Abstract: A flowmeter for dangerous fluids, using the deformation of a flexible metic diaphragm under the effect of a pressure variation caused by the liquid flow, the flowmeter being placed under a protective plate and comprising a body of general cylindrical shape placed inside a bowl equipped with a lower inlet connection piece for introducing liquid into the bowl and an upper outlet connection piece for receiving liquid leaving the bowl, the body having a calibrated inlet orifice on its lower face, an outlet orifice in its upper lateral part, the metallic diaphragm being situated in said body at the upper interior part of the body above said upper connection piece, and a metallic segment for sealing the joinder between the body and the bowl, at a level situated between the inlet and outlet connection pieces and a hollow pin, joined to said diaphragm and having a lower end extending into the calibrated orifice, the pin having an outlet orifice situated above the metallic diaphragm, the upper end of said pin extendin

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for transferring objects from a gripping station to a depositing station, and is particularly applicable to the loading or unloading of panes of glass. The device includes at least one arm mounted perpendicularly to a shaft which drives it in rotation, with the arm being adapted to slide perpendicularly relative to the shaft. Gripping devices such as suction cups are mounted at each end of the arm, and a motor and indexer are provided for automatically controlling the rotation of the shaft, the sliding and locking of the arm, and the maneuvering of the gripping devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a sealed connection of adaptable length suitable for interconnecting two pipes whose axes are not necessarily in alignment. The device in accordance with the invention comprises a flange placed on each pipe with each flange being provided with a spherical bearing surface on its end face and with a spherical bearing surface on its opposite face. A central tube has a thrust member mounted at each end thereof, each thrust member including a void for receiving at least one spacer. The tube is also provided with a flange which serves to bring the spacer against a sealing ring pressed against the end face of the flange by being clamped to a backing flange. The backing flange has a spherical surface that cooperates with the spherical surface of the opposite face of the pipe-mounted flange. At least one of said thrust members receives at least two spacers separated by sealing ring. The invention also provides a clamping method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the immobilization of ion hange resins originating from the secondary circuits of pressurized water nuclear reactors and gas-cooled graphite-moderated reactors, wherein the ion exchange resins are saturated with a base, preferably sodium hydroxide, under conditions such that the pH of the medium is greater than about 9 and such as to favor the release of ammonia, after which the said resins are concreted with a hydraulic binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a borosilicate glass containing nuclear waste.In this process, an inactive borosilicate matrix is prepared in an aqueous medium by mixing the following:a silica-based gel precursor,a concentrated aqueous solution of a boron compound, anda concentrated aqeuous solution of the vitrification adjuvant,in proportions corresponding to the composition of the final glass minus the waste, with stirring at a high rate of shear, at a temperature of between 20.degree. C. and 80.degree. C., preferably at 65.degree.-70.degree. C., at an acid pH, preferably a pH of between 2.5 and 3.5, so as to form a gelled solution, and the said matrix is heat-treated and the nuclear waste is added at any stage during the said treatment to form, by melting, the final borosilicate glass containing the said waste.The process according to the invention is applied to the treatment of nuclear waste, especially to solutions of fission products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the immobilization of nuclear waste in a borosilicate glass.In the process, the following are mixed simultaneously:a silica-based gel precursor,a concentrated aqueous solution of a boron compound, and concentrated aqueous solutions of the other constituents of the final glass, i.e. a solution (solutions) of the waste to be treated and a solution of the vitrification adjuvant,with vigorous stirring, mixing taking place at between 20.degree. and 80.degree. C., preferably at 65.degree.-70.degree. C., in proportions corresponding to the desired composition of the glass, the said mixture having an acid pH, preferably a pH of between 2.5 and 3.5, and the said mixture is dried, calcined at between 300.degree. and 500.degree. C. and then melted.The invention is applied to the treatment of solutions of nuclear waste, especially to solutions of fission products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilizing and packing radioactive "ashes" in a mineral matrix, said method consisting in adjusting the coefficient of expansion of said ashes, molding around said ashes a porcelain in the raw state and taking the whole in one operation to form a hermetically sealed block.

Abstract: A bundle of tubes filled with nuclear fuel is positioned in a machine with the lower end of the bundle adjacent a first rotary cutter which is operated to sever the lower ends of the tubes after which the bundle is moved to a position adjacent a second rotary cutter where the tubes are cut into short lengths by teeth carried by a second rotary cutter.

Abstract: In a pool type storage system for storing radioactive waste submerged within water therein, autonomous, dismountable, multi-section exchange units are provided which are submerged directly within the water of the reservoir for effecting heat or ion exchanges on the water without pumping the water from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel remotely dismountable valves comprising a valve body welded to the pipes and having a truncated seat, an outwardly truncated member fitting on said seat, an obturator whose movements may be remotely controlled due to an extension element and a heavy element made fast with the member via a cross-piece presenting an upper surface in the form of a segment of a sphere on which surface the likewise spherical surface of the lower face of said heavy element abuts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preferably continuous process for the treatment of low and average activity radio-active waste, comprising a pretreatment of said waste, a precipitation of radio-active compounds so as to form a stable suspension which may be superconcentrated, wherein from 0.6 to 2 parts by weight of cement for one part by weight of suspension, from 0.5 to 5% by weight, with respect to the cement, of asbestos fibres and possibly a complement of water necessary for ensuring setting of said cement are mixed, said suspension containing from 15 to 75% by weight of dry extract and a suspension agent, and the homogeneous mixture obtained is cast in a container.