(19)

(11)

EP 1 058 584 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 13.12.2000 Bulletin 2000/50 (21) Application number: 99904959.6 (22) Date of filing: 19.02.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B02C 17/16 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9900/343 (87) International publication number: WO 9943/436 (02.09.1999 Gazette 1999/35)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 26.02.1998 GB 9804043 (71) Applicant: British Nuclear Fuels PLC RisleyWarringtonCheshire, WA3 6AS (GB)	(72) Inventor: WATSON, Leonard, Cross SeascaleCumbria CA20 1PG (GB) (74) Representative: Pawlyn, Anthony Neil  Urquhart-Dykes & Lord,Tower House,Merrion Way Leeds,West Yorkshire LS2 8PA Leeds,West Yorkshire LS2 8PA (GB)