Abstract: In the treatment of radioactive effluent it is known to produce a floc being a suspension of precipitates carrying radioactive species in a mother liquor containing dissolved non-radioactive salts. It is also known and accepted practice to encapsulate the floc in a solid matrix by treatment with bitumen, cement and the like. In the present invention the floc is washed with water prior to encapsulation in the solid matrix whereby to displace the mother liquor containing the dissolved non-radioactive salts. This serves to reduce the final amount of solidified radioactive waste with consequent advantages in the storage and disposal thereof.

Abstract: In a process for the conversion of uranium hexafluoride to an uranium oxide by injecting uranium hexafluoride and dry steam into a first region of a vessel so as to form a plume of particles of uranyl fluoride and reacting the uranyl fluoride in a second region of the vessel with a countercurrent flow of steam and/or hydrogen the operation of the process is such that a major proportion of the uranyl fluoride is caused to circulate within the first region so that the original uranyl fluoride particles are able to grow and agglomerate in a dendritic manner.

Abstract: An inner container for a nuclear fuel transportation flask for irradiated fuel elements comprising a cylindrical shell having a dished end closure with a drainage sump and means for flushing out solid matter by way of the sump prior to removing a cover.

Abstract: A press for compacting powders in which a first plunger is moved into a stationary die to meter and charge powder to be compacted into the die from one end of the die, a second plunger is advanced towards the first plunger to compact the powder within the die and the first plunger is then used to push the compacted powder from the other end of the die.The press may be used to make pellets of ceramic nuclear fuel material.

Abstract: A press for compacting powders in which a first plunger is moved into a stationary die to meter and charge powder to be compacted into the die from one end of the die, the first plunger and a second plunger are advanced to compact the powder within the die and the first plunger is then used to push the compacted powder from the other end of the die.The press may be used to make pellets of ceramic nuclear fuel material.

Abstract: In the production of fluorine by electrolysis of a fused electrolyte containing potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride the electrolyte is circulated from a tank, through a heat exchanger, through one or more electrolytic cells and is returned to the tank. The heat exchanger controls the temperature of the circulating electrolyte leaving the electrolytic cell or cells at the desired value in the range 75.degree.-110.degree. C.

Abstract: A conveyor system in which free flowing granules or particles are conveyed through a flexible tube having a helical channel defined on the internal surface of the tube by rotating the tube about its longitudinal axis.