W. J. O`Leary and R. R. Herries visited BMI to review the progress of subcontract research on extended surface fuel elements and on consolidation of Horizons` thorium. 1. Corrosion samples, 1in. diameter {times} 0.180in. thick nickel-plated uranium, which had been press-clad with aluminum at 510{degree}C and 6000 psi, have been on test for 18 days with no evidence of undercutting. Similar samples press-clad with 10,000 psi have been exposed for 7 days with no failures. 2. The hydrogen and chlorine content of as-received Horizons` electrolytic thorium was greatly reduced during vacuum sintering and arc melting. 3. A second lot of Horizons` thorium has been compacted and sintered to provide electrodes for two 9-10 lb. melts. 4. Diffusion couples are being annealed and examined in order to determine the rate of solid solution diffusion of thorium in aluminum.

This report summarizes work completed during the Redox Plant shutdown in January 1955. An analysis of major difficulties encountered, improvements made during the shutdown, and building design deficiencies brought to light by the shutdown are discussed. (JL)

This report presents the details of the operations of the Savannah River Plant manufacturing division during the month of January 1955.