Abstract: Process and apparatus for examining a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor. The apparatus includes a support on which is positioned the assembly to be examined, a wave transmitting source directed towards the assembly to be examined, a mechanism for examining the assembly receiving the waves transmitted by the source and which have been reflected by the assembly. The examining mechanism includes a spindle directed towards a mirror, which is inclined in such a way that it reflects the waves reflected by the assembly towards the examining mechanism, and a device for providing protection against radiation emitted by the assembly, the device being positioned between the assembly and the examining mechanism.

Abstract: After dissolving irradiated nuclear fuel in a nitric acid medium, the vapor produced by this dissolution and consisting of water, nitrogen oxides and iodine is passed into a condenser, then into a column for the absorption of the nitrous vapor in which is formed recombined nitric acid containing iodine and nitrous ions, the iodine contained in the recombined acid being then separated-out. The nitrous ions present in the recombined acid have a favorable influence on the important first stage of that separation.

Abstract: Process for the extraction of fission products contained in irradiated nuclear fuel elements which have been subject to a temperature of at least 1200.degree. C. during their irradiation prior to dissolving the fuel by the wet process. After mechanically treating the elements in order to decan and/or cut them they are brought into contact with water in order to pass the fission products into aqueous solution. The treated elements are then separated from the thus obtained aqueous solution. At least one of the fission products is then recovered from the aqueous solution. The fission products are iodine, cesium, rubidium and tritium.