HEALTH PHYSICS DIVISION ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING JULY 31, 1958
8 8 ( earch and development programs increased gradually the amount of activity released to local streams. Data on activity levels during 1950 to 1957 are tabulated. A process-waste-treatment plant was completed in August 1957. The plant utilizes gravimetric chemical feeding, flash mixing, coagulation, and sedimentation and has a capacity of 500,000 gal/day. Flexibility in design provides for recirculation of plant effluent, the return of preformed crystals, precipitation, and the addition of clay when necessary. An equalization basin with an operating capacity of 700,000 gal is provided to minimize fluctuations in chemical composition of the influent waste. A summary is presented of results for the first six months of operation. A schematic sketch of the plant and a flow diagram of the processwaste system are included. Studies were made on the geology and hydrology of the areas used for pit disposal of intermediate-level wastes. Monitoring activities are summarized, and the development of an improved well probe is reported. Observation wells were drilled in a proposed site for a new burial ground for solid wastcs. Data are tabulated from ecological studies conducted in areas contaminated by waste disposal operations. The bed of the former White Oak Lake, formerly used to impound low-level liquid wastes, and the forest areas immediately surrounding the radioactive waste pits were surveyed. The distribution of fission products was determined in the soil, plant, and animal components of these environments. Tbe physical and chemical properties of wastes were investigated, and a number of synthetic waste samples were prepared as references. Experiments on the fixation of high-level wastes by sintering are outlined. The experimental furnace and mixer assemblv, off-gas system, and equipment for thermal measurements and power control are described and illustrated. Data are included from preliminary studies. The proposed use of salt formations as a disposal medium for radioactive wastes is discussed. Criteria for site selection are outlined. Progress is reported in studies of problems related to the disposal of radioactive wastes into deep wells. Measurements were made during Operation Plumbbob of the angular distribution of gamma rays and fast neutrons, atienuation factors for two light-frame structures, air dose, and related measurements. Preliminary data are presented from an evaluation of the radiation protection afforded by residential structures against radiation from distributed sources, Studies were continued on the theoretical physics of dosimetry. Preliminary results are reported from neutron-dose studies in small phantoms, the interactions of electrons in gas, and calculations of intranucIear cascades. Design features and performance data are given for a small personnel dosimeter for beta and gamma radiation. The energy distribution of the electron flax was measured in several irradiated anil non-irradiated materials. Data are presented graphically. Measurements were made on the disappearance of enriched uranium from the lungs of dogs after inhalation of a uranium-235 oxide aerosol. A schematic sketch is included of an aerosol sampler designed to collect directly on an electron-microscope grid. Data are included from a study of factors affecting the tissue distribution of uranium-235, manganese-5254, and cesium-137 in mice. Maximum permissible concentration values were calcuIated for a number of radionuclides. Data are tabulated on the chemical composition of humsn tissues. The tlssues were analyzed by emission spectroscopy. flame photometry, neutron activation, and wet chemistry, Routine monitoring activities are summarized. Data on fall-out are pre
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-004604
- OSTI ID:
- 4282541
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL-2590
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-59
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ABSORPTION- ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION- FAST NEUTRONS- GAMMA RADIATION- MEASURED VALUES- MONITORING- PROJECT PLUMBBOB- RADIATION DOSES- RADIATION PROTECTION- RADIATION SOURCES
ACTIVATION ANALYSIS- FALLOUT- MEASURED VALUES- MONITORING- PHOTOMETRY- QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS- RADIATION PROTECTION- SPECTROSCOPY- TISSUES
AEROSOLS- CESIUM 137- DISTRIBUTION- DOGS- ELECTRON MICROSCOPY- LUNGS- MANGANESE 52- MANGANESE 54- MEASURED VALUES- MICE- MONITORING- RADIATION PROTECTION- SAMPLING- TISSUES- URANIUM OXIDES- URANIUM 235
ANIMALS- COAGULATION- CRYSTALS- ENVIRONMENT- FISSION PRODUCTS- FURNACES- GASES- GEOLOGY- HYDROLOGY