The mean heat capacity of a sample of powdered beryllium carbide, a possible moderator material for a nuclear reactor, was determined as a function of temperature. A thin-walled stainless steel capsule containing the material was heated in an electric furnace and dropped into a water calorimeter. The following linear equation for mean heat capacity over the temperature range 50 f C-T f C as a function of temperature, T, was derived from the data by the method of least squares: C/sub p/ = 0.299 + 2.16 x 10/sup -4/ T f C el temperatures 0.005 cal gm/sup -1/( f C)/sup -1/. The numerical value of C/sub p/ expressed by this equation is also equal to the mean heat capacity in Btu lb/sup -1/( f F)/sup -1/. (auth)

The mean heat capacity of a sample of powdered U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ was determined as a function of temperature from measurements of heat content. A thin-walled nickel capsule containing the material was heated in an electric furnace and dropped into a water calorimeter The Mean heat capacity values calculated from the experimental data were nearly constant over the temperature range, room temperture to 250-975 deg C (482-1790 deg F). The average value was 0.074 plus or minus 0.004 cal gm/sup -1EDE/C/sup -2/ (0.074 plus or minus 0.004 Btu lb/sup -1 deg F/du p -1/). From 975-1100 deg C (1790-2012 deg F) a small rise was observed. (auth)

The experiment outlined in this proposal has the possibility of giving an answer to the important question, 'Does the neutrino exist'? It is unfortunate that at the present time, there is no convincing experimental that neutrinos exist. Two recent articles review the status of various experiments which could give information about neutrinos. In general, these experiments give results in agreement with the predictions of beta decay theory. But actually, if even the most complete of the 'recoil type' experiments could be performed satisfactorily, all that could be concluded would be the following: the energy and momentum relationships in beta decay are consistent with the theory that the known energy deficit is carried away by a single particle. But to emphasize the fact that this would not constitute a proof of the real existence of that particle, the following quotations from the review articles should be noted. Crane says, 'All of the evidence about the neutrino is, as already pointed out, indirect in character since neutrinos have not yet been caught after leaving the nucleus. It can, of course, be argued on very general grounds that, if energy is not conserved between nucleus and electron, momentum should not be expected to …

We have reviewed the problem of recovering I{sup 131} from the Separations Process and conclude that recovery is entirely feasible. This report contains recommendations for I{sup 131} recovery offered for consideration and are based on a technical study.

The energy dependence of film blackening is discussed and shown graphically. The exposure range of films is discussed, and blackening is plotted vs exposure for DuPont No. 502, and for the less sensitive DuPont No. 351. A plan is then described for monitoring radiation exposure to workers by requiring the worker to carry an x-ray film of dental packet size in a badge designed for the purpose. (LEW)

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This progress report discusses activities at P Division for the month of March, 1949. All piles operated at 275 megawatts throughout the month except for the outages listed under Area Activities in this report. The average time operating efficiency''was 91.4%. A total of 47 tons of metal was discharged from the piles during the month. During the month, 16.6 tons of alpha-rolled, triple-dipped metal were discharged without difficulty at a nominal concentration of 320 megawatts day (MWD) per ton. Inspection of selected tubes of this material indicated that exposures at this level are satisfactory. In view of these results the programs of stepwise increases in concentration will be continued, with the next test tonnages being discharged at a nominal concentration of 360 MWD per ton. The nominal monthly production rate of acceptable canned pieces was reduced from 90 tons to 60 tons on March 28. This curtailment of production was possible in view of the favorable inventory of slugs available for charging DR and H piles.

Further data on the changes in length and weight of expanded graphite samples which were exposed in the pile in atmospheres of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and helium show that all three gases produce roughly the same shrinkage and weigh loss. This result is unexpected in that there is no precedent for such behavior in a helium atmosphere; however, it was found that water vapor had entered the helium stream by some unknown means and had condensed on the plugs at the inlet end of the tube. This opens the possibility that the graphite in the helium-filled tube was attacked by the reaction C + H{sub 2}O = CO + H{sub 2}. This experiment is to be repeated. The data are tabulated in this report. The expansion of the graphite before the experimental exposure was in all cases very nearly 0.6% per 1000 MD/CT. Both the D and the F Piles were scrammed by a power surge on April 14. Eight of the vertical rods did not drop into the D Pile. These and subsequent rod difficulties delayed the start up to such an extent that the reactivity losses associated with the build up of xenon poison and the cooling of …

Reported are: physics (B pile, D pile, F pile, general physics); and water, corrosion and engineering (process water control and pressure drop studies, purging studies, removal of process tube B-3671).

This report discusses recommendations for development work on the Redox Production Plant. It contains an outline for a relationship procedure between the architect engineer and General Electric Design Division; preparation of a material balance and process flow; the preparation of engineering flow diagrams, including lists of standard symbols for these diagrams; a material and equipment list; a project cost estimate; and Procedures covering institution and execution of work involving studies by the Design and Construction Division.

Due to a forecasted increase in pile area production as well as a possible decrease in batch size of the separations process, an increase in the capacities of the separations plants is indicated. It is the purpose of this report to review this relationship in the light of existing data and to determine how this additional capacity can best be attained through the use of either the proposed semiparallel or complete parallel methods of operation. Emphasis will necessarily be given to consideration of cost, timing, use of minimum buildings and equipment, and the obtaining of optimum production time cycles.

This monthly report details technical activities in pile technology at the Hanford Engineer Works for the time period of April 6 through April 12, 1947.

U.M. Staebier reports from the pile areas. Foil tests were conducted at the B pile. A power coefficient test was performed at the D pile; special request materials and reactivity balance are also reported. The new No. 2 horizontal rod of the F pile has been slightly resized. Graphite temperature readings, thermal conductivity calculations, special request materials, and reactivity balance are also reported. General physics are considered. Production tests 105-85-P and 106-1-P are reported. Egg testing at the 305 test pile is discussed. (GHH)

Strains are introduced into bars by cold working in the straightening operation. If no treatment is applied to relieve the strains after the straightening operation, it is conceivable that they may be relieved in the canning process and cause warped slugs. The purpose of this test was to see if fewer non-seats would occur among slugs machined from bars that were outgassed after straightening. Seven hundred and thirty-five slugs from bars that were straightened before outgassing were caned by the standard procedure. One percent non-seats and 1.9% wrinkled cans were noted at the canning pot. It is recommended that all rods which are to be straightened be passed through the straightening operation before outgassing.

It has been found that warped slugs which produce ``non-seats`` segregated after the centrifuging operation by use of a suitable gauge. The slugs which do not pass the gauge are quenched in water and set aside for later recovery. The purpose of this test was to determine if the rejected slugs could be straightened, degreased and recanned by dipping them directly in the bronze and then through the subsequent steps. One hundred and twenty-nine slugs rejected by the warp gauge were straightened, degreased and recanned by dipping directly into the bronze bath, Eleven non-seats and one Al-Si spill over were rejected at the canning pot.The above procedure is recommended as a possible means of treating slugs rejected in the canning operation because of wrap.

The test of March 7, 1947 was planned as a check on power coefficient values; however, an analysis of reactivity data gave evidence of a considerable flattening of ``A`` rod in the region between 0--75 inches out. A second test of longer duration was therefore made on April 1, 1947 in order to obtain a check calibration of this portion of the control rod. The results of this test verified the flattening of this portion of ``A`` rod. The redetermined power coefficients based on new rod calibrations are given.

This report describes a test performed on April 2, 1947 to determine the reactivity power coefficients and the graphite relaxation period of the F Pile in accordance with the procedure described by this Production Test.

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This report details events of importance reported by the Hanford Operations Office for the week ending April 6, 1949.

Minutes of conferences held at Chalk River, Ontario. The subjects discussed related primarily to separations processes.

It was desired to investigate the precipitation of UO{sub 4} in acid solution, in order to determine the suitability of this reaction for use in the purification of uranium. A series of tests was performed to establish the conditions for precipitation of UO{sub 4}. It was found that uranium could be completely precipitated from pure uranyl sulfate solution at a pH of 2.5 to 3.5, with only silght excess of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. The presence of sodium sulfate interferred with complete precipitation. It was established that vanadium was preferentially oxidized, when present.

This trip was to provide an answer to these questions: Are Hanford meteorological instrumentation, methods, and records adequate? Do they conform to generally recognized practice? Are they effectively utilized? What is the percentage frequency of wind classified according to conditions normal, least favorable and most favorable for dilution? What is the habitability of the Wahluke Slope north and northeast of the Columbia River, considering stack gases, various stack heights, any pertinent meteorological features? What is the habitability if the only contaminating sources are the piles? In preparation for and in the event of a major catastrophe with attendant relief and evacuation operations, which additional observation should be taken: What weather data should be assembled from the general vicinity of Hanford: What sampling program should take place immediately after the event. To these may be added a question raised by Dr. Parker in connection with the high level of contamination at the ground in the vicinity of the separations. areas.

Reported are: physics (B Pile, D Pile, F Pile, general physics); and water, corrosion, and engineering (process water control and pressure drop studies, purging studies, corrosion, graphite expansion, downcomer -- B Area).

This report documents the meteorological concerns for Hanford Atomic Production Operations (HAPO). There was a concern that the radionuclides that were being released in the atmosphere. The author suggests a hypothesis to keep the radionuclides from migrating in the atmosphere. This hypothesis describes the washout of radionuclides and the leaching into the soil as a method to contain the radionuclides at the production facility. The hypothesis takes into account wind velocity, stable and unstable atmospheric conditions, convection, boundary layer problems, diffusion at greater distances away from the source of pollutant, altitude, and a possible solution.