Hydrolysis column for an ammonium diuranate conversion line processing system

Claim 1

A hydrolysis column used in an ammonium diuranate conversion line process comprising: a column including a pipe having an inlet adapted for connection at one end to a source of water supply and having a discharge outlet at its other end; a cross-connection inserted in said pipe between said inlet and outlet; a gas nozzle comprising a housing connected to said cross-connection, said housing having a radially disposed passageway adapted for connection to a gas source and communicating with an axial passageway therein; a Teflon fitting removably connected to the discharge side of said axial passageway, said fitting having an axial duct therein positioned in alignment with said axial passageway, and being of a length sufficient to extend into said column so that gas flowing through said passageways and duct may be discharged directly into and blend with water flowing in said column; heating means in said nozzle housing, said nozzle housing being constructed and arranged to act as a heat sink so that heat imparted thereto by said heating means is substantially uniformly conducted thoughout the mass of said nozzle; and said heating means being sufficient to maintain the temperature of said housing at a level which precludes freezing of gas flowing therethrough.