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A comparison of the decay constants of Be{sup 7} in beryllium oxide and in beryllium fluoride has given {lambda}{sub BeO}-{lambda}{sub BeF{sub 2}} = (+1.375 {+-} 0.053)10{sup -3}{lambda}{sub BeO} thus showing a definite effect of the chemical binding on the radioactive decay constant.

This progress report discusses activities for the P Division for the month of May 1949. The nominal operating level for both B and F Piles was 275 megawatts (MW) throughout the month except for outages listed under Area Activities. The D Pile operated at 275 MW until May 23 when the nominal level was raised to 290 MW in the first step of the program covered in Production Test No. 105-260-P to evaluate the feasibility of operating piles at higher power levels. A total of 44 tons of metal, at an average concentration of 285 megawatt days/ton (MWD/ton), was discharged from the piles during the month. Considerable difficulty was experienced during the month with stuck tubes containing Class IV (alpha-rolled, triple-dipped, randomly transformed) metal. A total of nine tubes with concentrations in the range of 320--370 MV/ton was encountered. As a result of these difficulties with the Class IV material, future discharges of this type metal will be limited to concentrations in the range 300--320 MWD. Approximately one ton of Class V (alpha-rolled, triple-dipped, completely transformed) metal was discharged at a concentration of 368 MV/ton for test purposes. Inspection of this material indicated that all the slugs were in satisfactory …

A design is proposed for a removable drainage grill and trap for floor drains in radioactive risk areas. One simple element provides free liquid run off, an air and fume barrier, and ready access for cleaning or replacement in event of contamination. Application may be made to existing and future untrapped drains.