissue by virtue of its high atomic weight, and in addition, that it would be toxic by virtue of its radioactivity. Thus, the preparation and use of the element on a large scale meant the manipulation of, and possible exposure to, toxic quantities. It was, therefore, of practical importance to obtain data which would elaborate on the predicted toxicity. The objectives of the work reported here were to establish the acute toxicity of plutonium in experimental animals and to study the distribution of the element in the body after the administration of a wide range of doses. In the interest of economy of what was, at that time, a rare substance, and of animals and facilities, these two objectives were frequently pursued in the same experiment. The information obtained from the separate experiments is therefore frequently incomplete in one or another respect. …

Report discussing assaying techniques used in the Department of Metallurgy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as the equipment used for the techniques.

Report discussing tests that were carried out to determine if a few parts per million of boron can be removed directly from beryllium oxide powder without chemically changing the BeO during the process.

Redux is a thermosetting synthetic resin manufactured by the Resinous Products & Chemical Co., Washington Square, Philadelphia 5, Pa. According to the manufacturer, it is intended for bonding metal to metal and metal to wood. It was apparently intended to replace rivets in aircraft structural parts and recent information indicates that a British airplane, the DeHaviland Dove, is in production using this resin. The adhesive was originally developed in England by Aero research Ltd. Experience at this laboratory has been confined to use of the resin for bonding electrical grade silicon steel laminations. Very strong bonds have been obtained under properly controlled conditions. The bond strength is sufficient to tear 29 gauge (.014") steel when attempting to peel off individual laminations. The bond is sufficiently homogeneous to prevent leaks parallel to the plane of the laminations into a high vacuum system. Experiments at the laboratory have been designed to test the adhesive for use in bonding the laminations which form the pole tips and vacuum chamber lids for the synchrontron magnet.

Abstract: The procedures recommended for analysis in Department 190 Laboratories, in the Limits Control Laboratory, and in the Analytical Development Laboratories, of all process materials from the HCP cycle are presented in a stepwise manner. A description of the characteristics of each sample type along with a brief description of factors involved in the Analytical Quality Control program is included.

Abstract: "Variations in receiver slot design produce changes in quantity and quality of product and recycle, not only instantaneously, but also as a function of time in approaching equilibrium. The case of fixed feed concentration and fixed inventory of Uranium is described here for standard and Dip-Lip wider R slot receivers. The effects of the two types of receivers on recycle and product X and W concentrations, X production rate, plant X utilization efficiency, integrated X production and effective mass output are shown graphically."

This report for May, 1947 describes progress regarding analytical work, chemical work, beta-counting methods of analysis, ore-dressing and pyrometallurgical studies, and pyrometallurgical work.