(19)

(11)

EP 0 894 265 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.02.1999 Bulletin 1999/05 (21) Application number: 97918246.0 (22) Date of filing: 17.04.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G01N 33/ 483( . ) G01N 27/ 12( . ) G01N 27/ 327( . ) G01N 27/ 02( . ) G01N 27/ 22( . ) G01N 33/ 487( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/001073 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/039343 (23.10.1997 Gazette 1997/45)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI NL SE (30) Priority: 17.04.1996 GB 19960007898 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC Risley Warrington Cheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventors: GARNHAM, Geoffrey, William Preston, Lancashire PR4 OXJ (GB) MORE, Brian, Robert Preston, Lancashire PR4 OXJ (GB) BONE, Stephen Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1UT (GB) JAFFARI, Samrah Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1UT (GB) (74) Representative: Pawlyn, Anthony Neil  Urquhart-Dykes & Lord, Tower House, Merrion Way Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 8PA Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 8PA (GB)