ANNUAL SUMMARY RESEARCH REPORT IN ENGINEERING FOR JULY 1, 1959-JUNE 30, 1960

Work was continued on the determination of size and distribution of dispersed phase droplets in a pulse column. The droplet behavior and dispersed phase hold-up in Yorkmesh packing was studied with an equilibrated system of methyl isobutyl ketone and water with the ketone phase dispersed. An investigation is being made of the recovery of copper and EDTA from rare-earth ion exchange wastes. The effect of vapor properties on entrainment from bubble cap trays is being investigated. The design, construction, and operation of forced convection loops for circulating liquid metals are reported. The corrosion of 430 stainless steel and 21/2% Cr-l% Mo steel by a liquid lead- bismuth eutectic is reported. The operation of a stainless-steel sodium-cooled liquid-metal condenser is described. The effect of ten additives, including V, Mg, Zr, and Ce in inhibiting the corrosion of stainless steel by lead-bismuth eutectic is being investigated. The current process for preparation of sodium ethyl sulfate is given. Single crystals of Zn, Sn, Pb, and AgCl were grown with a simple, low cost, Bridgman-type crystallizer. Tests were performed at 800 to 1000 deg C on Y, Nb, and Ta loops, circulating Th-Mg and U-Cr eutectics. Work on the development of electromagnetic pumps is reported. A new technique was developed for applying an impervious coating of glass to yttrium. (For preceding period see IS-16.) (W.L.H.