Mound Laboratory Progress Report for December, 1964 Page: 7 of 47
View a full description of this report.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
A detailed program for the preparation of krypton gas depleted it krypton-85 was prepared, including a
method of prtJictirg the krypton-85 content by using mass spectrometric analysis of the other stable
isotopes.
Xenon The six-stage cascaded thermal diffusion system with two swing units was restarted using fresh
fission feed.
Experiments using argon as the carrier gas in krypton-xenon separation by gas chromatography were per-
formed. The use of this gas is not recommended.
Thermal Diffusion Research The basic construction of the single-beam production apparatus was com-
pleted and preliminary runs were made to ascertain adjustment procedures. Adjustments are now being
made to produce a balanced detection system between the two opposed ionization gauge tubes. The dif-
ferential reading between these tubes is monitored on a dual-input recorder along with the corresponding
source pressure readout.
Transport coefficient measurements for neon and methane were obtained and compared with theory. The
agreement is good.
Helium Research A single run was made on the vapor pressure thermometry apparatus using unsaturated
helium-4 in the bulb and liquid helium-4 in the cooling baths. The discrepancy between Mound Laboratory
measurements of helium-3 and helium-4 vapor pressure corrections due to thermal transpiration and the
predictions of the Weber-Schmidt equation still cannot be resolved. Efforts are being made to check all
phases of these precise measurements in order to fully back up the experimental values.
ANALYTICAL AND INSTRUMENTATION
Neptunium Analysis Neptunium(V) can be separated from plutonium(IV), thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) by
a method of solvent extraction. The acidity of the nitric acid media should be less than 0.2,! in order to
obtain a separation of 99%. The neptunium is extracted with tri-n-octylphosphine oxide from if HNO, con-
taining ferrous sulfamate. The neptunium is measured by a spectrophotometric procedure using arsenazo to
develop a colored complex.
Cobalt Analysis A method for the spectrophotometric measurement of cobalt in plutonium metal was de-
veloped. A color reagent, nitroso-naphthol, which is specific for cobalt was used. Plutonium does not inter-
fere with the determination.
Analysis of Enriched Uranium-234 for Comparison Purposes An isotopic analysis of the uranium-234 con-
tent of a sample of enriched uranium was made according to a specified analytical method. The uranium-234
content was found to be 1.51 wt %. Alpha pulse height analysis of the sample gave a value of 0.98 wt %
uranium-234. Alpha pulse height analysis of NBS standard uranium (U,1O) gave 0.0053 wt % uranium-234,
as compared to a literature value of 0.0057 wt %.
Analysis of Stearic Acid in Silver Powder The stearic acid content of silver powder was determined by
a method of pyrolysis combined with gas chromatography using a silica gel column.4
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
EIchelberger, J.F.; Grove, G.R. & Jones, L.V. Mound Laboratory Progress Report for December, 1964, report, December 21, 1964; United States. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc930121/m1/7/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.