Abstract: This monthly progress report covers the activities of the Army Gas-Cooled Reactor System Program for April 1959. The program includes a water-moderated heterogeneous reactor (Gas-Cooled Reactor Experiment I), a graphite-moderated homogeneous reactor (Gas-Cooled Reactor Experiment II), a mobile gas-cooled reactor (ML-1), and the coordination of the Gas Turbine Test Facility. [It reports] the progress of each project, the associated tests and data evaluation, the applicable design criteria, and the fabrication of reactor components" (p. 1).

The design of internally cooled electrical coils for the production of high intensity magnetic fields presents many new aspects and combinations of the familiar modes of heat transfer. However, the customary methodology appears to be sufficient for preliminary analysis and understanding of those problems. This methodology comprises the derivation of a qualitative, approximate equation expressing the relative performance of the various parts of a system, followed by an examination of this equation in order to locate the limiting features of the system. These features are then investigated by more powerful methods, which in turn provide guidance for development research in the laboratory. (auth)

The design of internally cooled electrical coils for the production of high frequency intensity magnetic fields presents many new aspects and combinations of the familiar modes of heat transfer. However, the customary methodology appears to be sufficient for preliminary analysis and understanding of those problems. This methodology comprises the derivation of a qualitative, approximate equation expressing the relative performance of the various parts of a system, followed by an examination of this equation in order to locate the limiting features of the system. These features are then investigated by more powerful methods, which in turn provide guidance for development research in the laboratory.

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Available knowledge of precision limits in S.S. accountability measurements and/or calculations by reactor and chemical processing groups is surveyed and summarized. Experienee in comparisons of reactor (production and research) calculations vs. chemical plant accountability measurements is also reported. A general tentative conclusion is that available precisions ( plus or minus 0.54 to plus or minus 0.78%) in chemical plant measurements (bulk and analytical) for fissionable material accountability is superior to the variable precision ( plus or minus 1.0 to 1l.0%) possible by calculations (nuclear and/or engineering) of power reactor systems; however, with operation and empirical experience (e.g., after two or three core loadings), it is believed that calculations for given reactors can attain acceptable precisions, e,g., less than plus or minus 1.0%. It may be proposed that fuel payments be made as follows: 90% of fuel value based on reactor calculations, an additional 5% based on dissolver analyses, and final settlement based on chemical plant material balance (product plus loss analyses). (auth)

Available knowledge of precision limits in S.S. accountability measurements and/or calculations by reactor and chemical processing groups is surveyed and summarizes. Experience in comparisons of reactor (production and research) calculations versus chemical plant accountability measurements is also reported. A general tentative conclusion is that available precisions (+/- 0.54 to +/- 0.78% ) in chemical plant measurements is also reported. A general tentative conclusion is that available precisions (+/- 1.0 to +/- 11.0%) possible by calculations (nuclear and/or engineering) of power reactor systems; however, with operation and empirical experience (e.g. less than +/-1.0%

Techniques were developed to measure the liquid density and viscosity of organic coolants over the temperature range 300 to 850 deg F. (W.L.H.)

This report provides an overview of the creation of the Liquid Metal Fuel Reactor Experiment program. It furthers the work by constructing a single loop to test all the components required for the 16 loop reactor. This utility loop was also constructed to provide a facility for testing various components such as valves and flow meters.

This code finds inelastic cross-section matrix elements (transfer matrix) for hot monatomic moderator for multigroup calculations by numeric- analytic double integration of Cohen's formula. Several approximations to the actual neutron density ean be used as weight functions over the velocities of the initial groups. Modified and supplemented results are presented on binary cards and/or tape for direct input into the Argonne Transport Theory Codes or the SNG Code, or for offline output. (auth)

Abstract: "An experimental study was made to determine the effective shielding provided by a modern reinforced-concrete office building (AEC Headquarters building) from nuclear fallout. Pocket ionization chambers were used for measurement of the radiation-field strength. Fallout was simulated with distributed and point-source configurations of Co-60 and Ir-192 sources. Four typical sections were selected for study, and experiments were performed on each. These included an external wing with exposed basement walls and an external wing with a buried basement. Roof studies were made on an internal wing with a full basement and on the east end of wing A, which has a thin-roof construction. The thick-roof construction of 8 in. of concrete and 2 in. of rigid insulation covers all the building except the east end of wing A, which has 4 in. of concrete and 2 in. of insulation."

An experimental study was made to determine the effective shielding provided by a modern reinforced-concrete office building (AEC Headquarters building) from nuclear fall-out. Pocket ionization chambers were used for measurement of the radiation-field strength. Fall-out was simulated with distributed and point-source configurations of Co/sup 60/ and Ir/sup 192/ sources. Four typical sections were selected for study, and experiments were performed on each. These included an external wing with exposed basement walls and an external wing with a buried basement. Roof studies were made on an internal wing with a full basement and on the east end of wing A, which has a thin-roof construction. The thick-roof construction of 8 in. of concrete and 2 in. of rigid insulation covers all the building except the east end of wing A, which has 4 in. of concrete and 2 in. of insulation. (auth)

Batch processes on a scale of 250 to 300 g of uranium were developed for the production of uranyl oxinate (8quinolinate) and uranyl malonate. Both compounds are insoluble in water and were found to be suitably soluble in pitch. Uranyl oxinate was prepared by the reaction of an aqueous uranyl nitrate solution with an acetic acid solution of oxine (8-quinolirol) at about 80 deg C. Complete precipitation was accomplished by the addition of ammonium hydroxide. Yields of better than 99.5% were obtained. Uranyl malonate was prepared by the reaction of aqueous solutions of sodium malonate and uranyl nitrate at about 80 deg C in 97 to 98% yield. Uranyl 2-ethylhexanoate was prepared by a transesterification reaction from uranyl acetate and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Yields of 90% were obtained but the process was quite laborious ard time consuming. A metathesis method of preparation was not successful. (auth)

Ultrasonic and eddy current methods were used to inspect EBR-I Mark III fuel elements and componentsUltrasonic techniques were used to inspect for homogeneity of the casting, bonding of the core to the clad on the extruded rod, bonding of the Zircaloy spacer disk to the uranium, and cracks in the Zircaloy rod used for end caps. Eddy current techniques were used to measure the cladding thickness on the extruded rods and to inspect the zirconium wire used for spacers on the completed fuel element. (auth)

"Approximately 30 radioactive mineral deposits are known to occur in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Texas and Louisianna, north and east of the Guadalupe River. A preliminary field examination and sampling of each deposit has been made"

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The purpose of this production test is to provide a standard method of obtaining scram transient reactivity information at the eight reactors, under conditions conducive to valid data. These conditions include the bypassing of the Panellit system at a low power level for a short, controlled period of time during May 1959.

Results of four experimentul runs in the Fluorox fluidized bed reactor system are reported. The engineering feasibility of UF/sub 6/ production from UF/ sub 4/ by use of dry air of O/sub 2/, 2UF/sub 4/ + O/sub 2/ = UF/sub 6/+ UO/sub 2/ F/sub 2/, in an Inconel fluidized bed reactor at 800 to 850 deg C was demonstrated in two experimental tests in which greater than 90% of the theoretical amount of UF/sub 6/ was collected or measured. Two runs made with crude UF/sub 4/ (produced from unpurified mill concentrate) as the feed material, showed thnt UF/sub 6/ could be produced at 700 to 725 deg C but corrosion on Inconel was prohibitive. (auth)

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Results of four experiemental runs in the Fluorox fluidized bed reactor system are reported. The engineering feasibility of UF6 production from UF4 by use of dry air of O2, 2UF4 + O2 = UF6 + UO2F2, in an Inconel fluidized bed reactor at 800-850°C was demonstrated in two experimental tests in which greater than 90% of the theoretical amount of UF6 was collected or measured. Two runs made with crude UF4 (produced from unpurified mill concentrate) as the feed material, showed that UF6 could be produced at 700-725°C but corrosion on Inconel was prohibitive.

An attempt is made to present available information pentinent to reactor containment. This is done directly, by summary and reference, or by reference alone. To provide a reference framework, the first review document must necessarily be handled differently from supplemental periodic reviews. The plan is to: (3) provide a detailed account of the problem and suggestions for work needed to yield adequate solutions; (2) present the accumulated knowledge and accomplishments; (3) give an account of experience in applying the containment concept; and (4) append extensive bibliographical material. An attempt is made in each case to indicate the significance of the information and its relation to the problems outlined. (A.C.)

An empirical approach for the evaluation of shielding materials for macrochemical manipulations of spontaneously fissioning heavy elements (curium and californium) has revealed interesting comparisons. High-density metal halide solutions were compared with lead glass and with rare earth glass for use as shielding windows. Laminated shields of lead-paraffin and uranium-paraffin were compared with water and with paraffin for shielding walls.

The Purpose of the work described in this report has been to determine experimentally the rate of production of tritiun in fringe lithium-aluminum alloy loadings with the degree of precision necessary for economic analyses of such a method of isotope production. These results are provided for use in such an analysis.

In HAPO solvent extraction processes there are two independent aspects of nitrous acid chemistry. One concern the decomposition of the solvent through nitration reactions and the attendant problems. These reactions are autocatalytic in the presence of nitric acid and have threshold values for both temperature and nitric acid concentration for a given solvent below which nitrous acid disappears and above which it is generated with continuous destruction of the solvent. These reactions are identical to those found in the prior study of the hexone system.