Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolysable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolyzable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO.sub.2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.

Abstract: A metal phosphide composition is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es), presented ready for use in a hydrolysis process or apparatus in the form of a free-flowing particulate metal phosphide material composed of loose particles of said metal phosphide essentially free of metal phosphide dust, essentially free of hydrolysis retarding agents and essentially free of hydrophobic substances in the form of coatings or hydrophobizing additives. In use the hydrolyzable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO.sub.2, can be used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation.

Abstract: Spent reactor fuel elements are dissolved in dilute nitric acid. After addition of acetic acid as a complexing agent, the nitric acid is partly decomposed and the mixture subjected to electrolysis while a carrier liquid, which may be dilute acetic acid or a dilute mixture of acetic acid and nitric acid is caused to flow in the electric field between the electrodes either against the direction of ion migration or transversely thereto. The ions of uranium, plutonium and other transuranium elements, and of fission products accumulate in discrete portions of the electrolyte and are separately withdrawn as at least three fractions after one or more stages of electrolysis.