IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO A METHOD AND TO AN APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING ITEMS AND PLANT THEREFOR

摘要

A method and an apparatus for transporting items such as chopped nuclear fuel pins from a receiving station to a discharge station. The apparatus contains a liquid for transporting the items in an inlet duct which extends downwardly from the receiving station to a region where it is joined to an outlet duct which extends upwardly to the discharge station. The region is connected to a source capable of applying a pressure pulse to the liquid so as to displace the liquid upwardly in at least the outlet duct and thereby transport the items through the apparatus. At least two apparatus may be connected together in series relationship to provide a plant for the transport of the items through the plant.