(19)

(11)

EP 1 019 566 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.07.2000 Bulletin 2000/29 (21) Application number: 98941584.9 (22) Date of filing: 04.09.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C25F 5/00, C25F 7/00, C25F 1/16, G21C 19/46, G21F 9/28, C22B 34/14, B65D 21/00, B65D 83/00, C25D 5/18, C25D 17/26, C25C 7/00 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9802/633 (87) International publication number: WO 9913/135 (18.03.1999 Gazette 1999/11)

(84) Designated Contracting States: FR GB (30) Priority: 06.09.1997 GB 9718867 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC RisleyWarringtonCheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventors: RANCE, Peter, J. W.,British Nuclear Fuels plc Seascale,Cumbria CA20 1PG (GB) WHILLOCK, Guy, O. H.,British Nuclear Fuel plc Seascale,Cumbria CA20 1PG (GB) (74) Representative: Harrison Goddard Foote  Belmont House,20 Wood Lane Leeds LS6 2AE Leeds LS6 2AE (GB)