Abstract: A process for the recovery of chemical values, particularly uranium, nickel and/or radionuclides from process equipment theretofore employed in a uranium hexafluoride isotope enrichment cascade. Preferably, the process is carried out, in situ, at subatmospheric pressure employing the existing process equipment from which the chemical values are to be recovered. In one aspect, the process includes recovery of uranium values employing a gaseous fluorinating agent at subatmospheric pressure, followed by recovery of nickel values employing a gaseous reactant comprising a mixture of carbon monoxide and a promoter, preferably hydrogen sulfide and at subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for chemically and/or thermally treating substances containing or generating toxic substances during treatment is disclosed. Multiple reactors treat the material while the toxic emission containment system separates and cleans the effluents to within acceptable emissions limits as specified by government. The preferred rotary kiln employs a multiple zone reactor system for processing and volumetrically reducing feedstocks. The kiln functions as a primary treatment chamber and contains a rotatable multipurpose admixture and a multiple zone burner system. Induced cyclonic action reduces particulate entrainment, minimizes stratification, and maximizes gas residence time. A direct fed, second stage vitrifying, refining and/or separating furnace yields stabilized products. The preferred process includes an air pollution control system enhanced by a toxic emission containment system which separates the inert effluents from the toxic emissions contained in the treatment process.