Abstract: A process for production of castings is provided employing patterns combining gasifiable pattern parts, for the creation of nonconforming contours, with reusable pattern parts. After molding, only the reusable pattern parts are removed from the mold, while the gasifiable pattern parts are destroyed during casting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for the interim and long-term stge of radioactive material such as irradiated nuclear reactor fuel elements. The container includes a vessel and a cover. The vessel has a base and a wall extending upwardly from the base. The wall terminates in an upper end portion defining the opening of the vessel for receiving the radioactive material to be stored therein. A sealing cover tightly closes the vessel. The vessel is a double-walled body made up of two metal layers defining the outer and inner walls of the vessel. The inner wall constitutes a base structure made of an inexpensive and mechanically stable material; whereas, the outer wall is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for transporting and/or storing irradiated nuclear fuel elements. The container includes a holding vessel made of cast iron containing nodular graphite and having an opening at one of its ends for receiving the materials to be stored therein and a cover for sealing the opening so as to be gas-tight with respect to the ambient. In order to weld a cover to the vessel without the necessity of conducting a follow-up heat treatment operation, an end ring made of cold-weldable material is mounted on the vessel at its opening. The end ring includes a connecting extension which is fused with the vessel when the latter is made by casting. After the vessel is filled, a cover made of a material having a structure similar to that of the end ring can be welded to the latter. In this way, a subsequent heat treatment of the vessel which would otherwise be necessary is avoided.