Activities in research programs are summarized in the areas of power reactor fuel processing, fluoride volatility processing, molten salt reactor fuel processing, homogeneous reactor fuel processing, waste treatment and disposal pilot plant decontamination, GCR coolant purification studies, equipment decontamination, HRP thoria blanket development, fuel cycle development, transuranium element studies, production of U/sup 232/, uranium processing, fission product recovery, thorium recovery from granite, solvent extraction technology, mechanisms of separation processes, radiation effects on catalysts, ion exchange technology, chemical engineering research, chemical applications of nuclear explosions, reactor evaluation studies, and assistance programs. (J.R.D.)

This report, for August 1961 from the Chemical Processing Department at HAPO, discusses the following; Production operation; Purex operation; Finished products operation; maintenance; Financial operations; facilities engineering; research; employee relations; and special separation processing and auxiliaries operation.

A development program was initiated under Project CG-775 to test the proposed. process water pump modifications for Project CGI-883, Increased Process Water flow 100-K Area. Both the high lift and low lift pumps of the 190-KE pumping Unit were modified during May, 1959 for in-service prototype testing of the proposed equipment revisions. The testing proved the feasibility of the modification program but a problem, in the form of capitation damage to the high lift pump impeller, was noted. An incremental production gain at the NE reactor was realized as a result of the test program. Interim funds were authorized in February 1960 to initiate detail design on total KE and KW water plant expansion and to modify one KW process paying set for an early incremental production gain at the KW reactor. The modified KW process pumping unit was placed in service in mid-1960 and a proportionate reactor production gain was realized. Shortly after the modified KW pumping unit was placed in service it was noted that the total process water flow in KW was somewhat greater than in KE. An investigation was made to evaluate the low lift pumping Units in each area to find out if they contributed …

The history of gas-cooled reactor developmert is reviewed. The 40-Mw HTGR r the Peach Bottom Power Plart is described. Other projects to follow this prototype are outlined. Fuel development and progress in graphite core technology are discussed. The program sponsored by the Empire State Atomic Development Associates for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor with an output of 300 to 500 Mw(e) is described. (M.C.G.)