(19)

(11)

EP 1 016 069 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 05.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/27 (21) Application number: 98917428.9 (22) Date of filing: 20.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G10K 11/02, G10K 11/00, B06B 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/164 (87) International publication number: WO 9849/672 (05.11.1998 Gazette 1998/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB (30) Priority: 26.04.1997 GB 9708451 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC RisleyWarringtonCheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventors: JENNINGS, Howard, T.,British Nuclear Fuels plc Chester,Cheshire CH1 6ER (GB) WISE, Roger, Jeremy Abington,Cambridge CB1 6AL (GB) (74) Representative: Goddard, David John et al Harrison Goddard Foote,1 Stockport Road,Marple Stockport SK6 6BD Stockport SK6 6BD (GB)