Patent Number: 047611278
Section: summary

The present invention concerns apparatus for use in the encapsulation of harmful waste products, in particular radioactive wastes. It is known to introduce wastes into a drum and to add a cement or grout whereby to form solid blocks suitable for subsequent storage or disposal. For satisfactory results it is required to obtain thorough mixing of the contents of the drum before solidification. According to the present invention an apparatus for the encapsulation of harmful waste products, such as radioactive wastes, comprises a drum formed with axially compressible rolling rings, a charge chute for the delivery of wastes and an encapsulating material into the drum, a vibratable platform supporting the drum beneath the charge chute, an inflatable support for the platform for lifting the drum against a surface at the bottom of the charge chute and for axially compressing the rolling rings by a predetermined amount to maintain the end of the drum in sealing engagement about the charge chute, and vibration means for vibrating the platform to agitate the contents of the drum but without breaking the seal at the charge chute due to the precompression of the rolling rings. Conveniently, the inflatable support comprises a plurality of pneumatic cushions beneath the platform and connected to a common compressed gas supply.