Abstract: The device is constituted by a seal-bearing ring 21 disposed about the flange 2 of the component 5 and resting on the plate 1 of the reactor, having a first set of annular seals 26,27 ensuring sealing between the inner side surface of the seal-bearing ring 21 and the outer side surface of the flange 2 of the component 5 and a second set of annular seals 23,24 ensuring sealing between the base surface of the seal-bearing ring 21 and the plate 1 of the primary vessel. The device also includes a means 32-34 for applying a vertical force downwards on the seal bearing ring 21 and a means 16,18 of injecting an isolating gas between the flange 2 of the component 5 and the plate 1 of the primary vessel on which the component 5 rests. The device is especially useful for sealed mounting of components within vessels of fast neutron nuclear reactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conduction pump for liquid metal.This pump comprises a magnetic circuit for creating a magnetic field in the stream of liquid metal circulating in a pipe, and a turn, filled with liquid metal, for supplying an electric current perpendicular to the magnetic field in the stream of liquid metal. The turn is arranged at the level of the gap zone of the magnetic circuit, perpendicular to the field in this gap, and at least partially surrounds the magnetic circuit so that the electric current is generated in the turn by the circuit. The turn is at least partially formed by the circulation pipe itself.The invention is applied in particular to the conveying of liquid aluminium by pumping.

Abstract: An automatic grapple comprising a hollow body and a slide suspended by a maneuvering cable with axially spaced portions to transform the relative movement of the slide to a displacement of gripping arms for engaging an object to be seized. The slide carries a locking member having variable orientation modified in a lower position of the slide. The position of extension or retraction of the arms is controlled by the axially spaced portions which have different diameters. The relative position of these portions is determined to permit rotation of the locking member only if the arms can be engaged in the object to be seized or is totally disengaged therefrom.

Abstract: In the low pressure casting of a metal in a mould supplied from below by an electromagnetic pump, the durations of the various stages of the moulding cycle are determined in dependence on the temperature of the mould, the temperature of the metal in the mould and the temperature of the metal in the furnace to obtain optimum casting conditions despite variations in these temperatures.

Abstract: In the feeding of molten metal from a container therefor, e.g., a storage basin, a furnace or a crucible, to a chamber, e.g., an injection cylinder or a dispensing chamber, having an electromagnetic pump partially immersed in the container, the outlet of the pump being connected by a feedline to the chamber, the molten metal is metered by apparatus comprising a detachable ascending control pipeline connected to the feed pipeline, an electromagnetic presence detector arranged to detect molten metal in the control pipeline at the level of the filling height of the chamber, and a progressive voltage generator connected in series with the electrical circuit of the pump and including a starter circuit and a stop circuit to which the presence detector is connected.

Abstract: The pump is contained in a refractory block which is plunged into a melt of molten metal to be pumped. An electric current is induced to flow in the molten metal along a straight horizontal conduit in the block and the circuit is closed by the current flowing around the refractory block, within the melt. A magnetic field is induced horizontally at right angles to the current and a net upward pumping force is generated. By having only a part of the electric current circuit inside the refractory block it is relatively easy to clean out slag deposits after prolonged use.