Unclassified Fields or Topics of Research in Atomic Energy at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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UMCLASSIFIED FIELDS OR TOPICS OF RFSEARCH IM ATOMIC ENERGY AT THE OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

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UNCLASSIFIED FIELDS OR TOPICS OF RESEARCH IN ATOMIC ENERGY AT 'J3B OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY The unclassified fields of research at ORNL proposed in this report include work being performed at both the Y-12 and X-10 sites. AEC approval of these fields of research as unclassified will be interpreted as granting permission to the Laboratory to issue reports on the outlined subjects as "Unclassified" and, in general, to treat all information re-- lating to these subjects, within the limitations specffied, as "UnclassfFurther, permission is requested from the AEC to treat any previously declassified and published information, whether specifically mentioned En this report o r not, as "Unclassified." All reports to be issued as "Unclassified" will be approved 'by -&e Central Review Board (E. J. Murphy, Chairman) at the Laboratory.

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UNCLASSIFIED FIELDS OR TOPICS OF RESEARCH IN ATOMIC EmERGY AT TRE OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY PROPOSED IIFJCLASSIFIED FIELDS OF RESEARCH IN ANALY'I'ICAL CHEMISTRY. I "1 Research and Development on Radiochemical ProcedUres....oDOPOoO.O1~ Research and Development on Ionic Analytical Research and Development on Instrumental Methods of Analysiso.Vo.2 Research and Development on Spectrochemical Analytical Pro-

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont'd) *PROPOSEDUNCLASSIFIED FIELDS OF RESEARCH IN HELILTH PHYSICS.oo~.o.oo~ll Research and Development Related to Instrumentation for the Detection and Measurement of Radioactive kllterials or Ionizing Radiations O...OVD.seO................... Interaction of Radiation with Matter o.........V..o..............12 Airborne Radioactive Materials, Including ParticulateE"o~.0000013 Detection and Measurement of Radioisotopes in the Human Permissible Doses of Various Radiations and Probable Biological Effects of Chronic or Critical Overdosages...9Q ..14 Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Wastes eaeea L1 14

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TJlVXASSIFIED FIELDS OR TOPICS OF RESMCH IM ATOMIC ENERGY AT TRE OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY Proposed Unclassified Fields of Research In Analytical Chemistry The analytical chemistry of all elements of atomic number below90 shall be considered unclassified except as restricted by Topic 10-213 as interpreted in Declassification Bulletin No. 2, January 20, 1949. Analytical procedures for such elements w i l l be considered classified only when they are not common knowledge and are critical to the operation and control of a classified process. Io Research and Development on Radiochemical Procedures - S I A. Reynolds Work in this field includes the following types of pro3lems: - A . Study of chemical separation of radioisotopes. & B. Study of nuclear pro.perties of radioisotopes for analytical PUPposes. This includes tjtudies of decay schemes, energy of radfa-. C. Study of radiation measuring techniques including effects of aelfResearch and Development on Ionic Analytical Procedures - C o Do Susano, Study of activation analysis as a? analytical toolo zlhis field includes the development of analytical prbcedures involving conventional gravimetric and volumetric techniques for many types of mate- . rials, such as metals and alloys, ores, etc. Also included is the adapta- +don of such methods to the analysis of highly radioactive materials except as restricted in t h e topics mentioned above.

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111. Research and Development on Instrumental Methods of Analysis - This field includes the development of analytical methods involving physical measurements using such instruments as spectrophotometers, potentiometric devices including automatic titrators, pola~ographs,conductivity meters, and many others. This especially includes the apglication of these methods to highly radioactive materials such as radioIV. Research and Development on Spectrochemical Analytical Procedures-- This field includes the application of emission spectroscopy to chemical analysis of various materials of laboratory int.erest including metals and alloys, radioisotope preparations, and ct.hers. .. Proposetl Unclassified Fields of Research in Biology A l l biological, medical, and health studies, excludfog wcrk on elements of atomfc number 90 or above, are tc be unclassified. When, in the course of biological investigations, use is made of classifled materials or methods, then the classification is determined by the classification of these materials or nethod?* Research in this field is concerned prim&rily with the eyto1ogic:al detection of chromosomal aberrations and the genetic detection of both gene mutations and chromosomal changes rasultlng from the exposure of

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11. Pathology and Physiology - Jacob Furth Research in .this field is concerned with the following subjects: A . The effects of slow neutrons on survival, physiological and body changes, especially on cataract formation. The development of new methods for the detection of radiation effects on blood volume and other functions of the body with the help of isotopes Study of lukemias and ovarian tumors induced by radiation. Study of toxicity of C14, especially change8 appearing a long The general field of research in this laboratory consists of the folStudies on the physiology and biochemistry of micro-organisms with the aid of carbon isotopes. Included in this general field are studies concerning bacterial enzyme systems; radiochemical methodology of C14; bioorganic and physical chemical aspects of organic compounds and systems encountered in the biochemical phases of research. A. The effects of radiation on intra- and extracellular proteolytic B.. The effects of radiation on the metabolism and physical chemistry of nucleic acids and nucleo proteins. Studies on crystalline enzymes and synthetic substrates. Studies on activity of tissue extracts.

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C. The development of new methods for the detection and analysis of the breakdown products of nucleic acids. The group working on radiation effects on paramecia ha6 as its primary aim the study of the action of radiation on the cytoplasm and a comparison of this action with that on the nucleuso The cytoplasmic changes which are of most interest to the group are those which involve cytoplasmic elpents concerned with inheritance. the animals and analyze by biological techniques the effects produced.- rent investigations are concerned with effects of different types of ionizing radiation on the above phenomena. The procedure is to irradiate The problems which are now being investigated by this section involve: B. Problems in connection with radioactive manganese. Permeability studies on erythrocytes using radioactive potassium. Problems in connection with photosynthesis and the development of the ultra-violet microscope for cytological work, and the effects of radiation on bacteriophage are being investigatedThe following projects are currently active: A. Studies of the metabolism and physiology of plants, using unclassified radioisotopes as tracers. 1. These studies w i l l involve the use of such radioisotopes as C14, P3*, S35, and isotopes of the more common elements.

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B. Production and isolation of labeled biochemicals from plants, yeast, and other micro-organisms. CI4 will be used in most of 1. Nuclear and Chemical Properties of the Heavy Elements and of ChemiThe basic chemistry of all elements of atomic number below 90 if not restricted 'by l.OC+210and Table A o f 'theDeclassification Guide ahall be of all elements are not inclufied in the aboveu Analyttcal procedures and technological chemistry The present prcgram in this field is a8 fol.l.owo: A. Ckemistry of heavy elements in solution an4 comparative studiea with analogous elements. 11. Nuclear and Chemical Properties of Elements in the Fission Product y Basic cheniistry of the fission products, identification and characteri- &''\ zation of the ffssion Froducts, except neutron physics of classified subThe prog?x%n presently under way in this field involves study of the Neu%ron cross sections of the unclassified fission pxducts. ShoPt-lived, high energy fission products, their isolation, identification, decay scheme, etc. Also, decay schemes in some other cases, toeu, fission products. C. The chemical pilot plant separation and purification of individual fission products

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Characteristic decay schemes, radiation energies, half-lives, etc. of The present program in this field may be outlined as follows: Characteristics of radioisotopes in general. Characteristics of Elements 43 and 61. The organic group is engaged in work on the chemistry of organic compounds containing carbon 14. Four general problems are under consideration: A. Synthesis of low molecular weight Intermediate6 containing carbon l b O Synthesis of complex materials containing carbon 14. Study of reaction mechanisms with carbon 14, including degradative Do Development of analytical methods for compounds prepared within Basic chemistry of specific radioisotopes of atomic number less than 90, except that f&ormation regarding the large-scale production of specific radioactive fission products and the technology of classified materials shall be considered as classified. Motivation for project interest and the possibility of large-scale separation shall not be disclosed. The following problems in this field are presently under consideration: Rare earth and fission product separations on a high activity scale. Preparation of pure rare earths.

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D. Electrochemfcal separation of fission products. Extra-nuclear physics arid basic chemistry of elements of atomic number less than 90 shall be considered unclassified. The following program 113now in effect; C. Molecular bean experiments in chemical kinetics, including analysia Determination of nuclear spins by mlcrowavs techniques. Molecular spectre of haavy (lass than 90) and rare earth Olt?mntS. by neutron activation. Determination of the energy of 'decay of nuclear reactions by caloriDetermination of crystal structure by neutron diffraction. The chemistry of specific elements as it relates to the processes involved in the electromagnetic separation of stable isotopes, except that the chemistry of elements of atomic number 90 or greater Ehall remain clessiThe following activities are included in this field: A . The procurement and preparation of calutron charge materials which will be satisfactory for electromagnetic separation" The quantitative recovery from the calutron of expensive and rare materials whlch are more economically recovered than procured. The recovery of enriched isotopes from the collectors, their conversion to satisfactory inventory forms, and chemical purification for use in research of an exact natureo

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D. The conversion of these purified isotopes to compounds suitable for mass spectrometric analysis. E. The processing of isotopes returned by users so that they are suitF. The fundamental chemistry of hafnium, zirconium, gallium, the rare earths, and other elements having stable isotopes. The fundamental chemistry of uranium, except that classified process applications shall not be disclosed. The following programs art under way: 1. Composition and stability constants of complex uranium ions. 2. Solubilities of various uranium compounds. 3. Measurement of other properties of uranium solutions and Classified information would arise only in cases where process applications were strongly suggested, as for instance, discoveries of new extraction or precipitation agents. B. Anion exchange process in relation to uranium chemistry. 1. Fundamental properties of resins. 2. Use of resins to determine the composition of uranium complex I IX. Chemical Separation of Isotopes - W. M. Leaders The investigation and development of chemical methods for the separation of the isotopes of elements having an atomic number below 90 shall be unclassified provided that release of the infomation does not reveal any clessified motivation or project interest.

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A . Study of methods. Application of chelating agents to chemical exchange.R e UnClassIfied topics in this field will be restrfcted to the folloving items and will not.permit disclosure of motivation of interest or process A. Radiation effects on chemical compowds such as water, aqueous solutions, organic substances and salts. Combination of hydrogen and oxygen. Explosion limfts and pressures of various mixtures of hydrogen, oxygen, and steam. Fundamental behavior of thermal- and catalytic combiners.2. C. Fused salt systems" Any information on tenprsture - composition diagrams of seits of elements below atomic number 90. In this field the following activities are currently befng pwsued: B o Electronic instrument development. menta of atomic nmber less than 90 and high temprature phase

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The testing of pumpe, valves, filter e, hoodGy Jets, and similar equipment shell be unclassified except that classified motivations for testing shall not be dieclosedo Studles of decontamination methods of inttreet to radiochemical laborat o r i e s shall be ur?c:laseifiado This does not include methods of decontaminat i o n of mflitary GF normal civilian equipment which has been fntentfonally contaminated by military actionp

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The scope of this problem includes the treatment of waste gases, liquids, and solids that are contaminated with radioactive isotopes. Both chemical and engineering stuaies are included in this programo Specific studies include: A. Decontamination o f air using filters, olectroetatic precipitators The concentration an8 decontamination of liquid waste by means of evaporation, ion exchange, cryetalllzatlcn, etc. The incineration of combustible solid waste to effect volume reClasoificatlon will be required when the information presented reflects the technology involved in classified areas of research. The scope of this problem is to evaluate the ion exchange resins on the basis of their chemical and physical characteristics. will be required only when the evaluation technique reflects technology in classified areas; for example, elements above atomic nlmber 89 or those having military significance. A l l work directed toward tke protection of personnel from ionizing radiations shall be unclassified except as it utilizes classified information or as it deals specifically with classified materials or with

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further mention, to each of the fields of unclassified work in health These exceptions are understood to apply, without physics described below. I. Research and Development Related to Instrumentation for the Detection and Measurement of Radioactive Materials or of Ionizing Radiations - A. The development of instruments for the detection and/or measurement of various types of radiation, with reference to one or more of the following characteristics: 2. Minimum energy dependence. 5. Convenience in use. 6 . Economy of production. 7. Versatility of application. The development of instrumentation for the detection and/or measurement of the activities of radioisotopes in air, water, or other materials; on surfaces; o r isolated and collected for the purpose. Maximum longevity with minimum maintenance requirements. Dependability and mer-all accuracy. Instrumentation characteristics of interest may be selected from the list given in the preceding paragraph. 1. Basic principles of detection of radiation, primarily for application to problems of instrument development.

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2. Interaction of radiation with simulated or phantom body tis6ues, t o assist in the evaluation of radiation damage to tissue under Experimental work which might provide a basis for a more effective theoretical approach too items 1 or 2 of this paragraph. Application of lhysical principles and mathematical methods to the categories listed in 11-A above. Development.anduse of airborne equipment t o locate natural $ourcea of uranium or thoriumu Development and use of equipment to det>ermlnethe pattern of'distribution of airborne radioactive contamination from a giver. AEC instalStudies of variation and ranges in magnitude of natural radioactive contents of air, water, and earth" IV. Airborne Radioactive Materials, Including Particulates 5. K. Richards, A . Methods for studying properties of such materials. B a Methods of Controlling movement of radioactive gases and particulates. C. Methods of removing radioactive materials from air or surfaces. V. Detection and Measurement of Radioisotopes in the E m n Body - A . The development of methods of isolation from body fluids and quantitative measurements of activities of radioisotopeso

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B. The developnreot of any other methods for detecting or estimating quantities of radioisotopes within the bodyD C. Developmect of methods of estimating exposure t o neutrons from a study of the induced radioisotopes ir, the body. VI. Permissible Doses of Various Radiations and Probable Bfologfcal Effects of Chronic or Critical Overdosages - K. 2. Morgan Critical surveys and applications of existfng relevant radiological, biological, chemfcal, and physical information; and encouragement of laboratories within and without the AEC to acqui.re experimentally Euch needed VII. Disposal of Radioactive Liquid Wastes - R o J" Morton Included in thts field is all …