(19)

(11)

EP 0 804 795 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.11.1997 Bulletin 1997/45 (21) Application number: 96938367.0 (22) Date of filing: 15.11.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B01D 53/ 22( . ) C01B 21/ 04( . ) C01B 31/ 20( . ) B01D 71/ 02( . ) C01B 23/ 00( . ) G21F 9/ 02( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1996/002812 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/019454 (29.05.1997 Gazette 1997/23)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 17.11.1995 GB 19950023517 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC Risley Warrington Cheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventors: BROAN, Christopher, John Salwick, Preston PR4 0XJ (GB) HUDSON, Ian, David Salwick, Preston PR4 0XJ (GB) (74) Representative: Goddard, David John, et al  Harrison Goddard Foote, Vine House, 22 Hollins Lane Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 5BB Marple Bridge, Stockport SK6 5BB (GB)