QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT ON LAMPRE PROGRAM FOR PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 20, 1960

A decision was made to begin fabrication for the initial core loading of LAMPRE-1 with capsules from the tantalum on hand. Fuel for the first loading will be the cast Fe--Pu alloy from LCX III capsules and will contain carbon and stabilizer. Certification and melt-freeze tests are continuing on LAMPRE type capsules. The filling of the reactor sodium system is described. The cover gas system operated satisfactorily during the sodium shakedown phase. Four of the 15 core thermocouples have operated improperly since the sodium system was filled. The capsule charges were operated to remove dummy capsules and insert tantalum capsules containing test coupons. The 2000-kw Sodium Test Facility, including test steam generator, was operated continuously from Aug. 20 to Nov. 20, except for l59 hr of shutdown required for maintenance of auxiliary steam system equipment. Mercury-water flow systems were set up and are being operated to study both lift and jet pumping. A second fuel pumping experiment using Co --Ce - -Pu fuel was set up and tried without success. The effects of various additives on the properties of Fe-Pu fuels are being studied. The fabrication of LAMPRE-1 capsules by impact-extruding a rod-slug into a starting cup followed by six ironing stages is described. Materials that were corrosion tested as fabricated capsules include arcmelted and electron-beann-melted high-purity tantalum and Ta-- 0.1 wt.% W alloy. Corrosion tests are in progress on experimental deep-drawn capsules made from Ta --0.1 wt. % W--0.2 wt. % Y. An x-ray fluorescence spectrographic method was developed for determining hafnium in Ta--Hf and Ta--W- Hf alloys. Work is in progress on the development of a solvent extraction method for the recovery of plutonium residues from various pyrometallurgical processes. (For preceding period see LAMS-2462.) (W.L.H.