GOVERNMENT

1 Verdict on N e w Atomic Plants |

1 Project

1 Second round reactors i (plants for public power companies) !

1 Third round reactors

I Plutonium recycle reactor

1 Natural uranium reactor

1 Plutonium dual-purpose reactor

Appropriation 1 [ (millions) 1

$98

30

4

3

2

AEC Finally Gets Its Money Congress votes $ 2 . 2 billion for AEC; money for third round atomic p o w e r p r o g r a m bare ly escapes a x

JNI EARLY TWO M O N T H S after the start

of the new fiscal year, the Atomic En­ergy Commission got the money it needs to run the program. Last week Congress approved the AEC appropria­tions bill and President Eisenhower signed it into law.

For operations in fiscal 1958, Con­gress voted AEC $2.2 billion. This is about $200 million less than AEC asked for, but the savings are more apparent than real. Most of the cut represents commitments postponed until 1959.

After the prolonged battle over atomic projects finally approved in AEC's authorization bill (C&EN, Sept. 2, page 108) , it seemed as if all the is­sues had been settled. But the House Appropriations Committee h a d other ideas on t he subject.

• Nebulous Program. Missing from the bill reported by the Appropriations Committee was $30 million previously authorized for AEC's third round power program. Rep. W. Sterling Cole (R.-N.Y.) immediately offered an amendment to p u t back the $30 mil­lion. AEC has already started negoti­ating with four companies, he said. Without the money, the program will collapse.

But Rep. Clarence Cannon (D.-Mo.), chairman of the Appropriations Com­

mittee, was adamant. Said Rep. Can­non, "This item is for a nebulous pro­gram. The committee does not ap­propriate a dollar unless it knows what it is for." AEC, Rep. Cannon said, should be treated like any other govern­ment agency. "Just as soon as they give us a definite plan, we will provide the money."

Rep. Cole argued that the plans had to be nebulous because the whole pro­gram is experimental. Other members accused the Appropriations Committee of trying to undo the work of the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy which had approved the money. After an hour of acrimonious debate , the amend­ment passed, and the $30 million was restored.

• Other Changes. The Appropria­tions Committee made other cuts in the atomic program. Funds for the dual purpose reactor at Hanford were cut from $3 million to $2 million; money for the plutonium reactor was cut from $15 million to $4 miUion. Reason for the cuts, Rep. Cannon said, is that AEC will not be able to spend any more on these projects in the current fiscal year. These changes met no opposition.

For research on development of a large-scale fast breeder reactor, such as the controversial Power Reactor De­

velopment Corp . project, $1.5 million was appropriated. But AEC is forbid­den to charge this sum against the PRDC contract. Said Rep. Louis C. Rabaut (D.-Mich. ) , "Congress is not endorsing or implying approval of the existing contract with PRDC."

Now AEC h a s the money to carry out the peaceful atomic program. Il also has a Congressional mandate for a number of projects it opposes. Chances are that AEC's performance on the un­popular projects will loom large when Congress takes up the appropriation bill next year.

Oil Import Hearings Set Oil importers want changes in the

Government's oil import program. Re­acting to the Administration program for voluntary cuts in oil imports, four of the 22 companies affected are asking public hearings "for correction of in­equities." More may follow suit soon. M. V. Carson, Jr., administrator of the program, says hearings will start Sep­tember 10. Kach complaint will be heard individually.

In the face of skyrocketing oil im­ports, the Administration last month asked for voluntary curbs on crude oil brought into t h e U. S. through the first half of 1958 (C&EN, Aug. 12, page 44 ) . Importers were asked to hold the line at 12% of domestic production— nearly 2 3 % under what the companies had scheduled. A formula was set up for companies new in the import busi­ness. Backing up the voluntary pro­gram was a h in t of mandatory quotas if imports continued up .

Then came a flood of protests. One of the first came from Tidewater Oil, facing a 60% cut in imports under the formula. Calling the formula "highly discriminatory," Tidewater is asking for a hearing "to make a reasonable ad­justment."

Standard Oil of Indiana, too, says the formula i s discriminatory and is asking for a hear ing. It points out that Standard complied with previous re­quests to restrict imports and so shows unusually low figures for the years on which the formula is based. Sun Oil flatly states i t cannot comply. The program, says Sun, is contrary to anti­trust laws.

Nine companies, though, say they will not exceed the recommended vol­ume. Among them is Gulf, probably the hardest h i t of the importers.

Carson says the program is off to an encouraging start. "I am convinced

3 2 C & E N SEPT. 9, 1 9 5 7

ADVERTISEMENT—This entire page is ο paid advertisement Prepared by U. S. Industrial Chemicals Co.

U.S.I. CHEMICAL NEWS September A Series for Chemists and Executives of the Solvents a n d Chemical Consuming Industries 1957

Protein Nutrient Balance Stressed in Newly Revised

Study of Amino Acids The role of amino acids in maintaining

protein quality in poultry and livestock is given special emphasis in the fourth edition of "Proteins and Amino Acids in Animal Nutrition", by Dr. H. J. Almquist. recently published by U.S. Industrial Chemicals Co.

Considerably revised and expanded, the 32-page reference work includes information on the latest research in the field of amino acids. Tables on the amino acid composi­tion of common poultry feedstuffs have been enlarged, and several pages have been devoted to the effects on protein quality of heat treating soybean meal.

Copies of this useful reference work can be obtained from U.S.T. sales offices or by writing to the Editor. U.S.I. Chemical News.

Field Ion Microscope Uses "Matter Waves"

T o Visualize Atoms A new instrument called a field ion micro­

scope substitutes the incredibly short waves associated with atomic nuclei for those of visible light to resolve the images of atoms in metals.

In principle the microscope is a very sim­ple device, resembling a TV tube. It has a fluorescent screen and a fine tungsten needle corresponding to the electron gun that paints the picture on the TV screen.

A high voltage strips helium atoms of their electrons, and their nuclei then drift to the point of the needle. A powerful elec­tric field applied between the tip of the needle and a second electrode in the tube hurls "matter waves" associated with the nuclei against the screen. Here the atomic pictures appear at a magnification of 10 million diameters.

The technique is presently limited to the study of hard, simple metals, but these may serve as models for the study of others.

Molded Polyethylene Drums Pass Army Chemical Corps

Rough-Handling Tests Polyethylene Containers i n Steel Overpacks Promise Easier,

Safer Handling and Storing of Corrosive and Sensitive Materials A series of rough-handling evaluation tests of four types of overpacks carried

out by the Army Chemical Corps indicates that containers of molded poly­ethylene in steel overpacks can reduce the costly breakage often experienced in shipping corrosive and sensitive materials.

Breakage sometimes exceeds 10% when material of this kind is shipped in boxed carboys and carboy bottles. This can

Defense Needs Help Define Role of Chemical Industry

The chemical industry's awareness of defense needs is important to its own pros­perity and the nation's survival, it was pointed out at a recent meeting of the Chemical Buy­ers Group of the National Association of Pur­chasing Agents.

This awareness is important to the indus­try, because new military uses for chemicals often point to profitable commercial appli­cations.

It is important to national survival in case of attack, since much of the defense program depends upon continued produc­tion of chemicals for military equipment and civilian supplies. Awareness of recov­ery plans for industry will aid i n a faster return to production and orderly flow of materials to defense programs, a government spokesman said.

The chemical industry is being encour­aged to plan for continuity of management, to store plant designs, production tech­niques, research data, and other essential records, and to provide for plant disaster control.

be reduced considerably by polyethylene packaging according to a recent article in "Armed Forces Chemical Journal" by Kenneth D. Brunelli. Chemical Warfare Laboratories, Army Chemical Center, Md.

Used 1 8 D r u m s I n Var ious Sizes To make its evaluation the Army Chemi­

cal Corps used eighteen molded polyethyl­ene drums in 55-, 30-, 15-, and 5-galion sizes, encased in overpacks. These overpacks were open-flange steel drum, solid-head steel drum, open-flange plywood drum, and wirebound crate. Also included were two molded poly­ethylene drums without overpacks.

Tests were conducted according to the standard procedures of the Chemical Corps for material for this use, and consisted of (1) a two hour vibration test, performed on all plywood overpacks and half of the steel and wirebound overpacks; (2) a six foot free fall onto concrete; (3) an incline-im­pact test, performed on the overpack units only; and (4) a leakage test. All containers were filled with water to 9 8 % of capacity.

Polyethylene Units Showed High D e g r e e of Burs t S t r eng th

Polyethylene units without overpacks showed a high burst strength. They withstood the drop test, including a drop onto a 4 χ 4 timber from a BHg/Λ·!; height of over six feet.

Polyethylene Drum in Steel Overpack Reduces Breakage

These are representative v iews of combinat ion containers fo l ­lowing rugged tests by A r m y Chemical Corps. (A) Five-gallon molded polyethylene drum tested wi thout overpack is still intact af ter dri>p. fB) Thir ty-gal lon polyethylene drum with open-f lange steel overporck is still intact fo l lowing a six-foot drop on

a 4 " χ 4 " timber. The leak that developed at plastic plug closure w a s readily stopped b y tightening closure. (C) The drum of 55-gal lon capacity with p lywood overpack splintered f o l ­lowing d iagonal drop. (D) Drum in wirebound crate is still serviceable after three drop tests.

ADVERTISEMENT—This entire page is a paid advertisement Prepared by U. S. Industrial Chemicals Co.

September U.S.I. CHEMICAL NEWS 1957

CONTINUED Polyethylene

Drums The polyelhylene drum? in combination

with the st«M*l oxerpacks jiave the host pro­tection to their contents, the report said. These overpack? wre . however, deformed during the tests.

All of the plastic drums in the steel over-packs came through undamaged except for one S-gallon size, which was punctured by the steel handle of its overpack.

The plywood and wirebound crate over-packs splintered under the rough usage, and the nails and staples of the plywood over-packs punctured the plastic.

Although leaks developed at the plastic plug closures following the drop tests, the leaks were stopped in every case by simply tightening the closure.

Structural Failure Noted Only in One Of the twenty polyethylene drums tested,

structural failure was noted in only one — a split along the top rim of a 30-gallon drum with plywood overpack.

As a result of these tests, it is reported that the Chemical Corps has recommended consideration of polyethylene drums in steel overpacks to replace glass or ceramic liners in rigid shipping containers for corrosive and sensitive materials that are compatible with polyethylene.

New V.S.I. Data Sheets On Organo-Aluminum

Compounds Available Data on four new organo-aluminum com­

pounds, now available from U.S.I, in pilot plant quantities, are contained in recently published technical data sheets. The proper-tiei of ethylaluminum and methylaluminum sesquichlorides. trimethyl and triethyl alumi­num are described in four separate sheets.

The sesquichlorides are not true chemical compounds but mixtures of alkyl aluminum dichlorides and dialkyl aluminum chlorides.

Trimethyl and triethyl aluminum are being tested as ignitors and fuels for jet engines. The entire group also shows possibilities as polymerization catalysts and as intermediates for chemical synthesis.

Titanium and Zirconium Studied for Surgical Uses

Titanium and zirconium have received more and more attention as materials for special surgical appliances, according to re­cent literature.*

Treatment of simple fractures is reputedly successful using titanium in a multiple plate technique without plaster immobiliza­tion. Tests on laboratory animals indicate that biological tolerance is high.

In one reported test, titanium discs were inserted into muscle, and the reaction com­pared with controls of tantalum, sterling silver and phosphobronze. After seven months the titanium was found to be inert and en­closed with a fibrous tissue capsule.

Lightweight, ductile zirconium has been tested for suturing, pegs, screws, and skull plates. Zirconium compares well with tan­talum, it was said, causing no measurable reaction in muscle fascia, bone, or brain, and proved superior to silver. Hemostatic brain clips of zirconium can be flattened more uniformly and hold better than those made of tantalum.

In general, comparisons between tantalum and silver and stainless steel on the one hand, and titanium and zirconium on the other, reveal net advantages for the latter two in terms either of corrosion resistance, weight, elasticity, ductility, or cost.

*Rt>fvrenr*>* Surgery, 3 9 : 470-3 i1956) ; Surg. Gynecol, and Obst., 87 . 212 ( 1948); Jour. ISeuro. Surgery. 5 : 359-363 (1948); Jour. IS'euro. Surgery, 5 : 342-348 (1948); Surg. Gyn. & Obst., 7 1 : 598 {1940); J. Bone and Joint Surgery, 3 3 - A : 473 (1951).

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Information about manujacturrrs of these items may be obtained by writing U. S* I.

An antiseptic coating material can be applied to objects which are handled by the public but seldom, washed. It is applied by dipping, spray­ing or brushing, is useful for many personal articles as well. No. 1271

Continuous sodium dispersion technology is de­scribed in a new USI brochure. Contains latest information on time-saving continuous prepara­tion of dispersers. No. 1272

A strippable coating is available as a protec­tion for metals and other surfaces against alkali and acid solutions, plating solutions, etc. Can be sprayed, brushed or rolled on. Thick coating is reusable. No. 1273

Three controlled-viscosity release agents for rub­ber and plastic molding and for die casting of certain alloys have been developed. They are said to be odorless, smokeless, non-corrosive, non-tcxic. No. 1274

An aerosol dispenser for gibberellin, a new plant growth stimulant, has been developed. A glass vial with a metered valve provides measured dosages, is said to be both convenient and accurate. No. 1275

New developments in laboratory equipment now commercially available include corrosion testers, refrigerated centrifuges, stainless steel refriger­ators, test cabinets, magnetic stirrers. No. 1276

The technology of liquid metals is discussed in a recent collection of papers now on sale in book form. The work deals with many aspects of the subject from the standpoint of the chemical engi­neer- No. 1277

3For joining, filling, cladding, and surfacing masonry materials, three new plastic compounds are available. A brochure describes properties

„ „ Λ r,i„~<, < „ „ * „ . . „ * ; — _, j o r t n e i r

No. 1278

are available. A uiuwiuic ν̂ ο̂<_χυ̂ σο yiupumcs of the compounds and gives instructions for their use. "*" <~—»

Simple castings for atomic shields can be made from a new polyethylene-lead compound. The ratio of polyethylene to lead is variable for effec­tive shielding against specific types of radia­tions. No. 1279

The making of glass-reinforced epoxy impressions is discussed in a new booklet. Applications of this widely used system are found in metalwork-ing and model and pattern reproduction fields.

No. 1280

PR Ο D U G Τ S O F

POLYETHYLENE RESINS: PETROTHENE® 100 Series—high quality resins for uses demanding outstand­

ing properties. PETROTHENE 200 Series—general purpose resins for extrusion, injection,

compression molding and paper coating. PETROTHENE 300 Series—resins for wire covering and electrical insulation

applications.

OTHER PRODUCTS: Alcohols: Ethyl (pure and all denatured formulas). Normal Butyl, Amyl,

Fusel O i l ; Proprietary Denatured Alcohol Solvents SOIOX&, FILMEX®, ANSOL® M, ANSOL® PR.

Inorganic Chemicals: Ammonia, Caustic Soda, Chlorine, Metallic Sodium, Sodium Peroxide, Sulfuric Acid.

Esters, Ethers and Ketones: Normal Butyl Acetate, Diethyl Carbonate, Diethyl Oxalate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ether, Acetone.

Intermediates and Fine Chemicals: Acetoacetarylides, Ethyl Acetoacetate, Ethyi Benzoylacetate, Ethyl Chloroformate, Ethylene, Ethyl Sodium Oxalacetate, Sodium Ethylate solution, Urethan USP (Ethyl Carbamate).

Animal Feed Products: Calcium Pantothenate, Choline Chloride Products, Curbay B-G® 80, Special Liquid Curbay®, D>.-Methionine, Niacin USP, Riboflavin Concentrates, Vitamin B12 and Antibiotic Feed Supplements, Vacatone® 40, Vitamin A, D3 and K3 Products, Antioxidant (BHT) Products.

Pharmaceutical Products: DL-Methionine, N-Acetyl-UL-Methionine, Riboflavin USP, Urethan USP, intermediates.

NDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS CO. Division of National Distillers and Chemical Corporation

9 9 Park Avenue, N e w York 16, Ν. Υ.

U.S.L SALES OFFICES

At lanta · Balt imore · Boston · Buffalo · Ch icago · C inc innat i C leve land · Dal las · Detroit * Houston · I nd ianapo l i s · Kansas C i t y ,Mo . Los Angeles · Louisvi l le · Minneapol is · Nashv i l le · N e w Or leans New York · Philadei >hia β Pittsburgh · Por t land, O r e . · St. Louis Salt Lake Ci ty · San Francisco · Seatt le

ft8ài£P«l

GOVERNMENT

that the voluntary program can be made to operate successfully."

Treasury Acts on Tariffs Treasury officials now say the 1956

Customs Simplification Act cannot be put into effect before next year. Their latest guess follows release last week of a list of materials that will be ex­empted from the new system of figuring the value of imports. At least 90 days is required to obtain a final list. Fur­ther delays in the Treasury, beyond the legal terms, also seem unavoidable.

Although Congress passed the Cus­toms Simplification Act a year ago, it will not be used until after the Treas­ury determines what U. S. industries will suffer from the new valuation sys­tem (C&EN, July 23 , 1956, page 3561). To do this, the Customs Bureau must compute, item by item, thousands of valuations: One for each product based on foreign market value (old system) and another on export price (new system ).

If the new system gives a dutiable value more than 5% below the old, the material will not be subjected to the simplified method. Instead, it will be valued by the higher price according to current practice.

After a year's work on these com­parisons, the Treasury finds about 800 items that can be exempted. Some 268 coal tar chemicals plus medicinals and industrial chemicals are included on its preliminary list. These items, how­ever, cover less than 10% of U. S. coal tar chemical imports in 1954. Not more than 2% of imported industrial chemicals are listed.

Under the new law, industry is al­lowed 60 days to suggest additions to the Treasury's list.

Potomoc Postscript • Cure for the "sick" coal industry recommended by the House Sub­committee on Coal Research is large doses of R&D. Under the committee plan, a Coal Research and Development Commission would try to find new uses for coal and economies in production and distribution. Subcommittee chair­man Ed Edmondson (D.-Okla.) also wants Congress to revise deple­tion allowance rates if it acts on the committee program next year.

HORTOniPHERE Keeps a "firm hand"on Anhydrous Ammonia in Storage

Designed for working pressures up to 75 lbs . per sq. in., t he 15,000-bbl. Hortonsphere® above is used to s tore anhydrous am­monia a t the Curry Chemical Company, Funk:, Nebraska. This CB&I welded steel s t ruc ture is designed to wi ths tand internal pressure and will not allow contents to escape as long as the sett ing of the pressure relief valves are not exceeded. Th i s Hortonsphere is also insulated and refrigerated to further gua rd against the loss of the stored anhydrous ammonia.

Write today for further information or est imates on Horton-spheres. They are available in sizes to 30,000 bbls . and in pressures to 217 lbs. per sq. in. in the smaller sizes.

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company Atlanta · Birmingham · Boston · Chicago · Cleveland · Detroit · Houston

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Plants in BIRMINGHAM, CHICAGO, SALT LAKE CITY and GREENVILLE, PA.

S E P T . 9, 1 9 5 7 C & E N 35

(βΙ

15,000-bbl. Hortonsphere, designed for 75\lbs. per sq. îii- "working pressure, at the . Curry Chemical Company , Funk, Nebr.