Abstract: A vaporizer and extractor apparatus for a laser isotope separation process is arranged as an assemblage of modular components in which equipment subject to maintenance is replaceable via vacuum casks while the apparatus is operational or briefly shut down without loss of vacuum. A vacuum transfer cask is provided for modular extractor substrate assemblies. The substrate assemblies are nestable and are mounted on extensible probes which permit them to be nested in the vacuum transfer cask for transport. During use the substrates extend from the cask, through a vacuum lock and are placed side by side in the vacuum chamber. A vacuum transfer cask is also provided for the vaporizer assembly which is mounted on an extensible arm which in turn positions the assembly in the chamber or retraces the vaporizer assembly from the chamber into the transfer cask, rotating it during the process in order to permit it to fit into the cask.

Abstract: In an isotope separation system in which hot, isotopically separated vapor is deposited on enriched product and depleted tails plates, deposit adherence is improved and plate cooling simplified. The tails plate is liquid-cooled to a lower temperature which permits the product plate to be radiatively cooled by it simplifying product plate cooling and lowering its temperature to reduce the tendency for the product plate deposit to separate during temperature cycling. In one embodiment plate surfaces are cleaned of impurities in a vacuum by allowing the temperature of the tails plates to reach the relatively low operating temperature prior to proceeding with the deposition. In another embodiment plate surfaces are provided with rough surfaces to promote air penetration during deposit stripping, which permits the formation of a brittle, more easily severed bond between plate and deposit.

Abstract: A support grid is provided for holding nuclear fuel rods in a rectangular array. Intersecting sheet metal strips are interconnected using opposing slots in the strips to form a rectangular cellular grid structure for engaging the sides of a multiplicity of fuel rods. Spring and dimple supports for engaging fuel and guide rods extending through each cell in the support grid are formed in the metal strips with the springs thus formed being characterized by nonlinear spring rates.