Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing and extracting Mo-99 and other radioisotopes from fission products that overcome the drawbacks of previously-known systems, especially the excessive generation of radioactive wastes, by providing gas-phase extraction of fission product radioisotopes from a nuclear fuel target using a mixture including halide and an oxygen-containing species with heat to convert the fission product radioisotopes to gas (e.g., Mo-99 to MoO2Cl2 gas). The gaseous species are evacuated to a recovery chamber where the radioisotopes solidify for subsequent processing, while the substantially intact uranium target made available for further irradiation and extraction cycles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing and extracting Mo-99 and other radioisotopes from fission products that overcome the drawbacks of previously-known systems, especially the excessive generation of radioactive wastes, by providing gas-phase extraction of fission product radioisotopes from a nuclear fuel target using a mixture including halide and an oxygen-containing species with heat to convert the fission product radioisotopes to gas (e.g., Mo-99 to MoO2Cl2 gas). The gaseous species are evacuated to a recovery chamber where the radioisotopes solidify for subsequent processing, while the substantially intact uranium target made available for further irradiation and extraction cycles.

Abstract: This invention relates to particle coaters and in particular to a method and apparatus for a circulating bed particle coater which is particularly adapted for coating small diameter particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the countercurrent contacting of solid particles with a fluid is disclosed. The contacting is effected within a multistage tower, each stage having a weir means regulating the flow of particles within and from each chamber so that all particles receive approximately the same exposure to the contacting fluid. The disclosed design is readily scaled up to increase capacity without requiring proportional increases in the vertical dimension which are costly and might result in damage to the particles. The method and apparatus are especially adapted for washing salt from alumina microspheres.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending particles in a fluidized bed within a coating chamber where the particles are coated with a substance contained in a reactant gas introduced into the chamber by means of a centrally arranged nozzle extending upwardly from the coating chamber floor. Levitating gas for suspending the particles in the fluidized bed is introduced into the chamber from around the centrally arranged nozzle and generally parallel with the chamber base to promote particle circulation through the fluidized bed and minimize deposition within the chamber in one species of the apparatus, the nozzle is supported upon a movable probe which forms a closure for an opening in the chamber base through which coated particles are unloaded.

Abstract: A method and multiple embodiments of apparatus for coating particles with a substance contained in a reactant gas, the particles being suspended in a fluidized bed within a coating chamber. In the method and each embodiment of the apparatus, the reactant gas is introduced into the coating chamber through an elongated nozzle closed at its upper end and including multiple lateral orifice openings for directing the reactant gas radially outwardly into the coating chamber. Means are preferably arranged about the base of the nozzle for introducing levitating gas radially and spirally outwardly into the chamber to further promote circulation of the particles and to accomplish more uniform coating.