Progress is reported on (1) direct cycle boiling reactor studies, (2) solvent extraction, (3) fluoride volatilization separation process, (4) elevated temperature separations, (5) fluidization studies, (6) development of analytical techniques, (7) processing and utilization of radioactive wastes.

Experiments performed by the Laboratory with the Borax Reactor at the National Reactor Testing Station have demonstrated that a boiling reactor possesses inherent safety characteristics which have not previously been included in the estimation of reactor hazards. Other operating characteristics of Borax were also sufficiently attractive to justify the development of boiling reactors for package power and central station power plant applications. Accordingly, a proposal was made to the Atomic Energy Commission that Argonne design, construct and operate a pilot-scale boiling reactor (BER) as part of the Commission's five year program for development of power reactors. Tentative approval for this project has been granted. The primary objective of the BER is to establish the feasibility of operating a boiling reactor in conjunction with a turbine generator on a scale which can be extrapolated to large sizes. A preliminary evaluation of hazards is hereby submitted for the purpose of determining site requirements for a 20 mw reactor of this type. Because the construction of the reactor would be expedited and its usefulness as an operating experiment greatly enhanced, it is suggested that the reactor should be constructed at the DuPage site of the Laboratory. If the inherent features of safety of …