Method of and apparatus for the storage of radioactive waste

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method of storing radioactive waste, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an upwardly open cast-iron vessel having a closed bottom, a solid wall unitary therewith and an upwardly open mouth; (b) closing said mouth by sealing engaging a cast-iron lid thereof, said lid being formed with separate vertically throughgoing intake and outlet passages and providing in said vessel at least one flow deflector aligned beneath said outlet passage; (c) surrounding said vessel with a heating jacket; (d) introducing into said vessel through said intake passage a radioactive liquid; (e) evacuating said vessel through said outlet passage and simultaneously heating said vessel with said jacket to evaporate liquid from said vessel and form vapors which are withdrawn past said deflector through said outlet passage; and (f) upon completion of filling of said vessel with a residue resulting from the evaporation of liquid from the contents of said vessel, hermetically engaging a cover over said passages.
2.
The method defined in claim 1 wherein quantities of radioactive liquid are introduced into said vessel with intervening evacuation of vapors therefrom.
3.
The method defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of condensing vapors withdrawn from said vessel.
4.
An apparatus for the treatment of radioactive waste, comprising: an upwardly open cast-iron vessel having a closed bottom, solid walls unitary with said bottom and an upwardly open mouth; a cast-iron lid sealingly engaged over and completely blocking said mouth, said walls being smooth along their exteriors, said lid being formed with said vertically throughgoing intake and outlet passages; means including screwthread formations for hermetically securing said lid over said mouth; a flow deflector aligned inside said vessel beneath said outlet passage; at least one cover sealingly engageable on said lid over said passages; means including screwthread formations for hermetically engaging said cover over said passages; and a heating jacket surrounding said vessel and in heat transferring contact with said walls