Consolidated fuel-reprocessing program. Quarterly progress report for the period ending November 30, 1980

Large-scale crushing and burning tests of fuel received from the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) have identified differences in processing characteristics. The NO/sub x/ converter experimental tests continued this quarter in the GA off-gas system. The dependence of nitric oxide conversion efficiency on ammonia and oxygen concentrations has been determined. An optimum ratio of ammonia to nitric oxide was identified in terms of the conversion factor for nitrix oxide. No residual ammonia was detected downstream of the NO/sub x/ converter. Design of the radon source subsystem and fabrication of the radon source assembly and shielded radon source containment were completed. Second-thorium-cycle column tests confirm the feasibility of producing thorium product having acceptably low uranium contents. Two axial mixing tests were completed on the thorium extraction section. The Mott inertial filter tests continued. The dissolution rate of HTGR fuel spheres is speeded by a factor of three by using an airlift acid recirculator to improve ThO2-dissolvent contact. The FRG HTGR fuel spheres dissolve a factor of three more slowly than the sol-gel derived ThO2 spheres. The task group completed a thorium transfer kinetics comparison of alternative solvents. Hydrolysis studies were started on alternative solvents