Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100,000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for storing and/or disposing of hazardous waste material. In some embodiments, the waste material includes nuclear waste such as calcined material. In certain embodiments, the device includes a container having a container body, a filling port configured to couple with a filling nozzle and a filling plug, and an evacuation port having a filter. The evacuation port is configured to couple with an evacuation nozzle and an evacuation plug. In certain embodiments, the method includes (a) adding hazardous waste material via a filling nozzle coupled to a filling port of a container, the container including an evacuation port, (b) evacuating the container during adding of the hazardous waste material via an evacuation nozzle coupled to an evacuation port of the container, (c) sealing the filling port, (d) heating the container, and (e) sealing the evacuation port.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for storing and/or disposing of hazardous waste material such as calcined material. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a filling nozzle having a valve body having a distal end and an outer surface, the outer surface proximate the distal end being configured to sealingly and removeably couple to an inner surface of a filling port of the container. In certain embodiments, the method comprises (a) coupling an outer surface of a filling nozzle with an inner surface of a filling port of a container to form a first seal (b) adding hazardous waste material into the container (c) decoupling the filling port from the filling nozzle and (d) inserting a fill plug into the filling port, the fill plug forming a second seal with the inner surface of the filling port, the second seal being distally spaced from at least a portion of the first seal with respect to the container.

Abstract: A modularized system for processing, storing and/or disposing of a hazardous waste material is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the modularized system includes a container configured to sealingly contain hazardous waste material; a first cell, the first cell comprising a first area for manipulating the container; and a second cell, the second cell comprising a second area for manipulating the container, the second cell being isolated from the first cell, the first cell held at a first pressure and the second cell held at a second pressure, the first pressure being less than the second pressure. The first cell can include a filling station and the filling station can include (a) a blender configured to mix the hazardous waste material with additives; (b) a hopper coupled to the blender; and (c) a fill nozzle coupled to the hopper and configured to transfer the hazardous waste material and additive mixture into the container.

Abstract: A container to be received in a processing apparatus to subject the container to heat and/or pressure. The container is adapted to receive and contain a substance that includes nuclear material. The container includes a hollow body having an interior within which the substance is to be located. The body includes an opening through which the substance can be moved with respect to the interior. A lid is removably attached to the body to close the opening. At least one filter allows fluid flow into and from the interior. The body and lid hermetically seal the interior except for the at least one filter.

Abstract: A container (10) within which there is located a canister (11) to be filled with a mixture of powdered nuclear material and powered metal or ceramic or glass or mixtures thereof. The contents of the canister (11) are to be subjected to a raised temperature and pressure to form a dense monolith. The canister (11) includes a hollow body (12) having longitudinal opposite end walls (13 and 14), with the end wall (14) having an opening (18) closed by a lid (17), the lid (17) providing the end wall (14). A filter (20) is located in the lid (17).