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Attack on Uranium by Lithium at 600 C
The tests described in this report were static tests devised to afford a basis for a quick evaluation of the resistance of uranium to attack by lithium. The work was done at the same time as the tests of beryllium, thorium, and various engineering metals in lithium (described in ANL-4990); but the results with uranium are given in the present classified report so that the results of the other tests can be published as an unclassified document. The procedure for carrying out the tests is described in ANL-4990.
Autoclave Testing of Mechanically Jacketed Thorium Slugs In Water
Water corrosion tests on mechanically jacketed and pinholed thorium slugs show that these slugs fail in a manner similar to that observed for mechanically jacketed and tested uranium slugs. The proposed mechanism for the water corrosion of these jacketed slugs is analogous to the water corrosion mechanism of jacketed uranium slugs presented in the project lecture. A bare thorium slug appeared to be more resistant to corrosion by water than a mechanically jacketed slug during the first half of the autoclave test. After approximately 90 hours of testing both the bare and the mechanically jacketed thorium slugs were severely corroded by water.
Calculations on U235 Fission Product Decay Chains
Report of equations for calculating decay of U235. The introduction states" Calculations have been made on the U235 fission product decay schemes. The results for a typical example, that of a reactor operating at 1000 kilowatts for 180 days, have been tabulated and graphed. General formulae have been used so that the results can be applied for any power level and any time of irradiation" (p. 2).
A Capsule Design for Experimental High-Flux Irradiations Of Fuel Materials
New reactors presently in design or construction stages, as well as revised operating procedures for existing reactors, have shown an increasing emphasis on extending the exposure time of the reactor fuel elements. However, operating experience at Hanford, as at other installations, has demonstrated that as the amount of burn-up in uranium metal is increased an increase is also noted in operational difficulties resulting from the dimensional behavior of the fuel. During reactor irradiation uranium slugs or rods have been observed to change in length and diameter, to warp, and to develop surface roughening.
Casting of Blanket Bricks, Ring, Plug, and Control Rods for the Experimental Breeder Reactor (CP-4)
The cup assembly of the Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR) consists of blanket bricks, inner rings, and safety plug, all of natural uranium. The design of the finish machined brick is shown in Figure 1. These pie shaped bricks when stacked together, 12 bricks arranged in circular form and stacked seven rings high, comprise the cylindrical portion of the outer blanket, 17.875" I.D. x 30.875" O.D. after machining and canning. The inner ring, which is shown in Figure 2, fits inside the bottom layer of bricks. The circular opening in the center of the inner ring is closed by the safety plug shown in Figure 3.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report
Measurement of radioactive carry-over was made on borax III operating at 300 psig and at power levels ranging from 4 to 14 mv. Decontamination factors of from 1.5 x 104 (at 14 mv) were obtained. These data are in essential agreement with those predicted by previous laboratory experimental work.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report for January, February, and March 1957
A fused fluoride process for dissolution of zirconium-uranium fuel alloys is being developed. The alloy is dissolved in an equimolar sodium fluoride-zirconium fluoride melt at 600°C by sparging the system with hydrogen fluoride. The uranium is volatilized from the melt as the hexafluoride by a sparging operation with fluorine or bromine pentafluoride vapor. This product is then decontaminated and purified by fractional distillation.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report for January, February, and March 1958
Development work was continued on the fused fluoride process for the recovery of enriched uranium from zirconium-matrix fuel alloys. The alloy is dissolved by immersing it in molten sodium fluoride-zirconium fluoride at 600°C and passing hydrogen fluoride vapor through the system.The dissolved uranium tetrafluoride in the melt is then volatilized as uranium hexafluoride by sparging with fluorine. The uranium hexafluoride product is purified and decontaminated by fractional distillation. Additional corrosion tests were made on a variety of metals in an effort to find a material of construction suitable for the fluorination step. All the metals tested, with the exception of Hastelloy B, were attacked rapidly in the fluorinated melt. The attack was particularly severe at the melt-gas interface when tests were made with partially submerged specimens of the metals.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report : January, February, And March 1953
Dissolution of the large number of samples obtained from the natural uranium blanket of the Experimental Breeder Reactor after approximately 485,000 kw.-hr. of operation has been completed, and analysis of these samples for uranium consumed and plutonium formed is well along. An attempt is being made to distinguish quantitatively between uranium-238 and uranium-235 fission in the blanket area by determining the ratio of ruthenium-106 to cesium-137 in the fission products.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report January, February, and March, 1954
Progress is reported on (1) direct cycle boiling reactor studies, (2) solvent extraction, (3) fluoride volatilization separation process, (4) elevated temperature separations, (5) fluidization studies, (6) development of analytical techniques, (7) processing and utilization of radioactive wastes.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report July, August, and September, 1956
Additional runs have been made in the six-inch, continuous-flow mixing chamber to study the rate of mass transfer between isobutanol and water. These runs were inconclusive because the effluents were mutually saturated. A new four-inch cell has been designed and is being fabricated; this will permit a reduction in the time available for mass transfer. Consideration has been given to other liquid pairs which may transfer more slowly than isobutanol-water. The system nitrobenzene-ethylene glycol appears attractive.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report July, August, and September, 1957
Development work continued on a fused salt process for the recovery of uranium from zirconium-matrix fuel alloys. The fuel is dissolved in a sodium fluoride-zirconium fluoride melt at 600°C by hydrogen fluoride sparging. The melt is then sparged with fluorine gas which volatilizes the dissolved uranium as the hexafluoride. The final decontamination and purification of the uranium hexafluoride are accomplished by fractional distillation. The testing of graphite as a container material for the hydrofluorination step was continued. Additional thermal cycling experiments were performed, using a helium sparge in equimolar sodium fluoride-zirconium fluoride melt at 600°C. The extent of penetration of the fused salt into the graphite was determined. No mechanical degradation was present. Dimensional change data were also obtained for graphite vessels in which the fused salt was sparged with hydrogen fluoride.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report October, November, and December, 1953
Progress is reported on (1) experimental breeder reactor program, (2) solvent extraction, (3) fluoride volatilization separation process, (4) elevated temperature separations, (5) denitration of uranyl nitrate in a fluidized bed, (6) development of analytical techniques, (7) processing and utilization of radioactive wastes.
Chemical Engineering Division Summary Report October, November, and December, 1956
A final series of runs was made in a four-inch continuous-flow mixing chamber to study the transfer of isobutanol into water and nitrobenzene into ethylene glycol. Satisfactory techniques were developed to provide for the rapid analysis of these systems. In addition, a light-scattering correlation was prepared to provide a measure of the interfacial area of the yellow-colored nitrobenzene-ethylene glycol mixtures.
Chemistry Division, Section C-1, Quarterly Report July, August, and September 1952
Report describing the research and development activities related to nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry and basic chemistry conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory Chemistry Division, Section C-1.
Chemistry Division, Section C-1, Summary Report for April, May, And June 1952
Report describing the research and development activities related to nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry and basic chemistry conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory Chemistry Division, Section C-1.
Chemistry Division, Section C-1, Summary Report For October, November and December 1951
Report describing the research and development activities related to nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry and basic chemistry conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory Chemistry Division, Section C-1.
Chemistry Division, Section C-II, Summary Report For April, May, And June 1952
This report was written by different scientist on various experiments of solid state, physical chemistry, radiochemistry and analytical, and special problems.
Chemistry Division, Section C-II, Summary Report for July, August, and September 1952
This report deals with the (1.1) physical properties of graphite, (1.2) effects of pile irradiation on the properties of graphite, (1.3) effect of irradiation on "ceramic" materials, (1.4) effects of radiation on ice -- the x-ray induced luminescence of ice, (1.5) investigation of color centers and other optical properties of single crystals. (2.1) radiation chemistry of liquids, (2.2) application of mass spectrometry to chemical problems, (2.3) vapor pressure and heat of vaporization of uranium, (3.1) nuclear properties of Zr93 and Nb93m from fission, (3.2) mass distribution in the spontaneous fission of Cm242, (3.3) Upper limit to the lifetimes of the first excited states of Th236, U234, and Pu236, (3.4) on the one-body model of alpha radioactivity, (4.1) spectrographic analysis, (4.2) chemical analysis, (5.1) paramagnetic resonance measurements, and (5.2) the 60-inch cyclotron.
Chemistry Division, Section C-II, Summary Report for July, August, and September 1952
This report deals with the (1.1) physical properties of graphite, (1.2) effects of pile irradiation on the properties of graphite, (1.3) effect of irradiation on "ceramic" materials, (1.4) effects of radiation on ice -- the x-ray induced luminescence of ice, (1.5) investigation of color centers and other optical properties of single crystals. (2.1) radiation chemistry of liquids, (2.2) application of mass spectrometry to chemical problems, (2.3) vapor pressure and heat of vaporization of uranium, (3.1) nuclear properties of Zr93 and Nb93m from fission, (3.2) mass distribution in the spontaneous fission of Cm242, (3.3) Upper limit to the lifetimes of the first excited states of Th236, U234, and Pu236, (3.4) on the one-body model of alpha radioactivity, (4.1) spectrographic analysis, (4.2) chemical analysis, (5.1) paramagnetic resonance measurements, and (5.2) the 60-inch cyclotron.
A Coated Cast Iron Crucible for use with Eutectic Al-Si Alloy in the Temperature Range 595°-650°C
The feasibility of the coated metal crucible as a container for eutectic Al-Si alloy has been proven by test. Small, enamel-coated cast iron pots has been proven by test. Small, enamel-coated cast iron pots have successfully withstood the chemically aggressive Al-Si alloy and the adverse influence of an oxidizing atmosphere for a period of 3 months at 725°C. A similarly coated castiron crucible containing 450 pounds of eutectic Al-Si alloy was successfully tested for 144 days in a jacketing operation conducted at 595°-650°C. Under the same conditions, the normal service life of clay-bonded graphite and silicon carbide crucibles rarely exceeds 45 days. The coating material is a commercially available enamel capable of withstanding temperatures up to 790°C (1450°F). It is readily applied to the surface of a variety of ferrous metals and alloys; however, best results are obtained with alloys low in chromium and nickel which also have a low thermal expansion coefficient.
Comparative Analysis of ANL High Purity Uranium
In the course of the development at Argonne of high purity uranium metal in ingot form, some questions arose as to the validity of the chemical analyses of some of the impurities (particularly those for carbon, boron, and silicon), with one analytical laboratory reporting concentrations in some instances of an order of magnitude greater than another laboratory. Since the low concentrations of impurities in this material involved, in some cases, the development of modified analytical procedures and standards, it was decided to check these discrepancies by having identically prepared samples analyzed by several AEC and associated laboratories. This report is a compilation of the results obtained.
Condensation of Metal Vapors: Mercury and the Kinetic Theory of Condensation
Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing condensation theories of metal vapors. As stated in the introduction, "the objectives of this research then are critical analysis of condensation theories and data for metal vapors and experimental evaluation of the resistance to condensation for a representative metal such as mercury" (p. 18). This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.
Corrosion and Stability Tests on Chemical Poisons in Higher-Temperature Water
Corrosion-stability tests have been made in static autoclaves at 500 and 600F on solutions of compounds having high neutron cross sections to evaluate their usefulness for shutdown purposes. The only compound tested which appeared to be completely stable in 600F water was boric acid. Limited corrosion data did not show it to cause excessive corrosion of zirconium or stainless steel.
Corrosion of Plutonium Alloys in NaK
A plutonium-aluminum alloy containing 4 atom per cent aluminum showed no attack after exposure to purified NaK for one month at 400 C in the absence of any oxide. The same specimen and other plutonium alloys, including pure plutonium, showed marked deterioration in shorter exposure in the presence of oxide films from a welded stainless steel container. Pure uranium was resistant even in the presence of such oxides.
Cost Study of a 100-Mw(e) Direct-Cycle Boiling Water Reactor Plant
Report issued by the Argonne national Laboratory discussing a technical and economic evaluation of a direct-cycle light-water boiling reactor designed for natural circulation and internal steam-water separation. The reference 100-Mw(e) reactor power plant design evolved from the study should have the best chance (compared to similar plants) of approaching the 8 to 9 mill/kwh total power-cost level. This report includes tables, and illustrations.
Critical Studies with G. E. Type Fuel Elements
The ZPR-I is a facility to study low power critical assemblies using enriched uranium as fuel, having a light water moderator and an essentially infinite water reflector on all sides. The fuel is held in elements 43" long with a 1" square cross section. Any of these elements may be placed in or removed from any position in the reactor tank. Thus, any desired core configuration may be easily obtained.
The Decomposition of Light and Heavy Water Boric Acid Solutions by CP-3' File Radiations
The behavior of light and heavy water solutions of boric acid toward pile radiations has been investigated as a function of boric acid concertation. A study has also been made of the effect of hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium iodide on the radiation stability of boric acid solutions.
Deposition of Corrosion Products by Cataphoresis
This report is a record of experimentation conducted intermittently over a period of two years and directed toward preventing deposition of transport corrosion products on fuel elements and other critical components in high-temperature, circulating water nuclear reactor. It includes the postulated mechanism for deposition, a description of experimental equipment, experimental data, results obtained from the experiments, and recommendations for future study.
Design and Testing of a High-Heat Flux Electron-Bombardment Heater
Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing the testing of an electron-bombardment heater. As stated in the abstract, "the applications of electron-bombardment heating to liquid-metal heat transfer and reactor safety experiments are discussed. The design of a high-heat-flux, electron-bombardment heater (EBH) is presented" (p. 7). This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.
Determination of Zirconium and Total Fluoride Ion in Zirconium - Hydrofluoric Acid Solutions
An analytical method has been developed for zirconium and fluoride ions in the system resulting from the dissolution of fuel elements in hydrofluoric acid. The method is based on determination of the density and electrical conductivity of the dissolved metal solution.
Development of a Process to Produce Zirconium Hanford Type Process Tubing by Roll Forming And Inert Arc Welding
The development of methods which were successful in producing zirconium Hanford type process tubing by roll forming and inert are welding (He) flat strip to which appropriate rails had ben previously attached by resistance welding is described in this report. Grade 2 drip arc melted crystal bar material was used.
The Development of Equipment and Methods for Centrifugally Casting Reactor Fuel Slugs
This technical report describes the design and construction of equipment and the development of methods for multiple mold, centrifugal casting of reactor fuel slugs. Advantages of the centrifugal casting method over the conventional fabrication methods were found to be (1) fewer operations, (2) fewer and more easily recovered residues, (3) less expensive equipment, and (4) the production of fuel slugs in shapes and in alloys not well adapted to other methods of manufacture. The method consisted of vacuum melting the alloy in stoppered crucibles and bottom pouring into a spinning rotor carrying 16 radially arranged copper molds. The castings so produced were used without further processing, except for cropping the sprue end to obtain the specified length.
Development of Zirconium Clad Uranium Plates for Reactor Fuel
In this investigation a method has been developed for production of Zrclad uranium plate based upon previous investigations at Argonne and Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and preliminary in investigations in their present work. The present preliminary investigations included experimental studies of the effect of interface atmosphere upon roll bonding and led to the conclusion that thin layers of air between bonding surfaces could be tolerated.
Differential Thermal Analysis of Irradiated Diamond and Silicon Carbide
It was demonstrated by differential thermal analysis (DTA) that: 1. Catastrophic amounts of energy can be stored in diamond. 2. Even at low irradiations, the release takes place over serval hundred degrees, indicating a spectrum of activation energies. 3. At higher irradiations, the stored energy release is considerably less than the increased energy contents and seems not to have been completely released even at the highest temperatures reached. 4. There is some indication of an increased heat capacity below the temperature of stored energy release. It was shown by DTA that large amounts of energy can be stored in silicon carbide on irradiation. The release was found to be spread out over a greater range of temperatures than in diamond and indicated a larger and higher group of activation energies. Catastrophic release was not achieved. The amount of stored energy released over the range of temperatures used was 140 cal/g in a sample irradiated in a water-cooled test hole at HEW for an exposure of 265 Mwd/aT.
Dimensional Stability of Uranium Powder Compacts Upon Thermal Cycling
Thermal cycling tests on uranium have shown that the dimensional changes that occur on cycling in the alpha range are directly related to both the texture of the material and its grain size: cold rolled rods generally elongate in the direction of rolling, while the same rods, after a beta-treatment, grow at rates several orders of magnitude lower. This considerable improvement by beta-treatment has been attributed to the texture randomization accompanying the heat-treatment. In the course of this heat-treatment, however, considerable grain growth occurs, which ahs the effect of causing surface roughening on cycling (also referred to as "bumping"); fine grained material generally retains a smooth surface. These observations led to the speculation that the most desirable structure in uranium, from standpoint of dimensional stability, is one that combines both a random texture and a fine grain size. Heat treatment of rolled rod offered no easy method to obtain such a product; powder metallurgical techniques, however, appeared ideally suited for the purpose. To this end, early in 1949, the Sylvania Electric Products Company initiated a program to develop suitable techniques for producing uranium powder compacts having the above-mentioned desired characteristics. Because of the availability of thermal cycling equipment at Argonne, the Metallurgy Division of the Laboratory has undertaken to evaluate the stability of the various experimental compacts produced in the developmental phases of the program. This report contains the results of these evaluations. The data in this report indicate that compacts of nearly theoretical density and fine grain size can be obtained by hot pressing uranium or uranium hydride powders in the high alpha temperature range.
Dissolution of Uranium Oxide Arising From Slug Failure
The purpose of this work was to study reagents which might be effective in dissolving uranium oxide produced during slug failures in water-cooled reactor systems. An aspect of this problem which has subsequently become of primary importance is the solubility or transportability of the oxide in pure water.
The EBWR: Experimental Boiling Water Reactor
Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing the Experimental Boiling Water Reactor (EBWR) power plant. Designs of the final EBWR power plant are presented. This report includes tables, illustrations, and photographs.
Eddy Current and Ultrasonic Testing of CP-6 Fuel Elements
The fuel element to be used in the Savannah River reactors is a natural uranium slug 1.00 in. in diameter and 8 in. long, encased in a 2S aluminum can 1.080 in. O.D. having a wall thickness of 0.035 in. The slug is bonded to the can with an aluminum silicon alloy, using the Hanford Al-Si process.
Effects of Metal Purity and Heat Treatment on the Corrosion of Uranium in Boiling Water
Corrosion rates of present reactor grade uranium were measured in boiling distilled water and were found to have higher values almost by a factor of two then previously reported corrosion rates of uranium. Mallinckrodt biscuit metal showed corrosion rates in the same medium somewhat lower than reactor grade uranium, and high purity metal prepared at Argonne National Laboratory corroded considerably less rapidly than the biscuit metal.
Effects of Preferred Orientation and Grain Size On Dimensional Stability of Uranium on Thermal Cycling and Irradiation : Final Report -- Metallurgy Program 5.1.7
The growth of alpha-rolled uranium rods on thermal cycling has been shown to depend on both preferred orientation and grain size. Preferred orientation appears to be a necessary condition for growth to occur; the extent of the growth depends upon the sharpness and type of texture developed and on the grain size. The highest growth rates occur in specimens with highly developed textures coupled with small grain sizes. The growth rates increase with cycling level, particularly in specimens of large grain size.
The Electrolytic Refining of Uranium
This technical report describes work done on the electrolytic refining of natural uranium in fused salt baths composed of various eutectics of alkali metal chlorides in which were dissolved UF, or UCl3.
Electronic Distribution Functions and Thermodynamic Properties at High Temperatures
Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing the thermodynamics and electronic distribution of high temperatures. As stated in the introduction, "in the present paper, a model for computing is described which takes into account in detail the interactions between bound electrons and the average interaction of the bound electrons with the free ones" (p. 4). This report includes tables, and illustrations.
Engineering, Construction and Cost of the Argonaut Reactor
Report describing the Argonaut Reactor located at the Argonne National Laboratory. Photographs and descriptive drawings of the reactor are included.
Engineering Development of Fluid-Bed Fluoride Volatility Processes: Part 5. Description of a Pilot-Scale Facility for Uranium Dioxide-Plutonium Dioxide Processing Studies
Report describing a pilot plant constructed at Argonne National Laboratory for studying two major process steps for the recovery of uranium and plutonium from spent nuclear fuels of power reactors. A major objective is the demonstration of optimum process conditions for the two steps for synthetic reactor fuel compositions, including those containing mixtures of inactive fission products.
Engineering Properties of Diphenyl
Report issued by the Argonne National Laboratory discussing engineering properties of diphenyl. As stated in the abstract, "data collected from the literature on the vapor pressure, enthalpy, liquid density, and vapor density of pure diphenyl are presented. A Mollier diagram, a temperature entropy diagram, and data on viscosity of diphenyl as a function of temperature are also presented" (p. 5). This report includes tables, and illustrations.
The Expulsion of Liquid from a Rapidly Heated Channel
Report documenting experiments in order to determine the "behavior of a partially confined liquid in contact with a rapidly heated surface" (p. 7). These liquids include water, methanol, ethylene bromide, and acetone.
Fabrication and Properties of Extruded Silver-Cadmium Control Rods
The production of cross-type control rods having a span of 4-7/8 in., and an arm thickness of 1/8 in., was studied. Extrusion techniques were developed for producing cross-type control rods from each of two alloys; one containing 75% silver-25% cadmium, and the other containing 67% silver-30% cadmium-3% copper. Fabrication of the extruded crosses into clad control rods for the Mark I naval reactor was attempted. A set of unclad control rods for the Zero Power Reactor was produced. The effect of copper, nickel, aluminum, palladium, and indium, singly and in various combinations, on the physical and mechanical properties of silver cadmium was studied. Data are given on the work hardening and annealing of binary silver-cadmium alloys, and on the precipitation hardening of certain complex silver cadmium alloys. A materials specification and suggested fabrication procedure were established for nickel-clad extruded silver-cadmium control rods.
The Fabrication of a Plutonium Helix for a Doppler Experiment
A helix constructed of plutonium was made to test the Doppler temperature effect in ZPR-III. The helix, 1 inch in diameter and 6-1/4 inches long, contained 240 grams of delta-phase plutonium alloy encapsulated in titanium tubing. Four plutonium rods were extruded, joined together, and pushed into a titanium tube. This tube was swaged tightly over the plutonium rod, and the assembly was wound into a coil. Electrical leads to the coil were made by swaging copper tubing over the ends of the coil. The helix was tested by cycling about 500 times between 50°C and 190°C. The coil was heated with a current of 130 amperes and cooled with a blast of chilled helium. (1) Several helices of uranium(2) were cycled during the same tests. Despite the severity of the thermal cycles, the helices were undamaged.
The Fabrication of Prototype Fuel Elements for the Experimental Boiling Water Reactor and the Experimental Breeder Reactor
The purpose of this program was to develop techniques and methods for producing fuel elements for the Experimental Boiling Water and Experimental Breeder Reactors. Methods for fabricating large tubes, flat plates, and small pins were investigated. The tube and plates contained U-5 w/o Zr-1.5 w/o Nb alloy and were designed for the EBWR. The pins contained U-2 w/o Zr alloy and were designed for the EBR. Cladding and end seal material of Zircaloy-2 was required for the water-cooled EBWR elements. Unalloyed zirconium was specified for cladding on the sodium-cooled EBR elements.
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