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.

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.

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.

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.

None

"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."

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.

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."