The work reported deals with the preparation and physical properties, especially thermal dissociation pressures, and densities of hydrides, hydrogen- metal systems, and mixtures of hydrides with other substances. Possible applicatlons as moderators, high-temperature neutron shields, and low-temperature shields are cited and design problems discussed. Most of the data on dissociation pressures cover ranges and compounds not hltherto explored because of experimental difficulties and the basic knowledge of the thermal behavior of hydrides was substantially increased. New hydrldes were prepared and several reported in the literature were shown not to exist. The following compounds, mixtures, and systems were studled: Tl-H, U-H, Ll-H, Na-H, Ca-H, Ba-H, Th-H, Sr- H; NaH-NaF, NaH-NaOH, NaH-CaH/, LlH-LiF, CaH/sub 2/-CaF/sub 2/, CaH/sub 2/-CaC/ sub 2/,CaH/sub 2/-Ca/sub 3/N/sub 2/; FeH/sub 3/ (alleged), NiH/sub 2/ (alleged), Ti(BH/sub 4/)/sub 3/, Th(BH/sub 4/)/sub 4/, WH/sub 4/ (attempted), W(BH/sub 4/)/ sub 4/ (attempted), /sub 4/NBH/sub 4/, (CH , and ydrides are ing an N/sub H/ comparable to water yet stable at red heat, compounds giving a neutron shield weight less than half that of water, and compounds suitable for use as hightemperature moderators containing large amounts of hydrogen. (auth)

Project C-431-A includes the design of the C Water Plant outfall structure. This report documents design assumptions and the design of the spillway, outfall sewers, spillway chute, trash racks, walkways, stop log and trash rack slots, main sewer, and retention sewers. The spillway capacity is to be 268,000 gpm with a crest elevation at 429.0. This flow capacity is composed of flow from the 105-C Retention Basin (80,000 gpm), 105-B Retention Basin (45,000 gpm), and the 190-C Area main sewer (143,000 gpm).

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It seems hardly necessary to repeat to an audience of this kind the importance of the process known as photosynthesis in the interaction and the interdependence of organisms and in the very existence of life as we know it. This process by which green plants are able to capture electromagnetic energy in the form of sunlight and transform it into stored chemical energy in the form of a wide variety of reduced (relative to carbon dioxide) carbon compounds provides the only major source of energy for the maintenance and propagation of all life.

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Investigations on problems related to the use of MgX and other feed materials in the Plant 6 U refinery at St. Louis, Mo., have continued, with emphasis on the extraction of process feeds by neutral ether. Results of Scheibel column extraction tests wtth neutral ether on a variety of pitchblende, MgX, and V-20 soda salt feed materials indicate that the addition of Fe to complex interfering elements can reduce U losses in raffinates to lower levels than are attainable with acid ether in the absence of Fe. The beneficial effect of neutral ether on transfer of contaminants, especially Mo, to the ether extract was substantiated. It is indicated that the inclusion of V-20 soda salt in a feed tends to increase U losses in extraction; the addition of Fe was shown to be advantageous here also. Sources and costs of added Fe are considered. (G.Y.)

An experimental batch distillation column was used to purify UF/sub 6/ containing metal impurities. The degree of purification was determined by comparing the spectrographic analyses of the UF/sub 6/ distillate material with the original feed or pot material. Results are tabulated at 95% confidence limits. (auth)

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A new method for the production of plutonium (IV) fluoride, which is used for the production of metallic plutonium, is described. The method bypasses the oxidation of plutonium(III) oxalate to plutonium(IV) oxide. A production test was executed with favorable yields; the decision to replace the prior method was recommended. This report is from the Hanford Works 234-5 building, March 30, 1951.