The development of a bench scale metal distillation furnace (retort)

Processes for the recovery of actinides from spent reactor fuel being studied at Argonne National Laboratory required the design of a high-temperature vacuum furnace, the furnace has to be able to melt actinides, distill volatile metals (Zn and Mg), be operable in a nitrogen glovebox with low head room, and heat reasonably fast while being capable of holding temperature. A drawing of the glovebox shell, opened bell jar, and interior components is shown in Fig. 1