Abstract: Ions are electrochemically removed from an aqueous solution by establishing an electrochemical cell wherein the solution, as cell electrolyte, is caused to flow between a working electrode that includes an ion exchange material and a second electrode that optionally includes an ion exchange material. The polarity of the cell is repeatedly reversed so that ions are successively adsorbed and desorbed at the working electrode and optionally also at the second electrode. Thus, an ion for removal such as Cs.sup.+ may be selectively removed in the presence of a much larger concentration of a second ion such as Na.sup.+.

Abstract: Present invention relates to two-part fluid contactors for application in fluid-fluid contacting processes such as liquid-liquid extraction processes used in nuclear fuel reprocessing. The contactor has a first part and a second part with a plurality of annular regions located between the first and second parts and a plurality of settling compartments disposed sequentially along the axis of rotation of the contactor. First and second fluids are introduced into the annular regions, and a mixture of the first and second fluids is transferred into the settling compartments. The first and second fluids substantially separate in the settling compartments and are then removed therefrom. The apparatus is arranged such that in operation the first and second parts may be moved relatively to one another so that conditions exist in the annular regions such that the first and second fluids disperse one within the other to form a mixture of fluids.

Abstract: A method of gas ignition comprises energizing a permeable, porous electric heating element to an appropriate temperature for igniting a gas, and allowing the gas to contact the heating element.

Abstract: A valve body 10 supports a rotary valve member 20 having a transfer port 22. Sealing between a port 17 of the valve and the member 20 is achieved by a sleeve 30 movable towards and away from the member 20. In a valve closed position seal means in a flat end of the sleeve engage a flat base of a recess in the member 20. The member 20 may be provided with a rotary scraper 41 and heaters located in channels 40 and in this construction the valve is suitable for transferring sodium-cooled nuclear fuel between various localities.

Abstract: Apparatus such as a nuclear fuel sub-assembly for use in a liquid alkali metal environment has bearing surfaces (4) coated with alumina or aluminide particles to reduce wear, fretting and friction. The particles are deposited by plasma or detonation gun using a nickel chromium alloy as a metallic bond.

Abstract: A method of dissolving nuclear material from a relatively long length cut from a nuclear fuel cartridge and having a liquid permeable passageway extending from one end to the other end of the cut length. The method comprises holding the cut length upright in a dissolvent for the nuclear material in the cut length, so that gas generated by the dissolvent in reacting with the nuclear material produces an effect analogous to that of an air lift pump and circulates the dissolvent through the passageway.

Abstract: A moisture sensor which includes a moisture sensitive material and electrodes in communication with the moisture sensitive material, the moisture sensitive material containing a substantially electrically insulating substance derived from a colloidal dispersion and, distributed in or on the substance, an electrically conducting substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of chemical compounds and more particularly to the synthesis of organic compounds, for example, peptides and oligonucleotides.The invention provides a composite material for use in the synthesis of organic compounds comprising a support material and, supported on the support material, an organic compound synthesizing substance.It is preferred that the organic compound synthesizing substance is a gel (e.g. a dimethylacrylamide co-polymer gel).The invention also provides a method for preparing a composite material for use in the synthesis of organic compounds and a method for the synthesis of organic compounds.

Abstract: A resistance heater for performing heat treatment of the braze-affected area of a metallic sleeve attached by brazing within and to a metallic tube, comprises a metal tube (10) of which a portion (16) is formed with a spiral groove (11) which penetrates the wall thickness of the tube (10) and thereby defines a heating coil. The radial thickness of the convolutions of the coil varies lengthwise of the coil so that, when energized with electrical current, the coil develops a temperature profile which is determined by the variation in radial thickness. The temperature profile may be selected according to the needs of the brazed joint to be heat treated.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, e.g. a lead acid electric storage cell, comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an aqueous electrolyte and, optionally, a porous cell component such as a cell separator interposed between the electrodes. To enhance access of electrolytes to one or both of the electrodes or to the component during operation of the cell and thereby improve cell performance, at least one of the component and the electrodes is porous and includes a promoter in the form of solid material other than graphite having, under the operating conditions of the cell, a zeta potential of such magnitude and polarity as to be capable of inducing electro-osmotic flow of electrolyte into the component or electrode when a current is flowing through electrolyte filled pores thereof. An example of such a material (termed an `electro-osmosis promoter`) is sulphonated polyvinylidene difluoride.

Abstract: A panel, which may form a wall or a door (12) of a fire resistant cabinet (10), consists of an outer casing (16, 26) and an inner panel (14, 24) spaced apart by zig-zag shaped bridging members (20, 22, 28). The inner panel is double-walled and contains a material which undergoes a phase change at a temperature below that at which the contents of the cabinet might suffer damage. The space between the outer casing and the inner panel contains a number of metal foils (32, 34) parallel to the outer casing which acts as radiant heat shields. The bridging members may be of ceramic material of low thermal conductivity, and may be slotted to increase their resistance to heat flow.

Abstract: A method of producing products from a mechanically alloyed, dispersion strengthened iron-base powder comprises consolidating the powder and working the consolidated body to the desired product shape. To obtain a desired grain size in the product, the process includes at least two stages of recrystallization annealing which may be effected after consolidation or alternatively at least one of the recrystallization anneals may be carried out while the material is still in powder form.

Abstract: A safety system for a laser-beam utilizing facility incorporates a safety enclosure (24) and an infra-red monitoring system (32) for detecting the development of hot spots at internal surfaces of the enclosure walls (24) and ceiling (26) which may occur as a result of stray laser radiation impinging on such surfaces. The development of a hot spot leads to shutting off the laser source (10) or interruption of the beam by means of a shutter (22).

Abstract: A stereoscopic camera with two lenses, in which each lens is supported by a support table fixed rigidly to two parallel resilient plates. Simultaneous focussing and convergence of the lenses is brought about by a cam urging the plates to bend, thereby constraining both lenses to follow the required straight line loci.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and a method are provided for treating silicon wafers 26 in vacuum with an ion beam B and for controlling the temperature of the wafers 26. The wafers 26 are mounted on a drum 22 which is rotated through the ion beam B, and which is large enough that the mean equilibrium temperature of the wafers 26, in the absence of any other energy sources, would be less than the desired temperature. The wafers 26 are additionally heated by infra-red lamps 34 so the desired temperature is achieved.

Abstract: A substrate for use in the manufacture of electronic devices, comprising a lamina made of an aluminum-bearing ferritic steel coated with an adherent layer of a material having a high dielectric strength, a low dielectric constant and a co-efficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to that of the steel lamina.

Abstract: Waste material is encapsulated by charging into a container which is then closed by a cover (11) having filling and vent port means sealed temporarily by a diaphragm (13), such as a metal foil. A nozzle device (20) makes push-fit connections with the port means and ruptures the diaphragm in making the connections. Solidifiable medium is then introduced through the nozzle device and filling port while displaced atmosphere escapes through the vent.

Abstract: Nitride dispersion strengthening of stainless steel or nickel-based alloys is achieved by mechanically alloying the constituents of the alloy together with a nitride former, such as titanium, and a nitrogen donor, such as chromium nitride, and heating the mechanically alloyed powder to dissociate the donor and combine the resulting nitride with the nitride former. The heating step may be carried out in the course of hot consolidating the powder, e.g. by extrusion.

Abstract: A method of producing spheroids comprising a coherent mixture of carbon and silicon carbide powders for subsequent siliconizing and if desired grinding to improve their sphericity, involves the steps of preparing a slip consisting essentially of a suspension of silicon carbide and carbon powders in a liquid, and introducing drops of the slip into a medium in which the drops form individual solid casts. The said liquid may be water to which a dispersant (which may be a deflocculent) has been added. Sodium alginate may advantageously be added to the slip. The said medium may be an aqueous solution of an electrolyte such as a calcium salt. An organic liquid phase, immiscible with the electrolyte, may be provided on the surface thereof. Examples of organic liquid are petroleum ether, kerosene, and cyclohexanol.

Abstract: For monitoring and controlling a laser beam, sample beams are monitored for three characteristics and the three monitor outputs are used to control the beam generation. The three characteristics monitored are the transverse distribution of energy within the beam (a) under far field conditions and (b) under near field conditions, and (c) total power within a known proportion of the beam. These are employed respectively to control (a) the position of a mirror which forms part of an optical cavity within the laser structure, (b) a beam pointing element, (c) a beam expander and (d) a power supply for the laser.