None

This report covers work done by the Pile Engineering Groups and work done on special assignments. Topics covered include: slug blistering and corrosion; graphite allocation to DR pile; slug molding; segmental discharge; Van Stone corrosion; flow laboratory modifications; downcomer at B pile; downcomer at D pile; annealing of pile graphite; replacement of pile atmosphere with CO{sub 2}; unit motion; beta experiment; can opening; slug annealing; new technical building, 300 area; and ruptured slugs.

This memorandum discusses briefly and approximately the two extreme programs which could be followed in the production of Ta{sup 182}: the use of present available excess reactivity, and the use of a pile, continuing no U{sup 238}, expressly to produce Ta{sup 182}. Use of lesser amounts of enriched material would achieve lesser production rates. The cost in fissionable material per gram of active isotope would remain approximately the same.

This report summarizes the preparations made for reactivation of the 100-B pile and the operational activities associated with the reactivation and subsequent operation up to the time of reaching desired power level. The period covered is from approximately June 1, 1948 until July 16, 1948.

None

Tube 1569-B ruptured on September 22, 1948 and was replaced. Between the time of failure and final isolation of this tube, considerable water escaped into the graphite packing. As a result, the unit start-up and subsequent operation was quite different from that usually followed. This report has been prepared to summarize the observations and activities related to this operation.

None

In order to evaluate the feasibility of segmental discharge equipment, it was necessary to determine the time required for segmental discharge during the current operating procedures. This memorandum details this time study.

None

The intensities of radiations transmitted though a Hanford Pile Shield have been measured with the results discussed in this report.

Routine inspections of selected Van Stone flanges have been made at all three piles since start-up. In September, 1947, these inspections indicated that corrosion effects were becoming dangerously severe. Some of the flanges appeared to be corroied and pitted to a depth of two-thirds of the original flange thickness. To determine the extent and severity of the corrosion, residual flange thickness measurements were made on the flanges of about 64 scattered tubes. Included were front and rear flanges of tubes from all four orifice zones. Results of the survey indicated the immediate need for an extensive repair program to preclude the possibility of failure of some of the flanges.

On June 1, 1948, a fire in the neoprene seal at 100-F Area potentially exposed nine to radioactive. An overnight collection of urine was made from these men and the samples submitted, along with a piece of neoprene seal, to the H.I. Development Laboratory for analysis. It is the purpose of this report to present the results of our investigation as to the type of contamination from the burning neoprene and the amount of contamination found in the urine sample.

This paper gives a cost breakdown of all the water facilities in the 100-F area for the month of January, 1948. Also given is the cost of chlorine for addition to the process water system along with where it is added and in what amounts. Lastly, the average figure for the hardness for the Columbia River water at Hanford.

Operation of the 100F pile is reported on. Ongoing construction is described; detailing population and occupancy. Visitors and the Schenectady report are discussed. A copy of the June 4 letter from Carleton Shugg to Carrol L. Wilson pertaining to flooding of the Columbia and Yakima rivers is included.

None

None

This report outlines plans for tests of the graphite stack during lay up in the pile structures. Measurements are planned upon completion of layers 20, 60, and 102, which will require not more than 16 hours each. The test method will require restriction of Construction personnel from the areas immediately adjacent to the pile. Precise boundaries will be set up in collaboration with H I Division personnel prior to the test.

As work on the Columbia Basin irrigation project on the Columbia River is in the initial stages, the question of the effect of this project of the mineral content of the Columbia River has been raised. As an increase in dissolved mineral matter would seem to be likely, it was felt that quantitative estimate of the magnitude of this increase would be important, specifically with reference to the retaining of the demineralization plant at 100-D Area. Accordingly, a study has been made of the probable effect of the irrigation project on the chemical characteristics of the Columbia River.

Since plutonium is manufactured at the Hanford Works in the 1940s, a study of its effect on biological materials is important. To determine the amount of plutonium deposited in a biological sample, it is necessary to have and accurate method for extracting plutonium from these samples. Some of the different methods for plutonium assay are reviewed and given in this paper dated November 16, 1948.

None

None

On August 21, 1948, several smear samples of contamination from the inner rod room at 100-F Area were submitted for beta identification. This contamination was spread as a result of maintenance work on the horizontal rods. Urine sample were deemed advisable for two men who had been exposed while working on the rods. These urine samples were also submitted for beta analyses. The analyses of the smears showed the contamination to consist of primarily S{sup 35} (65%) and Fe{sup 59} (30%)and minor amounts of Ca (5%) and C{sup 14} (3%). No significant amount of radio iron or sulfur was found in either the feces or urine samples.

None

This letter discusses the construction of Neuts (neutron detectors) and provides operating instructions for these instruments.