Method of filling a metal vessel with a glass melt containing highly radioactive fission products

摘要

The invention is directed to a method of filling an evacuated metal vessel with a radioactive glass melt from a glass melting furnace. The metal vessel is equipped with a suction tube mounted at the bottom of the vessel. The steps of filling and sealing the metal vessel are carried out faster and with the furnace atmosphere properly sealed off. For this purpose the vessel is placed in a holding device which is positioned over a closable suction port of the glass melting furnace. The suction port is hermetically sealed off from the atmosphere of the cell and is then opened. The vessel is lowered vertically until the suction tube dips into the glass melt. After the vessel has been filled, the glass in the suction tube is frozen thereby forming a plug. The vessel is moved upwardly in the vertical direction until the suction tube is drawn out of the furnace. The suction port is closed and a sealing cover for the vessel is put into position over the port. The vessel is then again lowered in the holding device thereby causing the suction tube to be pushed inside the vessel. The vessel is lowered to the extent that finally the edge of the metal vessel passes over the sealing cover. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.