Test work was completed on development of a stripping method for the amine extraction (Amex) process which produces a concentrated uranyl nitrate solution for shipment to the refinery. This procedure offers potential cost savings by simplifying the overall mill-refinery flowsheet. The process involves treatment of the amine extract with calcium nitrate solution to convert the uranium in the solvent to a nitrate complex, stripping the uranium with water or dilute nitric acid, and recovery of nitrate from the solvent for recycle by contact with a lime slurry.

This report supersedes ORNL CF-57-2-1, which was an extension and revision of ORNL CF-54-6-72. Details concerning a recommended system of flow-plan symbols and drawing are given. The system is designed to identify the function of all major instrument components and to show schematically the operation of the instrument relative to the particular process. The system is used for identification and designation. The system is a modification of the Instrument Society of American Recommended Practice (RP 5.1).

The nuclide Cs-137 is a fission product commonly used for measurement of uranium burnup in irradiated uranium fuel by the fission product to uranium ratio method. In the application of this method, the largest single error introduced in the measurement of burnup is the uncertainty in the half-life of Cs-137. Because of the uncertainty in this value and its importance in nuclear fuel burnup analysis, a reinvestigation was undertaken to obtain a more accurate value using the mass spectrometric method.

A code (RAPTURE) was programmed for the Philco TRANSAC 2000 computer to perform calculations needed for the evaluation of Doppler Coefficients in fast reactors with degraded neuron spectra. This code computes resonance integrals, averages them over resonance parameter distributions, and computes fission and capture cross sections as a function of fuel temperature and of potential scattering cross section per absorber isotope.

Work performed during the quarter is summarized by direct measurement of fission gas pressure, loop modifications, UO2 fuel performance

Tests were run at the General Electric Company, Atomic Power Equipment Department, to determine the burnout conditions for a non-uniformly heated rod in an annular geometry.

The pressure drop of a new fuel element design concept of spacing rods by means of helical wire springs was investigated experimentally and analytically.

This report describes progress made in the study of the feasibility of the concept, plant arrangement studies, and considerations pertaining to partial plant attendance. It is concluded that both the indirect and direct boiling cycles are feasible. The recommended reference design is the direct cycle, in a single capsule, with the turbine, generator and pumps on a single shaft.

The fabricability, elevated temperature strength, steam corrosion resistance, and hydrogen pickup of various binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys were studied experimentally.

Two methods for measuring target efficiencies are briefly discussed. The second method puts an upper bound on the efficiency and permits observation of instantaneous efficiency, thereby aiding location of losses. Measurements agree well with conventional radiochemical values.

A circuit is described developed to fill the need for a pulser with a 15-20 volt amplitude into the 93 ohm line, stable, transistorized and low cost, fast 10 Nano second rise, and a variable repetition period from 0.5 sec. to 4 sec.

The studies of Irving and Edgington, and Healy on the synergistic effects of tributyl phosphate (TBP) and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) on the solvent extraction of thorium and other metals by thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) are discussed. It is shown that the synergistic effect is a result of addition reactions as well as replacement reactions and is not a function of the metal being extracted. A compilation of equilibrium constants describing the synergistic effect of TBP and TOPO on TTA extraction is given for the following metal ions: Th4+, UO2,2+, Am2+, Cm3+, Pm3+, Tm3+, and Ca2+.

In the Sulfex process, stainless steel cladding, generally 304-L, is removed from fuel elements by dissolution in boiling four to six molar sulfuric acid. When cladding removal is complete, the decladding solution is removed is removed to waste. The exposed fuel cores are rinsed and dissolved in nitric acid.

A prototype instrument has been designed and built which demonstrates an ultrasonic pulse echo technique of measuring metal thickness in the range .010 to .080 inches. Extension of the range of measurement on the thick side appears straightforward, however, transducer frequency response considerations may limit the extension of the method for very thin sections. The instrument is based upon the principle that sections, when driven by pulses of vibratory energy, resonate at frequencies dependent upon the thickness of the section.

At the present time, high-radioactivity-level wastes at Hanford are neutralized and stored as liquid in underground tanks lined with mild steel. This method of storage is relatively inexpensive and is satisfactory on a short-term basis. However, on a long term basis, liquid storage is less desirable than solid storage because of the greater mobility of the liquid. In addition, storage as aa solid would significantly reduce the volume of waste stored. Consequently, various research and development studies have been undertaken in an attempt to develop a practical waste solidification.

A reliable spline disposal system is necessary for full utilization of the Poison Spline Control System. The spline choppers were not reliable enough so a spline coiler was developed and designed to replace the choppers. A Development Test, IP-306-X (HW-63820), was issued authorizing on-pile testing of the spline coiler at X area. This report closes the Development Test and discusses the use of spline coilers.

At present, emphasis is being given the application of nondestructive testing to the inspection of nuclear fuel in conjunction with complete product specifications. The objective is to quantitatively specify fuel quality parameters, and to measure the entire fuel production against these specifications nondestructively. Under this concept the acceptability of a given fuel element becomes a well-defined factor readily determined by appropriate nondestructive tests.

Two types of enclosed hot junction arrangements are possible with sheathed mineral insulated thermocouples. They are the integral junction and he isolated junction. The integral junction is formed by welding, soldering, brazing or forging the two wires into the end of the sheath. The process forms a good thermal and electrical contact between the three materials.

It is the purpose of this report to explain the bands and uses of a digital computer program for the calculation of steady state steam-water pressure drop and critical flow in pipes. The program has been coded for the IBM 709 computer. While so attempt has been made to obtain improved models of two-phase flow, it is believed that the numerical integration technique used in the code will permit more accurate calculation where pressure drops are large compared to the upstream pressure. The technique should lend itself readily to any improved correlations which appear in the future.

In answer to the question, "How well do we know the composition of the fuel material for the PRTR start-up tests?", the analytical data on the PRTR fuel elements and other fuel elements which were fabricated by similar processes was gathered and analyzed. The results of this analysis are presented.

One of the primary reasons for operating the high pressure KER loops is to obtain information concerning water quality control characteristics for recirculating water cooled reactors. The KER-1 loop is predominantly carbon steel and approximates the water quality conditions specified for the New Production Reactor (NPR).

Exponential and critical approach type measurements have been made to determine the critical mass, material buckling, and in a few cases, the extrapolation length for the lattices. This report attempts to list all measurements on water-uranium heterogenous lattices made to date at Hanford. All lattices were water moderated hexagonal arrays loaded with uranium of enrichments up to 3.15.

Continued operation of F reactor with high water collection rates during the past 12 years has resulted in numerous detrimental effects. In addition to promoting external corrosion tube leaks, water leaks have corroded the Gunbarrel to the biological shield donut assemblies and cast iron thermal shield blocks, thus preventing the majority of tubes in F reactor from unrestrained thermal expansion. Fatigue of the Van Stone flange under the resulting compression loads leads to eventual failure in some cases. In addition, excessive compression loads exerted against the nozzle gasket result in plastic deformation and eventual failures of the gasket.

A disposal method is needed for wastes generated from the decontamination of the NPR primary coolant loop. The limitations imposed by facilities design criteria for the disposal of NPR wastes preclude direct river release of the spent cleaning solutions because of the anticipated quantities of radioactive material in these wastes. The soil at a 100-N Area trench or crib should not be relied on for removing radionucleotides by ion exchange or filtration because of the high salt content of the wastes and the presence of solubilizing reagents. Permanent or long term storage of large volume of decontamination wastes would be expensive. A waste treatment is sought for concentrating the radioactive materials to volume suitable for long term storage and which would permit dispersal of the excess liquid to the environs.