Abstract: A reduced-temperature method for treatment of a fuel element is described. The method includes molten salt treatment of a fuel element with a nitrate salt. The nitrate salt can oxidize the outer graphite matrix of a fuel element. The method can also include reduced temperature degradation of the carbide layer of a fuel element and low temperature solubilization of the fuel in a kernel of a fuel element.

Abstract: A reduced-temperature method for treatment of a fuel element is described. The method includes molten salt treatment of a fuel element with a nitrate salt. The nitrate salt can oxidize the outer graphite matrix of a fuel element. The method can also include reduced temperature degradation of the carbide layer of a fuel element and low temperature solubilization of the fuel in a kernel of a fuel element.

Abstract: A method for digestion and gasification of graphite for removal from an underlying surface is described. The method can be utilized to remove graphite remnants of a formation process from the formed metal piece in a cleaning process. The method can be particularly beneficial in cleaning castings formed with graphite molding materials. The method can utilize vaporous nitric acid (HNO3) or vaporous HNO3 with air/oxygen to digest the graphite at conditions that can avoid damage to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A method for digestion and gasification of graphite for removal from an underlying surface is described. The method can be utilized to remove graphite remnants of a formation process from the formed metal piece in a cleaning process. The method can be particularly beneficial in cleaning castings formed with graphite molding materials. The method can utilize vaporous nitric acid (HNO3) or vaporous HNO3 with air/oxygen to digest the graphite at conditions that can avoid damage to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A bitt with a freely rotatable line-handling surface includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The first and second sides of the frame each include first and second ends, and the first and second sides of the frame are substantially planar. The first and second sides adjoin each other at the first ends and define an angle therebetween. The first and second sides of the frame are arranged for being attachable to a surface of a marine vessel at the second ends of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second shafts extend outwardly from the planes of the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. The first and second shafts each have a longitudinal axis. The axis of each of the first and second shafts extends approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second rollers each have an axis, and the first and second rollers each define a bore along the axis of the respective roller.

Abstract: A bitt with a freely rotatable line-handling surface includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The first and second sides of the frame each include first and second ends, and the first and second sides of the frame are substantially planar. The first and second sides adjoin each other at the first ends and define an angle therebetween. The first and second sides of the frame are arranged for being attachable to a surface of a marine vessel at the second ends of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second shafts extend outwardly from the planes of the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. The first and second shafts each have a longitudinal axis. The axis of each of the first and second shafts extends approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second rollers each have an axis, and the first and second rollers each define a bore along the axis of the respective roller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for reducing the volume of low level radioactive and mixed waste to enable the waste to be more economically stored in a suitable repository, and for placing the waste into a form suitable for permanent disposal. The invention involves a process for preparing radioactive, hazardous, or mixed waste for storage by contacting the waste starting material containing at least one organic carbon-containing compound and at least one radioactive or hazardous waste component with nitric acid and phosphoric acid simultaneously at a contacting temperature in the range of about 140.degree. C. to about 210 .degree. C.