UNDER TASK ORDER NO. C, THE PROTOTYPE FULL-SCALE (ABOUT 3,500 CU FT) HYDROGEN GENERATOR HAS BEEN OPERATED AND EVALUATED, AND MINOR MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03642A001300010052-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 31, 2012
• Sequence Number: 52
• Publication Date: August 15, 1958
• Content Type: LETTER

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/05/31 :CIA-RDP78-03642A001300010052-9
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In replying please addrosa3
August 15, 1958
IInder Taak Order Na. C, the prototype full-scale (about
3,500 cu ft) hydrogen generator has been operated and evaluated,
and minor modifications have been made. On the basis of your
technical ropresentativoa' comments during and followi~-g a recently
conducted experiment in the prototype full scale unit, it appears,
in general, that the unit incorporates the desired features and
characteristics, and operates satisfactorily. Thus, the experi-
mental activity under this Task Order has been 8ubstantialiy
concluded. It is proposed herein that provision be made under
Task Order No. C for additional effort directed toward the formu-
2ation of a recommended procedure to be fallosred by an operator
when running the prototype hydrogen generator under actual service
conditions.
Aa described by your technical representatives, some of
the service conditions under which a hydrogen-generator unit of
this typo is likely to be used cannot be oompletely specified at
this time; also, some of them could represent rigorous factors in
relation to the chemical reaction or reactions on the 6aaia o!
which the prototype unit has been designed and developed. It is
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co~F~a~n~T~aL
August 1S, 1958
currently anticipated, for example, that variations in the amount
and/or type of impurities present in the water used, and also in
the temperature of the water at the time of a particular operation,
must be considered and provided for in the formulation of an
operating procedure for the prototype generator unit.
Further, because of the limitations imposed by some of
the specifications stated originally by your technical represent-
atives for this development, the design of the prototype unit is
such that certain steps in the procedure are critical to the
effective generation operation. It is particularly essential that
ouch steps be detailed appropriately in the operating procedure,
so as to minimize the possibility of the operator erring in carry-
ing out the instructions.
In view of the above, it is contea~platefl that, in the
formulation of the operating procedure, the full-scale-experiment
data would be analyzed in the light of the results obtained from
the 1/5- and 1/lp?scale experiments. If necessary, adjustments
would be ma~3e in the previously determined relationship betvreen
cataly+~t concentration and initial temperature (for a particular
total-generation time of interest). Then, the prooedure far
operating the prototype unit that would reflect the previously
gained experience in handling the unit and conducting the basic
chemical reaction or reactions would be detailed, step by step
with appropriate notes and precautions included, where necessary,
to facilitate the effective operation of this unit. Efforts would
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Auggst 1,5, 195
CONFI~EI~T~AL
be made to present the instructions in ffiimple, aoncise~ easy-to-
understand phraseology, and to provide suitable and effective
illustrations.
At the aonaluaion of the proposed research period, a
summary report would be prepared and submitted. This report would
include a description of the experiments conducted and the results
obtained, and also, in accord with the recent discussion with ?your
technical representatives, the operating procedure described abavs.
During the cause of the proposed effort, liaison would be maintained
with your tsahnical representatives during their periodic visits
and/or via telephone.
It is hereby proposed that the Task Order No. C agreement
be amended to provide for an additional four-month effort, as
described above, directed toward the formulation of an effective
operating procedure for the prototype hydrogen generator. It i,e
also proposed that the amendment provide for an increase in the
estimated appropriation oY $3,I19, which includes an increase in
the fixed fee of ~1??? ~ general breakdown of the estimated appro-
priation increase ie attached.
Of course, the proposed amendment would continue our
period-basis research agreement, consistent with our current
contractual agreements.
it is currently expected that, on the basis of the experi-
mental data obtained and the experience gained in handling the
experimental 1/5-scale and the prototype full-scale generator units,
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~"CQN~I~ENTIAL
August 15, 1958
it will be possible to prepare a set of simple, concise, relatively
foolproof operating instructions for ultimate use in connection
with actual operations.
It would be extremely expedient to have available the
prototype full-scale generator unit for use in connection with the
proposed effort. Consequently, it is contemplated that the prototype
unit would be shipped to your technical representatives toward the
end of the proposed research period. Ii your technical repreaent-
ativea should have need for the prototype snit sooner, then, on the
basis of mutual agreement, this unit would be furnished to them as
quickly as possible.
~e would appreciate any efforts that might be made to
expedite consideration of the proposed amendment, ao as to minimise
the lapse in continuity of our activity under Tank Order No. C.
If you should have any questions with regard to the additional effort
proposed herein, please do not hesitate to call us. Any inquiries
of a contractual nature may be directed to
Extension 159?
Very truly yours,
In Duplicate
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Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/05/31 :CIA-RDP78-03642A001300010052-9