Abstract: An embodiment of an electric heating element is disclosed, including an electrically resistive inner heating element, an electrically resistive outer heating element, and a thermostat positioned underneath a centrally-positioned medallion and along a cold leg of the inner heating element. The thermostat is configured to selectively allow electrical current to be delivered to the inner heating element while maximum electrical current, for example, continues to be provided to the outer heating element. The thermostat cycles the electrical current on and off when detecting maximum and minimum desired temperatures radiated from the electric heating element. The inner heating element has a pair of cold legs that extend parallel to a pair of cold legs of the outer heating element, some or all of which may be supported by a terminal bracket.

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 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: 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: 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).