Shipping cans containing product from plant runs completed in the latter half of April and in May showed, in general, definitely higher levels of radiation than had been observed previously. Likewise, containers for the transfer of the F-10-P solution from the 224 Bldg. to 231 Bldg. (during May) exhibited higher radiation levels than could be attributed to higher power levels and increased batch sizes. These higher radiation levels were indicative that some radioactive element (or elements) was present in an amount greater than previously as would be expected from the shorter cooler periods, or that decontamination of elements previously present was less complete. It was considered essential to identify the source of these radiations and the cause for their presence has been investigated. The radioactive contaminant present in the final product has been identified rather definitely as Np{sup 239} which has 2.3d half-life a 0.25 MeV gamma ray and a weak beta ray. The amount of Np has increases as a result of the brand toward shorter cooling periods and the law decontamination factor for Np in the Separation Process.

This document contains minutes of a meeting on Columbia River studies that took place on July, 13, 1945. Topics discussed include: dispersal of thermal effluent, viability of current sampling techniques, survey records of chemical and bacteriological analysis, the results of the fish study, analytical procedures to determine the addition of small amounts of addition agents, radioactivity studies, and determination of new sampling points.

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These studies were aimed at elucidating affects of radiation in inducing hemolysis independent of inhibition of erythropoiesis. Research studies were conducted both on human patients and dogs. Phosphorus-32 in mc amounts were administered either intravenously or orally to patients suffering Polycythemia rubra vera. Dogs were treated with either P-32 or x-radiation. Hemoglobin metabolism was monitored in all test subjects by hematology, blood chemistry, and fecal excretion of hemoglobin catabolites.

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Uranium was successfully cast at temperatures as high as 1900 to 2000 deg C in crucibles made from CeS, CeS/sub 1.38/, ThS, ThS/sub 1.75/, and ThU/sub 0.7/S/sub 2/ with the sulfur pickup in all cases less than 0.15 wt.%, in some cases at low temperatures being less than 0.005%. A summary of actual sulfur absorption for different experimental temperatures and crucible types is given. The effect of the molten mixture of U and UBr/sub 3/(Br/U =2) upon some sulfide refractories was investigated. The results indicate that only ThS/sub 2/ and divalent sulfides like ThUS/sub 2/, US, ThS, etc., would withstand the U--UBr/sub 3/ mixture. Uranium may be separated from metal salt mixtures (CaCl/sub 2/, SrBr/ sub 2/, BaI/sub 2/, etc.) by distillation of the salt and fusion of the U in a sulfide crucible. (auth)

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A memorandum prepared by the Technical Department discussing the technical considerations involved in raising Pile power above the present level of 280 M.W. was discussed. A meeting attended by W. O. Simon, B. H. Mackey, L. Squires, H. Worthington, C. N. Gross, W. E. Jordan and M. H. Smith. The details of this memorandum were reviewed and the plan proposed for operation of the piles subsequent to August 1, 1945 is discussed in this report.

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This memo discusses the effects of advancing to higher power levels of the 105 Piles (D-Pile). It is concluded that there is no technical reason against a cautious advance to higher powers; the units can be run at higher levels than their rating of 250 MW, or the additional reactivity that they will gain with time may be taken entirely in the form of lower peak temperatures and radiation levels. The decision as to what course to follow between these extremes involves such issues as the best use of uranium and the most effective separation of adequate amounts of product of proper quality.