Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Garlock France Sas

Commissariat &#xc0; L'&#xc9;nergie Atomique Et Aux &#xc9;nergies Alternatives

Richard Levoy

Christian Rouaud

Patrick Le Gallo

Michel Lefrancois

Philippe Caplain

Jean-Marie Gentzbittel

Fabienne Le Guyadec

Alain Beziat

A sealing joint comprises, compressed between two parts, a stack of flexible strips separated by offset supports (); an envelop () surrounds this structure () and ensures its sealing. Under compression, the strips distort around the supports becoming very stiff for little distortion. Thus, we can rightly be wary of the consequences regarding the relief of strain on the material, notably at high temperatures.

Sealing joint with laminated internal structure for very high temperatures

The invention relates to a container () for radioactive materials comprising a main hollow body () as well as a cover () made of at least one first metallic material, the cover being capable of being fixed on the main hollow body by means of sealing means () made of a second metallic material poured into a groove () defined by the cover and the main hollow body of the container. According to the invention, the cover () and the main hollow body () are made solid with the sealing means () by means of a bonding zone (), formed by chemical reaction between the first and second metallic materials. The invention likewise concerns a process for closing of such a container ().

Container for radioactive materials and process for closing same

The seal can be used at high temperature. It is composed of a central flexible graphite core () maintained in its shape by two metal cups () that do not touch. It is all surrounded by a tight sheath () enabling the flexible core () to be maintained in a neutral atmosphere such as a partial vacuum or a neutral gas.

Flexible graphite sealing joint with metal jacket for high temperature

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Reauville, France

Richard Levoy