Abstract: The rate of extraction of PuIV in either direction between benzene-TTA and aqueous HNO3 solutions is shown in the present study to be fast enough so that application of the chelate process to continuous operation should be feasible. This conclusion is based on two primary considerations: 1. The mechanism limiting the rate of extraction appears to be diffusion and not chemical-reaction-limiting. 2. The extraction may be controlled by adjustment of the system conditions to give almost any desired specifications of rate and/or equilibrium. A continuous process involving multiple extraction stages with a controlled pH gradient is proposed for obtaining maximum decontamination and plutonium recovery.

The following report is a quarterly report done by the Physics Division of the University of California's Radiation Laboratory, covering the period of February 1, 1948 to May 1, 1948. This report discusses general physics research and the development and operation of the accelerator.

This summary of the research progress meeting on June 3, 1948 discusses the following topics: (1) Photomultipliers (L. Wouters); (2) Positive mesons (C.M.G. Lattes); and (3) Background work in 184-inch program (W. Panofsky).

This summary of the research progress meeting on June 10, 1948 discusses the following topics: (1) 184-inch cyclotron (J. Vale); (2) Slow neutrons in the shielding of the 184-inch cyclotron (W. Benson); and (3) Fission of thorium with alpha particles (A. Newton).

This summary of the research progress meeting on June 17, 1948 discusses the following topics: (1) Potassium 43 (R. Overstreet); (2) Recoils (A. Ghiorso); (3) M.I.T. accelerator conference (W. Panofsky); and (4) Cosmic rays (Prof. Louis Le prince - Ringuet, France)

This summary of the research progress meeting on June 24, 1948 discusses the following topics: (1) Spectrographic analysis of alpha active materials (J. Conway); and (2) Range energy determinations (Dr. R.L. Thornton, Mr. Walter Stephan and Mr. Walter Aron).