ABS>Hot cell demonstration of the Zirflex decladding process coupled with a modified Purex solvent extraction process was completed using specimens of Zircaloy-clad UO/sub 2/ irradiated to levels of 6150-14,600 Mwd/TU. Soluble losses of uranium and plutonium to the decladding solutions were about 0.05%. Centrifugation of the decladding solution is probably necessary to remove up to 1% of the UO/sub 2/ present as fines resulting from the fracture of low (93 to 95%) density pellets; high (96%) density pellets produced few fines. Approximately 5 hours were required to dissolve the UO/sub 2/ core material (14,000 Mwd/TU) in 4M HNO/sub 3/ versus 6 to 7 hours for unirradiated pellets to produce a solvent extraction feed of 100 g U/l and 3M HNO/sub 3/. Gamma decontamination factors for uranium in the Purex CU stream and plutonium in the BP stream were increased by factors of 2 to 10 from the normal 1.3 x 10/sup 3/ and 2.1 x 10/sup 3/, respectively, by pretreatment of the solvent extraction feed with dincetyl monoxime or its degradation product, oxalic acid. Preliminary data indicate radiation damage degrades the solvent, 30% TBP diluted with Amsco 125- 82, upon one pass through the mixer-settler banks with feed solutions irradiated …

The stress analysis performed on the PM-2A reactor vessel and cover is discussed. The maximum combined stress (51,000 psi) occurred in the studs after reaching steady-state conditions. A fatigue analysis indicated that this stress could be safely applied 2500 times, and since the studs do not approach 2500 cycles from initial stud tightening to steady-state conditions, they should not suffer any fatigue damage. (auth)

This report details activities of the Reactor and Materials Technology Department during the month of April 1965.

This report discusses research at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory on topics relating to hanford production reactors. The topic deal with: reactor and material technology; reactor physics and instruments; chemistry; biology and medicine; applied mathematics; radiation protection; and test reactor and engineering services.

An experimental program (Project Cleer) was initiated to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of a surface covered with a wick-like material and cooled by a capillary liquid. The preliminary heat transfer analyses developed and the measuring equipment and methods to be used are discussed. (LCL)

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From cover: "A feasibility study concerned with nuclear explosive stimulation of a natural gas reservoir, prepared by El Paso Natural Gas Company, the United States Atomic Energy Commission and the United States Bureau of Mines."

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