Abstract: Package for shipping dangerous materials to ensure the containment of these materials under conditions of severe accident. A containment enclosure of austenitic stainless steel, constituted by a single part devoid of orifices and of joints other than welds, has the shape of a cylinder of revolution closed at its two ends which are of convex shape. The wall of this enclosure is of a substantially uniform thickness without sudden variations including the area of the welds. Two axial shock absorbers, each formed by a section of metal tube preferably of the same cross-section as the above enclosure, are positioned on the end of the latter so that they are coaxial therewith. A support ensures the storage and the handling of the assembly are provided, as well as if necessary, removable means adapted to ensure the wedging of the dangerous materials inside the enclosure.

Abstract: During the dismantling of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly, there is a simultaneous gripping of all the rods (a) arranged in square grid form in said assembly using a device (10) which effects a clamping or locking at the end of the rows of rods. For this purpose, device (10) has passageways (26) penetrated by the ends of two adjacent rows of rods (a). In said passage ways are trapped mobile members (34, 34') arranged in such a way that each rod is placed between two adjacent members. By applying a locking force on the mobile end members in each passageway (26), each rod is gripped between two members (34, 34'). Preferably, the mobile members (34, 34') are provided with abutments limiting the locking or clamping force individually applied to each rod. For filling the gaps of the grid of rods (a) corresponding to the locations occupied by the guide tubes in the assemblies, rollers (78) are placed in the passageways (26) at the corresponding locations.

Abstract: In order to transfer a bundle of rods of or from a nuclear fuel assembly into a storage case, the bundle is placed in a waiting position above a cassette provided with recesses. The rods are then introduced into the recesses by lowering them by gravity. When the cassette is full, it is brought into the extension of the case by interposing a transformation member. By simultaneously exerting a thrust on all the rods, the latter are compactly transferred into the case.

Abstract: The device for coupling two pipes comprises a variable length assembly formed from two tubular parts, whereof the internal diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of the pipes. The tight coupling of this assembly to the ends of the pipes is brought about by compressing O-rings between a planar surface and a spherical surface by means of two nuts. The two tubular parts are then tightly joined by actuating a nut compressing a third O-ring.

Abstract: In order to seal an opening formed in a vertical wall, a removable partition is formed, which is constituted by at least two dry-stacked brick layers. Each layer is formed from several rows of bricks, each constituted by bricks which, in cross-section, are shaped like a parallelogram, arranged in opposite directions on either side of a central locking brick which, in cross-section, is shaped like an isosceles trapezium. Each row of bricks behaves like a fictitious funicular arc when exposed to a horizontal force normal to the partition. Thus, the earthquake resistance is ensured without adding a reinforcing framework to the two faces of the partition.

Abstract: A glove box having an air admission device (6) and an air exhaust device. The air admission advice (6) includes a moving mechanism (60, 76) of which at least a portion is situated inside of the valve body (44), this moving mechanism acting on the one hand on a regulating valve (94) and, on the other hand, on a low-vacuum safety device (98) adapted for plugging an exhaust pipeline (54) opening into the valve body (44).

Abstract: The device is applicable to the connection of two enclosures, each having a door closing and opening formed in a flange. One of the doors supports a rotary control member having three series of slots forming cams. V-shaped levers articulated to the doors simultaneously cooperate with slots and with the bolts in order to displace the latter between locking and unlocking positions under the action of rotating the member. The configuration of the slots makes it possible to control the locking of the doors to one another and to the flanges in a sequential manner. Preferably, the bolts are inclined in the direction aiding sealing.

Abstract: A transfer device between a container and a confinement enclosure comprises a chamber having an opening issuing to the outside and an opening issuing into the enclosure. These openings are closed by doors constituting with an external door and an internal door of the container, to double door transfer systems. In order to permit the engagement of the chamber door on the inner door of the container following the removal of the first double door, the opening is formed on a mobile skirt connected by a sealing bellows to the enclosure wall.