Abstract: A furnace isolation chamber for containing a component to be Hot Isostatically Pressed is disclosed. The disclosed furnace includes inherent passive features to assist in the containment of released toxic gases via a thermal gradient within the chamber. The chamber comprises longitudinally cylindrical sidewalls; a top end extending between and permanently connected to the sidewalls, thereby closing one end of the chamber; and a movable bottom end, which is opposite the top end and forms a base end of the chamber. The movable bottom end is adapted to receive the component, and comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the component into the high temperature zone of the furnace in the HIP system. The isolation chamber forms an integral part of the HIP system with the base end of the chamber comprising a cool zone as a result of being located outside of the high temperature zone of the furnace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100.000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100,000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A furnace isolation chamber for containing a component to be Hot Isostatically Pressed is disclosed. The disclosed furnace includes inherent passive features to assist in the containment of released toxic gases via a thermal gradient within the chamber. The chamber comprises longitudinally cylindrical sidewalls; a top end extending between and permanently connected to the sidewalls, thereby closing one end of the chamber; and a movable bottom end, which is opposite the top end and forms a base end of the chamber. The movable bottom end is adapted to receive the component, and comprises a mechanism for raising and lowering the component into the high temperature zone of the furnace in the HIP system. The isolation chamber forms an integral part of the HIP system with the base end of the chamber comprising a cool zone as a result of being located outside of the high temperature zone of the furnace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nuclearized hot-isostatic press (HIP) system comprising, a high temperature HIP furnace and a multi-wall vessel surrounding the furnace, such as a dual walled vessel comprising concentric vessels. The described multi-walled vessel comprises at least one detector contained between the walls to detect a gas leak, a crack in a vessel wall, or both. The disclosed HIP system also comprises multiple heads located on top and underneath the furnace, a yoke frame, and a lift for loading and unloading a HIP can to the high temperature HIP furnace. There is also disclosed a method of using such a system to provide ease of maintenance, operation, decontamination and decommissioning.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100,000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of consolidating a calcine comprising radioactive material, the method comprising mixing 60-80% (by weight) of a radionuclide containing calcine with at least one non-radioactive additive, such as an oxide, and hot isostatic pressing the mixture to form a stable monolith of glass/ceramic. In one embodiment, the ratio of radionuclide containing calcine to additives is about 80:20 by weight, wherein the non-radioactive additive comprises oxides such as BaO, CaO, Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2 and others, that combine with the waste elements and compounds to form a ceramic mineral or glass/ceramic material, after hot isostatic pressing. Non-limiting examples of mineral phases that may be formed are: hollandite (BaAl2Ti6O16), zirconolite (CaZrThO7), and perovskite (CaTiO3).

Abstract: An isostatic press acts against a molding tool (4,5,11,12,32,33) enclosed in the pressing chamber of the press, the cavity (4) of the press tool being defined in the press by an enveloping wall (5) of an elastomeric material and two end walls (11,33) meeting the enveloping wall (5). The dry pressing chamber of the press is defined by a radially deformable elastomeric jacket (6) exercising pressure against the enveloping wall (5) of the molding tool, and two press end structures (2,3) meeting the pressing chamber jacket (6) and carrying the end walls (33,11) of the molding tool. At least one end wall (33,11) is carried by an adjacent end structure (3,2) via an elastomeric element (31). The elastomeric element is disposed with its peripheral edge exposed against, and lying adjacent the deformable elastomeric jacket (6) of the pressing chamber.

Abstract: An isostatic press includes a closed press frame, there being a pressure chamber bearing against a first interior portion of the frame. A conveyor path for pressure chamber closures (3) each carrying a press tool part, extends through the frame under the pressure chamber, displacement means being arranged for lifting in the plane of the frame a chamber closure (3) into contact with the pressure chamber. During pressurization of the pressure chamber (1) the closure (3) is carried by two separate support legs (4,5) pivotably mounted in the plane of the frame, the conveyor path extending between the legs. The closure (3) is carried in the plane of the frame by a portion (72) of the conveyor path, which constitutes the lower press table of the press and is supported by the legs. The free end surfaces of the legs may have an arcuate contour in the plane of the frame and coact with complementally formed surfaces on the underside of said portion (72).

Abstract: A plant for cold isostatic pressing of powder to pressed bodies includes a dry isostatic press, a plurality of press tools, a circulation conveyor path (2) for the tools and means for advancing the tools (3) along the path (2). The path (2) includes a first and a second straight section (21,22). On one side of the press there extend a plurality of third straight mutually parallel conveyor sections (23) at right angles to the sections (21,22). Each such third conveyor section (23) extends through an associated filling station (10). A plurality of fourth conveyor sections (24) extend parallel and at right angles to the first and the second conveyor sections (21,22) on the other side of the press. Each fourth conveyor section (24) extends through an associated emptying station (11).

Abstract: A moulding tool unit for semi-isostatic compaction of a powder has a mould cavity (14) defined by an elastomeric jacket (121). The jacket (121) is surrounded with clearance by an elastomeric sleeve (122) which is sealingly joined to the jacket (121). The space (123) between the sleeve (122) and jacket (121 ) is filled with an isostatic pressure translating medium such as a hydraulic liquid (127). The jacket (121) may be supported in a direction towards the sleeve (122) by a stiff jacket (125) having perforations (126) through which the hydraulic liquid (127) can flow. The unit is adapted such that for a pressing operation it can be inserted with a small clearance and pressurized in the dry pressing chamber of a hydraulic press.

Abstract: The invention concerns a miniature electrical push button contactor including a base carrying fixed contacts and having a cap which is formed integrally with the push button and which has a movable contact in the form of a thin disc which effects a wiping action on the fixed contacts. The invention also concerns electronic calculators fitted with contactors as aforesaid.