Abstract: A device for lifting and lowering of loads in vertical shafts, in particular of containers with radioactive contents, is disclosed. This device comprises a load platform A, the load thereof being supported by at least four hollow spindles B1, B2, B3, B4 arranged symmetrically in a shaft and having a column-like structure. Each hollow spindle B1, B2, B3, B4 is assembled from individual identical modules C1, C2, C3, C4. Each module C1, C2, C3, C4 consists of a front part 1 and a rear part 2. The rear part 2 has multiple horizontal bores 3, by means of which both a firm anchorage with the shaft wall and a firm screw connection with the front part 1 is enabled. The front part 1 consists of two identical parts 4a, 4b that form on the front side a longitudinal slit 5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for lifting and lowering of loads in vertical shafts, in particular of containers with radioactive contents. This device comprises a load platform A, the load thereof being supported by at least four hollow spindles B1,B2,B3,B4 arranged symmetrically in a shaft and having a column-like structure. Each hollow spindle B1,B2,B3,B4 is assembled from individual identical modules C1,C2,C3,C4. Each module C1,C2,C3,C4 consists of a front part 1 and a rear part 2. The rear part 2 has multiple horizontal bores 3, by means of which both a firm anchorage with the shaft wall and a firm screw connection with the front part 1 is enabled. The front part 1 consists of two identical parts 4a,4b that form on the front side a longitudinal slit 5.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating and conveying feed sludge to a vitrification device comprising a fluidized bed drier, means for feeding glass frit and the sludge into the upwardly flowing gas in the drier and a long conduit leading from the drier to a vitrification device. The conduit contains a compressed gas ejector which withdraws the dried sludge from the drier and conveys it to the vitrification device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating and conveying feed sludge to a vitrification device in which sludge in suspension is dried in a fluid bed of preheated glass frit suspended in nitrogen gas. The mixture of dried glass frit and sludge is conveyed pneumatically in a stream of nitrogen gas to the vitrification device. The dried mixture flows through conduits without causing blockage which characterized the prior art.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating radioactive comminuted fuel elements with hot nitric acid comprising an endless conveyor which carries the fuel fragments through a U-shaped jacketed tube counter to the flow of acid. The conveyor travels in a conduit which connects to the ends of the U-shaped tube to form a continuous loop. Downstream of the U-shaped tube associated with the conduit is a washing unit, a drying unit, and a discharge unit. Upstream of the U-shaped tube is a feed unit which joins the conduit. A radioactive fission material sensor is located just ahead of the discharge unit and serves to actuate a switch to recycle treated fragments that may still be radioactive. Drive apparatus for the conveyor comprises permanent magnets mounted at spaced intervals on the conveyor and exciter windings surrounding said U-shaped tube to direct forward movement.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the fluid level in a container. A column f fluid within the container is momentarily subjected to pressure, which causes the column of fluid to vibrate. The oscillation frequency is then measured. Since the frequency depends on the fluid level, the fluid level may be determined from the frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: Accurate, contact-free measurement, outside the processing area, of the quantity of solid material in a centrifuge cylinder used in reprocessing nuclear fuel solutions. A mechanical vibration system consisting of the centrifuge cylinder and of a supplemental mass attached to the cylinder produces torsional vibrations by, for example, increasing or decreasing the speed of the cylinder drive shaft. The frequency of the vibrations reflect the quantity of solid material in the cylinder. A sensor senses the frequency of the vibrations and sends signals to a means for computing the quantity of the load from the frequency.